Sick of wrongful-death lawsuits every time a full moon comes around?
Call the Underworld Detection Agency.
As a human immune to magic, Sophie Lawson can help everyone from banshee to zombie transition into normal, everyday San Francisco life. With a handsome werewolf as her UDA boss and a fashionista vampire for a roommate, Sophie knows everything there is to know about the undead, the unseen, and the uncanny. . .
Until a rash of gruesome murders has demons and mortals running for cover, and Sophie finds herself playing sidekick to detective Parker Hayes. Dodging raging bloodsuckers, bad-tempered fairies, and love-struck trolls is one thing. But when Sophie discovers Parker isn’t what he seems, she’s got only one chance to figure out whom to trust. Because an evil hiding in plain sight is closing in. . .and about to make one wisecracking human its means to ultimate power. . .
Sophie Lawson is a human immune to magic, which comes in handy for helping paranormal beings transition into everyday life. But fallen angel Alex Grace and his search for the Vessel of Souls is one curse she never saw coming. Suddenly an unexplainable string of killings and destruction has even San Francisco’s demons fearing for their immortal lives. And Sophie isn’t about to trust Alex’s all-too-vulnerable charm or his secret agenda. Now their hunt is revealing dangerous secrets about Sophie’s past, and malevolent power hellishly close to turning one irreverent human into the ultimate supernatural weapon.
She’s the new head of the Underworld Detection Agency’s strangest division. What a nightmare…
Being a human immune to magic helped Sophie Lawson get promoted. It’s also made her a major, very reluctant player in a game that stretches beyond even the Underworld. Having handsome buttoned-down Englishman Will as her new guardian is one tempting blessing, especially since sexy fallen angel Alex is mysteriously MIA lately. But as a frightening number of demons start disappearing around the city, Sophie suspects that an Armageddon-level prophecy is about to become everyone’s nightmare. And her investigation is testing her bravery — and Will’s unexpected vulnerability — in ways neither could predict. Now Sophie and Will are fast running out of time as an unstoppable evil prepares to lay waste to demons and humans alike…
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Gabi Stevens to the blog today to chat about her upcoming book Wishful Thinking.
Q1) Gabi, can you please share with us a little about yourself
Hmmm, how to make this interesting? After growing up in Southern California, attending boarding school in Colorado, college in New York, California, Germany, and Illinois, I live in New Mexico with my husband of mumbelty-some years. I have three incredible daughters, two dogs (boy, will my kids love being in the same sentence with the dogs), and dreams bigger than my house can contain. I love language and languages—I’m fluent in three and know Latin—and spent seven years teaching middle schoolers the joys of literature. I play all kinds of games from computer to board to volleyball, love to read, hate to cook (although I’m the default chef in the family), and, of course, I write books.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
No. When I was a kid I thought I wanted to be an actress, but my temperament wasn’t suited to that life. I studied literature instead, and when I had my children, I realized I needed to do something for myself to keep my brain from liquefying. I grabbed a pen (yes, a pen) and a notebook and wrote down one of those many stories whirling around in my head. And I realized I’d found what I was meant to do.
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
It’s long list, but I won’t bore you with the entire thing: Mark Twain, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Agatha Christie—seriously, each of these authors inspire me to do better; they were so brilliant in so many ways. In the romance genre: Teresa Medeiros, Eloisa James, Jill Barnett, Jennifer Crusie, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Lori Wilde and Jodi Thomas. Other writers: Christopher Moore, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Malcolm Gladwell.
Q4) How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
I’ve read romance since I was sixteen. My mother handed me my first romance novels. She didn’t (and still doesn’t) like them and wondered if I might be interested. Well, they became my go-to reads. And I’ve always loved paranormal stories. From the time I was a kid and read the Oz books, I’ve loved stories with magic and the supernatural. I became a big science fiction fan in high school, and when Harry Potter came out, well, I read them before my kids. But I have written in a different genre. My first published novels were historicals (under a different name—I’m hoping to get the rights back and re-release them electronically. I have one out now under the name Gabi Anderson.) However, paranormals are truly my first love.
Q5) What are some of your writing rituals?
I don’t think I have many. I love to chew gum furiously and loudly (which is why I work in a room alone) when the juices are flowing (uh, sorry about the choice of the word “juices”), I sometimes listen to music, sometimes I write on paper instead of the computer. Mostly what I do is pay attention to the movie in my head and write down what I see and hear. Can you tell I don’t do much plotting? Makes for a messy rough draft, but I love revision, so that’s good for me.
Q6) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
WISHFUL THINKING is the third book in my trilogy about fairy godmothers, but they’re not the ones you remember from Disney. Their role is more one of protection, although they do also grant wishes. In Wishful Thinking, free-spirit Stormy Jones-Smythe lives in a loving community of artists, but when she is chosen as the third fairy godmother, the Arcani world forces its boundaries and expectations on her. The first two godmothers have gone rogue, and the Council assigns her a full time guard to prevent her from doing the same. Luckily even a rigid and strict bodyguard can’t contain her exuberance.
Hunter Merrick doesn’t appreciate the babysitting job he’s been given, especially when Stormy proves as chaotic as her name implies. But a threat forces Hunter to choose which side deserves his loyalty and both choices have dire consequences.
And if Stormy can defeat the greatest enemy the Arcani have seen since the time of Merlin, maybe she can rescue a bit of happiness for herself too. If she survives.
