Be My Everything 
by Ella Jade

Lucas and Katherine enter into the perfect arrangement to fulfill their sexual needs, but what happens when their hearts get in the way?
Shy, awkward receptionist Katherine Sierra wants to explore her sexually submissive side. Although new to the BDSM world, she’s eager to learn. When she attends a play party and submits an application to one of the most experienced Doms in the room, she has no idea what she’s gotten herself into.
Successful businessman and hardcore Dominant Lucas Cain knows his way around a playroom and doesn’t normally take on brand new subs. He’s apprehensive about training someone so innocent, but the more time he spends with Katherine the more intrigued he becomes. She may be everything he’s been searching for.
But when Lucas requests that Colin, his friend and mentor, join them in the playroom for an evening of fun, it just might change everything.
Has Lucas broken his own rule and fallen in love with his sub?

Links:

Excerpt
Mr. Cain asked, “Did you go over the contract and the checklist?”
“Yes, it’s all very straightforward,” Katherine said.
“And we’re in agreement that this is consensual?” He stood and walked around the desk, stopping directly in front of her.
“Of course.”
“You’ll submit to the background check, blood work, and physical?” All of those were required if she was going to be his sub. It said so in the contract.
“I’ve been tested, and I’ve brought the results. I’m also on the pill.”
“I see,” he said. “You don’t have an issue with the gym I’ve recommended?” The agreement also stated she was to join the gym of his choice where he’d take care of the membership.
“No, I like to work out.”
He glanced down at her body, lingering at her legs for a few seconds before making eye contact with her. “You understand that the checklist is for your benefit. It outlines both hard and soft limits. You need to think it through and decide which acts you’ll try and those you won’t consider. You should also keep in mind that limits can change over time.”
Katherine had no idea this whole set-up would be so involved. She thought she would just go to his house and have sex the way he wanted her to. She was under the notion that was what it meant to submit. She realized she had so much to learn.
“Any questions, Ms. Sierra?” Mr. Cain asked in that sexy southern drawl of his.
Katherine had learned he was originally from Texas but had relocated to New York when his company took off. He was impeccable. Not a hair out of place or a crease in his suit that wasn’t supposed to be there. He stood over Katherine for most of their conversation, and she found it unsettling. He was an extremely intimidating man.
“What happens next? I mean, do we have sex?” She was so out of her element.
“Would you like to have sex right here in my office?” His mouth formed a hard line, causing his jaw to tighten. “Shall I take you on my desk with an office full of people on the other side of my door?”
His words made her realize how innocent she was when it came to his lifestyle.
“Umm, no, of course not,” she answered as she cracked her knuckles. Her face was flush, and her throat was dry. She wondered what she was doing there.
“But as your Dom, I’d be well within my rights to take you fast and hard on my desk,” he informed her. He never raised his voice. It was soft but firm, and he got his point across very effectively. “Is that what you came here for?”
That was precisely what she wanted. Her stomach flipped as the moisture gathered inside her panties, just like it had the first night she’d seen him. This man oozed sex and he knew it.
“Katherine.” He sighed. “What are you doing here?” He looked frustrated, but she didn’t understand why.
“Applying to be your sub,” she said. “And please, call me Kat.”
“As much as I’d like you to be my pet, sweetie, I’ll stick with Katherine.” He smirked and that relaxed her. “Why do you want to be my sub?”
“I want to be dominated.” She hoped that was what he wanted to hear.
“Well, why not have your boyfriend tie you to the bed?” he asked. “It would be much easier than going through all of this.”
Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the EBooks industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can’t be stopped.
Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she’s not chasing after her kids, she’s busy writing, kickboxing and scrapbooking. She hope’s you’ll get lost in her words.
You can connect with her at http://ellajadeauthor.blogspot.com/

Interview with Kacey Hammell

Books-n-Kisses, is pleased to Welcome Kacey Hammell to our blog today.
Kacey: Thank you so much for having me! I’m thrilled to be here.
Q1) Kacey, Can you please share a little about yourself
Kacey: I’m married, a Mom to three active and creative kids who keep me on my toes.  I am an Avidreader who found romance books at the age of thirteen.  Since then, I’ve been hooked. It was only natural in 2001 when I found an online romance review site and became a reviewer. In a few years, I reviewed over four hundred title and felt compelled to try writing myself. In 2005, at the advice and prodding of my husband, I decided to sit and write my first story. It did very well, as did its sequel and a couple other titles, but I had to take a hiatus from writing in late 2007 when my father passed away unexpectedly. I am now in a better mind-set and have been able to find my way back to writing.
Q2) What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Kacey: I don’t start a book at the very beginning. I write scenes or full chapters of characters that talk to me and I have to get their voices to quiet down or get an active scene that plays over and over in my head. I end up piecing everything together once the characters dominate my thoughts more. I don’t even start with a title or character names specifically. Those come later, believe it or not.
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Kacey: I think any writer would say that other writers influence their writing. I think that the most influential for me are writers that bring readers honest and believable romances, build up the characters/story to make us want to sit next to their characters and have a conversation.  Authors that do this for me are Jaci Burton, JD Robb, Cherry Adair, Nina Bruhns, Suzanne Brockmann, Sara Brookes, TL Schaefer, Monette Michaels, Patricia A. Rasey, Jasmine Haynes…to name just a few.  I can never begin to compare myself to these wonderful writers though.
Q4) Tell us about Last Man Standing 
Kacey: It is true what people say – you never forget your first true love/heartbreak, Last Man Standing represents a woman’s journey working through her past and finding her own HEA.
Over a decade has passed since Jaslyn “Jazz” Vanburren had her heart broken by her high school sweetheart. After turning thirty, Jazz finds herself remembering the past and tells herself to leave it where it rightfully belongs—behind her. In order to do that, she has to face the man who broke her heart. When he calls her out of the blue, asking to see her, Jazz knows her chance has come to show him what he’s been missing.
But Jazz has another problem. Ryder Donovan—her best friend and her boss, the man who’d always been there for her, finally tells her like it is—he’s in love with her. Always has been and always will be.
Will Jazz hold tight to the past and the heartache she’s lived with? Or will she embrace the future with the one man who has never let her down? Who will be the Last Man Standing beside her?
Q5) How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Kacey: LMS actually came to mind when an old flame of mine contacted me through a social network and we became friends again.  He was the first guy to ever break my heart, so the thought started to niggle about the “what ifs” of the past. So while Jazz’s story is her own, there were some personal similarities.
Q6) What is up next for you?
Kacey: I have three previously released titles that have been re-edited/revised, new covers & titles altered a little bit that I have submitted to a couple publishers. One I’ll probably self-publish to get my stories and name in reader’s minds as I wait for the outcome of the other two.
Plus I have a ghost story that I’m putting the final polishes on that I will be submitting to publishers once complete.  There’s also about ten WIPs that I have to complete.  So there’s really no rest for the wicked in the coming months.  It’s just difficult because there’s so many characters talking to me right now. J
Q9) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Kacey: Readers are welcome contact me at kaceyhammell@gmail.com
And follow me at …
Books-n-Kisses: Kacey, Thank you so much for talking the time to sit down with me.  I enjoyed learning more about you and your books… I am looking forward to reading your story.
Kacey: Thank you so much for the opportunity to reach your readers.  I hope you enjoy Last Man Standing, and future titles.

