Author: Kelly

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Interview with Nina Croft

Books-n-Kisses is happy to welcome Nina Croft to the blog today.  We are looking forward to learning a little more about Nina and her book The Calling. 

Nina: Hi, I’m Nina croft and I write all sorts of romance – so books and kisses always go together for me – thanks for having me here today

Q1) Please tell us a little about yourself
Nina: I’m English, but I live in Spain, on an almond farm in the mountains between the Sierra Nevada and the Mediterranean. I share the farm with my husband, a horse, two goats, three dogs a cat and some chickens. And I spend my time writing, reading, riding and picking the occasional almond.

Q2)  Tell us a typical writing day for you
Nina: I write pretty much full time or at least I’m supposed to write full time and some days I manage it. First thing when I get up, I walk the dogs and feed the animals. I then settle down for a few hours at the computer, (which is when the writing should happen, but I do have a tendency to play on the internet a little too much) interspersed with lots of coffee (usually cold by the time I remember to drink it) and maybe some breakfast. Lunchtime, I usually go for a ride on my horse Gencianna, to give myself a break from the computer, then after that it’s back to writing or editing. If I work at all in the evenings, I tend to do things like critting, or writing blogs.

Q3) Have you always wanted to be an author or what made you become an author?
Nina: No, I wouldn’t say I’ve always wanted to be an author – but I’ve always been a voracious reader, and I do think that’s a pre-requisite. I actually started to write when I was working as a volunteer in Africa. I lived in a remote village on the banks of Lake Kariba. We had no TV, no internet, and very few books. So I started writing as a way of entertaining myself.

Q4) Tell us a little about your book The Calling
Nina: The Calling is book two in my Laws of Segregation series. They are fantasy romance, mainly set on another world, with the occasional visit (usually unplanned ) to Earth. On the world of Arroway, witches have been persecuted for a thousand years. Now they are fighting back.

Blurb:
On the world of Arroway, witches have been persecuted for a thousand years, stripped of their magic at birth and kept as slaves by the Order of Warlocks.

Freya, a pleasure slave, fled from the Order while pregnant. Now she’s been recaptured, and to save her daughter and the world of Arroway, she must work with one of the hated warlocks while fighting her growing attraction for him.

From the first time she knelt before him, Jarrod was drawn to Freya. Twenty years ago, he would have given up everything to be with her, but she had run from him. Now, he has another chance. But can he risk destroying their world for a forbidden love that might never be returned?

Q5) How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Nina: I love the idea of people being displaced, visiting new worlds, and new times, and how they cope with the challenges. In Chosen, the first book in the series, Shayla and Tallon, enemies in their own world, are transported to Earth and must work together in order to find a way home.

Q6)  What is your current work in progress?
Nina: I’m working on a couple of things. The first is book three in The Laws of Segregation series, called Enchantment, and the second, is book three in my Blood Hunter series – which are sci-fi/paranormal romances, set in a future where man has fled to the stars and discovered the secret of immortality.

Q7) Who are some of your favorite authors?
Nina: It varies, but at the moment, Laurell K Hamilton, Patricia Briggs, JR Ward, Jim Butcher…

Q8) Have to ask because I am nosey.  That is in your to be read pile that you are dying to read next?
Nina: Loads. But I’m on book two of George RR Martin’s: A Song of Fire and Ice – and I’d love to have a week just to read the whole series in one sitting. I don’t think it’s going to happen though.

Q9) Is there anything else you would to add?
Nina: Just thanks for having me! And if anyone would like a chance to win an ecopy of The Calling, leave a comment!

Books-n-Kisses: Nina, again huge thank you for stopping by the blog to day to chat about you and your books.  I hope the readers enjoyed. 
Buy link: http://www.breathlesspress.com/calling
Website: www.ninacroft.com
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Interview & Giveaway with Ava Riley

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back Ava Riley to the blog today.   Welcome back Ava.
Ava Thank you Kelly so much for inviting me back to share with your followers.  I am honored to be here today with you all.

Q1) Can you each tell us a little about yourself
Ava: I am a woman who wears many hats: Wife, mother, full time student & author.  Although I am very busy, I try to get in as much family time as possible, as I have found that time flies by way too fast.  When I am not too busy, I also enjoy photography (thank God for the iPhone & all its wonderful photography apps). 

Q2)  Have you always wanted to be an author?
Ava: For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to see my writing in print.  I did go through a phase when I was younger, when I wanted to be a poet.  I was not very good at it J.

Q3) What are your writing rituals, anything you have to have while writing?
Ava: First and foremost, it must be completely quiet.  If I hear the smallest of noises, I am distracted.  I usually write very late at night after everyone has gone to sleep.  While I am writing, I must have my hair pulled up into a ponytail, no shoes on, and have a cup of coffee (sometimes I have several cups) LOL.

Q4) Tell us a little about your story The Beast Within, in the Indulgence Anthology
Ava: The Beast Within is actually my first try at paranormal romance and it is more in the erotic paranormal genre.  It is a story of a shifter (Siona) who lost her parents at a young age and then joins a carnival troupe to become an assistant to Alston the Magician.  Siona is actually the one that is the magic bearer and Alston is the mortal who the crowds think is brilliant.  After a quick moment of passion the Jaguar within her feels threaten and Alston’s life is in danger.

Q5) Can you share with my followers what the Indulgence anthology is?
Ava: This is an Anthology with 9 other Lazy Day Publishing authors that will be released Oct. 19th.  The anthology is a dark, steamy, and edgy erotica about a carnival troupe.  It is a Moulin Rouge meets Crique De Soleil meets paranormal.  Lots of hot, sexy naughtiness going on J.
Q6) How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Ava: We were given some ideas as far as characters to choose from and I thought it would be fun to write about a Magician’s assistant who is actually the one who holds all the magic.  Once I figured out the characters, the rest just kind of fell into place.  Because it is a paranormal, I needed a “creature of the night,” and it only seemed fitting that the magician’s assistant would be a shapshifter.

Q7) What is your current work in progress?
Ava: I am working on a new series called Jackson Valley which is erotic cowboy style.  I also am working on a book called Coffee Shop Affair.  They are both works in the beginnings, but as I stated earlier, I am also a full time student so that has given me little writing time at least for the next month or so.

Q8)  Best piece of advice to share with budding authors?
Ava: I think my best advice would be to follow your heart and write what you want.  Too many authors write what they think others what them to write and it’s not from their hearts.  Stay true to yourself and your writing.  Also, as far as the business, don’t ever give up.  There are so many genres, so many points of view on the same kind of story, and so many different readers and you just have to push past any negativity and focus on the positive.

