Blog Tour & Giveaway: Well Read, Then Dead by Terrie Farley Moran

I’m excited to have Terrie Farley Moran here today to discuss her new book, Well Read, Then Dead. This is the first book in a new series and I loved the idea of a bookstore cafe’ and I would definitely be living here if one of these were near me. 🙂

1. Tell me about your new release.
The title is Well Read, Then Dead. Two Brooklyn girls, Sassy Cabot and Bridgy Mayfield find themselves at loose ends after Sassy’s company moves out of state taking her job with it and Bridgy catches her husband fulfilling his Mrs. Robinson fantasy with one of his mother’s friends. Sassy and Bridgy decide to move to the resort town of Fort Myers Beach, Florida. (Yes it is a real place, right on the Gulf of Mexico. Visit—you will love it.) The two friends open the Read ’Em and Eat Café serving breakfast, lunch and all the books you can read. When one of their favorite regular customers is found murdered, well, Sassy and Bridgy can’t rest until the crime is solved.

2. What inspired you to write mysteries?

I have always loved mysteries in books, movies and television shows. As a child I wrote stories like “Susie’s Missing Pencil” or “The Case of the Missing Library Book”. It was inevitable that anything I wrote as an adult would have a crime or mystery component.

3. How much input do you have on the covers of your books?

Berkley Prime Crime has an extraordinary art department. My editor asked for my ideas about the cover before the art department started to design it. Then she sent a copy of the cover to me and to my agent for approval. I was thrilled to see my name in big letters (name up in lights syndrome!) so I was not really capable of intelligent comment. My agent and editor, professionals both, made some suggestions that resulted in refining an already great cover into the “come in have a cup of tea and read a book” cover that you see here.

4. What is the most interesting/strange thing you had to research for your book?

I spent way too much time studying Mollusks, you know the teeny beings who make their homes inside those gorgeous sea shells we all collect at the beach. In Florida it is illegal to collect shells that still have a resident inside, so if you pick up shell that is somewhat closed, you have to shake it. If it isn’t empty, you must put it down and step away from the shell. I also enjoyed kayaking on the nearby Caloosahatchee River to get the feel of Sassy and Bridgy’s kayak trip on Estero Bay. And then there was the Everglades and sunken treasure ships—wonderful research that often took over my life for weeks at a time.

5. What are you working on now?

Well I recently sent the second Read ’Em and Eat novel, Death Branches Out to my editor, so I am working on the third, untitled book in the series. I also really enjoy reading and writing short stories so I expect to get a short story written over the summer.

6. Are there any authors or books that have influenced you to become a writer?

The Golden Age writers. You know, G.K. Chesterton, Mary Roberts Rinehart, Dorothy L. Sayers, Agatha Christie, Margery Allingham, Ellery Queen, Ngaio Marsh, etc. I devoured their books when I was a teenager and still re-read them frequently.

7. What was the first book you ever wrote and was it published?

My first novel is called Driven to Death. It remains unpublished.

8. Favorite TV show guilty pleasure? The Last Book You Read? Favorite Food/Drink While Writing?

My TV Guilty Pleasure? Without a doubt Justified, starring Timothy Olyphant as Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens and Walter Goggins as Boyd Crowder. Considering my adoration of cozy mysteries and my addiction to reruns of Murder, She Wrote and Matlock, I’m sure Justified seems like an odd choice for me. Every episode is fraught with violence and visible bloodshed. It is sooooooooo unlike my usual fare. What draws me to Justified? It is the relationships between and among the characters, and especially the relationship between Raylan and Boyd. Season six, expected this winter, will be the final season. I am waiting impatiently to see how the Raylan and Boyd tango will end.

The Last Book I Read: It happens that I also love non-fiction particularly anything to do with American history. I am just finishing a re-read of Adams vs. Jefferson, the tumultuous election of 1800 by John Ferling. Bitter as that election was, I always think of it as exhibiting the strengths and weaknesses of two men who fought side by side and then on opposite sides of governmental issues. Late in life they became friends once again only to die hundreds of miles and several hours apart on the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. These two men help me to understand the foibles of human beings, no matter how great others think them to be.

Favorite Food/Drink While Writing: Green tea or decaf coffee, either one, hot or iced.

About the Author:

Twice short-listed for Best American Mystery Stories, Terrie Farley Moran’s cozy mystery novel, Well Read, Then Dead is the first book in the Read ’Em and Eat Café and Bookstore series. You can find Terrie blogging amid the grand banter of New York writers known as the Women of Mystery. www.womenofmystery.net Terrie tells anyone willing to listen that hanging out with any or all of her seven grandchildren provides life’s grand and joyful moments.

Website/Facebook

Nestled in the barrier islands of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Fort Myers Beach is home to Mary “Sassy” Cabot and Bridget Mayfield—owners of the bookstore café, Read ‘Em and Eat. But when they’re not dishing about books or serving up scones, Sassy and Bridgy are keeping tabs on hard-boiled murder.

Read ‘Em and Eat is known for its delicious breakfast and lunch treats, along with quite a colorful clientele. If it’s not Rowena Gustavson loudly debating the merits of the current book club selection, it’s Miss Augusta Maddox lecturing tourists on rumors of sunken treasure among the islands. It’s no wonder Sassy’s favorite is Delia Batson, a regular at the Emily Dickinson table. Augusta’s cousin and best friend Delia is painfully shy—which makes the news of her murder all the more shocking.

No one is more distraught than Augusta, and Sassy wants to help any way she can. But Augusta doesn’t have time for sympathy. She wants Delia’s killer found—and she’s not taking no for an answer. Now Sassy is on the case, and she’d better act fast before there’s any more trouble in paradise.

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Well Read, Then Dead

Review (4.0 Stars): Once I heard the premise of this book, I was beyond excited to read about a bookstore cafe’ and Well Read, Then Dead is bound to entertain readers. Sassy and Bridgy own the Read ‘Em and Eat, which caters to the book buying needs of both locales and tourists in Fort Myers Beach. Things start to go wrong for these lovely ladies when their cook breaks his leg and a beloved patron of Read ‘Em and Eat is found in her home dead. Sassy soon finds herself involved in the murder investigation of Miss Delia, where everyone believes that the killer is a treasure hunter wanting the sunken treasure that is rumored to be on property that has been owned by Delia’s family for years. Hopefully, Sassy can find the killer before more residents of Fort Myers Beach turn up dead.

I loved the idea of a bookstore cafe’ and I enjoyed spending time with the colorful characters of Fort Myers Beach. Sassy and Bridgy were downright delightful and I loved how they created their cafe’ with tables that each featured beloved authors for their customers. Aunt Ophie was hilarious and brought a lot of humor to this engaging mystery even though she was a huge headache for the girls. Well Read, Then Dead is an entertaining mystery in the perfect literary setting that will definitely charm its readers. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and I wish Read ‘Em and Eat was located near by because I would be there reading all the time.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of Well Read, Then Dead. This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by August 14th, please leave a comment (and email address) below:

August 7, 2014August 9, 2014

Blog Tour & Review: The Counterfeit Lady by Kate Parker

The Counterfeit Lady and the Naval Arms Race

by Kate Parker

The idea behind The Counterfeit Lady came from a conversation I had with my brother about the naval arms race of the 1890s. I realize most people don’t discuss historical topics with their brothers, but our parents read widely and we absorbed their interests. My brother’s favorite subject is U.S. History, and my favorite time period is 1890-1914. It’s no wonder after “how’s the family” and “how’s the job,” we start talking about historical figures and issues.

In our family, we find it perfectly normal.

I mentioned something about dreadnoughts, the super battleships first built in 1906, and my brother started talking about the naval arms race that began in 1890. It seems that economic and technological changes in shipbuilding and warfare began an intense competition between Britain, France, and Russia. Britain wanted to keep a numerical superiority over the next two navies combined to preserve her safety as an island and her connection to her colonies.

In 1890, second and third place belonged to France and Russia, and they were also keen to keep their fleets modern. This was the beginning of the age of the battleship.

By the end of the century, the U.S., Germany, Italy, Austria, and Japan were also in the race to build the fastest, most heavily armored battleships with the biggest guns on the ocean.

