Interview & giveaway with Kristin Miller

Can you please share with us a little about yourself?

I’m a wife, mother and paranormal romance writer all tied up into one complex bow. I live in Northern California and write while my children are in school. Wish I could say I write on the sunny beaches of Cali, but I don’t. Most mornings are spent looking out my front window at acre upon acre of beautiful farmland. My sixth book, Forbidden by Fate, will release July 1^st and my seventh, Last Vamp Standing, will release August 28^th.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I wish I could say that I have, but no. All I ever wanted to be was a middle school English teacher, but life had other ideas in mind. I got my BA in English and my teaching credential, and taught English for a few years…but then my two munchkins came into my life. While I loved staying home with my kids, my brain wouldn’t quit spinning. Ideas took form. Not long after my son was born, my first book idea was too.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

You got me on this one…so I asked my husband. His answer is that I put everything on Post-It notes. So yeah. I do. Our house is littered with purple, blue, orange and pink squares of paper. There you have it, straight from the husband’s mouth.

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

Forbidden by Fate is the second novella in the Isle of Feralon series, though you don’t have to read the first one, Claimed by Desire, to understand the second.

Here’s a taste:

Dragon shifter Damon Frost has been banned from stepping foot onto Were land after sharing a night of pleasure with Sasha Moore, heir to the Were throne. Since then, he’s been waiting for the opportunity to return and claim her once again—until a territory dispute finally reunites him with his werewolf princess. Damon plans to use every minute with Sasha to remind her of the passion they shared—a fire he’s determined to reignite.

With their desire impossible to resist, Damon and Sasha indulge in a night of illicit ecstasy. But will it be enough to satisfy their lust? Or will their forbidden love start a war between their clans?

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I’ve wanted to write dragon shifters since I first started writing. They’re powerful, majestic creatures and strong to the umpteenth degree. I simply needed to create a world where they could fly. Once I started thinking about a magical isle where they could roam, I thought why not? Why wouldn’t there be other shifters that roam that isle, too? Werewolves and Merfolk were born and I’ve been in love with all of them (and the Isle of Feralon) ever since.

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

Since I just finished edits for Last Vamp Standing (Book #3 in the Vampires of Crimson Bay series), I’m in the plotting stage of my next series which means anything can happen. If I told you about my early thoughts here, they’d probably be foreign to me by next week. Let’s just say my next series is paranormal romance, set in contemporary times. I’m thinking angels…or dragons…or angels and dragons. I warned you that anything could happen.

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

I’ve met so many authors at writing conferences and every single one of them is absolutely wonderful. I’ve met some of my favorites: Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz Larissa Ione, Monica McCarty. I’ve even met some that I didn’t know would become my favorites at the time: Veronica Wolff, Stacia Kane, Rachael Herron. As for an author I’d love to meet and haven’t yet? How about Lauren Kate? I’m in love with her Fallen series and would love to pick her brain on how to make a series fly. (Pun 100% intended.)

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

Take one step at a time. Don’t worry about getting an agent or submitting to a publishing house until you’ve finished your first book. There are so many ins and outs of the publishing business that someone could go insane trying to figure it out. So don’t. Worry about writing the best book you can and the rest will fall into place.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

I’m not too daring—no sky-diving or bungee-jumping for me!—so my bucket list is filled with other things. Like, you know, taking a boat over the exact spot where the Titanic sank. I’ve studied the Titanic for over 20 years. It’d be a moment I’d never forget. That’s what my bucket list is filled with…moments.

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

First up: Monica McCarty’s The Saint. I LOVE everything about her Highland Guard series, but unfortunately can’t read off-genre while I’m writing. That means I’ve got to get as much reading done as I can between books. I can’t wait to start! Second on my list: Lauren Kate’s Rapture. Third: Marcus Zusak’s The Book Thief. I’m half way through and am dumbfounded by the beauty of Zusak’s words.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for having me today!

Want to learn more about Kristin? Check her out here:

Website | Blog | Facebook page | Twitter | Goodreads

FORBIDDEN BY FATE

Purchase Links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book Blurb:

A forbidden love……

A second chance……

A night of passion neither will forget.

Sasha, a love-thirsty werewolf and rightful heir to the Were throne, is ready to take control over her pack. But when her first love, dragon shifter Damon Frost, lands on her doorstep, demanding their races negotiate ownership over Feralon’’s hot springs, he makes her question more than the fight for the enchanted neutral ground. No matter the emotions bubbling inside her, Sasha can’’t become involved with Damon. Not now. Not ever again.

Forbidden to step foot onto Were land after a romp with the Alpha’’s daughter as a teenager, Damon has bided his time, waiting for the day when he’’d be accepted back onto Were land. Using the hot spring negotiation as a way to get closer to Sasha, Damon plans to use every minute alone to remind her of the passion they shared–—a passion they could ignite again.

One night of ecstasy stands between them and the fight for the springs. One night of revealing glances, skin searing chemistry, and erotic desires they’’d long buried.

Will one taste of forbidden love be enough to satiate their desires? Or will the need to explore the depths of their love unleash a Were-Draco war?

Giveaway Details:

Two random commenters from the tour will win their choice of either a Kindle or Nook format eBook of Forbidden by Fate OR a Kindle or Nook format eBook of Claimed by Desire, the first novella in the Isle of Feralon series.
The tour host with the most comments will receive a Kindle or Nook format eBook of both Forbidden by Fate and Claimed by Desire.
Please leave a comment along with your broken up email addy.
Contest is open the duration of the tour (July 2 – 20) and Internationally.
Winner will be randomly selected and notified via email.

