Spotlight Teaser of Marie Harte’s Ruining Mr. Perfect (+ a tourwide giveaway)

Ruining Mr. Perfect

The McCauley Brothers #3

IT’S NOT EASY BEING RIGHT

Vanessa Campbell is a CPA by day and a perfectionist by night. She’s fit, successful…and decidedly lonely. She can’t stop thinking about the youngest McCauley brother, Cameron. He’s just like her: smart, attractive, and usually right—except when dealing with her.

…BUT SOMEONE’S GOT TO DO IT

Cameron McCauley likes Vanessa a little too much. She’s a blond goddess with a razor-sharp tongue. She hates to be wrong, just like him. But she can hold a grudge and is stubborn to a fault—also like him.

A past disagreement has them rubbing each other the wrong way. Cam is dying to shake Vanessa up—get her to let loose. But if he succeeds, can his heart handle it?

Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte is a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit www.marieharte.com and fall in love.

Teaser #4:

“Men are stupid.” Vanessa shrugged.

“Is Cam stupid?” Maddie asked in that smarmy voice that always drove Vanessa nuts. Even as a kid, her cousin would get that smug tone in her voice and use it with unerring precision, landing on Vanessa’s last nerve.

“He’s a man, therefore he’s flawed. However, he’s not as idiotic as Brody or Flynn, and that’s something to be proud of.” She gave Maddie an overly wide grin.

“Witch.” Maddie stuck her tongue out.

“Oh. That hurts. Not the tongue.” Vanessa laughed at her. “You know, I still think you should have majored in theater in college, not interior design.”

“Thanks so much for your unasked-for opinion.”

Abby sighed. “Ding ding. Okay. Back to your corners.” She ran a hand through her long black hair. “And to think I missed our girlie chats.”

Vanessa smirked. “You missed me, you mean.”

“The ego. It never quits.” But Maddie smiled as she said it.

“So tell us about Cameron.” Abby drew out his name. “Come on. You have to give us something.”

Vanessa thought about his smiling eyes, his deep laugh, the hands that sent her soaring. And the keen intelligence and dry wit. She glanced up to catch a look between her roommates. “What?”

“Oh, nothing.” Abby cut off whatever Maddie had been about to say. “So the Four Seasons, huh? I bet the room was nice.”

“Oh yeah. A suite overlooking the water. Really classy.”

Maddie perked up. “Hmm. Maybe I should have Flynn take me there for Valentine’s Day.”

“Speaking of that,” Abby segued, “Brody and I have been talking about Bitsy. I mean, Beth.” Only Brody called Beth McCauley by the cute nickname, the same name he’d been calling her since she’d pseudo-adopted him so many years ago. “This is her first Valentine’s Day in over thirty years where she’ll be alone. We were thinking of spending it with her.”

After a pause, Vanessa said, “You know, you two probably have plans. Mike will be with Colin, I’m sure. Why don’t I spend the night with her?”

“But what about you and Cam?” Abby asked.

She shrugged. “We’re pretty new. Besides, we’re keeping this casual. Low key. So I’ll spend the night with her, and Cameron too, if he’s not busy, and you guys go out like you were planning to.”

“You sure?” Maddie asked.

“Yeah.” Besides, this way she wouldn’t be so nervous about her relationship progressing too quickly.

*****

A little about Marie:

I’ve been writing as far back as I can remember. Interest in the written word, no doubt spawned by my English teacher father, continues to this day. I’m a voracious reader, gobbling everything from romance to horror to fantasy and more. I’m in love with the art of putting pen to paper…so to speak.

I majored in English from Penn State University, earning a B.A. in Liberal Arts, as well as a commission in the United States Marine Corps. Five years later, after serving as a communications officer, I left the service to focus more on family. After going through an assortment of jobs–the Marine Corps Reserve, an IT representative, a middle manager for a Fortune 500 transportation company–I stopped working to raise two new additions to the family–my youngest sons. During this period, I decided to stop dreaming and start seriously writing.

In December of 2004 my first story was published, and I haven’t looked back since. I currently have over a hundred titles (yeah, shocked me too!) with Carina, Ellora’s Cave, Fated Desires, Loose Id, Samhain, Sourcebooks, and Totally Bound.

I’ve received several awards to include: the 2005 Passionate Plume for Scifi/fantasy romance, the 2006 Amber Quill Heat Wave contest winner, 1st Place in Steamy Erotic romance for the 2006 Lories, finalist in the 2007 Linda Howard Award of Excellence, finalist in the 2008 Reveal Your Inner Vixen MRWA contest, and finalist in the 2012 Reveal Your Inner Vixen MRWA contest.

Learn more about Marie and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter @MHarte_Author | Goodreads

Check out the whole tour here:

9/22- Manga Maniac Café

9/23- From the TBR Pile

9/24- The Bookish Babe

9/25- Books-n-Kisses

9/26- The Bumble Girl

9/29- The Good, the Bad, and the Unread

9/30- SOS Aloha

10/1- Ramblings from this Chick

10/2- Talk Supe

10/3- Bitten by Romance

a Rafflecopter giveaway

September 23, 2014September 19, 2014

Spotlight feature of Marissa Dobson’s Hope’s Toy Chest and Cover Reveal of Destiny’s Wish

Hope’s Toy Chest, the first book in the Cedar Grove Medical series, is now out for pre-order. The pre-order price is discounted to only $0.99.

Blurb:

At thirty-one, Kingsley Mathews has been named the head of the pediatric oncology department at one of the best children’s hospitals in the country—Ceder Grove Children’s Hospital. His life is dedicated to his patients—until one Christmas when he learns there’s more than his work.

Chelsea Waters lost her daughter two years ago on Christmas Day to a rare form of childhood cancer. Her career was over, then her marriage. Now all she has left is Hope’s Toy Chest. The toy drive she started in the memory of her daughter has become her everything.

When she ends up flat on her back in a pile of snow, she begins to wonder if there’s room in her heart for anything more. Could the doctor who worked so feverishly to save her daughter bring the meaning of Christmas back into her heart?

Buy Links:

Sunshine Press ~ Kindle ~ Nook ~ Smashwords ~ All Romance Ebooks ~ Kobo

Print: Sunshine Press ~ Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Cover Reveal: Destiny’s Wish – Book Two

Single mother Nora Horton has the weight of the world on her shoulders. After her husband died while serving his country, she was left alone to raise their beautiful daughter, Destiny. She was able to pick up the pieces and move on for her daughter, but when Destiny’s cancer returns, Nora isn’t sure she can handle it any longer. She’s not certain she can be strong for her daughter when she’s falling apart inside.

Doctor Brian West is a pediatric cardiologist at Cedar Grove Children’s Hospital and has seen many sick children during his years there. He’s always been able to do his job without letting it get to him because he knows that if he’s distracted for even a minute, someone could die because of him. When he stumbles upon Nora, the recognition is instant and he can’t distance himself from her or her sick little girl, especially not when the little girl tells him her wish.

A sick child’s dying wish isn’t meant for her mother’s ears this time…because she wants her mother to have someone to love.

Release Date: February 3, 2015

August 26, 2014August 22, 2014

Spotlight feature & Exclusive Excerpt from Jill Shalvis’ It’s In His Kiss

It’s In His Kiss

Lucky Harbor #10

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | IndieBound

Becca Thorpe has uprooted her life and escaped to the beach. Now’s her chance to get away from city living, throw caution to the ocean winds, and live in the moment. Especially if the moment includes the deliciously sexy surfer she meets shortly after arriving in Lucky Harbor. Something about the dark intensity of Sam’s eyes and the thrill she gets at his touch convinces her to stay awhile.

