Interview & giveaway with Sasha Summers

Can you please share with us a little about yourself

I love books! And movies! And my four kids! Not necessarily in that order. 🙂 I love museums, they’re chalk full of inspiration for future projects.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I think so, yes. My mom has found some of my very early work… They will not be published. LOL!

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

I have some amazing plotting friends. They use story boards and ‘acts’ and know exactly what should happen on what page. I can’t plot a story. I get bogged down in the details and feel like I’ve ‘written it’. Do I do make little notes when an idea resonates, yes! But I tend to write in order, with minimal plotting. So I’m a combo – all the way.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I’m kind of boring. I don’t have a lot of quirks… I guess I play my music a little loud. Okay, a lot loud. Like my neighbors complain about the noise level sometimes, but that’s it. 🙂 I’m trying to use headphones.

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

Hollywood Homecoming is my latest release. It’s a lovely, sweet contemporary romance about two funny, quirky characters that love with their whole hearts — while being surrounded by Hollywood. 🙂

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I’d ‘met’ Helen and Joseph in the previous Red Carpet books and loved the characters. It was a natural evolution – their story. It wasn’t as tortured or steamy as Hollywood Ever After or Hollywood Holiday, but it’s the perfect story for these characters. I think fans of the series will be happy – I am.

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

I’m finishing up my first Young Adult novel – and it’s awesome. I’m really proud of my big-city girl moving to a small town and falling for a cowboy story. After that, the third Loves of Olympus book is up.

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

Diana Gabaldon. I admire her work and respect her so much.

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

Write what’s in your heart. Take everything with a grain of salt. Be patient and get a thick skin. Remember it’s a business, so be professional. How’s that? 🙂

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I Must go to GREECE. Sooner would be better than later.

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

Jolene Navarro’s Lone Star Holiday. Fighting Irish by Gina Maxwell

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

TOUGH one. I do love Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Or I can shamelessly promote my books here…

What is your favorite time of year & why?

Autumn and winter. I love the change in seasons, the crisp air and turning leaves. In Texas, the two kind of run together so…

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

Oh, I have a few. Chris Hemsworth is rocking my world (and my muse for Apollo in my next Loves of Olympus book). If I ever met him, I would thank him for making Thor such an epic superhero movie. He embodies the God of Thunder, making something that could be cheesy into one of my all time favorites. Oh, and, that I think he’s really beautiful.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

THANK YOU for the interview. It was fun! 🙂

| B&N

Make-up artist to the stars. The favorite aunt. Dance teacher. Baby sister. Talented musician and song-writer.

Single.

Why did that word rank above the rest? Helen loved her family and understood they wanted her to have the real love they’d all found. It’s just that she’d found her someone special and learned to live without him. She’d been too young for the quirky, idealistic doctor-off to save the world-to notice. And, really, if she had it her way, he’d never know how she’d felt. Now, he was one of her best friends, a pen pal, losing him would be too much.

Seeing him at their parents wedding, Helen realizes the horrible truth: she still loves Joseph… which wouldn’t be so bad if she wasn’t in the situation she was in.

But she was. And her secret will change everything.

Will it destroy hope for a Hollywood happy ending too?

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September 22, 2013September 21, 2013

Chili Con Carnage Blog Tour Interview and Giveaway

Today I have Kylie Logan here with us to discuss her new book, Chili Con Carnage, which is the first in a brand new series. Kylie Logan also writes as Casey Daniels for the Pepper Martin series, which is one of my favorite characters. I enjoyed her new character, Maxie, and I know this is a great start to the series.

1. Tell me about your new release.

Chili Con Carnage is book #1 of the new Chili Cook-Off mysteries. It features heroine Maxie Pierce who (thanks to a no-good, two-timin’ creep of a rock guitarist boyfriend) decides that she’s done, done, done with relationships. Besides, Maxie has more important things to think about. Her dad, famous chili spice purveyor Texas Jack Pierce, is missing, and Maxie and her half-sister, Sylvia, have been called in to run his Hot-Cha Chili Seasoning Palace as it makes the rounds on the chili cook-off circuit.

In a perfect world and a perfect family, that might not be a bad thing. But Maxie and Sylvia have hated each other since the day Maxie’s mother stole Jack from Sylvia’s mom. Now, Sylvia handles the day-to-day business of the Palace while Maxie dons a gigantic red chili pepper costume and dances out front as the Chili Chick.

Things get even more complicated when Maxie finds the body of a roadie and Sylvia is arrested for murder. Truth? Maxie actually thinks about letting her half-sister languish in prison. That is, until her better self kicks in and she decides to investigate and find the real killer. Then she can get back to finding her father.

2. Where did you come up with the idea for this series?

I credit my agent, Gail Fortune, for sparking this idea. We were talking and I mentioned to her that my husband had just won a chili cook-off (he’s a great chili cook!). Gail’s reaction was immediate. “Chili?’ she said. “That would be a great idea for a mystery series!”

3. Did you have to do any research for this compared to your other books?

No matter how easy any idea looks to me from the outside, I always have to do plenty of research once I’m writing a book. Chili Con Carnage is set in Taos, New Mexico and I’ve been there so that part was simple. But of course, there’s the whole cooking part of the book and how real chili cook-offs work figured into it, too. A celebrity chef makes an appearance…and I needed to know how cable cooking shows work. And then there are RVs. Maxie and Sylvia have one so they can travel from cook-off to cook-off and I’ll tell you what, I didn’t know a thing about RVs!

4. Which authors do you feel have been a big influence on you as a writer?

There are so many! I’ve always loved the writing of the late, great Elizabeth Peters (and her alter-ego Barbara Michaels). I also enjoy the books of Alan Bradley who writes the Flavia de Luce mysteries. The first-person voice of those books is astonishing and always reminds me how important characterization is to any book. Then, of course, there is the influence of so many writing friends who’ve shared their time and their talents discussing ideas and brainstorming plots. Too many to name!

5. What are you working on now?

At the moment, I’m finishing up book #2 in the Chili Cook-Off series. It’s called “Death by Devil’s Breath” and is about a contest for the world’s hottest chili. That sounds easy but of course in Maxie’s world, nothing is, especially when the cook-off is in Las Vegas and the suspects in a murder are a cast of characters that include a magician, a jazz musician, a diva and a wedding chapel owner!

That’s what I’m working on, but there are other books coming out. In December, “Buttoned Up,” book #4 of my Button Box mystery series and in February, “A Tale of Two Biddies,” book #2 of my League of Literary Ladies mysteries.

6. What was the first book you ever wrote?

I started my career writing historical romance and my first book was “Twilight Secrets,” written under the name of Constance Laux. It’s out of print, but readers can find it on Kindle along with 7 others of my historical romance.

Lightning Round:

Favorite Food?

You know, I actually had to stop and think! I love couscous and veggies of all kinds and really good ribs. Ice cream…yum!

Morning person or Night Owl?

In between! I don’t stay up really late, but I don’t jump out of bed at dawn, either!

