A Blood Seduction Vamp City #1AUTHOR: Pamela Palmer PUBLICATION DATE: 05/29/12 ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS: Vampires live only for lust and pleasure in the eternal twilight of Vamp City. But the city’s magic is dying. The only person who can restore it? A beautiful woman from the mortal world…one who knows nothing of the power she wields. Quinn Lennox is searching for a missing friend when she stumbles into a dark otherworld that only she can see—and finds herself at the mercy of Arturo Mazza, a dangerously handsome vampire whose wicked kiss will save her, enslave her, bewitch her, and betray her. What Arturo can’t do is forget about her—any more than Quinn can control her own feelings for him. Neither one can let desire get in the way of their mission—his to save his people, hers to save herself. But there is no escape from desire in a city built for seduction, where passion flows hot and blood-red. Welcome to Vamp City…
REVIEWED BY: Kelly 3 Stars
REVIEW: hhhmmm, where to start with this review. I have very mixed feelings about this book. I didn’t love this book, I didn’t hate this book, I am not sure if I like or not. I really really really wanted to like this book. I like the idea behind this book. But didn’t really connect with the characters.
I really wanted to like Arturo (our hero? I am not sure I would call him that), but is he is a rat, a snake, a really dirt bag, I could go ON and ON about his dirt bagness, but I won’t. I kept hoping through the whole book he would change, but no he was a dirt bag right up to the end.
Quinn, oh what can I say about Quinn our heroine in this book. Her loyalty to her brother is great. She can take a punch like no one’s business, but damn that girl for trusting such a self serving vampire.
There were moments in this book that made me like these two, but for the most part I struggled with them.
I am hoping that as this series goes on the books get better. A Blood Seduction was a little rough for me. And let me tell you there truly is no such thing as a good vampire in Vamp City. So if you are looking for a happily ever after story this is not for you. If you are looking for a vampire story were ALL the vamp’s are bad then you need to get a copy of A Blood Seduction.
Hadyn Heat (One) – The Urge AUTHOR: Betty Midnight PUBLICATION DATE: 02/10/12 ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS: As a man and as a wolf, Hadyn has been trying to control his urges. After catching the scent of a beautiful woman named Sarah, Hadyn finds her and loses all control of his urges. The pleasure was great, but the mistake was greater, for an evil man has been lurking for a long time, hoping to take control of the world. After kidnapping Sarah, the destructive man named Valon now can finalize his own plan: to have Hadyn mate with his daughter. He uses Sarah and her lust for Hadyn to draw him in. The urges grow worse for Hadyn and it seems nobody can stop him, not even his roommate and secret lover, another male wolf named Taylor.
The fate of Hadyn, Sarah, his pack, and the world are in the balance… but can he control his desperate sexual urges long enough to save it all? REVIEWED BY: Kimberly 3 Stars
REVIEW: If you like erotica then you will enjoy this book. I would say that almost every character in this book has sex in some form or another and sometimes more than once. The storyline is somewhat lacking until the end when it starts to pick up. The beginning half is really nothing more than sexual escapades. However that being said it is a good book. The last half begins to tell the story of why Valon wants to force Haydn to mate with his daughter and leaves you with a cliffhanger. This is the 1st in what will apparently be a 4 book series. It is only about 90 pages so it is a short read. If you do not erotica then bypass this book but if you like erotica and paranormal this will be perfect for you!
Every fairy tale has to have some basis in fact, right? That’s what Eliza thought as she made a desperate plea to the legendary Goblin King. If he could grant her wish, she’d finally be safe. He would protect her. But what would he ask in return…?
Enjoy this short free prequel and a sneak peek of The Goblin King, the first of a highly imaginative new paranormal series by Shona Husk.
Cursed by a Druid millennia ago, Roan lives a bleak existence in the Shadowlands, desperately trying to retain his soul and not succumb to the goblin horde. When a beautiful human summons him to grant a wish, he sees a glimmer of hope. But will she ever agree to be his queen?
Back Cover Synopsis:
Once upon a time…
A man was cursed to the Shadowlands, his heart replaced with a cold lump of gold. In legends he became known as The Goblin King.
For a favored few he will grant a wish. Yet, desperately clinging to his waning human soul, his one own desire remains unfulfilled: A Willing Queen.
But who would consent to move from the modern-day world into the realm of nightmares? No matter how intoxicating his touch, no matter how deep his valor, loving him is dangerous. And the one woman who might dare to try could also destroy him forever.
Kiss of the Goblin Prince
Shadowlands #2
Print Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository | Booktopia Ebook Amazon | iTunes Trapped for centuries in the bleak Shadowlands, Dai clings to his humanity with a thirst for knowledge. But now he’s free of the goblin curse, and some would say he knows too much—he can make nature bend to his will, influence the minds of others, and command magic. Yet love eludes him. Then he meets Amanda, a single mother with a sick daughter whom he feels compelled to protect. But could she possibly place her trust in the kiss of a goblin prince
A hot-tempered spitfire and a sexy, arrogant man – put them together and sparks fly!
After her first embarrassing encounter Summer Jones vows to stay away from suave record producer, Lance Munroe. But then she ends up working for the man. Her quick temper and sharp tongue keep landing her in hot water with him but no matter how hard she tries she can’t deny her growing attraction for him. Then they go on a business trip to Jamaica – and her world is turned upside down.
Lance is intrigued by the feisty woman who practically tells him off the first time they meet. When they begin working together he realizes how much he enjoys the challenge of taming the little tigress. But, before he knows it, he’s the one caught in the snare of passion. The tables are turned – the tigress has tamed the lion.
