Category: Giveaway/Contest

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Interview & giveaway with debut author Joan Swan

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome the wonderful Joan Swan to the blog today.  I am SO EXCITED to share Joan and her debut novel Fever with my followers.

Author Bio:
Joan Swan is a triple RWA® Golden Heart finalist, and a double Kiss of Death Daphne Du Maurier finalist. She writes sexy romantic suspense with a paranormal twist, and her first novel, FEVER, debuts with Kensington Brava February 28, 2012.  BLAZE releases October, 2012.

Currently, Joan works as a sonographer at a one of the top ten medical facilities in the nation, and lives in magnificent wine country on the central coast of California with her husband and two daughters.

Kelly:  Welcome Joan. 
Joan: Hey, Kelly!!!!!!! Love that shirt!!  **For those without webcam it says “I ‘heart’ Delilah Marvelle<scribbled out by moi> Joan Swan”** Sorry, D, you know I love you, but…you have to share.


Kelly : Can I get you anything before we get started? Coffee, tea, water?
Joan: Good God, I could use a Margarita. Midori.  Blended. Brain-freeze thick. Sugar, no salt.  Triple tequila.  Por favor, bonita…or is it Bonita por favor? 

Q1) Joan, your bio pretty much covers who you are. So tell us something off your bucket list.
Joan: I have to admit—I didn’t see The Bucket List, but the way I understand it is that is a list of things you want to do before you die.  I’ve been so very blessed with a keeper of a husband for 21 years and two absolutely fabulous, intelligent, healthy daughters.  My parents are still happily married and healthy well into their 80’s, my 3 sisters and 1 brother are all happily married with healthy children and my husband and I have been lucky to have had stable jobs that have paid most of the bills. 
And because I know how fragile life is and how lucky we have been, what’s at the top of my bucket list at the moment?  Quitting the day job so I can stop looking, touching and examining strange men’s mangled private parts.  I mean, seriously?  The fact that I can still write hot sex scenes after that sh…stuff is a testament to my warped mind!

Q2)  Tell us about your typical writing day. Are there things you have to have?
Joan:  The only thing routine about my writing these days involves breakfast at my neighborhood McDonald’s, email, Twitter, blog posts and lots and lots and lots of procrastination.  It’s an unfortunate pattern I’ve developed over the past few months that I plan to change. 
Maybe tomorrow.

Q3) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Joan:  No.  Just about every other profession under the sun.  Never an author. 

Q4)  Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Joan:  The authors I would consider favorites have changed as I’ve changed.  Before I wrote, I wasn’t as demanding as I am now.  I admire the writing skill of Dean Koontz, Sandra Brown, Harlan Coben, Tami Hoag and Ted Dekker.  For decades I’ve loved Suzanne Brockman, Barbara Delinsky, Kat Martin, Joanne Ross, Cindy Gerard.  I’ve more recently fallen in love with Darynda Jones and just discovered Robert Crais.  My critique partner, Elisabeth Naughton, has inspired my writing with her strong story structure and amazing talent for world building.

Let’s talk about The Phoenix Rising Series:

Q5) Book one Fever will be coming out in February 28  2012.  Tell us a little about this book
Freak love this cover this man is HAWT!!
Joan:  FEVER is the first of the Phoenix Rising series. 
The overarching series plot broils around a government conspiracy after the explosion of a military warehouse injuries a team of seven hazmat firefighters, killing one.  The contents of the building, extremely confidential and dangerous radioactive chemicals used by the Department of Defense in secretive scientific experiments, have inflicted the team with various paranormal abilities.  Abilities the government wants to study covertly.  Abilities the team wants to understand and expose.  With military advancement and national power at risk on one side and personal health and freedom at stake on the other, each group is fighting for precious stakes.
FEVER is about one of the seven firefighters, Teague Creek, convicted of a murder he didn’t commit, framed by a government threatened by his prying questions into the warehouse explosion.  Teague has been denied an appeal, lost the daughter he lived for, and the career as a firefighter he loved.  With no hope left, he plans an escape.  But his plan goes wrong when the woman he kidnaps as leverage to get his daughter back turns out to be someone else.  And this woman quickly clues into the abilities he tries to hide, creating a bond neither can afford while they’re on the run from both the cops and undercover operatives who want Teague silenced.  This time, permanently.

Q6) Book Two Blaze is scheduled for Fall 2012.  Can you share with us anything about this book?
Joan: Blaze is rather special to me.  I’m not sure why, but the main characters, Luke and Keira, just seemed to speak to me.  Maybe because it’s a reunion story – I am such a sucker for those.  Maybe because both Luke and Keira are tortured in so many ways, which is also a character element that pulls me in.  I can also see advancement in my writing skills and storytelling abilities in this work which I’m proud of.  Whatever the case, this story remains very vivid and close to my heart.
Blaze takes place several months after Fever concludes.  While the immediate threat to Teague has been remedied for the time being, the team is clearly not out of danger.  And when a member of the government’s team makes a bad decision and messes with the wrong team member in just the wrong way, all hell breaks loose.  Again.
Blurb:  When a simple child custody retrieval turns into a Waco-slash-Jonestown rerun in the remote Nevada desert, former firefighter turned ATF agent Luke Ransom is paired begrudgingly with his ex, Keira O’Shay, also a former firefighter but now one of the FBIs sharpshooters.  Thrust into the depths of a conspiracy they’d suspected, but couldn’t prove, they uncover a deeper, darker force at work, one that is somehow linked to the destruction of their former firefighting team and the development of strange paranormal abilities every team member has struggled with since the mysterious warehouse fire five years before that changed their lives forever.
What neither Luke nor Keira have forgotten in their time apart, is that their paranormal abilities are enhanced by the power of their relationship. Keira’s clairaudience blossoms with empathetic qualities and even a touch of clairvoyance. Luke’s gifts come back full force and not only is he immune to burns, his skin is impenetrable, his bones unbreakable. Each utilize their powers toward the success of their mission, but don’t expect the bond their interconnected powers create in their relationship.
And when the shadow agency that has been tracking them decides they’re getting to close to the truth, repressed passions and unspoken regrets won’t be the only thing keeping Luke and Keira apart. Now, they’re in a race not only to save a child’s life, but to save each other’s as well.

Q7) Book 3 is Inferno. Can you share more about this book?
Joan: Inferno is my heartbreaker. The one firefighter killed in the original warehouse fire that started this whole nightmare, Quaid Legend, was the new husband of another firefighter on the team, Jessica Fury.  Watching her husband die ripped Jessica’s life apart.  She’s lived without him for five years when the team discovers proof of life in Blaze. Quaid has spent five years living in a cell, being tested like a rat.  The governments experiments have wiped out his memory.  He trusts no one.  He remembers no one.  Which of course causes heartache and huge conflict when the team, and Jessica, finally get him back.
Blurb: JESSICA FURY once had everything to live for. Now, she lives for one purpose: revenge.
Five years ago, Jessica witnessed the death of her newlywed husband, QUAID LEGEND, when their hazmat firefighting team stumbled upon an illegal chemical stash in a government warehouse set aflame. Since her recovery, Jessica has slowly pieced together a plan to implement payback, and she’s just one piece of information away from achieving that satisfaction when she receives the biggest shock of her life: Quaid may still be alive.
Recent events involving other members of her team in BLAZE turn up evidence that Quaid has been held as a prisoner in a secret military laboratory. Jessica utilizes her scrying abilities—using an item to view events at a distance or in the future—to help find and free Quaid from the custody of the shadow government agency, only to discover that all the experimental testing he’s undergone over the years has wiped his mind clean, and he has no memory of her.
Utilizing the clustered paranormal abilities they developed within Quaid, the government scientists have created a powerful weapon for the U.S. military. When his former firefighting team rescues him from the secure facility, the government goes on an all-out mission to retrieve what they consider an extremely valuable element to national security.
With their past shadowed and their future threatened, Jessica and Quaid face the ultimate battles of freedom–one for life, one for love.

