Category: Interviews

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Interview & giveaway with Jennifer Apodaca

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have the WONDERFUL Jennifer Apodaca on the blog today to chat about her newest release (which by the way is really good) THE BABY BARGAIN.

 

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

Sure! I grew up in Southern California very close to Disneyland and attended Walt Disney Elementary School.  Years later, I met my husband at the dog pound—a story that cracks up our kids.  I was working there, and he came in to do an audit looking suave and sexy in a business suit. Obviously it was puppy love at first sight, LOL. We soon married and produced a house full of  boys (three sons).  I loved being a full time mom, but I needed something more, and that’s when I started writing.  I published my first book in 2002, DATING CAN BE MURDER, which was the first book in The Samantha Shaw Mystery Series. Since then, I’ve published over 15 books and novellas.

Learn more about Jen here: Website | Blog |Twitter | Goodreads  | Jen Lyon’s Goodreads Page

Have you always wanted to be an author?

When I was very little I wanted to be a princess so I could have my two older brothers locked in a dungeon. That whole princess thing didn’t work out. Then I wanted to be a witch like Samantha on Bewitched so I could turn my brothers into frogs. Once again, I was doomed to disappointment.

The truth is that deciding to write was more of a process. My father passed away suddenly when I was 13, and life got tough. Books were my escape, and I dreamed of writing. But it seemed an impossible dream for an average girl like me. It wasn’t until after I married and had my sons that I developed the confidence to go after my desire to write books. I had a lot of support from my husband and sons, and also from my mom and sister.  I credit them for encouraging me to not only try, and keep trying.

I lost my mom before DATING CAN BE MURDER (my first book) hit the bookstores, but her belief in me lives on in my heart.

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

Time! I need time to write.  Time to just sit with the characters and let them tell me their story.

My typical day varies.   If I’m starting a book, I procrastinate a lot.  If I’m at the end of a book, I write from morning until night only stopping to eat or do essential things. My typical day starts off with me going to the gym a few mornings a week (so early my husband thinks I’m nuts), or doing things like grocery shopping. I’m usually at my computer between 8 and 9. I take care of email and whatever needs to be done. Then I write and try to resist the lure of the Internet.

In the eveings, I uusally write blogs, do interviews, work on copyedits or do whatever needs to be done.

These days I work very long hours. Sometimes, I start at 6:15 am and don’t end until after 8pm. But I think everyone is working harder, not just authors.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Getting the story right is always the most challenging  part. Diving deep into the characters and their lives, finding their innermost fears, and hidden desires. And then making sure the plot is working both to move the story along and reveal the characters to the reader. It’s a layered and time-consuming process. But it’s also a labor of love.

I find two things most reward. Finishing a book is an awesome feeling of accomplishment. And nothing is as gratifying as when a fan tell me how much they love the story.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

THE BABY BARGAIN was fun, challenging and surprisingly emotional for me to write.  I started off with the idea of former Marines coming home,  but not quite fitting back into civilian life.  Battle can leave emotional and/or physical scars, and  I wanted to give them the love of a heroine to help them heal and find happiness. After all, who deserves it more than men (and women) who have put their lives on the line for their country?

Here’s is the blurb for THE BABY BARGAIN:

Seeing Adam Waters is the last thing veterinarian Megan Young expects. Ex-Marine. Ex-boyfriend. And still extremely dangerous territory. But Adam doesn’t know the secret Megan has been keeping from him. The secret that was created three years ago, after their last night together…

Adam returns to Raven’s Cove to sell his home in a final break with the town and memories that haunt him. The problem is that his attraction to Megan is as blazing hot as it ever was. But when a vicious smear campaign against Megan turns ugly, Adam learns the truth he never knew—he has a son.

Now the only way Megan can protect her child is to strike a bargain with Adam. And it’s a bargain that looks a lot like blackmail…

How did you come with the idea for this story?

The idea came to me when I watched several news stories about soldiers returning home. You know those video clips where they surprised their loved ones? Well…what if they came home to nothing? What if they didn’t have loved ones waiting for them? They really just had each other so they banded together to form Once A Marine Security Agency.  What if the battle scars they carried were just a little too deep for these men to believe they could have happily ever after? That’s how I came up with the idea.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

I’m working on two things: I’ve outlined the next two books in the Once a Marine series. In book two, Logan Knight goes home to his beloved plot of land on his family’s cattle ranch—only to find his house occupied by a desperate woman on the run.

And I’m desperately trying to write POSSESSION, Book 2 in The Plus One Chronicles written under my Jennifer Lyon name. That book is keeping me up nights. People can see more about that series on my website here  http://jenniferlyonbooks.com/the-plus-one-chronicles/

Please open The Baby Bargain to a random page and read us a few lines.

Okay, a random few lines between Adam and Megan:

He laughed. “I want to show you my offices on my laptop. Not drag you to my room and pressure you into sex. I told you, tonight is just for getting reacquainted.”

“And touching.”She remembered him saying that.

“And kissing,” he said. “Anywhere you want me to.”

Tingles shivered over her skin, while her belly warmed. It had been so long since anyone had touched her with desire, since anyone had made her feel like more than a mom and a vet…like a woman. “Tempting offer.” She held her breath, her nerves pulling tight.

He dropped his gaze to her mouth.

Blood rushed through her and desire pooled between her legs. She wanted him to kiss her. Needed it almost as much as she needed her next breath.

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

Oh! So many books! I want to read Rebecca Zanetti’s AGAINST THE WALL. Laura Wright’s ETERNAL DEMON, Georgia Cates BEAUTY FROM SURRENDER.

I’m currently reading COLLIDE by Gail McHugh. I have so little time to read right now that it’s extremely frustrating.

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

Gerald Butler and his oh-so-sexy Scottish accent J

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just that I am grateful for all the support for THE BABY BARGAIN and The Once A Marine Series.  I appreciate each and every fan-friend. You guys are the reason I keep writing!

And thank you Kelly for having me on Books-n-Kisses and being so completely awesome!

*****

The Baby Bargain

by Jennifer Apodaca

Amazon |  B&N  | Kobo |  iBookstore

Seeing Adam Waters is the last thing veterinarian Megan Young expects. Ex-Marine. Ex-boyfriend. And still extremely dangerous territory. But Adam doesn’t know the secret Megan has been keeping from him. The secret that was created three years ago, after their last night together…

Adam returns to Raven’s Cove to sell his home in a final break with the town and memories that haunt him. The problem is that his attraction to Megan is as blazing hot as it ever was. But when a vicious smear campaign against Megan turns ugly, Adam learns the truth he never knew—he has a son.
Now the only way Megan can protect her child is to strike a bargain with Adam. And it’s a bargain that looks a lot like blackmail…

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 184 pages
Release Date: March 2013
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-62266-073-5
Imprint: Indulgence

Tour Wide Giveaway!

Jennifer is offering a $50 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner! Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to be entered.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Interview with Melanie Shawn

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Melanie Shawn to the blog today….

Melanie & Shawn, can you please share with us a little about yourself

We’re a writing team of two sisters, which is a bit unconventional.   Our pen name (Melanie Shawn) is a combination of our two first names, Melanie and Shawna.

Melanie’s the one answering these questions (hey, y’all! :D), but I did ask Shawna for her input on some of the topics where we diverge in taste and opinion.  I guess you could say that she’s a little bit country, and I’m a little bit rock n’ roll when it comes to our literary sensibilities.   My taste in reading materials runs to the grittier side than hers does. 😀

We grew up in a small town in Northern California, about an hour east of San Francisco.   We live in Southern California now, and we are avid collectors of small dogs! 😀

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

Well, since Shawna and I are a writing team, it works a little differently. We have perfected a system that really plays to each of our strengths, and works well for us.

We come up with the setting, overarching plot, and characters together.  Shawna then fleshes out the plot, creating the timeline and the individual scenes that take place within the plot.  She writes an incredibly detailed accounting of each scene – what happens,  what people are thinking about, what their motivation is, what they’re saying to each other.

I then take that and write the scenes into prose.

Finally, we edit the book jointly!