Want more chances to win? Follow the whole tour HERE:

July 1, 2012June 25, 2012

Spotlight feature of Angel of Darkness by Cynthia Eden (&giveaway)

Angel of Darkness

(The Fallen #1)

by Cynthia Eden

As an angel of death, Keenan’s job is to collect the souls on his list. He’s carried out his duty for two thousand years and never faltered once. Until he meets Nicole St. James. When the moment of death comes, Keenan hesitates, and instead of taking Nicole, Keenan touches the vampire who’s attacking her.

Cast out of heaven for disobedience, Keenan plummets to earth. Six months later, he finally manages to track Nicole to a bar in Mexico. He’s stunned to discover that the woman he remembers has undergone a dramatic change—she’s become a vampire. And when he realizes that she’s the target of all manner of enemies—other vampires, demons, even shifters—he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if all hell breaks loose

Excerpt from ANGEL OF DARKNESS by Cynthia Eden

(Kensington Books…Available Now)

Nicole wrenched her head away from him. She was breathing hard, her breath rasping. “What the hell was that?”

Keenan blinked, then let his eyes narrow. His cheeks seemed to burn as he stared down at her. “I bled for you. I thought a kiss was the least I deserved as payment.”

She jerked from his hold but only because he let her go. “You thought wrong.”

“Didn’t you kiss your other prey?” And that had the rage stirring again. So many emotions churned inside him now. Sometimes it seemed as if they’d rip him apart. “Weren’t you rubbing against them, promising sex, when you—”

“I wasn’t going to sleep with them!” Her hands flew up into the air, and he saw the small, deadly claws on the ends of her fingers. “I didn’t want to scare them, so I was…” She broke off and shook her head. “Never mind. I don’t have to explain myself to you.”

“You were seducing them.” The words fell between them. He lifted a brow. “You think seducing the blood away is any better than holding down your prey and just taking what you want?”

She flinched. “Maybe I don’t have a choice.” Nicole spun around and gave him one truly glorious view of her butt as she stormed away.

But she wasn’t really going anywhere. They weren’t done.

“Why didn’t you try seducing me?” Probably not what he should have asked then, but…did she not find him appealing at all?

Perhaps the kiss had been wrong. He, too, could try seduction instead of force. If it worked for her…

“There’s no point in seducing hunters.” She threw this over her shoulder. “You’d screw me, then still kill me.”

Maybe. But… “If you walk away from me now, you will die.”

Those words stopped her. She glanced back. “That’s a threat, huh? What are you gonna do? Jump me? I’m not so easy to take down.”

She would be.

“I’m not the threat right now.” Keenan went closer because her scent drew him in. Lush woman. But, also, something else. Soft. Light. A wisp of…vanilla?

“You look like a threat to me,” she said, turning slowly to face him.

He was a threat. “In about five minutes, more of Romeo’s friends will be here. I told them to stay away.” Keenan tilted his head and his nostrils flared. “But I don’t guess they listened.”

She licked her lips, a fast flash of pink tongue. “Romeo? Who’s that?”

His jaw tightened. “The first idiot you had ready to donate blood tonight.” Keenan guessed he counted as idiot number three. “I took down him and his men, but I didn’t kill them.” He hadn’t touched any of them with his hands because he’d been afraid that one touch would shove them all straight to hell.

But that particular power was gone. A very, very good thing.

“You walk away,” he continued, “and they’ll have you long before you can make it to that broken down Chevy.”

What is next?

Angel Betrayed

(The Fallen #2)

Release: July 2012

A LITTLE BIT OF ANGEL LUST.

Sammael – call him Sam – was an angel once. An angel of death. But the dispassionate, watch-from-above thing just wasn’t working for him when it meant watching evil torture innocent souls day in and day out. It might have cost him his wings, but these days, he gets to apply the direct method on the bad guys. Problem is, what’s making his life difficult is a bad girl…

Seline O’Shaw needs protection, and with the hounds of hell on her tail, she’s not going to quibble too hard about where she gets it. Sam’s virtue is questionable, but he’s smoking hot, massively powerful, and owes her a favor. So what if she’s getting a little case of angel lust? There are some damn deadly sins after her hide

Angel in Chains

(The Fallen #3)

Released date November 2012

The Fallen Angel AZRAEL (Az) is well acquainted with sin—it was his own sins that led to his banishment from heaven. Now, with his wings burned away, he walks the earth and is battered by the emotions of humans. He wants to return home, but unless he can earn some kind of redemption, he’ll be spending the rest of his very long life trapped in his own hell.

Now for the Giveaway Details

Kensington Publishing has sponsored one copy of Angel of Darkness for me to giveaway. To enter please fill out the Rafflecopter from below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{US/Canada only, Sponsored by Kensington Publishing}

July 1, 2012June 29, 2012

Kelly’s ARC review of Forever A Lady by Delilah Marvelle

Forever A Lady
Rumor Series : book 2
by Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/24/ 2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Powell’s

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
TWO DIFFERENT CLASSES, ONE COMMON DESIRE…
Lady Bernadette Marie Burton may be the richest widow in England, maybe the richest widow in England, but like her dreams of finding true passion, her reputation is deteriorating. Cruel gossip, loneliness and hoards of opportunistic suitors have her believing Society couldn’t be more vile…or dangerous. So when an attacker threatens her life, she finds safety in the most unseemly of places: the arms of a mysterious, Irish-American gang leader. His fortune stolen, young Matthew Milton is done playing the respectable gentleman. In the slums of New York, only ruffians thrive. But from the moment he arrives in London and encounters the voluptuous Lady Bernadette, he can’t help but wonder about the finer pleasures he’s missing. Or just how much he’s willing to risk-not only to bed her, but to prove his worth.