And that got me thinking. What if a brilliant British naval architect dreams up something as game changing as the dreadnought ten years earlier? And what if spies for some of these rival nations wanted to steal the designs for this new and improved warship?

Georgia Fenchurch and the Archivist Society wouldn’t ordinarily get mixed up in espionage, but what if the naval architect was charged with a murder when a set of the plans disappeared? The Duke of Blackford, a valued member of government because of his seat in the House of Lords and his contacts throughout Europe, would certainly be called in at such a crisis. And the duke would call on Georgia and her friends to bring their special talents to solving the problem.

What if Georgia has a special connection to this ship designer and this murder? What if the murdered woman, the wife of the naval architect, is a cousin of Lady Phyllida Monthalf? Since Georgia has no relatives, Phyllida and Emma Keyes make up Georgia’s “family” and live in her home with her. Phyllida will want her cousin’s killer found. Now solving this murder becomes personal to Georgia, and she’ll be willing to be a counterfeit lady.

It’s amazing what can happen when my brother and I start talking about history.

And so The Counterfeit Lady, coming from Berkley Prime Crime on August 5th, was born.

About the Author:

Kate Parker has held a variety of careers, including microbiologist in two hospitals, insurance fraud investigator, office clerk, telephone line repairer, and emergency medical technician, but her favorite is writer. Only as a writer can she travel to different locales and centuries.

In the last four years, since she switched from Romantic Suspense to Historical Romance, she has finaled three times in RWA’s Golden Heart® contest with three different manuscripts. Now she’s made the switch to historical mysteries with romantic elements, featuring the twists and turns and dead ends of her favorite mystery writers, including Robert Barnard, Simon Brett, Margaret Frazer, Susanna Gregory, and Deanna Raybourn. When she comes back to the present day, Kate finds herself near the coast of North Carolina with her real life hero, nineteenth century architecture and twenty-first century comforts.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Who would suspect antiquarian bookseller Georgia Fenchurch of leading a double life—as a private investigator for the clandestine Archivist Society in Victorian London? When England’s national security is compromised, Georgia must pose as a titled lady to root out a spy…

A cousin of Georgia’s dear friend, Lady Phyllida Monthalf, is brutally murdered in her home during the theft of blueprints of a new battleship designed by her husband—who now stands accused of her murder…and treason. The Duke of Blackford, in service to Whitehall, enlists Georgia and the Archivist Society to assist in the investigation. Playing the part of the duke’s new paramour, Georgia gains entry into the upper echelons of London’s elite, where amidst elegant dinners and elaborate parties a master spy schemes to lay hands on the stolen plans.

The duke is no stranger to the world of international espionage, but Georgia is out of her element in more ways than one. She must not allow her genuine attraction to the duke—or her obsession with finding her parents’ killer—to distract her from her role. But when a mysterious stranger threatens to expose her, the counterfeit lady may be in real trouble…

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of The Counterfeit Lady

Review (4.5 Stars): I was immediately drawn into this mystery from the very first page and I have to say that The Counterfeit Lady may be one of my favorite mysteries so far this year. I enjoy historical mysteries and found myself immersed in Victorian London and enjoying the investigative skills of Georgia and The Duke of Blackford. In this story, Georgia is summoned to help clear the name of a dear friend of Lady Phyllida Monthalf, who has been wrongfully accused of killing his wife. All evidence points to his guilt, but Georgia feels that something isn’t quite right with the scene of the crime. Now, Georgia has to infiltrate the elite of society to find the answers that she seeks, but she may have gotten herself involved in something that may put her own life in jeopardy.

The Counterfeit Lady is a captivating historical mystery that will keep you entertained for hours. I loved the fact that Georgia ran a bookstore but also was a private investigator in her spare time. She was smart, loyal and had the gentle yet persuasive type of personality that was able to get her the answers that she was looking for in an investigation. This is the second book in the series so I suggest that everyone start with The Vanishing Thief before this book so you can meet Georgia from the very beginning. Delightful series and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

August 6, 2014August 5, 2014

Blog Tour & Review: Murder in the Mystery Suite by Ellery Adams

A Day in the Life of a Storyton Hall Guest

by Ellery Adams

Dear Honored Guest,

Your journey to Storyton Hall begins at the train station. The moment you alight from the train car, a man dressed in impeccable blue and gold livery will raise a placard bearing your name. After collecting your luggage, your chauffeur will lead you to one of Storyton’s fleet of vintage Rolls Royce sedans. It looks like you’ll be spending the forty-five minute drive to the resort in the luxurious comfort of a Silver Shadow. While you gaze out the windows at the tree-covered hills and the endless blue sky, your driver will remind you of Storyton Hall’s technology restrictions. Because the resort caters to readers, we don’t want anything to disturb the tranquility of the public areas, so you may only use cell phones, tablets, ereaders, or computers in the privacy of your room. At first, this might cause you some anxiety, but you’ll soon find that it’s a boon to be able leave the cares of your busy life behind for a spell.

Ah, here comes your first glimpse of Storyton Hall now. Do you see how magnificent it is? How its central clock tower reaches toward the hills and its two long wings seem to reach out and out like a pair of arms opening to embrace you? As for the sweeping expanse of front lawn, you might chose to play croquet on the Lewis Carroll lawn or stroll around back to Milton’s Gardens. But for now, kindly step into the manor’s elegant lobby. Note the high ceilings, brilliant chandeliers, and the numerous groupings of plush chairs and sofas. But before you continue your tour, Mr. Butterworth, Storyton Hall’s butler, would like to offer you a glass of champagne. All of our guests are greeted in this manner. Consider the bubbly just the beginning of the delightful surprises you’ll discover during your stay.

Once you’ve unpacked, perhaps you’d like to check out a book from the Henry James library and then make yourselves comfortable in the Jane Austen Parlor or the Daphne Du Maurier Sunroom. Or, you could have a bite of lunch at Kipling’s Café or the Madame Bovary Dining Room. But don’t overindulge, because we serve afternoon tea every day in the Agatha Christie Tea Room. And believe me, you don’t want to pass up Mrs. Hubbard’s Victoria sponge, scones served with homemade jam and clotted cream, or her tantalizing tea sandwiches.

And make sure you have enough energy for this evening. We’re opening the Murder and Mayhem Week here at Storyton Hall with a costume ball. I hope you’re prepared to dress up as your favorite detective. Of course, I won’t be able to tell who’s who tonight. With all the Miss Marples, Hercule Poirots, and Tommy and Tuppences, a guest could get away with murder and I’d never know it!

One last word of caution: Storyton Hall is a paradise for readers, but like many old houses, it has its own secrets. In fact, there’s an entire library hidden in a fireproof, temperature-controlled room in the highest turret. The treasures housed within this room could be called the Eighth Wonder of the World. So valuable are they, that many a person has come to Storyton Hall bent of stealing them. If you intend to commit a nefarious act, I must warn you: those of us who live and work here are not quite what we seem, and we will stop at nothing to protect our guests, our property, and our secrets.

Enjoy your stay!

Yours truly,
Jane Steward, Guardian of Storyton Hall

About the Author:

Ellery Adams grew up on a beach near the Long Island Sound. Having spent her adult life in a series of landlocked towns, she cherishes her memories of open water, violent storms, and the smell of the sea. Ms. Adams has held many jobs including caterer, retail clerk, car salesperson, teacher, tutor, and tech writer, all the while penning poems, children’s books, and novels. She now writes full-time from her home in Virginia.

Website/Facebook

WHO WOULD RESORT TO MURDER?

Tucked away in the rolling hills of rural western Virginia is the storybook resort of Storyton Hall, catering to book lovers who want to get away from it all. To increase her number of bookings, resort manager Jane Steward has decided to host a Murder and Mayhem week so that fans of the mystery genre can gather together for some role-playing and fantasy crime solving.

