Strangled by Silk Blog Tour and Review

Darlings! Here’s the scoop on my latest mystery STRANGLED BY SILK. It’s all about Daphne and Margot––two independent young California women in 1957––own their own dress shop called Poppy Cove.

When one of their top clients––Constance Stearns-Montgomery––is strangled to death with her own silk scarf at the opening ceremonies for her new girls’ academy, Daphne and Margot are shocked. They can’t believe that such a horrid crime could take place in their sleepy little oceanside village of Santa Lucia. Worse, they’ve lost one of their best clients. The two women quickly become embroiled in solving the crime. After all, if anyone can track down the killer, it should be them. Margot’s long-time beau is the town’s top cop, and Daphne is a master at using her flirtatious wiles to extract information from unsuspecting men.

Of course, neither girl will let their snooping get in the way of more urgent tasks such as choosing new textiles and accessories for Poppy Cove or planning their fall fashion show or––most important––selecting the appropriate ensemble to wear for each and every occasion. But these two fashion detectives are on the case, and the murderer––and the poorly attired––had better watch out!

Amazon/B&N

About the Authors:

Barbara Jean Coast is the pen name of authors Andrea Taylor and Heather Shkuratoff, both of whom reside in Kelowna, BC, Canada. Barbara Jean, however, is a resident of Santa Lucia, California (eerily similar to Santa Barbara), where she enjoys long lunches, cocktail parties, fancy dinner dates with attractive and attentive gentlemen. Her interests include Alfred Hitchcock movies, reading Carolyn Keene, music by popular musicians, such Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, shopping for new dresses, attending society events and always looking fabulous in kitten heels. STRANGLED BY SILK is her first novel in the Poppy Cove Mystery Series.

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Jennifer’s Review of Strangled By Silk

NUMBER OF STARS: 4 Stars

Review: This was a very cute mystery for me. I loved the characters, Margot and Daphne, two women who run a clothing shop in the 195o’s and it was such a delight to read about that time period. I enjoyed the descriptions in regards to the clothing that were popular at the time and it just reminded me how things have changed over the years. The mystery was very interesting because the ladies knew the victim and were trying to piece together who could have possibly wanted her dead. So many suspects and I liked trying to figure out the clues with Margot and Daphne. Strangled by Silk was an enjoyable read and I would love to read more in the Poppy Cove Mystery series.

October 4, 2013September 24, 2013

Interview & Giveaway with Julia London

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Julia London to the blog for the first time.

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

First, let me thank you for inviting me! I live in Austin, Texas. When I’m not writing, I like to get out of my cave and run or ride my bike or get Zen with yoga. I recently returned from a bike ride across Ireland and now I can’t wait to plan my next bike vacation. My running partner is my dog, Moose, a big yellow lab who never met a piece of garbage he wouldn’t eat.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I’ve always written, but I never thought I’d be a writer—I was a public administrator. But one day I picked up an older Iris Johansen book at a garage sale and became hooked on the romance genre. I started dreaming up stories of my own. Thank goodness I didn’t know how difficult it was supposed to be to get published otherwise I probably wouldn’t have submitted my first manuscript, which I was lucky enough to sell. I haven’t looked back since.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

Some people think it is interesting that I work on two books at once. I don’t find it hard to do at all. Usually one is historical and one is contemporary, and they are generally in different stages of production. But I guess in all those years of public administration work, and having to juggle more than one complex project at a time, helped train my brain to be able to turn off one story and turn on another when necessary.

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

THE BRIDESMAID features Joe and Kate, two strangers forced to travel together in order to get from New York to Seattle during a super storm. Kate is traveling for her best friend’s wedding and Joe is rushing to attend a make-or-break meeting in order to secure a dream job. It’s my version of a romance set against the story of Trains, Planes and Automobiles.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I travel a lot. This idea was born when I was stranded for 8 hours in Chicago’s O’Hare airport one stormy afternoon. Talk about agony! Travel delays bring out the worst in people (myself included).

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

Currently I’m finishing up the second book in my Pine River Trilogy, RETURN TO HOMECOMING RANCH, which follows HOMECOMING RANCH and is slated for publication next summer (and then again by THE LAST HOMECOMING in late 2014). This series is about three sisters who didn’t know each other existed until they inherited a rundown ranch from their deadbeat father. They have to make the ranch work against their private issues and those that come when you are thrust into an instant family.

I also just completed edits on my new historical, THE TROUBLE WITH HONOR, the first in a new series about four privileged sisters who try and direct the course of their fate in unconventional ways J. It will be out in late February of next year, and will be followed by THE FALL OF GRACE next autumn.

I’m also writing another novella for Sourcebooks, tentatively titled ONE MAD NIGHT. Rival ad execs, Chelsea and Ian are stranded in their office overnight (thanks to the same storm that forced Joe and Kate together in THE BRIDESMAID).

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

I would love to meet the Irish author, Marian Keyes, because I find her so interesting. She has publicly battled debilitating depression, and I admire her for that. And she is a very funny writer. I would also love, love, love to meet George R. R. Martin. This man fascinates me because as a writer he never ever pulls a punch. I find myself thinking about what the reader wants in a book, but I think he could care less (which, if you’ve read or seen the series, you know what I am talking about). His writing is very powerful because of it and I would love to talk to him about it. It would be a huge fan girl moment.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

It’s like anything you want to do well—you have to learn it and practice it, day in and day out. You learn by writing one novel after the next. You practice it by writing something every day.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

I have this fantasy of living in different parts of the world long enough to understand the culture and people. I would start in Scotland or Ireland and probably never leave!

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

Lianne Moriarity’s The Husband’s Secret is the book I am saving for myself when I meet my deadline.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I hope everyone enjoys my latest novella, THE BRIDESMAID, and if so they might pick up one of my other titles. I love hearing from my readers and they can let me know what they think of my books either on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JuliaLondon, Twitter: www.twitter.com/JuliaFLondon or my website and blog: http://www.julialondon.com

Amazon| B&N

Kate Preston just moved to New York, but she has to get back to Seattle in time for her best friend’s wedding. Joe Firretti is moving to Seattle, and has to get there in time or risk losing his new job. But fate’s got a sense of humor.