REVIEW:
Another wonderful book by the amazingly talented Delilah Marvelle. Forever A Lady is book 2 in Delilah’s Rumor series. Now, while the books are linked together by common characters, you don’t HAVE to read them in order. I would recommend it, but you don’t have too.

Forever A Lady takes us back to New York and Five Points. Where we learn a little more about Matthew (who we meet in Forever & A Day) and his past. How he ended up where he is and why he chose to form the Forty Thieves. Matthew is strong, determined, a little rough around the edges, but an extremely good man, one who stands up for others and what he believes in. But some times standing up for yourself and other gets you noticed. Getting noticed in Five Points is not always a good thing and can end up getting you killed. When a plan is revealed that a neighboring ward plans to take Matthew out, his best friend Coleman rushes him off to London for his safety. While Matthew is not happy about the trip to London, he is about to meet someone that will change is his life forever.

Lady Bernadette or Mrs Shelton as she started calling herself after a very unfortunate event in New Orleans has come back to London, not of her own free will, but to help a friend win back the lover of her life. Bernadette has sworn off true love, marriage and any of the other mushy love stuff for herself, yet she wishes it for others. Men are not to be trusted, therefore she lives now by the love them and leave them mentality. But this trip to London will test Bernadette and have her starting to think that maybe the right man could change her idea of marriage, love and the future.

I LOVED this book, Matthew & Bernadette are great together. The bring out the best in each other even during the worst of times. They fight each other, for each other and with each other for the things and the people that they love and care about.

If you loved Forever & A Day you will love Forever A Lady. If you have not stated this series I would highly recommend you start with Forever Mine. Forever Mine is Delilah’s novella that starts this whole series rolling.

If you have never read a historical romance Delilah Marvelle is a perfect place to start. Her books are fun, witty and full of great characters.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly

July 1, 2012June 29, 2012

Kelly’s review of Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost

Once Burned
AUTHOR: Jeaniene Frost
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/26/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s a mortal with dark powers…

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person’s darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude…until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world’s most infamous vampire…

He’s the Prince of Night…

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don’t call him Dracula. Vlad’s ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him—a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

REVIEW:
Vlad uses fear and torture to keep the ones around him loyal. So when he realizes he is being spied on he does what Vlad does best he threatens to kill that person. But what he never expected is that that spy is going to ask him for help, ask him to save her and in doing so will change both of their paths forever.

Leila just wants to live in peace or what little peace she can find. But it is really hard to do that when you just got kidnapped by three very nasty and hungry looking vampires. Forced to use her power to try to get answers for them, Leila finds herself connecting to another vampire. And this vampire may be her only hope to make it out of this room alive.

I wanted to give this 5 stars maybe even 4 1/2 but it was a 4 for me. I guess I have not been paying attention to the Frost world. I was totally shocked that Vlad’s story is told by the heroine (just like all of Cat & Bones stories are from Cat’s point of view) Lelia. I was hoping for more insight on the man we have all come to love.

I enjoyed this story. I am very happy that Vlad finally gets his story told. We do learn more about the man behind the myth of Dracula. Although I would have loved to have seen many parts of this story through Vlad’s point of view.

Vlad & Leila make a great team. Both are stubborn, determined and will do anything for the people close to them. I loved that Leila challenges Vlad every step of the way. I can’t wait to see where Jeaniene takes us next on Vlad & Leila’s journey. Sadly we have to wait until Spring of 2013 for the next Night Prince novel to come out. But I think it will be worth the wait.

REVIEWED BY: Kelly

July 1, 2012June 29, 2012

Kelly’s review of Under Fire by Catherine Mann

Under Fire
Elite Force #3
AUTHOR: Catherine Mann
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A decorated hero, pararescueman Liam McCabe lives to serve. Six months ago, he and Rachel Flores met in the horrific aftermath of an earthquake in the Bahamas. They were tempted by an explosive attraction, yet parted ways. Still, Liam has thought about Rachel every day—and night—since.

Now, after ignoring all his phone calls for six months, Rachel has turned up on base with a wild story about a high-ranking military traitor. She claims no one but Liam can help her—and she won’t trust anyone else.

With nothing but her word and the testimony of a discharged military cop to go on, Liam would be insane to risk his career—even his life—to help this woman who left him in the dust.

REVIEW:
WOWZA!!!! Okay I have to tell you this is my first Catherine Mann book and I am now totally in love with her and her Elite Force team Now while Under Fire can easily stand as a read alone book, I am going to go back and read book 1 and 2. I want to know more about the team!!

Liam McCabe, is…well not very lucky in love. Oh he loves to be in love, three marriages prove that. But the three divorcees provide that he is very unlucky when it comes to finding the right woman. That is until about six months ago when he met the most perfect woman ever. But after a three short weeks together and just one kiss she walked away from him never to look back. So image Liam’s shock when he finds Rachel hiding in the back of his jeep, wet and scared to death.