Favorite Candy?

Snickers

The one TV show you have to watch every week?

Have to? Not a one! But I do DVR a few and try to keep up: “Bones,” “Ghost Adventures” and “Downton Abbey” of course!

Thank you so much for answering my questions.

Thank you for inviting me, Jennifer! Let me also mention that readers can check out both my websites: www.kylielogan.com and www.caseydaniels.com

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 (newest book is “Panic Button”), the League of Literary Ladies mysteries (Mayhem at the Orient Express) 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.

Jennifer’s Review of Chili Con Carnage

TITLE: Chili Con Carnage

SERIES #: A Chili Cook-Off Mystery

CHARACTERS: Maxie Pierce, Sylvia and Nick

AUTHOR: Kylie Logan

PUBLICATION DATE: 10/1/13

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Romance is supposed to be the spice of life. But Maxie Pierce is so done with bad relationships–well, almost. She just has to get rid of the latest loser, Roberto. Besides, she has more important things to worry about. Her daddy, Texas Jack Pierce, king of the chili cook-off circuit, has been missing for nearly six weeks now. In his place, she must team up with her irritating half sister, Sylvia, to promote the family business at the Taos Chili Showdown, to be judged by celebrity chef Carter Donnelly.

But when Maxie discovers Roberto’s body in the chef’s trailer–only hours after publicly breaking up with him while wearing a giant red chili pepper costume–she suddenly finds she’s the one in the spotlight as the police pepper her with questions. Now this Chili Chick needs to kick up the search to catch the real killer and get back to finding her father……

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars

REVIEW: I’m a big fan of Kylie’s other series, the Pepper Martin mysteries and Chili Con Carnage is off to a great start. Maxie Pierce is a cute heroine with a lot of attitude and has had her share of bad relationships. She is working on the chili cook-off circuit with her half-sister, Sylvia, when she discovers the body of Roberto who just happened to fall out of the celebrity chef’s RV. Maxie had one miserable date with Roberto but now she is determined to find the killer because her sister, Sylvia, has been arrested for his murder.

I thought this was a great little mystery and I enjoyed learning about the chili cook-off circuit. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like to Maxie in the beginning but she definitely started to grow on me and I can’t wait to read more about her in future books. There is a possible love interest for Maxie with Nick, the security guard for the chili cook-off so it will be fun to see where that goes. Fun mystery and a great start to the series.

Giveaway

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

What is your favorite spicy food?

September 20, 2013September 13, 2013

Spotlight Feature of “She Can…..” series by Melinda Leigh

SHE CAN RUN

Series: She Can…, Book 1

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Publication date: November 28, 2011

Purchase Links: Amazon / B&N

One bad decision turned a single mom into a fugitive.

Ten months ago, Elizabeth Baker uncovered a dangerous secret about her politician husband—a secret that nearly got her killed. Now she and her children are running for their lives. When Beth is hired as the caretaker of a remote Pennsylvania estate, she dares to hope she has found a corner of the world where Congressman Richard Baker can’t find them. But when her new boss dies suddenly and his nephew inherits the estate, Beth is faced with outwitting a former homicide detective who is very smart, very suspicious—and very attractive.

Forced into retirement by an injury and grieving the loss of his uncle, Jack O’Malley is unprepared to share his new home with a strange woman and her two kids. He is even less prepared for the instantaneous attraction he feels whenever Beth enters the room. She is beautiful, intelligent, kind…and obviously terrified of someone or something. As Jack’s investigation uncovers the shocking details of Beth’s past, the rural community is shaken by the murder of a local woman Driven by instinct and desire, Jack is determined to keep Beth and her children safe, even if doing so means putting his heart—and his life —on the line.

*****

SHE CAN TELL

Series: She Can…, Book 2

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Publication date: December 4, 2012

Purchase Links: Amazon / B&N

A horse trainer’s homecoming turns deadly when a vicious stalker, a cold murder case, and a hot police chief threaten to expose family secrets that a killer wants to keep buried.

After a terrible accident ends her riding career, horse trainer Rachel Parker returns to her hometown to a hostile welcome. Her efforts to rebuild the family farm are hampered by her sister’s domestic crisis and a violent vandal who threatens Rachel’s new business and her life. She is also blindsided by the undeniable and unwanted attraction she feels for hot police chief handling her case. Someone is systematically trying to destroy her. Someone who knows private things about her. Someone who’s been watching her…

As his investigation uncovers the turbulent past Rachel keeps carefully hidden, Police Chief Mike O’Connell finds himself with too many suspects and too many feelings for his fiercely independent victim. His desire for Rachel is a conflict of interest that jeopardizes everything he stands for. Long buried family secrets, a skeleton, and a corrupt local official with a grudge against Mike complicate the case, but the escalating violence against Rachel convinces him he doesn’t have much time. Whoever is watching Rachel wants her dead. Mike and Rachel race to untangle a web of deceit and lies that stretches twenty-five years into the past—before her stalker strikes again.

*****

SHE CAN SCREAM

Series: She Can…, Book 3

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Publication date: September 17, 2013

Pre-Order Link: Amazon

In one moment, high school teacher and single mother Brooke Davenport interrupts a vicious assault, saves a young woman’s life, and attracts the attention of a serial killer.

Sixteen years ago, Brooke lost her roommate to a brutal murder. Now she teaches women’s self-defense, still trying to heal from the guilt and grief that plague her. Convinced the predator knows his victims and is stalking his prey online, she is determined to find him before he strikes again. Her brother’s friend, Luke has the computer expertise to help. But Brooke’s unexpected desire for Luke complicates her investigation, and her fixation with the case provokes a deadly reaction from the killer.

Injured in terrorist bombing overseas, computer expert Luke Holloway is still haunted by flashbacks of his young assistant’s death in the explosion. But Luke can’t refuse the request of a deployed friend to look after his sister, Brooke. Taking on responsibility for Brooke’s safety threatens Luke’s tenuous recovery, especially after he develops feelings for her that transcend a promise to a friend. When Brooke saves a young girl from a brutal assault and becomes a killer’s obsession, Luke vows to protect her at all costs.

*****

Make sure to check out my review of SHE CAN SCREAM here

*****

SHE CAN HIDE

Series: She Can…, Book 4

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Publication date: March 25, 2014

Pre-Order Link: Amazon

From the moment Officer Ethan Hale pulls Abby Foster from icy waters, he senses there’s more to her than meets the eye. Abby has no memory of the accident that submerged her car in the frozen river. Three years ago, Abby was kidnapped and abandoned in a well for a week. The botched police investigation nearly killed her. Abby had moved to the mountains of Pennsylvania for a fresh start, but when it becomes clear that this car crash wasn’t an accident, she knows the violence from her past has caught up with her.

But Abby’s former assailant was convicted and imprisoned, so who else wants her dead?

Ethan uncovers a fresh string of murders tied to Abby’s past. Someone is trying to kill her, and this time the stalker seems determined to finish the task. As the killer grows bolder, Abby begins to trust Ethan enough to share the truth, her heart, and her life. But to stop the murders, Ethan must make a decision that could jeopardize it all.