Q9) I love to know what authors are reading. So what have you recently read that you loved or what is an upcoming release that you can’t wait to get your hands on?
Ava: Well, I just read Girls Who Bite which is an anthology of Lesbian Vampire Erotica.  This is a genre I don’t usually read, but read it for reviewing purposes and I actually really enjoyed it.  I am looking forward to A Taste of Midnight by Lara Adrian.  The Midnight Breed Series is my all-time favorite and Lara is one of my favorite authors.

Q10) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Ava: Yes J.  I am one of 18 authors who have gotten together to raise money for a young man in the UK who has an inoperable brain tumor.  His name is Harry Mosley and he has recently slipped into a coma.  To read his story you can go to: http://www.helpharryhelpothers.com/.  An anthology called Author Moments was put together with advice and antidotes from authors just starting in the business to NYT Bestsellers.  The book is available at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/91305 and Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Author-Moments-ebook/dp/B005PHSOLK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317416115&sr=8-1 and ALL the proceeds go to fight cancer.

Books-n-Kisses: Ava, thank you for taking the time out of your busy scheduled to sit down and talk with me about your books. What do you say we give away a copy or two of Indulgence to a few commenters? (US ONLY)
Ava: That sounds wonderful to me.  How about they tell me what their favorite book of all times is (any genre).  I’m always looking to expand my library. 

Want to learn more about Ava?
Check out her website HERE
To enter fill out the Rafflecopter form below. (US ONLY)




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My review of Infinite Betrayal by Donnelly Mackenzie

Infinite Betrayal (book 1 in the Infinity Series)
By Donnelly Mackenize
Order HERE 
Mina Roarke had always been told she was special. In what way, she never fully understood until circumstances led her down a path of adrenaline-charged danger, blazing sexual heat and ultimate betrayal.

Mathias, a warrior for a secret shifter race known as The Coteri, has been ordered to protect Mina at all costs. Although his oath to protect her is paramount, can he rein in his animal instincts long enough to not claim the one person he’s forbidden to have?

My Thoughts:
WOW…. Great 1st book in a new series and I do believe that the ladies will not be able to stop at three.
Infinite Betrayal introduces us to a new world of shifters.  The Coteri.  The Coteri’s are not your average shifters.  While they have one form that is the strongest some can shift into other forms.  The Coteri’s are a closely guarded secret; their role is to protect the human race and nature at the same time. 
Mina is an independent, witty, and strong and her world just crumbled at her feet with the death of her mother.  Not knowing what to do at the loss of the only family she has ever had, Mina stubbles across old letters from a man to her mother.  A man she thought was long dead, her Father.  With a gentle nudge from her best friend, Mina sets out on a journey to find answers about her father and why he left them so many years ago.
Mathis’ job is simple.  Protect Mina by any means necessary or the king will, let’s just say it would not be pretty.  But like any good plan, things don’t always go right.  The minute Mathis sees Mina all bets are off.  He is no longer a mission to protect Mina, he is on a mission to make her his, even if it is forbidden.
I really, really enjoyed this story.  Mina has a way of bring these big, tough warriors to their knees.  And by the end of the she loves the power this gives her over Mathis (in a good way). 
Gayle & Robyn did a brilliant job of making me fall in love with the good guys even the smart ass ones and making me fully hate the bad guys.  There are some great digs by Talon (book2) towards Tre.  There are some very hot love scenes (last for chapters). There is trust that is tested; broken and ultimately eternal love is found. 
If you have not read this book. I would HIGHLY recommend it and I am so looking forward to book to Infinite Surrender. 
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Interview with Saewod Tice


Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Young adults author Saewod Tice to the blog today.  We are looking forward to learning a little more about Saewod’s new book The Chronicles of 2020: Amongst the Ruins.

Saewod Tice lives in Central Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.  A self-proclaimed foul mouthed, book nerd who loves reading genres ranging from Young Adult to Horror to Erotica. 
To escape the structured, methodical confines of her day job, she delves into her overzealous imagination producing dystopian worlds and romances.  When not writing or spending time with her family, she embraces her Computer Geekdom through the internet. Including being a member of Writing.com, TextNovel writing forums, and RWC group

Q1) Can you each tell us a little about yourself
Saewod:  Living in Central Pennsylvania, I’m the wife of one, mother of two, and glorified spreadsheet maker for a Canadian sales team – .  My writing began as short stories, journals, and poetry.  After a stint writing fanfiction, I moved on to original works.

Q2)  How did you become an author?
Saewod: After much coaxing from my family and friends, I finally took the leap and submitted my young adult novel to Noble Romance Publishing’s new Young Adult division.  I was extremely lucky that the submissions editor fell in love with the story and the rest is history.

Q3) What are your writing rituals anything you have to have will writing?
Saewod: I don’t have any that are truly strict, but my IPod, post-it notes, and snacks are typically at my side.

Q4) Tell us a little about your book Amongst the Ruins
Saewod:  Amongst the Ruins is book one in The Chronicles of 2020 series.  It’s a dystopian book with action and romance.
In the year 2220, only about 15% of Earth’s population have survived and thrived after the Nuclear Disaster of 2020.

With the collapse of modern society, the population has regressed into eight clans.

Amongst these clans, an unusual girl grows from child to adult.

Raised on the run and in hiding, Shilo wants to be free of the expectations of women. But in a ruined world where anyone could be an enemy, only the radiation-twisted mutants are clearly identifiable. A fertile female is a precious treasure, and any lapse in caution can mean a loss of the freedom she longs for.

Training as hard as a soldier would, in order to free herself from social constraints, she finds herself faced with an offer from a new clan–an offer that provides her with what she desires. But her recently found independence brings discovery, and discovery brings two very different men from her past—and each of them is determined to claim her.

One is obsessed with owning her, the other desires her as the only person who can make him love again


Q5) How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Saewod:  Believe it or not, from watching back to back episodes of ‘Life After People’ on the history channel with my then 8 year old daughter.

Q6) What is your current work in progress?
Saewod: Being plagued with multiple character personality, I have multiple works in progress.  However, I’ve been working on an adult novel titled ‘Vegas Follows You Home’.  It’s currently a finalist in the TextNovel writing contest and I’ve been trying to tighten up the chapters and rework the final chapters.

Q7)  Best piece of advice to share with budding authors?
Saewod:  Don’t fear the submission.  So far, in my experience- as little as it may seem- submission editors are pretty lenient when it comes to a new author.  Just follow those submission guidelines like it’s your bible.

Q8) I love to know what authors are reading. So what have you recently read that you loved of what is an upcoming release that you can’t wait to get your hands on?
Saewod: I do reviews on a website, so I have the advantage of reading amazing books so frequently it’s wonderful.  The two books I recently read which have stayed with me are Touch by Jus Accardo – a fabulous young adult book; and Where The Rain Is Made by Keta Diablo – a great time travel historical romance.
As for upcoming releases, I am salivating to get my hands on the third book in the 50 Shades of Grey Series by EL James.
Currently, I’m reading Once A Witch by Carolyn Maccullough & Valiant by Laurann Dohner.