Kate goes from rubbing elbows on a plane with a gorgeous but irritating strange (doggone armrest hog) to sharing one travel disaster after another with him on four wheels. Joe thought he had his future figured out, but sometimes fates has to knock you over the head pretty hard before you see what opportunity is standing in front of you…in a really god-awful poufy bridesmaid dress

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October 4, 2013September 30, 2013

Spotlight feature of The Zubis Chronicles by KellyAnn Zuzulo

THE GENIE IGNITES

The Zubris Chronicles, Book 1

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Boroughs Publishing Group

Enter a captivating world where a genie dares to love a human and will let nothing come between them. This paranormal romance from award-winning author Kellyann Zuzulo combines the modern world with the mystery and intrigue of the world of the jinn. Zubis is a jinni born of flame. Feared and outcast, ferocious and vengeful, he has loved only once. In the time of Solomon, one woman tamed him. He has never forgotten her. Bethany O’Brien is that woman, reborn as a smart and somewhat sassy journalist. She never imagined that her dreams of hot encounters with the imposing and gorgeous Zubis are actually memories from her past. Once she meets him again, however, she doesn’t need convincing that they belong together. She will travel across three continents to a world of magic and treachery, of seduction and devotion to break the curse that keeps them apart.

*****

THE GENIE SMOLDERS

The Zubris Chronicles, Book 2

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Boroughs Publishing Group

Bethany O’Brien must find her enslaved genie lover in order to save her daughter, her broken heart, and the world. Zubis. A jinni. A creature of fire. A lover who touched her body and soul like no man ever could. Such forbidden passion might sear the very insides of a human woman, but Bethany O’Brien is not just any woman. She is a reincarnated priestess from the days of Solomon who found Zubis again after three thousand years. He swore to love her forever. Then they were torn apart. Two years later, the only token of their love is the child she carried and Bethany’s broken heart. Still, she is determined to find him. To be a family. Against the forces that now threaten both of their worlds, the only answer is her genie. He knows the same. Reunited in a storm of desire and a web of intrigue, Zubis and Bethany will soon set each other ablaze—and try to protect the rest of humanity. Author Bio: A Philadelphia native, Kellyann Zuzulo received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Temple University and has lived in London, Ireland, Boston and Washington, D.C. She has worked as a reporter for local newspapers and as a writer for Yankee Magazine and national consumer and health magazines; as a book development editor; as a media relations representative; and as a director of communications for nonprofits. Her interest in Middle Eastern mythology and legend stems from her stint as a Managing Editor of Publications for the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, D.C. She is a published author of several genie romance novellas. One book, Angels & Genies, was included in a collection for which Charlaine Harris wrote the foreword. Kellyann lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, three children, and a jaunty terrier named Djin-Djin. – See more at: http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/authors/kellyann-zuzulo#sthash.iLrVU4Yc.dpuf Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

TOUR GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

GRAND PRIZE: A five-book subscription to our Boroughs Publishing Group’s Lunchbox Romance line plus the first book in the series, The Genie Ignites.

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Kellyann Zuzulo’s THE GENIE SMOLDERS Tour – 9/30 – 10/13

9/30 – Coffee Talk (Spotlight) http://coffeetalkwriters.com/

10/1 – Fandom Fanatic (Spotlight) http://fandomfanatic.blogspot.com/

10/2 – Books Books and More Books (Spotlight) http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/

10/2 – Diane’s Book Blog (Spotlight) http://dianelynchbookreviews.blogspot.com/

10/2- Offbeat Vagabond http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/

10/2 – Salacious Reads (Spotlight) http://www.salaciousreads@gmail.com

10/3 – Book Pages and Dripping Ink (Spotlight) http://bookpagesanddrippingink.blogspot.com

10/3 – Curse of the Bibliophile (Spotlight) http://curseofthebibliophile.blogspot.com/

10/4 – Books-n-Kisses (Spotlight) http://www.books-n-kisses.com

10/4 – I Smell Sheep (Spotlight) http://www.ismellsheep.com/

10/4 – Paranormal Romance Fans for Life (Spotlight) www.paranormalromancefanforlife.blogspot.com

10/5 – Book Lovin’ Mamas (Interview) http://booklovinmamas.com

10/6 – Romance Junkies (Interview) http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

10/6 – Eclipse Reviews (Spotlight) http://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.com

10/7 – Books And Their Seven Deadly Sins (Spotlight) http://booksandtheirsevendeadlysins.blogspot.co.uk/

10/7 – Mad Hatter Reads (Spotlight) http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com

10/8 – Crazy Four Books (Spotlight) http://crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com

10/8 – Snarky Mom Reads… (Spotlight) http://www.snarkymomreads.com

10/8 – Wicked readings by Tawania (Spotlight) http://wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com

10/9 – Nicky Peacock Author (Spotlight) http://nickypeacockauthor.wordpress.com

10/10 – Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews (Spotlight) http://literalhottiesnaughtybookreviews.blogspot.com/

10/11 – Book Monster Reviews (guest post) http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

10/11 – My Secret Romance Book Reviews (Spotlight) http://www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com/

10/12 – Mythical Books (spotlight) http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/

10/13 – Book bliss (interview) Http://lbookbliss.wordpress.com 1

0/13 – Dalene’s Book Reviews (Interview) http://dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com/

October 3, 2013September 20, 2013

Cover Reissue Spotlight for Shayla Black

Have you heard of Shayla Black? If not, then now’s the perfect time to get better acquainted…

USA Today bestselling author, Shayla Black is taking over the erotica scene, with brand new repackaging for her steamy novels… and we couldn’t be more excited for her new look, taking hot and sexy to another level with these sleek new covers. If you hadn’t heard of Shayla Black before, now you have. And we are confident that she won’t be easily forgotten.

Don’t miss Shayla’s “Wicked All Night” Novella in her new WICKED AND DANGEROUS anthology with Rhyannon Byrd (Berkley Sensation Trade Paperback; October 1, 2013; 9780425263754; $15.00).

MINE TO HOLD

(Heat Trade Paperback; September 3, 2013; 9780425268193; $16.00),

Tyler Murphy was an LAPD detective, single and happy—until a near-fatal tragedy crippled his friend, fellow detective Eric Catalano. While Tyler supported Eric, he also became a shoulder for Eric’s wife, Delaney, to lean on. But with one naughty suggestion from Eric, a drunken night with Delaney spilled into erotic abandon. Before it was over, Tyler saw his best friend’s wife as a woman and yearned for more. When Eric struggled to deal with the aftermath, Delaney begged Tyler to leave. Crushed, he fled to Louisiana, hoping to escape his longing for the one woman he could never have again…and unaware of what he’d left behind.