But when the winner of the scavenger hunt, Felix Hampden, is found dead in the Mystery Suite, and the valuable book he won as his prize is missing, Jane realizes one of her guests is an actual murderer. Amid a resort full of fake detectives, Jane is bound and determined to find a real-life killer. There’s no room for error as Jane tries to unlock this mystery before another vacancy opens up…

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Murder in the Mystery Suite

Review (4.75 Stars): I love the idea of a resort that catered to readers and if this place actually existed, I would be there all the time. This would be the perfect place to visit and I loved Jane’s idea of hosting a Murder and Mayhem week so people could immerse themselves in their favorite mystery. The main character, Jane Steward, was delightful and I enjoyed learning about her and her relatives that run Storyton Hall. She was intelligent, thoughtful and was the type of person that seemed to take care of everyone. I’m looking forward to learning more about her and her entertaining book club, The Cover Girls, in future books in the series.

Ms. Adams is a relatively new author to me but that will quickly change as I plan to read more from this talented writer. Murder in the Mystery Suite is a sweet and charming mystery that will make Storyton Resort a popular literary destination. I loved the twists and turns in the murder investigation and how everyone seemed to have a motive for wanting the victim dead. The second book in the series, Murder in the Jane Austen Parlor, will be out next summer and I’m looking forward to visiting my new favorite resort for book lovers again.

August 5, 2014August 4, 2014

Blog Tour & Review: Death by Devil’s Breath by Kylie Logan

Death by Devil’s Breath

by Kylie Logan

There’s no month steamier than August, no town hotter than Las Vegas and nothing on the planet as spicy as Devi’s Breath chili! It’s the perfect combination, especially since the second book in my Chili Cook-Off mystery series, “Death by Devil’s Breath,” will hit store shelves on August 5.

Once again, Maxie Pierce and the band of pepper purveyors, bean sellers, chili aficionados and hot sauce honchos who make up the Chili Showdown are on the road, and after the trouble they got into in Taos (“Chili Con Carnage”), they’re hoping for a little R&R in Sin City. Knowing that over-the-top is never over-the-top enough in Vegas, the Showdown has scheduled it’s hotly (pun intended!) awaited Devil’s Breath chili contest for the first morning of the show. The regional winners are set with bowls of the spiciest of the spicy, and the contest is going to be judged by local celebrity performers.

It’s perfect. Or at least it would be if comedian Dicky Dunkin didn’t fall over dead in his bowl of Devil’s Breath.

With another murder on her hands and a mysterious person from her past plaguing her, Maxie doesn’t waste any time jumping into the case and she encounters a host of suspects including Dickie’s fellow performers:

There’s Hermosa (one name, like Cher, but without the looks or the talent) who says she was in love with Dickie, and fails to mention that lately, there’s been serious trouble in Paradise.

And jazzman Yancy Harris who has his own secrets to keep, secrets Dickie threatened to expose.

Then there’s lousy magician, The Great Osborn, who’s trying to compete for Hermosa’s affections and even Linda Love, owner of the largest wedding chapel in Vegas.

If all that wasn’t enough to get Maxie into big time trouble, somebody’s sabotaging the Chili Chick costume she wears to dance out from of the Hot-Cha Chili Seasoning Palace and entice buyers inside.

Hot? Oh yeah, Vegas is plenty hot. And Maxie is about to find out that Devil’s Breath chili is just the tip of one peppery iceberg!

About the Author:

Kylie Logan has loved mysteries since she was a kid. Her dad was a Cleveland Police detective and he introduced her to Sherlock Holmes stories and gave her investigating experience when on his days off, they’d pile into the car and hit the streets to look for stolen cars. When he retired from the force, Dad became head of security for the Cleveland Public Library.

Crooks and books! Kylie comes by her love of mysteries honestly.

Kylie began her career writing historical romance and her book, “Devil’s Diamond” was nominated for a RITA award as historical romance of the year by Romance Writers of America. She’s also written contemporary romance (as Connie Lane), young adult horror (as Zoe Daniels and Connie Laux) and she writes the popular Pepper Martin Mysteries as Casey Daniels.

Kylie is currently writing three different mystery series: the Button Box Mysteries, the League of Literary Ladies mysteries and now, the Chili Cook-Off mysteries. She can’t pass up an antique shop…there might be buttons in there! She can’t put down a classic book . . . even if she already knows the story. And she can’t say no to a good bowl of chili. Luckily, her husband is the world’s greatest chili maker.

When she’s not writing, she’s usually with her family and their two dogs, Ernie, an adorable Airedale, and Oscar, a rescued Jack Russell who came for a short-term stay and ten years later, is still around. Kylie says that those of you who have ever met/lived with/had dealings with a Russell will certainly understand how knowing him has increased her propensity for murder.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Cold-blooded murder can be hot as hell…

In Las Vegas, the stakes are high—and so is the Scoville scale. Maxie Pierce and the Chili Showdown are in town for a very heated contest devoted to judging the legendary and notorious-for-being-self-combustible Devil’s Breath chili. The guest judges are casino performers with a taste for chili and an eye for publicity.

Maxie is already going mad organizing the event, dealing with her snide half sister, Sylvia, and trying to figure out her hothead of security, Nick. But when a local hack comedian drops dead in the middle of the Showdown, it isn’t the spicy dish—it’s poison. And Maxie is going to have to shuffle through a full deck of suspects to pick out the culprit.

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Death by Devil’s Breath

Review (4.5 Stars): Maxie Pierce is in Las Vegas for a Chili competition and during the middle of the judging of the hotter than hot Devil’s Breath chili, a celebrity judge ends up dead right after the taste testing. The last thing that Maxie wants to do is get involved in another murder mystery but she decides to help find the killer to save the Chili Showdown. Hopefully, she finds the killer soon before the competition and their reputation goes up in smoke.

Death by Devil’s Breath is the second book in the Chili Cook-Off mystery series and I definitely loved this story more than the first. Maxie is a character that you will immediately fall in love with because she has a spunky personality and is very entertaining to read. I am always amazed at the crazy situations that Maxie finds herself in and I find myself laughing throughout most of the book. This series keeps getting better and better with well-written mysteries and a fun cast of characters that will keep you coming back for more. I’m looking forward to reading the third book in the series, which I hope will come out sometime next year.

August 4, 2014August 3, 2014

Blog Tour & Review: Death of a Crabby Cook by Penny Pike

Death of a Crabby Cook

by Penny Pike

I have heartburn.

It’s from all the research I’ve been doing for the first book in my new series, DEATH OF A CRABBY COOK, featuring food trucks and food festivals. But if eating a lot of different foods is the price I must pay to make sure my story is authentic, then so be it. Could be worse. I could be writing a book about insects and have to do research on the larvae cycle of the tse-tse fly. Luckily I chose food.

I had my first food truck experience a couple of years ago before the “meals on wheels” phenomenon swept the country. I was in Napa, CA, doing research for another book (AKA drinking a lot of wine), and spotted a circle of colorful trucks offering intriguing specialties. I decided to try some plein air dining.

Now, I’m not the adventurous type when it comes to trying new foods. When I go out to dinner, I order the same foods at the same restaurants—rigatoni Bolognese at the Italian place, cheese enchilada at the Mexican place, and teriyaki at the Japanese place. So I was a little hesitant to sample the wares from trucks named Kung Fu Tacos, Happy Dumplings, The Boneyard, Fins on the Hoof, Me So Hungry, and Naked Chorizo.

Turned out I liked just about everything!

Now that food trucks have finally come to my hometown, I can please my inner glutton every weekend—and combine it with research for my new series. I head over planning to have just “one bite” of everything, and end up stuffed to the gills.

Here’s my typical game plan: I start my research at Cluck it Up, ordered garlic parmesan wings, and called that the appetizer. Next stop: the Grilled Cheese Bandit, where the sandwiches are named after folk legends like Jesse James and Butch Cassidy. I had the Giuliani (a folk legend?), a grilled mozzarella, parmesan, tomato and pesto sandwich, and called it lunch.

After that it was a blur. A Peruvian pork sandwich from Sanguchon. A burrito cone from Twister. A Coca Cola braised pork sandwich from the Chairman. And I’d only made it half way through the trucks. Luckily I had just enough room for dessert. I managed to down two cream puffs from the Pacific Puffs truck—chocolate and salted caramel—before I spotted the Frozen Kuhsterd truck and had to have the ice-creamy sundae with caramel, chocolate and salted almonds. I knew, with a hospital located right across the street, I could seek medical attention after this food orgy if needed.