Boatbuilder and investment genius Sam Brody is a self-made man who knows how dangerous it can be to mix business and pleasure. But he can’t resist offering Becca a job just to hear her laugh and have her near. Yet when her brother comes to town asking for help, will he tempt her back to her glamorous life in the city? Or do Sam and little Lucky Harbor have a chance to win Becca’s heart?

Excerpt – IT’S IN HIS KISS by Jill Shalvis

“I see you sometimes in the mornings,” she said. “And you do. You always run that hard.”

He smiled. “Peeper to the bone.”

“Can’t seem to help myself,” she admitted.

He dropped to the sand beside her and didn’t miss the fact that she stiffened up at his quick motion. To give her a minute, he stretched out his tired legs. “I worked at sea for seven years. I missed running. I promised myself when I got off the rig, I’d get back to it.”

She took her gaze off his body to look into his eyes. “What was the job?

“I worked for a consulting firm monitoring the deep drilling rigs. We’d go out for months at a time, no land in sight.”

“We?”

“I had a crew,” he said.

“You were out at sea with a bunch of guys for months at a time?”

“There were a few women too,” he said. Three, to be exact, one of whom had neatly sliced Cole’s heart in two.

“What was your job out there?” Becca asked.

“OIM. Offshore installation manager.” He shrugged again. “Basically just a fancy title for babysitting the operation.”

“All of it?”

“I handled the business side of things,” he said, “the shifts, the tasks, everything.”

“Sam knows everything,” she said softly. “That’s what people keep telling me.”

He didn’t know everything. He didn’t know, for example, why he was so drawn to her. Or what made her so wary.

“Must have been a tough job,” she said.

“The job was hard as hell,” he agreed. He had few good memories of those years, working his way up from grunt worker to manager. After they’d lost Gil, he and Tanner had come back to Lucky Harbor with Cole, who’d wanted to be here to take care of his mom and three sisters. Tanner had needed recovery time. And it’d been as good a place as any to start their charter company.

“So you retired from the rigs and now you run, surf, take people out on charters, and handcraft boats,” she said.

He slid her a look.

“Peeper, remember?” she said. She bit her lip but a sweet, low laugh escaped. “Plus, I looked you up.”

Now it was his turn to narrow his eyes. “Why?”

She squirmed a little, which he found fascinating. Actually he found her fascinating. “I’ve spent the past three mornings at the diner for the free WiFi,” she said. “I’ve been…researching.”

“Me?”

“Not just you. But I was curious,” she admitted.

“Yeah? You didn’t get enough information from watching me out the window?”

“Hey,” she said on another laugh. “I can’t help it that you’re pretty to look at.”

At this, he went brows-up. “You said attractive. You didn’t say pretty.”

“Pretty,” she repeated, still smiling.

He loved her smile. “I’m not pretty.” But he was smiling now, too.

“Okay,” she said. “You’re right. Pretty is far too girlie a word for what you are.”

They looked at each other. The air seemed to get all used up then, and his heart beat in tune to the pulsing waves. “What else did you learn about me, in your…research?” he asked softly.

Her gaze dropped to his mouth. “That you guys take people deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, that sort of thing. Also, your charter company’s got four and a half stars on Yelp—although I’m pretty sure some of those reviews were written by women who want to date you because there’s lots of mentions of the three hot guys who run the company.”

He winced, making her laugh again.

“Might as well own it,” she said. “Also, did you know that the town of Lucky Harbor has a Pinterest account? The woman who updates it has a board there for her favorite things.”

“Lucille,” he muttered.

“And one of her favorite things,” Becca said, “is you.”

He grimaced. “Lucille’s a nut.”

“She seems very sincere.”

“Okay, so she’s a nice nut,” he said. “A nut’s a nut.”

“People around here seem to look to you as a leader, as someone to turn to,” she said. “If there’s a question, people say Sam’ll know, but I’ve noticed something.” She waited until he met her gaze. “No one seems to really know you except for maybe Cole and Tanner.”

That was just close enough to the dead truth to make him uncomfortable.

“I think it’s because you come off as a lone wolf,” she said, head cocked as she studied him. “And then there’s your approach-at-your-own-risk vibe.”

Hard to deny the truth, so he didn’t bother.

“I mean you’re really good on the fly,” she said quietly, as if talking to herself, trying to figure him out. “And you’re good at helping people, but you’re not readily available to get to know.”

It was a shockingly accurate insight, but he went with humor. “Not seeing the problem,” he said.

“Well, it’s interesting, is all.”

“Interesting?”

“Yeah.” Again she looked at his mouth. “Because your distance is perversely making me curious to know more. And I haven’t been…curious in a long time.”

A little about Jill Shalvis:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Learn more about Jill and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

August 18, 2014August 18, 2014

Interview with Marie Harte

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome fellow Oregonian Marie Harte to the blog for her first visit. We are talking about Luke Evans, bucket lists and her new release How to Handle a Heartbreaker (The McCauley Brothers). So please make Marie’s visit wonderful.

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

Hi. I’m Marie Harte. I’m a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with over a hundred books to my name, and I have no intention of slowing down. I’ve had a varied career. After majoring in English from Penn State, I served in the Unites States Marine Corps, then worked in the IT field before moving on to supervise about sixty truck drivers during my time working for a trucking company. (Talk about stories!) I finally segued into writing fulltime after quitting the trucking company to raise my children. I now live in Central Oregon with two young boys who are threatening to eat me out of house and home. My days are spent writing, staring at snow-capped mountains, and imbibing ludicrously large amounts of coffee.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

YES.

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

I do a bit of both. Typically I flesh out my characters, have a basic premise of plot, and go—a pantster (writing by the seat of my pants). But when writing proposals for my publishers, I have to submit a synopsis. Surprisingly, I find I follow the synopsis, though minor points in the story may change—hence the plotter path. But I have to admit I usually write fastest when the story has been percolating in my brain for a few days/weeks before simply writing. So in a sense, I plot mentally, then just let the words flow.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I’m a fast writer. I can’t think about it; I just have to write. When I think too hard, I mess myself up.

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

How to Handle a Heartbreaker is such a funny, sexy, and emotional book. I made myself cry (in a few spots) while writing this, and I’m not a crier. Most of the time, though, I was laughing or fanning myself. Here’s a short blurb that describes How to Handle a Heartbreaker best:

It’s lust at first sight when Brody Singer first lays eyes on Abby Dunn. The dark-haired beauty looks a lot like a woman he once knew, who died years ago. At first Brody fears his attraction is a holdover from that secret crush, but Abby’s definitely different. She’s a lot shyer, a lot sexier and, despite her attempts to dissuade his interest, absolutely mesmerizing.

Abby isn’t having it. She’s still trying to put her last disastrous relationship behind her and overcome the flaws her ex wouldn’t let her forget. But somehow Brody isn’t getting the hint. It doesn’t help that when writing her steamy novels, she keeps casting Brody as the hero.

Brody is more than happy to serve as her muse and eager to help make sure her “research” is authentic. But when their research turns into something real…will she choose her own happily ever after?

