What happens when Gray (from Laura Wright’s Eternal Beast) Meets up with Styx (from Alexandra Ivy’s Darkness Everlasting)

When Gray Met Styx.
Or When Hardhead Meets Hardass.

Time: 4:30 a.m.
Place: Atlantic City Boardwalk
Reason: Vamp Territory Meeting

*It’s after hours – even for vamps. All the blood suckers in attendance have returned to where they came from. Well.. all but two. Maybe they wanted a look at the ocean. Maybe they wanted to see what all the fuss was about regarding that salt-water taffy shit. Whatever it is, they can’t avoid each other. As they each claim a small section of boardwalk, both smell blood in the air. Not with confrontation, but with a curiosity about one another..

Gray: <leans back against the bench> So – you up for a little, ‘I’ll show you mine if you show me yours,’ Anasso?

Styx: Oh, it’s on.

Gray: <laughs> After the night we’ve both had, all the fang gnashing and aggressive hot air, a friendly little sparring session might be just the thing.

Styx: When I spar there’s nothing friendly about it, amigo. Of course, if you impress me I might let you live.

Gray: Mmmm – someone did mention you had a big sword to play with. <grins> Maybe it was the human woman who writes all those pretty stories about you.

Styx: I’ll show you mine, if you’ll show me yours. <smirk>

Gray: <laughs> Mine is pretty tied up and twisted in a lot of political bullshit. Trying to sort it out, do what’s fair, take what’s ours by right. And by ‘ours’ I mean the Impures. I’m the leader of the Impure vampires in my world, by the way. <cocks his head> Any opinions on non-pure bloods?

Styx: A vampire is judged on actions, not bloodlines. <runs finger down the edge of his sword> Cross me and I’ll lop off your head. Stand at my side, and you have my loyalty forever.

Gray: I’m the same way. You sound like a real upstanding asskicker. You have a mate?

Styx: Darcy. She is the reason I was created. She is my heart.

Gray: My female’s name is Dillon. She’s beautiful, sexy and impossible. <runs a hand through his hair, frustrated both in mind and in body> Females of any species are impossible to understand, but the one I’m bound to is particularly problematic.

Styx: I feel ya, brother. I’ve come to believe that mates are fate’s way of humbling an arrogant man.

Gray: How did you tame yours?

Styx: The question is: How did she tame me? I was the biggest, baddest thing going, then a tiny pureblooded Were smiled at me and I was putty in her hands. Pathetic.

Gray: <laughs, glances out at the ocean> Then we’re both pretty fucking pathetic. My jaguar’s smile takes me to my knees – literally. I tried to threaten her with a leash and collar, but I think she liked the idea.

Styx: Ha. A female who can stand up to you. She sounds perfect for you.

Gray: Maybe not perfect, but right. You know? My blood and her blood are meant to fuse. Chemistry…it’s a wonderful, frustrating and hot headed bitch. <lifts his chin in Styx’s direction> I hear through the Vein Vine you’re a pretty loyal bloodsucker?

Styx: I’ve learned the hard way that no man, no matter how powerful, can survive without a family he can trust. I would sacrifice anything, even my life, to protect them.

Gray: I would die for my Impure brothers and sisters, so I understand.

Styx: With strength comes responsibility. We may not always want to shoulder our duties, but we never turn away.

Gray: <nods, then catches sight of something in the distance> My ride’s here. Unless you’re up for a double date, I’m going to split. Take care of that scowl on my female’s face, if you know what I mean.

Styx: Tell her I have a leash and an extra set of handcuffs if she wants to do a little taming of her own. <wink> Oh, and if you need a gargoyle, I have a three foot pain in the ass I’m trying to get rid of. Just saying…

Gray: <laughs and offers the male a quick fist bump> Good to meet you, brother. If you’re ever in town, look me up. Impure blood goes down smooth and easy – and I’m buying.

Styx: You’re on, brother. <low chuckle> Especially the part of you buying.

Eternal Beast

A Taste of Blood

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

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

Darkness Everlasting

Darcy Smith always sensed she was different from everyone else – if only she knew how different. Possessing a secret strong enough to end an entire race of demons, Darcy unwittingly becomes a pawn in an epic battle between the vampires and the weres as she discovers a new world filled with ecstasy-and dark passions.

Consumed with lust for Darcy, Styx – the Anasso of vampires – will do everything in his power to keep her out of the lair of Salvatore Giuliani, the deadly leader of the weres. But protecting the woman he loves could cost Styx the ultimate price.

Salvatore Giuliani knows time is running out for the weres. Pushed to the brink of extinction, he will stop at nothing to make Darcy his ultimate conquest and queen – for she alone holds the key to his survival. But which of these men can Darcy truly trust? For all it takes is one bite to plunge her into a lifetime of servitude – or a lifetime of pleasure.