After two years of living with regret, Tyler finds Delaney on his doorstep, her husband having abandoned her long ago. She’s protecting a shocking secret and desperately needs refuge from a stalker determined to see her dead. As they fight to stay alive and catch the killer, they struggle to resolve the guilt of their past pleasures. But they can’t deny that what was once a spark is now a flame burning out of control. To possess Delaney—body and soul—Tyler must heal her pain and thwart the evil that’s a mere breath behind her…

*****

BOUND AND DETERMINED

(Heat Trade Paperback; October 1, 2013; 9780425268216; $16.00)

Wanted for Kidnapping: a beautiful blonde with a penchant for trouble. May be armed (with bad intentions) and dangerously seductive…

Kerry Sullivan is running out of time—and patience. With her brother wrongfully accused of embezzling millions, she can’t face one more humiliating hang up from the man she’s begging for help. Rafael Dawson may be one of the top electronic security experts in the country—and the only man who can prove her brother’s innocence—but his phone manners are appalling. Damn Yankee. Too bad kidnapping the man isn’t an option. Or is it?

There’s nothing Kerry wouldn’t do for her brother. There are lots of things she longs to do to Rafe Dawson when he’s lying tied up and naked in Kerry’s secret hideaway. Rafe is certainly something to look at, but her brother’s life is riding on her pulling off the impossible: getting this man who’s always in control to lose it. But when the tables are turned, Kerry finds herself at Rafe’s mercy. And the only way to get her way is to let him have his way—with her.

(Heat Trade Paperback; November 5, 2013; 9780425268223; $16.00).

The best way to go undercover… is to take it all off. If the Feds want to nail a Mafia kingpin, they need a slick trap to catch him. Enter Mark Sullivan, who’s totally built for the job—to go undercover as a male stripper in the Vegas club where the mobster works. The perk? The club’s owner. Sure she’s got some unsavory connections, but how can anyone with those legs be all bad?

When it comes to business, Nicola DiStefano’s a pro. As for pleasure, she’s been out of commission too long to care. If anyone can strip her of her inhibitions it’s the new guy who’s stirring her wildest G-string fantasies. But Mark and Nicki have more in common than sizzling sexual chemistry. They each have their share of secrets and motives, and with the mob closing in, what gets exposed is as irresistible as it is dangerous.

About the Author:

Shayla Black (aka Shelley Bradley) is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 30 sizzling contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances for multiple print, electronic, and audio publishers. She lives in Texas with her husband, munchkin, and one very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Shayla’s work has been translated in about a dozen languages. She has also received or been nominated for The Passionate Plume, The Holt Medallion, Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, and the National Reader’s Choice Awards. RT Bookclub has twice nominated her for Best Erotic Romance of the year, as well as awarded her several Top Picks, and a KISS Hero Award.

A writing risk-taker, Shayla enjoys tackling writing challenges with every book.

Find Shayla here:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

October 2, 2013October 1, 2013

Spotlight & Tour Wide Giveaway with Lea Griffith

*****

BULLET TO THE HEART

Series: No Mercy, Book 1

Publication Date: 10/3/2013

Publisher: Taliesin Publishing

She was born to love then taught to kill. She has become everything but is no one.

Known only as Bullet she was long ago forced to shed the name her parents gave her. Changed, molded and trained to kill with sharp-shooting efficiency she is one of The Collective’s most valuable assets. In a cadre of killers, Bullet is death waiting but her time for vengeance has come.

He was loved and then he lost. He has become a hunter in search of revenge.

Everything was taken from Rand the day a bullet ended the lives of his beloved wife and daughter. He has searched for their killer seven long years and may have her in his hands. Rand has suffered but now the time has come to make The Collective pay or die trying.

Joy and sorrow are two sides of the same coin. Retribution draws them together but before all is said and done they will learn love can either break you or make you stronger.

A little about Lea:

Lea Griffith began sneaking to read her mother’s romance novels at a young age. She cut her teeth on the greats: McNaught, Woodiwiss, and Garwood. A firm believer that love makes the world go round, she still consumes every romance book she can put her hands on, but now she writes her own.

Lea lives with her husband and three teenage daughters in rural Georgia. Two dogs, a cat, and a Betta fish named Coddy George complete a family always in motion. When not working at the EDJ, she’s usually at her keyboard, using every spare second to write. Science fiction, paranormal and contemporary romance, oh my! Nothing is off-limits when it comes to her writing.

Website | Facebook Profile | Facebook page | Twitter | Goodreads

TOUR GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Lea is giving away the following prizes at the end of her tour:

GRAND PRIZE: $25 Amazon gift card

RUNNERS-UP: Three (3) runners-up will each receive an eBook of BULLET TO THE HEART.

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Lea Griffith’s BULLET TO THE HEART Tour Schedule – 9/27 – 10/12

9/27 – Notebook of Books (Spotlight & Review)

http://www.bookishlover.blogspot.com

9/28 – Book Monster Reviews (review & Guest Post)

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

9/30 – Coffee and Characters (spotlight)

http://www.daniellecromero.blogspot.com/

10/01/2013 – Where the Night Kind Roam (spotlight)

http://paranormalromancenovel.com/

10/01 – Tome Tender Book Blog (spotlight)

http://tometender.blogspot.com

10/02 – Kristina’s Books & More (spotlight)

http://kristinasbooksandmore.blogspot.com/

10/02 – Books-N-Kisses

http://www.books-n-kisses.com/

10/03 – Just Romantic Suspense (Book of the Day post)

http://www.justromanticsuspense.com/p/book-of-day.html

10/03 – Mad Hatter Reads (guest post)

http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com/

10/04 – Vampires, Werewolves & Fairies, Oh My! (spotlight & review)

http://vampireswerewolvesfairiesohmy.blogspot.com/

10/05 – Mythical Books (spotlight & review)

http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/

10/05 – Literary Nook (spotlight)

http://literarynook.com

10/06 – Inner Goddess (spotlight & review)

Http://www.InnerGoddessforum.com

10/07 – Books, Books & More Books (interview)

http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/

10/08 – Romance Junkies (interview)

http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

10/09 – Romancing the Book (interview)

http://romancing-the-book.com/

10/09 – Victoria’s Gossip (spotlight)

http://victoriasgossip.com/blog/

10/10 – Book Pages and Dripping Ink (spotlight & review)

bookpagesanddrippingink.blogspot.com

10/11 – Sun Mountain Reviews (spotlight)

http://sunmountainreviews.wordpress.com

10/12 – Dalene’s Book Reviews (interview)

http://www.dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com/

10/12 – Coffee Talk (interview)

http://coffeetalkwriters.com/blog/

10/12 – Tiffy-Fit’s Reading Corner (spotlight)

http://tiffyfit.blogspot.com/

September 30, 2013September 23, 2013

Interview & Tour Wide Giveaway with Michelle Grave

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome first time guest Michelle Graves to the blog today to talk about her book “See How She Runs”
Book one in the Chronicles of Izzy.