If you love the sizzle of a romance between two strong-willed individuals, follow Summer and Lance from Chicago to Jamaica and be swept away in the thrill of their hot summer.
EXCERPT
As he spoke he leaned back into the couch and peered up at her through half-closed eyes. She turned away from his gaze and quickly opened the bottles and poured bubbling liquid into both glasses.
“Here you go,” she said with a smile and handed him the drink. She sat on the edge of the sofa beside him but as far away as was polite. She put the glass to her lips and sipped the sharp cold liquid, feeling the bubbles bursting in her mouth.
She felt his eyes on her and gulped more liquid, then opened her eyes wide as it flooded her throat. Her eyes burned and she struggled to swallow but it was no use. Before she could cover her mouth she coughed violently, spraying her lap and the coffee table with soda.
Summer clapped her hands over her mouth, but too late. The damage was already done. Her eyes grew huge with distress and she looked across at Lance, hot with embarrassment.
“Are you alright?” He’d quickly rested his glass on the table and was leaning towards her, a large white handkerchief in his hand. She took it gratefully, still coughing. Then the spasms gradually subsided and she was able to look at him again. Her eyes were brimming with tears.
“Are you crying?” He looked incredulous, almost out of his depth, as he raised his hand and wiped away a tear with his thumb.
Summer dabbed at her eyes, sniffed, then looked up at him again, her lips curling into a grin. “Of course not, silly. I’m not crying. It’s the coughing that made my eyes fill up with tears.” Somehow, seeing him look so nonplussed had made her more at ease with him.
“Silly, huh?” He smiled back at her. “You’re the one who gulped down a carbonated drink too fast and ended up losing the whole lot all over yourself. So, who’s silly?”
While he was speaking Lance had rested his arm at the back of the couch right behind her head and had begun to gently stroke her nape with his thumb. Summer swallowed hard but couldn’t get the lump out of her throat.
“I guess…I am,” she said, her voice breathless.
“Yes,” he whispered as he leaned forward to press his warm lips against the side of her neck, “you are.”
Summer’s breath came in shallow gasps as she sat still, not feeling she could move even if she wanted to. She was like a bird frozen in the mesmerizing stare of a snake, knowing it was about to be eaten alive but not able to make a move to save its own life.
She moaned and closed her eyes as his lips stroked the sensitive skin then moved to the base of her throat where he licked softly and gently. She didn’t realize that she was still clutching the handkerchief tightly in her hand until she felt his strong fingers pry hers open to pull it away so that he could seduce her palm with his thumb.
“Relax, baby.” He moved his lips up her neck and to her ear. “You’re so tense. Just relax.”
As he spoke he pushed her back gently into the plush pillows and began to nibble her ear lobe. He gave a lick just behind her ear and shock waves ran down her spine.
“Oh, God,” she breathed, “what are you doing to me?”
“What someone should have done to you a long time ago, Summer Jones,” he whispered. “Teach you what it means to be a woman.”
He dipped his head and slid his lips back down her neck, over her collar bone and down to that oh, so sensitive place between the curves of her breasts. Here he paused and she held her breath, eyes shut tight, wondering if he was going to stop now. She prayed he wouldn’t.
She was not disappointed. An involuntary gasp escaped her lips as he slipped a warm tongue down her cleavage, sliding it between the orbs and teasing her soft flesh until her body screamed and she felt she would die from the sweet sensation. She grabbed the back of his head and pressed him into her, wanting more of the pleasure, more of the sweetness…
A little about Judy:
Judy Powell is a writer and marketing consultant who lives in Ontario, Canada. Her works are diverse, featuring romance novels, a historical novel and non-fiction essays which have appeared in anthologies. Her titles include ‘Hot Summer’ which placed second in the Toronto Romance Writers Contemporary Romance Competition, ‘Hot Chocolat’ – the sequel to ‘Hot Summer’, ‘Some Like It Hot’ – a sensual multicultural romance novel, and ‘Coffee, Cream and Curry’ – a literary work which received the silver medal in a national creative writing competition.
Judy is a great lover of learning which is reflected in the diversity of her studies which includes Masters degrees in Spanish, Marketing, Literature and Creative Writing and a BA in Foreign Languages & International Business. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa (US Honor Society), Romance Writers of America, Toronto Romance Writers, and Writers and Editors Network of Canada. She loves to travel and has lived in countries including Puerto Rico, the USA, France, Jamaica and Canada. She likes to feature diverse cultures in her works.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Krista Ames to the blog today.
Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself.
Sure, I’m a wife to a wonderfully supportive man and we have 4 ornery kids. I live in Michigan where I really don’t like snow in the winter. I’m still trying to figure out why I moved away from Florida lol.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
No not always, I wanted to be a Vet and a mom. I never fulfilled the Vet part but I have 4 kids so I’m happy! And I do love to write.
Q3) What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I’m not sure that I’ve really developed anything too interesting. I always have to have my notebook and a sharpened pencil and caffeine when I write but that’s about it.
Q4) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s).
My latest book is a novella called Second Chances put out by Ruby Lioness Press. Here’s the blurb:
If you could get a Second Chance…
When the love of Dana’s life leaves without a word, she is forced to move on with her life. Despite loving him, she believes she will never see him again but, little does she know, she’s being set up for a night that will change her life forever.
Nicholas, A Navy man, did the only thing he could to save the woman he loved. Driven by a secret, he disappeared and now returns, years later, with hope for love. With one opportunity, will he be able to make things right, or is it just too late? Will she deny any desire for Second Chances?
Q5) How did you come with the idea for this story?