WINNERS!!!!!!

#1

Winner from the Shayla Black giveaway  is 

Maria (pronounced Mariah) 

Maria, please email me your snail mail address 

#2
Winner of Maggie Wells Seducing Steve (ecopy) is 

Jnewberry

Juilie, please confirm your email address so we can send you your ebook

#3 
Winner of the $10 Amazon Gift Card from Virna DePaul 
is
Books4me

Wendy, Please confirm your email address 

#4
Winner of Naima Simone’s 

is 
Amanda W. 

Amanda, please confirm your email address where you want ebook sent. 
All winner have been notified via email.
Winners were chosen using Random.org.
Winner have 72 hours to claim prize or new winner will be chosen.

Interview & Giveaway with Alyssa Day

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Alyssa Day to our blog. We are excited to have Alyssa here to talk the Warriors of Poseidon, Vampires and Alejandro’s Sorceress.


Alyssa:   I’m so delighted to be here! Thanks to Books-n-Kisses for inviting me. 
Q1)  Can you tell us a 3 interesting things about yourself:
Alyssa:  Well, I live in Japan! For the past year we’ve been through earthquakes, tsunamis, a nuclear meltdown and a month-long evacuation.  That was a little bit TOO interesting. 
I have had up to 4 adopted rescue pugs at one time and learned how to walk 4 dogs at once.  16 legs plus mine made for some very interesting tangles!
I’ve lived all over the world.  In a dozen or so different states including Alaska, Japan, Turkey, and the Philippines.  And we’re planning a year-long journey to France!
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Alyssa:  Yes, I’ve been writing stories since I first picked up a pencil at age 3.  But I thought writing wasn’t a practical way to try to make a living, so I worked as a trial lawyer for 8 years before I started writing full-time.
Q3) Can you share with us your typical writing day?  Things you have to have while you write?
Alyssa: I don’t need routine, or ritual, or even for things to be a certain way.  All I need is a computer, or a pen and paper if need be, and for my mind to turn on.  I wrote the last chapter of a book in a very noisy Chuck E Cheese’s on a Saturday once while the birthday parties screamed around me!!  Unfortunately I don’t have “typical” writing days, either.  With our lives, things are crazy all the time, so I fit in writing whenever I can and some days I’m lucky to write 5 pages and some day I write 25!
Q4) What is the most rewarding or challenging part of being an author?
Alyssa: Rewarding?  Definitely the readers.  Every letter I get that tells me how reading one of my books allowed a reader to escape a horrible time in her life, just for a little while, makes me cry–it’s definitely humbling. 
Challenging?  Trying to make each book better than the last.  I stress myself out so much sometimes over trying to be better, better, best, that I freeze totally.  Meditation and long walks help with this.
Let’s talk Books:

Q5) Your new upcoming ebook exclusive Alejandro’s Sorceress is scheduled for release in October.  Can you tell us a little more about this story?

Alyssa: Well, first, it might actually be early November.  Formatting and preparing a book for indie e-book sale is challenging if you want to do it right, so I have a team of professionals I work with to do this. 
Alejandro is a secondary character from Lord Justice’s book, Atlantis Unleashed, and I fell madly in love with him from the moment he first stepped on the page.  He’s a totally hot alpha male protecting his village and he has a wicked sense of humor.  I’ll let him show you:
Alejandro stood up, leveling his shotgun at the vampire’s head.  “I propose a barter,” he said calmly.
The vamp barked out a chilling burst of laughter.  “What barter could you–“
The shotgun bucked and roared and exploded the vamp’s head.  Justice shot a look at Alejandro, who shrugged as the vampire’s headless body fell to the ground, dissolving in a flood of slime. 
“My shotgun shell for his head.  Seemed fair to me.”
Q6) How did you come up with the idea for Alejandro’s story?
Alyssa: I knew he wasn’t done telling his story, and his lady love had more to do with her life, too.  She was too young and too unfocused to be able to stand up to Alejandro.  So I sent him to the FBI’s Paranormal Ops Academy and sent him on his first case–to catch a dangerous sorceress.  Guess who she turned out to be?
Q7) Will Alejandro’s Sorceress be a stand-alone book or do you see this as being part of a series?
Alyssa: For now, it’s a stand-alone novella. But the idea of taking them into an urban fantasy series quite intrigues me and might actually happen.  And this is the first time I’ve ever mentioned that publicly, so you get an exclusive!
Books-n-Kisses:  I am extremely flattered that you would share this exclusive with me and my follower.  I can’t wait to learn more.
Let’s talk about the Warriors of Poseidon Series.
Q8) How did you come up with the idea for the Warriors of Poseidon Series?
Alyssa: I’ve always loved history, mythology, and the idea of finding a lost civilization.  I very nearly went on for an advanced degree in archaeology, so Atlantis has been on my mind for a very long time.