Giveaway:

Laura is give away a signed book of winner’s choice, either EH, EK or EC plus some swag,

and Alex is giving away reader’s choice of an ARC of Fear the Darkness or any of her backlist

To Enter please fill out the Rafflecopter from below

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August 10, 2012August 5, 2012

Interview with Lynn Hones

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Lynn Hones to the blog today to chat about her newest release. Lynn, can you please share with us a little about yourself?

Sure. I’m the mother of two beautiful children. I’ve been married to my husband for 24 years. I have two dogs, two cats, one hamster and one mouse that lives in my walls. Yikes.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes. My first book was Bubbles the Bear and Dinkles the Duck at the age of nine or ten.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I chew massive amounts of bubble gum while I write.

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

My latest book is called A Titanic Tale.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I’m fascinated by the Titanic and the mingling of the rich and poor during that horrible night. Some people acted with such courage and some with nothing but selfish intent. My story is about a woman who cared only about herself and the curse put on her by a poor woman who witnessed her behavior.

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

I’m writing a story about haunted dolls. We’re all freaked out by old dolls, aren’t we?

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

Stephen King. He is a true artist.

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

Be persistent. It can get daunting. It can get very discouraging. But, if you’re a real writer, you’ll keep on keeping on.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I’d like to go to Paris and Las Vegas. In that order.

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

Right now I’m writing so much that I don’t have much time for reading. I don’t like that at all because I love to read.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I want to thank you for having me here and also I’d like to add how much I love my publishers, Devine Destinies. They care very much about their authors and their readers alike. A great place to look for great reads.

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August 9, 2012August 3, 2012

Guest Blogger: Tara Chevrestt

The Names from Maiden Behind the Mask:

The name Catalina Rodriguez, the heroine of my latest release, Maiden Behind the Mask, has a special origin for me. Catalina was my great grandmother’s name. I’ve always thought it was a beautiful name. Sadly, she passed away when I was a baby, but her daughter, Paula, carried on her legacy, raised her family, cooked for everyone, opened her home with love. That was my grandmother, to whom the novella is dedicated to.

The name Rodriguez is very common, but has no family ties to me. However, it is the last name of what I like to call my adopted grandpa, a man old enough to be my grandfather almost, who was very kind to me at my former aviation job. Some people, though you no longer see them, stay with you in thoughts.

My father’s name is Eduardo so it seemed fitting that Catalina’s padre share the same name as my own padre. Like any dutiful daughter, I had to put my father in a book, and of course, he’s handsome, dashing, brave, and has good wits about him. In the heat of the moment, he is the only one thinking clearly.

And last, but not least, there is, briefly, a Senorita Lolita. My Pekingese is named Lola, and often, I call her Senorita Lolita. Even though she has her own story in another book, diva that she is, she insisted on being in this book as well. And there you have it. Senorita Lolita! I, however, drew the line at making Senorita Lolita the most beautiful woman in the story. I said, “You can’t have a woman more beautiful than the heroine!”

Fellow writers, do you use names inspired from your real life and family? Readers, if you could name a character from someone in your life, who would it be and why?

Maiden Behind the Mask

Tara Chevrestt

When Catalina Rodriguez is attacked by a would-be rapist and rescued by the dashing Ricardo Garcia, she not only becomes more aware of the handsome man, but also vows that she’ll never be a damsel in distress again. Using the timeless method of blackmail, she convinces her uncle to teach her to fight and becomes a masked crusader in the night, saving damsels from robbers and rough handling.

But scandalous rumors and dwindling funds force Ricardo and Catalina to marry. Not immune to each other’s charms, their marriage starts fiery, but when one of Catalina’s nightly escapades results in dire consequences, she is forced to spurn her husband’s amorous advances…or reveal a secret that could turn him away from her forever.

Ricardo is not a man to be cuckolded or left in the dark. Is his wife having an affair with El Capitan, the masked savior? If so…they will both pay.

Excerpt:

She tore her gaze away from the horse and said firmly. “Cinco pesos. And only because this caballa has fire, not because of your terms. Selena, pay him.”

Selena’s hand shook, but the pesos were transferred to the dirty palm. The man laughed with glee, the crowd dispersed, and Catalina was left with a dirty, starving horse.

“We’ll get you fed and cleaned up,” she promised the horse, patting its neck. A cloud of dirt rose in the air, and Catalina struggled not to cough. “I shall call you La Reina, because once in my establo, I shall treat you like a queen. Your body may be beaten, but your spirit is not broke.”

“Catalina?” Her maid’s voice tentative as it interrupted her quiet chattering. “Whatever possessed you—”

“Fetch me a mozo,” Catalina interrupted her. “Take the remaining pesos and fetch me a groom. La Reina is going to her castle.” She wasn’t offering more explanations than that. She didn’t owe anyone an explanation. She’d done what was right.