A little about Melinda Leigh:

Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker. A life-long lover of books, she started writing when her youngest child entered first grade as a way to preserve her sanity. in 2007, she joined Romance Writers of America, learned a few things about writing a book, and decided the process was way more fun than analyzing financial statements. It was time to get serious about making her hobby a career. She began submitting her work in 2008. In 2009 she signed with an agent, who sold Melinda’s debut romantic suspense novel, SHE CAN RUN, in 2010 to Montlake Romance.
SHE CAN RUN released in November 2011 and became the #1 Bestseller in Kindle Romantic Suspense. SHE CAN RUN has been nominated for a 2012 Thriller Award for Best First Novel.

Melinda is also an avid martial artist. She holds a 2nd degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and teaches women’s self-defense. She lives in a messy house in the suburbs with her husband, two teenagers, a couple of dogs and one neurotic cat with an inexplicable fear of ceiling fans. With such a pleasant life, she has no explanation for the sometimes dark and disturbing nature of her imagination

To find out more about Melinda and her books you can connect with her online:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

GRAND PRIZE: $25 Amazon card, plus a signed copy of SHE CAN SCREAM

RUNNER-UP: a signed cop of either SHE CAN RUN or SHE CAN TELL

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Melinda Leigh’s SHE CAN SCREAM

Tour Schedule – 9/13 – 9/28

9/13-Book Monster Reviews (spotlight & excerpt??)

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

9/14- So Many Reads (series spotlight)

http://www.somanyreads.com/

9/15- Romance Junkies (interview)

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

9/16- The Reading Café (interview)

http://www.thereadingcafe.com/

9/18- Musings From An Addicted Reader (series spotlight & review)

http://musingsfromanaddictedreader.blogspot.com/

9/18- Just Romantic Suspense (guest post)

http://www.justromanticsuspense.com/

9/19- KT Book Reviews (series spotlight & review)

http://ktbookreviews.blogspot.com/

9/20- Books-n-Kisses (series spotlight, excerpt & review)

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

9/21- Intoxicated by Books (series spotlight & review)

http://intoxicatedbybooks.blogspot.com/

9/22- United by Books (series spotlight)

http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

9/23- Book Lovin’ Mamas (interviews, spotlight & review)

http://booklovinmamas.com/

9/24- Cocktails & Books (series spotlight)

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

9/25- Romancing the Book (interview)

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

9/26- LITERAL ADDICTION (series spotlight & review)

http://www.literaladdiction.com/

9/26- Deal Sharing Aunt (series spotlight)

http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/

9/27- Night Owl Reviews (interview)

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Blog/Articles/Checking-In-With-Melinda-Leigh-July-2013

9/28- Tiffy-Fit’s Reading Corner (series spotlight & review)

http://www.tiffyfit.blogspot.com

September 18, 2013August 27, 2013

Interview & Giveaway with Rebecca York

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to welcome Rebecca York to the blog for the first time. We are talking about her newest book “Bad Nights”.

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

RY: I started writing romances in the early eighties when they first became “the next big thing” and quickly found out that I needed more of a plot to keep my interest—which is why I write romantic suspense. Luckily, dumb little eighteen-year-old me was smart enough to marry the right guy. He loves being married to a writer, always supports my career, and loves going to conferences with me. He takes care of all the business stuff I hate, and I keep his clothes clean, cook for him, and manage all the tasks he hates, like gardening. We’ve got two kids. One’s a Foreign Service Officer and the other is a librarian turned massage therapist. Our three cats sit on our laps when we’re trying to work at the computer.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

RY: I always loved making up stories, but I thought I could never be a writer because I’m dyslexic and can’t spell. My husband takes care of that for me. I started my career writing for a local newspaper, but I did want to write fiction. I couldn’t imagine writing anything as long as a whole book, so I began with a kids’ science fiction novel. It’s not easier to write for kids, but it’s shorter.

Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?

RY: I get up, feed the fish, and get myself a cup of coffee. I read the paper and the news online, check e-mail and browse my social media sites until I realize it’s almost lunchtime, and I haven’t written anything. Then I get to work and write ten pages. If I haven’t done them, I may still be working until ten p.m.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

RY: I love getting a synopsis finished. I hate looking at a blank screen, and I like editing best.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

RY: My latest book is Bad Nights in which a hard-bitten Navy SEAL, Jack Brandt, and a woman college professor, Morgan Rains, go up against an evil militia leader and his men. Jack and Morgan seem totally unsuited for each other, but as they escape through the woods, evading the bad guys, they come to trust and respect each other. It’s the story of two people falling in love against a background of suspense and danger.

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

RY: I wanted to find a plot that would lean on the talents of a Navy SEAL. I saw two people escaping through the wilderness, having to work together to survive. Of course, that turned out to be only part of the book. I also had to deal with how Jack and Morgan react to each other when they get back to civilization and what happens when she is kidnapped by the bad guys. By that time, Jack has fallen in love with Morgan and will do anything to save her.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

RY: Every since I saw the movie, The Naked Jungle, I wanted to write a book with a virgin hero who was effective in every way except that he wasn’t quite sure how to cope with a wife. The Naked Jungle’s set in the Amazon in the 1800’s. To make a virgin hero plausible, I knew I couldn’t write a contemporary. So I wrote Nightfall as science fiction romance set on a dangerous planet far in the future that was colonized only by men and their sons. I’ve had a lot of fun writing it. I’m editing it now, and it will be out in October.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

RY: Ken Follett, Clive Cussler, Lee Child, Mary Jo Putney, Lisa Kleypas

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?

RY: I read Ken Follett’s Key to Rebecca just as I was starting to write romantic suspense, and I loved the way he wove a romance and a suspense plot together. I’ve written a lot of werewolf books, and two of them got me into the field—Darker than You Think by Jack Williamson and The Wolf’s Hour, by, Robert McCammon. But most of McCammon’s books were too hard-core horror for me to enjoy. Again, his The Wolf’s Hour was a great blend of suspense and romance. I think of my actual style as unadorned—pretty straightforward without dwelling a lot on the description of the characters. I’m more interested in what’s going on emotionally with them than how they look.

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

RY: Okay, I’ve turned to the page where Jack and Morgan are wet and cold and have to share a sleeping bag in a cave, and he can’t stop himself from getting turned on.

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

RY: I want to read the next book in Marcus Sakey’s Brilliance series, but he hasn’t written it yet. I also want to read the next book after The Fifth Wave, by Rick Yancey, but that’s also not out yet. And I just bought the second and third books in Hugh Howey’s Wool series. I’ll read them next.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

RY: Yes, if someone who was constantly bullied by her teachers for her awful spelling can become a writer, anyone can. I love my life as a writer. I get to make up stories for a living, and I can work at home which means I can putter around the house and garden when I want. (I just went away to pull weeds for fifteen minutes.) I can also get up and start a pot of soup or bake lasagna while I’m in the middle of my workday.