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I wrote The Troublemaker Next Door and Sourcebooks accepted it. Hurray! But Flynn had three brothers, two by blood, one of the heart. Brody—Flynn’s “twin”—had to have his story told, and he had hidden depths I was eager to explore. After writing this book, his behavior in the first story made much more sense. Abby too made me love her all the more when I met her family and saw what she’d gone through to get so far. Man, I can’t STAND that Kevin jerk.

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

I’m currently working on a military romance novella for inclusion in a military bundle with some extraordinary authors. The project hasn’t been announced yet (and it’s KILLING me) but it should release soon.

I’m also working on edits for Served Hot, the second in my Best Revenge trilogy for Samhain Publishing. Three friends decide to get back at the men that did them wrong with some unintended, steaming hot results. Served Cold, book one, releases September 16^th.

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

Johanna Lindsey, because her book, A Gentle Feuding, was the very first romance I read and the book that got me hooked on the genre. So to Ms. Lindsey, thank you.

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

To believe in yourself and never give up. There are enough people in the world ready to tell you no. Only you can make yourself believe in yes.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

Well, first on my list was one day going to Europe. Check. Then it was hitting the New York Times list. Check. (And super big surprise/thrill just a few short weeks ago!) Now I think it’s a toss-up between learning to play the piano and learning martial arts.

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

I’m on tenterhooks waiting for the next Guild Hunter book from Nalini Singh and Thea Harrison’s next Elder Races novel. I love those series!

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

A Wrinkle In Time. I loved that book as a kid and love it even more now. Talk about writing outside the box. Madeleine L’ Engle was one of the greats.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

I absolutely love fall. Halloween is my favorite holiday, and the weather is just perfect. Jeans and sweatshirt weather, hot cocoa and football. Plus school is in session, and I’ve always loved academics. What’s not to love when the leaves change color and float to the ground?

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

Hmm. Lately I’m on a Luke Evans kick. He’s hot, pretty dark and broody in his roles, and hell, he plays a human hero in the next Hobbit movie as well as the title character in Dracula Untold. What’s not to love? If I met him? I’d ask for a signed autograph. That’s about it. I’m not uber-impressed by fame. I would drool while staring at him, though. LOL

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks so much for having me! I have releases ongoing through the rest of the year, as well as a Facebook reader group. Make sure to sign up for my newsletter (scroll to the bottom of my website to subscribe) to keep up to date on releases and contests. 🙂 I enjoyed my time at Books-n-Kisses. Great questions. Thank you!

A little more about Marie:

Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after.

Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.

*****

HE CAN’T GET HER OUT OF HIS HEAD

It’s lust at first sight when Brody Singer first lays eyes on Abby Dunn. The dark-haired beauty looks a lot like a woman he once knew, who died years ago. At first, Brody fears his attraction is a holdover from that secret crush, but Abby’s definitely different. She’s a lot shyer, a lot sexier, and despite her attempts to dissuade his interest, absolutely mesmerizing.

SHE CAN’T GET HIM OUT OF HER BOOKS

July 26, 2014July 18, 2014

Skye Jordan’s Renegades series

Reckless

Renegades #1

A couture wedding dress designer to the rich and famous, Lexi LaCroix’s image means everything. But crossing paths with a sexier-than-sin, bad-boy biker makes Lexi realize how much living she’s sacrificed for her success and one touch is all it takes to threaten her carefully choreographed life. When that touch fills far more than just Lexi’s physical needs, she finds herself torn between the career she needs and the bad-boy she craves.

Jax Chamberlin gave up the superficial life of acting for the thrill of running his own stunt company years ago. But a recent betrayal proves he’s still too close to the limelight to find a woman who doesn’t plan to use him as a stepping-stone to success. When the charming and mysterious Lexi offers him a totally anonymous hook-up during an out of town trip, Jax accepts. Only Lexi is more sextacular than charming, and Jax wants more.

But Lexi’s got a major hang-up over his renegade lifestyle, and Jax isn’t willing to change his ways. Especially not when he discovers who she really is. Because if she finds out his connections could catapult her to the top of her career, he’s afraid the fantasy woman he’s falling for might just end up like all the other gold-diggers. And this time, it’s not just his bad-boy reputation at risk, but his heart, too

*****

Rebel

Renegades #2

Sassy, smart, and sexy, former supermodel-turned-tech guru Rubi Russo has it all—looks, money, confidence and freedom. Her life is a whirlwind of fast cars and fleeting affairs—and she likes it that way. With a past like Rubi’s, forever isn’t part of her vocabulary. So when studly Renegade stuntman Wes Lawson wants to take their friendship to the next level, she’s all out.

Raised a simple country-boy, Wes knows the brazen Rubi isn’t his type. But after spending time with her, he discovers she’s everything he’s ever wanted in a woman. To win her wild rebel heart, he’ll have to prove he sees behind her smokescreen to all the goodness she tries to hide. Then it’s just a matter of crushing her fears, shattering her barriers, and convincing her that loving him is everything she’s been missing in her life, too.

Piece of cake.

*****

Ricochet

Renegades #3

After a tragic incident in Afghanistan leaves Master Sergeant Nathan Ryker the only man standing in his tight-knit team, he spirals into an alcohol-and-sex induced escape. A call from his lifelong buddy pulls Ryker from the shadows with a request for help with his stunt company’s latest blockbuster. If Ryker can survive the next three weeks of leave and get back to his remaining men, he might just be all right. But a sexy woman who can take his mind off his trauma is too hard to resist, and when he hooks up with Renegades’ sultry, snarky office manager, his sanity takes a backseat to the first glimpse of a future he isn’t sure he deserves.

Still reeling from a bitter romantic betrayal, Rachel Hart wants nothing more than an uncomplicated hookup. So when the mysterious Nathan seduces her with a little dirty talk and one delicious kiss, Rachel drowns all her good sense in a Mandarin and soda and gives herself over to a night of sexual bliss. But her memories tarnish in the morning light when Rachel discovers his real identity and his link to Renegades. Her job and her friends are the only thing holding her life together, and she won’t be ruined by one sultry night with this damaged and dangerously sexy man.

July 22, 2014June 30, 2014

Interview & giveaway with Jennifer Estep

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

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

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

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

Have you always wanted to be an author?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are some of your writing rituals?

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

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

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

How did you come with the idea for this story?

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

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

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

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

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

What would you be if you were not an author?

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

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

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

Is there anything else you would like to add?

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

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

Happy reading, everyone!

A little more about Jennifer:

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

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

*****

Poison Promise

Pub Date: 07/22/14

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

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

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

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

July 14, 2014July 24, 2014

Masters of Seduction Release Day Spotlight + Giveaway

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have four of our favorite authors on the blog today to help promote their new release of Masters of Seduction: Books 1-4: Paranormal Romance Boxed Set. I, for one can’t wait to jump into this box set and learn all about these Masters. So what do you say we take a little look into the world of the Masters of Seduction.

Amazon| B&N | Kobo | iTunes

In the realm of the Incubi Masters, pleasure is to die for and love is the deadliest game of all . . .

Surrender to sinful pleasures and forbidden passions with Masters of Seduction, the sizzling new paranormal romance novella series from New York Times and internationally bestselling authors Lara Adrian, Donna Grant, Laura Wright and Alexandra Ivy.

This all-new, never-before-published boxed set contains the first four novellas in the Masters of Seduction series. Each book in the collection is approximately 20-25,000 words.