Q9) Daniel’s book Vampires in Atlantis (bk7) was released in June 2011.  Tell us a little about Daniel’s book.

Alyssa:  Daniel is an eleven thousand year old vampire who finally finds the girl who got away.  Massive destruction, torturing of all characters, and a spine-tinglingly hot romance ensue!

Q10) The next book in the Warriors of Poseidon series is a fan favorite (mine too, can’t wait to read this story) Alaric’s story, titled Heart of Atlantis (bk8, release date 5/1).  Can you share a little about Alaric’s story?

Alyssa:  I could, but then I’d have to send the Warriors to hunt you down and silence you.  It’s just not good publicity.  You understand.  I will share one thing, though – in the very first chapter, Alaric abdicates his role as high priest of Poseidon!  Whether Atlantis and Poseidon let him get away with THAT is an entirely different story . . .
Books-n-Kisses:  I totally understand I had to try!
Q11) Is Alaric’s story the last one in the Warriors of Poseidon series.  If yes, are you sad to see the series end?  If no, do you know how many more books will be in the series?
Alyssa: NO! It’s the last book in this first arc.  Atlantis will rise, one way or another, by the end of the book. Trying to make that happen without killing every Atlantean is the hard part.  I’m still planning to write Denal’s book, Jack’s book, and at least a few more novellas. 
Q12) I always like to ask what authors are reading. So what is the latest great book you read or upcoming release you are most looking forward too?
Alyssa:  I’m reading David McCullough’s THE GREATER JOURNEY, AMERICANS IN PARIS.  McCullough has won the Pulitzer Prize twice, so he could pretty much make his grocery list interesting, but this period in particular fascinates me, between about 1830 and 1900 when so many Americans in the fields of art, literature, medicine, and politics, traveled to Paris to live and learn.  I’m re-reading A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN with my 11 year-old daughter as part of our homeschooling adventure (one of my favorite books of all time), and I just finished THE CHILDREN OF HENRY VIII by Alison Weir.  For fun, I’ve recently read Ilona Andrews’ MAGIC SLAYS, Jayne Castle’s CANYONS OF NIGHT, Karen Marie Moning’s Fae series, Jacqueline Carey’s NAAMAH’S BLESSING, Eileen Carr’s VANISHED IN THE NIGHT (which is absolutely terrifyingly good romantic suspense), and Jim Butcher’s GHOST STORY. 
Q13) What is the best piece of advice you ever got about becoming an author that you would like to share?
Alyssa: People say never give up, and that’s probably good advice for most people, but for me, when it quits being fun, it’s time to move on.  There are far too many other wonderful things to do in life. 
The best advice I ever got was on craft in one of the many RWA workshops I’ve attended, and I wish I could remember who said it because I’d love to attribute it, but it was to remember that each of us is the hero of our own story.  I think I write very strong secondary characters and villains because I remember this and never make them two-dimensional.
Q14) What is up next for you (besides Alejandro & Alaric)?
Alyssa: I’m updating and preparing for indie publication my nonfiction book that I’m very proud of:  E-MAIL TO THE FRONT, the true story of my family’s experience when my husband had to go to war right after 9-11.  I’ve had thousands of reader letters about this book from military families and those who care about military families, and I can’t wait to share it with the world again since it’s now out of print.
Q15) Is there anything else you would like to share with me or my followers?
Alyssa: Yes!  Please stay tuned for exciting news about my new series, THE LEAGUE OF THE BLACK SWAN.  Set in a corner of contemporary New York that overlaps the Fae and demon worlds, this series is a rocket-paced ride of sizzling suspense and dangerous desire.  I can’t wait till next year so you can read it!!
Books-n-Kisses: Alyssa, again a huge THANK YOU for taking time out of your very busy schedule to sit down and talk with me.  I have had a great time. I look forward to reading Alejandro’s Sorceress and can’t wait for Heart of Atlantis (Feb. 2012).  
Alyssa: Thank YOU!! 
Books-n-Kisses: One last thing before you go Alyssa, how about we giveaway a signed copy of Daniel’s book (Vampire in Atlantis)?
Alyssa:  How about 2?  Good luck, readers!

Want to learn more about Alyssa or her books please check out her website: 
http://www.alyssaday.com/home.html

Click on the Read more to enter the contest




Interview & Giveaway with JM Powers

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have JM Powers on our blog today.  We are looking forward to learning more about JM and her new book Basket of Hope.
Hi JM, welcome to Books-n-Kisses..
JM: HI there! Call me Jeannie. J.M. is so formal. And I am the furthest thing from that.
Q1) Jeannie, can you share a little bit about yourself

JM  Oh boy, you asked for it. I’m a bit of a nut, and laugh at inappropriate times. I find humor in just about anything.
I live on an island, in Upstate NY. Summer is my favorite season here. Well my only season. I just spend the rest of them waiting for summer to arrive again. Why do I reside in the north when I live for warmth? I fell in love with a northerner.
 My hubby teases me when I say ya’ll, dang, or refer to grandparents as ma-maw and pa-paw. He says I have a southern accent.*rolls eyes* Listen, darlin’, I don’t have a dang accent!  When I visit my family in the south, they say I have northern accent. I’m confused.
 I tend to ramble too. And I can’t stop– even when I realize I’m rambling. Like now. No wonder I write. I have to get rid of my continuous word overflow.
Q2) When did you decide you wanted to be an author?
JM: I don’t think it was a conscious decision really. I think writing is so ingrained in me that I simply followed my bliss and ended up an author. (or… the word overflow thing.)
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
JM:  My all time favorite is Jean M. Auel. I’m very fond of Terry Goodkind  too. My favorite romance author is Hannah Howell. I must admit though, I have a new favorite every week. I
 The more I read, the more I learn, so I guess every writer influences my writing in one way or another.