As her maid turned to comply, heading toward the livery, a loud pffffht rendered the air. Catalina stared at the mare in surprise, aghast.

Selena froze and swung around to admonish her charge. “Senorita! Your behavior has been questionable enough this day. Mind yourself.” She shook her head and her finger both before turning back the task at hand.

Catalina heard her muttering as she sashayed away. She was too surprised and too tired to defend herself, but the breeze picked up, and a waft of foul air assaulted her. Catalina immediately tugged a delicate, lace handkerchief from her sleeve and placed it over her nose as she glared at the horse.

La Reina snorted and pawed the ground. Catalina could swear the horse was laughing at her. She merely shook her head. “Dios mio, and you let me take the blame for that?”

Pffffhht. Pfffht.

La Reina whinnied and bared her teeth as though she was smiling.

About the author: Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, a dog mom, a reader, and a motorcycle and airplane buff. She worked as an aircraft mechanic for eleven years before turning to a career in writing. When not chasing her dogs around the house (or writing about them!), she battles over her laptop keyboard with her alter ego, Sonia Hightower.

Tara never knows what a story is going to turn out to be. Whereas Tara writes historical or contemporary romance, humor, young adult, and even a memoir, Sonia pens erotic noir or bdsm. Be it a Tara or a Sonia book, you’re sure to find something that interests you.

Website / Blog / Facebook

August 9, 2012August 3, 2012

Spotlight Feature of Ever Fire by Alexia Pudry

Amazon

The Serenity of the Land of Faerie is threatened as the Unseelie Queen Aveta rages war against the three remaining Seelie Realms of Faerie. As Shade’s powers grow, she finds she is running out of time to keep the war from spilling into the human world. Winter is growing in strength as the evil Queen’s horrifying legions scar the land in their frigid wake. No one is safe. Shade becomes enemy number one for the Unseelie legions. Questioning her true role of power, Shade discovers the cost of winning may come at a much higher price than she ever imagined.

Excerpt :

“What are you waiting for?” Benton’s voice startled her out of her reverie. Shade turned and stared up at her brother. She rolled her eyes and resumed staring at the sunset’s streaks across the horizon.

“Nothing.”

Benton sat down next to her and handed her a can of coke. He was loudly slurping his own can, and paid no attention to her as she glared back. His invasion of her space was something she did not tolerate.

“What do you want?” Shade grumbled as she opened her soda without thanking him, and chugged down a swallow.

“Most people say thank you, you know. I’m just wondering what it is you’re waiting for out here every freakin’ day? The sunset doesn’t change that much.” He spit out a sunflower seed that he had been chewing on, dumping a few more in his mouth as he waited for her to answer.

“None of your business,” Shade sighed. She knew she should attempt to get along better with Benton, but his paranoid nosy ways drove her insane. She continued to sit in silence, listening to him crunch on the husks.

“Alright, fine. Don’t tell me. I knew something was going on with you since right before graduation. I’m not stupid you know. I know it has something to do with that Dylan guy too. I swear there is something not normal ‘bout him. I’m going to figure out what it is. Where is Dylan anyways? He finally decide to go back to his family?” Benton turned and watched her. His dark eyes studied his sister. He wished she didn’t keep so many secrets from him.

About the Author:

I live in Las Vegas, Nevada- Sin City!!! I love to spend every free moment writing, or playing with my four rambunctious kids. Working as an RN currently to fund my dream career of writing. I devour books daily, especially paranormal fantasies and find genre books and independantly published books to be irresistible. I’ve has been writing since I can remember (probably since the age of 6) and love creating paranormal urban fantasy and poetry.

I review books too and highly support all authors. I also enjoy watching movies, dancing, singing loudly in the car and Italian food (yum).

Website / Blog / Twitter / Goodreads Author page / Alexia Purdy’s Facebook Fan Page / Ever Shade (A Dark Faerie Tale) Facebook Fan page / Reign of Blood Series Facebook Fan Page

August 9, 2012August 9, 2012

Interview & Giveaway with Jillian Stone

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have Jillan Stone on the blog today.

Jillian, can you please share with us a little about yourself? Have you always wanted to be an author?

I think I have always been a storyteller, at heart. At one time, I thought my career trajectory would land me in film, but I am very happy with the turn it has taken into fiction writing. I was an art director in advertising before I decided to try writing novels, which I guess makes me a very visual writer! An Affair with Mr. Kennedy was my second complete manuscript and I was fortunate in 2010 to win the RWA Golden Heart for An Affair with Mr. Kennedy, plus I met my agent, Richard Curtis, at the RWA Nationals in Orlando.

Are you a plotter or a punster?