Q9) Is there anything else you would to add?
Saewod: Keep your eye out for book two in The Chronicles series as well as for my upcoming release- Live In Position coming from 48fourteen publishing (adult romance).

Books-n-Kisses: Saewod, thank you for taking the time out of your busy scheduled to sit down and talk with me about your books.
Saewod: Thank you so much for having me today.  I’ve really enjoyed speaking with you and your blog readers.

Come talk with me:
Blogging at www.saewod.webs.com
www.thechroniclesof2020.webs.com
Twitter:  @saewodtice
Facebook & Goodreads:  V Saewod Tice
Buy link: 
https://www.nobleyoungadult.com/Books/329/Amongst-the-Ruins
Also available at Amazon –
http://www.amazon.com/Amongst-Ruins-Chronicles-2020-ebook/dp/B005OZIIVE/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_3
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Larissa Ione’s Demonica Series

Pleasure Unbound
Demonica Book 1

Grand Central Publishing

 ISBN-10: 044640103X
ISBN-13: 9780446401036

buy from: B&N | Amazon | Indiebound | Powell’s

In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life…
She’s a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure—but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.
Two lovers will dare to risk all.
Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his desire to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable—and let Tayla possess him, body and soul…
Read an Excerpt
Desire Unchained
Demonica Book 2 

Grand Central Publishing

ISBN-10: 044640098X
ISBN-13: 978-0446400985

Pleasure is their ultimate weapon . . .
Runa Wagner never meant to fall in love with the sexy stranger who seemed to know her every deepest desire. But she couldn’t resist the unbelievable passion that burned between them, a passion that died when she discovered his betrayal and found herself forever changed. Now, determined to make Shade pay for the transformation that haunts her, Runa searches for him, only to be taken prisoner by his darkest enemy.
A Seminus demon with a love-curse that threatens him with eternal torment, Shade hoped he’d seen the last of Runa and her irresistible charm. But when he wakes up in a dank dungeon chained next to an enraged and mysteriously powerful Runa, he realizes that her effect on him is more dangerous than ever. As their captor casts a spell that bonds them as lifemates, Shade and Runa must fight for their lives and their hearts—or succumb to a madman’s evil plans.
Read an Excerpt
Passion Unleashed
Demonica Book 3

Grand Central Publishing

ISBN-13: 978-0446401050
ISBN-10: 0446401056

Forbidden Temptations…
Serena Kelley is an archaeologist and treasure hunter—and a woman with a secret. Since she was seven, she’s been the keeper of a powerful charm that grants her health and immortality . . . as long as she stays a virgin. But Serena isn’t all that innocent. And when a dangerously handsome stranger brings her to the brink of ecstasy, she wonders if she’s finally met the one man she cannot resist.
Fatal Desires…
Wraith is a Seminus demon with a death wish. But when an old enemy poisons him, he must find Serena and persuade her to give him the only known antidote in the universe—her charm. Yet, as she begins to surrender to his seductions, and Wraith senses the cure is within his grasp, he realizes a horrible truth: he’s falling for the woman whose life he must take in order to save his own.
Read an Excerpt
Ecstasy Unveiled
Demonica Book 4

Grand Central Publishing

ISBN-10: 0446556823
ISBN-13: 978-0446556828

Find at Indiebound
A Demon Enslaved…
Lore is a Seminus half-breed demon who has been forced to act as his dark master’s assassin. Now to earn his freedom and save his sister’s life, he must complete one last kill. Powerful and ruthless, he’ll stop at nothing to carry out this deadly mission.
An Angel Tempted…
Idess is an earthbound angel with a wild side sworn to protect the human Lore is targeting. She’s determined to thwart her wickedly handsome adversary by any means necessary—even if that means risking her vow of eternal chastity. But what begins as a simple seduction soon turns into a passion that leaves both angel and demon craving complete surrender.
Torn between duty and desire, Lore and Idess must join forces as they battle their attraction for each other. Because an enemy from the past is rising again—hellbent on vengeance and unthinkable destruction.
Read an Excerpt

Eternity Embraced
Demonica 4.5
ISBN-13: 978-1452479354
Novella

Available in most formats at Smashwords
Buy for Kindle on AmazonDescription: http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=larissaione-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004K6MMCY
Buy for Nook at Barnes & Noble

Please note: This story originally appeared in The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2, but it has been expanded for its digital release. For those who have read the story in print, you can read the expanded material as a free read here.
ETERNITY EMBRACED
Desire…
Demon slayer Andrea Cole has always taken down the demons and vampires she hunts without mercy. But when a fellow slayer is captured and turned into a vampire by a sadistic monster, she must choose between loyalty to her family and the man she loves.
Versus Instinct…
Kaden Quinn has dedicated his life to slaying vampires, so when he is turned into one, his greatest nightmare comes to life. And when the woman he loves is thrown into a dungeon with him — as food — he must battle new instincts and old desires, and choose between his life, and hers.
Sin Undone
Demonica Book 5

Grand Central Publishing

ISBN-10: 0446556815
ISBN-13: 978-0446556811

Find at Indiebound

HER TOUCH IS DEADLY
As the only female Seminus demon ever born, master assassin Sinead Donnelly is used to being treated like an outcast. She spent decades enslaved, and now vows she’ll die before she’ll relinquish her freedom again. Then Sin’s innate ability to kill her enemies goes awry: She creates a lethal new werewolf virus that sparks a firestorm of panic and violence.
HIS HUNGER CAN’T BE DENIED
Half-werewolf, half-vampire Conall Dearghul is charged with bringing in Sin to face punishment for the plague. And she’s no stranger: He’s bound to her by blood, and the one sexual encounter they shared has left him hungering for her raw sensuality. Worse, Sin is the underworld’s most wanted and Con soon learns he’s the only one who can help her . . . and that saving her life might mean sacrificing his own.
Read an Excerpt

Vampire Fight Club
Demonica Book 5.5/LOD Book 1.5
Kensington Books
ISBN-10: 142010988X 
ISBN-13: 978-1420109887

buy from:Amazon | Indiebound | Powell’s | B & N | Tantor Audio Book
In this tantalizing collection, four New York Times bestselling authors invite you into the alluring worlds they created in the Demonica, Guardians of Eternity, Nightwalkers, and Dragon Kin series. Each mesmerizing page will leave you craving more…
VAMPIRE FIGHT CLUB, by Larissa Ione:
When a wave of violence forces shapeshifter Vladlena to go undercover, her first stop is a haven of vice – with a dangerously sexy vamp in charge. Both Vladlena and Nathan are hiding something, but they can’t conceal the lust that simmers between them…
Read an Excerpt
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My review of Bad Kitty by Cari Quinn