*****

Bad Nights

by REBECCA YORK

N STORES SEPTEMBER 2013

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rebecca York’s newest series will keep you on the edge of your seat

When Professor Morgan Rains goes out to investigate a strange sound coming from her backyard, the last thing she expects to see is a naked man covered with burns and bruises. Jack Brandt is a former Navy SEAL on an undercover mission, and he’s barely managed to escape from a terrorist militia’s torture. Jack and Morgan are thrown into a pressure cooker of danger and intrigue, and they soon find themselves falling in love. When Morgan is captured by the terrorists, Jack must rescue the woman whose life now means more to him than his own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rebecca York’s writing has been compared to Dick Francis, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Maggie Shayne. Her books have been translated into twenty-two languages and optioned for film. She lives in Maryland, near Washington, D.C., which is often the setting of her romantic suspense novels. Rebecca’s next romantic suspense novel from Sourcebooks Casablanca, Betrayed, will be in stores in July 2014. For more information, please visit http://rebeccayork.com/.

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September 18, 2013August 30, 2013

Guest blog with Stacey Moran

Swimming with Horses

I warmly remember being asked what my favorite summer memory was every year during the first week of school. One summer memory has been my favorite since I was ten years old.

Every summer my brother and I spent a great deal of time at our Great Aunt’s farm. We would get to take care of the horses and on Saturday mornings we would receive riding instructions from the neighboring farm’s son. Scott was his name and to this day he is one of the most handsome men I have ever met (childhood crushes are the best and worst).

Anyway one Saturday he led us to a pond a few miles from the farm. Scott guided us along trails and until we ended up in a clear landing with a large pond but our ride did not stop there. Assuredly riding ahead of us, he continued the ride into the water. He rode and his horse happily waded in the water, wetting his legs, belly, then both sides of his chest as Scot’s feet touched the water.

Imagine our shock at seeing him become engulfed by the pond. The horse and Scott sank in one sudden swoop into the merky pond water. My brother and I gasped when all we saw above water were two heads. Scott arms poked out of the water revealing his hands grasping his horse’s mane. Once we realized the horse was actually swimming with Scott, my little brother and me started giggling and anxiously wanted to join our instructor. After a few moments of nerves, I slowly felt my horse’s unsure progression downward. Slowly he stepped into the water, the sensation of the cool water rising up my legs with each movement. I turned and looked over my shoulder noticing my brother following. My horse was no longer waiting for me to lead, no the horse was enjoying the cool water on a hot summer’s day. Before I knew it I was fully emerged into the pond and my horse was swimming.

I have bungee jumped, skied, and mountain climbed since then but nothing has ever felt as thrilling as trusting this large animal to swim me to the other side of the pond. Maybe it is because I was ten years old and my memories are inflated. It doesn’t really matter that summer swimming with horses was and is my favorite summer memory.

The Art of Safkhet Presents

Blood Myth

(The Myth Series)

Zakah Sange was born into a world of dark magick, always living in the shadows of his father, the Raka King. He was dangerously sexy and enigmatic; he used power and control to shape himself into a hard and cunning man. Zakah became a warrior, a weapon and the master of his own violence lurking within.

Sorina Ruzicka was the great granddaughter of the evil god Akhekh. She was born into a legacy of magickal gifts that she wanted no part of. After years touring as a blues singer she returned home where she only wanted the seclusion of the mountains. A chance meeting with the mysterious club owner forced Sorina into the battle of her life.

Can a willful witch, accept the controlling nature of a demon who demands submission? Trusts will be tested, lines will be crossed and a fate neither of them expected will be played out.
Available in Print and Ebook: Purchase Link: Amazon
CHAPTER THREE

Outside her cottage, the wind rose and whirled fiendishly. Rain pelted at her windows. Sorina wrapped her arms around her up drawn knees, resting her head on them. She felt his emotions. She sensed his need and what he wanted her to understand, but she didn’t understand.

“Sorina.” Zakah made sure his voice was warm, sensual, caressing, velvety, and soothing. “Don’t try to understand, my little rabbit.” He could feel her anguish even though she tried to hide it with her stubborn chin and defiant eyes.

A shadow flickered from a candle. Her eyes followed the shadow. She gasped up at his tall, dark, well-muscled frame which appeared out of nowhere. Sorina stammered, looking up at him towering over her. “What are you doing here?”

She looked like a scared rabbit. He never felt regret or pity, but to know he was the cause of her fear broke his heart. Zakah couldn’t stop himself; he did something he had never done in all his long years. He wanted to give comfort, take away her fears. Zakah gathered her into his arms, imprisoning her against his hard chest. “Breathe, Sorina. It will help.”

She pushed against the wall of his chest. “Let go of me. I am not a child who needs to be cradled or spanked.” She emphasized the last word.

Zakah ignored her struggle to pull away from him. He held her close to his chest, his hand stroking over her back slowly. He buried her face in the wealth of her luxurious hair, breathing in the sweet scent of citrus.

Sorina found the strength to pull back from his embrace. “I saw you. I felt you when you were using that rod on that woman. You were imagining she was me.” Her breath caught in her throat when he threaded his fingers through her hair. Zakah gripped her scalp in his strong hands, yanking her head back and the look in his eyes seared her to the bones.

He lowered his head, his mouth inches from her plump lips, so that she could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin. “Yes, I did imagine she was you. I wanted her to be you. I needed her to be you.”

Sorina was silent. She started to tremble in his arms. He knew his words were beginning to sink in. Zakah took in the sad shadows and fear lingering in her large, golden green eyes.

Her heart was pounding. “I want you to leave.” She pushed at the wall of his chest.

He merely tightened his hold on her. Zakah could not hide the bit of enjoyment he was getting from her struggle. “You do not want me to go, Sorina.”

“Yes, I want you to go, Zakah.” His smug look of amusement infuriated her, making her work to keep her voice under control.

“You are safe with me, Sorina. I would not allow anyone or anything to harm you.”

She swallowed nervously, whispering defiantly, “Just you.”

Author Bio

Website

Stacy (SAM) was born in West Virginia but now finds herself living in Texas. She has loved writing since the first grade when she completed her first book, The Land without Rules. Her mother will tell you it was a brilliant book.

Throughout her school years she was in journalism and has been an avid reader of all literature. She has always craved the feeling of discovering an author’s world for the first time. Now she devotes her time to creating her own worlds. Stacy focuses mainly on paranormal romance and poetry. She loves creating dominant male characters and headstrong females for her books.

Stacy now finds herself on a new journey and finally has taken the leap to go after her dreams. She recently finished a poetry book, Whispers in the Dark with two fellow authors and finished her first novel Blood Myth in her Myth Series.