For more information on the series, visit www.MastersOfSeductionAuthors.com

*****

Are you interested yet?

Lara, Donna, Laura & Alexandra were nice enough to not only share their new box set but they are giving us a closer look into each story.

So here is a look at each of the stories.

Enjoy!!

*****

Merciless: House of Gravori

by Lara Adrian

Seeking vengeance for the murder of his brother, Incubus Master Devlin Gravori demands justice from the high court of the Nephilim. But fury and retribution are no match for the consuming desire he feels for Nahiri, the beautiful Nephilim warrior he claims as his hostage.

Merciless Excerpt (Used with permission by Lara Adrian © Lara Adrian 2014):

Nahiri awoke in the middle of a large bed in a strange room.

She shot upright the instant consciousness dawned, her hands reaching automatically for her weapons.

They were gone.

The leather sheaths that crossed her torso were empty.

No. That meant her nightmare hadn’t been just a dream. It was reality.

The Incubus in the temple…Devlin Gravori.

He really had taken her.

Nahiri’s eyelids snapped open in panic. Sunlight poured in from an open window across the room, blasting her vision.

Momentarily blinded, she squinted through her lashes, struggling to take quick stock of her new surroundings.

Creamy stucco walls. Dark hardwood floors and masculine-looking furnishings. Thick timber beams high above her head.

And beneath her, a massive bed. The mattress was as cushiony as a cloud, the cotton sheets and silken coverlet calling to mind all manner of sins.

All around her was the scent of intriguingly exotic spices and something even more enticing.

Him.

She sensed his presence even before she swung her head in his direction and found him seated in an upholstered chair beside the bed. No, not seated in it, exactly. Dominating it. The same way he seemed to dominate every space he occupied.

His big body lounged negligently where he sat, his powerful thighs spread, one arm draped over the side of the chair, the other propping his head up, fist curled loosely under the square line of his jaw.

He’d shed his suit jacket at some point, and now wore just his gray tailored pants and white business shirt. The collar was opened even farther than she recalled, just one more button loosened, but exposing enough of his tawny skin to make her mouth water with a sudden, unholy urge to taste him.

She wanted to dismiss the impulse as one he planted in her mind, but she could tell from the casual way he regarded her that any curiosity she felt in that moment was hers alone.

Nahiri scrambled off the bed. She backed into the farthest corner of the room, eyeing him warily. “Where am I? Where have you taken me?”

“You’re at Gravori House.” He cast a nonchalant look around the room. “More specifically, you’re in my bedroom.”

Even though she could have guessed as much, her heart still climbed into her throat. Since she’d gone to the temple to train at eighteen years old, she hadn’t left the sanctuary grounds even once. Let alone spent so much as a minute in a man’s bedroom.

She might be a virgin, but she had never been a wilting little girl. She was a grown woman. A skilled warrior. She refused to let him intimidate her.

“It was a bad idea to abduct me from the temple,” she informed him. “The Three will see you punished for this, Incubus, regardless of what you mean to do to me. And with or without my weapons, I am still a Blade. I will fight you every step of the way.”

“The same way you did in the High Chamber?”

Her cheeks flamed with heat at the reminder. With humiliation. Her weakness had shamed her in front of the other Blades, in front of the three priestesses who’d entrusted her with their lives. With their faith that she was the best, the strongest, of her peers.

And this demon had disproved all of that in a moment.

He would do it again if he wanted to. He could do anything he wanted to her. Nahiri could see it in the hard glint of his golden eyes.

No, for all her skill—for all her dedication to the teachings and training of the temple—Devlin Gravori could destroy her at his whim.

“I’m not interested in fighting you,” he murmured, as if he could read the troubled direction of her thoughts.

She swallowed, watching the way he stared at her from across the room. He didn’t move, and yet her body trembled as though his hands were already on her, as hot and roaming as his gaze. All the wicked, deviant things she’d ever heard about Incubi appetites poured over her in a rush of dread and terrible anticipation.

“In case you’re worried about it, I’m not interested in raping you either,” he drawled, the corner of his mouth curling around the sensual growl of his deep, rumbling voice. “Forcing a woman isn’t the Incubus way. Never been my way, at any rate.”

Nahiri hiked up her chin. “No, you’ll just bend my will until I submit. Or make me your Thrall so you can siphon my life’s energy for your own. Maybe you’ll manipulate my mind until I beg you to drain me completely. I suppose that would be more your way.”

He grunted, dark amusement in his tone. “I have plenty of women more than happy to slake my needs—all of my needs.”

As reassurances went, his did little to relieve her. He steepled his hands beneath his chin, his citrine gaze locked on her. Nahiri could hardly breathe. His dark energy was gathered about him, pulsating and vivid, but not the way she’d felt it in the temple.

He was holding his demonic allure in check now, despite the heat she felt licking along her limbs and putting a flame to her blood. He intrigued her as much as he unsettled her.

Heaven save her, but he tempted her.

Even as he terrified her, infuriated her…he stirred a dangerous longing in her.

And he knew.

The way he studied her, he knew she was struggling against an attraction she wanted desperately to deny.

One raven brow quirked nearly imperceptibly. “If I wanted to take you as my lover, Nahiri, or feed from you as my Thrall, I wouldn’t need force or Incubus magic to do it.”

The combination of her name on his lips and the terrible truth he spoke made her heart stumble in her chest. It beat shallowly, accelerating in time with her breathing.

And she tried not to notice how his gaze tracked every inch of her body, settling on her breasts as they rose and fell with each rapid squeeze of her lungs.

He got out of the chair and stood in place for a long moment. When he finally moved, his steps were measured, unrushed. So confident, as if doubt was something he never had to trifle with when it came to women.

Of course, he’d told her as much, so his arrogance shouldn’t surprise her now.

Nahiri stood, frozen, as he approached, his thick-muscled thighs carrying him in a slow prowl across the room. He paused an arm’s length away from her.

“Why did you bring me here?” she asked, grateful that the tremors of her body hadn’t found their way into her voice. She could not forget for an instant that she was dealing with a demon. “What do you want from me?”

His sensual mouth twisted in contemplation. “I haven’t decided yet. But let me be clear about one thing, little Blade. You may be pledged to the Three and their precious temple, but in this House, I am Master. So long as I have you under this roof, you will obey me. As of now, your well-being, your life—everything—belongs to me.”

She bristled, outrage shooting through her like fire. She welcomed the anger. It helped eclipse the desire that was still simmering inside her, unwanted and never to be admitted—especially to this overbearing heathen of a man.

Devlin Gravori was mad if he expected her to think of him as anything but her captor.

Her enemy.

And he might as well realize that now.

Nahiri peeled her lips back from her teeth in a furious smile. She squared off against him, ready to do battle even without the benefit of her weapons. “I would rather die before I give anything to you. Willingly or by force. I would see you dead before that day.”

He scowled as she hissed the words into his face. When he raised his hand, she thought for certain he would strike her.

Instead, his broad, warm palm came around the back of her neck. He held her in a firm grip, and brought his face terrifyingly close to hers.

When he spoke his voice was raw, as rough as gravel in his throat. “Be careful with your threats, Nahiri. Those are dangerous words. Particularly when my kin are already grieving the loss of one brother to your kind today.”

She stared up into his fierce golden eyes, transfixed by the power she saw there. By the pain and fury that hardened his handsome features and tightened the lush line of his mouth.