One of your prizes
Q8) Do you see the Phoenix Rising Series going beyond these three books?
Joan: Absolutely. There are 7 original members of the hazmat team: Teague, Luke, Quaid, Kai, Seth, Keira and Jessica.  In book one, FEVER, I introduce the heroine’s brother, Mitch, a smartass, headstrong, brilliant attorney.  I definitely see Kai, Seth and Mitch having their own books.  And who knows what other strong characters will popup within those stories demanding their own book as well.  Of course, the government is endless fodder for the roll of villain.


Q9) How did you come up with the idea for the Phoenix Rising Series?
Joan: Here’s the short version:
The kernel of an idea for a straight romantic suspense came from working as a sonographer and scanning a large population of prisoners.  “What if a hospital employee was taken as a hostage in an escape attempt?”
When the hero in that story turned out to be a fireman, I knew he’d have a team—firemen are never loners.
My critique partner, Elisabeth Naughton, suggested I make Teague’s team members future heroes in a series.  At the time I’d only written stand alone single titles and couldn’t fathom writing a series.
After the manuscript was rejected by a dozen agents, Elisabeth suggested I add a paranormal element to tailor the book to the current market.
I rewrote the manuscript with the paranormal element, which also meant changing the plotline.  And it sold.  The Phoenix Rising Series was born.

Q10) What is next for you?
Joan:  I’m pretty excited about what I’m working on now.  It’s another paranormal, but ventures deeper into the genre, exploring witchcraft, demons and true evil.  It’s complicated, dark, gritty and sexy.  Very fun!

Q11) I love to know what authors are reading. What have you read recently or what new release are you most looking forward too?
Joan:  I actually read quite a bit, but not in the traditional way.  Since I work 4 hrs from where I live, I spend a lot of time listening to audiobooks.  I always choose the unabridged versions and if I particularly love a book, I often buy the Kindle or print version as well.
I just finished my first Robert Crais book, The Watchman.  Really, really loved it—the poetry and freshness of his prose, the pacing and tension, but especially the amazing character arcs. I recently went on a Karin Slaughter binge where I read her Will Trent series one after the other, I just couldn’t get enough.  Another strong character driven suspense.  I’ve also become an avid fan of Darynda Jones’ Charlie Davidson series and can’t wait for Third Grave Dead Ahead to release.

Q12) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Joan: Yes!  I’m having a BIG give away to celebrate FEVER’s availability for preorder and I hope everyone will enter!  I’m giving away a week’s stay at a 2br/2b condo in Lake Tahoe with a value of over $3000!  All you need to enter is your name and email.  No strings, no gimmicks!  Escape & Enjoy Mega Giveaway: http://www.joanswan.com/escapeandenjoy.htm.

Books-n-Kisses:  Joan, Thank you so very much for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to sit down and talk with me about your upcoming releases. 
Joan: Thank YOU, Kelly!  So glad we connected on twitter and can’t wait to meet you at the next conference!  Thanks to all your readers who came out to chat with me today!

You can order your copy of FEVER at the following locations:
Amazon (print & Kindle)Barnes & Noble (print & Nook)Booksamillion

Want to learn more about Joan and her up coming books please check her out here: 

Now for the Giveaways: 

1 winner will get a custom made Fever Bookmark 
1 winner will win a $10 Amazon Gift card and a Fever Bookmark 
and 
The Grand prize is an author copy of Fever & a Fever Bookmark (please note winner of the Grand Prize will have to wait until close to the end of the year or early in 2012 for book to become available)
To Enter please use the form below.








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It is Release day for Jacquelyn Frank. So to Celebrate Jacki and I are sitting down & talking ADAM and giving away a copy or two!!!

Hi Jacki, Welcome back to Books-n-Kisses… I am so honored that you are here on Adam’s release day.  Shall we share Adam & Jasmine’s story? 

A little more about Jacki: 

Jacquelyn Frank is the New York Times bestselling author of Seduce Me in Dreams, the Nightwalkers series (Jacob, Gideon, Elijah, Damien, andNoah), the Shadowdwellers novels (Ecstasy, Rapture, and Pleasure), and the Gatherers novels (Hunting Julian and Stealing Katherine). She lives in North Carolina and has been writing romantic fiction ever since she picked up her first teen romance at age thirteen.



#1 Tell me about Adam:  Details…hotness level? Hair color? Eyes color? How tall? How old? Shoe size? Weakness? Deepest secret?
Jacki: On a scale from 1 to 10, Adam is definitely a 12!  He has shoulder length wavy walnut brown hair.  Eyes of the deepest blue. Standing 6 foot 10 inches tall with a shoe size of 12…he is hotness personified. Adam’s greatest weakness also happens to be his greatest strength and that would be his love for his brother Jacob.  His deepest secret would have to be that he is not as infallible as he would lead others to believe he is!  
#2 Do you have any photos of Adam?  Naked maybe??
Jacki: Ha ha, I do believe that Jasmine would have all our heads if I gave up one of those. But I do have one of him shirtless if you’re interested.
Ummmm HECK YA!!!!! 

Reading world I would like to introduce for the 1st time EVER

 ADAM!!!!

OMG!!!! This Man is FINE!!!!
*clears throat*  Ummmm were where we?  Oh yeah, asking Jacki questions about Adam & Jasmine’s book.

#3 Did Adam and Jasmine cooperate while you were writing their story?
Jacki: They cooperated as much as they were able to! Since they were not cooperating with each other the entire time it made certain parts of it extremely difficult but it all worked out in the end.

#4 What was the most difficult part about telling Adam & Jasmine’s story?

Jacki: Knowing how resistant my editor was going to be about certain events that took place in the story.

#5 In the Nightwalker series who has been the biggest baby about their story being told?
Jacki: I would have to say Gideon, mainly because it was so hard to write such a cerebral character. He was kind of a know it all J Thank God Magdelegna took him down a peg or two.
#6 Who in the Nightwalker series has been the happiest to have their story told?
Jacki: Noah. He waited so long for his HEA.  He was so sad and so lonely and stoic about it all at the same time.
#7 Of all the characters in the Nightwalker Series who is your favorite and why?
Jacki: Isabella, she was the first. She was so open and didn’t take any shit, but she was sweet about it if she could at all manage it.
#8 Ok, back to Adam.  Without giving too much away tell us a little more about Adam’s book.
Jacki: Well, people are going to be very angry with me for some it and they’re going to love me for some of it.  I tie up a lot of the loose ends that people have been asking for.
#9 So Jacki *wiggles eyebrows* Please tell me how you come up with these steamy, hot sex scene in your books? What kind of research do you do?
Jacki: I can assure you that if I used sexual research from my life over the past ten years you would be bored to death! However, I did have some interesting twenties, early thirties to draw from.
#10 And how many of those steamy hot scenes will we have in Adam’s book?
Jacki: Just enough J

#11 Will that evil Ruth finally get hers?  I so wanted to kill her in Damien. If you don’t bump her off I might have to track her down and do it myself!
Jacki: Trust your author…Muahahaha
#12 How do you dream up your bad guys? Maybe from people you know? Evil stepmother?  Bully from high school? 
Jacki: D. All of the above! I had a lot of villains in my life form which to choose. (Though more evil stepfather than mother.)
#13 What is the one question that you are asked repeatedly that you totally hate to answer? *Looks worried & thinks to self “sure hope it is not one I asked in this interview or the last!”* 
Jacki: I can’t stand being asked questions that I’ve already answered on my FAQ page on the website. When it’s there right in front of their faces. I kind of find that irritating.
#14 So, I know you are not 100% sure if Adam is the FINAL book in the series, as you are great at avoiding that question.  So I will not ask.  But, how do you feel when you finish a series?  Do the characters ever show up later and demand that you tell more of their story?
Jacki: I’ll let you know as soon as I finish a series…LOL
#15 I won’t ask what is next (in this series) but you can whisper it to me if you want. I won’t tell a soul. 
Jacki: At this point the details of that are still undetermined. However, I do have a few new things in the mix for the Nightwalkers and as soon as the particulars are ironed out I’ll be shouting it from the mountaintops.
Books-n-Kisses: Thanks Jacki, again for taking time out of your very busy schedule to stop by Books-n-Kisses to talk to me about Adam. I really enjoyed learning more about Adam & Jasmine.
Once last question Jacki, what do you say we do a giveaway a copy of Adam to one lucky person?