Bad Kitty
By Cari Quinn
Order from Amazon HERE 
Reformed bad girl Nikki Carson has spent the past year trying to forget her boss’s Halloween party and the unbelievable sex she had with her boss’s hot twin, Patrick Nolan. Patrick hasn’t mentioned that night since, much to Nikki’s endless disappointment.
Years of following in the wake of his womanizing brother cause Patrick to wonder if Nikki even knows which twin she slept with. He can’t believe she could possibly prefer him over her slick, polished boss. That doesn’t mean he’s been able to stop fantasizing about taking her again. Against the wall. On the floor. Everywhere.
It’s Halloween again, and trick or treat takes on a whole new meaning when Nikki and Patrick go for round two. Especially since Nikki’s come prepared with a Domme kitty costume meant to drive Patrick wild. And this kitty’s ready to show her claws if she doesn’t get what she wants…
My thoughts: 
HOLY WOW!!!!!!  This was a FABOULUS, fast, sexy read.  I was so excited when Cari asked me to read this story for her and do a review.  Even writing this review I want to go back and re-read. I don’t want to give away too much in this short story.  But getting dressed up for a Halloween party never sounded so good. 
If you are looking for a great HOT, Sexy read I would HIGHLY recommend you  buy a copy of Bad Kitty and experience it for yourself. 
Want to learn more about Cari or her books?  Check out her Website HERE
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Interview & Giveaway with Donna Grant

Books-n-Kisses is very pleased to welcome back the Wonderful Donna Grant.  I am honored to have been asked to be part of Donna’s blog tour for the re-release of her ebook Shadow Magic (bk#1 Sister of Magic Trilogy).

Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories.  She’s the author of more than twenty novels spanning multiple genres of romance—Scottish Medieval, dark fantasy, time travel, paranormal, and erotic.  Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Sword, features a thrilling combination of Druids, primeval gods, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her husband, two children, a dog, and three cats in Texas.  To learn more about Donna and her books, please visit www.donnagrant.com.
Books-n-Kisses:  Hi Donna, Welcome back. We learned so much about you and your Dark Swords series last time you were here I am excited to learn more about your Sister of Magic Trilogy re-release.
Donna: Thanks so much, Kelly.  I’m so happy to be back here and to talk about a backlist series that I get to release again. J

Q1) How does it feel to be re-releasing the Sisters of Magic Trilogy?
Donna: Really great, actually.  I loved the first covers, but these new ones seems to really capture the trilogy, and I’ve gone back in and added a bit more to the books as well as changing a few slight things that always bothered me about the books.

Q2) Tell us about Shadow Magic, book #1 in the Sisters of Magic Trilogy (re-release Nov 1, 2011)

Donna: SHADOW MAGIC shows us our first witch – Serena.  She’s part of a dying race of witches that were cursed by one of their own to never hold the love of a man.  Part of what the witches can do is look into someone’s future and see paths they can take.  Serena, however, only ever sees people’s deaths.  And she’s seen her friend’s death.  She knows there’s only one way for her to save them, and that’s with the help of Drogan of Wolfglynn.
Drogan is a battle-hardened knight who was in the king’s service for years tracking down – and eliminating – traitors to the crown. But what began as a position to be coveted turned into one that brought Drogan and his two companions face to face with Hell because of their deeds.
Serena is able to convince Drogan they need to help their mutual friends, and though Serena tries to guard her heart, passion – and love – won’t be denied.

Q3) I see that Echoes of Magic, book #2 of the Sisters of Magic Trilogy will be re-released on Nov 29, 2011.   Can you share with us a little about the second book?

Donna: Sure!
This book is about Adrianna, another witch, who has already felt the cruel touch of her race’s touch.  Not only did her man leave her, but the child she was left with died as well.  She’s prepared to spend the rest of her lonely life with the gypsies.  Until she finds a half-dead man in the forest, a man she’s compelled to help.
Grayson has been hiding from evil his entire life. After helping Drogan and Serena, he decides its time he face his past and discover what happened to his mother. Only, he never expects to fall prey to the evil so soon.  Or to be saved by a witch. Yet, the more he’s around Adrianna, the more he realizes just how dangerous it is for her to be with him.  Because he evil has marked Grayson, and it won’t be denied.

Q4) And Wow!!!  Dangerous Magic book #3 in the Sisters is scheduled for re-release on Dec 27, 2011. Can you tell us more about the third book?

Donna: DANGEROUS MAGIC is my favorite out of the three.  Maybe its because it features a hero who is so sunk into the darkness there doesn’t seem to be a way out for him. 
This book features Francesca, a witch who knows her destiny is tied to those at Wolfglynn.  She is prepared to offer whatever it takes to aid her friends, but when she gets her first look at Cade, she isn’t prepared for the immediate attraction.
Cade has watched and helped defeat the evil plaguing them, but he’s the one the evil is truly bent on killing. There’s no way Cade can defeat something that isn’t wholly human, and with the darkness riding him so hard, he doesn’t know how much longer he can hold onto the last threads of his humanity.
Until Francesca. She pushes back the darkness, and though Cade knows its wrong to be near her and bring such evil to her, he cannot deny the overwhelming hunger for her touch.

Q5) I love that you are re-releasing them all in such a short period of time.  What was the hardest part about re-releasing these books?
Donna: Reading back over them and wincing at what I found.  Lol.  My writing has changed so much in the years since they were first released.  I’m so thankful I’ve had time to read over them again and make the changes I feel they need. 

Q6) How do you feel your writing has grown since the original release of the Sisters of Magic Trilogy?
Donna: I think I go much deeper into the characters than I ever did.  I also feel as if my writing is sexier, the tension tighter than it used to be. 

Q7) Will we ever see these characters in future books now that you have revisited them?
Donna: I don’t know.  I don’t want to say never, because I don’t know what stories or characters will visit me in the future.:)

Q8) What is up next for Donna Grant?

Donna: Oh, so much.  lol.
I’ve got releases every month for 2012.  Beginning January 31, 2012, the next Dark Sword book is out in stores – DARKEST HIGHLANDER. 
Then in February I’ll begin to re-release the first 3 Shield series books.
May 22, 2012 is the first in the Dark Warriors series (spin off from Dark Sword) – MIDNIGHT’S MASTER.
June 26, 2012 is the second Dark Warriors book – MIDNIGHT’S LOVER
Then in July – August will be the final two Shield books.
Besides two more Dark Warriors books to be released in November and December, MIDNIGHT’S SEDUCTION and MIDNIGHT’S WARRIOR, I’ll also be re-releasing my Royal Chronicles series.  I haven’t firmed dates yet.
However, my big year is in 2013 where I’ll be releasing 7 – SEVEN – Dark Warriors books, all back to back from June – December.  Two fulls, three novellas, then another two fulls. J

Books-n-Kisses:  HOLY COW you are a busy girl… But all the better for your fans.