I’m a plotter, but I don’t have hard and fast rules about plotting. And I don’t have a method, either. In fact, I never plot the same way twice.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I suspect I have a lot of quirks, but I don’t recognize them as quirks. I try to always stop writing in the middle of a scene, even though I want to finish, because it makes it easier to jump back into writing the next day. Is that is more of a tip than a quirk?!

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

I’m excited to share my latest release from The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series. A Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis is a fast paced road trip adventure, with the hero and heroine on the run from Edinburgh to London by train, velocipede, landship and submersible!

Amazon | B&N

Here’s the blurb:

WHEN FANNY Greyville-Nugent’s father suffers a gruesome death in the clutches of his own machine, mourning his loss is not the beautiful heiress’s only heartbreak. Scotland Yard is convinced he was targeted in a plot to halt the rise of industry, and Fanny’s former fiancé, dashing and dubious detective Raphael “Rafe” Lewis, has been assigned to the case.

For the estranged ex-lovers, bringing the notorious assassins to justice proves as tumultuous as quelling pent-up desires. Fighting peril and passion at every turn of a dangerous journey from Edinburgh to London, they are pursued by an anarchist group hell-bent on destroying her father’s mysterious entry into the London Industrial Exposition.

When an astonishing discovery about the couple’s failed engagement surfaces, the sleuthing duo realize they can trust no one. Rafe confesses new details about his infidelity and Fanny risks all to avenge her father’s murder. But will Rafe and Fanny triumph over the pain of their past?

How did you come with the idea for this story?

As a film student, I studied all of Alfred Hitchcock’s work and I particularly admire the romantic suspense films: Rear Window, North by Northwest, and To Catch a Thief. Thrills, chills, adventure––perhaps there’s a mystery to uncover, or a villain to capture, but at the story’s core, there is a love story.

I had an idea that was based on a villain and his small private army of minions who are essentially anti-progressives. In 1887 England, that meant that they were anti-industry, anti-machinery, anti-invention. Today they would be anti-technology. I then came up with a string of grisly murders and a beautiful industrial heiress whose father has just been killed by one of his one machines––accident or murder? Scotland Yard suspects the darker of the two and sends a detective up to guard the young heiress. Then I added a complication for the romance––Rafe and Fanny have a past.

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

At this very moment, I am writing the third book for the Phaeton Black series for Kensington and synopses for the next three Gentlemen of Scotland Yard novels for Pocket!

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

I was having dinner with my editor at RWA12 and who should stop by to say hi? Nora Roberts! I think I went all fan girl on her––really embarrassing!

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

Write what you love. Write everyday. Learn to be your own best editor. The moment you finish one book, start another. Keep writing as you market your previous manuscript.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Travel. Anywhere and everywhere. And especially volunteer vacations through the Peace Core!

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

Anna Randol’s Sins of a Virgin, Heather Snow’s Sweet Deception, Kristen Callihan’s Moonglow, Tessa Dare’s A Lady by Midnight.

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

To Kill a Mockingbird

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I enjoyed the interview, thanks Kelly!

Thanks for being here Jillian!!

Jillian has given me an advance copy of A DANGEROUS LIAISON WITH DETECTIVE LEWIS.
To enter fill out the Rafflecopter from below.
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August 8, 2012August 8, 2012

Spotlight Feature of Dark Craving by Donna Grant (& giveaway)

Dark Kings Book Blurb Tour ~~ Dark Craving by Donna Grant

ISBN-13: 978-1466807433

Ebook Only

Dark Kings #1

July 31, 2012

Dark Craving

B&N | Amazon | Itunes

Fueled by ancient magic—and enflamed by human desire—the Dragon King known as Hal can transform himself at will into one of the legendary winged creatures he is sworn to protect. But one thing he can never do is fall in love…with a mortal woman.

Searching for her brother in Scotland—and succumbing to the freezing cold—Cassie Hunter awakens to find herself in the arms of a magnificent Highland warrior. Across his chest is the tattoo of a fiery dragon. And in his heart is a burning passion that, once unleashed, will consume them both…body and soul.

This is a story of destiny and desire, magic and mystery, warriors and lovers.

These are the forbidden cravings of the Dark Kings.

Dark Craving

Read the Excerpt

Dreagan Distillery

Hal shut and locked the doors to the distillery for the day before he turned and looked out over the land. Snow blanketed everything and the light the crescent moon cast upon the ground made it look almost as if it were glowing.

The need to lose himself in the land in the forest sometimes was overwhelming, as it was this night. Other times he could ignore the call, but not tonight.

Hal didn’t bother to tell the others where he was going. He simply walked down the steps and into the night. The weather didn’t faze him.

His boots crunched in the thick snow, but he never noticed. His gaze was trained on the forest ahead. Every one of them answered to something, and for Hal it was the forest.