Michelle, can you please share with us a little about yourself:

MG: I am married to my very best friend who also happens to be an Army Infantryman. I have a wonderful daughter we call Squish that lights up each and every day of my existence. Hmm, talking about myself is harder than I thought. What else is exciting about me? I love to craft, bake, read, and I am a total Whovian.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

MG: Honestly, no. I did not even know I could write a book until I sat down and started this past year! I have always written poetry and loved doing research papers, it just never dawned on me to try writing a book until my characters became insistent.

Are you a plotter or a punster or combo of both? And you explain the difference?

MG: I am a total Pantser. I have a vague idea of what the main story arc will be when I sit down to write, but the main story just comes out as I write it. The plot twists, the character surprises, they all come to me as my fingers fly across the keys. I am just as surprised as the readers when I get to those points. I have always said it feels a bit like being possessed by my characters. I feel like Izzy uses me as a mouthpiece.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

MG: I send my book as I write it to my beta readers. Completely unedited. Oh, and I can’t go back and read what I have written until I am completely done with the story.

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

MG: See How She Runs is about Izzy Boone. She is a seemingly normal girl living in Chicago until one fateful delivery turns her entire life upside down. She is forced to face the truth, that she is a Seer on the run from the Corporation which means to use her abilities to gain profits. She finds out her best friend is not at all who he seemed. Ultimately, it is a story about Izzy becoming who she is meant to be and all of the trials and tribulations she must face on the road to get there.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

MG: It just came to me one day. I knew I wanted it to be about Izzy and Kennan and their relationship. My husband helped me come up with the bad guy bits. I tend to have a hard time thinking like a villain.

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

MG: See How She Fights, the second book in The Chronicles of Izzy series, is currently being edited. It comes out on my thirtieth birthday, December 12! I can honestly say that I LOVE this book. It went in a much darker direction than the first book, and the characters that show up in this one are quite intriguing.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

MG: Molly Harper. I have a total author crush on her. She is brilliantly witty.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

MG: Surround yourself with honest and supportive people. You will need both to make it through the emotional turmoil writing can bring.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

MG: I want to visit all fifty states in the United States. I love to travel, and I think it would be an amazing feat to accomplish.

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

MG: Penny Reid’s latest, R.L. Naquin’s new Monster Haven book, oh and Rae Carson’s new book coming out this fall.

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

MG: Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice. I couldn’t decide between the two.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

MG: From Halloween to Christmas. I absolutely love the food, the weather, the sense of family, and the decorations. I may suffer from post-Christmas depression when it is all over with.

Who is your Celebrity crush? And what would you do if you ever meet them?

MG: Any man that has ever played The Doctor on Doctor Who. I would immediately ask them where the TARDIS was and why we weren’t on an adventure yet!?!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MG: Read my book. Only kidding, mostly just read. I think that reading allows us to escape into other worlds and live many lives in one lifetime.

*****

SEE HOW SHE RUNS

Chronicles of Izzy, Book 1

Amazon | B&N

One delivery changed her whole life.
Izzy was a normal girl living in Chicago as a bike messenger before that fateful day. She delivered one package and set into action a chain of events she never could have expected.

Now she is running for her life from the Corporation, her best friend is not at all who he seemed, and to top it all off she keeps having visions.

Will she survive to navigate the waters as a Seer? Will her feelings for Kennan be her very downfall? Find out in See How She Runs.

A little about Michelle:

Michelle Graves is a self-proclaimed nomad, moving every two to three years with her husband the Army man, her beautiful daughter, and a fat tailless cat named Torri. When she is not writing away trying to purge her mind of yapping characters she can be found entertaining her daughter, attempting to craft (whilst trying not to injure herself with the glue gun), baking yummy treats, or reading. She admits to having a restless spirit and forces her family to go out on adventures whenever possible. They lovingly play along.

Contact Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Michelle is giving away the following prizes at the end of her tour:

GRAND PRIZE: $25 Amazon Giftcard

RUNNERS-UP: THREE (3) runners-up will each receive an eBook of SEE HOW SHE RUNS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****

Michelle Grave’s SEE HOW SHE RUNS Blog Tour

Schedule 9/16 – 9/30

9/16- Book Monster Reviews (guest post)

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

9/16- I Smell Sheep (spotlight/review)

http://www.ismellsheep.com/

9/17- Babbling About Books (spotlight)

http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/

9/17- Regina May Ross (spotlight)

http://www.reginamayross.blogspot.com

9/18- Just Paranormal Romance (guest post)

http://www.justparanormalromance.com/

9/18- Paranormal Romance Fans Or Life (interview)

http://paranormalromancefanforlife.blogspot.com/

9/18- Bookin’ It Reviews (spotlight)

http://www.bookinitreviews.com/

9/19- Who’s Reviews (spotlight/review)

http://whosreviews.wordpress.com/

9/19- Froggarita’s Bookcase (interview/review)

http://www.froggaritasbookcase.com/

9/20- Over the Edge (interview & review)

http://overtheedgebookreviews.blogspot.com/

9/20- Coffee Talk (guest post)

http://coffeetalkwriters.com/blog/

9/21- Crazy Four Books (spotlight/review)

http://crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com/

9/21- Mad Hatter Reads (interview)

http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com/

9/22- Literal Addiction (guest post)

http://www.literaladdiction.com/

9/22- Dalene’s Book Reviews (spotlight) review after tour

http://www.dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com/

9/23- Tome Tender (spotlight/review)

http://tometender.blogspot.com/

9/23- Sassy Book Lovers (spotlight)

http://sassybooklovers.blogspot.com/

9/24- Victoria’s Gossip (spotlight)

http://victoriasgossip.com/blog/

9/24- Wicked Readings by Tawania (spotlight/review)

http://www.wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com/

9/25- CS Maxwell’s Where’s My muse (spotlight)

http://www.csmaxwell.blogspot.com/

9/25- Romance with Flavor (guest post)

http://romancewithflavor.com/

9/26- Miscellaneous Thoughts of A Bookaholic (spotlight/review)

http://miscellaneousthoughtsofabookaholic.blogspot.com/

9/26- Toot’s Book Reviews (spotlight)

http://tootsbookreviews.blogspot.com/

9/27- Book Lovin’ Mamas (guest post)

http://booklovinmamas.com/

9/27- Bibliophile Mystery (spotlight/review)

http://bibliophilemystery.blogspot.com/

9/28- The Reading Cafe (interview/review) morning post

http://www.thereadingcafe.com/

9/28- Cocktails and Books (spotlight/review)