Q7) How did you come with the idea for this story?
I have always loved the Grimm fairy tales. I even studied them in college. So when the time came for me to write a paranormal novel, I wanted something new and different. Fairy godmothers were just the right subject. The number three is one of the magic numbers in the fairy tales (as are seven and twelve), so I knew I wanted three stories about three women. And one of my favorite themes is doing the right thing no matter the cost. And there you have my plot. Okay, it wasn’t quite that easy, and I didn’t write to the theme, I just told the story, but that’s the major theme that came out of the story.
Q8) Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Right now my agent is pitching a series about a town filled with people who have special abilities, and currently I’m working on a historical paranormal, combining my two favorite genres of romance. And lately, in the back of my mind I have two very different stories brewing. I’m waiting for them to ripen before I write them.
Q9) What would you be if you were not an author?
Definitely a teacher. I taught for seven years and left the profession a year ago. I loved dealing with the kids, showing them how to think, write, and yes, read (they all thought they knew how—silly children). I did love it, but I was a writer first. And I’ll spare you my rant about the education system in general.
Q10) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I don’t have much of a TBR pile because I read too fast, but I’m looking forward to the book following A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore, and Jill Barnett’s return to historicals (I believe this fall).
Q11) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Real life is so serious. We all have issues or problems or obstacles that we have to face (And lets not even talk about the political atmosphere in this election year). I hope my books provide an escape from all that. I want my books to bring laughter, a few tears maybe, and cheers at the end. I can think of no nobler goal than bringing joy to people.
Thank you so much for having me here at Books-n-Kisses. Now I have a question for you readers:
What was the last book that made you sigh with complete satisfaction at the end? (Hey, I’m always looking for new things to read myself) Please leave the title in your comments, and one responder (and yes, I’m willing to ship international) will win a copy of The Wish List or As You Wish, winner’s choice.
Books-n-Kisses is please to have Jacquie Johnson on the blog today. We are looking forward to getting to know Jacquie better and learning about her news release Angel on Fire.
Can you please share with us a little about yourself
My name is Jacquie Johnson and I am a jack of all trades. By day, I am a wife, mother, teacher to my homeschooled twins, cook, chauffeur and caregiver for my three elderly grandparents. But at night, when the house is quiet, I turn into a writer. I write mostly romantic suspense and young adult but am not willing to pigeon hole myself yet. Who knows what the muse might drum up?
I graduated from Harvard and Indiana University School of Law. I have lived on both coasts and currently reside in Northwest Indiana.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
My first foray into writing occurred when I was in elementary school and I entered the local short story writing contest. Although I didn’t win, the judges commented on my active imagination. While the other kids wrote about sports and playing at the park, my story involved a female orphan living in Victorian England who was run over by a carriage. Obviously, I was heavily influenced by what I was reading myself, (Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights). I stopped writing fiction after high school, setting what I thought were childhood dreams aside to focus on college, law school and a legal career. Needless to say, I continued to draft essays, research papers and eventually legal briefs. My aspiration to write a novel returned a few years after I stopped practicing law to homeschool my daughters. I missed writing and realized that this was my chance to let my imagination run free and write what I wanted.
What is your most interesting writing quirk?
Sorry, I can’t share just one.
First, I research – a lot. Yesterday when I checked seventeen books on viruses, bioterrorism and cults, the librarian looked a little nervous. On the other hand, when I entered my first gun shop to learn more about guns for Angel on Fire, I was the nervous one.
Second, I always write the beginning of my novel and then the ending before tackling the middle. I know. It sounds weird but once I can see the ending I’m afraid I will lose it if I don’t write it down right away.
Finally, my creativity goes into overdrive just before I go to sleep. For some reason, 20 more minutes frequently turns into an hour or more.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Angel on Fire is the story of Angela McKenzie, an FBI analyst, seeking to understand her father’s unexpected death. I’ve included the blurb, which describes the story better than any restatement.
All Angela wants is to understand why her father, security specialist Mac McKenzie, dropped dead on a sidewalk in Boston. Instead, she is thrust into the midst of an international conspiracy when she discovers that her father was working on a classified project for the government at the time of his death. Now, the FBI, a terrorist and a killer have her in their sights.
Former Navy SEAL turned undercover operative, Chase Romero thinks his boss is overreacting when he orders Chase to small town America to protect Angela. But he changes his mind when her home is burglarized and “accidents” begin to happen. The real question becomes, how can he keep her safe if he keeps tripping over his own heart?
After shooting an intruder, Angela flees the scene, and the FBI issues a warrant for her arrest. On the run for her life and her freedom, she places her trust in Chase. As they travel from small town New England, to the nation’s capital, to the shores of Lake Michigan, the trail – and their attraction – grows hotter. Together, they team up to prevent a global financial market meltdown and face a killer who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the project Mac protected with his life.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
I take a lot of my ideas from current events. The software in Angel on Fire is the product of a what-if game my mind played after the flash crash of the stock market in 2010. I also had an idea for a character similar someone I know. She’s very book smart but highly emotional and lacks real world experience in many ways. So I put the two together and came up with the plot for Angel on Fire.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Which one? I have about six novels at various stages. My next release will most likely be Dilemma, another romantic suspense. It’s the story of Alexis Winters, a fresh from law school litigator, who has just started a new career and life in Chicago. As she learns that practicing law is about more than trust and justice, the young labor and employment litigator struggles to balance her ethical obligations to her client with her own values. When childhood friend turned investigative journalist Ryder Prescott insists that her client is involved in wrongdoing and that he needs her help to prove it, Alexis is trapped between a desire to help her childhood love, do the right thing and protect her career. Alexis walks a fine line to find out how far is too far and when rules are meant to be broken while she and Ryder grow closer in spite of the history between them.