Rachel can’t believe the mess she is in. Not only has she been getting threatening phone calls, but now someone was following her. All because she believed the tale that one soldier told her. But now she is really scared. She can’t trust the police. She can’t trust anyone. Except Liam. Liam will keep her safe, but first she has to get to him.

This was a great book. I LOVED Liam and his team. They are all witty, sexy and can kick your ass with just a look. It was fun to read Liam & Rachel’s love story as each of them have been burned in the past and are just a little scared of what they feel for each other. But in the end love will always win.

4 ½ Stars

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly

June 30, 2012June 27, 2012

The Guardian Angelinos Series by Roxanne St. Claire

Taken to the Edge (The Guardian Angelinos 0.5)

Prequel for the first installment of The Guaradian Angelinos series, Edge of Sight.

Librarian’s Note: this is a free novella offered by Roxanne St. Claire on her website.
ebook, 23 pages Find Free read HERE

Edge of Sight

The Guardian Angelinos #1

The killer she can’t escape . . .
The heartbreak she can’t forget . . .
The one man who can stop them both.

When Samantha Fairchild witnesses a murder in the wine cellar of the restaurant where she works, the Harvard-bound law student becomes the next target of a professional assassin. Desperate for protection the authorities won’t provide, Sam seeks help from Vivi Angelino, an investigative reporter who recruits her brother, Zach, to protect Samantha. A Special Forces vet with the scars to prove he’s equally fearless and flawed, Zach takes the job, despite the fact that he and Sam once shared a lusty interlude that ended when he left for war and disappeared from her life. Now, as they crack a conspiracy that leads to Boston’s darkest corners, Sam and Zach must face their fears, desires, and doubts, before a hired killer gets a second shot..

Shiver of Fear

The Guardian Angelinos #2

The legacy that haunts her . . .

The mystery she must solve . . .

A man who threatens to reveal her secrets . . .

and break her heart.

Burned by a failed marriage, former FBI agent Marc Rossi wants back in the investigation game with no emotional strings attached. Taking an assignment for his enterprising Angelino cousins, he heads to Northern Ireland to pry a key piece of evidence from a missing socialite-any way he can. But when the ice queen turns out to be warm, beautiful, and on a secret mission of her own, the job becomes a passionate reminder of what happens when duty and desire mix. The daughter of an infamous fugitive, Devyn Sterling has survived betrayal only to find that her mother has mysteriously disappeared. When her search uncovers secrets, lies, and threats, Devyn and Marc must trust each other when every instinct says they can’t . . . and a terrorist wants to make sure they won’t live to try

Face of Danger

The Guardian Angelinos #3

Private investigator Vivi Angelino loves living life on the edge, but stepping into the shoes of a movie starlet to bait a serial killer isn’t just a thrill . . . it’s a ticket to the big time for her fledgling security firm. That is, as long as a certain risk-averse FBI agent stays out of her way-and out of her fantasies.

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colton Lang isn’t above using his well-worn rulebook to stop Vivi’s latest walk on the wild side. But when they learn her client is involved in something far more insidious than bad acting, Vivi and Colt must work together despite the electrifying attraction arcing between them. For each new clue is bringing them closer to a high-profile crime with a dark and deadly truth at its core . . . and a cold, calculating murderer with nothing left to lose.

June 29, 2012June 27, 2012

Review of Adam Orser: Chronicles of Evolution by Daniel Armand

Adam Orser: The Chronicles of Evolution
by Daniel Armand
Paperback
Publisher: Two Harbors Press
Price: $17.95
ISBN: 9781937928100
Pages: 312
Release: April 2, 2012

Amazon buy link | Barnes&Noble.com buy link

Adam Orser seems to be a regular guy, leading a fairly successful life in Toronto as a psychologist with a loving girlfriend, Jazmin.

But there is nothing ordinary about Adam.

Fate interrupts his planned marriage proposal, and a serious car accident thrusts him into a metaphysical reality behind a deep coma that holds his physical body in check. Through an advanced system of training and evolution created by the celestial realm, Adam is called to a dangerous mission with profound implications for the world he knows, and life and death consequences for one missing nine-year old girl, who is no ordinary kidnapped child. Fantastical forces are at work on both sides of the veil between the world we recognize and those yet to be discovered.

Destiny compels Adam to freely choose the part he will play in a no-limits competition between good and evil. Questions of existence, causality, and truth converge as Adam struggles to find his way back to Jazmin and a life that will never be the same.

Review by Brooke Marie

This book starts out with just a simple scene and soon develops around a funny character named Adam Orser, a funny man who doubles as a smart psychologist. This book flips between multiple characters but they are all connected within a web, they all tie back to Adam. When a kidnapping case evolves in the story needing his experience with the criminal pychi, Adam is called away at a tender moment with his beloved Jazmin. On the way Adam is in a terrible car accident that leaves him in a coma. While he is in the coma he finds out the truth behind many things while the outside world waits for his return. Adam learns this isn’t the first life he lead. He learns this from what he recognizes as angels. When a young man, an ex-lover of Jazmin’s, shows up at the hospital where Jazmin is waiting for Adam to awaken, he tells Jazmin that Adam will wake up different then before-knowing things that he shouldn’t know, being able to change and do things that no one should be able to. Jazmin doesn’t believe him at first but much to her surprise, this young man spoke truth. Why is Adam at the center of the web? How does he learn these amazing things from his dream angels? Find out in Daniel Armand’s “Adam Orser: Chronicles of Evolution.’