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

9/29- Romance Junkies (interview)

http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

9/29- Inner Goddess (spotlight/review)

http://www.innergoddessforum.com/

9/29- Tiffy-Fit’s Reading Corner (spotlight)

http://tiffyfit.blogspot.com/

9/30- Books-n-Kisses (interview/review)

http://www.books-n-kisses.com/

9/30- United by Books (spotlight/review)

http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

September 30, 2013September 27, 2013

Spotlight tour of Resolution by Teri Riggs

Amazon Decadent Publishing Barnes & Noble

DEA agent Eve Taylor has had her fill of alpha males. When Resolutions’ operative and former lover, Dillon “Mac” McKenna, threatened her hard-earned independence, she ran. On a mission to gather evidence against a Colombian drug-lord, Eve discovers the drug-lord is helping terrorists plan an attack on American soil. Before she can escape with the vital information, she’s captured and comes face to face with her mortality…

As a teen, Mac watched his family fall apart after his mother died doing dangerous U.N. work. The possibility of losing Eve to a mission ignited an overwhelming need to protect her. When he forced her to choose him or her job, she walked away. Two years later, it seems all his nightmares have come true and he’s tasked with rescuing her from a Colombian prison. Mac has never stopped loving Eve, but does he dare risk his heart when he’s so terrified of losing…

On the run, Mac and Eve must learn to trust each other again in order to stay alive.

Excerpt:

Beefy hands wrenched Eve awake from a fevered sleep, pulled her from the cell, and shoved her into a musty-smelling hallway. I’m being moved? A guard pushed her with one hand, keeping a tight grip on an AK-47 rifle with his other.

Her shoulder throbbed in perfect cadence with the pains shooting through her broken wrist, and she had one badass headache from being punched in the face a few too many times. Using her good hand, she walked fingers across one cheek, then the other. The right side was totally numb. Her eye had swollen shut, and she couldn’t see a damn thing out of it. She ran her tongue across her teeth and tasted the tart, copper flavor of blood. Three teeth loose. Well, at least they’re still in place.

In spite of the relentless pain, she stayed determined to survive whatever Mendoza dished out. She wasn’t a quitter. No, sir. Duncan Falls, Iowa didn’t grow quitters. Eve ignored the constant ache in her ribs, courtesy of a guard’s overzealous kick, and took in a deep breath. She willed herself to stay alert, to keep pushing. Escape. Third times the charm.

Eve slapped the guard’s dirty hand. “Hey, Pedro, stop being so damned pushy. Where we going anyway? We got a hot date I’ve forgotten about?”

He looked puzzled then shoved her again.

“Don’t understand English, do you, Diego? Bet you understand this.” Eve drove her elbow into the guard’s face. Thick rubbery cartilage gave, and she whooped triumphantly.

Blood squirted from his nose and he screamed.

Eve stepped back. “Yep, I’m pretty sure you understand that.”

Unable to grab the guard’s assault rifle, she clutched her injured shoulder, and took off in a slow jog, no longer able to push any harder.

Her escape was short lived.

Visit Teri Riggs at www.teri-riggs.com

September 26, 2013September 18, 2013

Spotlight Feature Katie Reus’ Targeted & giveaway

Targeted

by Katie Reus

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Tone: Fast-paced, sexy, suspenseful

Elements/Tags: romantic suspense

Heat Level: Sensual, sexy

Publisher: NAL/Signet

Pub. Date: October 1, 2013

Format: print (mass market) and ebook

Words: 100,000

Hidden in plain sight…

Former Marine sniper and current NSA agent Jack Stone has a new face to go with his new identity. But he still has the same tortured memories—which include the woman he let get away years ago, when they were teenagers. Now his new assignment in Miami will put him so close to the woman he’s never been able to forget, he could reach out and touch her—if only she weren’t under suspicion.

When Sophie Moreno uncovers evidence linking the medical supply company she works for with arms smuggling—and worse—she doesn’t know who to turn to. After a shocking betrayal, she realizes the only person she can trust is a mysterious new person in the company—a man with hauntingly familiar eyes.

As Sophie questions her intense attraction to this man and Jack struggles not to blow his cover, the two of them must race against the clock to stop terrorists from killing scores of people—starting with them.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17707657-targeted?from_search=true

Excerpt:

Targeted: A Deadly Ops Novel
Releasing October 1, 2013

From the doorway of Sophie’s office, Jack watched her walk around her desk. Her slim-fitting skirt hugged her in all the right places. Even though she had on a jacket, her small breasts were outlined perfectly. Nothing about her outfit was overtly sexual, but simply watching her move around her office got him hotter than anything any other woman had ever done. She didn’t just move. The woman flowed with a grace that made staring at her an addiction. Something about the sleek tailored outfit made him wonder what she had on underneath. Plain cotton, or silk and lace? Or maybe nothing at all. When they were seventeen she’d usually worn Brazilian-style bottoms that showed the bottom half of her butt. Those things had driven him crazy, so of course she’d loved to walk around wearing only that when they’d been alone.

At that thought, his entire body tensed. When they were teenagers he’d wanted her so badly he couldn’t think straight most of the time, but this reaction was different. It was . . . more. Intense. Like thirteen years of pent-up need clawing its way to the surface and just begging to be set free. He’d known coming on this mission so soon after that last op was a mistake, but hadn’t been able to force himself to tell his boss no. Not when he’d been dying to see Sophie.

When she leaned over her desk to grab something, her dark hair cascaded over her shoulder and he couldn’t help remembering what it had been like to run his hands through that thick mass as she rode him. Or as he’d taken her from behind. Or as they’d simply held each other and watched the ocean waves. Memories of their short time together had kept him sane during some of his nastier missions. Her smart-ass attitude and sense of humor had kept him entertained back when there wasn’t much bright in his life. She’d been one of the few bright beacons in his world. He’d even categorized his life into “before Sophie” and “after Sophie.” Because after he’d met her, he’d known on a fundamental level that she was meant for him.

Watching her now felt too surreal. The outline of her jaw, the gentle curve of her neck, her dark, intoxicating eyes. Despite the sharp angles of her exotic cheekbones, everything else about her compact body was soft and inviting. Especially her hips. She had just enough curves for a man to hold on to. Well, not any man. Only him. He wanted to bury his face against her neck, between her breasts, and definitely between her legs. God, if she knew what he was thinking now, she’d run. Or maybe not. He’d seen a hint of awareness in her eyes back in Ronald’s office. It had been tempered with almost outright anger at his presence—which made him curious—but he was pretty sure she was attracted to him.

Meet Author Katie Reus:

Katie Reus is the USA Today bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, Moon Shifter series and Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. To learn more about her please visit her website, blog, facebook or find her on twitter @katiereus.

Website/blog: http://www.katiereus.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/KatieReus

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/katiereusauthor

Giveaway Details:

One US resident commenter per the total number of stops (11) will win one print copy of TARGETED courtesy of the publisher.