Q9) Looking at your fun facts, I see that your favorite movie is the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.  What are you feelings on them making the Hobbit?
Donna: I’m both anxious and nervous about it.  I will seem really weird to watch it without seeing Aragorn. :S  But I love the world, and I can’t wait for them to take me back to it.  I’m so thrilled they’re making two movies out of it instead of trying to fit it all in one.

Books-n-Kisses:  Donna, as always thank you so much for stopping by the blog.  I have enjoyed having you visit again and I am looking forward to your re-release of the Sisters of Magic Trilogy.
Donna: Thanks so much for having me again, Kelly.  I hope I see you and others on Facebook, Twitter, my blog, or even my forum. 😉 
May the magic always find you!

Now for the giveaway.  I have one e-copy of Dragonfyre:

She’s the only one who can pull him from the darkness…
As Commander of the Fae army, Aimery is used to tracking evil and putting an end to it. When one of the rare and treasured blue dragons is killed and an egg stolen, Aimery is ordered to find the murderer. He never expects it to be one of his closest friends…
Kyndra is a priestess of the Dragon Order sworn to protect all dragons in the Realm of the Fae. She is sent by the high priestess to accompany Aimery and return the killer for execution. Aimery is instantly drawn to the sword-wielding priestess, but he knows he cannot have Kyndra. Her life is sworn to the dragons, to be touched by no man. Neither expects to find desire and unyielding passion in the other. Yet when they track the killer to another realm, Aimery’s life is at stake and Kyndra gives herself to him and the love she cannot deny in order to save him…
Read Excerpt HERE
To Enter Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.



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Interview & Giveaway with Josee Renard

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Josee Renard to the blog today.  We are looking forward to learning a little more about Josee and her book Kiss Lonely Goodbye. 

Q1) Please tell us a little about yourself
Josee:  I, like many if not all writers, split my life into many small pieces. I work (freelance and hopefully part-time – sadly, not as often part-time as I would wish), I teach, I spend time with my friends and my partner and our families. I write, as much and as often as I can (though seldom often enough). I do all of the other things that early on in a writing career you don’t realize are part of being a writer – promotion, attending conferences, giving workshops, going to meetings, etc. etc. etc. I am two people in my writing life – a writer and a business person. I am also two people in my writing – Kate Austin (who writes women’s fiction) and Josee Renard (who writes erotica).
            I live in Vancouver a block from the beach, which I love. I travel as much as I can – almost always to big cities with great art galleries, which I also love. I’m getting better at avoiding the biggest pitfall of multi-tasking – which is not doing your best work because you’re thinking of the next thing you have to do – and enjoying the best part of it – which is focusing completely on what I’m doing at that moment, no matter how short a time I have to do it. I’m trying very hard to be in the moment rather than ruining it for myself by worrying about the next one.

Q2)  Tell us a typical writing day for you
Josee:  I wish, constantly and desperately, that I had a typical writing day. I don’t. I work part-time as a freelance paralegal (as little as 12 hours a week a few times a year to much more than full-time way more weeks than I want to), plus I teach paralegals. And working freelance means that I almost never know when, how long, where or when I’m going to be working from one week to another. I try – though rarely succeed – to write every day. I do try to write every evening that I’m home when my partner is working – he works in a restaurant so is generally at work five nights a week. One of these days I’m going to win the lottery and then I can set my schedule and stick to it.

Q3) Have you always wanted to be an author or what made you become an author?
Josee:  I actually haven’t always wanted to be an author. What I am, have always been, is a reader. I read somewhere between 350-400 books a year and my idea of a perfect weekend is nothing to do, no one around, and hours and hours of reading time. Over a weekend like that I might read 4 or 5 books, sometimes more if they’re short. But when I went to university – late – I had an English professor who said to me at one point, you write essays like they’re fiction, maybe you should try writing a short story. I did and I was hooked. I wrote and published short fiction and poetry for many years before I decided to start writing novels and I’ve been writing mostly novels and novellas, as well as a few short stories (and the occasional poem) for almost 10 years. My first novel, Dragonflies and Dinosaurs, got published in 2005

Q4) Tell us a little about your book Kiss Lonely Goodbye
Josee:  Kiss Lonely Goodbye is the third story in a 10 part serial (and yes, I feel like Dickens) called Part Time Lovers. Part Time Lovers is a website where people who are interested in sex can find a like-minded partner. Jules and Mercy, best friends since grade school, run the website and they link the 10 parts together with their relationships – with each other, with clients and with others.
Kiss Lonely Goodbye is about Annabelle and Sam, both lonely, both scared to death of a relationship. Annabelle’s sex life is in her own hands and toys but she’s lost the weekly bet with her sister, who hands her a printout from Part Time Lovers. Her penance for losing the bet is to find a man and have sex, after a very long dry spell. Sam was burned badly by his last relationship, so when someone tells him about Part Time Lovers, he’s immediately interested. Sex without strings. They both insist it’s only sex, but their emails become more and more intimate. When they finally meet, more than sparks fly. What if it’s love?

Q5) How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Josee:  I had a title long before I had even a line for the story. I started with a Stevie Wonder song title for the website and all of the titles of the stories (except one) are Stevie Wonder songs. So I guess somewhere in the back of my head I had the idea of two lonely people getting together. But, actually, I think I have to blame this story on Glee, to which I am addicted. I never come up with ideas, I come up with a first line. And here it is: Sam’s week wasn’t going well. Everything that could go wrong had gone wrong, for as long as he could remember. And that’s kind of what Sam’s life on Glee was like for a long time. And then I had to find a woman who could make Sam’s life – at the very least his sex life – better. Annabelle just showed up and the story unfolded from there.

Q6)  What is your current work in progress?
Josee:  As always, I have two or three things in progress. I’m easily bored, so if I get stuck somewhere I move on to something else. The urgent things (because of deadlines) are the last two stories in the Part Time Lovers serial – If It’s Magic and What Christmas Means to Me – which will be out on November 30 and December 7 respectively. I’m about halfway through each of them. And then I have to write a very short Christmas story called Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me (are you getting the song title theme? I seem to be obsessed with song titles this year) which will be out in December.