These visits to the local food trucks were my inspiration to write a series set among the food truck community. I created Darcy Burnett, a total foodie who loves to eat, but barely knows how to heat a frozen dinner in the microwave. To complicate things, I made her a restaurant reviewer for the San Francisco Chronicle, suddenly downsized, and desperately in need of a job. While eating a therapeutic Caramel Espresso Cream Puff whipped up by Jake Miller from the Dream Puff Truck—and recognizing a hot food trend when she sees one—she’s inspired to write a cookbook full of food truck recipes.

Her first source is the upcoming San Francisco Seafood Fest. Darcy plans to use her journalistic skills to gather recipes for everything from Crab Mac and Cheese from her aunt’s Big Yellow School Bus food truck, to Hangtown Oyster Omelets from the Bacon is the New Black truck. Combined with the local food festivals—The Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival, Gilroy Garlic Festival, Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival—she’s sure the book will be a best-seller, filled with recipes for such tasty treats as “Red Velvet Whoopee Pies,” “Garlic Ice Cream,” Key Lime Cream Puffs,” “Cronut Dossaints” (croissants crossed with donuts) and so on. (Recipes included in the book!)

But her plans are interrupted by a loud commotion in the Ft. Mason food truck area. Chef Oliver Jameson is arguing with a petite woman wielding a large knife. The woman happens to be Darcy’s sixty-something Aunt Abby (Abigail Pike), a former school cafeteria cook who now owns her own tricked-out school bus and serves comfort food to hungry diners. Abby accuses Jameson of harassing the food truckers in the area—competition for his brick-and-mortar Bones ‘n’ Brew restaurant—which he denies. Did he really plant a rat in her bus to get her in trouble with the Health Department? When the chef is suddenly poisoned by his own crab bisque—and Aunt Abby becomes a suspect—Darcy smells a rat. Together with Aunt Abby’s hacker son Dillon and dream puff Jake Miller, she discovers something rotten in the food truck world.

Writing DEATH OF A CRABBY COOK was such an inspiration, I’m thinking of opening my own food truck. I plan to serve Vanilla Zantac, Chocolate Prilosec, Curry Maalox, Grilled Pepto, and Tums-on-a-Stick. I think it will be a hit.

About the Author:

I’ve been writing since I read my first Nancy Drew in 6th grade. Since then I’ve had over 50 books published, fiction and non-fiction, for adults and children. I’ve been lucky — my books have won national awards, garnered excellent reviews, and have been printed in 14 countries, including Russia, France, Spain, Germany, Holland, Australia, Canada, Indonesia, India, Israel, Poland, Japan, and China. My best-sellers include Healthy Snacks for Kids, Kids’ Party Games and Activities, Best Party Book, Games People Play, Kids’ Holiday Fun, Learn to Sign the Fun Way, Baby Play and Learn, Kids Pick-A-Party, and Kids’ Party Cookbook.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and a Master’s degree in Special Education, and I’ve been teaching child development at the local college for over 20 years. I also teach writing tips at conferences across the country, including Pikes Peak, Whidbey Island, San Francisco, Jack London, and dozens of others. I belong to Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, SCBWI, Women Writing the West, and California Writers Club.

I live in Danville, California, have two grown children, and four adorable grandchildren.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

At the San Francisco Seafood Festival, someone is steamed enough to kill a cook….

When restaurant reviewer Darcy Burnett gets served a pink slip from the San Francisco Chronicle, she needs to come up with an alternative recipe for success quickly. Her feisty aunt Abby owns a tricked-out school bus, which she’s converted into a hip and happening food truck, and Darcy comes aboard as a part-timer while she develops a cookbook project based on recipes from food fests in the Bay Area.

But she soon finds someone’s been trafficking in character assassination—literally—when a local chef turns up dead and her aunt is framed for the murder. The restaurant chef was an outspoken enemy of food trucks, and now Darcy wonders if one of the other vendors did him in. With her aunt’s business—and freedom—on the line, it’s up to Darcy to steer the murder investigation in the right direction and put the brakes on an out-of-control killer….

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Death of a Crabby Cook

Review (4 Stars): What a great start to a delightful series! I love culinary mysteries and I instantly liked the main character, Darcy, who finds herself working for her aunt’s food truck after losing her job at the newspaper. Darcy is spunky and fun, and has a horrible “addiction” to creme puffs which just happened to be made by the handsome Jake, who is a fellow food truck owner. Darcy finds herself involved in a mystery when an owner of a nearby restaurant is found dead and her beloved aunt is the prime suspect in his murder. Looking for clues, Darcy finds that everyone disliked the victim and each of them had plenty of reasons to want him dead. When another food truck owner is found dead as well, Darcy must find the killer quickly before she is next on the chopping list.

Death of a Crabby Cook is fast-paced culinary mystery that will leave you wanting seconds. The characters are fun and engaging and I enjoyed learning about the day to day life of running a food truck. Ms. Pike has created a delightful new series that I’m sure will be a hit and I’m looking forward to readingt the next installment, Death of a Chocolate Cheater, which will be out sometime next year.

August 1, 2014July 31, 2014

Kelly’s review of Fiancee for Hire (+tour wide giveaway)

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Entangled Page

A satisfying category romance from Entangled’s brand new Lovestruck imprint…

Falling in love was never part of the plan…

Former Marine MacArthur Patton has made a small fortune on top-secret government contracts and black-ops missions, but his new assignment involves something more dangerous—marriage.

Well, fake marriage anyway.

To keep weapons out of the hands of terrorists, Mac has to secure a fiancée. A sweet, demure, compliant fiancée to serve as his arm candy for a few weeks while he completes the covert arms deal in Mexico. His sister claims to know just the woman, and sends her best friend to play the role.

“Sweet” and “demure” aren’t in Kelli Landers’s repertoire. A badass veterinarian who neuters big dogs and bigger men on a regular basis, she can’t wait to bring Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Detached to his knees. Her longtime crush on the commitment-phobe makes her plan to seduce him even sweeter.

Love wasn’t part of the plan, but the deeper Mac and Kelli fall into their ruse, the more danger they attract, until more than just their hearts are on the line…

Goodreads | Entangled Love Struck: Facebook | Twitter: @lovestruckep | Steals and Deals

Kelly’s review: 4.5 Hearts

Loved, loved, loved this book!! Finally a lead female has my name!!!! Now granted Tawna had to change the y to an i so that no one would suspect she based the character off me. Wait? What? You didn’t? Well dang.
Any ways. Loved Kelli in book one, LOVED her in this book. I mean really how can you not love this girl. She is all sweet, proper and demure. Well that is until she starts talking or taking control of in her element of cutting the nuts of things.
Mac, oh Mac… Loved him in book one too. And just knew that Mac & Kelli’s story would be epicly hot. And Tawna delivered. I so want to give you the dirty deets but you need to pick up a copy of Fiancée for Hire and find out what I am talking about.
If you are looking for a fun quick read you need to pick up this book!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Entangled Publishing, LLC. in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Author Bio:

Tawna Fenske traveled a career path that took her from newspaper reporter to English teacher in Venezuela to marketing geek to PR manager for her city’s tourism bureau. An avid globetrotter and social media fiend, Tawna is the author of the popular blog, Don’t Pet Me, I’m Writing, and a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her fiance in Bend, Oregon, where she’ll invent any excuse to hike, bike, snowshoe, float the river, or sip wine on her back deck. She’s published several romantic comedies with Sourcebooks, including Making Waves, which was nominated for contemporary romance of the year by RT Book Reviews. She also writes interactive fiction capers for Coliloquy and the steamy, heartwarming Front and Center series for Entangled Publishing. Tawna’s quirky brand of comedy and romance has won praises from Kirkus Reviews, which noted, “Up-and-coming romance author Fenske sets up impeccable internal and external conflict and sizzling sexual tension for a poignant love story between two engaging characters, then infuses it with witty dialogue and lively humor. An appealing blend of lighthearted fun and emotional tenderness.”