One Grand Prize US resident commenter from the entire tour will win a full signed collection of the following books; Danger in Paradise, Protecting His Witness, Alpha Instinct, Primal Possession, Mating Instinct and Targeted.

Please find the Terms and Conditions on the Rafflecopter widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Stops:

http://events.litconnect.com/romantic-suspense-virtual-tour-targeted-by-katie-reus/

September 26, 2013September 23, 2013

Guest blog & giveaway with Theresa Romain

Researching a Romance Hero

Thanks for inviting me to join you at Book-n-Kisses today!

Ok, I have a confession to make: if I knew how much research IT TAKES TWO TO TANGLE would require, I might never have started writing it.

Fortunately, I had no idea what I was getting into when I decided to write the story of a Regency soldier wounded near the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Who also happened to be a talented amateur artist—at least, before he lost the use of his right arm.

Once Henry had formed in my mind, though, there was no going back. First I found him a home in the army by researching which regiments took part in the final battles of the Napoleonic Wars. The battle of Waterloo has been a part of many stories—but what about the battles that came just before it? If Henry was wounded just before the victory of Waterloo, that would lend an extra layer of poignancy to his wounds. As it turned out, there was a battle called Quatre Bras (French for “Four Arms”—a crossroads) only a few days before Waterloo. Many British troops weren’t ready for the battle; the leaders had been at a ball celebrating impending victory until the wee hours, and some soldiers ran for battle still wearing their flimsy dancing shoes instead of boots. This real-life celebration and shock became part of Henry’s story.

Once he was back in London, there was more to research. Henry still thinks like a soldier, planning and strategizing, but he also starts to think like an artist again. He laid down his paintbrush to go to war, and now that war is over, he tries to recapture the artist’s way of looking at the world. Because of his injury, he can’t paint as he used to, but he still follows the process of oil painting: a handmade, hands-on art of crushing pigments, mixing them with oil, preparing canvases, cleaning brushes. Today we can buy oil paints in tidy tubes, but during the Regency, an artist was likely to make them himself (or have an assistant help with the process). The names and origins of those paints were fascinating and often hazardous. “Mummy brown” really did include ground mummies (ack!). “Orpiment” is a bright yellow mineral…that contains arsenic. And “Paris Green,” a bright blue-green pigment discovered shortly before 1815 (when IT TAKES TWO TO TANGLE takes place), is so poisonous that it was used to kill rats and insects. Painting came with its hazards!

Because the setting in time and place of the story is so specific, I needed to know about particular buildings in London in summer 1815. Where were the Royal Academy and the British Institution located in 1815? If a home didn’t have a ballroom, where would a ball be held? What was a fashionable but not too expensive street in London? What magazine would a fashion-conscious countess have read for pleasure?

Research never stops until I type “The End” on a story. And though it might seem overwhelming looking ahead—or in hindsight—the process is fascinating. The more I can learn about the time and place in which my story is set, the richer that story can be, and the easier it is to bring characters to life.

So here’s a question or two for all of you: have you ever learned a cool tidbit about the past from a historical romance? What’s your favorite time period to read about?

*****

IT TAKES TWO TO TANGLE

by THERESA ROMAIN

IN STORES SEPTEMBER 2013

Wooing the Wrong Woman…

Henry Middlebrook is back from fighting Napoleon, ready to re-enter London society where he left it. Wounded and battle weary, he decides that the right wife is all he needs. Selecting the most desirable lady in the ton, Henry turns to her best friend and companion to help him with his suit…

Is a Terrible Mistake…

Young and beautiful, war widow Frances Whittier is no stranger to social intrigue. She finds Henry Middlebrook courageous and manly, unlike the foppish aristocrats she is used to, and is inspired to exercise her considerable wit on his behalf. But she may be too clever for her own good, and Frances discovers that she has set in motion a complicated train of events that’s only going to break her own heart…

Praise for It Takes Two to Tangle:

“A delightful romance. Its intriguing plot, replete with unforeseen twists and coupled with a set of passionate characters, quickly turns this into a page-turner.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

A little about Theresa:

Historical romance author Theresa Romain pursued an impractical education that allowed her to read everything she could get her hands on. She then worked for universities and libraries, where she got to read even more. Eventually she started writing, too. She lives with her family in the Midwest and is working on more Regency romances. Please visit http://theresaromain.com/ for more information.

Giveaway Time:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

September 25, 2013August 30, 2013

Interview & giveaway with Victoria Roberts

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Victoria Roberts back to the blog today.

Victoria, can you please share with us a little about yourself.

First, thank you so much for having me today.

I’m a working wife and mother of two. Home is in western PA but would rather be in the Highlands.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I honestly did not find my calling until my late thirties. I’ve always dabbled in writing, but I never pursued that passion until later in life.

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

My favorite authors vary, but I’ll name a few: Lynn Kurland, Brenda Joyce, Karen Marie Moning, Sue Grafton and James Patterson.

As far as who influenced my writing, I’d have to say that Lynn Kurland, Hannah Howell and Karen Marie Moning made me crave tales from the Highlands.

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

I never read a single romance novel until my thirties. Low and behold, I discovered they actually had plots and characterization. The first book I read was a Scottish historical romance and I was hooked.

If I changed to another genre, the tales would still be Scottish-based. I’ve been thinking about paranormal, but my passion for writing historical has not died out. Who knows what the future holds?

What are some of your writing rituals?

I still have a day job so I strive to write 1k words/day or 5k/week. I must have complete silence and the muse must be present. Sometimes the two do not cooperate—at all.

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

I think the back cover blurb says it best.

She always wanted to be one of the boys…

Sybella would do anything to prove she’s just as valuable to the MacKenzie clan as her brother is. She’d go on any hunt, take any dare. But her father has a different sort of mission in mind: marriage. It’s simple, he explains. All she has to do is marry Alexander MacDonell and report back on his family’s secrets. It will be easy, he says, as long as she doesn’t do anything foolish…like fall in love.

Until she got a man

As laird of the MacDonells, Alex has a duty to produce an heir. It’s a duty he won’t mind with the lovely Ella as his wife―even if she is one of the dreaded MacKenzies. He’s wooed and won many ladies, but Ella is a challenge like no other. He can tell she’s holding something back. But not for long. Because inch by inch, he plans to expose everything she’s been hiding and claim the ultimate prize: her heart.

How did you come up with the idea for this story?

To Wed a Wicked Highlander is the third book in the Bad Boys of the Highlands series. Alex was in the first book, Temptation in a Kilt. He was Lady Rosalia Armstrong’s cousin from Glengarry. Alexander was so determined to make his father proud in the first book that I had to give him his own tale.

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

I sold another series to Sourcebooks called Royal Rebellion. My Highland Spy is the first book in the new series and will be released fall 2014.