Just like everything in the world this is only an opinion, some might love or hate this book and that is up to you. Though I found this book enjoyable, but confusing. This was a very good book, with a very interesting idea that has yet to be overdone. Adam starts out as a very funny, out-spoken person, and we watch him slowly learn and become something far greater. Adam becomes knowledgeable. This book was well written but if you are looking for an easy read I don’t believe this is the book for you. While reading you need to be very focused because the book changes stories and characters and you aren’t always able to pick up the change into much later. So in that the book could have been clearer, but then pieces you read are very good, riddle-like. After a while you start to get the rhythm of the changes but it still can be confusing at times. Nonetheless this was a good book, you grow to want more-connect the web if you will.

Claps for Mr. Daniel Armand’s “Adam Orser: Chronicles of Evolution.”

Daniel Armand Bio:

Daniel Armand lives in Toronto, Ontario. His inspiration behind Adam Orser: Chronicles of Evolution originated during the summer of 1983, after a near death encounter offered an incredible insight into the obscured aspects of life, love, and the progression of the human spirit.

Daniel is currently working on the next novel of the Adam Orser saga. “I truly hope this novel will help inspire readers all over the globe, to embrace their spirituality. It is through clarity of mind and understanding that we may one day ‘bloom’ into harmony and unlock our limitless potential.”

Two Harbors Press website | Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook | Adam Orser: The Chronicles of Evolution blog tour site

June 29, 2012June 27, 2012

Interview with Annette Gisby

Can you please share with us a little about yourself
I grew up in a small town in Northern Ireland and moved to London with my family when I was seventeen. It was a lot different to small town life. My family moved back, but I’d already met and fallen in love with my soon-to-be husband, John, so I stayed in London. We lived in London for quite a while after we were married, but recently we moved to the outskirts of Basingstoke in Hamsphire. It has the best of both worlds, we don’t have to travel too far for shops, cinema or theatre and the countryside is only minutes away as well. Our house is overflowing with books (mostly read by me) and music (mostly listened to by John). We have enough books and CDs to open a small shop.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I’ve always wanted to tell stories. When I was a little girl, I made up stories in my head an used my dolls to act them out. As I got older, I started writing them down so that I would always have something to read later. In the small town I grew up in, there were no bookshops and a small library. It didn’t take me long to go through the library’s selection!

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

As a teenager I read a lot of Stephen King’s books. I wouldn’t say his stories had a big influence on me, as I don’t write a lot of horror, but his author’s notes and his non-fiction book, ‘On Writing’ did. Reading that book was like reading about myself. At the moment some of my favourite writers are Carol Berg and Lynn Flewelling for fantasy, S. J. Bolton, Phil Rickman and Sarah Rayne for thrillers, some of which have a supernatural bent as well. I also like Elizabeth Chadwick for her medieval historical.

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

I knew I wanted The Chosen to be either fantasy or with a fairy-tale element, but it becoming a male/male romance happened a bit my accident. I wanted to write a fairy tale for adults. I had the prince, Severin, and I thought he needed a princess to rescue. I could picture Severin quite clearly, but I couldn’t get a feel for the princess at all. Instead, I kept being haunted by a handsome slave called Havyn. That’s who Severin wanted to rescue, not a princess. Once I’d finally figured out that Severin was gay, the story flowed much better.

I have written other genres, I never think of a book’s genre as I’m writing it. I let the characters tell their stories and worry about what genre it might be later. Genres don’t define my writing, the characters do. I’ve written mysteries, suspense, erotica, romance, science-fiction, paranormal and everything in between.

What are some of your writing rituals?

I use a kitchen timer that I set for an hour or two at a time and during that time I do nothing but write. No checking emails, no browsing the web. If I really need to research something, I just leave a note in the text and carry on writing. Then I can go back and fill in the bit that I needed to research. It’s amazing how much you get done without any distractions.

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

The Chosen is a male/male fantasy romance. Here is the blurb:

Love or duty – which would you choose?

Prince Severin has been brought up to put duty before all else. Now, his duty is to marry and produce an heir. He has his choice of princesses. Unfortunately, his passion is for princes.

Havyn has been a slave all his life. When his powers are discovered, he finds himself purchased and freed by a Prince and apprenticed to the royal wizard, Ildar. His duty is to stay chaste to keep his powers strong. Unfortunately, his passion is for Severin.

With kingdoms at war, the throne hanging in the balance, and magic in the air, can the two men find happiness together, or is duty more important than love?

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I already answered that one above 🙂 Instead, here is a small extract from the book:

“What is going on in here?” demanded Ildar from the doorway. “Severin? What are you doing with my apprentice?”

“Iri and I were just sorting out Havyn’s new wardrobe,” said Severin, waving to Havyn that he could get dressed again. Havyn quickly pulled on the tunic and leggings Ildar had given him on his first night at the palace. A fierce blush heated his cheeks.

“Havyn is my apprentice!” snapped Ildar. “He is my responsibility. Furs and velvets? Silks? A wizard has no need for all of that. I will ensure Havyn gets all the clothing he needs, not you.”

Havyn wondered how the wizard could talk back so forcefully to a prince without worrying about execution. Maybe wizards had no fear of death.