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

Giveaway Info:

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July 31, 2014July 30, 2014

Spotlight feature of Tempted by His Touch box set

A boxed set with ten sizzling historical romances from ten bestselling historical romance authors. Fall in love with fabulous tales of intrigue, suspense, wit, and passion featuring dukes, rogues, alpha heroes…and the women who can’t resist them. JUST 99 CENTS from July 27 – Sept. 21—then it disappears FOREVER!

Scoundrel Ever After by Darcy Burke – Once upon a time there was a very bad boy who met a very nice girl….

Lady of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle – Educating a man in the art of love takes time. Lots of it.

Sonata for a Scoundrel by Anthea Lawson – Passion and secrets simmer against the glittering backdrop of 19th century musical celebrity.

To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield by Bronwen Evans – What’s a lady to do when a notorious rake wins her estate in a game of cards?

Undone by Lila DiPasqua – One steamy, emotionally charged retelling of Rapunzel…Rescuing this beauty from the ‘tower’ is only the beginning…

The Problem with Seduction by Emma Locke – Elizabeth Spencer needs a man. She doesn’t need to like him—because while she needs a man, she doesn’t particularly want one.

A Dangerous Invitation by Erica Monroe – Daniel O’Reilly returns to win back Kate Morgan’s heart and prove he’s innocent of murder.

Once Upon a Duke by Eva Devon – A widow looking to get seduced. A duke more than willing to oblige.

Great & Unfortunate Desires by Gina Danna – A marquis with a guilty past takes a bride in a world where love is fatal.

Dark Surrender By Erica Ridley – Trapped in darkness…. Their passion burns bright!

How about a little peek into ONCE UPON A DUKE

Everything is going swimmingly for Kathryn Darrell. She’s got an annuity of a hundred thousand a year, her lecherous-heart breaking husband has had the good graces to pop off, and best of all, she has her freedom—something she has every intention of reveling in to the fullest. And who better to revel with than Ryder Blake, the infamous Duke of Darkwell?

Excerpt from Eva Devon’s ONCE UPON A DUKE (Used with permission © Eva Devon 2014)

If she could only get him alone, perhaps they could truly talk again and more. It was so strange. There were many men here tonight, but only the duke’s presence awakened her excitement.

She glanced towards the hallway. “Your touch is quite provocative,” she said, in a low tone. “Particularly your mouth,” she added, amazed at her own wanton words.

Her comment met with stony silence, and she took a small step forward, determined not to let him send her off again. “This time, I intend to return the favor.”

About Darcy Burke:

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her devoted husband, their two great kids, and two Bengal cats. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. She’s also a fair-weather runner, and her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.

Find out more about Darcy and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter

About Bronwen Evans:

USA Today Bestselling Author Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes.

Her debut Regency romance, Invitation to Ruin won the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Historical 2012, and was an RT Reviewers’ Choice Nominee Best First Historical 2011. Her first self-published novella, To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield, was a FINALIST in the Kindle Book Review Indie Romance Book of the Year 201,2 and a finalist in the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Historical 2013. Her first contemporary released December 2012, The Reluctant Wife, won the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Category 2013.

Find out more about Bronwen and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads| Newsletter: sign up at the top of Bronwen’s website

About Lila DiPasqua:

Lila DiPasqua is a multi-published, national bestselling author of historical romance with heat. Her novels are published by Penguin/Berkley, as well as having self-published works.

She is best known for her critically acclaimed Fiery Tales series. Her books have been featured on Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs.

She lives with her husband and three children in Canada and is a firm believer in the happily-ever-after.

Find out more about Lila and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter: sign up on the sidebar of Lila’s website

About Delilah Marvelle:

Delilah Marvelle is the winner of the Reviewer’s Choice for Best Sensual Historical Romance of the Year and had Booklist name her historical romance ‘Forever and a Day’ one of the TOP 10 Romances of the year. When she isn’t writing, she’s digging through inappropriate research books that include anything in history having to do with courtesans, brothels, sexual contraptions that were never properly used and other fascinating forms of dirty history that didn’t make it into college textbooks. She includes all of her research in her books to ensure countless hours of entertainment and continues to take pride in knowing more about dirty history than most people feel comfortable with.

Find out more about Delilah and her books here: Website |Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter

About Erica Ridley:

Erica Ridley learned to read when she was three, which was about the same time she decided to be a writer when she grew up.

She is the author of three Gothic romances, Too Wicked to Kiss, Too Sinful to Deny and Dark Surrender, the vampire romance “Never Been Bitten” in the paranormal romance anthology Born To Bite, contemporary paranormal romances Charmed and Midwinter Magic, and the holiday fantasy romance Let It Snow.

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

Find out more about Erica and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter

About Emma Locke:

Emma Locke is a writer and engineer living in the Pacific Northwest, where she loves hiking with her dog, hot yoga and riding out the annual 330 days of rain. Hiking and yoga give her time to plot, the lack of sun makes for perfect writing weather, and as for her day job, the dichotomy seems to work: her analytic side ensures her passionate, satisfying love stories don’t mulch under her bed, and her author side forces her to keep writing more.

Find out more about Emma and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter: sign up at the bottom of Emma’s website

About Gina Danna:

Gina has spent the better part of her life reading. History has been her love and she spent numerous hours devouring historical romance stories, dreaming of writing one of her own. Years later, after receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in History, writing academic research papers and writing for museum programs and events, she finally found the time to write her own stories of historical romantic fiction.

Now, under the supervision of her three dogs and three cats, she writes amid a library of research books, with her only true break away is to spend time with her other life long dream – her Arabian horse – with him, her muse can play.

Find out more about Gina and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

About Erica Monroe:

Erica Monroe is a bestselling author of emotional, suspenseful romance. Though she has a Bachelor’s degree in writing, she’s been a secretary, a barista, and a retail assistant. Now Erica spends her days crafting lovable rogues and feisty heroines for her historical and new adult series. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina, and the Beau Monde Regency Romance chapter. When not writing, she is a chronic TV watcher, sci-fi junkie, lover of pit bulls, and shoe fashionista. She lives in the suburbs of North Carolina with her husband, two dogs, and a cat.

Find out more about Erica and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter: sign up on Erica’s website sidebar

About Eva Devon:

Author of sexy and laugh out loud funny Regencies, I’m also Maire Claremont, creator of dark and angsty Victorians!

Find out more about Eva and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter

About Anthea Lawson:

Anthea Lawson, called “a new star of Historical Romance” by Booklist, has won readers with her combination of spicy love scenes and elegant prose. Her first novel, PASSIONATE, was a Best First Book finalist in the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA awards.

Anthea also writes award-winning YA Urban Fantasy under the pen name Anthea Sharp.

Find out more about Anthea and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodread | Newsletter

Follow the whole tour HERE

*****

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Grand prize: iPad Mini (16GB) with surprise bonus print books [Open to US/CA]

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July 29, 2014July 27, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Gold-Diggers, Gamblers and Guns by Ellen Mansoor Collier

JUST THE FACTS, MA’AM:

TIPS FOR RESEARCHING HISTORICAL NOVELS

By Ellen Mansoor Collier,

Author of the Jazz Age Mystery Trilogy

Researching historical novels can be both exciting and exhausting: exciting because you never know when you might uncover fascinating facts and tidbits that you can use in your novel, but also exhausting because there’s the chance of “overkill” (especially in a mystery). You don’t want your novel to sound like a history book, but you do want it to be realistic and accurate. Often it’s hard to let go of research since interesting new information may suddenly surface on the next page. Give yourself a deadline so you can stop researching and start writing.

As a journalist, I prefer reality-based stories because I feel like I’m learning something new while I’m reading and researching. However, don’t limit yourself to Internet research: I dug up old newspapers, magazines, postcards, photographs, yearbooks, store catalogs, even menus to get a feel for the era. If possible, try to visit the area and locate buildings and places that can serve as backdrops for different scenes, or even inspire new ideas.

At first, I used to go overboard doing research, like a typical journalist: At the Rosenberg library, I pored over endless copies of The Galveston Daily News, reading old stories and looking for headlines to fit each chapter. I pulled out original lay-outs of trolley car lines to make sure the trolley stops and routes were accurate. Sadly, many of the landmarks mentioned in my novels are gone so I spent hours looking for old photographs, including ones of mob-owned speakeasies like the Turf Club and the Hollywood Dinner Club. Finally, after much time and frustration, I realized that readers mainly want a sense of the time and place—they don’t need a blow-by-blow description or blueprint of actual places or events.