Q7) Who are some of your favorite authors?
Josee:  Because I read so much and across so many genres, my list of favorite authors is very long. Stephen King because he writes so beautifully. I just finished Duma Key and have Full Dark, No Stars on my massive TBR pile. Anything and everything by Suzanne Brockmann. Michael Ondaatje is one of the few writers I buy in hardcover. I love Susanna Kearsley, who writes great women’s fiction/romance that reminds me of one of my favorite childhood authors – Mary Stewart. Jayne Ann Krentz. Nora Roberts’ romantic suspense. Barbara Kingsolver and Alice Hoffman – I love the way they meld magic realism into their books. I like J.R. Ward very much – hers are the only vampire books I read. I love Emma Holly – her books are so very sexy. And then there’s Guy Vanderhaege and Margaret Atwood and Pat Conroy and… Are you sorry you asked? I could go on forever.

Q8) Have to ask because I am nosey.  What is in your to be read pile that you are dying to read next?
Josee:  It’s not actually in my TBR pile but I’m dying to read it when it comes out in the next couple of weeks. I’ve just discovered a brand new writer – Kylie Chan. She’s from Australia but lived in Hong Kong for many years. Her trilogy, Dark Heavens, is a terrific paranormal romance and I love it because it uses Chinese mythology and it’s mostly set in Hong Kong (with detours to Paris and London and Australia). Book 3 – and I’m dying to know what happens – is out in November and I’ve got it on my radar every time I walk into the bookstore.

Q9) Is there anything else you would to add?
Josee:  Thanks so much for having me. It’s amazing how often I learn something I wasn’t conscious of – about myself or about my writing – when I sit down at a computer and answer these types of questions. What did I learn this time? That I am getting better at being in the moment and that makes me feel good about myself.

Books-n-Kisses: Josee, again huge thank you for stopping by the blog to day to chat about you and your books.  I hope the readers enjoyed. 

Where  Josee can be found:
Website: http://www.joseerenard.com/
Blogsite:  http://joseerenard.wordpress.com/
Email: joseerenard@yahoo.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Josee-Renard/163055307086304
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/Josee_Renard
Where to buy: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/author/joseerenard.htm
Giveaway Time:  
Josee has given me an e-copy of her book Knock Me Off My Feet.  

If you would like a chance to win please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  Giveaway will end Nov 7th. Winner announce Nov 9th. 





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Interview & Giveaway with Lisa Renee Jones

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have Lisa Renee Jones on our blog today.  I am so excited to have you here to talk about her new release (yesterday) The Storm that is Sterling.  I have been looking forward to Sterling’s book since I finished The Legend of Michael. *sigh*

Award winning author, Lisa Renee Jones, has published more than fifteen novels in several different languages, spanning multiple genres of romance – contemporary, romantic suspense, dark paranormal and erotic fiction. In each book the hero is dark, dangerous, and sexy. She debuted for both, Nocturne and Blaze, on the Bookscan bestseller list. You can find Lisa onTwitter, Facebook, and her blog for regular updates. Lisa now has a Fan Page at Facebook.

Lisa: Thank you so much Kelly. I finished writing Michael and was eager to write Sterling’s story. He really came to life for me as I wrote Michael.
Q1) Let me start by saying that I love Sterling’s cover.  What did you think when you first saw it?
Lisa:  I was really please with the Sterling cover and it’s my first blue cover so I thought that was a cool thing!
Q2) Let’s talk Sterling.  Tell us a little about Sterling’s book.  Perfectly named The Strom that is Sterling.
Lisa:  Sterling has had a lot of pain in his life. He’s very damaged yet he is so willingly to put himself out there for those he loves. He reminds me of Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon. He has a secret death wish but he keeps going because what if someone he loves needs him 
Q3) Sterling’s book is book 2 in your Zodius Series.  How did you come up with the idea for this series?
Lisa: I am a Vegas addict. I love it! I’ve always been interested in the secrets of Area 51 and my now deceased father-in-law was at a famous cleanup site. He told us tidbits before he died and it was enough to really spark ideas about Area 51 and Super Soldiers.
Q4) What has been the most challenging and rewarding part of writing Sterling’s book?
Lisa: The end is always the most rewarding and the most challenging. I never want to let go of the characters and I struggle for days to get into my new characters as I cling to the old.  
Q5) I know that Damion’s book is next: The Danger that is Damion (Release date is May 2012).  Can you tell us a little about this next book?
Lisa:  Damion is a character readers will meet in Sterling’s book and he is a very by the book kind of guy. He believes there are rules for a reason. Suddenly, to save a woman he loves, he might have to break those rules.
Q6) What is up next for the Zodius Series after Damion’s book? 
Lisa: You will meet Chale in Damion’s book. He is my next planned story feature.
Q7) I know you write in other genres besides the paranormal. Do you prefer one genre over another?  If so, can you explain why?
Lisa: No I like the mix. Paranormal suspense is intense and dark and emotional to write. Then I write a Blaze and its light and fun. I find the shift back and forth keeps me fresh and excited and challenged.
Q8) What kind of research did you have to do for the Zodius series?
Lisa: I have lots of military family connections so those are questions I direct to those connections. My cousin’s husband is active Special Forces. My fiancé is going to med school so the genetic stuff he helps me with or he’s gone to an instructor for me before.  
Q9) Who is your all-time favorite author and why?
Lisa:  Oh I have a lot of favorites. I can’t pick just one. I love Karen Moning and Galean Foley.  I love a good historical because I don’t write that genre so it’s just an escape.
Q10) Tell us three things about yourself that we can’t find in your bio or on your website.
Lisa: I am a Starbucks addict – white mocha!
I am a chocolate addict – any but Godiva is a fabulous indulgence – if only it wasn’t priced like gold.
I’m a gym rat. I workout 6 days a week and even on vacations
Q11) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Lisa:  No. I was into acting before the corporate world stole me away and I actually got back into independent film quite heavily right before I started writing books.
Q12) Do you prefer writing series or stand-alone books?
Lisa: I like series because I don’t like to let go of my secondary characters
Q13) What trait do you like best in your heroes and heroines?
Lisa: They are all different, and like people, those differences make them special.
Q14) Do you ever base your characters off of people that you know?
Lisa: Not really. In Santa Baby the heroine was very me which was not the norm. For some reason, she just took on a lot of my character traits.
Q15) Name one movie that you think everyone should see.
Lisa: You know—I love movies but I rarely see them twice. I’m a big television person. Everyone should have a Sam and Dean Supernatural addiction!
Q16) If you could spend a whole day doing anything that you wanted to do with one of your characters.  Who would it be and why?
Lisa:  Whoever I am writing at the time. I have to be in love with the character while I’m writing him/her.