Always had been.

Always would be.

Once he was in the trees, he took a deep breath and lifted his face to the sky. Snow landed on his lashes and rain dripping from the limbs above pelted his face.

It was glorious.

Hal smiled and spread his arms wide. He touched his chest, through his jacket and sweater, to the tattoo beneath.

A person could get lost in the glens of the Highlands, and there were thousands of glens. Which made it a perfect place for Hal and the others like him to stay hidden.

It had been a long time since he’d allowed his other self to show, his dragon self. And for some reason, this night he desperately yearned to spread his wings and fly.

To feel the wind around him as he soared through the sky.

He still remembered flying low over the trees, the leaves brushing against his underside as the sun beat on him. He hadn’t needed to hide then. For once upon a time, he had been able to call to his brethren and listened to their roars fill the forest.

So very long ago he had lived a completely different life. Back before the humans betrayed them, before a war that changed everything.

A sound off to Hal’s right had him turning his head in that direction. He dropped his arms as his eyes fastened on a large, fast-moving animal loping through the trees.

Hal let his coat drop from his arms as he sprinted toward the animal. As he neared, he realized it was a dog—a very large dog. And the only person near Dreagan land who had such a dog was Dan Hunter.

With more frustration than Hal wanted to concede, he came to a halt. He had been able to take flight, but now he had to chase a dog. For several moments he watched the Great Dane running, his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth.

There had been a few times in Hal’s life where he’d felt that free, been that free. Those times were the barest of memories now.

When a person was as old as Hal, time blurred.

It was so easy to get lost in his memories, of what had once been, and what he had once been. But to allow himself to get absorbed in such recollections was not wise.

He pulled himself back from the brink and gave a loud, short whistle, which pulled Duke up short. The Great Dane turned his head to Hal and issued a deep, booming bark in greeting.

“Come here, lad,” Hal called.

Immediately, the dog ran to him, his tail wagging.

Hal rubbed the dog’s massive head. “It’s no’ like Dan to allow you to run like this. Nor is it like you to run off. What’s the problem, lad?”

Duke jerked against the hold Hal had on his collar. Hal narrowed his eyes. He’d learned very early in life to listen carefully when animals tried to speak. They might not be speaking your language, but they were talking. It was obvious Duke was trying to tell him something.

“Show me,” Hal said, and released the collar.

Duke took off at a run and Hal was quick to follow. Dreagan land extended far as the eye could see, and Dan’s cottage was the closest anyone lived to Dreagan.

It was because Dan rarely rented the property and didn’t cause any problems that Hal and the others hadn’t made a point of getting rid of him.

Hal easily kept pace with the Great Dane as they traversed over the land. When they crested the last hill that overlooked Dan’s cottage, Duke stopped and whined.

Dan’s Corsa could be seen by the light of the moon and despite the heavy snowfall. Thankfully, the rain had tapered off, but the snow made it difficult to see where Dan was.

Duke butted Hal’s hand with his head before he took off down the slope to the cottage. Hal had memorized the lay of the land centuries ago and knew where the boulders lay hidden in the snow.

He leapt down the slope and landed in thick snow. Duke caught up with him, and they both ran the rest of the way down the side of the mountain.

Hal rushed to the front door, but found it locked and all the lights out. When Hal turned to look for Duke, he found the Great Dane standing beside the car.

That’s when Hal noticed there was someone inside. In three strides he was beside the car. He tapped on the window, but the figure didn’t move.

Donna is giving away a copy of Midnight’s Lover to one lucky commenter on this stop on her Book Blurb Tour ~ just comment to be entered!!

ISBN-10: 0312552491

ISBN-13: 978-0312552497

Mass Market Paperback

Dark Warriors #2

June 26, 2012

Midnight’s Lover

Defenders against evil. Bound by the gods. The Dark Warriors are taking their battle from ancient Scotland to the modern world—where a woman’s love can set them free…

A WARRIOR’S PASSION

Driven by the fierce god within him, Highlander Ian Kerr is sworn to fight for the land he loves—and the brother he lost. But when he’s magically transported four centuries into the future, he finds himself fighting his own desires—for a beautiful, bewitching woman who could hold a warrior spellbound…

A WOMAN’S MAGIC

Danielle Buchanan has heard the legends. She has felt the power of Druid blood in her veins. But she has never known a man as fearsome—or as haunted—as the warrior Ian. With her magic, Dani must help him battle an ancient evil. With her heart, she must join him in his quest. But only with her soul can she free him from his curse…and seal their fates together.

August 8, 2012August 2, 2012

Interview with Misa Buckley

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Misa Buckley to the blog today.