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes, I’ve always wanted to be an author, from the time I was a kid.  However, life got in the way, and it took me until I was in my late thirties to put out my first book.

I was very inspired by author Marc Acito, whose debut novel How I Paid for College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship and Musical Theater is one of my favorite books of all time.  He wrote the early draft longhand, in his car, in moments that he was able to steal between sales calls at his day job. When I found that out, it really sunk in to me that it DOES NOT MATTER what else you have going on in your life – if you can even steal five minutes to write a couple of sentences, then you can move your book along a couple of sentences at a time!

The real magic came, though, when Shawna and I started working together.  It would NEVER have happened without her!  I’m a super artsy type – I sort of float along in my creative process, starting new things when ideas occur  to me and excite me, abandoning old starts when I’m not excited about them anymore.  That’s no way to finish a novel!

Shawna keeps us on track, keeps me upbeat and motivated, and – most importantly – comes up with all the super-awesome, romantic, beautiful scenarios that people love in our stories.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

Aside from our unconventional writer-team process, I’d say that my other quirk is that sometimes I record my writing into a digital voice recorder and then transcribe/clean up the prose afterward.  It just depends on what feels right for the scene.  Sometimes I think better with my fingers, and sometimes with my voice!

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most challenging part is sticking to the punishing book-per-month schedule we’ve set out for ourselves.  There are a lot of reasons we decided to come out of the gate strong that way, but the most compelling one is that we have SO MANY stories to tell, ones that we are incredibly passionate about, that we really want to get them out into the world as quickly as possible.  Still,  it takes both of us writing for 8-10 hours per day to meet that deadline, which can be exhausting.

The most rewarding part is definitely the fan reaction to our books.   We are big social media users, and we get such a huge thrill from interacting with readers  who enjoy what we put out!  It’s incredibly satisfying.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

Our latest book, being released at the end of March, is called Home Sweet Home, and it is the story of Lauren and Ben.  Both of these characters are high-powered real estate professionals, and they both have extremely strong personalities – in fact, they clash at the outset of the story.

They’re both high achievers in a competitive profession, so they are each used to being on top. Their journey brings them to see past the barriers which hold them at arm’s length, and to find out that they really are meant for each other, despite a rocky start.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Well, first off, even though Lauren and Ben are somewhat antagonistic to one another at the start of the novel, we didn’t want the relationship to be truly hostile.  Shawna and I like our stories to be upbeat and funny.   Even when characters face difficult realities, we don’t want the reader to feel angry and depressed themselves as they move through the story.

Because of that, we were inspired to shape the evolution of their relationship in the direction of a Tracy-and-Hepburn dynamic.  They are a bicker-y and annoyed with one another initially, but in more of a banter-y way than an overtly hostile one.

It’s a departure from the first three books in The Hope Falls Chronicles, where the hero and heroine – while they did each have obstacles to overcome – genuinely liked one another from the start.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

We are VERY excited to be moving on to a new series after Home Sweet Home!  Don’t worry, though, it’s not the end of The Hope Falls Chronicles. We’ll be returning to Hope Falls in a few months! 😀

The next four books we are putting out are part of our Crossroads series, which is based around the theme of big life changes.  Every character in the series is facing a major decision, a significant crossroads in their life – a move, a career change, etc.

Look for the first four in this series (My First, My Last, My Only, My Everything) to begin being released in April.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

My reading tastes and Shawna’s could not diverge more! 😀

Shawna is the big romance fan between the two of us.  She loves all the contemporary romance greats, people like Carly Phillips, Jill Shalvis, Kristan Higgins, Victoria Dahl, Susan Mallery, Susan Anderson, Lori Foster, Rachel Gibson, Deirdre Martin, Susan Donovan, and Christie Craig.  Her two newest faves are Macy Beckett and Kendall Ryan!

I do enjoy romance, as well – in fact, one of my favorite books of all time is Dancing at the Harvest Moon by KC McKinnon.  The language and the sense of place are so beautiful, and the connection between the characters is quite lovely and delicate.  For the majority of my pleasure reading, though, I will admit to being drawn to mysteries and thrillers. My favorite authors are folks like Michael Connelly, John Sandford, Lee Child, Robert Crais, Harlan Coben, Kathy Reichs, Chelsea Cain, Stephen White, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Jonathan Kellerman, and two authors whose passings I deeply mourned, Robert B. Parker and Stephen J. Cannell.

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

Here are some of the things that I try to incorporate from writers that I love.  My level of success will be up to the readers to judge! 😀

Michael Connelly: His prose is so spare, yet affecting.  He chooses his words carefully for maximum impact.  He tells a story in the prologue of his book Crime Beat about a homicide detective he was writing about as a reporter.  He noticed that the cop hooked his glasses into his mouth and bit down when he examined the victim, and that his teeth had worn a groove there.  Connelly uses that detail to express the connection that the detective felt with the souls for whom he must get justice – how omnipresent that responsibility was, and how seriously he took it.

I try to look for small character moments like that when I write – chances to have the character do small things that tell a much larger story about who they are.  Letting the reader infer things about a character based on their tiny, seemingly insignificant actions is so much more emotionally impactful, and it’s a skill that I’m sure I will be working to improve until I die!

Elizabeth Berg and Anne Rice: Although very different stylistically, the thing I admire about both women is the lushness of the way they write.  Their descriptions and internal character monologues are delicious.  Diving into one of their books feels like lowering yourself into a warm bubble bath – luxurious, indulgent.  I dream of being able to command language that way!

Caryl Rivers: If you haven’t read her novel Virgins, you are doing yourself a huge disservice! 🙂  What I try to emulate about her writing is her use of humor to move characters forward.  Her books are raucously funny, but the jokes are never there just to get a cheap laugh.  Every funny thing a character says reveals something deeper about who they are, and what they feel about the other characters and the world at large.

Stephen King: I think horror writers and romance writers have this in common – they don’t get taken seriously as true geniuses of contemporary literature, no matter their brilliance, and this is true of Stephen King.  He is utterly mesmerizing.  The thing I try to emulate most about his writing is how he connects the character and the reader nearly instantaneously.   A character may exist in the story for less than a page, but as a reader, you still feel that you know them. They’re memorable.  They’re relatable.  You know who they are.  If they are in danger, you feel the stakes.

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

Here’s another answer for which I’ll separate out my response from Shawna’s. 🙂

Shawna is keen to read Rush by Maya Banks, and Gone Girl by GIllian Flynn.  (Which I’ve been pushing on her since summer! LOL.  But she’s gonna love it!  IT’S SO GOOD!)

As for me, I’ve been (im)patiently waiting for almost two years for the fourth book in Greg Iles’ Penn Cage/Natchez series, The Bone Tree, to be released.  The author was in a car accident (Thank God he’s OK!) and it has delayed the release of the book.  It’s being released, I believe, this December and I’m so excited to read it, I can barely stand it. COME ON, DECEMBER!!!

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

I know the common wisdom is “Just write,” and that’s true, but I will go even beyond that.  I would tell them that being a writer is amazing.   It’s better than I ever dreamt it would be.  Are there challenges?  Of course.  But the rewards are worth it.   Sending your writing out into the world, hoping it connects with people, is terrifying.  But scary as it may be, it’s the best feeling in the world when someone reads your book and gets it.  You’ll never experience that if you don’t take the risk.

Lastly, if what is holding you back is the feeling that your voice and your art don’t have a place in the world because they aren’t yet perfect, let me leave you with the wonderful, wise words of This American Life’s Ira Glass:

“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take a while. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”

 

Learn more about the ladies here: 

Website: http://melanieshawn.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/melanieshawnbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanieshawn

Learn more about the The Hope Falls Series HERE

 

 

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Interview & giveaway with Mina Khan

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Mina Khan to the blog today..

Mina Khan is a Texas-based writer and food enthusiast. She grew up in Bangladesh on stories of djinns (pronounced “gins”), ghosts and monsters. These childhood fancies now color her fiction. She daydreams of hunky paranormal heroes, magic, mayhem and mischief and writes them down as tales of romance and adventure.

Her first published work, The Djinn’s Dilemma, won the novella category of the 2012 Romance Through The Ages (published) contest.