Jacki: Absolutely, It would be my pleasure. In fact, lets make it two! 


Books-n-Kisses: Jacki, You are the BOMB!!!!


Here is a little snippet of Adam’s book to wet your appetite:


ADAM
Order from Amazon HERE
  

  WARNING: YOU MIGHT GET WET!!

                        
                         He changed form in the blink of an eye, morphing from man to a deluge of water that dashed against her face and body. But unlike normal water he did not cascade off of her and fall to the ground. Instead, he flowed over her supple body, slowly washing over and around her, covering her inch by inch. He felt the smoothness of her skin beneath his touch, the weight of her breasts…tasted the hard points of her nipples.
                         She gasped in shock when he first hit her, but that shock quickly changed to something deeper and far sultrier. The sound that erupted from her as he flowed over her was nothing short of purest sin. He took satisfaction in it.
                         And even as he covered the most intimate inches of her skin with his exploration, he knew he was going too far. It had gone too far the moment he had sat in the brush to stare at her as she bathed. But this, what he was doing now, it was a whole other level of perversion, and as glorious as she felt, he knew he was stepping way over the line. 


Want to learn more about Jacki and her books?  Check her out here: 



 Never read the series? Then start from the beginning with JACOB! Check it out here on Audio! Then add the link to purchase: 


Want to listen to a snippet of Jacob?   
Click HERE
     

     


















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Interview & Giveaway with Patricia Leever

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Patricia Leever to the blog today.  We are looking forward to learning a little more about Patricia and her new book Cat O’Nine Tales. 

Patty: Hey Miss Kelly, I’m glad to be here!

Q1) Please tell us a little about yourself {will add author photo at posting)

Patty: I’m a stay-at-home mom of four, five if you count my husband of 20 years. Nah, seriously though, he is super supportive and stands behind my work 110%. I’m a serial hugger, I wear my geek on my sleeve and make no excuses for it. I have an affinity for zombies and writing is my passion, the one thing that I have an innate need to do.

Q2)  How do you find time to write with four kids?
Patty: LOL! I get asked that a lot, but it’s a completely legit question. Well, I multi-task my ass off. I write anywhere and everywhere. I even wrote on the tray paper at a sandwich shop once. But on top of that, I have notebooks all over the house and I used to carry one with me until my husband got me a phone the I could put Word on so I always have something with me to jot ideas on because if I don’t get them down on paper (or in the phone) right when they hit, they’ll be gone forever. Sometimes though, I just like the feeling of writing my idea out on paper.

Q3) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Patty: Not always, when I was a kid I wanted to be a coroner. Yeah, I was a weird kid LOL! However, I did always have an overactive imagination and I have always written, I just never put the two together. My grandma did though, she used to tell me that she thought I would be a writer one day and when she passed, we found a drawer full of everything I’d ever written from creative writing assignments to poems. She used to ask for a copy of everything I did, I never knew why until then.

Q4) Tell us what your typical writing day is like
Patty: After I settle World War III, aka the insanity that is getting four kids up, dressed and off to school, I sit down for some coffee, watch a bit of the news to unwind and open up my head and see what spills out onto the keyboard. Sometimes it’s like opening up the floodgates and some days I’m lucky if I can squeeze out a drop or two.

Q5) Who are some of your favorite authors and how have any of them inspired you?
Patty: One of my faves is Paula Quinn and she inspired me to give Historical Romance a shot. I love her work and I own everything she’s ever written. Also, Victoria Michaels, one of my fellow Omnific Publishing authors, she is a great friend of mine and a mentor of sorts for me. I call her my own personal Yoda.

Q6)  Let’s talk about your new book Cat O’Nine Tails.  Tell us more:  

Patty: Cat O’ Nine Tails is a Historical Romance set in the age of pirates. Aeron Lynch is our heroine, a female pirate that uses her feminine wiles to get what she wants, but make no mistake; she can kick your ass into submission if she needs to. Orrin Walsh is an infamous pirate hunter that has been tracking her for years but she always manages to stay one step ahead of him. When they finally wind up on the same island they find that the pull between them is more than either one of them expected.

Q7)  How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Patty: I have always love pirates and I thought, what fun would it be if instead of the man swooping in and ravishing the unsuspecting beauty, what would happen if the tables were turned? When that little kernel started inside my head, Aeron was born and she wouldn’t be ignored, I had to write her.

Q8) What is up next for you?
Patty: After the blog tour I’m going to be working on getting my second piece ready to present to my publisher. This one is Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance about a 134 year old demon hunter named Evelyn Wright and the company she works for, The Lebriga Corporation.

Q9) I like to know what authors are reading.  Tell us what book you just finished that you love or what upcoming book you can’t wait for.
Patty: Oh! Elizabeth Hoyt just came out with a new book in her Maiden Lane series, Scandalous Desires! I’ve been DYING for this book ever since I read about “Charming” Mickey O’Connor in book 1, Wicked Intentions. He’s an Irish river pirate, RAWR! Not to mention I just love the way that Elizabeth writes.

Q10) Is there anything else you would like to share?
Patty: Please check out patricialeever.com for updates on future projects and giveaways and you can get a copy of Cat O’ Nine Tails over at my amazing publisher’s site, omnificpublishing.com! Also I’d like to thank my awesome marketing associate Traci for setting this blog tour up, she rocks!

Books-n-Kisses: Patty, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down and talk with me.  I am looking forward to reading your book Cat O’Nine Tales.

Patty: Thank you Kelly! It has been a pleasure chatting with you! 

Giveaway E-book of Cat O’ Nine and Swag Pack







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Interview & Giveaway with JK Coi

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome the wonderful JK Coi to the blog today.  We are looking forward to learning a little more about JK and her books. 

J.K. Coi is a multi-published, award winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance and urban fantasy. She makes her home in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and son and a feisty black cat who is the uncontested head of the household. While she spends her days immersed in the litigious world of insurance law, she is very happy to spend her nights writing dark and sexy characters who leap off the page and into readers’ hearts.

JK:  Hi Kelly and everyone! I’m so happy to visit today!

Kelly:  Can I get you anything before we start?  Coffee, Tea, Soda?
JK:  Actually, it kind of sucks, but when this posts, I’ll be on an operating table (don’t worry, it’s not serious, but I’m kind of out of commission for a couple of days). Still, I might have some lukewarm broth if you’ve got it LOL J

Kelly:  I am sorry to hear that, hope that it all goes well.  Are you ready to get started.
JK: Uh oh, this is the hard part, isn’t it?

Q1) Please tell us a little about yourself
JK: There isn’t too much to tell. I’m as normal as they come. Wait, don’t look over there…um, that closet doesn’t open. No, you don’t hear anything coming from it, I swear. Really. *grin*

Q2)  Tell us a typical writing day for you
JK: I have a full-time day job so I write during my lunch hour, and then after work – once the dinner dishes are all cleaned up and my son has been put to bed – I sit down again and write (as long as I don’t pass out from exhaustion). It’s tough sometimes because I’d love to have more time to devote to my writing, but at least for now this is the way it goes. 

Q3) Have you always wanted to be an author or what made you become an author?
JK: I remember writing when I was in high school, and I did some writing in University too, but I really didn’t think about it as serious until I wrote my first full length novel (after my son was born). When I told my husband I was finished writing a whole book, he said “Great. Now what?” (so enthusiastic LOL) It was at that point I first started researching the publishing industry, and now….more than 10 books later, here I am! J

Q4) Tell us a little about your book Fallen Hard
JK: Falling Hard is the book I love. I love that Gabriel is broken. I love that Amelia doesn’t know how to fix him. I love that the two of them rage against each other in an effort to hold on to some semblance of control…even when everything is spinning out of control.