Misa, can you please share with us a little about yourself
I’m a closer-to-40-than-I-like housewife, married to a Land Rover obsessed husband and mum to five children. I write to stay sane, though as a sci fi geek, that’s probably relative *grins*

Have you always wanted to be an author?
No. Growing up I wanted to be a cat, a vet, an astronaut and an artist by turns. I did office work after leaving school and hated it. It was only after my first child that I discovered the internet and then fanfic. The rest, as they say, is history.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
I read Austin and Carroll as a child (Pride & Prejudice is still a favourite) and of course the sci fi/fantasy masters such as Tolkien, Adams and Pratchett. I think every book I read bears some influence on me. Right now I’m loving everything by Lori Gallagher Witt, Gini Koch and Kevin Hearne.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
Paranormal was a step outside my usual sci fi, so yeah I like playing with genre. I prefer weird, which is why I call myself a “speculative romance” author, and I also like to blend genres. Officially, ELEANOR’S HEART is a Historical Paranormal Romance with Steampunk elements.

What are some of your writing rituals?
I have to check my email and Twitter before writing. I usually check Tumblr as well, just in case there’s been some eyecandy posted. I’m terribly shallow 😀

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

ELEANOR’S HEART is the book I always swore I’d never write. Vampires were overdone, or so I thought. I was very reluctant to jump on that bandwagon, even after the idea struck.

But my vampires are different to the norm. The story revolves around Eleanor, a poor young woman forced to steal in order to buy the drug that gives her a little ease from the pain of cancer. When she steals an ancient relic, she tips herself into a species war… and the arms of Jefferson Park, Vampire.

How did you come with the idea for this story?
I was watching Sanctuary. There was a line about vampires not being affected by sun or garlic other than resulting in “tanned vampires with bad breath” that stuck with me. I was intrigued by the idea of vampires inventing fiction to misdirect hunters and so began to create my own version.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’m in the throes of finishing an erotic sci fi, then I’ll be working on a weird western. I also have a novel-length space opera, another erotic sci fi and a future Earth/dystopian on the cards. My writing schedule is full until May 2013!

What would you be if you were not an author?
I have absolutely no idea. I can’t imagine not writing.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I have a huge TBR pile! I can’t think of anything outstanding, though I want to read Revis’ Across the Universe.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I can be found on my website – misabuckley.com – and on Twitter, where I *love* to chat about anything and everything (though my favourite subject is Stargate/Ba’al) – @MisaBuckley

August 7, 2012August 3, 2012

Speed Quiz with Joan Swan & giveaway

Hi Joan,

Thank you for taking the time to stop by the blog for your Intimate Enemies blog tour. Since I know you are a little busy with the new release of Intimate Enemies and preparing for Blaze (bk2 release 9.25.12). What do you say we do a quick speed round quiz?

Joan: Shoot

Kelly: Ready

Joan: M14

Kelly: Set

Joan: Hollow point ammo

Kelly: Go…..

Dark Chocolate or Milk Chocolate

Joan: Milk, definitely!

Dirty Dancing or Grease

Joan: Dirty Dancing. Hooooooooooot!

Doritos or Ruffles

Joan: Ruffles, who needs all that orange stuff all over your fingers? Well, unless one of my heroes would be licking it off…then, I change my answer to Doritos.

Angels or Demons

Joan: Demons – love me a bad boy.

Beach or Mountains

Joan: Oooo, tough one. I’ll say trade off six months of the year at the beach, six months in the mountains.

Boxers or Briefs

Joan: Boxer briefs. J I love that question!! (Because I like being difficult!)

Chest hair or bare

Joan: Either as long as we’re not talking Gorilla Man here.

Teague or Rio

Joan: That is just WRONG!!

Kelly: *evil grin*

E-book or Paper

Joan: Audio. J

Summer or Winter

Joan: Where? Where I live, I’ll take Fall and Spring. J

80’s music or 90’s music

Joan: Was there any decent music in the 80’s?

Goonies or Gremlins

Joan: WTF are Goonies? That’s a trick question isn’t it?

Kelly: *jaw drops* WHAT??? You don’t know what a Goonie is????

The Lost Boys or Interview with a Vampire

Joan: *looks right* *looks left* No idea what you’re talking about. *shrugs* But if the Boys are hot and older than 12, I’ll volunteer to go find them!

Pizza or Hamburgers

Joan: Pizzaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Beer or Wine

Joan: Margarita, fruity, blended, sugar rim…didn’t we talk about this already?

Kelly: Thanks Joan for stopping by the blog. What do you say we give the readers a little peck at Rio & Cassie?

Joan: Oh, yes! Lets!

Intimate Enemies

Covert Affairs #1

by Joan Swan

Amazon | B&N

She is on a quest for answers; answers that could just get her killed.