Fifty percent of the proceeds from her second novella, A Tale of Two Djinns, is donated to UNICEF for education.

Her newest release, DEAD: A Ghost story, is NOT a romance. It’s a multicultural ghost-story that highlights a little known aspect of the immigrant experience.

For more information check out her:

Amazon Author Page | Blog : Stories by Mina Khan | Facebook Author Page | Twitter: @SpiceBites

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Mina: Yes. I have written since I was a child and always wanted to be an author.

Are you a plotter or a punster or combo of both?

Mina: I consider myself an organic writer. I get an image or idea stuck in my head and start writing. About four chapters into the book, I’ll stop and write a synopsis, which helps figure out the rest of the story.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I have to have nuts to snack on when I’m writing.

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

Mina: A Tale of Two Djinns, which is celebrating its first book birthday, is an exotic Romeo & Juliet tale with warring genies, feminists, kick-ass action and sexy adult fun.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Lol, I always hated Romeo & Juliet’s ending, and I wanted to give them a happily-ever-after. Of course, first I had to make sure the hero & heroine earned the HEA! 😀

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

The Djinn in the Mirror, which is scheduled for a late spring release, plays on question: What if Cinderella had to deal with a wicked sexy genie instead of a fairy godmother? Lol, yes writing it has been a lot of fun…now I’m in the middle of edits.

I’m also working on an erotic contemporary about an emotionally damaged artist who falls for his model.

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

Mina: Lois McMaster Bujold because I love her Vorkosigan saga. The entire series is awesome. Patricia Briggs because I love her werewolves! Sorry, I just couldn’t limit myself to one.

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

Believe in yourself, work on your craft and never give up on your stories.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Taking a hot air balloon ride in Africa.

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

Stephanie Draven’s “Love Me Or Leave Me.” It’s got history and passion, two things I adore.  Also, Laurell K. Hamilton’s next Merry book whenever it’s coming out.

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

The Life of Pi. The movie version is awesome too.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

Fall. I just love the colors, smells, chill in the air, and ingredients in season…um, yes, I love to cook. J

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

Nathan Fillion. I know I’d SQUEE, but then I hope I’d charm him with my wit and grace…a girl can hope!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Mina: Thank you so much for having me over Kelly and for the fun interview. I would love to give away digital copies of my first genie romance, THE DJINN’S DILEMMA, to two of your readers.

 

Amazon /  B&N / Kobo

Akshay, warrior prince of the earth djinns, earns the title of Crown Prince at a high cost when he loses his best friend in a battle against ancient enemies, the water djinns. Heartsick, he escapes to Earth to mourn and lose himself in drink

Nothing gets the biological clock ticking (and elders lecturing) like almost dying in battle, so Maya, princess of the water djinns, travels to Earth for some no-strings-attached sex to fulfill her duty and produce an heir. But the beautiful and tough warrior gets more than she bargained for when she meets Shay.

Their not-so-simple one-night stand is interrupted by assassins and the world, as they know it, is changed forever. As Maya and Shay pull together to survive, both are determined to have their happily-ever-after and bring peace to their worlds — warring families, shadow assassins, and nosy busybodies be damned.

 Fifty percent of the proceeds are being donated to UNICEF.

Also check out : 

Mina’ quarterly newsletter with release updates and inside information on the stories, HERE

And see the rest of Mina’ Tour stops here

TALE OF TWO DJINN

Anniversary Blog Tour

3/08 – 3/22

 

3/11 – Alexx Mom Cats Gateway

3/12 – Scorching Book Reviews

3/13 – I Smell Sheep

3/14 – Books-n-Kisses

3/15 – Wicked Readings by Tawania

3/16 – Book Lovin’ Mamas

3/16 – My Reading Obsession

3/17 – Book Monster Reviews / Literal Addiction

3/18 – Victoria Danann’s Blog

3/19 – Salacious Reads

3/20 – Riverina Romantics

3/21 – Froggarita’s Bookcase

3/22 – Ramblings From This Chick

 

Ready for a giveaway??????

Mina has given me a copy of TALE OF TWO DJINN to givaway, winners choice of either paperback or ebook. 

So to enter please leave Mina a comment or questions.

Along with your EMAIL (so I can contact the winner)

giveaway will end 3/21.

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Interview & Giveaway with Catherine Mann

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have Catherine Mann on the blog today.  We are chatting about life, hot military men and her newest release Free Fall 

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

CM: I’m a military wife, mom of four stellar young adults, grandmother of one PERFECT grandchild, pet mom to four rascally critters, foster mom to Humane Society puppies … and I write.  A lot.  I’m lucky to have a very full life I enjoy!

Have you always wanted to be an author?
CM: I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember.  The dream to be a writer has always lurked in my mind.  It just took the supportive encouragement of my husband for me to make the leap and try my hand at penning my own novels.

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

CM: I set weekly work goals for myself keeping in mind the target date needed to finish my next book.  If I complete all my work by Friday, I get to take the weekend off.  If I don’t accomplish my goal, then I work weekends to catch up and stay on track.  It’s a hefty motivator for me to stay on pace during the week – and a motivator for my family to honor my work hours.  As for something I need while writing – I always have a Diet Coke within reach!

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
CM: Working at home presents a challenge in that folks tend to think I’m always available to chat or play, yet working from home also means I can stay in my PJs all day long if I choose – with a Diet Coke nearby, of course!

Can you please tell us about your latest book?
CM:  FREE FALL is book 4 in my “Elite Force” series about Air Force pararescuemen.  If you haven’t read the other three books, don’t worry.  FREE FALL can be read as a standalone.  However, if you would like to catch up with the other three, they are still available.  Book 1: COVER ME.  Book 2: HOT ZONE (a RITA Award finalist!)  Book 3: UNDER FIRE.

How did you come with the idea for this story?
CM: I’ve always been fascinated by the different job tasks of our military service members.  And the pararescumen are truly the elite of the elite –  with less than 400 of them in the world.  I had woven a pararescueman into an earlier book of mine – FULLY ENGAGED.  So when the opportunity came to write a series featuring the profession, I couldn’t resist!  It’s an honor to get to showcase their heroics.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?
CM: I’m currently working on book 5 in my “Alpha Brotherhood” series for Harlequin Desire – featuring a Formula 1 race car driver who also happens to do some freelance work for Interpol.

Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.
CM: FREE FALL, page 122.  Jose is explaining to Stella about how he become an alcoholic, how he sobered up, and yet how he still fears what he future hold for him. (Yes, you read that right.  The hero in this book is a recovering alcoholic.  I am curious about what reader feedback on Jose will be.)

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

CM:  Lisa Gardner’s TOUCH AND GO is on my Kindle now – I just have to find an evening I can stay up late, though, because I can never put her books down once I start reading.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
CM: I adore visiting with folks online.  I can be found almost daily at one of the following sites:

 

 

 

FREE FALL

BY CATHERINE MANN 

IN STORES MARCH 2013

Amazon  | Barnes and Noble |  Books-a-Million | IndieBound  | Chapters/Indigo | Discover a New Love | Sourcebooks

On This Mission, There Are No Accidents…

Pararescueman Jose “Cuervo” James is the guy they call for the most dangerous assignments. He lives for his job.

On a high-risk rescue deep in the African jungle, Jose encounters sexy, smart Interpol agent Stella Carson. They’d once had an affair that burned hot and fast, but family is everything to Stella, and Jose just can’t go there.

Fate has thrown them into the deadly hot zone together, and sparks will fly…but only if they can live to tell about it.

 *****

Praise for Free Fall:

“Catherine Mann writes an amazing combination of keen suspense, unique characters, and heart-stopping romance. I’m a fan!” —Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author of Savor the Danger

“Tense and dramatic… the chemistry is strong, the prose is tight, and the story never stops moving.” —Publishers Weekly

“Mann sweeps readers along with pulse-pounding suspense, passion and a full-out frontal assault of the senses that will keep readers gripping their seats…” —RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ Stars

A little bit more about Catherine: 

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Mann pens steamy military romances, with over two million books in print. She has won the prestigious RWA RITA Award and a Bookseller’s Best Award, and has finaled in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Maggie awards. Catherine resides with her husband, a retired Air Force colonel, in Florida. For more information for her entire series, please visit www.catherinemann.com.