Honestly I’m not real sure. I love to read military stories and it just made me want to write one as well so I started with a navy man, came up with a heroine for him to love and the story developed from there.
Q6) Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’m currently working on developing books #2 and #3 after Second Chances called Second Nature and Second Thoughts. I also have a couple short stories I’m working on in my spare time.
Q7) Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
I would love to meet Kate Douglas in person because she is such a great lady and very down to earth. She’s given me much advice and helpful hints in the last couple years.
Q8) What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Don’t ever give up if it’s really what you want.
Q9) Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
I have always wanted to go to Ireland.
Q10) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Oh gosh, my to be read pile is way beyond scary at this point. Unfortunately, I don’t have much time to read these days, at least already published books. There is one series that I really love and it’s Maya Banks’ Colter series. I’ve only read the first 1 ½ so I’m anxious to read those.
Q11) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Kelly thank you so much for having me on Books-n-Kisses, I had a great time answering your questions!
A little more about Krista:
Born and raised in Northern Indiana, Krista now resides in Northern Lower Michigan. (apparently she wasn’t getting enough snow in Indiana ) She is married to a very supportive man, Chip, who allows her to follow her true passion of writing and never complains when she is pirated away on her computer for hours. He even helps with proof-reading and is her “in-house” editor and her idea sounding board. She is also a mother of 4 ornery and wonderful children who keep her plenty busy. With an addition of 2 beautiful chocolate lab sisters and 2 playful cats, there is never a dull or spare moment in her household.
Krista has always loved to read and would often sit up for hours into the night not able to put down a book until she was finished. She still reads when she can but her main focus is creating her own stories to share with the world.
When the love of Dana’s life leaves without a word, she is forced to move on with her life. Despite loving him, she believes she will never see him again but, little does she know, she’s being set up for a night that will change her life forever.
Nicholas, A Navy man, did the only thing he could to save the woman he loved. Driven by a secret, he disappeared and now returns, years later, with hope for love. With one opportunity, will he be able to make things right, or is it just too late? Will she deny any desire for Second Chances?
Excerpt:
He watched her knees buckle a bit as Dana clutched at Amy’s arm, never taking her eyes off him. She said something he couldn’t make out—he never was good at reading lips. He was good at reading body language, however, and he knew in an instant what she meant to do just as she turned and made a dash for the patio door. Instinctively, he propelled himself forward, his body miraculously unfrozen. He had to go after her. He was the reason she was bailing after all. He knew from the look on her face. He passed Dave and Amy and shook his head when Dave tried to speak.
“Don’t. I’m sorry. I have to go after her.”
He closed the sliding door behind him and stood on the deck, searching the darkness. She wasn’t there. She couldn’t have gone far. She didn’t know anyone else here, and he doubted she was familiar with the area. He descended the stairs and walked out onto the yard along the water’s edge. Where’d she go? He started walking and, with relief, caught sight of a silhouette against the water toward the end of his property.
He approached her quietly. She stood, arms hugging tightly around her middle, and held her shoes in her hand while the gentle waves splashed up and over the seawall. Damn, he wanted to touch her. It’d been so long. He couldn’t deny the growing ache pushing against his heart and a sudden tightening of his groin at the sight of how well that dress fit her curves, but this definitely wasn’t the time for his libido to come to life.
He wanted to turn her, hold her in his arms, and nuzzle her beautiful neck just below her ear like she’d always loved. Would she still like it? Maybe she wouldn’t. Maybe he didn’t know her anymore, but he couldn’t stop himself. God, he wanted this woman still. He wanted her to know how very sorry he was for hurting her, and why. But she wouldn’t welcome his touch, especially now. He was certain of it. She’d likely administer a low blow, which he would totally deserve, and bolt. She was unpredictable that way. He loved that about her, too.
He was only human, however, and he couldn’t not touch her. She knew he was there—he’d seen her form go stiff at his presence. Careful not to scare her, he slowly ran his fingertips over her bare shoulders and down her arms, feeling her shiver at his touch before she took a step away. “Don’t, Nicholas,” she said in a low, shaky whisper.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have Stephanie Beck on the blog today. We are going to be talking about SMUT!!!! Yep, you heard me right… SMUT!!!!! So let’s get this interview started.
Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself
My name is Stephanie Beck. I’m a romance and erotica writer. I also happen to be a wife and mother with three kids under the age of 7. When I’m not writing or kid chasing I enjoy knitting and baking.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Nope. In my teens I wanted to be a lawyer and even fancied getting into politics. As I grew older I discovered my tolerance for BS was far too low for such fields. I have a real care-taking nature which led to me working as a nurse and home health aide. Now I’m a full time writer and I see my characters as the ones needing TLC.
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Kate Douglas, Lora Leigh, and Shelly Laurenston are three of my very favorites. I enjoy paranormal stories very much and these authors presented them in very different ways, yet when I start reading any of their stories, I simply can’t put them down. Influence wise, I think many romance authors opened doors for possibilities for up and coming writers. The standard category romance isn’t the only option anymore and that’s a marvelous thing.
Q4) How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
The series I did for Decadent Publishing was for their Edge series. The super short, super sexy erotica was a blast to write. I’ve read erotica and erotic romance for years, so writing it wasn’t a stretch. I write several different genres and heat levels. I’ve found when I try to focus too strongly on one specific genre or theme I lose my fire.
Q5) What are some of your writing rituals?
I really don’t have any! With three little kids in the house, if I maintained rituals or schedules I would never write. I’m super flexible and have no problem pounding out a scene between opening fruit snacks and switching laundry.