Here’s the official blurb:
After a life filled with tragedy, rocker Gabriel Gunn thinks he’s finally getting the better of his personal demons. Then he’s attacked after a concert—and rescued by a warrior goddess brandishing a sword and white wings. As hard as it is to believe in an angelic bodyguard, Gabriel must face an even more impossible truth: he carries the devil’s soul within him.

Amelia has been watching over Gabriel for years, using her angelic powers to prevent Lucifer’s return. Now she must also protect him from warring angel factions with their own agendas. Amelia would do anything to avert another angelic war, even sacrifice her own emotions to avoid temptation. Yet with Gabriel she feels things she no longer wants to deny, and pleasure she never imagined.

But the closer Gabriel and Amelia get, the stronger Lucifer becomes. Will Amelia be forced to kill the man she’s come to love to stop the war she’s always feared?


Q5) Will we ever see any more of these characters or is this story done?
JK: I haven’t had a chance to write more in this world yet due to other commitments, but the intent is there and I hope to start with Cass’s story.

Q6) How did you come up with the idea for Fallen Hard?
JK: The idea for this book started with one scene (a scene that was later deleted from the book, but can be found in the Extras page on my website: www.jkcoi.com)  And after I’d been introduced to Amelia I realized how important music was to the angels, and knew it would only make sense for Gabriel (with the dark angel’s soul) to be a bad-boy rock star J The rest of the book developed from there. It grew and changed directions a few times as I wrote, but I always knew how it was going to end.

Q7) Tell us a little about your story Caged in the in the Agony/Ecstasy Anthology, coming December 2011 from Berkley Heat (love this cover)
JK: Caged is awesome! It’s dark and angsty and hot and mean and sexy and brutal. But definitely on the Agony half of the scale.


Q8) What is your current work in progress?
JK: I’m currently working on book 2 in my steampunk series. The first book is FAR FROM BROKEN, which is going to be released in December as part of Carina Press’s holiday anthology, and book 2 is tentatively titled BROKEN PROMISES and continues Callie and Jasper’s story.

Q9) Have to ask because I am nosey.  What is in your to be read pile that you are dying to read next?
JK: If you think that’s being nosey, you haven’t seen me interrogate a prospective babysitter LOL! On my TBR pile, I have Touch—the Upper YA debut from Jus Acardo, and I also have the Steampunk Bible and Meljean Brook’s Heart of Steel

Q10) Is there anything else you would like to add?
JK: Only thank you so much! I promise to get here to address any comments and questions – although that might not be today (unless you want some pretty wacked-out drug-induced crazy comments LOL)

Kelly:  JK, again huge thank you for stopping by the blog to chat about you and your books.  I hope the readers enjoyed.  What do you say we do a giveaway of an e-copy of Fallen Hard?

JK: Sounds wonderful! I’d also love to give a set of my romance trading cards! 

Want to learn more about JK?  Check her out on her website HERE





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Interview & Giveaway with Meljean Brook

Books-n-Kisses is pleased as punch to welcome the super, super sweet Meljean Brook to the blog today.  We are going to be talking about her newest releases Demon Marked, Heart of Steel and her novella “Ascension” that can be found in Angels of Darkness.
Meljean was raised in the middle of the woods, and hid under her blankets at night with fairy tales, comic books, and romances. She left the forest and went on a misguided tour through the world of accounting before focusing on her first loves, reading and writing–and she realized that monsters, superheroes, and happily-ever-afters are easily found between the covers, as well as under them, so she set out to make her own.

Meljean lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter

Kelly:  Hi Meljean, so glad that we could meet up again and talk some more.  Welcome to my blog.
Meljean: Thank you! It was awesome meeting you at Jan’s Paperbacks in person, and I’m so glad you invited me over.
Me & Meljean  🙂 

Kelly: can I get you anything?  Coffee, Tea, Cookie?
Meljean: All of the above, please

Kelly: *hands Meljean coffee and plate of cookies* Shall we start?
Meljean: I am ready for anything (almost.) *grin*
Q1) For those who don’t know you. Please tell us a little about yourself
Meljean: There’s not much to tell, actually. I’m a nearing-middle-aged, redheaded, superhero-loving, fangirl-squeeing dork who loves to tell stories.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Meljean: Yes and no. I wanted to be a dancer when I was six. I also wanted to be a lawyer, a doctor, and a history teacher. I did imagine myself as a Harlequin author when I was very young (I started early) but didn’t really think of it seriously until I was in my twenties and I realized that writing was the one occupation I really, really loved more than anything else and could imagine myself doing forever.
Q3) Who are some of your favorite authors?
Meljean: This minute they are China Mieville, Peter Beagle, Dean Koontz, Jorge Luis Borges, and Italo Calvino. By the time I’m done with this interview, I’d probably list someone else. Usually it’s who I’ve been thinking of the most lately.
Q4) Who do you feel influenced your writing style?
Meljean: All of the above, plus some. I notice little things slipping into my writing after I’m read someone with a very strong voice, but after a while, I don’t notice them so much. I’m not sure if that means I’m working them out of my writing or working them into it.
Let’s talk books:
Q5) Your newest release is Demon Marked (#7) in your Guardian Series.  Can you tell us a little about the Guardian novel series?
Meljean: It’s a series about the struggle that Guardians (humans who have been given angelic powers) have with demons, who are the evil baddies from Hell. There are a few other players that can skew good or evil, but it’s primarily all about the Guardians’ fighting to keep demons from taking over the world.
Q6) Tell us about Demon Marked (I love the cover)
Meljean: Oh, I love the cover, too! It’s one of my very favorites. This was a departure from my usual pairings – I often have Guardians or vampires as my heroes and heroines, but for the first time in several books I have a human male and a woman who simply doesn’t know what she is. The process of discovering what happened to Ash and why she can’t remember anything was a really fun ride. It was one of those books that was simply a blast to write, and felt much lighter and funny than some of my darker books.

It’s also one of those books that can be read by someone who is new to the series. I know coming into the Guardian series seven books in can seem intimidating, but Ash and Nicholas don’t really know what’s going on, either, and you can learn along with her.
Q7) You just had a story come out in the anthology Angels of Darkness.  Can you tell us more about that story?
Meljean: This was another fun pairing between a Guardian who was introduced in Demon Marked – a down-to-earth Guardian warrior named Marc – and the blue-skinned Guardian who loved him and left him almost one hundred and fifty years ago. They are investigating a series of vampire deaths in a community in Marc’s territory, but the seemingly obvious perpetrator isn’t quite as obvious as they think.
Q8) Do you know what is next for the Guardian Series
Meljean: The last book in the Guardian series is coming up, and I know is one that many readers have been waiting for: Michael and Taylor’s story. I’m planning a few epic battles and – I hope – a romance that will blow readers away.
Q9) Tell us about your next novel Heart of Steel which is book 2 in The Iron Seas Series.
Meljean: This is my year for really fun books, I think. Archimedes is a treasure hunter who – for those of you who read The Iron Duke – airship captain Lady Corsair left in some rather dire straits the last time we saw him. But he’s back, and he wants the sketch she stole from him … and he wants her, melt her heart of steel, too. This is a hero who desperately *wants* to fall in love. He couldn’t have chosen a more dangerous object of affection, however.