Six months after the mysterious yacht explosion that killed Cassie Christo’s mother and stepbrother, authorities still have no answers to the cause. Searching for closure, Cassie returns to her childhood home on the Pacific Coast of Baja, Mexico, where she launches her own investigation into the accident. She never expected to find an adversary in the man who had once touched her heart with kindness in her darkest moment.

Rio’s been fantasizing about reconnecting with Cassie for months. But not here and sure as hell not now. As an undercover agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he’s working the biggest sting operation in all of northern Mexico, and he definitely doesn’t have time for the wild attraction he feels for Cassie.

Not only is his cover on the line, so is his heart. Because as the end of a yearlong operation draws closer, Rio knows if he tells Cassie the truth about who and what he is, it won’t only jeopardize his mission, it may result in him losing her forever. And if he doesn’t, his lies and deception could get them both killed.

Excerpt:

A ring sounded somewhere behind him. He reached back and pulled his phone from his jeans.

Cassie’s mouth dropped open. “You made love to me with a phone in your pocket?”

The smile that broke out over his face could have lit the room. “At least it wasn’t my gun.”

He leaned in and kissed her before he answered the phone.

The voice coming over the other end of the line, while muffled, clearly wasn’t speaking English. Or Spanish. And Rio’s smile went flat.

“Good,” he said. “Keep me posted.” He disconnected and slid the phone back into his pocket.

“I have to get things ready for the party. Are you joining us tonight?”

She sighed. “I haven’t decided yet. But either way, I’ve been strictly instructed not to make trouble for you, so you don’t have to worry about that.”

“Really.” His eyes narrowed. “Who do I have to thank for that little bonus?”

“A friend in San Diego.” She watched closely for any reaction. “The friend I mentioned at the clinic.”

It took a second for Rio’s mind to travel back, pinpoint the conversation, identify the friend. But Cassie saw the moment it registered. Only, no reaction showed in his expression—just a slight tic beneath his left eye, something she’d never seen before.

Rio said nothing. He just pulled her into him for a long, deep, hot kiss. And even with all the turmoil on her mind, she found she could lose herself in him.

She rolled back and tried to pull him on top of her, but he resisted. “Please? Just for a minute?”

“I don’t want to…upset you.”

With her fingers curled in the waistband of his jeans, she pulled his hips toward her. “I don’t recall being upset earlier.”

His arms wrapped around her, and he slowly turned into her. “You’re going to make me late, Christo.”

She parted his shirt so the muscles of his chest and belly pressed against her. Opened her legs and wrapped them around his hips on a sigh. Skimmed her fingers through his thick, soft hair.

“I know the boss.” She kissed him. “I’ll put in a good word for you.”

He laughed. Trailed kisses across her jaw, down her neck. “God, you are heavenly, baby. Heavenly.”

Cassie memorized the feel of him. Their fit—physically, mentally, emotionally.

“I could love you,” she whispered, and his mouth froze on her collarbone. “So easily.”

He lifted his head. “Why do I hear a but in there?”

“You know why. Because I don’t have one hundred percent Rio here. Because I don’t know who Rio really is. You have all of me, but…how much of you do I have?”

He pressed one hand against her face, kissed her deeply, then said, “You have everything that’s important.”

To enter for a chance to win one of 2 e-copies of Intimate Enemies.

Please fill out the Rafflecopter from below

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August 7, 2012August 7, 2012

Guest Blog (&giveaway) with Joely Sue Burkhart

You Know You’re An Avid Ebook Reader When…

* You have several hundred (thousand?) ebooks on the device, but can’t decide on anything to read. So you buy a new one.

* You’re getting ready for a trip and the first thing you do is charge your reader.

* Then you buy more books for the trip! Because you simply *can’t* run out of books on the plane…

* The “one-click” owns half your monthly income.

* To finish an exciting series, you’ve drained the battery on your reader, your phone, and finally switched to the computer because you can’t wait for the device to recharge.

* You buy a purse because it’s the perfect size for your reader.

* You might have bought a book while on the toilet.

Are you an avid ebook reader? Where’s the funniest place you’ve ever bought a book?

One commenter will win a free copy of The Bloodgate Warrior!

Celebrating ebooks, I’m running a “Save An Ent – Read an Ebook” Giveaway where you can win your choice of an eReader.

Details are on my blog.

I’m also offering a free read, Bloodgate, if you’d like a taste of the underlying Maya mythology used throughout the books!

~ * ~

Joely always has her nose buried in abook, especially one with mythology, fairy tales, and romance. Find her on her website, Twitter, and Facebook.. Be sure to check out her freereads!

Publisher: Carina Press (Coming August 6, 2012)

As the Mayan hero Técun lay dying, a sorceress cast a spell tying her bloodline to him, so that one day he could return and avenge their people…

Following a near-death experience, Cassandra Gonzales is haunted by erotic dreams of a mysterious man. As the dreams intensify, she is compelled to travel to Guatemala in search of him. There she learns that her blood has opened a gate—and she is the only one who can bring the great warrior back from the afterlife.