Q6) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
My latest books are part of the Decadent Publishing Edge Series. Smut Therapy, Smut Interrupted and Searching for Smut are three different mini-stories with different characters and situations, but each has a cowboy theme. The couples vary from husband and wife ranchers needing to spice things up to past lovers in a chance meeting at a sex addict’s class to Searching for Smut about a lady dom looking for a cowboy to ride off into the sunset…with, yeah, with.
Q7) How did you come with the idea for this story?
My editor and friend, Kate Richards and I got on the topic of boots and boot knocking and how smutty cowboy stories were super fun. When I was invited to write for the Edge, I jumped on it and let the sexy-good cowboy fun roll.
Q8) Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
At the moment I’m working on stories for my F*ck Like Bunnies series—sexy short stories featuring a cast of horny werebunnies out to find cupcakes and porn. I’m also working on a few other things, but time will tell where they go.
Q9) What would you be if you were not an author?
I’d probably do a lot of the same of what I do now, only I’d knit more and probably watch other peoples’ kids more often. One day when my kiddos are grown, I’ve always thought running a yarn shop might be fun.
Q10) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I am looking forward to summer reading when I plan to re-read the Harry Potter series and start again from book 1 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood books too.
Q11) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Smut Therapy, Smut Interrupted and Searching for Smut are all available now and perfect for a quick, sexy pick me up. Thanks so much for having me!
Stephanie Beck is a full time mom, part time writer and armature speller.
She’s been writing since she was fifteen. Her first novel, “Love on the Mats” was a graphic, heartwarming tale of a wrestler and a cutie coed which was lovingly edited by the c-squad basketball team on the long bus rides throughout the season. They were all sure it would be published and it still has a home in a folder…somewhere.
Stephanie Beck loves romance and all things romantic, heart warming and usually funny, though a more serious piece will find its way in occasionally.
In her spare time she knits and sews, walks the dog, plays with her three wonderful children and tries to get her husband to act out the naughty things she researches…oh the sacrifices she makes for her craft.
What’s a cowboy to do when the love of his life puts him on a boot-knocking schedule?
In hopes of having a baby, Jenny sets a strict sex schedule. For Aaron, the zealous plan takes the fun and freedom away from their sex life, leading to stress and irritability on both of their sides.
To make the baby they both want and survive each other’s tempers until that day, Aaron proposes a little smut therapy, but getting Jenny to agree will require more than words.
Excerpt:
“Are you going to just stand there, you, you, stinking cowboy?” Jenny grabbed aplastic cup from the coffee table and threw it at him, hitting him in the chest. “I was going to go clean the barn, but if you’re not going to help me with my boots then I guess we’re both going to be losers.”
Her breasts heaved with every breath. She wore his favorite tight pink tank top. Just like her snug jeans, it hugged all the right places. She bitched about being built like a boy, but Aaron sure as hell didn’t see the similarities. Maybe she was a little short, but her ass curved, breasts beckoned, and even spouting flames, he wanted her.
Concentrated sexy change was about to arrive at the A & J Ranch. He needed it. She needed it. Patience and understanding hadn’t cut through Jenny’s welling emotions in the past. Wrapped up with negative thoughts, she wasn’t going to be the one to break them out of their funk. And Aaron couldn’t stand being at odds with his wife any longer.
He pushed away from the counter and strolled toward her, taking his time with each step because he knew the lazy swagger drove her crazy. He was the “stinking cowboy” in their relationship, the same as he’d been the day they’d married, nearly five years earlier. Jenny seemed to have forgotten he also knew how to rope her up and make her scream.
As if his calm, quiet approach made her think, she dropped the pillow she held and refused to meet his gaze. Next, she’d cry and let out all her feelings in an avalanche of self-doubt. Even though he loved her and wanted openness, neither of them needed another trip down Emotional Lane.
Aaron nudged her chin up until she looked at him, tears sparkling in her eyes.
“I found your boots outside on the deck after I watered the grass. They’re ruined and I’m glad. They were ugly.”
Fire sparked in her azure gaze, tears gone. “What? You destroyed them?”
“Total loss.”
She shoved his chest. “Jeez, Aaron. You are such a jerk sometimes. Why didn’t you check first? You know where I leave my boots. I swear you do stuff like this just to make me insane.”
He snagged her elbows when she moved to push him again. He didn’t mind her physical nature, but it was time to channel the anger somewhere productive. She glared at him, but he grinned.
“You want me to make you crazy, Jenny? I can do that.”
Anna and Andy are taking a sex addict class against their wills. Seeing each other after years apart opens up all kinds of sexy fun doors. Attending the class is mandatory, but making the most of their breaks is a perk neither expected.
Donna is on the hunt for a cowboy to ride into the sunset. So far, she’s had fun, but nothing special enough to settle down with just one man. Cal’s plan is about to be set into action. After months of watching Donna go through cowboys, he’s done his homework and is ready to offer her everything she wants. When Donna’s real desires come to life, Cal will have to think on his feet if he wants to satisfy her.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have W.Lynn Chantale to the blog today to chat about her newest book Decadent Seconds.
1.Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Let’s see, you already know I’m a writer. 🙂 I was recently excused from jury duty and have some mixed feelings about that. Other than that I live in a small rural community, married my high school sweetheart, and we have three children. I write African-American and Interracial sensual and erotic romance. I love milk chocolate, especially Dove’s chocolate truffles or the caramel-filled one, and I have a shoe addiction.
2.Have you always wanted to be an author?
I’d have to say for the most part, yes.
