Category: Interviews

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Interview & Giveaway with Katie Reus

Books-n-Kisses is super, duper excited to welcome the wonderful Katie Reus to the blog today.  So excited to learn more about you Katie and you new book Alpha Instinct.

Thank you so much Kelly for having me here today!

1. Can you please share with us a little about yourself?

Katie: If you want the really condensed bio: I write romantic suspense and paranormal romance, live in the South, love red wine, the beach, spending time with my family and visiting old cemeteries. I love reading (no surprise!), flip-flops and have a seven month old son who is incredibly adorable and takes up a lot of my time nowadays. If you want something more official, check out my website: http://katiereus.com/about/
2. Have you always wanted to be an author?
Katie: No! This need to write took me by surprise about six years ago and I haven’t looked back since.
3. Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?
Katie: I don’t really have any ‘typical’ writing days anymore. I used to have a very strict schedule but with a seven month old in the house, I write on my laptop anywhere in the house now instead of at my desk. I usually write during naptimes and once my little man has gone to bed. I’ve seriously turned into a vampire. In the past year I’ve become very adaptable so the only thing I really need is a cup of coffee for my morning hour writing sprint. Other than that, I just need my computer 😉
4. Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
Katie: Most challenging: I loathe writing a synopsis of any book before writing the actual story. As in, I hate it so much I’d rather scrub my house from top to bottom and even iron, something that makes me shudder even thinking about. Rewarding: Reader mail! There’s nothing like receiving a sweet email from someone telling me how much they loved one of my books.

5. Can you please tell us about your latest book?

Katie: Alpha Instinctis the first book in a new paranormal series (Moon Shifter) now available from NAL/Signet Eclipse. This is the official back cover copy:
Fear has a scent. So does desire…
Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after all the males and most of the females in her pack were mysteriously poisoned. As tough as she is, with no Alpha male, the pack is vulnerable to the devious shifter Taggart, who wants to claim both their ranch and Ana as his own. When Connor Armstrong comes back into her life, promising protection, it’s almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before—and reluctantly accept his offer to mate.
The minute Connor sees Ana again, it reawakens a raw hunger. He must have her for his bondmate—his wolf cries out for it. But his human side knows he must proceed with caution because of their complicated past. If he is to truly have her body and soul, he must go beyond his burning desire and win back her heart. Whatever it takes, he is determined not to leave her side again.
But Taggart and his rival pack are not their only enemies. A human element in town is targeting shifters. Their plan not only threatens Ana and Connor’s future, but the lives of the entire pack…
6. How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Katie: It sort of evolved from my original intent. What was supposed to have been a simple paranormal novella grew and I realized that a lot of the characters needed their story told. When I finally let my characters take over, everything flowed from there.
7. Can you share with us your current work in progress?
Katie: I’m working on a novella for my editor with Harlequin Nocturne for their Cravings line.
8. Who are some of your favorite authors?
Katie: Linda Howard, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kaylea Cross, Laura Wright, Cynthia Eden, JR Ward, Lisa Marie Rice, Karen Marie Moning and Nalini Singh just to name a few.
9. Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style? 
Katie: Most of my favorite authors write about alpha males so I think it’s only natural that I write about the type of men I enjoy reading about. As far as actual voice, I think that’s pretty specific for each writer.
10. What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Katie: I’m dying to read Angel’s Flight by Nalini Singh. I think I’ve actually read at least one of the novellas in the recently released anthology, but there’s a new story in it featuring Galen and I’ve been foaming at the mouth waiting for his story to release.
If you’d like to find me online, check out my website, blog, facebook page, Goodreads or find me on twitter @katiereus
One reader who comments on today’s blog will be randomly selected to win a print copy of Alpha Instinct (US eligible only). Contest will be open until noon Central time on Saturday, March 3, 2012. Please leave your email address in the comments section. Good luck and thanks so much for stopping by!
Thanks again for having me!

Bnk: Anytime Katie, I look forward to reading Alpha Instinct.  I have heard nothing but GREAT things.   Please come back again.  

To enter the giveaway please fill out the Rafflecopter from below.  


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Interview & Giveaway with Stephanie Queen