Q10) Tell us about your short story “Rescue Me” that will be found in the Agony/Ecstasy anthology (released Dec 2011)

Meljean: This is unrelated to any of my other work, and is a story about a woman who has been put in a perilous position and has to get out of it…and she saves herself in a rather unusual way. (It’s a really short story and I don’t want to get too much away.)
Q11) What is your current work in progress?
Meljean: I’m currently working on the third Iron Seas novel. I keep calling it different things, however, so I don’t have a title yet. I do know that it’s set in Iceland, features a giant whale, virgin cults, mechanical trolls, and a hero who wears spectacles.
Q12) I love to know what authors are reading. What did you just finish that you totally loved or what new release are you most looking forward to?
Meljean: I’m looking forward to tackling my TBR pile, because I haven’t read much lately. So pretty much every book that was released this year … I’m looking forward to it. I haven’t read anything that wasn’t related to research or that was a non-romance in so long it makes me want to cry to think about it.
Q13) What is the best piece of advice you would give to a budding author?
Meljean: Write what you’d love to read – not just because it’s easier to maintain your excitement on a story for the months it takes to write it, but because your excitement *will* shine through to the reader. There’s nothing worse than reading a book that feels like the author was just going through the motions. So write the stories you love to read, and other readers will probably be excited by them, too.
Q14) is there anything else you would like to add?
Meljean: Just that I’m so thrilled that everyone has been enjoying the series – and if you haven’t tried them yet, I hope you love them!
Books-n-Kisses:  Meljean, it has been a pleasure to get to sit down and talk with you again.  I look forward to seeing you in Bellevue, WA at the end of the month too.  I hope my followers fall in love with you like I have.  So what do you say we wet their appetite a little and giveaway a copy of Angels of Darkness?
Meljean:  I’d love to! I’m happy to give away five (5) copies to commenters.
Books-n-Kisses:  WOW!!!! Meljean, Thank you!!!    
Giveaway time:
Please use form below to enter for a chance to win one of five copies of Angels of Darkness.
They soar through the night, unearthly creatures of legends and lore. Four masters of urban fantasy and paranormal romance explore the rapture of the heavens above, and the darkness below in four all-new stories of angels and guardians, and good and evil.

4 wonderful Novella’s by 4 Brilliant Authors







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Guest Blog & Giveaway with my pal Laurie London ♥

Happy Birthday to Books N Kisses! Congratulations on one year of book blogging fun.
Thanks so much, Kelly, for having me on today. Hi, everyone! 

First of all, I need to brag. Last month, I met your fearless leader in person over lunch when she heard I was heading to her hometown to check out colleges with my son. She’s every bit as fun and cool in real life as she is online. Maybe even more so, if you can believe it. And we’re going to hang out again in a few weeks at the Emerald City Writers Conference. I can’t wait.

Okay, that was the “kisses” part of this post. Now for the “books.” Well, actually, my books have kisses in them, too…lots of them.
The short story I wrote in A VAMPIRE FOR CHRISTMAS is a reunion story when old lovers, Trace and Charlotte, reunite and the flames of their past romance are rekindled. The only problem is, just one of them remembers—the other one thinks it’s a new relationship.

But first, let me backtrack a minute.

Vampires in the Sweetblood world drink blood, have fangs, prefer the dark (sunlight doesn’t make them burst into flames, but it does drain their energy), and shadow-move at high speeds.

You may witness or experience an actual vampire attack and, at the time, you’ll know without a doubt that they’re real. However, you’ll never remember it, because they also have the ability to alter your memory.

After all, why do you think vampires have been able to keep their existence a secret for centuries? Sure, people have heard about them, but they’re not real. They’re just rumors, whisperings, the fodder of spooky stories.
Or are they?

This is an element of vampire mythology that I explore in the short story Enchanted By Blood, which is set in the same Sweetblood world as the novels.
Bonded by Blood (bk1), Embraced by Blood (bk2), 
Hidden by Blood (FREE novella)
Enchanted by Blood (novella in A Vampire for Christmas), 
Tempted by Blood (bk3 release Spring 2012)
If you’ve read book one and two (BONDED BY BLOOD and EMBRACED BY BLOOD), you’ll find out a little more about the political structure of the Governing Council, and you’ll recognize a few characters. But if you haven’t read the books, you won’t be lost. I wrote this story to stand on its own.

Former Guardian Trace Westfalen is poised to take over his father’s seat on the Council, but he won’t be voted in if he’s in a relationship with a human. Interior decorator/party planner Charlotte Grant feels an odd connection to the man who hired her to decorate his home for a big holiday bash, but she’s never met him before…or has she?
What if you fell in love with someone but your memories were taken…would a part of you remember that you had this deep connection once? Out of sight may mean out of mind, but what if you’re suddenly thrust back together again? Your brain may not remember, but what about your heart?

Having read the poignant book STILL ALICE last year, which is told from the point of view of a woman with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, I was struck with what a tragedy it would be to lose your memory, to forget your loved ones. Whereas Alice never regains hers, you’ll have to read Enchanted by Blood to find out what happens to Charlotte. 😉

I’ve got a special giveaway for one random Books-n-Kisses reader: A copy of A VAMPIRE FOR CHRISTMAS plus a vampire ornament made by WeirdPlush. When I saw them on Etsy, I knew it’d be a perfect match for the book.
And whoever wins the prize package, if you could tweet or facebook me a picture of the ornament on your tree, I’d totally love to see it!
www.LaurieLondonBooks.com www.facebook.com/LaurieLondonAuthor
www.twitter.com/LaurieBLondon
Thanks, everyone, for stopping by. Good luck! 






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SPOOK-A-LICIOUS: WHERE BOO-ks DEVOUR YOU: BLOG HOP TOUR (Oct 17-24)

Welcome to the Spook-A-Lisious: Where BOO-ks Devour You Blog Hop Tour
We hope you have a scary good time. 
and win some Ghoulish prizes!!

Ahhh, Halloween. 

What do you think of when you think Halloween? 

Me?  

I think of:
Candy


Jack-O-Lanterns


Witches

Elvira is the Ultimate Halloween Witch



 & Candy


Ghosts


Trick or Treating


they come out in masses!!!!


That scary house at the end of the road

that you don’t want to trick or treat at!!!!!!
But they have the BEST candy, So you do!


Costume Parties



& More Candy 


Haunted Houses


Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice



Black Cats

“I am always watching you”


And I always think of Michael Jackson’s Thriller





Would you like to know what I have in my 
Trick or Treat back for you? 


 1 signed copy of Vision of Magic by Regan Hastings

(1 winner) 
2 sets (2 winners) signed of
Night Magic & Sinful Magic by Jennifer Lyon
(2 winners, each get both books) 
1 copy of Indulgence: Tales of the Cirque Romani
Donated by Ava Riley
“The Beast Within”
(Ava’s short story)
(US Only) (1 winner)
1 signed copy of Afterlife by Merrie Destefano
(1 winner) 
1 signed copy of Feast by Merrie Destefano
(1 winner) 
1 copy of A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix
(bk1 in the The Maker’s song series)
(1 winner) 
1 signed copy of Black Dust Mambo by Adrian Phoenix
(bk1 in the HooDoo Series)
 (1 winner)
The Rules:
1) HAVE FUN!!!
2) INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!
3) THIS TOUR STARTS: Monday, October 17, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
    THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, October 24, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
    Winners will be drawn and posted October 25th! ***
4) MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS & BOOK PAGES! EXPERIENCE A NEW DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!
5) PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER, THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES. EVERY AUTHOR & BOOK PAGE IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW THEM SOME LOVE!
6) DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN? WHOO! HOO!! HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOO!***Authors & Book Pages have full discretion to choose an alternate winner in the event any winner fails to claim their prize(s) within 72 hours of their name being posted or after notification of win, whichever comes first. Anyone who participates in this blog hop tour is subject to these rules***

To Find more blogs to Haunt Click the picture below



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Interview (& giveaway) with Master Marc from Nobody’s Angel by Kallypso Masters

*walks in the front door of the Masters at Arms club* Thinks to self “It is way too quiet in here Of course, it’s still pretty early. Things will probably be hopping in here tonight”

*talking to myself* “Why am I so nervous? I’ve been here before. Heck, it was just a few weeks ago that we had that celebration party. What is my problem?”

*Kelly looks around*

Kelly: “Hello?
“Boys?
“Marc?
“Okay fine…Master Marc?
“Heeelllllllooooo? Anybody here?

Master Marc: “Principessa Masters Brat Kelly, you are in need of some refresher training.”