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
I can only pick one? That’s so unfair. I’d have to say William Shakespeare first because his works are still so applicable today. My second choice is Tom Clancy. I love his books, especially his Jack Ryan novels.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
The best way to learn how to write is to actually put pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard and write. Then ask for feedback. It also helps to read. Read fiction. Read non-fiction. Read books on writing. Just read.
Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
I want to attend a summer Olympics in a foreign country. I want a chance to see the best in the world do what they do best. Gymnastics, swimming, and basketball are high on the event list.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m waiting to read Victims by Jonathan Kellerman’s and Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb until I finish the first draft of Sean and Emily’s story, the next in the Angel Investigations series. They’re my incentive to work faster.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you so much for having me here. It’s been a pleasure sharing my book and a little bit about myself with you.
All Angela wants is to understand why her father, security specialist Mac McKenzie, dropped dead on a sidewalk in Boston. Instead, she is thrust into the midst of an international conspiracy when she discovers that her father was working on a classified project at the time of his death. Now, the FBI, a terrorist and a killer have her in their sights.
Former Navy SEAL turned undercover operative, Chase Romero thinks his boss is overreacting when he orders Chase to small town America to protect Angela. But he changes his mind when her home is burglarized and “accidents” begin to happen. The real question becomes, how can he keep her safe if he keeps tripping over his own heart?
After shooting an intruder, Angela flees the scene, and the FBI issues a warrant for her arrest. On the run for her life and her freedom, she places her trust in Chase. As they travel from New England, to the nation’s capital, to the shores of Lake Michigan, the trail – and their attraction – grow hotter. Together, they team up to prevent a global financial market meltdown and face a killer who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the project Mac protected with his life.
Want a chance to win a e-copy of Angel on Fire? Please fill out the Rafflecopter below. Please note this giveaway is a quick one. You only have until Sunday to enter….. Good Luck!!
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Lisa Sanchez to the blog today to chat about her newest release Cursing Athena.
1.Can you please share with us a little about yourself-
Lisa: You bet! I’m a stay-at-home mom to three daughters, all of whom participate in All Star Cheerleading. When I’m not lost in a great book, I love movies, reality television, shopping, and spending time with friends.
2.Have you always wanted to be an author?
Lisa: Yes. I’ve always had a creative side, and spent much of my childhood and early teen years writing short stories in my spare time.
3.What is your most interesting writing quirk?
Lisa: Hmm… I’m not sure I have any writing quirks at the moment. Wait… I take that back. Quiet. I require a quiet house to write. This is a new thing for me. I used to be able to write anywhere, at any time regardless of what was going on around me. Nowadays, I need quiet to concentrate, which can be really frustrating as there’s always something going on in my house. I’ve learned to make the most out of the little quiet time I have, and write whenever I can.
4.Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Lisa: I’d love to! Cursing Athena is the first installment in my new Order Of Seven series which features a band of supernatural warriors appointed by the goddess Athena to police and rid the earth of demons and underworld dirtbags.
5.How did you come with the idea for this story?
Lisa: I wrote this story about two years ago while taking a break from one of my other works. I asked my critique partner to give me three random elements that needed to be incorporated into a story (a lion, red heels, the phrase “abra-cadabra”), and about two weeks later I had the first draft for what is now Cursing Athena.
6.Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Lisa: Sure thing! I’m currently knee-deep into the second book in the Order Of Seven series, tentatively titled, Hell On Heels. This installment revolves around Lynx, a brother who’s been thrust back into the thick of things after being out of the fold for the past thirty years. He’s a tortured soul (my favorite kind of guy to write and read about) who suffers from a particularly gut-wrenching curse which forces him to kill his reincarnated life mate each time she returns.
7.Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
Lisa: J.R. Ward. She’s a genius when it comes to writing Alpha males, and I’m in awe of her. She’s my fav!
8.What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing? Stick with it. Perseverance is key.
9.Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
Lisa: Heh heh… I want to go to Europe. Specifically Britain, Ireland and Scotland. My mama’s a Campbell and I’ve got Irish blood on my daddy’s side. I’d love to visit the land of my heritage.
10.What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Lisa: Oh, good Lord! Lol! My tbr pile is a mile deep! The book I’m most excited to read is Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward. Tohr has always been a favorite character of mine, and I can’t wait to see him get his happy ending.
11.Is there anything else you would like to add?
Lisa: I’m just so honored to be here today. Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog.
For Danika, the only thing worse than going commando while wearing a fugly, silver bodysuit, was dealing with her deadbeat, ex-husband James. Catcalls, unwanted groping and lecherous stares weren’t really her cup of tea either, but she’d endure all of it and more if her new job serving cocktails at Masquerade meant ridding herself of his mountain of debt. It was just a job, after all, and what choice did she have with James’ creditors breathing down her neck? What she didn’t bargain for, however, was falling heels-over-head in lust with a two-hundred-plus pound, shape-shifting immortal from Ancient Greece.