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

Alex is standing with his Aunt Iseabail over his father’s grave in a private moment.

What would you be if you were not an author?

The wife of a Highland laird.

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

I have so many books in my TBR pile that I’ve lost count. I really want to read Karen Marie Moning’s new series Iced.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for having me today.

Sourcebooks will give away one copy of To Wed a Wicked Highlander to a lucky commenter. (US and Canada only, please)

To enter please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

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*****

Sourcebooks |Amazon | B&N

In the third book of this fun, action-packed Highland trilogy, Victoria Roberts introduces her baddest bad boy yet.

Laird Alexander MacDonnell must choose between his duty or
losing his heart forever to the woman who betrayed him—his own wife.

Lady Sybella MacKenzie is forced to search for her clan’s ancient seeing stone under the roof of her father’s enemy. When she finds the precious artifact, will she choose the family who raised her, or will she stand with the man who has captured her soul?

Praise for To Wed a Wicked Highlander:

Reviewer Top Pick

“Victoria Roberts knocked it outta the ballpark with this one!!! It is Highland romance at its best, loaded with likable characters, and an engaging plot with lots of angst and heartache that put a few tears in this reader’s eye. It was so good that I couldn’t put it down.”

―Night Owl Reviews

Reviewer Top Pick

“Roberts has created the baddest boy of the Highlands for her third in her series. This action-packed romance has everything Roberts’ fans adore: a strong heroine who meets her match in a to-die-for hero, deception, betrayal, love and redemption. To Wed a Wicked Highlander has all the elements that make readers sigh with pleasure.”

―RT Book Reviews

About Victoria Roberts:

Victoria Roberts writes Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. She was named by RT Book Reviews as “one of the most promising debut authors across the genres” and was also a 2012 Reviewers Choice nominee for Best First Historical for Temptation in a Kilt.

X Marks the Scot and To Wed a Wicked Highlander (Bad Boys of the Highlands #2 and #3) were reviewer TOP PICKS, and the first of Victoria’s new Royal Rebellion series is scheduled for release fall 2014.

Represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, Victoria is a member of Romance Writers of America®, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, several local chapters, as well as a contributing author to the online magazine Celtic Guide.

Victoria lives in western Pennsylvania with her husband of twenty years and their two beautiful children—not to mention one spoiled dog. When she is not plotting her next Scottish romp, she enjoys reading, nature, and antiques. She also drags her clan to every Scottish festival under the sun.

Where to find Victoria

Website: www.victoriarobertsauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/victoria.roberts.395

Celtic Guide: www.thecelticguide.com

September 23, 2013September 22, 2013

Death of a Schoolgirl Blog Tour Review and Giveaway

Why Jane Eyre Owned a Pencil. Probably Just One….

By Joanna Campbell Slan

Author of Death of a Schoolgirl

My most recent book, Death of a Schoolgirl, picks up where Charlotte Bronte’s original classic, Jane Eyre, left off. Readers who know that I also write two contemporary mystery series, often ask me, “Doesn’t that take a lot of research?”

The short answer is yes.

Although Bronte’s book was published in 1847, the story of the orphaned governess is actually set in the years 1818-1820. In the two centuries that have passed, people haven’t changed much. We still get up in the morning, get dressed, eat breakfast, and go about the business of loving, hating, and tolerating each other. But the world around us, the theatre in which we perform our lives, has changed dramtically, in large part because we enjoy such abundance.

Items we use every day, and discard without a second thought, were precious and hard to come by back in the Regency era. Take, for example, the ubiquitous lead pencil. Since Jane was an amateur artist with some talent for drawing and sketching, we might presume she owned one.

Yes, one.

Instead of buying pencils by the dozen, people in the early 1800s bought them one at a time. Unlike today’s pencils, these writing instruments of the past were neither bright yellow nor hexagonal. Both are modern enhancements. Today’s iconic yellow shaft was a nod to China, home of the best graphite in the world. And it was an American named Ebenezer Wood who crafted the first hexagonal and octagonal shapes to keep pencils from rolling off of desks.

Back then, a pencil didn’t automatically come with an eraser. Up until the year 1770, an author wishing to erase an errant mark grabbed bread crumbs and rubbed them onto her paper, hoping that they would remove the unwanted graphite. As with many inventions, the rubber eraser came about by accident. In this case, a British engineer named Edward Nairne grabbed a wodge of rubber gum and scrubbed away at this paper. Perhaps his sandwich was out of reach.

Some might find delving into ancient history tedious. Indeed, the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know, and so the process of writing can get terribly bogged down. But each exploration into the past leaves me feeling grateful for the many conveniences I enjoy every day. Conveniences I use, but too often take for granted.

About the Author:

Award-winning and National Bestselling author Joanna Campbell Slan is the creator of three mystery series, including the Kiki Lowenstein Mysteries (an Agatha Award Finalist) and a new series featuring Cara Mia Delgatto, a young woman who runs a recycling/repurposing shop.

The first book in Joanna’s historical romance mystery series, The Jane Eyre Chronicles, is Death of a Schoolgirl, winner of the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award for Literary Excellence. In her past life, Joanna was a television talk show host, an adjunct professor of public relations, a sought-after motivational speaker, and a corporate speechwriter.

Visit Joanna’s website at www.JoannaSlan.com. See all her books at http://tinyurl.com/JoannaSlan. Follow her on Pinterest (www.Pinterest.com/JoannaSlan) Join the conversation at http://tinyurl.com/JCSlan Or communicate directly with her at JCSlan@JoannaSlan.com

Jennifer’s Review of Death of a Schoolgirl

TITLE: Death of a Schoolgirl

SERIES #: The Jane Eyre Chronicles

AUTHOR: Joanna Campbell Slan

PUBLICATION DATE: 08/07/12

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: In her classic tale, Charlotte Bronte introduced readers to the strong-willed and intelligent Jane Eyre. Picking up where Bronte left off, Jane’s life has settled into a comfortable pattern: She and her beloved Edward Rochester are married and have an infant son. But Jane soon finds herself in the midst of new challenges and threats to those she loves…

Jane can’t help but fret when a letter arrives from Adele Varens–Rochester’s ward, currently at boarding school–warning that the girl’s life is in jeopardy. Although it means leaving her young son and invalid husband, and despite never having been to a city of any size, Jane feels strongly compelled to go to London to ensure Adele’s safety.

But almost from the beginning, Jane’s travels don’t go as planned–she is knocked about and robbed, and no one believes that the plain, unassuming Jane could indeed by the wife of a gentleman; even the school superintendent takes her for an errant new teacher. But most shocking to Jane is the discovery that Adele’s schoolmate has recently passed away under very suspicious circumstances, yet no one appears overtly concerned. Taking advantage of the situation, Jane decides to pose as the missing instructor—and soon uncovers several unsavory secrets, which may very well make her the killer’s next target…..