“On the other side of this bedroom door, I have a dozen Incubi brothers and cousins who might be tempted to take your threats against me to heart. They might be tempted toward other things too. But not so long as you’re under my watch. No one takes what belongs to me.”

As he spoke, his gaze drifted to her mouth. It lingered there, and suddenly Nahiri could hardly swallow for the lack of moisture in her throat. Her lips tingled under his gaze, aching for contact. Her temples pounded with her heartbeat, a rising, steady thrum that seemed to echo in the small space between her body and his.

Everything female in her was fixed on this man—this dark, deadly demon—and the unholy need he aroused in her.

“You will obey me,” he muttered, the command like velvet on her senses when it should grate like sharp stones. “As of right now, Nahiri the Blade, you belong to me.”

A little about Lara Adrian:

Lara Adrian is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of the Midnight Breed vampire romance series and numerous other titles published independently. With nearly 4 million books in print and digital worldwide, and translations licensed in more than 20 countries, Lara’s books have been called “addictively readable” (Chicago Tribune), “strikingly original” (Booklist) and “a must-read” (Fresh Fiction). She lives in New England with her husband, where she is currently at work on her next novel. To learn more about Lara’s books and to sign up for her email newsletter, visit her here Website| Facebook | Twitter @lara_adrian | Goodreads

*****

Soulless: House of Romerac

by Donna Grant

Incubus Master Canaan Romerac is focused solely on revenge against those who betrayed him and put him in the Oubliette for five hundred years. That is until he sets eyes on Rayna. Can the beautiful Nephilim heal Canaan’s wounded soul before it’s too late.

Soulless excerpt (Used with permission by Donna Grant © Donna Grant 2014):

There was a pause. “Your skin is flushed, but not from illness.”

Conceited prick. Of course a sex demon would know when she was aroused. “I know you won’t force me, and I’m not interested. So go away.”

She waited for his response, waited to hear the charm and seduction she knew was coming. Except there was nothing. Rayna counted to fifty before she opened her eyes.

And promptly gasped when she found herself staring into eyes of blue-green as fathomless as the sea.

Rayna tried to look away, but only managed to move her eyes to his chiseled chin and jaw that sported a shadow of a beard, making him even sexier. If that was possible.

She caught a glimpse of coal black hair against his shoulder and saw it hung loose, the waves begging her to slide her fingers into the thickness. A lock of that hair fell over his wide forehead to fall against the corner of his eye.

Once more she was caught in his gaze. A woman could drown in such brilliance. Between the brightness of his eyes, the long black lashes, his midnight hair, and his olive skin, he wasn’t just handsome. He was striking, breathtaking.

Magnificent.

“Not interested?” he said, a hint of a smile upon wide, full lips. Lips that no doubt kissed as heavenly as he looked.

Rayna had to try twice to get enough wetness in her mouth to swallow. Even then her voice wouldn’t work so she shook her head.

He leaned forward and ran his index finger softly down the side of her face before pushing her hair over her shoulder. “Say it again.”

Was he insane? Didn’t he realize she was barely holding it together? Or perhaps that was the point. He did realize exactly what kind of precarious situation she was in.

It wasn’t as if she hadn’t known pleasure. She’d had her share of lovers, but not a single one of them had heated her blood like the Incubi before her. And he hadn’t even kissed her.

Victory shone in the Incubus’s beautiful eyes, and the resulting anger was enough that she could remember just why she didn’t want him. She refused to be a pawn in the game played between the Nephilim and the Incubi.

“I don’t want you,” she said. It might be a hoarse whisper, but the words had come.

To make her point even more clear, she shoved past him. It was a mistake as soon as her hand landed on his chest. The resulting heat, the primal need that thrummed through her veins, halted her.

He moved behind her, his warm breath fanning her neck. Unable to stop herself, her eyes closed and her head fell to the side. Soft lips touched the place where her neck met her shoulders. It barely registered before his hot, wet tongue flicked over her skin.

“You’re correct, Nephilim. I won’t force you,” he whispered into her ear. “Your kind is normally so willing to couple with us. What makes you so different?”

Rayna turned to face him, wondering if she was a masochist. Why else would she willingly face someone so damned gorgeous again?

“I walked away from that world. I want nothing to do with it.”

Before she could get in another word, his lips were on hers. There was nothing soft or romantic about the kiss. It was all heat and desire, need and passion.

Lust and longing.

It sent her world spinning. Her body was scorched from the intensity of the kiss.

As suddenly as it began, the kiss ended. Rayna blinked up at him, unsure why he stopped. She licked her lips, liking the taste of him altogether too much.

“Farewell,” he said and disappeared into the night before she could utter a single syllable in response.

A little about Donna Grant:

Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. She’s the author of more than twenty novels spanning multiple genres of romance—Scottish Medieval, dark fantasy, time travel, paranormal, and erotic. Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Sword, features a thrilling combination of Druids, primeval gods, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her husband, two children, a dog, and three cats in Texas.

To learn more about Donna and her books, please visit her here: Website | Facebook | Twitter @donna_grant | Goodreads

*****

Shameless: House of Vipera

by Laura Wright

Sexy Incubus Master Scarus Vipera has grown weak, and the only thing that will strengthen him again is Rosamund, the power-rich female of the Harem. But the mysterious Nephilim is determined to leave the harem untouched, her heart intact.

Shameless Excerpt (Used with permission by Laura Wright © Laura Wright 2014):

Rosamund gasped as the man ran his nose along the seam of her sex. Why couldn’t they go away? These stupid, silly Nephilim? Their opinions meant nothing to her. All she wanted was this male. His mouth on her. His tongue inside her.

“Rosamund, you must wake!” called the second female, more urgently this time. “Constance is on her way. There is to be an announcement.”

Rosamund drove her fingers into thick, soft hair in response. Yes! Yes! Right there, male, she urged, squeezing his scalp. He groaned, the sound vibrating against her heat as he nuzzled his way to her swelling clitoris.

The sound of a doorknob rattling entered her consciousness, but she pushed it away. It was the click of a lock being breached that truly yanked her from the rising pleasure, cutting into her dream like a guillotine to the neck. She came awake with a start, eyes flying open, body jackknifing upward into a sitting position. Breathing heavy, she glanced around, blinked. It was pitch black in her little anteroom—the space she’d claimed when she arrived in the Harem nearly one year ago. The space that was all hers. Every other Nephilim in residence lived in shared accommodations—very gratefully and happily. But Rosamund had wanted to be alone.

No. She’d needed to be alone.

“Rosamund, Constance will give you a week in the kitchens if you’re not in attendance,” Eva persisted, inching the door open.

Panic seized Rosamund. She couldn’t have them see her. Not like this. “I’m up,” she called, scrambling off her pallet and rushing to the door. She pressed herself against it, blocking their entrance. “I’m up. I’ll be out in a few minutes.”

There was a momentary pause, then a sigh. “All right,” Eva said. “We will see you in the courtyard. And Rosamund?”

“Yes?” she said with a touch of irritation she wasn’t quite awake enough to hide. Sleep still clung to her mind. Wet heat still claimed everything south of her navel.

“Good morning to you,” the female called.