On a mission to take down a parasitic demon, Ty doesn’t have time for distraction. Not even when that distraction could prove to be his possible lifemate in the form of sweet, innocent, yet sexy-as-hell Danika. But when the leech he’s hunting goes after the cocktail waitress, all bets are off. Unable to resist her siren call any longer, Ty surrenders himself to Danika, body and soul, treating them both to a night they’ll never forget.
Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have Hannah Jayne on the blog today to chat about her up coming book Under Suspicion.
Welcome Hannah…. Lets get started.
Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area where there is no such thing as the “paranormal” – because there is no normal! have two neurotic cats, am obsessed with anything from Modcloth.com, and could happily eat my weight in chocolate chip cookies daily. Donuts are my kryptonite, I think happy hour should be an all day thing, and I like to believe that I can dance like the girls on Dance Moms, even though I can barely walk down the hall without stumbling.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Since the 2nd grade. I absolutely remember that moment, too. My teacher said we had to write 3 pages. I wrote 12 – wrote right through recess and my teacher just let me. I dedicated my 1st book to her.
Q3) Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
My typical writing day is always changing! Generally though, I’m up at 7, I commute to the living room, and I write until about 9. Then I’m off to the gym for a few hours, I take a lunch break, and I’m back at it from about 2-5. It sounds like I’m seriously disciplined, but an unfortunately huge chunk of my day is usually sucked up by lurking on Facebook or window-shopping on Modcloth. The only thing I need while writing is for my cats not to sit on my laptop… but they always do.
Q4) Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
The challenge is to stick with it and keep going – regardless of the number of rejection letters, bad reviews, or pointless story lines you wrack up. Learn something from everything and keep on truckin’. The most rewarding part for me is when I get a fan letter that says “your book made me laugh out loud!”
Q5) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
In UNDER SUSPICION, Sophie Lawson’s demon clients start disappearing one by one. When a fast talking author comes to town touting his non-fiction tome Werewolves, Vampires, and Other Things that Don’t Exist, Sophie grows incredibly suspicious and takes up the case, while Nina falls in love and decides to become the next great vampire romance author.
Q6) How did you come with the idea for this story?
I do a lot of research and come upon a heck of a lot of books that “prove” that vampires, werewolves, Sasquatch, whatever, can’t exist. I just knew that would be incredibly offensive to the Underworld Detection Agency staff!
Q7) Can you share with us your current work in progress?
I’m just over halfway through book 4 – and let me tell you – readers are in for a lot of surprises and a lot of action with this one! Sophie is breaking out of her “meek” mold and, let’s just say, her aim is getting way better!
Book 1
Q8) Who are some of your favorite authors?
I’m currently in love with Kimberly Derting, who writes the Body Finder series, and I would read Jen Lancaster’s shopping lists, I love her writing so much. Anna Maxted is one of my all-time favorites and I’ll pick up Lois Duncan books over and over again.
Q9) Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
Absolutely! I obsessively read (and still read!) chick lit, and I think I have a very chick lit style!
Q10) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
OMG – I refuse to let myself read Chevy Steven’s Never Knowing until I finish the four books I’m currently in the middle of, but I’m dying too! I read her Still Missing in one sitting!
Book 2
Q11) Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would just like to thank you, Kelly, for letting me pop in here, and thank all my readers for their awesome fan letters and reviews – it really means so much to me! And I’m very excited to meet some new fans! You can find me at www.hannah-jayne.com
I hope everyone keeps reading and enjoying the Underworld Detection Agency books!
Also, I would love to offer an autographed copy of Under Suspicion and an Underworld Survival pack to a lucky Books-n-Kisses reader! Since all the Underworld Detection Agency books are set in San Francisco, how about this trivia question: What is the name of the windiest street in San Francisco (and possibly the world!)?
To enter please fill out the Rafflecopter form below and answer Hannah’s questions.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Sandra Sookoo to the blog today to talk about her new book Come Hither.
Sandra is a writer of romantic fiction. Her portfolio includes historical, contemporary, sci-fi and paranormal romances in full-length books as well as shorts and novellas. No matter if the heat level is scorching or sweet, she loves to blend genres and often times will add humor as well.
When not immersed in creating new worlds and interesting characters, Sandra likes to read, bake and travel. Her favorite place to spend vacation hours is Walt Disney World. It’s where dreams come true and the soul can play. When she’s not writing, she’s keeping things interesting at the Believing is Seeing blog or spending time with her husband.
You can write to Sandra at sandrasookoo@yahoo.com, visit her website or look her up on Facebook and Twitter.
Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself
I’m an almost 40 gal who loves to write, bake and anything Disney. I’m an avid zoo fan and make it a point to visit the local zoos anywhere I happen to travel. I believe in a happily ever after for everyone, no matter what.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Pretty much. I knew by the age of ten I either wanted to be a writer or a cake decorator. Since my skill at cake decorating stinks at an epic level, I guess writing’s my path!
Q3) Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
Usually I write Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesdays are reserved for catching up on promo stuff and the weekends I try really hard to spend with my husband without working. Stuff I like to have while writing: ice cold water, gummi bears (the ones in the gold package) and if I’m working at home, the Food Network on in the background. If I’m working at a coffee shop, I like to listen to Disney music.
Q4) Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
The most rewarding is when folks tell me how much they like my stories, characters, etc. The most challenging part is when a plot point isn’t working, bad reviews, negativity, etc. In those instances, I just grit my teeth and keep moving forward. It’ll be better the next day.