To give your readers a backstory or introduction, you may want to include a short preface, as I did in my “Jazz Age” historical mystery series, set during Prohibition in 1920s Galveston, Texas. While researching FLAPPERS, I was intrigued when I found out that Al Capone tried to muscle in on Galveston’s gangs. I included this fun fact in the preface to show the powerful reach and reputation of Galveston’s gangsters, little known outside of Texas.

I enjoyed watching old silent movies, period dramas and documentaries, especially noir films featuring gangsters and mobsters, noting the settings (furniture, lamps, clothing, music, etc.) and jotted down expressions and bits of conversation. When writing dialogue, be careful not to use too much slang because it can sound corny and outdated. (I admit, I’m guilty of overusing “Jazz Age” sayings so I included a glossary of slang in the back of my novels.)

While researching BATHING BEAUTIES, I was delighted to find old news clips of the actual parade down Seawall Boulevard with the pretty contestants twirling and posing for the cameras—many standing precariously in open cars! Of course I studied the infamous yard-long black-and-white photographs of the bathing beauties lined up by the Seawall, but was careful not to use their real names since several were involved in some dangerous deeds.

Since I write about real people (and gangsters), I have to be careful not to write anything too offensive or incriminating since much of the information was undocumented. A disclaimer can usually cover the bases and prove sufficient.

In GOLD DIGGERS And GAMBLERS, my main villain was an actual mobster named Johnny Jack Nounes, who headed the Downtown Gang in Galveston. Little was known of his personality and shenanigans other than he was a flamboyant, reckless con man who once partnered with Al Capone’s right-hand henchman, Frank Nitti. So I played up that fact, creating a larger-than-life persona for the brazen gang leader. Much of the ending takes place at the Galveston Yacht Club that I created, based on old photographs of actual yacht clubs in similar locales. The booze drop occurs at the actual spot called Rum Row off the coast, where rum-runners and bootleggers liked to deposit their contraband cargo.

To save time, you can always ask a local librarian or historian to help confirm or track down certain facts, as well as provide additional data and materials. Newspaperarchives.com is a vital research tool, although the old print can be hard to read. Good luck.

About the Author:

Ellen Mansoor Collier is a Houston-based freelance magazine writer and editor whose articles and essays have been published in a variety of national magazines. Several of her short stories have appeared in Woman’s World. During college summers, she worked as a reporter for a Houston community newspaper and as a cocktail waitress, both jobs providing background experience for her Jazz Age mysteries.

A flapper at heart, she’s worked as a magazine editor/writer, and in advertising and public relations (plus endured a hectic semester as a substitute teacher). She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Magazine Journalism and served on UTmost, the college magazine and as president of WICI (Women in Communications).

FLAPPERS, FLASKS AND FOUL PLAY is her first novel, published in 2012, followed by the sequel, BATHING BEAUTIES, BOOZE AND BULLETS, released in May 2013. She lives in Houston with her husband and Chow mutts, and visits Galveston whenever possible.

“When you grow up in Houston, Galveston becomes like a second home. I had no idea this sleepy beach town had such a wild and colorful past until I began doing research, and became fascinated by the legends and stories of the 1920s. Finally I had to stop researching and start writing, trying to imagine a flapper’s life in Galveston during Prohibition.”

Website/Facebook

During Prohibition, Galveston Island was called the “Free State of Galveston” due to its lax laws and laissez-faire attitude toward gambling, gals and bootlegging. Young society reporter Jasmine (Jazz) Cross longs to cover hard news, but she’s stuck between two clashing cultures: the world of gossip and glamour vs. gangsters and gamblers.

After Downtown Gang leader Johnny Jack Nounes is released from jail, all hell breaks loose: Prohibition Agent James Burton’s life is threatened and he must go into hiding for his own safety. But when he’s framed for murder, he and Jazz work together to prove his innocence. Johnny Jack blames her half-brother Sammy Cook, owner of the Oasis speakeasy, for his arrest and forces him to work overtime in a variety of dangerous mob jobs as punishment.

When a bookie is murdered, Jazz looks for clues linking the two murders and delves deeper into the underworld of gambling: poker games, slot machines and horse-racing. Meanwhile, Jazz tries to keep both Burton and her brother safe, and alive, while they face off against each other, as well as a common enemy. A soft-boiled mystery inspired by actual events.

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July 25, 2014July 24, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne

Welcome to my tour stop for Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne. This is an adult contemporary romance published by Harlequin.

The tour runs July 21-31 with reviews, author interviews and guest posts.

Make sure to check out the Tour Page & Schedule.

Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne

Release: July 2014

Imprint: Harlequin HQN

ISBN: 978-0-373-77859-1

Pages: 352

Description:

A big-city, high-powered advertising executive and a small-town firefighter learn that no matter where you started or what you’ve lost, if you open your heart, you can find joy and love again. WILD IRIS RIDGE is the latest book inUSA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne’s charming Hope’s Crossing series.

Lucy Drake and Brendan Caine have only one thing in common.And it’s likely to tear them apart. Because it was Brendan’s late wife, Jessie—and Lucy’s best friend—who’d brought them together in the first place. And since Jesse’s passing, Brendan’s been distracted by his two little ones…and the memory of an explosive kiss with Lucy years before his marriage. Still, he’ll steer clear of her. She’s always been trouble with a capital T.

Lucy couldn’t wait to shed her small-town roots for the big city. But now that she’s back in Hope’s Crossing to take care of the Queen Anne home her late aunt has left her, she figures seeing Brendan Caine again is no big deal. After all, she’d managed to resist the handsome fire chief once before, but clearly the embers of their attraction are still smoldering…

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | IndieBound | The Book Depository

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Author bio:

USA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne loves words. This led her to a fifteen-year career in journalismas a newspaper reporter and editor. But through it all, she dreamed of writing the kind of stories she loved best, romance, and has since published more than 40 titles. RaeAnne finds inspiration in the rugged northern Utah mountains, where she lives with her hero of a husband and their children. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website,RaeAnneThayne.com.

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Giveaway:

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Jennifer’s Review of Wild Iris Ridge

Review (4.5 Stars): I love small town romances and the Hope’s Crossing series is one of my favorites. In Wild Iris Ridge, Lucy Drake has come home to pick up the pieces of her life after losing her aunt and her high-paying advertising job in Seattle. She has a plan to renovate her aunt’s home into a bed and breakfast and then hire someone to run it while she returns to the big city to try to achieve her career goals. What she finds in Hope’s Crossing is a lot of memories and the one man who she can’t stand to be around, Brendan Caine. Brendan was married to Lucy’s best friend, Jessie, and even though they have known each other a long time, they can’t forget the one night where they shared a special kiss before he met Jessie. Now, they have the opportunity to see what happens when fate keeps putting them together for a second opportunity to rekindle the flames of that special night.

Wild Iris Ridge is a well-written romantic tale about two lonely people who find a chance at love when they feel they have lost so much in their lives. I love how honest and genuine these characters are and I think that this is one of my favorite couples in the series. Lucy and Brendan are both trying to rebuild their lives after loss and I couldn’t help but want them to find their happy ending together. I’m a little sad to see that this is the final book in the series but I’m looking forward to Ms. Thayne’s new romance series that is due out later this year.

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July 24, 2014July 14, 2014

Spotlight feature of Jennifer Apodaca’s Her Temporary Hero + a tour wide giveaway

Her Temporary Hero

by Jennifer Apodaca

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Former beauty queen Becky Holmes and her baby are on the run from her dangerous ex. With her dreams of love and marriage destroyed, she’ll do anything to protect her child…even agree to hide out in her boss’s cousin’s house while he’s away.

Wealthy, sexy, and emotionally haunted Logan Knight needs a temporary wife to get his land, per his dad’s rules. No wife, no inheritance. But when that wife lands on his doorstep and comes with a baby, his darkest memories are triggered. He tries to keep his distance, but his efforts are shattered when he starts to have real feelings for his fake wife and child.