September 16, 2013September 11, 2013

Spotlight feature of JD Tyler’s Alpha Pack Series

PRIMAL LAW

Alpha Pack #1

Amazon |B&N | Kobo

Founded by a group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers tasked with eliminating the most dangerous predators in the world. But the gift of their abilities comes at a price…

After a massacre decimates half his team and leaves him crippled, Jaxon Law must relearn how to fight—and battle the anger and guilt threatening to overwhelm him. But when he rescues a beautiful woman who reawakens his primal instincts, Jax is unprepared for the dangers that lie ahead.

On the run from her employer, brilliant lab assistant Kira Locke has evidence that leads the Alpha Pack on a hunt for someone targeting human civilians with Psy abilities. And as Jax and Kira circle both the killer and each other, Jax will have to decide if the deep connection he feels with Kira is worth breaking the ultimate shifter rule—because bonding with Kira means putting his abilities at risk, and they might be the only tools he has to keep his mate alive…

*****

BLACK MAGIC

An ALPHA PACK novella #1.5

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An original Alpha Pack novella featuring the sexy sorcerer and panther shifter Kalen Black…

Recruited by the Alpha Pack, Kalen Black is still very much a lone wolf. But when a paranormal creature threatens the life of Dr. Mackenzie Grant, Kalen must use all of his abilities to rescue her. This brush with death excites a passion between them, and after a night of intense pleasure, Kalen leaves Mac with a mysterious gift that just might save her life again.…

*****

SAVAGE AWAKENING

Alpha Pack, #2

Amazon| B&N | Kobo

A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. But sometime those dangers are more intimate than they bargained for…

After a mission goes wrong, Aric Savage is taken prisoner. Half-dead and despairing, he makes a stunning discovery: his Pack mate Micah Chase, who was reported dead, is a fellow captive. When the Alpha team goes into full-rescue mode, accompanying them is an absolute stunner with sable hair–and a spine of solid steel.

LAPD officer and Psy Dreamwalker Rowan Chase has one priority: her brother Micah’s recovery. Still, she can’t help but be drawn to Aric, the ruggedly handsome wolf shifter who pleasures her as no man ever has–however fleeting their affair is destined to be. But when Aric’s life is endangered, Rowan must ask herself what she’s willing to sacrifice in the name of love, for the man fated to be her Bondmate.

*****

BLACK MOON

Alpha Pack, #3

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Ever since he saved Dr. Mackenzie Grant’s life, panther shifter and sorcerer Kalen Black has had trouble keeping the beautiful doctor out of his thoughts, and his heart. The brush with death awakened an intense passion between them–one that for the first time had the notorious loner letting down his guard.

With the Alpha Pack battling an evil Fae who is slowly gaining control over Kalen’s mind, Kalen can no longer trust his own actions, and he breaks off his affair with Mackenzie in order to keep her safe. But when Mackenzie learns that she is carrying Kalen’s child, no amount of danger will keep her away from the man she loves. To be with his mate and unborn child, Kalen will have to unleash the full fury of his power, and risk destroying them all…

*****

HUNTER’S HEART

Alpha Pack, #4

Publication Date: September 3, 2013

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. And when the battle gets personal, their wild side is unleashed….

Ryon Hunter sees dead people—spirits that beg him for help in ways he can’t understand. He’d do anything to end the torment, until a beautiful spirit appears to him with a plea he can’t ignore: Help me…I’m alive. The woman is wildlife biologist Daria Bradford, mortally wounded after encountering a white wolf, calling to Ryon through a rare Psy gift.

When Ryon locates Daria in the Shoshone National Park, it is almost too late, but nursing her back to health at the Alpha Pack compound brings a new complication—Daria is his destined mate, and Ryon is afraid of what will happen when she discovers what he is, and what he had to do to save her life. But the biggest threat of all is still loose in the forest, leaving a merciless trail of death behind it. The Alpha Pack goes on the hunt for the mysterious white wolf, determined to stop the murderous rogue… only to find that the most lethal creature of all is the one they can’t see coming…

*****

COLE’S REDEMPTION

Alpha Pack, #5

Coming: March 4, 2014

Pre Order: Amazon| B&N

Once, they were Navy SEALS. Now they are the Alpha Pack: a top secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers who take on the darkest dangers on Earth. But sometimes the greatest danger lies within their own hearts….

Healer and black wolf shifter Zander Cole has survived horrors that would have broken a weaker man. But when a battle leaves him deaf and his powers dimmed, Zan is devastated. Believing himself to be a burden to his team, he sees only one option: leave the Pack forever.

White wolf shifter Selene Westfall knows pain—she is certain her father was responsible for her mother’s death. And she lives to exact revenge. So when she is challenged by a savage black wolf, she puts up a vicious fight—only to become the black wolf’s Bondmate as a result of his bite.

Two damaged souls—one filled with hatred and one who’s lost his reason for living—are forced together as they come to terms with their unlikely, turbulent bond. A love neither expected may be all that stands between them and a killer trying desperately to keep the past dead and buried….

A little about J.D.:

J.D. Tyler is an award-winning, multi-published author who writes for New American Library under three pseudonyms. Whether this is due to an overdose of ambition or a multiple personality affliction, she’ll never tell.

J.D. writes dark, sexy paranormal romance and has a huge thing for shifters, vampires, the Fae, and just about everything else that goes bump and grind in the night. She can’t get enough of those dangerous supernatural heroes, and the fun of creating her own was just too much temptation to resist… so she didn’t. J.D. doesn’t do self-denial.

When she isn’t writing, J.D.’s idea of a good time certainly isn’t cleaning house (sniff), bungee jumping (not in this lifetime, or the next), or camping (her idea of “roughing it” is a slow bellboy). She enjoys reading, being pampered like the diva she is, and spending time with her awesome family. She lives in Texas with her two teenagers.

Connect with J.D. Tyler:

Website / Facebook / Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

J.D. Tyler is giving away the following prizes at the end of her tour:

Grand Prize: a signed set of the Alpha Pack series (4 paperbacks)

Runners-up: FOUR (4) runners-up will receive a signed book of choice from the Alpha Pack series

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September 16, 2013September 3, 2013

Book Blast: Maple Crossing by Edwin G. Rice

Join Edwin G. Rice, author of the general fiction novel, Maple Crossing: The Three Families, as he tours the blogosphere September 9 – September 20 on his first Book Blast with Pump Up Your Book! Edwin will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form on the participating blogs below and good luck! If you would like to host Edwin, please email Tracee at tgleichner (at) gmail.com.

ABOUT MAPLE CROSSING: THE THREE FAMILIES

Over a span of several years the highly intelligent and accomplished member of three families, the McDonalds, the Gortdons and the Summerfields meet, and as their lives become interwoven they become closely bonded. The present volume, Maple Crossing, is the seventh in a series of books that portrays with flash-backs the lives, the trials and the accomplishments of the three families. Ultimately the story culminates in a grand triumphant gathering of all the bonded members of the three families.

Purchase your copy:

ABOUT EDWIN G. RICE

Edwin G. Rice is a retired physician. He seved as a doctor in the Air Force then entered private practice in a large clinic in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. His current interests are writing, painting, running and playing classic piano. He has published six books.

Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!