Q5) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
My latest release is called COME HITHER, and it’s my modern day take on the Red Riding Hood tale as part of Liquid Silvers Silver Slipper line. I fondly and tongue in cheek refer to the story as a “trouser ripper” since my heroine is the more dominate one in the relationship, not to mention she’s a wolf.
Q6) How did you come with the idea for this story?
I’m a sucker for fairy tales anyway, and this is my third remake in the Silver Slippers line, but there’s always been something about Red Riding Hood that I found fascinating. So, I decided to put my own spin on it and my own twist. The results were funny and very sexy.
Q7) Can you share with us your current work in progress?
Sure! At the time of writing this interview, I’m working on a dark, action-filled sci-fi romance. Also on the horizon is finishing a contemporary short and starting an emotional historical piece.
Q8) Who are some of your favorite authors?
Oh wow, that’s a huge question! I love reading in all different genres, but I love to concentrate on mysteries, so in that genre I like Donna Andrews, Kate Collins or Laura Childs. I also like thrillers by Michael Crichton or Robin Cook, etc.
Q9) Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
Not really. Since a lot of my reading falls outside what I write, I don’t think so. Of course, I do have a couple of favorites in the romance genre, but there again, the inspiration is in the fact they’re out there writing, the same as me. That in itself is inspiration.
Q10) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
There are two new Tea Shop mysteries by Laura Childs I’m desperate to buy, and I’m woefully behind on Donna Andrews’s series. Not to mention I’d love to catch up on Elizabeth Boyle’s historicals that are mocking me from my bookshelf LOL None of these are on my Kindle so it makes reading a bit difficult when I’m on the go.
Q11) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks for taking the time to come out and read about my life. I hope you’ll pick up a copy of COME HITHER. There may or may not be a scene inside where someone uses a raw chicken as a defensive weapon…
Heroes don’t wear capes and heroines sometimes have fur. This ain’t your grandma’s fairytale.
Riley Hanson has fate by the balls. She’s a kick-ass wolf-shifter who’s not afraid to tell people off, especially if they try to suggest how to live her life. She lives with her grandma in the Wisconsin woods, hoping to keep the worst of humanity away.
Carson Hoode, the guy every woman wants to talk to but not date, drives a truck for Red Riders Express. Six months off a divorce, the only thing he’s got going for him is a perfect delivery record, except a heavy October downpour and a muddy road threaten it. As he tries to finish his route on foot, he slips and wrenches his knee. The business end of Riley’s rifle closes out his day.
The fur and pheromones fly as Riley and Carson battle their attraction while eluding a back woods hunter intent on bagging more than local wildlife.They’ll need a healthy dose of fairytale magic to survive—too bad there’s no such thing.Now, if only Grandma would give them some privacy because someone’s getting laid at the end.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to host Leia Shaw on the blog today.
1.Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Well, I have 6 tattoos, I’m addicted to diet pepsi, I love being outside, I have two kids, a husband, and a dog who feels like a third kid, and I write paranormal romance.
2.Have you always wanted to be an author?
Yes, but I didn’t always know it. I think I knew it better as a child than an adult and I resisted for a long time thinking I wasn’t good enough. But in actuality, it’s one of the only things I’m good at. Bored as a stay-at-home mom, I started using nap times to play around with different fantasy story ideas in my head. It was kind of a stress reliever too. Something to take me away from diapers and sippy cups. A couple years later and I haven’t looked back.
3.Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
In my genre I’d have to say Kresley Cole is my favorite author and biggest influence. A Hunger Like No Other was the first romance book I ever read. So, yeah, the fact that I started writing my own after that says a lot.
4.How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
I felt most drawn to paranormal romance because I’ve always had a thing for dark stories and fantasy. I’m like a little kid whose eyes light up about magic and superpowers and vampires and bad guys. But the woman in me loves a good love story. So a combination of both seemed most fitting. I did write a contemporary erotic novel with steampunk erotic author Cari Silverwood. We’re planning to write another. Normally I’m not attracted to contemporary but the first had a lot of comedy in it and as long as I can keep doing that then I don’t mind. It’s fun to write physical humor. I can’t do it too much with paranormal because all of the characters are super coordinated. Lol.
5.What are some of your writing rituals?
Locking the door.
6.Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Shadows of Destiny in a 3 book series with the fourth coming out in June. Each book can be read as a stand-alone or out of order, but some of the characters repeat. The stories are character driven – a man and a woman fall in love despite obstacles in their way. And they do it with a sword in hand fighting nasty beasts and aren’t afraid to get a little dirty. Destiny Unchained is my latest release. It’s a darker story than my other books. Natalia is a vampire assassin who shut down her emotions a long time ago. Cristian is a passionate, warm alpha of a werewolf pack. Both species hate each other but they’re forced to team up to hunt down a sadistic serial killer stalking the northwest wilderness. This book has a lot of dark humor, some sadness, but the message is one of my favorites. It’s all about forgiveness.
7.How did you come with the idea for this story?
The idea for my first book came to me in a dream. The rest of the series tumbled from it as I started writing. I get inspired by movies, music, other great books. Honestly, the initial idea for a story is the easy part.
8.Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Destiny Bewitched is book 4. It features a witch, Samantha, who travels to the Underworld to rescue her younger sister. She meets a demon, Geo, and strikes a deal to get his help saving her sister. I’m excited for this book because it’s very high fantasy. It even features a supernatural version of the gladiator games. It was so much fun to write! But it still has what my readers expect in my books – steamy sex scenes, romance, an alpha hero, and lots and lots of snark!