Just as Logan begins to think he may have a future with Becky, his attempt to have it all backfires into a betrayal that forces Becky into a heart-wrenching choice no woman should ever have to make.

About the Author: Jennifer Apodaca is an award-winning author and an unrepentant coffee-and-book addict. She’s written mysteries, romances, paranormals and grocery lists under the names of Jennifer Lyon and Jennifer Apodaca. She loves creating powerfully sexy alpha heroes and the heroines who tame them. You can learn more about Jennifer and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter @JenniferLyon | Goodreads

Learn more about Entangled Indulgence here: Facebook | Twitter: @IndulgenceBooks | Steals and Deals

Make sure to check out all the stops on Jennifer’s tour HERE

Giveaway:

$100 Amazon or B&N Gift Card

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July 22, 2014July 18, 2014

Release Day Blitz for Stacey Kennedy’s Desired + a giveaway

Happy Release Day to Stacey Kennedy on book 3 of her Club Sin Series. Please read on to learn more about Stacey and Desired.

A little about Stacey:

STACEY KENNEDY is the USA Today bestselling author of the CLUB SIN series. Growing up, Stacey’s mind wandered the path less traveled and that path most often led to love. She has always broken rules and she continues to feed off emotion – staying true to her heart. Those traits are now the bones of her stories. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who puts any of the heroes in her books to shame, and their two young children. If she’s not on mom duty or plugging away at a new story, you’ll find Stacey camping in the summer, hibernating in the winter and obsessing over Penny Dreadful, Game of Thrones and Sons of Anarchy.

Website | Facebook | Twitter @Stacey_Kennedy | Loveswept website

*****

DESIRED

Publisher: Loveswept (Random House Publishing Group)

ISBN: 9780553391183

Release date: July 22, 2014

Amazon| B&N | More buying options

“Characters you care about in a fast-paced story . . . one heck of a sexy read!”—New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black

Readers of Fifty Shades of Grey are sure to love Desired, Stacey Kennedy’s latest seductive, electrifying novel of Club Sin, where fantasy becomes reality.

Kyler Morgan, Master at the legendary Club Sin in Las Vegas, knows how to give women what they want—too well. He hasn’t had a real challenge in a long time. Then Ella Snow enters his life. Beautiful, inhibited, and innocent in the ways of submission and domination, Ella is the new blood he’s been lusting after. Soon, the thrill of training her to embrace his world brings forth desires Kyler cannot control.

After ending an abusive relationship, Ella makes a promise to herself to start living life to the fullest. It’s one of the reasons she seeks out Club Sin. Here, Kyler’s every touch is a lesson in liberation, stirring passions that have no bounds. But as she falls under Kyler’s command, Ella discovers that some secrets are so dark they must come to light. Submission alone may not be enough to save her, leaving her Master with only one question: How can he help Ella heal while unlocking the deep pleasures she craves?

Desired is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

Forgive me.

Ella’s shoulders slumped and she sighed at her phone. Laughter and joy surrounded her, music and happiness, but her stomach plummeted as she read her husband, Rory Snow’s text. When would he give up? Didn’t a domestic violence protection order say This relationship is over?

As the band played a slow song, she ran her fingers over the scar by her right eye. The mark was a constant reminder of Rory. Every day she looked in the mirror she saw it and thought of him.

All she wanted was to forget. Heck, she’d been doing exactly that. Rory was the jackass who couldn’t let it go. Ella knew she should probably call the Savannah police department to inform them that Rory was contacting her, but she was so damn tired of it all. She had moved on and put Rory into her past of big mistakes.

She’d hoped Rory would do the same.

That didn’t look like it was going to happen anytime soon.

With a grumble, she slipped her phone into her dress pocket and zipped it closed. She scanned through the crowd on the dance floor and her gaze landed on the bride. Aidan’s new wife was beautiful. Thin and elegant, Cora belonged on a magazine cover.

Ella’s heart twisted in the midst of memories of her wedding. Her day hadn’t been so lavish. Rory hadn’t rented out an entire resort at Lake Las Vegas for the event, ensuring their guests had a place to stay. Her wedding had cost all of two thousand dollars, but it had been enough for her.

She’d loved the high school sweetheart she’d met when she was fifteen and married five years later. Had loved him. Right up until Rory started drinking and drowning himself in booze.

Sober Rory was a good man.

Drunk Rory had a violent side.

That violence had shoved Ella face-first into a table. The night she’d got the stitches was the night she’d walked away from him. Six months later, she had left her life in Savannah. She moved to Vegas for the excitement, landing herself an amazing job at Knight Law Firm, working as the assistant for a highly respected defense attorney.

Ella enjoyed working for Aidan, and actually liked him as a person, too. He paid her almost triple what she had made in Savannah. Her professional life couldn’t get any better. It was the personal side of things that remained murky.

As she watched Aidan twirl his new wife around, dancing proudly for all to see, Ella tried to find her smile, but it remained hidden behind pain. Even if ten months had gone by since the night of the abuse, she couldn’t ignore the dark thoughts and her failed marriage.

It took six months to find the courage to file divorce papers, and another four months since leaving Savannah to pull herself together again, but she was over Rory in every sense of the word. She refused to let him ruin this special occasion. Grabbing her wineglass, she downed the remaining contents.

Tonight she hoped for a little liquid happiness.

When she lowered her glass to the table, a tingling sensation spread across her skin. Lifting her head, she gazed across the patio, and sitting at one of the patio sets was one of Aidan’s groomsmen. She’d never seen him before today, but that wasn’t a huge surprise, since she didn’t know most of the people at the wedding.

Except for a bunch of lawyers from the firm and Aidan’s parents, everyone else was a stranger. Aidan never mixed pleasure with business, and in the four months she had worked for him, she’d never met a single friend of his. Heck, she hadn’t known Aidan was dating. One day she’d thought he was single; the next he told her he was getting married.

Oddly enough, she was drawn to Aidan’s groomsman. Staring into his warm blue eyes, pins and needles and other sensitive feelings traveled up her body, settling between her thighs. She squirmed against her seat, avoiding the heat, and the side of his mouth curved. Her heart tripped and she glanced to her high-heeled shoe dangling off her toe.

Geebus, if he didn’t stop looking at her with those piercing eyes, she would combust. All night he’d been sneaking glances at her. They weren’t simple interested looks, either; they were outright assaults on her hormones. But a man’s attention was the last thing she was looking for.

No, thank you.

When she still sensed his gaze, she peeked to discover she wasn’t wrong. His intense stare was right on her. The power of it sucked the air from her lungs. Though she’d never believed in lust at first sight, perhaps it was because she had never experienced it.

Whoever he was, he was hot!

“More wine, miss?”

Ella gasped, looking up to the waitress standing next to her holding a bottle of white wine. She gave a shaky laugh. “To the top, please.”

The waitress smiled, filling the glass to the rim. “Why aren’t you dancing?”

“I look like a dying fish when I dance,” Ella said with a laugh. “I have two left feet.”

“We’ll need to work on that, won’t we?”

The waitress was looking over Ella’s shoulder with wide eyes. And something in that masculine voice made Ella stiffen in her seat. The tone was low and seductive, but mischievous all the same.

Then he was there.

The groomsman who’d been staring at her from across the patio now stood in front of her. Ella’s mind went blank. He smelled of sandalwood, and the rich scent puckered her nipples. From afar she thought he had blue eyes, but up close she realized they were a blue-green color. Pretty. In fact, the whole package was beautiful, especially covered in the tux.

He leaned down toward her and offered his hand. His messily styled light brown hair dangled over his forehead. He was tall, much taller than she, and he filled out his tux nicely.

Hell’s bells!

“Dance with me,” he said.

Ella quivered under his clever smile, and a slow heat slid through her. He happened to be one of the hottest guys she’d ever seen. Well, in person and not on some magazine she figured was Photoshopped. Though, hot or not, there was still a problem. “I’m sorry, but I can’t dance.”

“Everyone can dance.” His potent stare held hers and his hand never lowered. “It’s all about who is leading.”

Persistent sexy man.