Q17) Do you ever get writers block?  If yes, what do you do to get unblocked?
Lisa:  Yes and it always means something is wrong with the story. I beat myself up until I figure it out and probably I should step away but I rarely do. Once I figure out what is wrong I am always amazed it took me so much fretting to come to that answer.
Q18) What if anything have you learned from your characters?
Lisa: That unique is good and it makes us special.
Q19) What are you currently reading? Or what is your next read?
Lisa:  I’m listening to one of the Bones/Frost books. I love that series and enjoy it on audio book.
Q20) Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Lisa:  Just huge thanks to my readers and to you Kelly for all of your love and support!
Books-n-Kisses:  Lisa, again thank you so very much for letting Books-n-Kisses being a part of your blogging tour for Sterling’s book.  I really enjoyed reading Sterling’s story and looking forward to reading Damion’s book.  I would love to have you back again. 
Lisa — I would be thrilled to return!!
Books-n-Kisses: Hey Lisa, How about we do a giveaway? 
Lisa:  Sounds good.  How about a goodie bag of books and Bath & Body Shop stuff.
Giveaway, To enter for a chance to win Lisa’s goodie bag.  Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway will end November 7th.  Winner Announced Nov. 9th.




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My Review of How to Worship a Goddess

How to Worship a Goddess

By Stephanie Julian
Book Two in the Forgotten Goddesses series
HE’S EXACTLY WHAT SHE’S ALWAYS WANTED
Lucy was once the beloved Goddess of the Moon. These days the goddesses of the Etruscan pantheon are all but forgotten. The only rituals she enjoys now are the local hockey games, where one ferociously handsome player inflames her divine blood…
AND SHE UNLEASHES HIM LIKE A FORCE OF NATURE…
Brandon Stevenson is one hundred percent focused on the game, until he looks up and sees a celestial beauty sitting in the third row. A man could fall hard for a distraction like that…
My thoughts:
In How to Worship a Goddess, we meet Lucy, the forgotten Goddess of the Moon.  But while the rest of the world may have forgotten her, in her little neck of the woods she still has followers who are willing to worship her and give her just enough power to protect them.  But Lucy knows that destiny has other plans for her and no matter how much she wants to run the time is coming that she must face the future.   The only time Lucy feels any true happiness is when she is watching the star play of the local hockey time.  She has been pinning after Brandon for 2 long years but know she can’t ever follow her heart’s desire.  That is until fate takes the choice out of her hands and delivers Brandon at her front door.
Lucy and Brandon are so HOT together and each is willing to do anything for the other.  There was not one moment that I didn’t love this story and really didn’t want it to end.  I want know more about Lucy & Brandon.  I hope that we will see them more in future books.
How to Worship a Goddess is book 2 of the Forgotten Goddesses Series (December 2011) and my 1st Stephanie Julian book (yes I know I read book 2 before book 1 *Gasp*).  I have to say I have already begged and pleaded with Stephanie to hurry up and finish book 3.  I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world.   I was so very fortunate to get a chance to read this book early so I can tell you all how totally wonderful Stephanie Julian is and how wonderful the Forgotten Goddesses Series is. 
HIGHLY recommended must read!!

Pre-Order HERE

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Interview with Avril Ashton

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Avril Ashton to the blog today.  We are looking forward to learning a little more about Avril and her book Till Abandon. 
Avril: Thank you for having me over. I’m quite happy to make your acquaintance J and those of your followers

Q1) Please tell us a little about yourself
Avril: Sure. Since I have yet to come up with something funny and quirky to say about me, I’ll give you guys my ‘official’ bio.
A Caribbean transplant, Avril now lives in Brooklyn, N.Y with a Spousal Equivalent of eight years. Together they raise a 7 y/o daughter who loves reading and school (wonder how long that will last). Avril’s earliest memories of reading revolve around discussing plot points of The Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys with an equally book-minded mother  
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Avril remains a believer of love in all its forms.

Q2)  Tell us a typical writing day for you
Avril: There’s nothing typical about my writing days. I get it in when I get it in. I recently had a huge amount of downtime, since Nettie, my trusty netbook got busted…the Mr. sat on it. I have two other computers in the house, but I’m not comfortable writing on them. I got a laptop now, so I’m back in business. My writing days are like this: I write from about 7:30 am to midday on Tues-Thurs. On Mondays it’s promo. On Fridays I sleep in since I work 4pm to 12 midnight and don’t get home til 1am and I’m back up at 5am to get the kid ready for school. At work Thursdays and Saturdays, I write the most. That’s when the bulk of my writing gets done.
So, you see. Nowhere near typical. 

Q3) Have you always wanted to be an author or what made you become an author?
Avril: I’ve always been in love with books, but never really thought about writing myself until a few years ago. I read ‘Like Silk’ by Mary Lynn Baxter while at work and cried like a baby. Then I kept thinking, this is what I want. This reaction, those tears. I want to make at least one person feel this way.  

Q4) Tell us a little about your book Till Abandon
Avril: Sure…Till Abandon is my first steps into the Paranormal genre, it’s shifter really. I love those stories. Till Abandon is book #1 in my Paranormal Security Council series with Total E Bound. Here’s the blurb:
They call her ‘The woman in white,’ whisper ‘Death-Bringer’ with their last breath, but no one knows exactly what she is. Not even Voltaire herself. The deadly magic within her is a living thing, able to crush anyone and everything with a blink. Abandoning the blood-soaked world she’s used to, Voltaire seeks out the one constant in her tired life—the green-eyed wolf in her dreams. She’s ignored the wolf’s call for years, afraid to surrender, but danger haunts her mate. He needs her.
Wolf-shifter Blake Montez is in the middle of a war, battling the usurpers intent on taking over his territory. Unfamiliar magic hums in the air, unnoticed—it seems—by everyone but him. He finds the source already under his nose, in his home. The delicate woman in white knows things no one should know, and the heat simmering between them is unlike anything he’s ever felt. His wolf recognizes her as his mate, though Blake remains unsure he can trust her.
Voltaire sets out to prove herself with time running out, enemies are on the prowl, some foreseen, others remain cloaked in shadow. She and Blake team up, fighting side by side, but in the end Voltaire might be the biggest threat to their love.
Available now @ TOTAL E BOUND:  http://bit.ly/pyBzg9
Q5) How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Avril: Like most of my stories, Voltaire appeared to me in flashes. She was in the midst of slitting a man’s throat and I wanted to know why. Who was she and what brought her to the point at which she appeared to me? I wrote that first scene, which turned out to be the opening to the story, and waited as she revealed bits and pieces of herself.

Q6)  What is your current work in progress?
Avril: LOL I have at least three WIPs I’m juggling at the moment. I’m 1/3 finished with Jayce and Wes’ story from Make Me Sweat, in the still-beginning phases of Wicked is his Touch, bk#4 in my Wicked series, and writing another M/M story Love The Sinner. I’m busy, but it’s a good busy.