Catherine and Sourcebooks are giving away a great prize for readers: a prize pack of the first three books in the Elite Force: That Others May Live Series (Cover Me, Hot Zone and Under Fire). Good luck!


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Interview & giveaway with Maggie Morton

Welcome to Books-n-Kisses Maggie, can you please share with us a little about yourself

My favorite pastime is reading, and I can’t think of a better way to spend a day, other than adding in the outdoors and a sunny, cloud-flecked sky. One of my main dreams is one of a future world where your orientation isn’t something that can be used against you, and I hope to live to see that world (things seem to be changing at a much faster pace in that arena). I also am a semi-Buddhist.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Pretty much – I’ve loved reading every since I learned how to do it, and I started making up stories as soon as my brain could manage it. I did want to be a ballerina at one point too, but that only lasted through pre-school.

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

Some of my favorite writers are Kurt Vonnegut, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Mike Carey (especially the novel he, his wife, and daughter just wrote, The Steel Seraglio), and Susanna Clarke. I’m not sure if any of them have influenced my writing directly, but I’m pretty sure that I’ve picked up bits and pieces of writing help from each of them.

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

I started writing in the erotica genre because a friend of mine suggested I try it, and I write about LGBT  characters because I feel that there isn’t enough fiction out there about us. I might someday write something without the erotic element, but for now I’m still enjoying it, and it’s great to be able to give all the characters I care about some fun under the sheets.

What are some of your writing rituals?

If I really, really can’t get myself to write, I’ll either meditate first or listen to some Buddhism advice. I find getting more centered gives me more hope in my ability to write. I also definitely get a lot of help from caffeine!

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

Dreaming of Her is my first published novel, and it’s a lesbian, erotic romance with fantasy elements. My two main characters , Isa and Lilith, meet in the dream world and begin to become interested in one another within that world.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I’m not really sure – my bigger ideas just pop into my head, usually, and then over time, I work on fleshing them out.

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

My second novel, Under Her Spell, is in the works – it’s also lesbian, erotic fantasy, and includes lots of magic both outside of the bedroom and in it, too (of course!).

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

My character Isa has just walked into a bathroom, where she sees an image appearing in the bathroom mirror – she gets ready to scream, and then she realizes the image in the mirror is her dream-woman, Lilith, who seems to be bringing her another lovely dream (a dream Isa hopes will include some sexual content).

What would you be if you were not an author?

I can’t imagine being anything else, actually – it’s such an important part of my personality that I wouldn’t be me without it.

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

I’m really looking forward to reading this year’s Best Lesbian Erotica (and no, not because it has a story by me in it!) and also Sexual Fluidity by Lisa M. Diamond.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Nope, other than a thank you for interviewing me!

Learn more about Maggie here:

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/maggielmorton

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormaggiemorton

Author Website: http://maggielmorton.blogspot.com/

Author GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3365845.Maggie_Morton

Giveaway

1 eBook copy of Dreaming of Her

To enter: Leave a comment or questions for Maggie

Make sure to leave your email address too

giveaway ends 03/17/13

 

 

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Interview & Giveaway with Victoria Danann

 

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

I own 7th House Publishing. I’ve been authoring and illustrating Seasons of the Witch calendars and planners for the past fourteen years. I’m married and have four grown children. I play Classic Rock music (keys, rhythm guitar, vocals) and manage Houston’s premier variety and R&B band.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes, but I waited until I was old and had something to say before I started writing.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Kresley Cole, Laurann Dohner, Olivia Cunning. Who do you feel has influenced your writing? Anne Rice, Isaac Asimov, Shakespeare

How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  I read A Hunger Like No Other and was hooked. Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre? I may do rock star romance at some point because I have the perspective of having actually been in a rock band.

What are some of your writing rituals?

I need quiet, time, and a keyboard.

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

A Summoner’s Tale is the third installment in the Black Swan saga and reads like the third act in a play. It’s a complicated story that centers on my beautiful, tortured vampire. Readers who like stripped down, “Dick and Jane” plots will not enjoy it. Readers who like multi-layered, non-formulaic presentation will love it.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

No idea.

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

The fourth installment – Moonlight: The Big Bad Wolf, BLACK SWAN 4 will release sometime in late Spring.  There are at least seven books in the series, but there may be more. We’ll see.

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

Trust me. That would not be helpful.

What would you be if you were not an author?

I have worked for airlines and managed travel agencies. I have been an evening wear designer with a showroom in New York and a clientele following from South America, Europe and New England. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom. I’ve owned and run a dance theater. I’ve been the utility player in a Classic Rock band (keys, rhythm guitar, some vocals). For the past fourteen years I have illustrated and authored Seasons of the Witch for 7th House Publishing, which I own. I have taught magickal arts through Seasons in Avalon. I was all of those things when I was not an author. What would I be if I wasn’t writing now? Lazy.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for? This is almost painful to say, but my old standbys are no longer exciting me. I’m shopping for new stimulation.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes. Thank you to all of you who took a chance on the first book of an unknown author. It was the thrill of my lifetime for my first book to be nominated for best paranormal romance of 2012 by the Reviewers’ Choice awards. I hope to continue to please readers and inspire them to tell their friends.

A SUMMONER’S TALE TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY

Victoria is giving away 7 copies of  The Order of the Black Swan COLLECTED TALES, Books 1-3.

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ORDER OF THE BLACK SWAN SERIES

 My Familiar Stranger: romancing the vampire hunters

(Black Swan #1)

Download for FREE: Amazon / Barnes & Noble  / iTunes / Smashwords

  A SECRET SOCIETY, MODERN DAY KNIGHTS, AND VAMPIRE LIKE NO OTHER come together in a dimension where chance intersects romance for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure proving that true love can find you in the strangest places, even far, far from home. 

Minutes ahead of inevitable assassination, Elora Laiken is forcibly transported to an alternate dimension similar, but not identical, to her own. She is stranded. Alone. Far from home. A stranger in a “strangish” land. Of course a girl could suffer worse problems than having gorgeous suitors. Perhaps more importantly, in the midst of an epidemic of vampire related abductions, can she stay alive long enough to choose between an honor debt, true love, or the breathlessness of single-minded passion?

My Familiar Stranger is a full length, stand-alone, Paranormal/Fantasy Romance novel that also sets up the foundation for the Black Swan series. It is loved by fans of paranormal romance, fantasy romance, and urban fantasy.

The Witch’s Dream: A love letter to paranormal romance

(Black Swan #2)

Purchase from: Amazon

From New York to Ireland to Edinburgh to Siena to the Texas Hill Country to Napa Valley, a secret society, a witch, a demon, a psychic, a berserker, an ex-vampire, modern day knights, heroes, werewolves, elves and fae come together where emotions intersect. The story maps a trail from rages to hunts to epiphanies, but, in the end, proves that true love can find you in the strangest places, when you’re least expecting it, even when you’re far, far from home.

He was left behind when Elora Laiken made her choice. Now he’s had it with love, but a transplanted witch who happens to be the world’s best tracker hopes she can change his mind.

The Witch’s Dream begins with B Team on temporary assignment to Black Swan headquarters in Edinburgh where they are supposed to fill in for stretched-thin resources and assist with a werewolf issue. They’ve been given permission to stop in Ireland for a few days and celebrate a handfasting at the palace in Derry.

When they reach Edinburgh, the afterglow of an elftale wedding quickly turns all business. A missing person report turns into a demon abduction. A simple werewolf sanction becomes a diplomatic issue requiring the one thing Elora is no longer willing to give – finesse.

Erotic quotient: 18+ Some steamy scenes. No menage. No BDSM.

 

A Summoner’s Tale: The vampire’s confessor

(Black Swan #3)

Just released on February 14, 2013

Purchase From: Amazon

THIS IS THE THIRD INSTALLMENT IN A SERIAL SAGA. Please read Book 1, My Familiar Stranger and Book 2, The Witch’s Dream FIRST!!