Kelly: *turns to find him standing behind me in his black leathers and wolf eye mask. But, of course, I know who he is. Does he really think that mask hides anything? Angelina’s right, though. He needs a bell around his neck so he can’t sneak up on a subbie like that.*

*Master Marc steps past me and motions for me to follow him to the loveseat in the corner. Remembering what he did to Angelina on that loveseat, I wonder what he has in mind, but feel compelled to follow anyway*

MM: “Master Damián or I might even make time for you tonight. I’ll check the schedule after the interview. Please, sit. *he waits for me to sit, then nails me with his Dom stare* “Just don’t make the mistake of assuming I would be the gentler of the two, even though I’m not the sadist.

Kelly: *winks at Master Marc* Ummm…well…I think I’m booked solid, but let’s get this interview started. I want people to learn about you and the other bo… *corrects self* …Masters.

MM: In my time, Principessa. Now, tell me, why do you feel the need to demean the status of the Doms at the Masters at Arms by referring to us as boys?

Kelly: *wonders who is in charge of this interview* “Come on, Master Marc. This interview isn’t about me and when I call you boys I mean in it with the utmost respect. Let’s move on do I need to beg?”

MM: “I’ve always enjoyed hearing a sub beg for what she needs, so that might be a good start.” *he waits*

Kelly: *rolling eyes, I adjust the red sash at my waist that seems to be cutting off my breathing all of the sudden. Oh, why did I wear the red one? I forgot about that scene in Angelina’s bedroom…. Don’t go there. I need to see in order to record his responses in my notepad*

MM: “I await the pleasure of your questions, Principessa. What would you like to know about me—or BDSM, Italy, the Colorado mountains…. I always try to be honest with little subs.”

*a shadow passed over his eyes and I decided not to pursue any questions about lying*

Kelly: “So, tell me how do you feel Kally did telling your story?”

MM: “Once she bowed to my will and changed the ending to the story to suit my wishes, she did quite well. Of course, that message you sent her on Sept. 2 asking a very pointed question (that I won’t repeat, to avoid spoilers) gave me the ammo I needed to come to her the next morning letting her know that she had the ending all wrong. So, I suppose you should get points for making me so happy. *he grins* But I do believe we both gave Kally some very stressful moments over the final few weeks before publication. I don’t think she’ll let any of the other Doms get away with that kind of last-minute change. I guess we’ll see.”

Kelly: “No, I supposed not. Is there anything important that she left out?”

MM: “Well, I really did want to get Nurse Angelina into the medical room—I have the nickname “Doc” as you know. But I’m sure Kally will find a way to please me by making it happen in an upcoming story in the Rescue Me series.”

Kelly: “Master Marc, if Angelina wanted to trade places—don’t roll your eyes at me. Let me at least finish the question.”

MM: *growls* “Are you giving me commands, Principessa? Do you feel that is wise, given all the implements at my disposal in this room?”

Kelly: “No, I was just trying to finish my questions. I hate it when people do that to me. Did you just Growl at me?”

MM: “I don’t see anyone else in the room.”

Kelly: “Kally told me you were cuddlier in this group of Doms, but who wants to cuddle with a growling Dom? Geez, *hurry’s to ask the question really fast* I just wanted to know if you trusted Angelina enough to give her control?”

Angelina: “Oh, excuse me! I didn’t know anyone was in here. Did I hear my name? Something about your giving me control, Sir? *she smiles at Master Marc and winks*

MM: Careful, my pet. You are in the club now and I am always in Dom role when we are together in the club or in the bedroom. Kneel. *Master Marc glances at a pillow on the floor near the coffee table*

Angelina: “But…”

MM: *snaps fingers and points to pillow*


*Angelina sighs and kneels at Master Marc’s side, eyes downcast, back tall and straight*

Kelly: Okaaaayyyyy…moving on… As I was saying, would you ever let Angelina take control of you in a scene? *glances at Angelina, who tries to hide her grin*

MM: “Well, of course, a sub always holds the lion’s share of control in a scene.”

Kelly: “That’s not what I meant. Would you let her tie you up, restrain you, flog you?”

MM: “No, she would never be interested in that role with me.”

Angelina: *looks up at him* “Oh, but, Sir, Luke was showing me some new rope tricks that I would love to try on you.”

MM: *glares at Angelina, who grins and casts her eyes down again. He returns his attention to Princess Masters Brat Kelly* “As I was saying, out of the question. I would not trust anyone to restrain me. Out of the question.”

Kelly: “But you demanded trust from Angelina. *Angelina looks up at me and mouths the words “thank you” I can’t wait to see Angelina continue to tame him in the coming books* “Shouldn’t you give her the same respect and trust her?”

MM: “Next question.”

Kelly *checks notepad* “Sir, tell me about your roll at the Masters at Arms Club.

MM *relaxes—this must be safer territory for him*: “I’m one of the three co-owners, along with two Marine veteran friends I served with in Iraq. Over the past year, I’ve been somewhat…absent…from the club.” *reaches down to stroke Angelina’s head* “But that will change now. I am planning some demonstrations in the medical room, as well as a demonstration of the Florentine flogging technique in the near future.”

*Angelina bites her lower lip*

Kelly: “Is it getting hot in there?” *waves hand in front of face* “Um, where was I?” *looks down at her notepad* “What is the one thing you want people to learn about you through your story?”

Master Marc & Angelina

MM: “That, while I may not be the perfect Dom, I am perfect for Angelina. Right, cara mia?”

Angelina: Yes, Sir. *she smiles and blushes*

MM: “Also that training her gives me great joy. She is so responsive to my commands and listens so attentively. That gives me great pride, knowing she’s under my thumb now. Let me demonstrate. Angelina, what did I just say?” *he smiles, expectantly*

Angelina *furrows her brow as her eyes dart to the side*

Kelly: *tries to muffle her giggle*

MM: “Look at me, bella.”

*Angelina looks up at Master Marc, her breathing shallow*

MM: “You were listening, weren’t you, pet?”

Angelina: *breath catches in her throat* “But, Sir. You were talking to Princess Masters Brat Kelly, not me. I just figured I could go to the blog later to read your responses. I was trying to figure out what happened to that recipe I made for dinner last night that didn’t turn out quite right.”

Kelly:*can’t stop the giggle this time seeing the look on Master Marc’s face* hehe

MM: *sighs* “Ah, pet, that is quite disappointing. A sub is always attentive to her Dom.” *MM glances pointedly at the armrest at the end of the loveseat. He smiles* “Five swats. Bare ass. Just as soon as Principessa Kelly leaves.”

*MM communicates something to Angelina without a word and I get the distinct impression that I’m in the way—sitting between Master Marc and the armrest and all*

Kelly: Ahem. “Um, well, Master Marc, I thank you for taking time out of your busy training schedule to sit down and talk with me. I look forward to telling my readers about your story.”

*MM pulls his attention away from Angelina and turns to me, making me feel a little nervous*

Master Damián

MM:”I am not too busy to train you, as well, Principessa. With the Masters at Arms club becoming so popular lately, Master Damián has asked me to help with the submissive training program again. I would love nothing more than to show you the finer points of my flogging skills. I’ve gotten a lot of practice lately.” *glances at Angelina, who blushes again*

Angelina: “Yes, Sir. Your flogger can be quite…persuasive.”

*Master Damián and Master Luke walk into the great room and survey the scene*

Master Luke

Master Luke *looks at Kelly*: Hi, I don’t believe we’ve met darlin’. I’m the newest Dom here. Master Luke. What’s your name?

Kelly *blushes* I’m Princess Masters Brat Kelly, Luke—Master Luke. I really liked the scene with you in your cowboy outfit in Nobody’s Angel.

Luke *grins* “Are you one of those ‘Save a horse, ride a cowboy’ type subs? How did you like the choices I gave Angelina?”

Kelly: *blushes* “Choices?”

Luke: “Kneel at my feet or sit in my lap.”

Kelly: *did he just order me, or just repeat Angelina’s choices? Oh, well, duh, he’s standing, so obviously he’s not ordering me* “Um, yes, that was the first time you really went all Dom like. Pretty damned hot.”