9.What would you be if you were not an author?
Well my dream job would be a stand-up comedian. I love to make people laugh. And you’ll do a lot of that reading my books.
10.What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Anything by Kresley Cole (I really want Lanthe’s story). The rest of the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews too.
Would you like a chance to win e-copy Destiny Unchained?
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to host L.J. Garland on the blog today.
1. Can you please share with us a little about yourselfWell, to start…L.J. Garland isn’t just one person! It’s two! Laura & Jeff – We’re a husband-wife writing team. We met in college over 20 years ago and have been driving each other nuts ever since. Hey, after that long, ya gotta have a since of humor for sure! We have tons of hobbies and interests—but we have two that top our list.
First, we’re both licensed helicopter pilots with hundreds of hours of flight time. On our 10thwedding anniversary, we flew from the east coast to west and celebrated our special day in the honeymoon suite in Palm Springs. Course, we were so exhausted, we passed out. I’m still chewing nails over not getting to check out that humongous Jacuzzi tub! *sigh* Anyway…books. Chances are good you’ll see one type of flying machine or another in our stories…and the landings won’t always be pretty. But hey, any you walk away from are good, right? lol
The second thing that tops our list is we practice with a variety of weaponry from long bows to high-powered combat rifles. This, along with years of military experience, gives our books a heightened sense of reality. So, fire, fireworks, guns, pretty much anything that goes Boom!…yeah, it’s all good. You’ll see that in our stories as well. High-action adventure and romance…and a happy-ever-after.
On the home front, we enjoy a life in a house filled with love, laughter, and tenuously restrained chaos. We have three cats, one whistling guinea pig, and three boisterous sons—who conspire to ensure there’s never a dull moment. It’s awesome!
2. Have you always wanted to be an author? Wow…come to think of it, we never really decidedto become authors. It was a long, surreptitious process, and it wasn’t long before I found myself obsessing over it. And now, crafting stories has become kinda obsessive/compulsive, but we won’t talk about that right now. <g>
Jeff and I both have always enjoyed science fiction and have read voraciously since childhood. Later, I branched out into romance. I truly loved the happy ever after that it offered…that one way or another, the hero and heroine would end up together no matter how daunting the obstacle. SFR offers a wide cross genre…horror, military, paranormal, time travel, steampunk, the list goes on and on…even westerns, as given by FireFlyand Cowboys and Aliens. The possibilities are endless – which is one of the wonderful aspects that attracted us both to SFR.
3. Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing? COFFEE! Oh, gosh, personally I can’t get through the day without it! I get up and get Jeff out the door, fix breakfast for the kids, then I sit down with them for home schooling. Somewhere in there we have lunch, play outside. After that, I edit manuscripts, do all I can to keep in touch with the writing community, blog, interview authors, answer emails. All the while, the clothes washer and dishwasher are churning in the background. Then dinner, the dreaded bath and brushing of teeth (boys and water don’t mix for some reason…sheesh, they act like it’s acid or something! “I’m melting!” Who knew little boys were sooo dramatic? lol) At last, we tuck the little angels into bed, hugs and kisses. Then I collapse…maybe type a paragraph or two on a story…and pass out to do it all again the next day. Whew!
4. Most challenging or rewarding part of writing? Between kids and house and editing for epubs, it’s more like writing minutes. LOL However, all those ‘distractions’ allow for my subconscious to work out plot issues and also gives me time to write and rewrite the next chapter in my head before I sit down to the computer. Most times I have a really good idea where the scene is going and a good bit of the characters’ dialog as well. And then there are the bubble baths where Jeff and I brainstorm stories and work out plot problems. Needless to say, we’re squeaky clean. Somehow it works….
5. Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)? Raven is on a suicide mission. Jex is a biomech on a mission to save humanity. They discover their mutual passion to destroy the enemy isn’t their only desire.
A war against the Darch has raged for years, and humanity is on the verge of extinction. Scientists have created biomechs to supplement as warriors, but it’s just a temporary fix on what appears an insurmountable problem. One desperate scientist injects JXS241, a biomech warrior, with what he hopes is the solution for mankind’s survival. But the biomech is captured by the enemy.
Raven Nirvanni survives on the fringes of a shattered culture. While on a self-imposed suicide mission to annihilate an enemy destroyer, she encounters the imprisoned biomech. Deciding the fate of humanity far outweighs the destruction of a single ship, she rescues him and decides to ensure he reaches his destination. With the enemy anticipating their every move, Raven is completely taken aback when she realizes she’s falling for JXS241. But can she really love a machine? And if so, can he reciprocate?
6. How did you come with the idea for this story? Well, we were in the bathtub, enjoying a hot bubbly soak…um, ahem. The story, right. lol The inspiration started with the basic questions: What if a woman fell in love with a machine…only to discover that the machine, which wasn’t supposed to have feelings, had also fallen in love with her? How would they deal with their relationship and what others might think? Would they even care? And from that came MechMan!
7. Can you share with us your current work in progress? We’ve got a romantic suspense, Sins of the Mind, co-written with the wonderful Debbie Gould, set to release April 20thfrom Decadent Publishing. It’s a story about a woman, who after years of therapy from a horrible incident, decides it’s time to live again…but then all the people she loves start being brutally murdered one by one.