Q4) Can you tell us about your book Basket of Hope 

JM: Of course I will. What author wouldn’t promo given a chance? J
Kara, a scullery maid, is in love with Machias.*drool* ….His body is as sculpted as the garden statues at the castle. Oh, and when he takes his tunic off? Oh my… oh yeah….Machias.
Oh, sorry. I got distracted for a minute there. Okay, back to BASKET OF HOPE. .
 Here’s the blurb:
All Hallows Eve looms near, and encroaching evil shall have its way if a marriage filled with true love and pure magic does not take place. Machias must choose a witch, something Kara never hopes to be.

Machias’s father will do anything to ensure his son chooses wisely—lies, beatings, and even an attempt to soil Kara’s innocence is not past the man.

Machias’s marriage announcement promises to burn Kara’s hope to cinders…unless something truly magical happens at the All Hallows Eve ball.
Q5) How did you come with the idea for this story.
JM: Originally, it was a short story for a contest. When it didn’t win, my characters led me around saying, “now expand on this” and “make her an orphan” then, “wouldn’t it be interesting if you added an evil father?” And wha-lah! The short story magically turned into a novella. (Silly pun. Humor me.)
Q6) Can you tell us about your current work in progress
JM: Right now my next book, Jewel of Ramstone, is in the editing process with a publisher. This historical romance is about a maiden without a past,–and a future full of intriguing twists. It should be out this fall or winter. I hope my readers will love the book as much I did writing it. (You can find updates for all my work on jmpowersromance.blogspot.com)
Q7) What are your writing habits. Anything you have to have while writing?
JM: My habits vary from quiet solitude with a cup of coffee in the morning, to afternoons with a fried bologna sandwich after my day job. But usually it’s on my couch with chaos around me in the evenings. However, my favorite time is a getaway to the cabin with my sister to develop new story ideas or work on our manuscripts. There is a constant though. I must write every day. It’s not a choice so much as a need.
My creations bud in my mind. It gets pretty crowded up there. New and old characters mingle, spilling drinks and leaving crumbs of information while they party non-stop in my head. Many times, I intend to jot down one of those character’s ideas. Then I look up hours later, wondering what my husband just said. Twelve times. God, I love that man. He married a writer and accepted it. Ha. I sometimes wonder if he knew what he was accepting.
Q8) I always want to know what authors are reading or looking forward to reading. So can you share with us what you are currently reading or the next new release you can’t wait to get your hands on.
JM: I read every genre. A friend recently loaned me Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin. (Why does he have two middle initials?)  I’m reading it now. There’s everything in this book! Romance, secrets, fantasy, kings, knights, strong- willed women, mystery, backstabbing, honor—I could go on, but that would entail rambling. And I never ramble. *huge grin*   
Q9) is there anything else you would like to add?
JM: I never have the opportunity to publicly thank my critique partners so I’d like send a shout out to the ones who always offers great suggestions, honest opinions and encouragement.

 My sister, and fellow author, CE Hart, always reads my work before I send it anywhere. She calls me and suggests changes. Once I note her thoughts, we talk for hours on the phone. A lot of that time is spent laughing so hard we can’t understand what the other is saying.

Another author, my friend, Rain Chapman, has a knack for helping me find a perfect word to convey just what I mean. She’s also handy to bounce ideas off of.

These two are the best partners any author could wish for. *waves* Thanks, ya’ll!
Books-n-Kisses, JM it has been a pleasure to have you here today. I look forward to reading you book Basket of Hope. Please come back any time.
JM: I look forward to hearing what you think of it! *GRIN*
I had fun sharing a bit about myself. Thanks for helping spread the word about my latest release! 

GIVEAWAY TIME: 
Breathless Press is going to be giving away one E-copy of Basket of Hope. 
To Enter: 
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Giveaway ends Oct 15th
Winner will be announced Oct 17th

My Review of A Midnight Dance by Lila DiPasqua

A Midnight Dance
by Lila DiPasqua

Inspired by the tale of Cinderella, Lila DiPasqua weaves a steamy historical romance that offers a glass slipper, a dangerous deception, and an impoverished beauty determined to find her handsome prince…and make him pay.
Born into wealth, Sabine Laurent and her twin sister lived a life of luxury, their father’s prestigious theater frequented by royalty and aristocracy alike. And Sabine dreamed of her own prince charming—the devastatingly handsome Jules de Moutier.
That was before the loss of her sister and her family’s fall from grace—a disaster Sabine blames on the Moutier family. Now, with her father’s death, she’s inherited his sizable debt and the responsibility of caring for his spoiled long-time mistress and her two wastrel daughters. But with the help of Sabine’s eccentric friends—the balance of her father’s acting troupe—she plans to get very close to her old infatuation, seduce the rake—and make away with a fortune.
Resisting Jules’s skillful mouth and tantalizing touch is not as easy as Sabine supposed. And soon she must decide whether her desire for vengeance is greater than her desire for her one and only prince…

My thoughts:
In A Midnight Dance we meet Sabine Laurent, who is in dire straits.  Sabine is a woman on a mission to save her family.  But in order to do that she must be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to gain the trust of those she plans to deceive.  But as with all good plans not all goes right.  The last person Sabine ever expected to find in this camp is the one man she blames for the fall of her family. Jules deMoutier

Jules deMoutier has been stripped of everything, his money, his title, and his pride.  But after 5 long years he is so close to getting everything back.  Back to the way his life should be.  But Jules never planned for one small blond woman to come into his camp and steal his treasure out from under his nose.
Sabine is a great heroine.  She is smart, funny, determined and really doesn’t take people’s crap very well.  Her only weakness seems to be her heart.  Sabine cares too much sometimes.
Jules, aahhh, sweet, handsome, suborn, wouldn’t know when a woman is lying to him Jules.. Jules is HOT… He his Dream…. He really is a prince charming under all that holier than thou attitude.  
OH, Lila is wicked good.  There was not one moment that I didn’t love this story.  Lila doesn’t wait very long for there to be a very hot forest sex scene *wiggle eyebrows* Lila does a great job of taking the Cinderella story and telling it in a way I would have never thought about.  This is truly a riches to rages to riches story.