A secret society, a witch, a psychic, vampires, modern day knights, heroes, elves, fae, assassins from another dimension, and fairytales come together where emotions intersect.

Two souls, joined by a mystical bond, separated by distance, must simultaneously struggle through pain and darkness in an ultimate confrontation with character and an ultimate struggle for life proving that true love waits patiently through lifetimes and finds courage to survive.

Even in the strangest places. Even when you’re least expecting it. Even when you’re far, far from home.

*(Erotic quotient: A little steam. No menage. No BDSM.*

The Order of the Black Swan

COLLECTED TALES

Books 1-3

Just released February 14, 2013

Purchase from:

Amazon / B&N / Smashwords

These are single titles presented in a bundle, the first three installments of the serial saga presented in anthology form. There is no new content.

Discover a world of adult fantasy where modern day knights of a secret society interact with an alien, a witch, a demon, a psychic, a berserker, a most unusual vampire, werewolves, elves, and fae. Fairytales intersect adventure, romance, and emotion proving that true love can find you in the strangest places, even when you’re least expecting it, even when you’re far, far from home.

Included are:

Book 1, My Familiar Stranger: Romancing the Vampire Hunters. (Nominated for best paranormal romance of 2012 by the Reviewers’ Choice Awards.)

Book 2, The Witch’s Dream: A Love Letter to Paranormal Romance

Book 3, A Summoner’s Tale: The Vampire’s Confessor.

Erotic Quotient: 18+ Some steamy scenes. No BDSM. No menage.

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Interview & Giveaway with Laura Lee Nutt

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Laura Lee Nutt to the blog for her first visit.  

Laura, can you please share with us a little about yourself?

Sure, but first, let me say thank you, Kelly, for having me today. I really appreciate the opportunity to be here. Now, let me give a few interesting details you won’t find in my bio. I am 4 feet 8 inches tall and love being short except for the need to hem pants and skirts. I have two rambunctious boys and am about to try for a third or, if I’m lucky, a little girl to spoil with pretty things. I was born under a crescent moon but not so secretly wish it had been a full moon. It seems a full moon would have been more romantic and haunting. And finally, the evening my husband first told me he loved me and we shared our first kiss, the sun was setting beside us, further feeding my affection for special moments in life that hold true romance.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I have always wanted to write stories, but no, it was not always my goal to be an author. For several years, I thought of other occupations such as paleontology or chiropractic, seeing them at the time as both fascinating and more financially practical. However, deep down, I think I always wanted to write. Eventually, I accepted the fact rather than fighting it. I’m much happier I went into storytelling.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

My characters, at least most of them, literally develop minds of their own. If they are not leading the story off in one unexpected direction or another, I’m not listening to them hard enough. Sometimes, my husband will inform me of something a character feels, thinks, desires, or is planning that I consciously had not realized. A few years ago, he flat out told me that a villain, Emile Benderique, in one of my books was lying to me about his motivations because he was uncomfortable with anyone knowing his true desires. I started to argue, then stopped and gaped because my husband was absolutely correct. This may sound a bit schizophrenic, but rather, I think it’s the mark of characters well and truly developed.

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

Red and the Wolf is about Little Red Riding Hood grown up and how she overcomes the terrors the childhood “wolf” attack inflicted on her. She must accept herself, including the curse left on her from the attack, and the love of the huntsman who rescued her long ago. But she has to manage all this before the local nix, a German-style freshwater merman, takes over her village and before a heroic hunter of all things monstrous and unnatural executes her and the huntsman. Only then can she truly gain her real happily ever after.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

In January of 2011, I was sick for about two weeks. To keep myself from going stir-crazy, I wrote the first draft of Red and the Wolf. I no longer recall what the initial idea that started the whole story was, but I’ve always loved fairy tales, which frequently influence my writing. This time, though, I did not want to just retell the story. Plus, it made no sense to me how a child of ten or twelve could undergo such horrors and not come out emotionally scarred. Thus, I sought to tell a story that had a touch more realism for all I included werewolves in this one. I was in the mood for romance and wanted the wonder of fairy tales and fantasy.

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

Right now, I’m working on the sequel to Red and the Wolf. Currently, it’s titled Gretel and Her Ghost. Like Red and the Wolf, I took a well-known fairy tale and extrapolated into the future, asking what would happen if there had not really been a happily ever after? How would these characters deal with the logical difficulties they faced from their childhood fairy tale encounters, and how might they find happiness in the end? In this case, Gretel is desperate to marry and have a normal life, but Hansel, who never truly recovered from nearly getting eaten by the witch, sabotages her every attempt. When a mysterious man comes to town to seek her aid in rescuing other children trapped in the candy house, she must make some of the hardest choices of her life, but ones that have the possibility to at last set her free.

I also recently finished a novel starring Karl Kaismann, one of the antagonists from Red and the Wolf. It’s a historical urban fantasy that I will soon start shopping around among editors and agents. In this novel, I drew upon the haunting legends of the Lorelei Rock on the Rhine River in Germany about a beautiful maiden deprived of her true love and a nixie, a sort of nymph-like creature, who causes ships to crash beneath the rock’s deadly foot. Karl naturally gets caught up in the legend and must save a town that despises him, choose between his heart’s desire and the lives of thousands, and come to terms with his destiny.

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

Peter S. Beagle. His book The Last Unicorn is my favorite of all time. Each time I reread it, it recaptures my heart with its beautiful language, fantasy, heroism, tragic love, and contrasts of light and dark. It encapsulates so much of what I love most in stories.

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

Beyond the obvious “write and keep writing,” there is no right way to write or get published. There are some ways that are less effective and some that are dangerous–check out Predators and Editors for some of those–but don’t let anyone tell you that you have to get into the business or write one specific way. Educate yourself about the industry and craft, and always keep learning. Be humble. Take chances. Be patient and persistent. Don’t let opportunities slip by. But above all, do your best and be true to yourself, whatever that is.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

Tour Europe, and I don’t mean one of those two or three week tours. I mean I want to take at last three months, maybe a year, and really experience it. I want to visit all sorts of historical sites, soak in the culture and the countryside, and perhaps find a ghost or two as long as they’re not too frightening. I want to see where my ancestors came from, and there’s a castle in Scotland that used to belong to my clan, MacNaughton, that I’d like to see in person.

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

Oh, wow, that’s a big list. Let me name a few off the top of my head. Both my critique partners, Jessi Gage and Mae Clair, have books coming out this year that I’m looking forward to. I can’t wait to see how Jessi’s Road Rage has changed since those first initial idea talks we had, and I have not yet had the pleasure of reading Mae’s Twelfth Sun. Stina Leicht should have a new book soon, though I don’t know exactly when. I’ve been reading her The Fey and the Fallen series and enjoying it immensely. Peter S. Beagle’s stort story collection Sleight of Hand is also on my list as well as anything by Patricia Briggs or Jim Butcher. Amy Raby’s Bronze Age fantasy Assassin’s Gambit, which comes out in April will soon join that pile of to-reads. Cecilia Grant’s A Lady Awakened was absolutely superb, probably one of the best romances I’ve ever read, so I have high hopes for its sequel, A Gentleman Undone.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes. First, thank you so much for hosting me today, and thank you to all your readers who stopped by and stayed to learn a bit about me and my new release, Red and the Wolf. Second, everyone make sure to stop by my blog to get the full details of my Release Week Giveaway.

Learn more about Laura here: website  | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Amazon Kindle | Barnes and Noble Nook |   I-Tunes |  Lyrical Store

They said Little Red Riding Hood lived happily ever after. They lied.

Six years after the attack at her grandmother’s cottage, Blanchette still wilts at the sound of a wolf’s howl. The scent of pine rising from the Black Forest surrounding her home is a constant reminder of the beast’s assault and the injury it left on her finger. After years spent hiding away, Blanchette’s world tilts when she wakes–naked and without memory of the previous night–in the forest, instead of behind the safety of her closed shutters.

Since rescuing Blanchette and her grandmother, huntsman Heinrich has befriended her family by day, and keeps watch as a powerful wolf over his territory by night. Sinister otherworldly creatures constantly threaten his domain and the human village he protects.