MM: “Damián, I believe Principessa has forgotten some of her training. Perhaps you or I could make time for her tonight.

Master Damián: *strokes his goatee as he contemplates the idea* “Princesa, we worked so hard for so many months. I thought I had finally prepared you. No wonder you haven’t been able to find a Dom to take you on for more than a night or two. Perhaps we could have a session in the dungeon tonight, if you want to turn this sad situation around. We only want you to find the Dom who will be able to provide for your deepest needs.”

Kelly: *my heart starts pounding. I haven’t been to the dungeon here before. Am I brave enough to go there with the club’s sensual sadist?*  “So, I am thinking I need to go…….But thank you for the offer”

MM: “We can discuss the technique later. First, I think we ought to give away a copy of Kally’s latest, NOBODY’S ANGEL book in the RESCUE ME series to some lucky commenter. Let’s ask them to comment with a suggestion on how we might get Principessa Kelly to stop being a brat? Hmmm. Just imagine the possibilities….”

For a chance to win, please leave your comment below (WITH YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS). If you’d like to suggest ways the Masters at Arms Doms might discipline…er, train Princess Masters Brat Kelly to be a more obedient, respectful sub, feel free! But all comments are welcome and will be counted!

A winner will be chosen using Rafflecopter and will receive a free e-copy of NOBODY’S ANGEL (and MASTERS AT ARMS, if she or he doesn’t have it yet.) Master Marc says you are not permitted to read his book until after you have finished MASTERS AT ARMS.  If you already have Nobody’s Angel, Kally will put you on the list to win a copy of the December release of Nobody’s Hero (Master Adam’s story)

NOBODY’S ANGEL description:

Marc d’Alessio might own a BDSM club with his fellow military veterans, Adam and Damián, but he keeps all women at a distance. However, when Marc rescues beautiful Angelina Giardano from a disastrous first BDSM experience at the club, an uncharacteristic attraction leaves him torn between his safe, but lonely world, and a possible future with his angel.

Angelina leaves BDSM behind, only to have her dreams plagued by the Italian angel who rescued her at the club. When she meets Marc at a bar in her hometown, she can’t shake the feeling she knows him—but has no idea why he reminds her of her angel.

When Marc’s search-and-rescue partner, widower Luke Denton, confides he believes Angelina is the angel his wife promised to send him, Marc is convinced she is meant for Luke. A painful incident from his past keeps Marc from letting any woman drive a wedge between him and a friend.

While Luke can provide Angelina with love and stability, Marc knows his friend can’t satisfy her submissive needs. Marc offers one night to show her that BDSM is not about pain, but a power exchange with mutual trust and consent. But he knows he can’t commit emotionally to anything more.

When the abusive Dom from Angelina’s past threatens, Marc’s protective instincts kick in; he must keep her safe. Again at the Masters at Arms Club, she turns the tables on him—and turns his safe, controlled world upside down. (Book Two in the RESCUE ME series; follows introduction to series, MASTERS AT ARMS.)

Purchase a Copy
Nobody’s Angel is a 115,000-word novel,
book 2 in the Rescue Me series,
available for $2.99 at
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords


Entering is really easy. 
Hit read more, but only if you are on the main page other wise
Walk your way down the questions.  
1st is leave a comment. Hit the Click for Instructions.  Answer Master Marc’s question in the comment section at the end of the blog.  Then come back and hit the I DID THIS button. Enter the information it is requesting.  Then go to the second mandatory entry: Leave your email. Hit I DID THIS and it asks you all the questions.  Once you do these to entry’s everything else is extra credit!  Which means extra chances to win.  


If you have any questions or concerns about how to use Rafflecopter please email me at books.n.kisses(at)gmail(dot)com



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HUGE BIRTHDAY BASH!!!!!


My blog baby is 1 year old today!!  
So to celebrate we are having a HUGE Birthday Bash!!!!
We have cake

And Red Velvet Cheesecake (because it is my favorite)

Ice Cream 

and of course presents!!!!!

But you know what? 
What does a blog need presents for? 
SO, we are going to give them to you. 



So let’s open them and see what we got. 
#1

Signed set of Michele Hauf Books


#2



Signed set of Thea Harrison’s books




#3


7 ebooks from Sharon Bunchbinder
 7 Winners (one for each book)
#4

$15 e-gift card from Kacey Hammell

#5

Swag Pack from Laura Wright
Picture doesn’t represent the true swag pack

#6

Huge Swag pack from Shayla Black 
(US ONLY)
Never know what could be inside!!

#7
One book from Shiloh Walker‘s Back list of books 
Click here to see list.  (If You Hear Her, is not available)

(US ONLY) 



#8
A signed copy of Ashes of Midnight by Lara Adrian


#9
A signed copy of Infinite Betrayal and Swag pack from 
Donnelly Mackenzie



#10
a signed copy of Immortal Champion from Lisa Hendrix 
(open internationally, 1 winner for each book) 

a signed copy of Immortal Champion from Lisa Hendrix 
+ a $10 Starbucks gift Card (US ONLY, 1 winner for each book) 


#11
(This is a cake, Yes, this is a CAKE!!!!!)
Set of Healer & Protector (ebooks) by Lisa Renee Jones
(1 winner gets both of these ebooks)

Signed set of the Texas HotZone Trilogy by Lisa Renee Jones
(1 winner gets the Triolgy)

#12
A signed copy of Marked by Elisabeth Naughton 
  
(1 winner for each book) 

A signed copy of Entwined by Elisabeth Naughton 

(1 winner for each book)


#13
Winner’s choice of one of Stephanie Julian‘s backlist books 
click HERE to see list



#14

a Signed copy of Wicked Highlander & 
Swag pack from Donna Grant




#15

A signed copy of Lila DiPasqua’s A Midnight Dance





#16


Signed copy of Haunting Beauty & Swag from Erin Quinn



Huge THANK YOU to all the wonderful authors who donated to Books-n-Kisses Blog’s Birthday Bash. 


Entering is easy

(Hit read more, but only if you are on the main page other wise)

Walk your way down the questions.  
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Interview & Giveaway with Madison Edwards

Books-n-Kisses, is pleased to Welcome Madison Edwards to our blog today. We are looking forward to learning more about Madison and her book According to Plan.

Madison Thank you for having me on your blog today. I’m looking forward to your readers getting to know me a little better.