1.Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Let’s see, you already know I’m a writer. 🙂 I was recently excused from jury duty and have some mixed feelings about that. Other than that I live in a small rural community, married my high school sweetheart, and we have three children. I write African-American and Interracial sensual and erotic romance. I love milk chocolate, especially Dove’s chocolate truffles or the caramel-filled one, and I have a shoe addiction.
3.What is your most interesting writing quirk?
Writing quirk, M & M’s and Coca-Cola, or music while I write and my Muse detests Earth, Wind and Fire, for some reason. Luther Vandross is acceptable and sometimes I can listen to the same song all day. I figure whatever strokes the creativity.
4.Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
While I’m touring Decadent Seconds, Single mom and caterer, Darling yearns for a marriage proposal of her own, from her child’s father. When she doesn’t get one she leaves, despite still being in love with Darryl.
Darryl Manning always believed Darling would be his forever. After all he didn’t need a piece of paper to show her how much he loved her, but when she leaves him to pursue her dream of owning a catering company and raising his son, he may have to rethink his views on marriage. That is if he wants a second chance at family.
The Pick-Up Wife is available from All Romance Ebooks.
5.How did you come with the idea for this story?
For Darling and Darryl’s story, I always wanted to do some sort of clash of wills. He wants a homemaker of bygone eras and she wants to be the modern woman who has it all.
For The Pick-Up Wife, I’ve always wanted a secret baby story.
6.Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
My current works in progress include an erotic romantic suspense, an erotic romance, two inspirationals and I have an idea for a western historical. I think that’s enough to keep me busy.
7.Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
Thanks to RT I met a lot of authors I’d friended or followed on Facebook and Twitter.
8.What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Find a writer’s group or a good critique partner and then keep writing.
9.Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
I don’t have one. I try to live each day as if it’s my last and take opportunities to learn or do something as they arise.
10.What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I have so many books in my TBR pile, but I can’t wait to read The Breaker’s Concubine by Ann Mayburn.
11.Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you so much for having me here. I recently finished jury duty and have been playing catch up. Thanks again for interviewing me.
Want to learn more about W. Lynn? Check her our here:
Can you please share with us a little about yourself?
I’m a sci fi geek who escapes the crazy of raising five kids by immersing myself in fictional worlds.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
No, but since I never got an acceptance letter into Starfleet Academy, writing is the next best thing.
Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Oh lord, I grew up reading McCaffrey and Adams and I wanted to write because of them. These days I love Gini Koch’s Alien books and Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druidseries.
How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
Like I say – I’m a sci fi geek. I love science fiction, but it’s the characters and how they deal with the wonders and worries of exploring that “final frontier” that captures my imagination more than the technology.
Since I started writing, I’ve expanded into Steampunk, Paranormal and Urban Fantasy. Anything outside of the norm, really.
What are some of your writing rituals?
I tend to fire up the laptop as soon as the kids have gone to school. As both the laptop and I take a little while to wake up, I’ll check emails and writing forums before I do anything else. I admit to spending far more time on Twitter than is healthy.
Can you please tell us about your latest book?
Paradigm Shift is about observatory tour guide Megan Shaw who (like me) has stars in her eyes. But her science fiction becomes reality when she runs into Raul, a visitor from another world. However, Raul is on the run from his alien overlords and soon Megan finds herself fighting against a foothold situation.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
To be honest I was inspired by Gini Koch. We had a conversation on Twitter about her aliens wearing Armani and I jokingly mentioned how jeans were much more practical. The idea stuck and a couple of months later I had a novella.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I have a Paranormal Romance coming out in July called Eleanor’s Heart. I’m currently writing a follow up, with two further books planned. I also have a bazillion other WIPs in a variety of genres. I am the Queen of the Unfinished Project.
What would you be if you were not an author?
I have NO idea. Writing literally keeps me sane (though how well it does that is subjective, I suppose). Something else creative, perhaps. Or I’d have run off with Ba’al.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I have Pang’s A Sliver of Shadow, Hearne’s Tricked and Koch’s Alien Diplomacy amongst [far too many] others. I need more time. Or a clone…
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Readers can keep up to date with my latest news by following me on Twitter (@MisaBuckley), my blog (misa-buckley.blogspot.com) or my website (www.misabuckley.com)
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have the very sweet Heather Long on the blog today to talk about her newest release Once Her Man, Always Her Man.
Heather Long lives in Texas with her family and their menagerie of animals. As a child, Heather skipped picture books and enjoyed the Harlequin romance novels by Penny Jordan and Nora Roberts that her grandmother read to her. Heather believes that laughter is as important to life as breathing and that the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus are very real. In the meanwhile, she is hard at work on her next novel.
Can you please share with us a little about yourself
My daughter teases me that I have straydar. I love animals and we just adopted two puppies from the Humane Society, rescues from a backyard puppy mill. They are sweet little terrors and they have totally disrupted the schedule in our house, but it’s a great disruption because they brought a lot of laughter and fun with them too!
Have you always wanted to be an author?
I’ve been writing since I could remember. After my daughter was born, eleven years ago, I suddenly had some hours to fill and I wrote to keep myself company as much as to get the stories out. I write, because I can’t not write. I decided in the fourth grade that I wanted to be an author when I grew up and it’s a lot of fun to be doing that now.
Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Patricia Briggs is definitely my favorite writer. She packs so much story into every book she writes. Nalini Singh,
How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
I write in multiple genres from romantic suspense to paranormal western romance to urban fantasy, but I’ve never had the opportunity to write a military hero. I have nothing but admiration for the men and women who serve our country. When a friend suggested that I write for this line, the story that immediately came to mind was the reunion of first loves and one was a Marine. Each story then led me to the next and it was an amazing journey.