Terms & Conditions:

By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
This giveaway begins September 9 – September 20.
Winners will be contacted via email on Saturday September 21, 2013.
Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, September 9

Mary’s Cup of Tea

Margay Leah Justice

Tuesday, September 10

Minding Spot

I’m Shelf-ish

Wednesday, September 11

Icefairy’s Treasure Chest

Book Marketing Buzz

Thursday, September 12

Authors and Readers Book Corner

The Dark Phantom

Friday, September 13

Bookingly Yours

Review From Here

Vic’s Media Room

Monday, September 16

Books-N-Kisses

Socrates Book Reviews

Tuesday, September 17

Queen of All She Reads

Beth’s Book Reviews

Wednesday, September 18

My Devotional Thoughts

Literal Exposure

Thursday, September 19

Maureen’s Musings

The Writer’s Life

Friday, September 20

The Phantom Paragrapher

Literarily Speaking

September 13, 2013September 3, 2013

Guest blogger: Tawny Weber

Getting Lucky on Friday the 13^th

Do you think Friday the 13^th is bad luck? Or good luck?

Personally, I think Friday the 13^th gets a bad rap. For me, its always been a lucky day. Sort of a make-dreams-come-true day. One year, the guy I’d crushed on forever suddenly, out of the blue asked me on a date. I’ve gotten promotions on Friday the 13^th,

This Friday the 13^th is a fun one for me because we’re leading up to the big release of my latest book, FEARLESS, this Sunday. I am SO excited to be a part of the launch of the new Cosmo Red Hot Reads by Harlequin line.

Gia Reynard, the heroine in FEARLESS, manages to get pretty lucky, too. Even without a little extra Friday the 13^th lucky mojo. But she does have a great posse of girlfriends, and their Girlz Guide, to help her make her fantasy come true. Here’s a little peek at how they make that happen…

“Which brings us to the final question,” Sara said, setting aside her glass and leaning forward in preparation for getting to the down and dirty. “What’s it going to take to make this happen for you? What do you need to go for it?”

A miracle?

Hiring a street gangster to kidnap Luke and leave him tied to her bed?

A hell of a lot more vodka.

“Las Vegas,” Caryn yelled out, clapping her hands together as if she’d just won a prize.

Gia exchanged baffled looks with the other women before arching a questioning brow. “What about Vegas?”

“Luke’s attending the CES convention in Vegas next weekend to work the Tri-Solutions booth and schmooze with potential clients.”

“You want me to go to Vegas and seduce him?” Gia asked faintly. She’d rather crawl under her couch and hide. Talk about double intimidation. Vegas was the land of strippers, showgirls and pay-by-the-hour kink. Oh, yeah, she’d really stand out there.

“It’s perfect,” Caryn insisted. “You can have your fantasy, with your fantasy guy, and not jeopardize your job. Or your ego if anything goes wrong.”

“Are you throwing in fat-free chocolate and calorie-less whipped cream?”

“I don’t have to. All you need is a makeover.”

Two sets of jaws dropped right along with her own. Gia was glad to see the other women were just as baffled as she was.

“Since when did makeover and orgasms go hand in hand?”

“How will a facial and haircut get her fantasy sex?”

“I don’t look good enough to get a guy like Luke Monroe?”

“Don’t be silly. You’re gorgeous. But those silly rules mean you can’t haul the guy into the company supply closet and ride him like a wild stallion. So you need a cover. A fake persona. You can make yourself into the woman you are in your fantasies, and he won’t have a clue the woman blowing his, um, mind is someone he works with.”

“Oh, I like this,” Sara said, all but rubbing her hands together. “It’s easier to get into the role if you’re in costume. The makeover not only protects your identity, it lets you shed your inhibitions. You can do anything you want, because you’ll be someone else.”

Anything?

Excitement flamed in Gia’s belly. Suddenly it seemed as if blurting out her secret had been a good thing.

Nerves warred with the excitement, and doubts screamed warnings in her head. But the vision of being tied to a bed and having whipped cream licked off her body by a very naked, very aroused, very worshipful Luke Monroe made those easy to ignore.

Well, that vision and the second chocolatini.

“I could do it. I really could,” she said, pressing her fingers to her lips to try and hold back her excitement. “And, really, where better than Sin City to go wild.”

Other than right here, in her mind, where she couldn’t be rejected or make an idiot of herself. Or worse, find out she wasn’t fantasy-sex material.

“There’s no way we can pull all of this off before next weekend, though. Can we?” She didn’t know if she wanted them to say no way or that it was a slam dunk.

But when the women started tossing around makeover ideas, everything from temporary hair color to extensions to wardrobe options, Gia couldn’t stop grinning.

This was like her birthday, Christmas and a naughty-toy party all rolled into one. But she was going to be blowing something a lot bigger than a candle.

So…. What do you think?

Would you take your friends up on a plan like this?

And what’s your Friday the 13^th shaping up like? Is it a good luck day, or a bad luck day?

*****

FEARLESS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

Promising career: check

Amazing apartment: check

The best of friends: check

Sex life: MIA

There’s just one thing missing from Gia Renyard’s life: sexual adventure. And the one man she’d like to have it with is her hot co-worker, Luke Monroe. If only company rules didn’t prohibit her from asking him out. So Gia comes up with a plan: make herself over into a fantasy seductress, follow Luke to a convention in Sin City, and have her way with him for one erotic weekend. The man will never even know who did him.

Everything is going according to plan—until Gia discovers that Luke is perfect for her outside the bedroom too. And suddenly she’s no longer content to let what happens in Vegas stay in Vegas…

Bio:

USA TODAY Bestselling author of over twenty hot books, Tawny Weber has been writing sassy, sexy romances since her first Harlequin Blaze hit the shelves in 2007. A fan of Johnny Depp, cupcakes and color coordination, she spends a lot of her time shopping for cute shoes, scrapbooking and hanging out on Facebook.

Readers can check out Tawny’s books at her website, www.tawnyweber.com, or join her Red Hot Readers Club for goodies like free reads, complete first chapter excerpts, recipes, insider story info and much more.

You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

Email: tawny@tawnyweber.com

Fearless: http://tawnyweber.com/books/fearless

FEARLESS Launch Party: http://tawnyweber.com/a-fearless-launch

September 12, 2013September 12, 2013

Going Through The Notions Blog Tour and Giveaway

I have the fabulous Cate Price here today to talk about her new book, Going Through The Notions.

1. Tell me about your new release Going Through The Notions.

Daisy Buchanan is a former history teacher who took early retirement and moved with her husband, Joe, from New York to the quaint village of Millbury, PA. While Joe settled happily into country life, Daisy was somewhat restless, until one night she bid on a steamer trunk at a local auction. It turned out to be stuffed with exquisite antique linens and sewing notions, and was the inspiration for her store, Sometimes a Great Notion.