When the emperor sends a hunter to investigate the attack and slay any inhuman beings, Heinrich must tread carefully and protect not only himself, but his newly-discovered mate, who prowls the moonlit nights alongside him. He must also determine who is responsible for a string of murdered villagers, proving he can control his lupine nature and offer protection to the village, rather than danger.

CONTENT WARNING: Vengeful fae, dark magic, vicious murder, moral quandaries, explicit sex, and tragic honor.

Giveaway 

For Red and the Wolf’s release week, Laura is  hosting a giveaway.

There are several ways to earn chances to win one of two prizes, an e-copy of Red and the Wolf and an adorable Annette Funicello Collectable Bear Co. Little Red Riding Hood valued at $105.

You have from Monday, March 4th, 12 AM central time through Sunday, March 10th, 11:59 PM central time to get as many points as you can.

Each point equals an additional time your name gets entered in the drawing for these prizes. Laura will announce the winners on her blog Monday, March 11th.

To begin with, you will earn your first point for the drawing by commenting on today’s post.

For more ways to earn points see Laura’s blog. Good luck!

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Interview & Giveaway with Macy Beckett

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have a new favorite on our blog today.  Please welcome Macy Beckett to the blog.  We are chatting life, new author crushes and Sultry Springs Texas

BnK:  Hi Macy, Welcome to Books-n-Kisses.  We are very excited to have you on the blog today.

Macy:  Thanks for having me. I’m thrilled to be here.

BnK: I have to tell you I am totally in love with you and your Sultry Springs Series.  You are officially one of my favorite new authors for 2013.

Macy: Aw, shucks. I love you, too. J

BnK: Can you tell us a little about your Sultry Spring Series?

Macy: My tagline for this series is “Welcome to Sultry Springs, where first loves find second chances.” The fictional town is quirky and composed of uber-religious Southern Baptists, but they’re a fun-lovin’ bunch. Maybe it’s not the kind of place I’d want to live, but it’s a great town to visit.

BnK: The Sultry Springs Series is kinda your debut series into the world of romance right?  Do you have any other book published?

Macy: Book one, SULTRY WITH A TWIST, was my romance debut. It wasn’t the first book I wrote—that was ALIENATED, coming Feb. ’14 from Disney Hyperion—but it was the first to sell. Now that A SHOT OF SULTRY is available, I have two books out in the world. By the end of 2014, I’ll have seven!

BnK:  How did you come up with the idea for Sultry Springs?

Macy: It came to me in the shower, where I get most of my ideas. There’s just something about that warm water…

BnK: I have had the honor to read the first 2 books (Sultry with a Twist and A Shot of Sultry) which I totally loved!!  I also know that book 3, Surrender to Sultry, is coming in August 2013.  Do you have more books planned after Book 3? If not, what is next for you?

Macy: As of now, I’ve decided to conclude the Sultry Springs series with book 3. That may change, depending on the popularity of the series. I have a new set of romances coming in 2014 from Penguin, beginning with PREMARITAL HEX, and my ALIENATED series will also launch in 2014.

BnK: What would you do if you didn’t write?

Macy: Oh, Lordy. I’d probably be teaching junior high again. Don’t make me go back! 😉

BnK: Let’s open A Shot of Sultry to a random page and tell us what is happening.

Macy: Fun! Okay, I’m opening to page 194, where Trey is chatting with his best friend, Luke. (The hero from book 1). Luke confides that his wife has baby fever, and here’s Trey’s reaction: “Oh, snap.” Well, hell. That’d take the jingle out of any man’s junk. “Too bad there’s no Tylenol for that.”

BnK: What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone who is trying to get published?

Macy: Don’t rush it—publishing is an exercise in patience. Take your time and learn the craft.

BnK: Please tell us something you have on your bucket list?

Macy: I’d love to return to Europe. I graduated from high school in Munich, and I haven’t been back since. I miss it!

BnK:  Again, Macy it was a true pleasure to have you on the blog.  I hope that everyone loves you as much as I do.  I am super excited for book 3!  We do hope you will come back for Surrender to Sultry release.

Macy: Thanks again for having me, and I hope you enjoy book 3 as much as I loved writing it.

 

A SHOT OF SULTRY

BY MACY BECKETT

IN STORES MARCH 2013

Amazon | Barnes and Noble |  Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Chapters/Indigo | Discover a New Love | Sourcebooks

Welcome to Sultry Springs, Texas: where home can be the perfect place for a fresh start.

For West Coast filmmaker Bobbi Gallagher, going back to Sultry Springs is a last resort. But with her career in tatters, a quick trip to her hometown might get her the footage she needs to salvage her reputation. She just can’t let anything distract her again. Not even the gorgeous contractor her brother asked to watch over her. As if she can’t handle filming a few rowdy Texans.

Golden boy Trey Lewis, with his blond hair and Technicolor-blue eyes, is a leading man if Bobbi ever saw one. He’s strong and confident and–much to her delight–usually shirtless. He thinks keeping his best friend’s baby sister out of trouble will be easy. But he has no idea of the trouble in store for him…

Praise for A Shot of Sultry:

[A] heartwarming, humorous story of second chances… sweet at its core. A strong continuation of this promising series. —Publishers Weekly

Beckett’s foray into love in a small town bounces from funny to endearing to poignant… —Booklist

A sweet yet steamy read… Readers will be left with smiles on their faces and more than ready for more of this quirky little town. —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

Brimming with rapier wit and heartwarming moments… Packed with humor and heart. —Fresh Fiction

 

A little more about Macy: 

Macy Beckett left teaching to write hot and humorous romances. (No offense to her former students, but her new career is way more fun!) She lives just outside Cincinnati with her husband and three children, and is an active member of two Romance Writers of America chapters. Look for Sultry with a Twist, book one in the Sultry Springs series in stores now, and the third delightful book, Surrender to Sultry, in August 2013. For more information, please visit www.macybeckett.com, Like her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMacyBeckett, and follow her on Twitter, @MacyBeckett.

 

Macy and Sourcebooks are giving away a copy of Sultry with a Twist, book 1 in the Sultry Springs Series!

Please leave a comment or questions for Macy below, and a random winner will be chosen. US and Canada only, Good Luck!

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Interview with Lindy S. Hudis

Can you please share with us a little about yourself

First of all, thanks so much for having me today. Well, I am a wife and mother of 2, a boy who is   5, and a girl who is 10. My husband is a stuntman who crashes cars for a living, so I lead a pretty exciting life.  Right now  we are producing our first feature film, a dark drama called “SkateGod”. We own a film production company, so we are plugging away right now.  www.ImpactMotionPictures.com

Have you always wanted to be an author?

No, I actually wanted to be an actress. I studied drama at NYU, and came out to Los Angeles to try my luck. I wrote a book about that experience too…but you’ll just have to wait for that one to come out….Then I went into film distribution for a little  while, then had my babies, then got back into film production again. Writing has always been a fantasy of mine, so one day I just did it!

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

I write when it’s quiet, seriously. I wait for the kids to be at school then I can write. Sometimes I have a bit of music, but very softly.  I have to be in the right  frame of mind to get writing, then I can’t stop.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing.

Staying focused, and not letting myself get tired.  Sometimes I just become a bit lost in the characters, or sometimes I can’t seem to focus at all – I guess  that is called writer’s block? I try to avoid that. Sometimes my brain just goes  into total sensory overload.

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

“Crashers” is a work of crime fiction about a trio of young people who get caught up in the seedy world of auto insurance fraud by staging car accidents.

“Weekends” is a romance/suspense about a family who gathers at a beautiful beach resort for the weekend while a deranged killer is on the loose.