Q7) Who are some of your favorite authors?
Avril: I’m all about romance, so if you write it, I read it. I’m partial to Nalini Singh, Christine Feehan, Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter. Just a few…  

Q8) Have to ask because I am nosey.  What is in your to be read pile that you are dying to read next?
Avril: I’m dying to read Red Fire-Surrender by an author friend of mine, Cassandre Dayne. It’s an M/M para that I’m salivating over. 

Q9) Is there anything else you would to add?
Avril: More information on me and my work can be found at my
Website: http://avrilashton.webs.com
My Blog: http://avril-ashton.blogspot.com
I’m on Twitter: @AvrilAsh
Facebook: http://facebook.com/writeravrilashton I’m also on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/oynRSI
My Books are at:
AllRomance: http://bit.ly/quHdmm
Amazon: http://amzn.to/oUSyhs
Bookstrand:   http://www.bookstrand.com/avril-ashton  

Books-n-Kisses: Avril, thank you for taking the time to stop by the blog today to chat about yourself and your books. 

Avril : It’s been fun and I loved the questions! Thank you guys again for inviting me over to play J
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Interview & Giveaway with Keri Arthur

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome one of my favorite authors, Keri Arthur to the blog today.

The Official Bio: Keri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson Guardian series, has now written more than twenty-five books. She’s received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Awards and has won RT’s Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives with her daughter in Melbourne, Australia.







Welcome to Books-n-Kisses. I am very excited to have you here today to talk about your new Dark Angels series.
Keri: Very happy to be here. Thanks for inviting me.
Books-n-Kisses:  shall we get started? 
Keri: I’m sitting here with a hot cuppa tea, all ready to go 🙂
Q1)  Tell us a little something about yourself that we can’t find in your bio.
Keri: Um….I’m a bit of a gamer, but I only play first person shoot ’em ups. Love them! Right now, I’m working my way through Crysis 2, then I have Black ops lined up. When that’s done, I plan to buy Rage and the new Call of Duty/Modern Warfare
Q2) Have you always wanted to be a writer?  If so, how did you get started?
Keri: I’ve always written. I started writing when I was 12, and never really stopped. But I didn’t get serious about trying to get published until my daughter was born. The first ‘proper’ book I wrote was Dancing with the Devil, but it was ten years and lots of rewrites before it was actually accepted for publication.
Q3) What are your writing rituals? Anything you have to have while you write?
Keri: I always—always have music on, and these days it’s usually the same disk—Eco Zen 2. It a very mellow CD, and tends to fade into the background, but I just can’t write without it. Silence drives me insane. Lol
I also always write in the afternoons—in the morning, I walk the dogs and then head of to the gym for a couple of hours.
Q4) Are you a plotter or a panster?
Keri: I’m a natural pantser who has become something of a plotter. The first four books of the Riley Jenson series were written without an outline, but the fifth crashed and burned (it needed major rewrites), so I’ve been doing outlines ever since. I tend to have an overall series outline, and also an outline for each book—but these are generally only a couple of paragraphs long.

Q5) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel they have influenced your writing?
Keri: Most of my favorite authors don’t write the same genre as me. I love Dick Francis, James Herbert, Anne Gracie, Eloisa James & Julia Quinn.  It’s not so much an influence, because he writes in a totally different genre to me, but I’ve always wanted to write like Dick Francis. He writes such fantastic characters and his books always draw you in from the very first page.  That’s what I try to achieve with my books.
Let’s talk books:
US Cover on left/ UK cover on right

Q6) Darkness Unbound was released on Sept 27th. Congrats, I love this cover.  This is the first book in the Dark Angels series, which is a spin off series from your Riley Jensen Series.  The main character in the Dark Angels series is Risa Jones.  Can you tell us more about this Darkness Unbound?

Keri: Darkness Unbound leaps 25 years into the future, with Risa now 28 years old. She runs a cafe with her two best friends, and occasionally helps her mom out by using her ability to see souls. At the beginning of the story, Risa is asked to uncover why a little girl remains in a deep coma on life support, but what she discovers shocks her. The little girl isn’t sick–someone has stolen her soul. And, worse still, not only is Risa being followed around by a reaper, but someone wants to permanently close the gates to heaven and hell, and they believe she can help them achieve this. Needless to say, things go rapidly downhill from there.
Q7) When you were writing Risa in Riley’s series did you know that she would have her own book, let alone a series?
Keri: When she first appeared in Tempting Evil, neither she nor Dia were meant to be more than one book wonders. But by the time she became a precocious toddler sweet talking her Aunt Riley into giving her Coke and cake, I knew she would have her own series.
US Cover on left/ UK cover on right

Q8) Darkness Rising (bk2) was released on Oct 25th.  Huge Congrats Again!!!   Can you tell us a little more about this second installment of Risa’s story?

Keri: Darkness Rising revolves around the quest to find the first of the three keys to the gates of heaven and Hell, as well as Risa working for Hunter and the vampire council to uncover who is cursing council members to whither, go mad, and die.

UK cover.  US cover not out yet

Q9) Darkness Devours will be book 3 and is scheduled for release July 5th 2012 (which I have to say seems so far away).  Can you share anything with us about this story? 

Keri: Darkness Devours deals with the fallout of their quest to find the first of the keys to the gates of heaven and hell, as well as Risa continuing to work for the vampire council—this time to catch and kill the creature who is eating vampires alive.
Q10) Keri, do you have any idea how many books will be in the Dark Angels series?
Keri: there was meant to be five, but as I said above, I tend not to stick to outlines, so there’s at least seven

Q11) I have to ask about your Myth and Magic series is there another book coming in this series? If yes, can you share anything about it with us?

Keri: There was a third book planned, but it’s not contracted and I doubt it will get written. Right now, I’m concentrating on my Dark Angels books, as well as a ‘secret’ project—not contracted—that features a phoenix.
Q12) Will we ever get another Riley Jensen book?
Keri: No, sorry. I’ve tortured poor Riley enough. She deserves her peace and quiet.
Q13) What is your current work in progress?
Keri: I’m currently working on Darkness Hunts, the fourth book in the Dark Angels series. The unconfirmed release date is the end of 2012.
Q14) I love to know what authors are reading. Can you tell me what you just read or an upcoming release that you are very excited about?
Keri: I actually tend to listen to audio books more than I read these days. I can’t wait to listen to Matthew Rielly’s new Scarecrow book, and I’d also love to read Lilith Saintcrow’s new book (it comes out Aug next year), The Iron Wyrm Affair.
Q15) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Keri: Just another round of thanks for having me here  🙂
Books-n-Kisses: Keri, HUGE thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down with me and chat about your books.  What do you say we giveaway a signed copy of both Darkness Unbound & Darkness Rising to one lucky commenter?
Keri: Sounds like a good idea to me!

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