“He’s my responsibility,” protested Severin, his hands on his hips as he stared the wizard down. “I bought him. He’s mine!”

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

Far too many! I get lots of ideas at once and take ages to settle down to one. At the moment there is a murder mystery set at a boarding school (also an m/m romance), a romantic suspense (m/f) that is under consideration at a new publisher since the rights have reverted back to me, and a couple of more m/m romances that are on the back-burner. I have an m/m erotica story, Of Pets and Pleasures, out in an anthology with Excessica Publishing which is also available as a stand-alone short story

What would you be if you were not an author?

Probably a librarian or running a bookshop. It would have to be something to do with books.

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

I am eagerly awaiting Casket of Souls by Lynn Flewelling, the final part of the Nightrunner series. It’ll be a pity to see it end, but once I have the whole set I can re-read them all again.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

My author page is here:

http://annettegisby.blogspot.co.uk/

I have a blog with reviews and interviews here:

http://booksandtales.blogspot.co.uk/

and a goodreads page here:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/252221.Annette_Gisby

June 28, 2012June 26, 2012

Guest blogger: Kathleen Jahs

Why was it important that your main character be a female – how does she retain her femininity in a masculine environment, and why would women readers be drawn to your book?

The situations and challenges that Bridget Donovan and Audrey Richards face in Black Wings are unique to females. Bridget and Audrey are trailblazers at the Naval Academy; they arrive in 1986, only six years after the first women had graduated. Bridget and Audrey continue to tread new ground in the Navy fleet—Bridget as a public affairs officer and Audrey as one of the first female combat pilots. Because of those experiences, it was important that their point of view and perspective as females inform the narrative. The story is universal and intended for male and female readers, but the time period demanded a female voice.

As a 1988 Naval Academy graduate, my experiences of school and the Navy were complicated. Initially, I had no intention of writing about the military. The defense world seemed too foreign to readers, too personal, too difficult to describe. I found I was hiding behind these excuses. Once I started writing fiction in a military setting, I was drawn in fast. I wanted to understand the women and tell their stories. Given the growing numbers of women in the military and the growing involvement of the military in global affairs, understanding the humanity of women (and men) in that world is important to our understanding of people and society.

Throughout Black Wings, Bridget and Audrey work hard to retain their femininity. They are (literally) surrounded by men from the moment they take the oath of enlistment during plebe summer. While immersed in male culture, they are never completely integrated. The separation is both physical–different uniforms/different haircuts, but also mental. With combat exclusion laws in place, women had different choices and different requirements for graduation.

In their attempts to preserve their female self, Audrey is more audacious. She is strong, resolute, and fiercely confident. She takes pride in her auburn hair and sculpted muscles and maintains her grooming and uniforms to highlight her physique. She also refuses to accept any limits to her sex. She wants to fly at any cost. She routinely beats the guys in push-ups, spouts off at her male classmates, and defies the odds and the stereotypes. Along the way this approach causes her some problems. When she’s faced with a uniquely female problem, she’s trapped. She turns to Bridget for help.

Bridget retains her femininity in different ways. She feels the separation and is aware that she is not and never will be “one of the guys,” but she doesn’t fight it. She hangs out with guys, maintains relationships, busies herself with her studies and continues to ask questions and search for answers.

I’ve been told from female readers that they enjoy Black Wings because of the chance to look behind the walls of the US Naval Academy and be immersed in the world of Navy aviation. Only 100 or so women enroll in the US Naval Academy each year and fewer than that graduate. Black Wings delves into those experiences but also speaks to universal choices, feelings, hurts and friendship struggles all women face.

Black Wings
ISBN: 9780984141272
Pages: 314
Release: December 2011
Price: $19.95 paperback, $9.99 ebook

Amazon paperback buy link | Amazon Kindle buy link | Barnes&Noble.com Nook buy link | Fuze Publishing paperback buy link

Summary:

LT Bridget Donovan suspects the worst when her former Naval Academy roommate, Audrey Richards, perishes in a botched take-off from an aircraft carrier. The Navy says it’s an accident, but facts don’t add up. Could it be suicide, or murder? Donovan’s unofficial investigation into what really happened, both during their past Academy days and in Richards’ final hours, forces her to examine the concepts of honor, justice and the role of loyalty in pursuit of those ideals.

Kathleen Toomey Jabs’ Bio:

Kathleen Toomey Jabs is a 1988 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. She served on active duty for six years and is currently a Captain in the Navy Reserve. She holds an MA from the University of New Hampshire and an MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University. Her stories have been published in a number of literary journals and received several prizes, including selection in the National Public Radio Selected Shorts program. She lives with her husband and two children in Virginia.

YouTube Video Book Trailer:

June 28, 2012June 28, 2012

Interview with Kaye Brand from Erin Kellison’s Fire Kissed

Kaye Brand, the heroine from Fire Kissed is here today to talk about the secret world of the mages. Be forewarned: Magekind suffers no information about themselves to become public. Kaye, however, is not about to be told what to do, and certainly not by the very people who tried to kill her when she was a teen.

Kaye, considering the danger involved, why did you agree to this interview?

Short answer? I blame Jack Bastian. Damn angel gets under my skin with his “Ms. Brand this, Ms. Brand that.” And he phrases what he wants from me like a dare—as if I can’t see right through him. <Eyeroll> He used to try to appeal to my conscience, but he of all people should know that I don’t have a soul. Why should I feel bad for humanity when the world is going dark? Not my problem. And it’s inevitable anyway. My talent—fire, by the way—is best used elsewhere. But okay, if a little information helps all the moms and dads keep their children safe, then fine. I was a kid once, and no one protected me.