What are some of your writing rituals?
I get up early, usually between 4 and 5 every morning. I let me dogs out, make coffee, feed my cats and do any quick chores before retreating with my laptop to the garage where I am away from all distractions and I dive into writing for the next two to three hours. It’s the most perfect time of day.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
OnceHer Man, Always Her Man is the story of Luke and Rebecca, the high school sweethearts broke up when Luke left to join the Marines and dumped Rebecca. He did it in part to protect her from waiting for him. For ten years, their lives continued, but neither ever got over the other until the night they are reunited by Madame Eve at a nightclub in Dallas. The story tugged my heartstrings and made me laugh all at the same time. It’s one of those reunion stories that I always enjoyed reading when I was younger.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
I wanted to tell the story of a Marine who gave ‘everything’ at eighteen to serve his country after losing his mother and his sister during 9/11. But I wanted to take it a step further to confront who these men and women are now and what challenges they face at home and abroad.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’m working on my third Forbidden Legacy novel featuring the magical triad of Fae Helcyon, Wizard Jacob and the woman they both love Cassandra Belle.
What would you be if you were not an author?
A teacher. I think I’d be teaching history or writing or English.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Currently, Michele Bardsley’s Now or Never and the rest of Melissa Schroeder’s Harmless series — I think I have just two left to be caught up.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
My Always a Marine series is very close to my heart, every single one of the Marines in these 1Night Stand’s represented the qualities of honor, duty, fidelity, courage and loyalty…I am extremely proud of them.
Want to learn more about Heather? You can find her here:
Fulfilling a favor and executing a business plan, Luke Dexter arrived at Dallas’ Sybarite Club for a one-night stand. He never imagined that in the darkened club with bluesy strains of jazz playing he’d come face to face with the woman he left behind a decade earlier.
Rebecca Rainier fell in love with Luke Dexter in high school and was crushed when he dumped her to join the Marines after 9/11. Now, waiting for a date her best friend and business partner set up, she’s unprepared when Luke walks in.
Can Luke and Rebecca bridge the pain of a decade long abandonment in one cold Texas night?
Excerpt:
Luke Dexter handed his keys over to the red corseted valet driver, gaze skimming the generous globes peeking up from the open buttons of her white shirt. The Sybarite Club offered the Dallas area generous access to every pleasure. He slipped a card out of his leather wallet and displayed it to the doorman. The doorman, a tall, lanky figure dressed in topcoat and tails exuded a sense of elegance that the club’s exclusive clientele enjoyed.
The doorman examined the card, scanned it with a small device in his palm. Luke admired the cageyness of the action. The pen scanner would be out of place with the old world atmosphere encouraged by the man’s uniform. “Good evening, Mr. Dexter. Welcome to the Sybarite Club.”
Accepting his card back, he passed through the opening doublewide doors. The gothic style doors were dark cherry, aged like a fine wine and a decorated with wood cut carvings of a man and woman engaged in cunnilingus and fellatio. The joining was subtle, the each left crying out in pleasure when the door opened, only to be joined again when the doors closed.
Amused by the door carving, he smiled as he plunged into the velvet darkness of the club’s jazz infused atmosphere. Every night featured a different style of music, but Fridays were reserved for jazz. Old world, cool smooth jazz with smoky voices, haunting guitars and lonely horns played to the soul. The doors barely closed behind him when his phone buzzed inside his breast pocket.
How did the woman know these things?
Pulling it out, he thumbed it on, a new message from Madame Evangeline of the 1Night Stand exclusive online dating service populating the screen. She’s dressed in green silk and sitting at the bar. Life doesn’t always offer a second chance…
Clicking the screen off, Luke walked down the four red-carpeted steps into the lounge proper. He’d only agreed to the dating service only to support the men in his unit putting themselves out there. The last thing he’d expected was the invitation to the Sybarite Club. His gaze roamed the room the room, coming to a halt as they fastened on a pair of to die for tan legs at the bar. The sweet length of them, one crossed over the other ended in black heels with crystals glittering around dainty feet.
A green skirt skimmed her knees. While he appreciated the legs, he studied the line of her back, curious about the rest of her. His gaze slid higher to the pile of unruly auburn hair fighting to escape a pair of matching crystal hair combs.
As though sensing his appraisal, the green cloaked mystery woman turned on the bar stool and his heart tripped.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased as punch to let our pal Joan Swan take over the blog to talk about her debut book FEVER the was released back in February 2012… If you have not read this book it is totally AMAZING!!!! Okay so enough with my mumbling here is Joan……OH WAIT!!! I know Joan is going to tell you this, but FEVER is only $3.99 right now over on
Amazon.
I find choosing a new book to read terribly difficult. There is always so much to consider: author, genre, style, mood (yours and the book’s), price, format… And so many limitations: Money, time, interest… It’s even more difficult for me to take a chance on an author whom I’ve never read before.
So, as both a debut author and an author published in trade format, I am thrilled that FEVER, my first novel, was picked up by Amazon’s Top 100 program this month. That means FEVER is sale priced at $3.99 for the month of May! Now you can try a new-to-you author (me) at very low risk! And just to reduce the risk further, I’ve added a snipit from FEVER below. If you’re interested to know what others think of FEVER, there are many in-depth reviews on Amazon to browse and the entire first chapter on my website.
For those of you who have read and enjoyed FEVER, I’d really appreciate it if you spread the word! And I’m happy to reward you for your efforts with a chance to win 1 of 3 Amazon Gift Cards! $25, $15 and $10!
Everyone can enter! All you have to do is follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter below.