  Want to learn more about Lila or her books? 

Check her out here: http://www.liladipasqua.com

Interview & Giveaway with Margaret Ethridge

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have Margaret Ethridge on the blog today.  We are looking forward to learning more about Margaret and her book Contentment
Margaret’s bio: A graduate of Illinois State University, Margaret Ethridge migrated to Chicago where she attempted to make a living as a professional spinster. She met a Southern man with a sexy drawl and big chocolate brown eyes, and her career plan went down the tubes. Now, Margaret lives in Arkansas with that sweet-talking Southern gentleman, their two children, three spoiled dogs, ten hungry goldfish, and one impertinent house rabbit.  
Hi Margaret, Welcome to Books-n-Kisses
Margaret: Hello!Thanks so much for having me here, Kelly.
Q1) Margaret, can you share a little bit about yourself

Margaret: Well, let’s see… Each day I roll out of bed with my make-up already applied and every hair in place, hop in my sports car and zip through a traffic-free commute to my office. There, I count bottles of booze. Literally. My mother is proud. I have her dream job.
When I return to my spotless abode each evening, my loving husband greets me at the door wearing nothing but black mesh boxer briefs and a smile, asks about my day, and leads me to a candlelit table laden with Steakburgers from Steak ‘n Shake, heaps of McDonald’s fries, bowls of candy corn and Smarties, platters of Krispie Kreme crullers, and a convoy of Route 44 Diet Cokes from the Sonic. I consume them all without ever gaining an ounce or getting a zit whilst Colin Firth climbs out of the pond in our back yard wearing a wet white shirt…
Yeah…Um, where was I? Oh! Me? I write fiction. I like to spin stories of ordinary people living extraordinary romances. The statements above were a dramatization. I cannot actually eat Krispie Kreme crullers without gaining weight. Do not try this at home.
Q2) When did you decide you wanted to be an author?
Margaret: I think I’ve always wanted to be an author, but it was always one of those amorphous ‘someday’ things. I started writing about four or five years ago, and I haven’t been able to stop since.
Q3) Can you tell us something that is on your bucket list that might surprise people?
Margaret: Ha! Well, I just did one thing on my list yesterday. I ran in a 5k race. I know it may not seem like much to some people, but I smoked for 24 years. I just quit in April, and one of the goals I set was to start running. Like the ‘someday I’m going to write a book’ thing, the running was always a ‘someday’ thing to me and this someday happened to be yesterday.
Other than that? I hope to travel to Scotland with my friend Michelle. We have plans to peek under kilts and stalk anything remotely connected to James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser (From Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series).
Q4) Can you tell us about your book Contentment 
Margaret: Contentment is a story that’s near and dear to my heart. It’s the story of the slow disintegration and rebuilding of a marriage. It’s not a pretty story, it’s not always exciting, but I believe it is a real-life romance. Here’s the blurb:
Tracy Sullivan seems to have it all, a handsome, devoted husband, three beautiful children, a steady career, and the perfect suburban home; but she isn’t happy.
The petty resentments that have built over fifteen years of marriage surface when Tracy tells her husband, Sean, that she is no longer interested in sex, and their marriage threatens to implode.
For the sake of their children, Tracy and Sean agree to lead separate lives under the same roof. With the help of a healthy dose of adult-rated fiction and some gentle prodding from a good friend, Tracy begins to rediscover who she is, what she wants, and the reasons she fell for Sean once upon a time.
After two years of soul-searching, Tracy is finally ready to embrace her happily ever after having learned that while happiness may be fleeting, contentment can last a lifetime.
Q5) How did you come with the idea for this story.
Margaret: To be perfectly honest, many of my friends were living this story. They may not have been living it to the extreme of living separate lives under the same roof, but I think most had reached that point where they looked around and asked, ‘Is this all there is?’
It’s natural. The feelings that Tracy wrestles with throughout the book – dissatisfaction, ambivalence, insecurity – those feelings of inadequacy are lurking in the back of everyone’s minds.
Q6) Can you tell us about your current work in progress
Margaret: I am in the process of editing Commitment, which is a spin-off from Contentment. I say spin-off because it isn’t really a sequel. Commitment runs concurrent to Contentment (how was that for alliteration?) and tells the tale of Tom Sullivan – Sean’s playboy older brother. Commitment should be available from Turquoise Morning Press in early 2012.
I’m also writing a sequel to my first book, Paramour, which will be called Inamorata (TMP-June 2012) and I’m editing my first book for The Wild Rose Press – a contemporary romance featuring mature hero/heroine – Spring Chickens.
Q7) Does your family read your books?
Margaret: My husband and kids do not, and it boggles my mind. I am from a family of readers. Both of my parents and all seven kids – we consume books like candy. My husband will read my short stories and he has skimmed most of my novels, but he does not read for pleasure in any form. Weirdo.
Q8) Best piece of advice you would share with budding authors?
Margaret: Keep writing. No matter what anyone says or writes, and despite the silence that speaks volumes, keep writing. I think we all get better with every word we type. This is an incredible roller coaster of a ride. I’m just starting out myself, so know there are many more dips, twists, and turns to come, but what a ride!
Q9) is there anything else you would like to add?
Margaret: One of the best things about being a writer is hearing from readers. Thank you so much for your messages. Whether through email, Facebook, or Twitter, there is nothing that puts a smile on my face faster than hearing from a happy reader!
Books-n-Kisses, Margaret: it has been a pleasure to have you here today. Please come back any time.
Margaret: Thank you so much for the opportunity to ‘meet’ your readers, Kelly. I truly appreciate you! Happy reading!