Oh great Goddess, it had been, Rosamund thought with a groan as she listened to the females’ retreating footsteps. Or could have been. She heaved a sigh and let her head fall back against the wood. She was truly dying to know how her dream ended. She’d been having it nearly every night of her three hundred and sixty one nights in the Harem. And each time, the intensity grew, the need intensified. Granted, she could never see the male’s face clearly, but she knew it was Roger. The human man she’d met and fallen for three months before she’d been called to the Harem. The human man who believed she was away on a yearlong animal research trip in the Australian bush.

The human man who had held her in his arms the night before she left and sworn that he would wait for her forever. But Rosamund knew forever was a relative term—and that waiting wasn’t easy for anyone. Normally a letter from him came once a week, forwarded from a post office box in Sydney. But in the past couple of months she’d received nothing at all.

Her heart squeezed as she pushed away from the door. Just four more days, she reminded herself, setting about lighting the three lamps that lined her tiny bookcase and clothing rack. Four more days until she was back in San Francisco, back to Roger—back to creating the life, the home, the family, she’d always dreamt of having.

With quick, seasoned hands, she performed her daily routine. Tying down her breasts and padding her middle. Applying powders to her face to make her appear sallow and tired, and oils to her long, pale blond hair to make it appear unwashed. And the one last accompaniment that was a guarantee to her continued success—the one she’d had made before leaving San Francisco nearly a year ago—a dental prosthetic that made her teeth look almost rotten.

After slipping on the large pumpkin-colored day robe, she made a quick inventory of her appearance in the cracked half mirror. She looked as she did every day. A younger version of the witch who’d sold Snow White her poisoned apple. She heaved a great sigh of relief. Perfect. No male on Earth would choose her over the stunning Nephilim females of the Harem.

A little about Laura Wright:

Author of the Bestselling Mark of the Vampire series, Laura Wright spent the early years of her life immersed in the worlds of singing, acting and competitive ballroom dancing. But when she started writing, she knew she’d found her true calling. Laura lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband, two children, three dogs, two frogs and two fish. She’s been thrice nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, and loves hearing from her readers. To learn more about Laura and her books, please visit her here: Website| Facebook | Twitter @LauraWriteRom | Goodreads

*****

Ruthless: House of Xanthe

by Alexandra Ivy

Jian, Master of the House Xanthe, has devoted his life to returning his family to their former prominence. When he’s offered a contract to hunt down the missing Sovereign, he’s eager to accept. The last thing he expects is to encounter a stunningly beautiful angel who stirs more than his lust

Ruthless Excerpt (Used with permission by Alexandra Ivy © Alexandra Ivy 2014)

Jian, the Master of the House of Xanthe, stood at the edge of the barren, uninhabited island in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. He grimaced as he studied the jagged mountain of blue ice that soared toward the sky.

Despite the weak sunlight, the breeze was edged with a lethal chill and beneath his feet the ground trembled as the ice abruptly split open. Only his swift leap to the side prevented him from tumbling into the deep fissure that formed.

Not the first place anyone would willingly choose to spend the night.

Not even a demon.

Thankfully, Jian wasn’t just any demon.

As a powerful Incubus, he could not only compel others with the force of his sexual enchantment, but he was physically impervious to the brutal elements. He also possessed the unique ability to see through magical illusions.

Which was why he was the current Master of House Xanthe.

Unlike other Incubi Houses, Xanthe didn’t accumulate their wealth through vineyards, or sprawling hotel chains, or sex clubs.

No, their profitable spice trade had been destroyed, and worse, their lands stripped away, after Jian’s grandfather had stood against the House of Marakel and been labeled a traitor by the Council. Now Xanthe depended on their own skills to rebuild their empire.

Two of Jian’s younger brothers were expert assassins who offered death for an obscene price. And a handful of cousins sold themselves as mercenaries for other Incubi.

But it was Jian’s ability to gather and collect information that was slowly returning Xanthe to its position among the most respected Houses.

There was nothing in this world, or any other, that paid quite so well as secrets.

A wry smile twisted his lips as he recalled the extremely large fortune that had just been transferred into his account from a human politician who preferred to keep his habit of siphoning funds from his elderly donors from hitting the front page.

“This is a bad idea,” Taka growled.

Jian turned his head to study the large Incubus standing next to him.

The captain of Xanthe’s Watchmen, Taka looked exactly like what he was—a ruthless killer. Dressed in leather pants and a T-shirt despite the frigid air, he was as large as an ox, with bluntly carved features and a smoothly shaved skull. His skin was tanned to a rich mahogany, and his arms, which bulged with muscle, were tattooed with the Xanthe House emblem of a warrior.

Jian, on the other hand, was built along leaner lines, with the sleek muscles of a trained swordsman.

His skin was a smooth, unblemished honey and his straight blue-black hair was cut short on the sides, with the top long enough to fall over his wide forehead. He had a thin blade of a nose and high, narrow cheekbones that whispered of his Far Eastern heritage. His face was lean, with eyes that were faintly tilted and glowed like melted gold in the sunlight.

A little about Alexandra Ivy:

Alexandra Ivy is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Guardians of Eternity series, as well as the Sentinels and Bayou Heat that she writes with Laura Wright. After majoring in theatre she decided she prefers to bring her characters to life on paper rather than stage. She lives in Missouri with her family.

Learn more about Alexandra and her books, please visit her here: Website | Facebook | Twitter @AlexandraIvy | Goodreads

******

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Books-n-Kisses will be giving away 2 digital copies of Master of Seduction to two readers.

Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

July 1, 2014June 25, 2014

Yasmine Galenron’s Night’s End Release Day Blast

Welcome to the Release Day Celebration for the finale of Yasmine Galenorn’s Indigo Court series!! NIGHT’S END releases TODAY, and will conclude our journey with Cicely, Grieve, Rhiannon, and the rest of their friends as they battle to end Myst and defeat her army of vampiric fae.

Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the dark Fae in order to harness their magic, only to create a demonic enemy more powerful than they could have imagined. Now, in a final push, Myst returns with a vengeance to bring the Golden Wood forever under the rule of the Indigo Court.

Newly crowned Fae Queens Cicely and Rhiannon have embraced their destinies and claimed their thrones. But Myst is rising once more, and now, at the helm of her armies, she begins her final assault on the Golden Wood. As Fae, vampires, and magic-born alike fall under the tide of blood, Cicely and her friends must discover a way to destroy the spidery queen before they—and their people—face total annihilation.

Check out the playlist and read the first chapter of NIGHT’S END here!

For a chance to win a prize basket including a KINDLE PAPERWHITE and other goodies from Yasmine Galenorn, follow the NIGHT’S END blog tour this week and enter at each tour stop!

Sunday, June 29^th

Post: The Qwillery

Review: Fang-Freakin-Tastic Reviews

Monday, June 30^th

Post: Books Make Me Happy

Review: Saints & Sinners Books

Tuesday, July 1^st

Post: Vampire Book Club

Review: Coffee, Books, Life Blog

Live Chat: Coffee Time Romance

Wednesday, July 2^nd

Post: Paranormal Book Club

Review: Little Read Riding Hood

Thursday, July 3^rd

Post: Literary Escapism

Review: Books That Hook

Friday, July 4^th

Post: Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Review: Kelly Smith Reviews

Saturday, July 5^th

Post: Reading Between The Wines Book Club

Review: Indy Book Fairy

Appearance / Booksigning: Seattle Mystery Bookshop 12pm – 1:30pm

If you’re new to the Indigo Court, you can check out some info about the series at these links:

Indigo Court overview
NIGHT MYST blurb, playlist, 1st chapter
NIGHT VEIL blurb, playlist, 1st chapter
NIGHT SEEKER blurb, playlist, 1st chapter
NIGHT VISION blurb, playlist, 1st chapter

June 26, 2014June 24, 2014

Interview with Molly Harper

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have one of our favorite authors Molly Harper on the blog today!!! Molly just had a new release Better Homes and Hauntings. Better Homes and Hauntings is a stand alone book. Let’s learn a little about what makes Ms. Harper tick.