Under his intense scrutiny her insides went mushy. The power this man exuded burned through her, reminding her she hadn’t felt this way in a long time. The attraction was intoxicating, and something needy inside her unfurled, yearning to explore it.

No, her mind argued.

At her pause, one sleek brow arched. “If you wait any longer to take my hand, you might give me a complex.”

The waitress hadn’t moved, watching the exchange. Even if Ella hated dancing and wasn’t looking for a relationship, she couldn’t refuse the urge to be squished up against him. Besides, what was a dance? This hunk was the perfect way to get her mind off Rory and onto something a lot better.

As she rose and slid her fingers into his warm grip, his gaze remained on hers. Heat stormed into her, spiraling low in her body with a wicked thud. She didn’t doubt that smile got him into many women’s beds.

It had power and charm.

He tightened his fingers around hers, and something passed in the air between them, so hot and so damn unforgettable, her body all but liquefied. He tugged her closer and she felt something odd inside awaken, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

Something she wanted to lose herself in.

A sensation that made her mind shut off.

He led her into the middle of the crowd on the dance floor, pulling her tight against him as if she belonged right there in his arms. He had no hesitation about placing his hand low on her back, quite close to her bottom, and sandwiching their bodies together.

Ella swallowed and avoided his gaze, staring at the band as they played a classic song. She wasn’t blind to the glaringly obvious fact that the groomsman had an erection. She thought she should be offended or something, but found herself fighting against the desire to rub against him.

“Ella, right?”

She cleared her throat, angling her head. His face was chiseled and smooth, but his eyes were what made this man sexy. They held mischief with a sense of confidence. “Yes, and you would be?”

“Kyler Morgan.”

Of course, the sexy man came with a sexy name. She swayed her hips, trying to follow his movements, only feeling more uncomfortable. Not a second later, she stepped on his foot. “Oh, shit!”

He chuckled. “It’s a foot. I’ve got two, so it’s okay.” He pressed his hand tighter against her back, erasing the distance. Then he shook their clasped hands. “Stop fighting me. Relax.”

Ella sighed. I suck at this!

He leaned down, placing his mouth near her ear, and whispered, “So you work for Aidan, yes?”

His voice raised goose bumps across her flesh, and she shivered. “Yes.” She glanced to the others on the dance floor. It pleased her that no one was watching her horrible dancing skills. Then she stared up into Kyler’s handsome face, since he didn’t allow her any room to do otherwise. “Since you’re Aidan’s groomsman, you must be a good friend.”

A low noise hummed in his throat, and the sound spoke to her on a level she couldn’t have anticipated. It warmed her from head to toe, and her muscles went lax. His fingers slid across her lower back, squeezing her against him, and the heat of his touch burned to her core. “Been good friends for a long time now.”

Good grief, the man seemed not to care they were strangers. He touched her as if they were well acquainted. In the midst of that confidence, Ella forgot the world around her. Her mind focused on him and the way he moved her across the dance floor.

He continued to guide her movements and never once took his eyes off her. “I didn’t see a date with you tonight. Are you unattached?”

Her insides somersaulted with his question, as he appeared interested in finding out if anyone stood in his way. She pondered whether to spill out the details that she was in the process of getting divorced and not looking for another relationship. Well, she would be if Rory’s lawyer stopped dragging his feet. But why tell that depressing shit to a smoking-hot man sandwiching her against the hard planes of his body? “Nope, not attached.”

His chin dipped, bringing his mouth within centimeters of hers. “A good thing for me, Ella, since I’m enjoying this.” The music soared through the air, and as her hips swayed with his, his erection pressed against her stomach.

Trapped in his intense gaze, her body flushed as desire simmered. Holy Jesus, she hadn’t felt this aroused in the presence of a man. No one had ever made her burn with a dance, a look, or the sound of his voice.

Ever.

Kyler’s mouth twitched as he ran his thumb over the top of her hand. “See, sweetheart, you can dance.”

She blinked, realizing she had completely relaxed in his hold, and he was moving her around the dance floor, effortlessly. She leaned in to him, consumed by the strength of his hold. “Apparently, you’re a good teacher.”

He winked. “You bet your pretty little ass I am.”

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July 22, 2014June 30, 2014

Interview & giveaway with Jennifer Estep

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome the wonderful Jennifer Estep to the blog today to chat about being author, life and her newest release Poison Promise (Elemental Assassin)

Jennifer, can you please share with us a little about yourself

JE: My name is Jennifer Estep, and I’m the New York Times bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series.

The books focus on Gin Blanco, an assassin codenamed the Spider who can control the elements of Ice and Stone. When she’s not busy killing people and righting wrongs, Gin runs a barbecue restaurant called the Pork Pit in the fictional Southern metropolis of Ashland. The city is also home to giants, dwarves, vampires, and elementals – Air, Fire, Ice, and Stone.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

JE: My mom used to take me to the library every Saturday when I was a kid, so that’s how I fell in love with books and reading in the first place. So I think wanting to write my own stories and be an author grew out of that love of books and reading.

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

JE: Some of my favorite writers are Robin McKinley, Donald Westlake, David Eddings, Ian Fleming, Lisa Kleypas, and too many others to name.

Every time I read a really great book, it always inspires me, and I hope that I can write something just as good one day.

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

JE: I’ve always enjoyed fantasy stories and strong heroines, so writing urban fantasy seemed like a natural fit for the kind of stories that I wanted to tell. I also write young adult and paranormal romance.

I have ideas for books in different genres, and I’d love to write a western or a heist book someday. But I will probably always write urban fantasy just because I enjoy it so much.

What are some of your writing rituals?

JE: I know a lot of authors listen to music while they write, but I don’t do that. It’s just me and my computer with no distractions. I always joke that the only thing I need to write is dead silence. LOL.

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

JE: Poison Promise, the 11^th book in my Elemental Assassin series, will be released on July 22. My heroine Gin Blanco has to protect someone who witnesses a horrific crime, so there’s a lot of magic, action, and adventure in the book. I hope everyone has as much fun reading the book as I did writing it.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

JE: Many times in the series, Gin finds herself getting into trouble because she’s trying to protect her friends and family, and that’s what happens in Poison Promise as well. Being a protector and watching out for people is one of the core things that drives Gin, so it sort of naturally leads to a lot of story ideas.

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

JE: Right now, I’m working on Black Widow, the 12^th book in my Elemental Assassin series which will be published on Nov. 25.

Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.

JE: In the first chapter of Poison Promise, Gin gets into a fight with a couple of vampires.

What would you be if you were not an author?

JE: Good question! I would probably still do something book-related, like be a librarian or work in a bookstore.

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

JE: I have about 40 books waiting in my TBR pile, so I’m looking forward to catching up on books/series by Katie McGarry, Sarah J. Maas, Alex Bledsoe, Scott Lynch, and several other authors.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

JE: Thanks for hosting me on your blog! I appreciate it.

If folks want more info on my books, they can check out my website at www.jenniferestep.com or follow me on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.

Happy reading, everyone!

A little more about Jennifer:

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea. Spider’s Bite, Web of Lies, Venom, Tangled Threads, Spider’s Revenge, By a Thread, Widow’s Web,Deadly Sting, Heart of Venom, The Spider, and Poison Promise, along with the e-shorts Thread of Death, Parlor Tricks, andKiss of Venom, are the other titles in her Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series for Pocket Books. The Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series and the Bigtime paranormal romance series are her other works. For more on Jennifer and her books, visit JenniferEstep.com and @Jennifer_Estep.

Find Jennifer here: Website | Blog | Facebook| Twitter (@Jennifer_Estep) | Goodreads

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Poison Promise

Pub Date: 07/22/14

Amazon | B&N | BAM| Indie Bound | Simon & Schuster

In book eleven of her New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series, author Jennifer Estep continues “one of the best urban fantasy series going on the market” (Fresh Fiction).
Gin Blanco is hard-nosed, sexy, and lethal. Nicknamed “The Spider,” she’s a stone elemental assassin who brings her unique mix of magic and tact to every assignment, no matter the target.

There’s a new drug on the streets of Ashland, and its name “Burn” sums up the potent effect it has on its users. When one of her restaurant employees is threatened by dealers of the drug, Gin steps in to set things straight…

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

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