Giveaway Time
Margaret has offered to give away an e-copy of her book Contentment

To Enter: 
Please leave a comment or questions for Margaret
Please leave your email (NO email, NO entry)
Being a follower of my blog is good. 

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Giveaway ends Oct 14th
Winner announce Oct 17th

What to learn more about Margaret? 
Find her here: 

Regan Hastings Awakening Series

Visions of Magic 

(The Awakening #1)

In the ten years since magic has reemerged in the world, witches have become feared and hunted. For weeks Shea Jameson has been haunted by visions of fire. When she unintentionally performs a spell in public, she becomes one of the hunted. Her only hope is Torin, a dangerously sensual man who claims to be her eternal mate.
“Magic, passion, and immortal warriors — this fabulous new series has it all.”
– NYT Bestselling Author Christina Dodd
BUY ATAmazon | B&N | Borders


Visions of Skyfire 

(The Awakening #2)

Every witch has a destined mate, an Eternal who will serve as her guardian and complete her powers. Once the coven has awakened, the witches must race against time to join with their Eternals and protect the relics that will prevent the destruction of the world…
The Awakening is upon Teresa Santiago. Despite training for this moment since she was a child, Teresa is unprepared for the vastness of her power or for her attraction to Rune, her Eternal protector and destined mate.
United by purpose—and passion—Teresa and Rune must locate one of the missing artifacts before its power unleashes the forces of darkness on the world. His strength and her ability to summon lightning should be enough to protect them from the government agents charged with imprisoning witches. But their enemies are both mortal and magical—and danger follows Teresa at every turn.
In this ultimate battle between good and evil, only through sacrifice will love conquer all…
BUY ATAmazon | B&N

Visions of Chains

(The Awakening #3)

Tentative release date June 2012

Interview & Giveaway with Carrie Pulkinen

Hi Carrie, Welcome to Books-n-Kisses.  I am happy to have you visiting today so that we can talk and learn more about you and your books.

Carrie: Hi! Thanks so much for having me!

Q1) Tell us how you got into writing Erotic Paranormal stories?

Carrie: I’m a hopeless romantic, so I’ve always been drawn to romantic elements in stories. As for the paranormal, I grew up next door to a cemetery. Literally. As a child, I thought my parents owned it. So, I’ve always been fascinated by ghosts and anything paranormal.

Q2) Have you always wanted to write in this genre?

Carrie: I guess I have. I never really thought about a genre when I started writing fiction. This is just what came out, so I suppose it’s meant to be.

Q3) Do you think you will write in other genres?

Carrie: I really enjoy reading suspense novels, so one day, I may venture into that genre. But, it will probably be romantic suspense.

Q4) Share with us a little about your newest release. Her Guardian Lover

Carrie:  April is a small town high school teacher with big plans to achieve the American Dream. But, her future is derailed when she’s caught in the middle of a school shooting. The only person who can help her recover from the tragedy is her sexy coworker Damian—but she despises him. Will she accept all he has to offer and follow her destiny? Or will she fall back into her old life?

Q5) How do you come up with these steamy sex scenes?

Carrie: I really get into my characters as I’m writing. I sort of “become” them. So, when it’s time for a sex scene, I write what feels natural for the characters.

Q6) Best advice you ever got about becoming an author

Carrie:  The best advice I’ve gotten is to never give up. Just because someone rejects a manuscript, it doesn’t mean that someone else won’t love it.

Q7) Favorite all-time author and why

Carrie: My favorite author is Paulo Coelho. He writes in a completely different genre, but his stories and so compelling I can’t put them down. He’s truly inspirational.

Q8) Your thoughts on e-books vs. paper books

Carrie:  I don’t know if paper books will ever go away, but I definitely think they are becoming less and less popular. Especially with teens and young adults. Everything else they do is electronic, so why not reading too?

Q9) What is your current work in progress?

Carrie: I’m currently polishing up an urban fantasy/paranormal romance that I wrote a while back. It’s full of magic, romance, vampires, and reincarnation.

Q10) Anything else you would like to add?

Carrie: Thanks for interviewing me. It was fun!

Books-n-Kisses: Carrie, again Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down with me and share your story.  I look forward to reading more of your books in the future. 


Her Guardian Lover 
by Carrie Pulkinen

Guarding April isn’t easy. Loving her could be the end of life as he knows it.

April May Carter, a twenty-nine-year-old small town high school teacher, dreams of finding a man to whisk her away from the hickville she’s stuck in. She wants it all—the husband, the house, the kids, the car. But her dreams of living the perfect life are shattered during a school shooting.
Damian is supposed to keep her safe. But a tragic event in his past has left him so bitter and resentful, he’s blindsided by the angelic beauty who’s awakened a part of his soul he thought had burned out long ago. He won’t let anyone get close enough to care about him. April should hate him. But she sees through his abrasive exterior and finds the compassionate, loving man beneath. Can Damian let go of his past, accept his responsibilities, and let her love him? Or will he spend the rest of his existence alone and miserable?