Teague set her down on the sofa in front of the fire. “Don’t move.”
He disappeared down the hall and Alyssa sat watching the fire in the hearth, wishing she could jump into it. As her body temperature rose, she shivered uncontrollably.
Teague returned with a space heater in one hand and a stack of towels in the other. After plugging in the heater and pointing it directly at Alyssa, he dropped to his knees in front of her. He pulled off her shoes and socks then tugged the jacket off her shoulders and threw it aside. Curled his fingers into the sleeves of her shirt at her wrist and pulled one arm out, then the other.
Alyssa gurgled a protest. Her arms were as stiff as tree limbs, her teeth clenched as if the hinges of her jaw were rusted shut. With one pull, her shirt came off over her head and joined the jacket on the floor.
He picked up a towel, threw it over her head and started scrubbing. Icy droplets from her hair needled her back like little knives. “S-s-s-so c-cold.”
She barely got the murmur from her mouth. Nothing was working right—not her limbs, her voice, and most definitely not her mind.
“I know. Give me a minute.” Teague slid the towel off her head, made one swipe of her back and tossed it away. “Lay down.”
She cast a sidelong look at the sofa, wanting more than anything to obey. “I c-c-can’t move.”
Teague lifted her legs and eased her back. Alyssa rolled onto her side and closed her eyes, soaking in the feel of the lush, warm corduroy fabric. Then his hands were on her again, pulling at her sweats. Before she could push his hands away, her pants were off.
“Everything has to go,” he said. “You’re soaked.”
With a simple flick of his fingers, the knot she’d tied in her pathetic excuse of a bra opened. Alyssa pulled in a surprised breath as he yanked it off. Then his hands were at her hips. A second later, her panties were gone. She found herself caught between shock and embarrassment before something soft layered over her, cocooning her in warmth. A breath of relief slipped through clenched teeth. Teague stood in front of her, bare-chested, his hands unbuttoning his jeans.
Excitement spiked in her chest, turned to heat and melted into her pelvis. “W-what are you d-d-d-doing?”
“Getting you warm as fast as possible.” He toed out of his boots and dropped his jeans.
Alyssa was too exhausted, and honestly, too interested, to look away. He was so beautiful, like a work of art she could study for endless hours. The tattoos were shadows of her imagination now, his body perfectly pristine and tan as if he spent a lot of time outdoors.
“W-w-warm w-w-water,” she said. Preferably with him in it, too.
“The water heater is ancient.” In an abrupt move, he lifted the blanket and lay on the sofa alongside her. “No warm water until tomorrow morning at the earliest.”
He pressed his body full length against hers, worked his arms around her back, laid his top leg over hers and ratcheted his body close. Alyssa sucked in a breath at the feel of him, so supremely warm, all hard muscle and soft skin.
Oh, man. Okay. This worked, too. Maybe even better.
“Jesus Christ,” he growled. “You’re a fucking ice cube.”
“S-s-stop—“
“Swearing,” he finished for her, “I know, I know.”
His hands were everywhere, sliding, rubbing. And every part of her that he touched warmed instantly, the feeling so primitive, so perfect. Alyssa pried her arms away from her chest and slid them around his back, pulling him until the flat plane of his chest pressed to hers. His warmth instantly seeped into her skin. This is just what she’d wanted a few hours ago. Now she was too damned frozen to take advantage.
“Oh, my, G-god,” she murmured against his chest. “You feel so g-good.”
She shifted closer, a leech searching for heat, and she found it when his hips aligned with hers. His erection pressed along her thigh, pumping heat through his cotton briefs and directly into Alyssa’s skin. A mixture of excitement and nervousness tangled in her throat. His arms tightened around her on an irritated groan, and he tried to shift his hips away. But with the edge of the sofa at his back, he didn’t get far.
“Stop wiggling for God’s sake. You’re going to push me off the couch.” With a kick of the blankets, he tightened the fabric around their feet then rubbed the arch of his foot over her instep and toes. And somehow managed to put space between her hips and his. “Your hands and feet are the parts I’m worried about.”
Those should be the least of his worries. He should be concerned with the craving deep in her chest, the one that made her mouth want to taste and her hands to touch. Between the moment he’d dragged her into the house and now, one vital fact she’d suspected had been confirmed: he had no plans to hurt her. She’d given him the perfect opportunity to get rid of her quickly, quietly, permanently, and without any involvement. All he’d had to do was leave her out there. Yet he’d saved her, not only from the wolves and from the elements, but ultimately, from herself.
She pried one hand from his grasp, slid it up his chest and around the back of his neck. With her face pressed between his thick pectoral muscles, Alyssa rubbed her cheek against the warmth and strength. Dragged in the scent of hotel soap lingering from his shower that morning and the his purely male and unique scent.
She hummed in pleasure. “How can you c-create so much h-heat?”
“We’ve been over this, remember?” His voice sounded thick and rough. “You know, my father, Hades, god of the fires of hell and all that?”
She would have at least snickered at that quip, only her face would crack. She wedged her other arm underneath him, trying to align every inch of her skin with his. He may not have had much room, but he managed to scoot away again.
Frustrated with both the lingering chill and his resistance, she pulled on his shoulder to roll him into her. “Hold m-me.”
“I am,” he snapped.
“Closer. I’m s-so cold.”
“Honey.” His voice dropped to a raspy growl. He slid a thigh between hers, wrapped his arm around her back and pressed their bodies together. “We can’t get a whole lot closer.”
She’d like to prove him wrong. Dammit. Only he was still resisting. And she just didn’t get it. She may not be a Swedish goddess like Hannah, but she wasn’t the Hunchback of Notre Dame, either.