The story opens when Daisy Buchanan sees her best friend, Angus the auctioneer, arrested and charged with murder. One of the auction regulars was bashed in the head with a barn beam, and a collection of valuable fountain pens is also missing. Daisy is sure Angus didn’t do it, but as the evidence mounts against him, his state of mind becomes increasingly fragile. Everyone in town seems convinced of his guilt, and when Daisy discovers that the detective on the case holds a bitter grudge against Angus, she feels as though she’s the only one who can save him.

2. Where did you come up with the idea?

An editor at Berkley Prime Crime came up with the idea for a series based on a vintage sewing notions store. My agent thought that my writing style would be a good fit and recommended me for the job. I was given the guidelines and wrote a proposal consisting of the first three chapters and a synopsis. The editor loved it, I signed a three-book deal, and I was off and running!

3. Did you have to do a lot of research for this book?

I did quite a bit of research on fountain pens, vintage sewing notions, quilts, auction procedures, and Bucks County, PA, where the series is based.

4. Are your characters based on people that you know or did you envision certain actors as you were writing?

I don’t really picture actual people when I write and the characters aren’t based on anyone specific. There are probably traits and quirks from many people I’ve known. Luckily for me, I know some funny characters!

5. What are you working on now?

I’m working on Book Three in the series, which will focus on antique needlework samplers. (Book Two is turned in and awaiting copy edits).

6. Any advice for aspiring writers?

I was fortunate enough to join Romance Writers of America when I first decided to get serious about finishing a book about ten years ago. The local chapters all run writing contests and I received some great feedback which helped improve my work. I also found my first critique partner at a monthly meeting. I belong to Sisters in Crime now too, and I think getting together with other writers can be very inspirational and educational.

I’d also recommend getting into the habit of writing every day, even if you can only spare a few minutes. I used to have the mindset that I couldn’t write unless I had a big block of free time (which didn’t often present itself), but it’s important not to let your story “get cold.” If you touch it every day, it’s so much easier to pick up where you left off.

And of course, read as much as you can. That’s the best teacher of all!

About the Author:

Cate Price was born in England and came to the U.S. when she was sixteen. She is a regular sight on the streets of her home town walking her two amazing rescue dogs, and enjoys gardening, yard sales, and cooking with friends. Her previous (unpublished) books span the genres of romantic comedy, romantic suspense and murder mysteries, and have finaled in numerous contests, including the prestigious Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America.

Writing the first book in the Deadly Notions mystery series proved to be rather an expensive project, because while researching auction houses, she also became addicted to bidding on box lots. She is currently hard at work on the next book in the series, A DOLLHOUSE TO DIE FOR.

Website/ Goodreads / Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Going Through The Notions

TITLE: Going Through The Notions

SERIES #: A Deadly Notions Mystery

CHARACTERS: Daisy Buchanan, Joe and Sarah

AUTHOR: Cate Price

PUBLICATION DATE: 09/03/13

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: A retired schoolteacher–and yes, daughter of a Fitzgerald fan–Daisy Buchanan has found her calling in the village of Millbury, Pennsylvania. While her husband endlessly renovates their old house, Daisy happily presides over Sometimes a Great Notion, a quirky shop that sells sewing bits and bobs, antiques and jewelry.

Daisy has her eye on an antique dollhouse and a classic Singer Featherweight at the local auction–until her friend and mentor, auctioneer Angus Backstead, is led away in handcuffs. It appears he bashed in the head of a drinking buddy who stole a set of fancy fountain pens. Daisy’s sure the sprightly old-timer couldn’t have done it. But if she can’t stitch together the bidder truth–and soon–Angus will be going once, going twice…gone forever.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars

REVIEW: I really enjoyed this mystery involving a quirky cast of characters and which gave me more insight about the world of collectibles. Daisy Buchanan is a retired schoolteacher who has opened up her own business selling antiques and collectibles. She enjoys attending auctions so when she finds out that her good friend is arrested for murder at a local auction, Daisy makes it her mission to find out who the real killer is. Daisy was a fun character because she just seemed so genuine and went out of her way to help people. I also liked the fact that Daisy was married and in a loving relationship compared to other heroines in mystery novels. This small-town mystery was entertaining and I’m looking forward to reading more from Cate Price.

Giveaway

There are two giveaways with this tour, one that is tour-wide and one with each tour stop. I’m excited to give away a copy of Going Through The Notions. This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by September 16th, answer me this question in the comments:

Do you collect anything and if so, what?

and to enter the tour-wide giveaway enter the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

September 12, 2013September 6, 2013

Spotlight Feature of Free Fall by Tess Oliver

Freefall

by Tess Oliver

Amazon | B&NAfter leaving high school, with a hard won diploma and the title of most likely to break hearts, Alexander “Nix” Pierce has left his wild, out of control years mostly behind him. A small inheritance from his grandfather has given him the funds to open up his tattoo shop, Freefall, and he has started to pull his life together. Aside from trying to keep his best friend, Dray, from killing himself in the fight ring, and his slight obsession with a pin-up model he’s never met, Nix’s life is going smoothly . . . until Scotlyn James, the object of his obsession, walks into his shop.Ever since a tragic accident killed her family and left her alone in the world, Scotlyn James hasn’t spoken one word. Up until now she didn’t care that she had no way of talking to people. Her awful aunt would never have listened, and Lincoln Hammond the arrogant, selfish man who pulled her from the streets of Los Angeles wouldn’t hear her words if she could speak. But when Lincoln insists she get a tattoo to cover up a scar on her side, Scotlyn meets the artist, Nix Pierce. And now she longs for her voice. Now she has found someone who will hear her.(

A little about Tess:

Tess Oliver is a USA Today bestselling author of young adult, new adult and adult romances. She lives in southern California on a mini-suburban ranch with her husband, kids and a lot of adorable animals. She’s also a teacher with a Masters in curriculum and instruction. She loves any movie set in 19th century England, any book written by Jane Austen, any food containing chocolate and any song sung by Eddie Vedder.

Visit her at:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

September 12, 2013August 27, 2013

Interview & Giveaway with Shana Galen

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back Shana Galen to the blog.

Can you please share with us a little about yourself
SG: Of course! Thanks for having me back. I write adventurous historical romances set in the Regency period and featuring spies, pirates, courtesans, and the like. I live in Houston, Texas, and I write full time. I live with my husband, two cats, and my daughter.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

SG: I didn’t know that author was a profession until I was about 28. Even then I never thought of writing books for a living (and it was a good thing I didn’t expect that!). I did always have stories to tell, stories in my mind that needed to get out. If you don’t believe me, ask my little sister. I used to make her stay awake and listen to my stories when we were kids and shared a room.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
SG: In the historical genre, I read Anna Campbell, Vanessa Kelly, Kate Noble, Robyn DeHart, Margo Maguire, Sophie Jordan, Kieran Kramer, Erin Knightley, Katharine Ashe, Theresa Romain, Miranda Neville, and Sarah MacLean. Contemporary favorites are Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Nora Roberts, and Tera Lynn Childs. Marsha Canham, Joanna Bourne, and Julie Garwood have really been the largest influences on y writing style.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
SG: Oh, I blame it on Julie Garwood. I picked up one of her historicals and had to read them all. When I finished, I didn’t know what else to read, so I wrote my own. Yes, I would like to write in other genres, but right now I don’t have much time since I have a young child, plus I have a lot of historical books contracted.