Excerpt:

She turned back to Damian, but the moment was gone. The overwhelming need to lay it all out for him gave way to her practical side. He’d have to let go of his past before he could make a future with her. Besides, she wanted to hear him say it first.
Sitting across the table from the most beautiful Angel in Heaven was like a dream. He knew about her desire to travel, and bringing her here was the perfect setting for their first official date.
Her smile brightened the entire room, and her eyes sparkled as she admired the architecture. “When was this place built? It’s incredible.”
“Around the twelfth century. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? And it really hasn’t changed much since then.”
“You were here when this was built?”
He shrugged. “Sure. I told you, I’m as old as dirt.”
She giggled until she was gasping for air. Her laugh was like beautiful melody in his ears.
“Wow. I’m on a date with a geezer. How gross.”
“Well, maybe I shouldn’t be robbing the cradle. Isn’t there a law about that?” He winked, and they both laughed.
“I am not a child, mister. I’m more woman than you could handle.”
“Mmm…We’ll see about that. You ready to get out of here? See the sights?”
“I’d love to.”
He savored one last bite of his meal, and then led her out into the street. They ambled, hand-in-hand, through a courtyard and down three blocks of cobblestone. The Leaning Tower of Pisa stood just across the street, and he paused to watch her reaction.
But she wasn’t looking at the tower; she was gazing up at him. Her eyes were more beautiful than the Italian countryside, and he forgot all about the sights of the city. He forgot about everything else in the world when he leaned down to kiss her.
Her lips were so soft, her taste so sweet, his head spun. He shouldn’t have been kissing her. He needed to take it slowly, but he didn’t care. At that moment, the only thing that mattered was having April in his arms.
She slid her hands over his shoulders and pulled him closer. He could have drowned in her essence right there on the sidewalk. The need to be with her surged through his body, and he had to pull away before he took her to his bedroom and made love to her all day.
He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and tried to find his voice. But what could he say?
Her expression was one of anticipation. Longing. She looked at him like she wanted him. “That was…nice.”
“Yeah, it was.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. “We should do it more often.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Oh my gosh! It’s the Leaning Tower of Pisa.”
He chuckled. “Yeah. That’s what I brought you here to see. Want to get a closer look?”
“Uh, yeah.”
They darted across the busy street and walked up the path to the tower. She put her hand over her heart as she admired the structure.
“It’s amazing that the foundation shifted so much for it to lean like that. But it still stands. They just don’t make ’em like that anymore.” She grinned and tousled his hair. “But I bet you remember when it stood straight.”
He felt the heat rush to his cheeks, though he didn’t know why he was embarrassed. He shrugged and kicked at the dirt with his foot. “Yeah. I guess I remember. But it’s no big deal. A thousand years from now, we’ll be looking at present day skyscrapers and saying, ‘Remember when’.”
“True. But I bet skyscrapers won’t be around a thousand years from now.”
“Wanna put money on it?”
She flashed a mischievous grin. “Okay. I’ll give you a trillion dollars if they’re still standing in a thousand years.”
“You’re on.”
“But that means you’ll still have to be speaking to me. No more games.”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “You don’t have to worry about that.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon lazily roaming the city. They strolled along the river bank and settled on a patch of grass in a secluded spot to watch the sunset. If only Angels had the ability to freeze time; he could have lived in that moment forever.
With his arms wrapped around her, she snuggled into his side and sighed. “Thank you for this. The whole day, you, everything. It was perfect.”
He closed his eyes and inhaled her sweet scent. The day really was perfect. She was perfect, and he didn’t want it to end.

Giveaway Time:  
We are going to try something new….. Please use the following forms to enter. 






Book Feature: Sweet Irish Kiss by Joanne Kenrick

*Waves hi* Thanks so much for hosting a stop on my Sweet Irish Kiss book tour with Sizzling PR. I’m psyched to be here, and to share an excerpt from my first addition to the multi-author www.decadentpublishing.com series called 1NightStand. Yes, I said my first. That’s because I’ve a second coming out; Dracula’s Kiss releases in October, and if you love vampire romance, and are rather partial to a sexy Scotsman and spooky castle ruins with connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, then you’ll LOVE IT!
But first, we get to enjoy my hottie Irish Bar dude. Here’s the book trailer, blurb and buy links…you know, in case you feel compelled to want this Irish hottie in your eReader 🙂 Psst, the full recipe for an Irish Kiss, a Baileys cocktail almost as smooth as Shaun Bell, is within the story…as is the recipe for Shaun’s version.

BLURB: Shaun Bell, a divorced workaholic, spends all his time tending bar in his Irish Pub. He’s ready to love again, but the women who visit his bar are only after his infamous Irish cocktails. At the advice of his darts team over a tanker or two of Beamish, he applies to 1Night Stand to get back into the swing of things and enjoy the company of a woman specially selected for him by Madame Evangeline.
Rachel Taylor has issues. Her father broke her mother’s heart with his cheating and Rachel swore never to let that happen to her, but one ruined relationship after another and she’s realized she’s got to get over being closed off to men. Perhaps a one-night stand is just the baby step she needs to begin to build trust again.
A match seemingly made in heaven…until morning rolls around and Shaun can’t bring himself to say good-bye. Can he win her over with his secret weapon, a Sweet Irish Kiss, or is Rachel still too scared to love?
BUYLINKS

BOOK TRAILER TO BE INSERTED BY BLOGGER:

This excerpt has been ‘bleeped’ out to make it a PG-13. Please keep in mind that Sweet Irish Kiss does contain mature content and is not suitable for minors. Thank you.