She tightened her arms around him, soaking in his heat, revealing in the feel of him while the fire inside her kicked up a notch. He smelled good, he felt good, he looked good. He was the only good thing in the moment. She couldn’t look ahead, couldn’t look back, or everything fell apart. All she could do was live right now.
He wanted her, too. There had been hunger and passion of their kiss earlier in the day. There had been ownership and control in the way he touched and maneuvered her body in his arms. There had been demand and need in that thick, heavy shaft pressed against her pelvis.
Her thoughts raised her body temperature. Closing that last bit of distance between them gained more appeal by the moment.
There was no time left for second guessing herself. She knew what she wanted and she was going to reach for it.
Alyssa let her hand drift down Teague’s ribs, her fingers playing along each indentation as she kissed his chest.
He groaned, a wanton, pained, frustrated sound. His hips rocked and pressed into hers. His erection was thick and hard and so damn hot. Now this was more like it. Alyssa absorbed the deep zing of pleasure pulsing through her pelvis.
His fingers curved around her upper arm and pushed her back. His eyes skimmed her face and paused on her mouth.
Yes. Kiss me.
“What happened to that line in the sand?” he asked.
Damn you.
“What line?” She added pressure to the back of his head to bring him closer, craving the feel of his mouth.
His hand fisted in her hair. Yes. Yes. Yes. Her mouth parted in anticipation of the pressure of his lips, the swirl of his tongue.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Cate Masters to the blog today. To talk about her new release Dead to Rights.
Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself?
Happy to! I’m a Jersey girl living in gorgeous central Pennsylvania, married to my best friend Gary for most of my life. He’s the inspiration for many of my heroes. 🙂 We have three grown kids, and now three grandboys who keep me on my toes. Our home used to hold more animal species than a small zoo, but now it’s just Lily, our cattle dog/terrier and Chairman Maiow, our dictator-like cat.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
There was never any aha! moment, I’ve just always written since about age 11. I think it must be in my genes. Before I was born, my mom won an honorable mention in a writing contest, and my dad always wrote for himself. My sister’s a wonderful writer, but she concentrates on genealogy. I prefer to unleash my wild imagination and let it roam whereever it will.
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers?
Who do you feel has influenced your writing? Wow, too many to name, really. Honestly, I have two floor-to-wall bookcases, another small bookcase in the bedroom, and now my Kindle’s packed with a few hundred stories I need to read by authors in many genres. I will say that as a teen, I fell in love with Tolkien’s world, and loved Arthurian stories, scifi and fantasy.
Q4) How did you get into writing in this specific genre?
Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre? Labels always put me off. I’m a bit of a rebel that way, I guess. I don’t think about genre when I write, I just let the story unfold. My stories range from sweet to erotic, historical to contemporary, fantasy and paranormal to mainstream.
Q5) What are some of your writing rituals?
I wish I could say I had some! I grab writing time on the run these days, mostly on weekends.
Q6) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Dead to Rights is a dark paranormal/urban fantasy. The plot’s somewhat complex to explain, because the heroine goes through several transformations. This particular story is not a romance, although it has some romantic tension along the lines of the TV show Bones. I’d love for you to check out the blurb, an excerpt, view the book video, Casting Call (who I imagined in these roles as I wrote) and more at: http://catemasters.blogspot.com/2009/06/dead-to-rights-contemporary-paranormal.html
Q7) How did you come with the idea for this story?
It began with the Eternal Transit Station of the Soul, a waystation for souls to pass through after death, which led to a villain who switched souls with an unsuspecting victim, who’s left with no memory after awakening in a mental facility. With few clues to follow she then has to figure out how to get back her life, and her body. With a little help from a warrior angel. 🙂
Q8) Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I have two more novels in mind for The Goddess Connection series, to follow Dancing With the Devil and The Magic of Lavender. I have another dozen or so WIPs waiting for me. At this writing, another dark paranormal, Death Is A Bitch is in edits with Decadent, so that should be released soon, if it hasn’t been already.
Q9) What would you be if you were not an author?
Maybe a journalist, or a photographer. I would have to tell stories of some kind, if not through fiction.
Q10) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Did I mention my Kindle’s bulging with a few hundred stories? *grins* I seriously have dozens I can’t wait to read. All I need is a clone. A few, actually.
Q11) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks so much for having me at Books-n-Kisses today. It’s been a real pleasure.
Want to learn more about Cate? You can find her here:
Cate Masters loves stories with a dash of magic, mayhem and romance! Multipublished in contemporary to historical, sweet to erotic, fantasy/dark fantasy to speculative, she sometimes mashes genres. Reviewers have described her stories as “so compelling, I did not want to put it down,” and “such romantic tales that really touch your soul.”
When not spending time with her family, she can be found in her lair, concocting a magical brew of contemporary, historical, and fantasy/paranormal stories with her cat Chairman Maiow and dog Lily as company. Look for her at http://catemasters.blogspot.com and in strange nooks and far-flung corners of the web.
Cate loves to hear from readers! Friend her on Facebook or Goodreads, or email her at: cate.masters AT gmail.com
Identity theft sucks. But it’s worse when someone steals your life—body included. All memory of her life before waking up in a mental facility has vanished. Or was erased. Now she has to figure out how to get it all back….
Her only hope of learning the truth lies with one man. Problem is, he’s the leader of a cult. Her only choice is to follow him into his sordid world, where a darker evil lurks.
With a little help from an archangel hellbent on revenge, she may have a chance to learn the truth. But will it force her to make the hardest decision of her life…or death?