Ugh. That’s not really the truth either. <Damn Bastian to hell.> Another angel helped me once. But he was kind and good when he didn’t have to be. Which is the only reason I bother with Bastian today, because of the other one. Who died for me. I’ve got him stuck inside and I can’t very well go shopping, or whatever, with the memory of the first angel aching within.

So I put up with Bastian and his “Ms. Brands” – Of course it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. Not that I’m interested <ha! imagine!> I just appreciate beautiful things.

He’s an angel, you say? Do you mean that figuratively?

I wish. No, Bastian and the one before him are the real deal. Angels. Beautiful, but in general, enemies of magekind. Angels don’t like Shadow and the trouble that comes with it. And there’s a whole lot of Shadow coming into the world.

Kaye, for our readers, what is Shadow? and what is a mage?

<SIGH> You should know about Shadow by now. It’s the dark magic that’s seeping into the world? You know, the monsters on the streets at night that have everybody shutting themselves inside their houses like it’s the Dark Ages?

Those things are real? I thought they were just a YouTube hoax.

Wraiths are real. I faced one just the other night before I put it out of its misery. Actually, I was the one in misery; those suckers don’t smell very good.

And they’re just the beginning of what’s to come. Think legend and fairy tale and myth, but colliding with all the biz of today. One day you might look up and see a dragon in the sky.

I don’t believe it.

<Shrugs> Eventually you will. It’s inevitable. Chocolate might help with the shock. Shadow is here to stay.

A mage, however, is someone born with Shadow in their blood, passed down through generations, like good bone structure or money. As I mentioned before, mages don’t have souls, but then souls are overrated anyway. These days mages are conquerors. They want the world and everyone in it under their control.

“They”? Aren’t you a mage? Don’t you want to conquer the world?

Truthfully, I want nice shoes and gorgeous clothes and I can pay for them myself with my own hard-earned money. Okay, not so hard-earned. But you get the point. I hate the politicking that goes on among the mage Houses.

Then why are you working with Jack Bastian in the first place?

Well, there’s that angel from before. I owe him something. Plus I’ve got a debt to settle with the people who tried to kill me when I was fifteen. Sent a wraith after me, which is how I got these scars. And why I have to hunt them.

And who sent the wraith after you?

Oh, no. <Waves hand> We mages do not name each other. Suffice to say, I was set to marry a great mage from a great House, and I refused. Apparently, they thought I had no choice in the matter. But I did. I’m alive today.

You were going to marry at fifteen?!

Not that uncommon. It was an arranged marriage and would have been politically very good for both our Houses. An ideal concentration of power and prestige among our kind. But I’ve got a romantic streak—don’t tell Bastian—and a temper—which he knows already. <Sly grin>

Magekind sounds positively medieval.

Yeah, well. Our families’ roots go back much farther than that. Once, long ago, we were like old-world gods among humanity. Magekind today intends to be the same again. The world is going dark, it can’t be helped. And even Bastian’s valiant efforts can’t stop the tide of Shadow. Magic is coming back into the world, beautiful, terrible magic. Everything is going to change.

What can a person do in this new terrible world that you speak of?

I hope that a decent or mostly-decent mage rises above the others to control the rest. But listen—humanity has angels like Bastian to protect it. He might be difficult and frustrating and you might want to catch him on fire every once in a while—no, wait, that’s me—but he is at least brave and stoic and selfless. <Ugh> And I’ll probably help him, against my better judgment, that is. At least I get to tweak his pride and drive him nuts while we’re at it, so that’s a bonus. He’s always watching me, poor man. I’m not sure he’d let me go even I wanted to part ways.
Fire Kissed
Amazon | B&N
Fae Fire
It is Kaye Brand’s power to wield. But outcast from her kind, she’s been selling herself to the highest bidder – money for her survival in exchange for a magic glimpse into the flames of the future.
Angel Ice
One of the angelic Order, Jack Bastian has no use for a female like Kaye, as provocative and unexpected as her blazing beauty. Yet he has no choice but to hire her to uncover the secrets of his sworn enemy and her former fiance, Ferrol Grey.
Magekind
War is inevitable between the defenders of the Order and the mage Houses who threaten to engulf the world in Shadow. For Jack, mage-born Kaye is off limits, no matter how hot the impossible attraction between them. But in the coming darkness, beset by danger and desire, everything is about to change…

Visit Erin on the web:

Erin’s website: www.ErinKellison.com.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ErinKellisonAuthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/EKellison

June 27, 2012June 25, 2012

Spotlight feature (& giveaway) of Stalking the Other by Jess Haines

Stalking the Others

(H&W Investigations #4)

Release day July 3, 2012

Vampires, werewolves, mages–the Others are very real, and wreaking havoc in Shiarra Waynest’s life. But now, she’s returning the favor…Once, she was one of the good guys–or as close as a New York P.I. can get. Then Shiarra Waynest was drawn into the world of the Others. Every faction has its own loyalties and agenda. And Shia’s recent betrayal by her ex-boyfriend means that she may be on the verge of becoming a rogue werewolf at the next full moon.Of course, with all the threats against her, Shia’s not sure she’ll live long enough to find out. The enigmatic vampire Royce wants her back in his clutches, as do two powerful werewolf packs, along with the police. Instead of going into hiding, Shia is enlisting the aid of her enchanted hunter’s belt and every dirty P.I. trick she knows. If she’s going down, she’ll take out as many of her enemies as she can–and hope that in the process, she keeps whatever humanity she has left

Excerpt:

“Shiarra, I didn’t think I’d ever see you again. Not in daylight.”