Shaun spun and checked himself in the pristinely clean glass door that led into the penthouse suite. Ugh. His hair sat all skewed to the right, so he ran his fingers through his thick, deep brown locks and attempted to sort his style out. Instead, his actions forced the front to revolt and flop over his face in true Hugh Grant style.
“For bleep’s sake.He tapped his fingers on the tempered glass and frowned at his reflection. Not too shabby, he figured, besides the hair. Plain black slacks and a pin-stripe cotton shirt. His mum had always said darker colors flattered him because he worked out, and his shoulders and arms had attracted most of the bulk. Of course that could also have something to do with the fact he rode a motorbike to work every morning. London traffic was bloody awful and he’d quickly learned to maneuver in and out like a pro. Moving a bike like that was bound to build up certain muscles.
It had been overcast and drizzly all day. True to typical Brit weather, not knowing if it was coming or going, the mid-August evening air had warmed up.
He undid a couple of shirt buttons and made himself comfortable on a sun chair to enjoy the scenery. He could see Knightsbridge below and the London Eye in the distance.
Impatience grabbed at him and edged him to fidget and count the seconds drag by. He stood and paced the tiny space the balcony offered, sipping on an iced whiskey from the mini bar and watching people scurry by below. Each time he saw a woman alone, he wondered if it was her. But they all passed by.
“She’s not coming. Stood up by a sure thing. Stood up by a paid sure thing. That could only happen to me.”
“Rachel.He smiled. R-rachel.He liked the way her name sounded, and the way the R resonated in his mouth and rolled off his tongue.
He checked the time again. Ten minutes late, but it felt more like an hour.
He finished another drink and readied himself to hit up the mini bar, again. The clicking and fumbling sounds of someone trying to get a card key to work and a woman swearing several times made him glance toward the door. Rachel, he presumed, and chuckled. Before he could even debate heading over to help, the doors swung open like they’d been forced apart by a crowd of vampire hunting, log lunging, flaming torch throwing villagers. Or his regulars at Bell’s ready for happy hour
And there she stood. Holy mother of….
Would ya look at that.

JoAnne Kenrick, an ex-Ghost Tour Guide and Holistic Therapist, is a Welsh lass who has lived in various countries around the world. She now calls North Carolina her home, where she lives with her husband, two children and a lazy cat. When they aren’t demanding her attention, she can most likely be found watching a vampire movie, reading or baking up a British storm in her N.C. kitchen. That is, when she isn’t writing or chatting up a storm on social networking sites. www.joannekenrick.com

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Winner

The winner of Gena Showalter’s 
The Darkest Surrender 

is
Amy
angeldream3(AT)gmail(dot)com

Amy, please email me your snail mail address. 

Winner has been notified by email 
Winner chosen by random.org

Guest blog with Regan Hastings (& giveaway, 1 here and 1 over at Regan’s blog)

Regan Hastings’ Self-Indulgent Fantasy
Regan Hastings is the dark alter ego of USA TODAY bestselling author Maureen Child. VISIONS OF SKYFIRE, the second book of The Awakening series of dark paranormal romances, is available now.
I’m a writer, so by definition, I have a very active imagination. Lately, I have begun to fantasize about taking a bath. Is there anything more deliciously self-indulgent than a bubble bath? I’ve been forced to satisfy myself with quick showers for a couple months.

You see, my house is on the market, so I have a nightmare that the minute I step into a tub, a real estate agent will show up with a suburbanite couple and their 2.5 children. And of course, I will have forgotten to lock the bathroom door. Which means Realtor Bob, Mr. and Mrs. Straightlace, and their kids Billy, Sally, and Halfsie will hover in the doorway in open-mouthed shock at the lady in the fluffy towel who is frantically trying to distract them with the beautiful tile floor … which they would appreciate if only they would avert their eyes!
(I did mention I have an active imagination, didn’t I?)
In VISIONS OF SKYFIRE, the second book of The Awakening, Teresa Santiago is on the run with her Eternal mate, Rune, desperately fleeing the Bureau of Witchcraft. Teresa is a witch, and the BOW won’t rest until she’s dead.
The worst thing about being on the run, to me, would be not being able to take a bath. (Well, okay, the worst thing would be the gunfire … but not being able to take a bath is a close second.) Here’s a brief excerpt from VISIONS OF SKYFIRE, showing Rune’s wildly romantic surprise for his witch …
Taking her hand, Rune led her toward the far wall of the sumptuous cave and then behind yet another wall of crystal-studded rock. He lit the torch within to display even more wonderful secrets.
“A hot tub?” She bent over the rocky ledge of a pool of steaming water and dipped one hand into the froth. Heat pulsed through her and she nearly sighed with pleasure.
“It’s not a shower,” he told her with another smile, “but I think it’ll do.”
“Are you kidding?” she asked. “It’s great.”
“Glad you approve. It’s fed from an underground spring,” Rune told her, then showed her another alcove. “It drains through here . . .”
Teresa looked, realized what she was seeing and laughed, delighted. It wasn’t the Ritz, and in fact it looked more like what she assumed a medieval garderobe was like, but at least she wouldn’t have to run into the desert at night to relieve herself. “This is so great, Rune. I don’t even know what to say.”
She turned to smile up at him and found him watching her with amusement and something . . . else in his eyes. Those pale gray depths were awash with secrets and emotions. As if she could sense exactly what he was thinking and feeling, she shivered in response. That low curl of heat and expectation at the very core of her had returned and it was all she could do not to moan softly as need pulsed inside her along with the beat of her heart.
“You feel it, don’t you?” he whispered, even that faint hush of sound seeming to echo against the rocks.
“Yes,” she said, not bothering to pretend she didn’t know what he was talking about. What would have been the point?
“We begin the Mating tonight.”
She lifted her chin to meet his gaze squarely, so that he could see her own determination to accept their joined destiny. She only hoped he couldn’t read her trepidation as easily. “Yes, we will.”
What do you do that’s self-indulgent? What’s your pleasure – bubble baths or something else?
If you enjoyed the excerpt of VISIONS OF SKYFIRE, please visit www.reganhastings.com to read the first chapter. If you answer a simple question, you’ll be in the running for a $50 Amazon e-gift card. You can use it to buy a wicked cool Halloween costume, or you can use it to buy books. Up to you! The winner will be chosen at random from among all the correct answers on October 15.
Giveaway Time: 
Because I love Regan’s books so much I will be giving away an e-copy of Visions of SkyFire (purchased by me) to one commenter. 
To Enter: 
Go over to Regan’s Blog www.reganhastings.com
Read the 1st Chapter of Visions of Skyfire and
answer Regan’s question to enter her giveaway.
THEN come back here and tell me you entered. 
Please leave your email (NO email, NO Entry)
Being a blog follower is always good. 

Extra Entry for every place you share this post
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Please leave link. 

My giveaway will end Oct 14th. 
Winner will be announce Oct 17th