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

I am a newspaper reporter turned church secretary turned romance novelist from western Kentucky. I am married to my high school sweetheart, a captain with our local police department. I am obsessed with sushi and Tom Hardy movies.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes, but I didn’t think the chances were good. There aren’t many authors from Paducah, Ky. So I pursued a career in journalism because I thought it would be awesome to make my living writing in some capacity. (I was right. It was awesome.) But the schedule was insane. Combined with my husband’s even less predictable schedule, it made life with kids pretty complicated. I took a more stable position as a secretary at a local Baptist church and started writing books at night.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I have to have lip balm nearby. Preferably the little Eos balls.

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

This is my first standalone paranormal romance and my first haunted house story, so I am thrilled to have written my own grown up, highly romantic version of a Scooby Doo episode. The Crane’s Nest is a Gilded Era mansion that never quite made it as a family home since Gerald Whitney, the business tycoon who built it was accused of murdering his wife shortly after it was completed. The murder mystery and inevitable stories of hauntings and family curses followed the Whitneys throughout the generations. Deacon Whitney, a social media mogul who has managed to rebuild his fortune, wants to restore the house to its former glory and finally put the supernatural rumors about his family to an end. The team of experts he assembles to remodel the house is contracted to live there over the summer while the work is completed, a measure he had to take after mysterious noises and cold spots chased away previous teams.

Landscaper Nina Linden is hired to rehabilitate the gardens and she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex-partner. She never expects that her new client would see more in her than just a green thumb. But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I knew I wanted to set in on an island. I thought about the coast of Washington or South Carolina. And then I saw one of those true murder mystery shows and the episode was set on Newport. I took one look at the houses and there and thought, “Oh, yeah, I could haunt that.” I looked up info on the Breakers, Rosecliff, The Elms, all of the Gilded Era mansions and the ghost story practically wrote itself.

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

I am working on several spin-offs to the Half-Moon Hollow series. I could tell you about them, but then Ophelia would send a vampire goon squad after me.

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

Nora Roberts, because she is the queen. I would say Jane Austen, but if she was walking around, that would mean zombies are a thing and I don’t want that to happen.

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

Just sit down and start writing. Don’t wait until you have time. Don’t lose yourself in research. Just sit down and do it.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

See Italy. I would go to Venice and eat all of the gelato. All of it.

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

I am eager for the next book in Mari Mancusi’s Scorched series.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I will be writing several more spin-offs to the Half-Moon Hollow books. Also, my Half-Moon Hollow Christmas short story, I’M DREAMING OF AN UNDEAD CHRISTMAS, will be available in ebook on November 3, 2014. And third book in the Bluegrass contemporary series, SNOW FALLING ON BLUEGRASS, will be released on September 22.

You can find out more about Molly Harper here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

*****

Better Homes and Hauntings

Release Date: 06/24/14
Amazon | B&N

When Nina Linden is hired to landscape a private island off the New England coast, she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex. She never expects that her new client, software mogul Deacon Whitney, would see more in her than just a talented gardener. Deacon has paid top dollar to the crews he’s hired to renovate the desolate Whitney estate—he had to, because the bumps, thumps, and unexplained sightings of ghostly figures in nineteenth-century dress are driving workers away faster than he can say “Boo.”

But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

Check out Kimberly’s review of Better Homes and Hauntings HERE. My audio review will be coming soon.

June 26, 2014June 23, 2014

Cover Reveal of Shiloh Walker’s Razed

RAZED, a sexy romance by award-winning author, Shiloh Walker, is the much awaited sequel to WRECKED in the Barnes Brothers series and it releases this December from Berkley!

Take a look at the cover and let us know what you think!

Indiebound | BN | BAMM | iBooks | Amazon

Tattoo artist Keelie Jessup can handle that someone else has claimed the man of her dreams. She’s just not pleased with her remaining options…

Keelie doesn’t believe in the “perfect man.” But the men who are worth the trouble are usually taken—like her business partner Zach Barnes. After a string of bad luck and the lost chance with Zach, Keelie decides that maybe flying solo—and living with suppressed desires—is the key to happiness.

As a photographer, Zane Barnes has an eye for the human form, and his eyes can’t get enough of Keelie’s curves. Unfortunately, Keelie is like most women—always fawning over his little brother, Zach. Zane is about ready to give up, but then a few stolen moments at his brother’s wedding have him thinking maybe there’s a chance there after all. Now he just has to prove that the perfect man does exist…for her.

An excerpt from RAZED:

Humiliation burned in her.

Rejection turned her blood to ice while her skin shrank down about two sizes too small.

She wanted to sink into the floorboards, turn into something thin and vaporous so she could just disappear.

Pushing against his chest, she focused on the navy blue polo. “Then how about you let me go, huh? My mistake.”

The hand on her throat didn’t move.

It should have felt threatening.

But the feel of him touching her just made her melt that much more…and it was now a heavy ache inside because he—

His lips brushed her ear.

“You want to know what I want from you?” he asked, the words velvet, stroking over her like a caress.

Keelie closed her hands into fists to keep from reaching for him. He was messing with her. It pissed her off—and, to her disgust, it hurt. It almost felt like a betrayal, too, because she hadn’t expected to see this in Zane.

“Back off,” she warned, putting an edge into her voice and preparing herself to make him back off. So what if he had some moves on him? He hadn’t seen her moves yet. Not really.

“I want…” He slid his hand down from her throat, to rest on her chest, fingers spread wide where it rested above her heart. “This.”

The simplicity of the gesture stunned her into passivity.

She held still as he lifted his head and stared down at her.

She blinked, not moving, as he continued to stand there, his hand on her chest. “I want five minutes of your time…over a cup of coffee. An hour for lunch. I want you to pick up the phone when I call, talk with me for a while,” he said, staring into her eyes while the blue-green of his gaze cut into her.

Then he leaned in and pressed a hot, open-mouthed kiss to her chest, just above the neckline of her sweater. “I want to peel your clothes away, learn each and every one of these insanely sexy tattoos…each tattoo, and the reason behind them. I want to know what makes you laugh, and I want to know what makes you mad. I want to know what sort of book you’re reading whenever I’m in the office—I’ve asked, but you always toss it down when I walk by and you never answer me.”

His breath was a caress on her flesh and she broke out into goosebumps.

Her heart raced in her chest and she couldn’t even begin to understand why there was a knot in her chest.

Also in the Barnes Brothers series: WRECKED by Shiloh Walker!

About Shiloh Walker:

Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid… she fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more…ah… serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, but most all anything romantic. Once upon a time, she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest. She also writes under the pen name J. C. Daniels. Find Shiloh here : Website | Facebook | Twitter| Goodreads

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed paperback copy of WRECKED, along with some fabulous swag! (Yes, it’s international :))

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June 25, 2014June 24, 2014

Interview with Jill Shalvis

I was able to snag Jill Shalvis for a quick couple of questions. This girl is so busy writing us some awesome stories, raising a family, dealing with Frat boy and his craziness and keeping us entertained on social media. So without further ado.