“The S & M Club” is an erotic short story anthology about a beautiful lesbian couple who experience the pleasures and forbidden world of bondage.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

For “Crashers” I was a victim of auto insurance fraud, so I came up with that idea. I learned that there are criminals out there who do this kind of thing for a living.  So I wrote about those people, who must be horrible desperate. “Weekends” and “The S&M Club” were actually just fantasies of mine, however I did work in a bondage club in Los Angeles for a short while.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

“Skate God” our feature film – it’s about a skateboarder who lives in a frightening, dystopian world who discovers he is a Greek God. That has been taking up most of my energy. I also have my next novel, “City of Toys” that I wrote about my life as a struggling actress in Hollywood.  Here is a link to an announcement in Daily Variety about our film “Skate God”. This is what has been keeping me busy.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118064993/

Who are some of your favorite authors?

There are so many – it is hard to choose.  For fiction I am a huge Stephen King fan, and for non-fiction  I would have to say Norman Vincent Peale – I am a big believer of the power of positive thinking.  It has gotten me through some pretty hard times.

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

I love how graphic Stephen King is, yet he lets the reader use his or her imagination as well, he is just so prolific and creative. Although I don’t write horror, I do admire his style.  He can be very gritty and emotional, and I am very inspired by that.

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

My “To Read” pile is so huge right now.  I just finished a wonderful book called “The Spring of Unexpected Circumstances” by Charles Shea LeMone.  I am a big fan of Charmaine Hammond and her delightful book “On Toby’s Terms.” Our company is planning on making that book into a film too.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Keep writing, don’t stop! Please visit my website at

www.CrashersBook.com or find me on Facebook  & Twitter. Thank you for having me….

 

Two beautiful women explore the sadistic and sensual world of bondage and discipline at an exclusive Los Angeles underground bondage club. Devon is a Mistress, Desiree is a novice Submissive. When Devon meets Desiree sparks fly between them as they embark into uncharted territory—each other. Devon makes Desiree an offer she can’t refuse—to travel around the world living out all of her sexual fantasies. But first things first. They have to get to know each other and find out their deepest desires. In this first installment—fantasy and reality blend as Devon and Desiree share their erotic exploits and naughty secrets.

 

Buy Links

 

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Interview with Tara Sue Me

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome first time guest Tara Sue Me to the blog today.

Tara, can you please share with us a little about yourself?

I’m just your average working mom. My close friends know me as being rather introverted with a dry sense of humor. I’m most comfortable in yoga pants and a tee, and believe whoever invented panty hose was a sadist.

Bnk:  Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes, always! I wrote poems and short stories in middle school. At twelve I wrote my first attempt at a novel.

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

I typically don’t write until the kids are in bed, just too much risk for someone to be reading over my shoulder. I’m not too particular, I can write just about anywhere. Usually I have to move a dog or two out of my chair, though. It’s difficult to write when the puppies want to cuddle.

Bnk:  Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most rewarding part for me are those “AH HA!” moments you have when you’re in the middle of a scene and everything falls into place. It’s especially gratifying when you finally understand why something happened earlier in the book even though it made no sense at the time.

Bnk:  Can you please tell us about your latest book?

THE SUBMISSIVE is about Abby King, a librarian determined to be Nathaniel West’s newest submissive. He makes it clear from the beginning that his rules don’t allow for more than a mutually agreed upon pleasure, but they both discover that love doesn’t play by the rules.

Bnk:  How did you come with the idea for this story?

I often joke that the story found me. The first chapter was extremely vivid and I found that once I wrote it down, the rest of the story followed quickly. I’ve been writing for six years and in that time, I’ve never had a story flow so freely.

Bnk:  Can you share with us your current work in progress?

Sure! I’m working on a new BDSM series that follows three couples. Each book tells the story of one couple. I’m still learning all the details myself, but it’s been a lot of fun writing so far.

Bnk:  Who are some of your favorite authors?

Karen Rose, John Gilstrap, and Diana Gabaldon.

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

I’m sure they’ve all inspired bits and pieces, but to say exactly what part? I don’t think I could point to any one thing.

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

Okay, let’s see. On this page Abby is meeting her best friend Felicia at a spa. Abby’s just had the most mind-blowing, intense sex the night before. Felicia doesn’t agree with Abby’s decision to be a submissive, so she changes the subject after realizing she doesn’t want to hear Abby’s answer to, “How was your night?”

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

I’m counting down the days until THE MISTRESS by Tiffany Reisz releases!

Bnk: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for having me today!

You can find out more about Tara here:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads

 

 

Amazon  |B&N

Book One of the Submissive Trilogy
More than 8 Million Reads Online
“The first in Tara Sue Me’s seductive and scandalous series that has enthralled millions…”
Abby King has a secret fantasy.
New York knows Nathaniel West as the brilliant and handsome CEO of West Industries, but Abby knows he’s more: a sexy and skilled dominant who is looking for a new submissive. Yearning to experience a world of pleasure beyond her simple life as a librarian, Abby offers herself to Nathaniel, to fulfill her most hidden desires.
After only one weekend with the Master, Abby knows she needs more, and fully submits to Nathaniel’s terms. But despite the pleasure he takes in Abby’s willing spirit, the Nathaniel hidden behind the rules remains cold and distant.
As Abby falls deeper into his tantalizing world of power and passion, she fears that Nathaniel’s heart may be beyond her reach–and that her own might be beyond saving

 

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Interview & Giveaway with Katie Reus

Books-n-Kisses is so happy to have our pal Katie Reus back on the blog today to chat about her upcoming release Mating Instinct. 

BnK: Hi Katie, Welcome back to Books-n-Kisses.  We are always happy to have you on the blog again.

Katie:  I love visiting so thanks so much for having me here!

BnK: For my followers who may not know you.  Please tell us a little more about yourself.

Katie: I’m a writer, a mom, a wife, and a lover of books! Really good red wine and dark chocolate are two of my weaknesses. I’m a total action movie junkie, wear flip-flops year round and rarely leave home without my kindle. I spend my days writing dark paranormal romance and action-packed romantic suspense—usually while wearing yoga pants.

BnK:  Let’s talk about your newest release Mating Instinct. Tell us a little about this book.

Katie: I’m so excited about this release! It’s the third book in the Moon Shifter series and full of so much sexual tension and angst between the two main characters. The official description explains what it’s about perfectly:

As the beast within struggles to break free, he must learn to be what she needs…

Surviving for centuries, powerful lupine shifter Jayce Kazan managed to stay away from humans until he met Kat Saburova and was consumed by the need to protect her. But while Jayce shared his passion with the human seer, he refused to make her his bondmate—a refusal that caused the end of their relationship.

A year later, an attack that left Kat near death has resulted in another lupine shifter turning her. Furious that he wasn’t the one to save her, Jayce is determined to show Kat that he is the one she should rely on. But the newly turned shifter is still traumatized and worried that she’ll hurt those she loves, unless she can learn to control her inner wolf.

And as Jayce struggles to protect Kat from her own worst instincts and convince her to rekindle their love, the extremists who almost killed her are looking to finish the job…

BnK:  What was the hardest and most rewarding part of writing Jayce & Kat’s story?

Katie: About halfway through Alpha Instinct (book 1), I knew Jayce and Kat would be getting a story so the most rewarding part was when I finished that first rough draft. I put so much emotion into Mating Instinct and it’s definitely one of my more character driven books so just finishing it was a giant relief. The hardest part…hmm, injecting all the emotion that was necessary for these two characters to get past their own bullshit and baggage and find happiness.

BnK:   Open Mating Instinct to a random page.  Give us a few lines and tell us what is happening.

Katie:

Jayce continued to stare at her, his chest falling and rising erratically. Oh, yeah, she’d pissed him off really good.

“Get. On. My. Bike.” The words tore from his chest with apparent difficulty.

She really should just give in. Especially when he was in a mood like this. But she wasn’t in the mood to be passive or appeasing. She was in the mood to fight. “No.” With her gaze still on him, her eyes mocking, she pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. Before she had a chance to call someone for a ride, Jayce plucked it from her hand and shoved it in his front jeans pocket.

Kat stepped toward him until they were inches apart and held out a hand. “Give me my phone.”

“If you want it, come get it.” He lifted a dark eyebrow in challenge.

Swallowing hard, she looked at the front of his jeans where the bulge of her phone was. Yeah, that so wasn’t happening.