Once faced with Técun in the flesh, Cassie fears the need he stirs within her. She aches to submit to the pleasure he promises, but first she must learn to trust in him, and in her own desires. Their time for sensual exploration is brief—Técun’s killer has escaped, intent on sacrificing Cassie and wreaking havoc on the world. Now, only Cassie’s complete and willing surrender to Técun will give him the power to defeat the demon once and for all…

To Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Bloodgate Warrior. Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below

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August 7, 2012August 6, 2012

Release Day Tuesday 8.7.12

Happy Release day!!!!!

What are you going to add to your list?

August 6, 2012August 6, 2012

Guest Blog & Giveaway with Sabrina Darby

Thank you for having me! I’m very excited to have The Short and Fascinating Tale of Angelina out in the world. It’s a fun little Regency story in which a mother hires a mistress for her war-scarred son.

The official blurb is:

Wanted:

A beautiful young woman—preferably one with no connections, who won’t ask too many questions—to spend two weeks in the North of England with an obstinate, aloof, and utterly handsome man.

Must love dogs, fixing up crumbling castles, and gorgeous and complicated war heroes who may or may not be hiding hearts of gold under their gruff exteriors.

Must not, under any circumstances, fall in love . . .

Simpering misses need not apply

Read an Excerpt: HERE

If you notice, there’s a crumbling castle mentioned in this story, which meant I had to do a little research on castles. And, more importantly, on the construction and deconstruction of them.

As much as I love castles that look like

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bolton_Castle.JPG

this one was far too large for my purposes.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hellifield_Peel_-_geograph.org.uk_-_640957.jpg

This one was far more manageable but still not quite right.

What I really wanted was a great hall and a tower, but I couldn’t find the right castle on which to base my hero’s, and so I decided that his castle was built in stages and slowly improved upon by successive generations. At least, before war destroyed it and peace sent its ruins into disuse. It’s a modest little castle, but absolutely perfect for my use.

However, if I were ordering a castle for my own habitation, it would be a bit larger with many secret passages!

What about everyone else? If you were to build a castle from scratch, what are some must have features? And do you have a favorite real castle?

Bio:

Sabrina Darby has been reading romance since the age of seven and learned her best vocabulary (dulcet, diaphanous, and turgid) from them. Her debut book with Avon Red, On These Silken Sheets, was a Favourite Erotic Romance finalist in the Australian Romance Readers Awards and a Best First Book finalist in the National Readers’ Choice Awards. Her new Regency novella, The Short and Fascinating Tale of Angelina Whitcombe, released July 31st from Avon Impulse. She can be found online at TheBallroomBlog.com, SabrinaDarby.com and Twitter.com/SabrinaDarby.

Want a chance to win an e-copy of The Short & Fascinating Tale of Angelina Whitcombe?

August 5, 2012August 3, 2012

Kelly’s review of Lucky In Love by Jill Shalvis

Lucky In Love
Lucky Harbor #4
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/22/12

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mallory Quinn has had enough of playing it safe. As a nurse and devoted daughter, she takes care of everyone but herself. And as the local good girl, she’s expected to date Mr. Right. But for once, she’d like to take a risk on Mr. Wrong. And who could be more wrong than Ty Garrison? The mysterious new guy in town has made it clear that he’s only passing through, which suits Mallory just fine. Besides, his lean, hard body and sexy smile will give her plenty to remember once he’s gone…

For the first time in his life, Ty can’t bear to leave. Helping this sexy seductress-in-training walk on the wild side is making him desire things he shouldn’t — including leaving the military for good. As their just-for-fun fling becomes something more, Mallory and Ty wonder if they could really be this lucky in love. After all…anything can happen in a town called Lucky Harbor.

REVIEW:
When Mallory Quinn wants to go bad she doesn’t hold back. As the good girl in the Quinn Family, Mallory had always keep her nose clean and has always tried to keep her family out of trouble. Which is easier said than done. But when a chance blind date happens Mallory jumps in with both feet, never expecting that this one night would ever last longer then one night.

Ty knows he is only in Lucky Harbor for a short period of time, trying to recover from his latest injury. Ty is hoping he gets the good Doctor’s okay to get the heck out of dodge soon. But when the town’s sweet heart wrangles him into her blind date he is instantly smitten and soon realizes that leaving so soon might not be an option.

Ahh, Ty & Mallory.. Love these two. Love the dynamics of their relationship. A storage loft will never look that same *wiggles eyebrows*

Another wonderful, wonderful Lucky Harbor book. It is safe to say after 3 books I am totally in love with Jill Shalvis and her books!!