Q1) Madison, Can you please share a little about yourself

Madison: As a Canadian, questions like this make us look to the ground, shuffle our feet, and blush. But, I’ll share anyway.
I’m a wife, mother, grandmother and when I’m not on my computer, I love having loads of people over for dinner and playing games with friends and family.
I’m a PRO member of Romance Writers of America, Toronto Romance Writers and Passionate Ink.
Q2) What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Madison: My sense of humor. Even when I received my first rejections, all editors commented on my dialogue and how my sense of humor shone.
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Madison: My favorite author is Karen Marie Moning – hands down. Also ~ Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas, John Grisham, Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, Jeffrey Archer, Jane Austen, and Kristin Higgins. All their books line my bookshelves, and I’ve re-read them many times.
Who influenced my writing? That is so hard to answer because the authors I love to read, I don’t really write in their genre. However, I scoured the books of my favorite authors and wrote down the first three words of each sentence from one chapter. I needed to learn how to escape the pronoun trap. Also, KMM had fabulous sexual tension between her two protagonists, and I backtracked to see where she started adding in that tension. I was shocked to find it was several chapters. This opened my eyes.
Q4) Can you tell us what a typical writing day for you is like. 
Madison: I get up around 6:30 a.m. and quickly check my e-mails. If I have a blog entry or a shout out on Facebook, this is when I’ll post. Then off to work in the HR department of a local police service and in the evenings (hubby is a pilot and his job takes him away for days at a time) I’ll write. When hubby’s home I spend time with him.
Weekends are for friends and family. Grandma must see grandchildren, or she’ll wither and dry up.  Add to this my writing group and night classes and that takes care of my hours.
Also, spoiled kitties demand equal loving. So much to do, so little time.
Q5) Can you please tell us about According to Plan 
Madison: Oh, I’d love to.
The heroine, Shelby Stewart, is sole proprietor of Stewart Investigations. With the help of her best friend Polly, she’s run the agency on her own after her partner and boyfriend, Tank, left her for another woman. The story kicks off when a powerful business man hires Shelby to find his missing son, Harrison.
Things become interesting when Tank shows up, also looking for Harrison. Still attracted to Tank, still mad at Tank, still in love with Tank, Shelby wants him long gone. Not only for the above reasons, but because she wants to find Harrison herself.
We find out Tank never left Shelby for another woman. He’s a Federal Agent and Shelby was in danger. The only way he knew to keep her safe was to make it look like he no longer cared for her and leave. He loves her even more now than he did a year ago, and lucky for him the danger has passed. It’s time to break down the walls Shelby’s erected around her heart.
First, he’ll start with a kiss…. 
Q6) How did you come up with the idea for these stories?
Madison: Usually driving to work. There’s something about your brain being on autopilot, allowing the subconscious mind to roam. Also, I have been a people watcher all my life, and will listen without guilt to conversations taking place around me. If you don’t want it broadcast, don’t air your laundry in public. I’m just sayin’.
Q7) What is the next book on your To Read Pile that you are dying to jump into?
Madison: I’m waiting for Kate Douglas’ ‘Michael’. Am I the only person who didn’t know about these books?
Q8) What is up next for you?
Madison: At this moment I’m working on Craven Desires. A story that is so layered it scares the crap out of me. But, I can’t stop the voices in my head, so I write, delete, write, delete and dream about hiring a ghost writer. *banging head on desk*
Craven Desires: Eve bought a book. She didn’t know it was about her life.
Eve’s friend wins an all expense trip to Scotland, and takes Eve with her. While touring a castle Eve is transported back to 1611, into the arms of a handsome, sexy man. What sets her heart thudding even harder is the fact he’s the man she’s been reading about from a novel bought in 2011.
Q9) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Madison: My fervent wish for anyone who reads According to Plan is that when you close the book or put down your electronic reader, you have a smile on your face because you’ve come to love my characters as much as I have.
Books-n-Kisses, Madison thank you so much for talking the time to sit down with me.  I enjoyed learning more about you and your book.  I am looking forward to reading this story.
Madison: Thank you again for hosting me. You must let me know what you did, or didn’t like about According to Plan.
I invite you all to visit me at www.madisonjedwards.com where you’ll find excerpts posted for this book and my three novellas published by Sapphire Nights Books. They’re naughty.




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For my gracious host:
Thanks again. I’m very appreciative of you hosting me.

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Interview & Giveaway with Raven McAllan

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have Raven McAllan on the blog today.  We are looking forward to learning more about Raven and her new book Wallflowers Don’t Wilt. 
Raven, Welcome to Books-n-Kisses.
Raven: Thank you for having me on the blog. It’s a privilege I really appreciate. And I may add, something I never believed would happen.
Q1) Raven can you share a little bit about yourself.
Raven: this is the hardest bit.
Wife, mother, grandmother.
Love chocolate, traveling and fine wine. Hate liver and midges (especially midges).
I love people watching, get my ideas all over the place (One came to me in the loo on a long haul plane journey. No it wasn’t about the mile high club, and no I haven’t written it yet!)
Lucky enough to have an O.H. who understands his wife is always attached to a lap top, and that dusty bunnies are allowed to go forth and multiply under the bed!
Not prepared to grow old gracefully. As my OH once said to me, you are only as old as you feel. He is younger than me, so hey I always feel younger than I am.
Q2) When did you decide you wanted to be an author?
Raven: When I won a ‘where does Chocolate come from’ competition when I was seven!  The prize was a big box of chocolate. I’ve dabbled badly on and off over the years, but seriously, in an “I will get published” sort of way, only this last year. I made a deal with myself to really have a go and try to get published before the big ‘0’ birthday this December (I will make it)
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Raven: I swing between mystery and crime to romance. So, in no particular order, Arthur Upfield, W.E. B Griffin, Bill Knox, Peter Robinson. Gerald Hammond(Crime/mystery) Nora Roberts, Shayla Black, Stephanie Laurens and Doris O’Connor (Widely romance) Katie Fforde.
As to influenced? No one specific person, but several for different reasons. There’s a New Zealand Author called Robyn Donald, who describes the country, in such a way, she made me want to visit. She paints with words so well, you are drawn in. For sheer carry me away and let me wallow, Nora Roberts, and an English writer, Miss Read. Re reading her books is like visiting a well loved old friend. Stephanie Laurens because her books aren’t run of the mill regency. Strangely when I started writing Wallflowers Don’t Wilt, I didn’t read anything remotely regency, in case I accidentally used any of someone else’s expressions etcetera.
For who did it and why, All of the above, plus Frank Muir, Stuart McBride, Stephen Booth and several other British Crime writers, who showed me how to hook someone into the story and not let them go. Whether I have succeeded? Time will tell, I hope so!
Q4) Can you tell us about your book Wallflowers Don’t Wilt
Raven: A romantic, Regency, story of discovery. Or as a friend said to me “Regency Romance with a Twist.
Two well brought up young ladies, are about to set up home together, when an aristocratic male decides that he should become part of the equation. The ladies decide it is up to him to show them why!
Q5) How did you come with the idea for this story.
Raven: Truthfully? Two things got “Wallflowers” written. I am a member of a great crit group, UCW (Up and Coming Writers). Chatting on fb one day, about what we should write, I said idly that I wondered if I could write a menage.  A regency one, where everything about it would be taboo. Not only a menage, but one with two women and a man. The group dared me to.  Once I started, I knew I had found my voice, whether it was any good or not. Then they nagged, praised, bullied and pushed, until I wrote it polished it and submitted it.
Q6) Can you tell us about your current work in progress
Raven: Which one? I have two on the go, mainly because they were both nagging to be written. Another regency, about the aunt of the heroine of my second novel, due out in January (To Please A Lady) and A Young Adult, about shape shifters.. There an idea for a contemporary beginning to demand attention as well, but it’s going to have to wait for a while.
Q7) What are your writing habits. Anything you have to have while writing?
Raven: during the day? Chocolate and coffee. During the evening if I am sitting with my O.H.- chocolate and wine. Also notebooks all over the house, just in case something comes to me, and I’m not near the lap top. I even had to stop the car one day and dictate from my mobile phone into the house answerphone because I couldn’t find my pen. White van men have been known to swerve, as I talk to myself in a queue at traffic lights ( in my defense, I drive a sports car-my pride and joy- it was hot, I had the roof down, and he had his window open! I bet he wondered what he had got into. It was a steamy scene I was trying to talk my way through.
Q8) I always want to know what authors are reading or looking forward to reading. So can you share with us what you are currently reading or the next new release you can’t wait to get your hands on.
Raven: I’m reading an oldie, The Widows of Broome, by Arthur Upfield, a crime story set in Australia in the early part of the 20th century. Also Katie FForde Highland Fling- which Has been out a while but is one of her novels, I hadn’t read. Looking forward to the new Shayla Black, Scandinavian Scandal, by Doris O’Connor, and the next Peter Robinson. For plane journeys, a bit of escapism, or something I can dip in and out of, like diaries.
Q9) is there anything else you would like to add?
Raven: If you want to write, then write. It doesn’t matter what it is or how good it is. Once you see your words in front of you, you’re hooked, and you want to get better. More importantly, write as you can, not as you feel you should.
Books-n-Kisses, Raven it has been a pleasure to have you here today. I look forward to reading you book Wallflowers Don’t Wilt. Please come back any time.
Raven, It was my pleasure, thanks for inviting me- don’t forget to read  “Wallflowers”
www.ravenmcallanauthor.weebly.com
www.ravenmcallan.blogspot.com
F.B. Raven McAllan and raven mcallan- author page
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Interview & Giveaway with Alyssa Day

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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