I love this scene! This is near the beginning of the book and the first time Kat and Jayce have spoken to each other since the events that unfolded at the end of Primal Possession (book 2). They’re both full of anger, but the sexual tension between them ignites as soon as they see each other again.

BnK:  What is next in the Moon Shifter Series?

Katie: His Chosen Wolf, novella 3.5, and Avenger’s Mate, book #4. Both of these stories take place in New Orleans. HCW features characters not yet introduced, but their story is uber hot and full of a lot of supernatural action! It’s a pre-cursor to the events that start off Avenger’s Mate, which is Erin and Noah’s story. If you’ve read the first couple books in the series then you know who they are and I’m insanely excited about this book too. It takes place in a city I adore and in addition to a critical investigation they’re part of, they’ve got a lot of stuff to work through before they can find their HEA (there’s also a sweet secondary romance). It’s a very raw story with some issues I think a lot of women will be able to relate to.

BnK: Katie, I know you have a lot of irons in the fire.  Tell us about your other new releases Tempting the Jaguar and Enemy Mine.

Katie:  These are both paranormal novellas so the stories are really tight and focused on the two main characters. For the brief descriptions: Tempting the Jaguar is about Estrella, a packless jaguar shifter who finds herself being relentlessly pursued by the very sexy, protective wolf shifter, Rainer. For those who have read Destined Mate and Protector’s Mate, Rainer is Alaric’s youngest brother and he is delicious! Full details here.

Enemy Mine is a star-crossed romance about a shifter and vampire whose families are sworn enemies and I absolutely LOVE this story. I wrote this before it was even contracted because it was just one of those stories I needed to get on paper. Melina and Kiernan spent a hot night together a year before Enemy Mine starts and he’s tired of waiting on her to come to her senses and realize they’re meant to be together. When she’s attacked, he steps up and protects her, not caring what either of their families think. Full details here.

BnK:  You also have a romantic suspense series too (see I told you she was a busy girl).  Tell us a little more about your Red Stone Security Series.

Katie: I love my Red Stone men (and women!). The Red Stone Security group is a Miami-based security company that protects dignitaries and other wealthy people. All the employees who deal with the security side of things are former military or law-enforcement and are highly trained (and oh so sexy). The first three books feature the three brothers who run the company and the next two feature two of their very sexy male employees. All my guys fall hard and fast for their ladies and while they’re all uber alpha, none of them are jerks. I’m planning for the next book to release in April and it features my first RSS female security lead. She’s pretty badass so I’m excited to see how readers react to this one. Even though all the stories are tied together by Red Stone, they can be read as complete stand-alones.

BnK:  How do you keep so many books and characters from blending together?

Katie: Just like every person in my daily life is different, with amazingly different backgrounds and things that have shaped them, it’s the same with my stories and characters. To me, they’re ‘real’ in a sense because they’ve all got unique quirks and views on life. As far as keeping everything organized, I have a very detailed Excel spreadsheet for each series I write that helps me keep track of familial relationships, different plot threads, etc.

BnK: What is the best advice you ever got about becoming a writer?

Katie: Oh wow, this is hard! I’ve received so much great advice it’s hard to pick one thing, but learning to move past rejections quickly was something I was advised about many times. And all those people knew what they were talking about! I’ve learned not to dwell on the negative and instead focus on the positive. I’m too busy writing to worry about things I can’t change.

BnK: Katie, it was a pleasure to have you here again.  Is there anything we forgot to talk about that you would like to add?

Katie: I think we covered a lot so thank you again for having me as a guest!

 

A little more about Katie: Katie has been reading romance since a young age—ever since she discovered her mom’s hidden stash. Luckily the addiction stayed with her into adulthood. She writes paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense for Carina Press, Harlequin Nocturne, and NAL/Signet Eclipse. To learn more about her please visit her website, blog, facebook or find her on twitter @katiereus.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY

Katie is giving away a signed set of the MOON SHIFTER series (All 3 books – Alpha Instinct, Primal Possession and Mating Instinct), Romance Trading Cards (for Alpha Instinct, Lover’s Instinct & Primal Possession) and a custom made wolf themed book thong to ONE lucky winner that follows the tour. Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway:

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*****

Mating Instinct
Book 3

NAL/Signet Eclipse

Release Date: March 5, 2013

As the beast within struggles to break free, he must learn to be what she needs…

Surviving for centuries, powerful lupine shifter Jayce Kazan managed to stay away from humans until he met Kat Saburova and was consumed by the need to protect her. But while Jayce shared his passion with the human seer, he refused to make her his bondmate—a refusal that caused the end of their relationship.

A year later, an attack that left Kat near death has resulted in another lupine shifter turning her. Furious that he wasn’t the one to save her, Jayce is determined to show Kat that he is the one she should rely on. But the newly turned shifter is still traumatized and worried that she’ll hurt those she loves, unless she can learn to control her inner wolf.

And as Jayce struggles to protect Kat from her own worst instincts and convince her to rekindle their love, the extremists who almost killed her are looking to finish the job…

 

Amazon (paperback) / Amazon (Kindle) / Barnes & Noble (paperback) / Barnes & Noble (Nook)
BAM / Book Depository / Indie Bound Books / Kobo Books (coming soon)  / Penguin


MATING INSTINCT Blog Tour 

2/11 – Curling up with a Good Book

2/12 – Dark Faeire Tales

2/13 – Mad Hatter Reads

2/14 – The Jeep Diva

2/15 – I Smell Sheep

2/16 – Sizzling Hot Books

2/18 – Reading Between the Wines

2/19 – Bookin’ It Reviews

2/20 – Rabid Reads

2/21 – Book Lovin’ Mamas

2/22 – Close Encounters with the Night Kind

2/23 – United by Books

2/23 – Ramblings From This Chick

2/24 – Book Monster Reviews

2/24 – Literal Addiction

2/25 – Salacious Reads

2/26 – Cocktails and Books

2/27 – Urban Girl Reader

2/28 – Books-n-Kisses

3/01 – Page Flipperz

3/01 – So Many Reads…So Little Time

3/02 – The Reading Café

3/03 – Under the Covers

3/04 – Paranormal Haven

3/05 – Vampires, Werewolves, Fairies Oh My!

3/06 – SOS Aloha Blog

3/07 – Total Book Nerd

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Interview with Miranda Stowe

Can you please share with us a little about yourself

Hi!!  Thanks so much for having me here today.  I’m a Midwest girl. One husband. One toddler daughter. No pets, or obsessive illegal habits, or sad, traumatic background. I’m just a normal, boring every day average woman who works in a university library during the day, and reads and writes whenever I can sneak in the time.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes, pretty much. I can remember wanting to be an author when I was in the first grade!

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I can’t write a story in order. I have to skip around to scenes that interest me at that moment. Is that interesting enough???

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

Mates Since Birth is an erotic romance shape shifter short story about the kids from the first two couples in the first two books in my Half-Breed Shifter series. See, the hero kind of accidently bonded himself to the heroine when she was like a couple minutes old (oopsie), so now they’re mated for life. This story picks up where he finds her after her father has hidden her from him for twenty years and they try to see if they can break the bond…only to realize, nah, they really don’t want to break it!

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Yeesh, I don’t know really. I went through a Sherrilyn Kenyon stage before writing this story and really, really liked the hook-up scene in her novella Stroke of Midnight. I now have a BIG thing for mated shape shifters ever since!

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

I really should be working on my next book in my half-breed shifter series since Mates Since Birth ends in a major cliffhanger, but I keep getting ideas for non-erotic stories. That’s okay, though, since I also publish non-erotic stories under my Linda Kage pen name. So…be on the lookout for some New Adult from Omnific Publishing later on this year!!

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

Julia Quinn. I love her stories, and I’ve seen some of her video interviews. She seems really fun and uplifting and inspiring in a romance writing sort of way.  I don’t know if I could meet her one-on-one (I’d be too shy and nervous). But listening to her give a speech in person would be epic!

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

Don’t Give Up!

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I want to see the ocean someday.

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

Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout. CAN. NOT. WAIT. It’s those books in a series that get you every time!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Um…thanks again for having me here and for your interest in my story! Happy Reading!