The other story is a short (12K) SFR, Dead or Alive, coming from Decadent’s 1Night Stand series. It’s about a guy who is falsely accused of murder and ends up turning toward the one woman who can help him, a bounty hunter who’s been after him for years. Together, they uncover conspiracies on both Earth and their homeworld, use some fun high-tech gadgetry, and even visit Area 51.
8. Who are some of your favorite authors? Anne McCaffrey – her stories are so creative, yet easy to visualize. Her detailed worlds and series are inspirational, not to mention fun to read!
Henry Beam Piper – his Little Fuzzy series is creative and memorable for sure!
Orson Scott Card – Ender’s Game and all that came after was amazing. And he also did a nice twist on ‘What you think is true, might not be.’
Stephen King – because he didn’t write horror just for the sake of writing horror, there was a deep, psychological aspect that caused the blood to run cold.
Dean Koontz – because his style of writing drew me. The way he wove his earlier stories was unusual, never in a straight line, which left me wondering how these diverse characters would ever collide.
Suzanne Brockmann – for her high-action stories and her hero’s perspective.
Robert Jordan – for his epic stories.
Thomas Harris – psychologically terrifying.
9. Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
Absolutely! The stories we read for pleasure are because we love the author and the genre. We can look at the list above and see bits of them all in our stories.
10. What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Linnea Sinclair’s Rebels and Lovers Dean Koontz’s Dead and Alive Stephen Hawking’s The Grand Design
Books-n-Kisses is please to let Emily Cale take over the blog today as part of her Getting Ahead blog tour. She is talking about the appeal of cowboys.
Appeal of a Cowboy
What is it about cowboys that attract our attention? I grew up seeing and talking to cowboys (and girls!) on a daily basis and never gave it a second thought. It wasn’t until I was older that I started to realize how sexy they are. It’s not just me either. A quick look around Amazon shows an abundance of Westerns, both in the romance genre and in other genres. It’s stood the test of time for many decades.
So what is it that makes cowboys so alluring? For me, it’s several things. First, I love the thought of a man working out on the land all day. He not only has to use his muscles (and they are wonderful), but his mind as well.
Second, they usually come across as serious family men. They work the same land that their father and grandfather did. The whole family gets on taking care of the property, from the smallest child up to the oldest adult. Even with all that work, they still find time for a little fun (If you’re one of my characters, you find time for A LOT of fun).
Finally, something about the way they say “ma’am” and “pardon” makes my heart skip a beat. I’m not sure if it’s the accent or the sincerity, but I can’t help but swoon over it. Yes, I did just say swoon.
What about you? Do you love cowboys? How come?
Getting Ahead Blurb:
Colton is exactly the kind of distraction Amber doesn’t want, but he might be exactly what she needs to get back on track.
Recovering from a bad fall during competition, Amber McDonald decides to spend her last week of training before her next rodeo at a Colorado ranch, away from any and all distractions. It’d be the perfect arrangement—if only her fear wasn’t stopping her from getting back on her horse.
Then Colt Riley steps in. He’s sexy and seems to have incredible insight into her situation, but he’s everything she’s been trying to stay away from.
Colt knows exactly what Amber is going through…because he’s been there before. Forced to give up his riding career after an accident, he sets his mind to helping her get back on track. All that’s easier said than done, especially when she discovers his hidden past. Will his efforts be enough to help her get ahead?
Emily Cale spent the majority of her childhood as a visitor to the worlds of her favorite authors. With encouragement from her English teachers, she put pen to paper and began imagining her own stories. Preferring the fascinating lives of her characters, she majored in creative writing. When not lost in a manuscript or a good book, she enjoys crocheting, rock climbing, and playing board games. She currently lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband and a very spoiled cat.
TITLE: Grimm Tidings Book #6 in the Grimm Circle Series AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker PUBLICATION DATE: 04/24/12 ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Never fear the pain. Fear what lies behind it…
Grimm’s Circle, Book 6
In his mortal life, the only thing Jacob liked better than money was a good brawl—until he stuck his fist into the wrong fight, and a demon sent him spinning into a new life as a Grimm.
Now, a hundred years later, he’s been called to protect someone too much like himself. A woman who could let the chains of her past drag her down unless she learns to let go. A woman who fights like there’s no tomorrow, because she clearly doesn’t want a tomorrow.
Celeste thought her second chance at life would be an opportunity to fix some of her worst mistakes, to set things straight. She couldn’t have been more wrong. She’s trapped by the past and her regrets, and nothing—not even her darkly sexy new trainer, Jacob—has a blade sharp enough to cut her loose.
Chains are Jacob’s specialty, but his help comes with a price. To her, the cost is her heart. To Jacob…something much more.
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly NUMBER OF STARS: 4 Stars
Jacob knows a thing or two about the chains of the past. How that harder you hang on to them the worst your future will be. It has taken him over 200 years to learn to deal with his past mistakes. While not perfect he now has to help the newest baby Grimm deal with hers.
Celine can not let go over her past. She has regretted the choices she has made for the last 4 years. But it will take almost losing everything in her life for a second time to make her open her eyes and realize that past is the past.
Jacob & Celine are two peas in a pod. Both have pasts that they have fought to get over. Both are fiercely independent, strong, loyal, and totally lost without each other.
I have be dying for this Grimm book since I finished Locked in Silence book 5 in the Grimm Circle series. I love Shiloh’s Grimms. I love trying to figure which fairy tale the character are based off. Let me tell you I was WAY off on who I thought Grimm Tiding was about. While this was not my favorite Grimm story of the series. I still really really enjoyed the story and SO can’t wait for the next Grimm Circle.