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars

REVIEW: Jane Eyre has always been a wonderful book to me and one that I have read, time and time again. Death of a Schoolgirl picks up right after Jane Eyre left off and I was amazed how this book reminded me of visiting an old friend. The story starts with Jane finally settling down with Edward after the traumatic events of Jane Eyre. Edward is recuperating after losing his eye and Jane has been blessed with the birth of their young son, Ned. Adele is off at boarding school and her letters have been very succinct and worrisome since she has made no mention of the new addition to their family. When Adele’s recent letter uncovers a hidden message, Jane and Edward realize that something is wrong with her at school and Jane soon sets off to find answers. Along the way, Jane is robbed and mistaken for the new German teacher at the school which helps Jane to determine exactly what is happening at the school. She soon learns that Adele’s schoolmate has died under suspicious circumstances and Jane must find the culprit before anyone else gets hurt.

I loved this book and I really didn’t want it to end. I loved seeing what happened to Jane and Edward after the events of Jane Eyre and see how much her life has changed after she got married. Jane was always a great character to me and she just has grown into such a strong determined woman after everything that she had been through. I enjoyed the mystery in this book and I’m so glad that this is a start to a new series because I can’t wait to read more about these characters in future books.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of Death of a Schoolgirl. This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by September 28th, answer me this question in the comments:

Which book do you consider to be a classic?

September 23, 2013September 16, 2013

Interview with Jamie K. Schmidt

Can you please share with us a little about yourself

Jamie K. Schmidt has over thirty short stories in publication. Her romantic suspense novel UNDERCOVER LOVER, published by Musa Publishing, will be released September 13, 2013. THE QUEEN’S WINGS, book one of the Emerging Queens series, a paranormal dragon romance will be published by Entangled’s Edge line this fall. Book One of her contemporary romance series, INNER GODDESS, will be published by Random House’s Loveswept line June 2014.

Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz in Secondary Education English. She’s also held various jobs as a call center manager, a Tupperware consultant, a paralegal, and finally a technical writer for a major corporation. She is an active member in the Romance Writers of America (RWA), serving as the President for her local chapter Connecticut Romance Writers of America (CTRWA).

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Website | Blog

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes, ever since I was a little girl. My first novel attempt was in the fifth grade. I wrote about a family of dryer lint named The Fuzzies. I did my own artwork too. I self published a nonfiction book on Switzerland—also self illustrated. I was tickled to see my own catalog card in the library. When I was in middle school, I tried to tackle a Vietnam war novel called Blood and Brothers, about twins going to Vietnam. The first romance novel I wrote was “Sweet Southern Revenge.” It was heavily influenced by V.C. Andrews Flowers in the Attic Series. It’s probably best that manuscript has been forever lost.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I’m a big procrastinator. I work best when I have a deadline otherwise I start a bunch of books, get distracted or bored and never finish them. I’ve got at least five novels in different genres that I should finish. But I’ve got to finish the two books I’m contracted for first.

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

Undercover Lover: Her lips are sealed

When Reiki therapist Pamela Krupin is attacked by thugs who work for her client, a Russian mob boss, the boss orders his godson, Detective Drake Logan, to protect her. Their attraction flares across Pamela’s line in the sand: She will not violate her patient’s confidentiality. But when Drake’s godfather is murdered and Pamela is targeted, together they have to find out what the mob is really after.

Here’s an excerpt from it:

They stood up to leave when Vera brought over their checks. Drake took both of them and pulled out his wallet.

“You don’t have to do that,” she protested and tried to take her check from him.

“It’s the least I could do. Besides, it’s my pleasure to treat a beautiful woman to lunch. I usually get to buy hot dogs from the street vendor for me and my partner.”

“Well, thank you,” she said graciously and then impulsively kissed him on the cheek.

His face was smooth and warm. His cheek just having the slightest brush of whisker, unlike Ralphie whose beard was as riotous as the rest of his blond curls. Drake turned his head and their lips just missed brushing each other. There was a flicker of desire deep in her belly and her fingers itched to slide into his jacket and see if he had muscles to go with that suit.

Staring at his jaw, she wondered again why she was comparing him to Ralphie. Ralphie was her patient. It wouldn’t be ethical to be anything more. And this detective was a little too slick for her. Maybe it was the ponytail or him not taking off his sunglasses, but warning bells started to go off when he slid his finger down her chin and tilted it up so she was looking at her dual reflection in his sunglasses.

“Are you doing anything Friday night?” he asked.

“I’m working,” she said and stepped back. Just like that the spell was broken. She slung her purse over her shoulder. “Thank you again for lunch. Good luck with your search.”

“Stay safe,” he said and she felt his eyes on her as she walked out the back door

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I had a dual inspiration. The first was the movie Eastern Promises with Viggo Mortensen. I thought his Russian accent was mesmerizing and I was intrigued by the history of the Russian mob, most notably the vor v zakone. The other inspiration was the Reiki treatment I was undergoing. I found the mysticism and the energy work to be fascinating and it inspired my creativity.

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

I have a dragon paranormal romance series coming out from Entangled Publishing this fall, in which the fate of the dragon race revolves around a human woman who dreams of shifting into a dragon. The first book is called The Queen’s Wings and it’s due out in November 2013. I also have a contemporary romance series coming out early next year with Random House’s Loveswept line. The Couture Series revolves around an ex-stripper named Colleen who after inheriting a lot of money starts a secret sex society. In book one, Inner Goddess, Colleen’s strait-laced sister hides from her abusive boyfriend at what she thinks is a fashion house, but when she finds out the real purpose of Couture, she is shocked to discover that she can find true love amidst the bawdiness.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

I’d like to meet Ilona Andrews (husband and wife writing team, Gordon & Ilona Andrews) because I love all of their series. The Kate Daniels one is my favorite. I was sorry to see the Edge series end. Their online serial novel was something to look forward to every week. And their holiday novellas are always a treat.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Write. Finish the damn book. Then start a new file on the computer and write a new story. Don’t ever stop writing. The more you write the better you get. Join a writer’s group. Writing is a lonely job and it helps to have friends and colleagues to go to for advice or even a shoulder to cry on.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

I would like to take my son to Disney World. I want to go on a Hawaiian cruise. I want to quit my day job and write full time. Those are the top three items on my bucket list.

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

So. Many. Books! I’m looking forward to Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt, Up from the Grave by Jeaniene Frost, Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch, The Descent by Alma Katsu, and Barefoot by the Sea by Roxanne St. Clair.