What are some of your writing rituals?
SG: I like to write early in the day. I have difficulty focusing in the evening. If I can sit down at my computer when it’s still dark outside, sip some coffee, and write a thousand words before everyone wakes up, I’m happy.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
SG: TRUE SPIES is the second in the Lord and Lady Spy series. It’s about Winn and Elinor, who are married but estranged. Winn is a spy, and Elinor has no idea of his secret identity. If it sounds a bit like the movie True Lies, that was the inspiration.

How did you come with the idea for this story?
SG: Readers asked for another book in the Lord and Lady Spy series, so I started re-watching some of my favorite spy movies, and I knew True Spies was one that would translate well to the Regency period.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
SG: I’m actually writing the third in the Lord and Lady Spy series, LOVE AND LET SPY. It’s a nod to the James Bond films, except the heroine is Jane Bonde.

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

SG: Here you go. In this scene Winn (Baron) is consulting with Adrian, the hero from LORD AND LADY SPY, about what to do about Elinor.

Baron raised his brows, looking skeptical.

“All you have to do is talk to her.” There. Adrian folded his arms across his chest. He felt rather proud of himself, actually. Sophia wasn’t the only one who could be sympathetic or solve others’ personal problems.

“Talk to her?” Baron said, sounding less than enthusiastic about Adrian’s advice. “And tell her what? I overheard her chatting about bedding another man?”

“I don’t know that I’d take that tack…”

“Oh, perhaps I should reveal I’m a member of the Barbican group. Even if I hadn’t pledged to keep that a secret, I can imagine her reaction when she realizes I’ve been lying to her for years.”

“Yes, well—”

“Or how about this idea? I go find this Rafe and beat the hell out of him…”

What would you be if you were not an author?

SG: A frustrated author. I’d have all these stories in my head, driving me nuts.

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

SG: I was asked to read an advance copy of Vanessa Kelly’s SECRETS FOR SEDUCING A ROYAL BODYGUARD. I cannot wait to get to it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

SG: Thank you so much for having me again!

TRUE SPIES

by SHANA GALEN

IN STORES SEPTEMBER 2014

He’s Getting Tired of Deception…

Baron Winslow Keating is honor-bound to finish one last mission as an elite spy for the Barbican group even though he just wants to go home and be with his family. But after years of secrecy and absence, his daughters hardly know him and his wife has given up on him…

She Wants to Try a Little Intrigue…

Lady Elinor has had enough of domestic boredom. She contemplates an affair with a rakish spy, only to discover a world of intrigue and treachery that she never knew existed. Even more shocking, her neglectful husband is suddenly very attentive—quite the jealous type—and apparently there is much more to him than she ever knew…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shana Galen is the author of fast-paced adventurous Regency historicals, including the Lord and Lady Spy Series, the Jewels of the Ton Series, as well as the Sons of the Revolution Trilogy. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time, and is working on more regency romance novels! She’s happily married to the Ultimate Sportsfan and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

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September 11, 2013September 10, 2013

Resilient by Patricia Vanasse Blog Tour and Giveaway

Book Description:

Livia has never felt like she fits in. As normal as it sounds, Livia is anything but ordinary. She can feel every emotion of every single person around her, and it’s maddening. In pursuit of some psychic quiet, she moves with her family from New York City to Whidbey Island in the lush and sleepy Pacific Northwest. But when a horseback riding accident in her new home gives her a broken leg that heals in a day, she finds that another unexplainable ability has manifested, and her life isn’t about to get any easier.

Adam has no problem fitting in and making friends. In fact, he’s the top of the school, the boy everyone knows and loves. However, people only see what he allows them to. No one knows what Adam is truly capable of. After witnessing Livia’s accident, Adam sees something intriguing in her quick recovery, something that gives him hope that he’s not alone.

Adam is the only one whose emotions Livia can’t read. Afraid of not knowing what goes on behind his dark eyes, Livia decides to keep him at a distance. Yet the more she tries to ignore him, the more alluring he becomes, and while their personal quests for identity will inevitably bring them closer together, it is the confirmation of what they really are that threatens to tear them apart.

Resilient, told in alternating point of views, is a gripping story of survival and romance, in which two teenagers face the consequences of being anything but normal.

Goodreads

About the Author:

Patricia Vanasse was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Now she lives on Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two adorable children, and two crazy dogs. She has been trough Culinary Arts, Psychology, Law School, and now has finally found her passion in creative writing. She also loves traveling, cooking, and is an avid reader. Her strength – believes that everything is possible.

Website/ Twitter/ Facebook / Blog

TITLE: Resilient

CHARACTERS: Livia and Adam

AUTHOR: Patricia Vanasse

PUBLICATION DATE: 09/02/13

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:Livia has never felt like she fits in. As normal as it sounds, Livia is anything but ordinary. She can feel every emotion of every single person around her, and it’s maddening. In pursuit of some psychic quiet, she moves with her family from New York City to Whidbey Island in the lush and sleepy Pacific Northwest. But when a horseback riding accident in her new home gives her a broken leg that heals in a day, she finds that another unexplainable ability has manifested, and her life isn’t about to get any easier. Adam has no problem fitting in and making friends. In fact, he’s the top of the school, the boy everyone knows and loves. However, people only see what he allows them to. No one knows what Adam is truly capable of. After witnessing Livia’s accident, Adam sees something intriguing in her quick recovery, something that gives him hope that he’s not alone. Adam is the only one whose emotions Livia can’t read. Afraid of not knowing what goes on behind his dark eyes, Livia decides to keep him at a distance. Yet the more she tries to ignore him, the more alluring he becomes, and while their personal quests for identity will inevitably bring them closer together, it is the confirmation of what they really are that threatens to tear them apart. Resilient, told in alternating point of views, is a gripping story of survival and romance, in which two teenagers face the consequences of being anything but normal.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars

REVIEW: I was very impressed with this book since I recently learned that it was Ms. Vanasse’s debut novel. I thought that it was very entertaining and had an interesting storyline about two teenagers that learn they have some not so normal abilities. I liked Livia because she was a very sweet girl that was able to feel every emotion of the people around her which prevented her from having any close relationships. This all changed when she met Adam, who was the very first person whose emotions she couldn’t feel. The more time that they spend together, the closer they become and they both learn that they have special abilities that neither of them can explain.

I didn’t like Adam in the beginning of the book because he seemed like a jerk but I liked how he was with Livia and he definitely started to grow on me by the end. The mystery in regards to their backgrounds was very intriguing and had me spellbound until the very end. Patricia Vanasse has created a great fantasy world with Resilient that I couldn’t help but enjoy. I can’t wait to read more from Ms. Vanasse because I’m sure it will be just as entertaining as Resilient.

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