If you have not read any of Shiloh’s Grimm’s. You really need to pick up one. You have never read a fairy tale like this.
*Huge thank you to Shiloh for allowing me to read her story*
Welcome to Day 6 of Rebecca Zanetti’s Hunted Tour. We are super excited to have Connlan & Moira on the blog today. They agreed to sit down and chat with me about their upcoming story. I hope you enjoy Conn & Moira.
BnK: Hi Conn, Hi Moira. Conn: Hi Moira: Hello
Bnk: Are you ready to get started? Conn: Sure Moira: Yep
Q1) Conn, I have to ask about the pink apron? Do you lose at checkers on purpose or does Janie win fair and square?
Conn: What pink apron? If you don’t have a picture, there’s no pink apron. Period. Well, of course I don’t lose on purpose. I mean, I’m a soldier. Janie is just that good at checkers. Though, you probably don’t know this, but she makes up her own rules as she goes. For example, if I have the opportunity to get crowned, I have to name every single Pony from her favorite movie before I can move…and there’s a time limit. So, see? She wins fair and square.
Q2) Can you tell us how you two met?
Conn: Well, about a hundred years ago, I was training some soldiers in a field and took my shirt off, and Moira was sneaking and watching along with her older sister. She made some comment about hoping I shucked my pants, not knowing how good a vampire’s hearing is. Well, then the little witch tripped and fell in the stream. I, of course, hurried over and helped her out of it. I may have mentioned that I wasn’t taking my pants off for her…or maybe not. J
Q3) Moira, Conn gave you 100 years. Looking back on it are you glad he did or do you wish he came for you earlier?
Moira: What a fun question! For quite some time I was a bit miffed that he didn’t head on over and take me out on a date or two, but considering we all went to war, I’m glad I had that time to train. When you read Hunted, you’ll see why we both needed the century to learn each other’s skills and prepare for war.
Q4) Conn, what was the hardest part about staying away from Moira for those 100 years?
Conn: That’s a good question, too. Once a vampire mates, it’s forever, and that person is in our blood. I knew she was in danger even while training, and I had to fight my own instincts in going over and yanking her to safety. I was extremely happy when the 100 years was up, though I knew I’d have a fight on my hands. Mainly from Moira.
Q5) Plane sex… Any other exciting place you two have had sex?
Conn: No. Moira: Oh, knock it off. That’s a fun question, too. Well, let’s see.
Conn: Stop talking.
Moira: No. There’s the beach, the king’s desk, the Council of the Coven Nine headquarters on the bench, that restroom as the Four Seasons, the movie theatre, the training room…
Q6) Conn, do you think you and Moira will make a good fighting team?
Conn: Yes, I think we make a good team, so long as Moira remembers to stay safe. I mean, there’s no reason to tempt fate, now is there? The woman truly has a penchant for finding danger—and danger is my job.
Moira: Whatever.
Q7) How do you feel about Rebecca telling your story?
Conn: I’m pretty sure the story won’t be told. We need to remain secret.
Moira: I think the book is called Hunted, which will be released on April 24th. The story is sweet and sexy, so I figured, why not? The world can read it.
Conn: You what?
Q8) Do you think that she kept it true to the real story or did she fluff it or exaggerate it at all?
Moira: Oh, it’s true to life. If anything, I asked her to tone it down a little considering my mother (and hers) might read it. But, she shook her head, so maybe she included everything. Oh My.
Q9) Did Rebecca leave out any parts you really, really, really wanted in?
Moira: It’s funny you ask that. In Rebecca’s original draft, she included a prologue detailing when, ah, we mated and how the brand appeared on Conn’s hand and my, er, body. But she took it out because it overshadowed the first few chapters of the book. I hope she puts it up on her website sometime in the future as a free read because it’s…HOT.
Q10) So, what do you two see in your future? Babies?
Conn: Yes. Probably not until we win the war and life is safe, but I’d love a couple of talented little vampires running around.
Moira: Talented vampires who can practice witchcraft, of course.
Conn: Of course.
Bnk: Conn, Moira, Thank you so much for taking the time to sit down and talk with me. I loved your story. And don’t worry your secret is safe with me.. I won’t tell the world about you…. Oops… *grinning* Anything else you would like to add before you take off?
Moria: So, Rebecca would like to thank Books N Kisses for having this fun interview today. She’s also like to thank Kelly Mueller for organizing the blog tour for Hunted! As a thank you, she’d like to give away copies of either Fated or Claimed to five commenter’s here on the blog. Yes, five! Winners can choose either Fated or Claimed
Moira Dunne is a witch–the quantum physics kind. Time and space are her playthings. Which might explain why her one-night stand from a hundred years ago has turned up to “claim” her–and request her family’s assistance with the war he’s brewing. But the more she learns about Connlan Kayrs, the more she comes to think this is normal behavior for him…
There’s Nowhere to Hide
When Conn and Moira tumbled on the moonlit grass, Conn hadn’t meant to mark her for his mate for all time. She was only twenty! But it wasn’t easy to wait for her. It was even harder to forget her. So when he finally returns for his wicked-hot witch, he’s ready to let the sparks fly. Even if he burns up in flames…
To enter for a chance to win one of five copies of either Fated (bk#1) or Claimed (bk#2) please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