Jill, can you tell us what is your most interesting writing quirk?

I like to write in my pjs and bunny slippers on my deck. Good things I’m not a doctor! J

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

Then Came You, the story of what happens when a rather anal-retentive woman lets her hair down and has her first one night stand and then … discovers she’s accidentally slept with her new boss.

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

Start writing and keep writing. And then write some more. Practice makes perfect.

Here is a little more about Jill:

Jill Shalvis is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over four dozen romance novels, including Rescue My Heart, Animal Attraction, Animal Magnetism, and Slow Heat. The RITA and three-time National Readers’ Choice winner makes her home near Lake Tahoe. Visit her website at www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and daily blog.

*****

Then Came You

Amazon| B&N

Veterinary intern Emily can’t believe she wound up in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho, instead of the Los Angeles clinic she had always imagined. Now she has to put her plans to move to L.A. on hold for a whole year while she fulfills the obligation of her vet school scholarship.
Then Wyatt, her gorgeous one-night stand from a Reno vet conference, introduces himself as her new boss. And Emily is just as drawn to his seductive looks and quiet strength as she was on that very steamy night. She soon learns that Wyatt isn’t just a laid-back doctor, but a delicious alpha male tempting her away from her carefully laid-out plans…

Make sure to check out Kelly’s review of Then Came You HERE

June 24, 2014June 23, 2014

Sweet Revenge by Rebecca Zanetti Release Day Blitz

SWEET REVENGE

Rebecca Zanetti

(June 24, 2014; Forever Mass Market: $8.00)

B&N | Books a Million | IndieBound | Amazon

The One Man She Can’t Have

Matt Dean was born to fight . . . and kill. A member of a secret black-ops military unit, he and his brothers were genetically engineered by the government to be the perfect soldiers with an expiration date. Now, with time running out, he’s gone rogue in a relentless quest for the one person who can save them. His mission leads him to Charmed, Idaho . . . and to a beautiful woman with eyes like emeralds and a body made for pleasure.

The One Woman He Can’t Resist

Laney Jacobs knows the mysterious, handsome stranger is trouble from the moment he walks into her bar, looking for a job. She’s spent years running from her own past-the last thing she needs is a romantic entanglement. But Matt’s strong arms offer her protection and his gentle touch promises passion unlike anything she’s ever known. As lethal forces surround them, revealing explosive secrets about Matt’s past and putting everything-and everyone-he holds dear in danger, can he save them all before time runs out?

An excerpt from Sweet Revenge:

Life would be easier if Matt could view the petite bar owner like a family member or even an employer, but as he watched her deliver another pitcher of tea to the women gathered around the table, he realized that was impossible. She laughed at something one of the women said, and his cock hardened. Again.

The woman had spunk, intelligence, and a heart-shaped ass. Of course he wanted her naked and sweating beneath him. That confused as much as irritated him. She was the exact opposite of what he usually looked for in a woman. Temporary, tough, and unemotional worked best, and the idea of being with someone soft and kind scared the shit out of him.

Laney was right to keep him at a distance.

The new phone he’d purchased early that morning buzzed, and he glanced down at his first text message of the day. Nate had texted that he was safe and would check in later. Relief relaxed Matt’s shoulders upon reading that his brother was all right. The guy hadn’t been out on a mission for years, and Matt had been worrying about him. Maybe Nate would finally heal from falling in love and being betrayed.

If anybody could throw a dose of cold water on Matt’s desire to pursue Laney, it’d be hard-assed Nate. He perceived only black and white, danger and safety. There was no safety in seducing Laney… for anybody. She wasn’t the woman Matt needed to find in Charmed.

Plus, as much as the idea turned Matt’s stomach, if he had to seduce the elusive Dr. Peters to secure her help, to save his brothers, he’d do it.

Of course, the family practitioner was the one woman who wasn’t sitting around the table. He’d paid special attention to the coroner and the veterinarian’s assistant, and the vet’s assistant was currently checking him out behind wire-rimmed glasses. Bright eyes showed intelligence and an interesting wariness. He shot her a smile.

Her cheeks pinkened, and she half turned to talk to the woman on her right.

Laney, sitting across from the vet, instantly shot a look his way, delicate eyebrow arched. He met her stare evenly, pleased when her high cheekbones filled with color. The fact that she kept his gaze with challenge in her eyes, even while blushing, pleased him even more. The polite thing to do would be to grant her a reprieve and look away.

Too bad he wasn’t a polite guy.

Laney should learn not to challenge him.

Her chair scraped back, and she muttered something to her friends and then calmly maneuvered around tables toward him, hips swaying… keeping his gaze the entire time. His shoulders went back, and his blood started to hum. Who was this woman so full of surprises?

She reached him, her eyes sparking in irritation. “Would you please stop turning the most successful businesswomen in town into simpering morons?” she whispered.

He blinked. Damn it. He focused down a foot at her irritated face. “What in the world are you talking about?”

Her body remained relaxed, but he could hear her heart thumping, and her expression was quickly transforming into anger. She kept her face angled away from the women at the table. “Stop smiling, stop flirting, and do your job.”

He lowered his face just enough to make her eyes widen. “You sound jealous.”

Ah. There was the fury. “I’m not, you jackass. Keep the charm in your pants, and stop flirting.”

Okay. He may have poured on the charm with the two women he needed to investigate, but he’d been trained in subtlety and covert action. “Why are you suddenly interested in what’s in my pants?”

Laney’s gasp heated him in all sorts of places. “If I have to tell you again to knock it off, you’re fired.”

The little spitfire had better be careful who she threatened. “So you want me unavailable to those women?”

Satisfaction filled her pretty face. “Exactly.”

“Okay.” He grasped her hip and covered her mouth with his. The kiss was hard, quick, and enough of a taste to make him crave more. He lifted away to gauge the shock on her face. “There. Now they think I’m taken.”

The air vibrated as her hand closed into a fist, and he shook his head. “You don’t want to hit me.”

“Why not?” she ground out.

For the first time, he let his mask slip so she could see the predator the government had created. “The second you make contact, I’ll have you on that bar, held tight, my cock pressed between your legs, my lips on yours until you beg for more. Even fully clothed, I may make you come—and I won’t care who’s watching.”

Her sexy mouth dropped open. Surprise and fury lit her eyes… along with desire. She tried to mask it, but he was an expert at reading people, and the woman was intrigued. “You egomaniac. I’m not remotely interested,” she whispered.

Surprising anger shot through him. “You want to threaten me? That’s fine. Challenge me? No problem.” He stepped even closer and into her space. “But don’t you ever lie to me. Ever, Laney.”

She pressed her hands against her hips, confusion blanketing her features. “We just met.”

The woman was correct. He had no right to demand a damn thing from her. For all she knew, he was a bad guy. But this once and with this woman, against all rational training and thought, he truly didn’t give a shit. He didn’t understand it, sure as hell couldn’t explain it. So he went with his gut. “Yeah, we did just meet. Those are the ground rules. Period.” He lowered his chin and waited for her to challenge him, anticipation lighting his veins.

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She is a member of RWA, has won awards for her works throughout the industry, and has a journalism degree with a poly sci emphasis from Pepperdine University as well as a Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho.Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day-or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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