I forced a thin smile. “No need to worry about that. I’m not planning on turning into a walking corpse anytime soon.” No, I just might turn into something else. Something worse.

“Why are you here?”

“I’m here to ask for your help. There isn’t an easy way for me to say this, and I’m too tired for tact. There’s a chance I might become a Were at the next full moon.”

Nikki stared. Jack said nothing, a tic starting in his cheek.

“I came here because someone from my ex’s pack might have infected me. I want to find him. I want to make him and the rest of the Sunstrikers pay.” I left out the part about what Chaz had done. He might have been the alpha of the Sunstriker pack, but he was a poor decision maker, and I wanted cheating on me to be the last mistake he ever made. “There are people after me, including police. If I do turn into one of… into an Other at the end of the month, I know I can trust you to end it. Until then, I need a place to stay, and someone to work with me to find where the Weres are hiding. Will you help me?”

Nikki’s wide-eyed stare grew into a rather unbecoming gawp that made me want to walk over to shut her mouth, if only my feet didn’t hurt so much.

For his part, Jack wasn’t showing any emotion. His only reaction was to lift one hand to rub at the pale stubble on his jaw. I think it’s the first time I’d ever seen him anything but clean-shaven.

He edged around Nikki and rested both palms flat on the display case as he loomed over it. The intensity of his gaze was a bit much, and I found I couldn’t meet his eyes directly as he examined me.

“You realize what you’re asking? You know what we’ll do if you turn?”

That question gave me enough courage to meet his eyes again. “Yes, I know. I’m counting on it.”

His smile, white and shark-like, sent a shiver down my spine. “Welcome to the White Hats.”

Want a chance to win the first three book in Jess Haines’ H&W Investigation Series?

Please fill out the Rafflecopter from below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway details {1 winner will get a copy of Hunting the Others, Taken by the Others, & Deceived by the Others. US/Canada only, Kensington Publishing}

June 27, 2012June 26, 2012

Simmer by Kaitlyn Davis Blog Tour

Simmer
Midnight Fire #2
by Kaitlyn Davis
GoodReads
Order here: Amazon | B&N

“Slowly, like a whisper almost blown away in the wind, two words streaked across her mind: ‘Kiss me.'”
Kira may have survived the eclipse, but her troubles are far from over. She’s headed to Sonnyville with one goal in mind: to learn more about her parents. But with Luke and Tristan competing for her heart and Diana gunning for her head, time is running out on the search for her mother. And the closer Kira gets to answers, the more terrified she becomes. The conduits fear her, the vampires fear her, and Kira is starting to wonder if maybe they’re right…
Simmer is the second book in the thrilling Midnight Fire Series. It is approximately 65,000 words

Review:

First I have to say that this book was much better than the first in the series “Ignite” (see review below). The characters have more definition and the storyline which is pretty predictable is more interesting than in the first book.

It is obvious to me that the author took more time to write this book then she did the first. I would have no problem recommending this book to a young adult to read where with the first book I would not have thought of recommending it. Funny thing is because it is a continuing story I would not have to tell the young reader that they should read the first to understand the second.

Honestly I am still not fully taken with the characters. They never really jump out to me but then as I explained in the review for book one I am a couple decades past the intended age target. The books still makes me feel that the author was rewriting Twilight to how she would like it but it really starts to stand on its own a little bit more.

Am I head over heels for this book? No. However I can see why a young reader may enjoy it more than I did at my (cough) advanced age.

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

Ignite
by Kaitlyn Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/09/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“With one last look, one final search of the lines of his face for some sign, Kira turned and ran away from the sound of the man she loved laughing in the face of her death.”

When Kira Dawson moves to South Carolina, she meets Luke, a blond goofball who quickly becomes her best friend, and Tristan, a mysterious bad boy who sends shivers down her spine. Kira knows they’re keeping secrets, but when she discovers Tristan’s lust for blood and her own dormant mystical powers, Kira is forced to fight for her life and make the heartbreaking decision between the familiar comfort of friendship and the fiery passion of love.

REVIEW:
First let me say that this book is meant for a young reader and since I have not been young for a couple of decades now I might not be the best to review. However….

I had a hard time with these characters. They never seem to warm up to the reader or for that matter to each other. I never figured out what they saw in each other. Some of the time it made me wonder how anyone could not think of these characters as mean and spiteful. I think they possibly could be a portrait of the teenagers of today with the feeling of entitlement.

I really felt like the author watched Twilight went to bed thinking how she would have done it different and then wrote it out on paper but just did not have the gift of writing behind her thoughts. Maybe some youth readers would enjoy it so I would not solely base the book on me but I can not say this is something that I enjoyed.

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

Kaitlyn Davis’ Bio:

Kaitlyn Davis graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Johns Hopkins University with a B.A. in Writing Seminars. She’s been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to finally share her work with the world. She currently lives in New York City and dreams of having a cockapoo puppy of her own.

Want to learn more about Kaitlyn or her books?

Check her out here

Kaitlyn Davis’ blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

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