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Stephanie Queen to the blog today. 
We are talking about her new book Playing the Game.  
1.    Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Here are some Tidbits:  My cat’s name really is Kitty, I only wear sunglasses when I’m outside, my chauffeur’s name is NOT James (I don’t know what his name is, but I call him Myren after one of my favorite Harlan Coben characters–for no good reason) and I still have not found a pink velvet divan, or I’d be reclining on it at this very moment.
2.    Have you always wanted to be an author?
Ever since the nuns made me write a story in second grade. I forget what the punishment was if I didn’t come up with something—but those nuns can be very compelling. I’m still coming up with stories xx years later.
NOTE:  The xx denotes a big bad secret that will never be divulged no matter what the punishment is.
3.    Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
I love Dr. Seuss, and about two or three thousand other writers. Gertrude Stein is the only writer who I can say categorically that I do not like. If she influenced my writing it’s because I was still recovering from the headache I got trying to decipher what she was trying to say.
4.    What are some of your writing rituals?
First, I throw some salt over my left shoulder, then I…oh, wait, you didn’t mean THOSE rituals, did you?
What I do is I make sure I have my slippers on, then I walk to my desk, sit in a chair, and start typing on my computer. Something eventually shows up on the screen in the form of a story.
NOTE: “Eventually” could be x years later.
5.    Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Playing the Game is about two of my favorite things combined, romance and sports (I bet you thought I was going to say chocolate and nuts). I had a blast doing the research, going behind the scenes of professional basketball, inside a TV studio, and taking a peek into volunteer charity work. It’s about a superstar who has to learn what’s important and the socialite accused of murdering her husband who ends up teaching them both a lesson. There’s more drama than funny in this one.
6.    How did you come with the idea for this story?
(See above: “two of my favorite things”)
7.    Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
The Hot Shots is a romantic comedy mystery with a dash of adventure. It’s book 2 in the Scotland Yard Exchange Program Series. The Hot Shots follows Sophia “the Pixie” from The Throwbacks into her own hot mess of an intrigue–and into romance with a Scotland Yard detective on the run.
8.    What would you be if you were not an author?
I’d be a very odd person hanging around the house in my slippers and talking to myself with no excuse at all.
9.    What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I can’t wait for Trish McCallan’s next release in her Forged series – she’s one of the brightest new romance writers I know (and I know MANY!).
10. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Another Tidbit:  I have a hard time taking interviews seriously, but I do take writing seriously and love to hear from readers.
Website:  www.StephanieQueen.com 
Twitter:  @StephanieQueen 
Facebook Page: Stephanie Queen
Playing the Game buy link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007BUD1VC/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!
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Interview with Ciara Lake

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Ciara Lake to the blog today… 

Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself. 
           
I am a mother of two wonderful boys.  They are very talented in music.  My oldest son plays the piano, the trumpet, banjo and guitar.  My younger son plays piano and saxophone.  We all sing.  I play around with the piano and violin. 
My daytime job is an attorney in Juvenile and Domestic court.  There is lots unhappiness in my job regarding people’s relationships.  Therefore, I really enjoy writing about lasting love.  About characters who just know, they are meant to be together.  Perhaps my writing is a form of therapy for me.  J  I want it to bring happiness to others too.
Q2)  Have you always wanted to be an author?
Since I was in high school, I wanted to write. I used to write short stories and thought about trying to write for magazines.  But I got busy going to college, then I had children.  I just never seemed to have the time.  One thing I have learned, you have to make time for yourself and for the things you love.
I had a teacher in High School, Karen Harper.  She was my English teacher.  She was starting with her writing and she inspired me.  I did well in her class and she was encouraging to me.  It goes to show how important a good teacher can be.
           
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
My favorite authors are:  Sherylin Kenyon, Christine Feehan, Lora Leigh and Charlaine Harris.  There are other authors I read regularly too, but these four are my favorite.  I would love to meet them. 
Q3) How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
           
I enjoy reading paranormal, fantasy and sci fi.  I love escaping into new and strange worlds.   These types of books just seem to catch my eye and keep me reading. The layers in these books on top of the characters are exciting. 
I enjoy creating unique worlds and with different people who are capable of new and interesting things.
However, I can see myself writing contemporary or historical.  I was a history teacher (at least I went to college to be one) then went to Law School.  So, I do have a love for history and writing about historical times would be enjoyable too.
Q4) What are some of your writing rituals?
           
I sit down in front of the computer and let my fingers move.  I let myself surrender to the story and it just flows out of me.  I have fun dreaming on the computer.  It comes alive. 
I drink a lot of coffee while writing.  Thus, Krevan Vallex became coffee drinker in The Triaxen.  Actually, coffee became very important to the Triaxen people, all because I was enjoying a good cup of Java.  J
Q5) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
           
I finished the next book in Xihirah, Tallusian Nights.  I am working on edits now.  I hope to turn in to Siren soon.  In Tallusian Nights, the war goes on between the Realmist and the rest of the universe.  The Xihirian military comes to the planet Tallusia’s rescue.  Princess Zalora Zimbali is rescued by Kael’s son, Val.  Val and Zalora have many heated nights in the wild forest of Tallusia.  In Tallusian Nights, Felix Tomron, the new leader of the Realmist encounters Val Braeden.  They clash.  Felix is out for revenge.  Val must save his family from Felix’s torment.

I’ve already planned out the next book, Fires of Zenite.  This next story will be about Val’s Uncle, Kade Braeden.   Kade is introduced in Tallusian Nights.   He is a bad boy prince who is about to meet his perfect mate and have his adventure and romance in the stars on a very hot planet in the midst of a war reaching its climax.  It always takes the right woman to settle a bad boy down and save him from himself.

Just before I started writing Tallusian Nights, I finished my first book in the Forsaken Series.  I’m writing this series with Author Patricia Bates writing under pen name Elise Whyles.   The series will feature a fantasy world filled with fantasy realms.  The series will have dragons, elementals, vampires, Krevellians, trolls, merpeople, Greek gods, Norse gods, the enchanted forest, and more.  Each book is a sensual experience for our readers.  Both Elise and I are very excited.  Beachwalk Press is our publisher.  The second in this series will come out in Spring Summer of 2012 Curse of the Dragon’s Claim.

Blurb:
            The world of the immortals exists parallel to ours.  It’s a world of magic, danger and mystery.  Immortals often travel to our realm. They live among us. 
           Vampires and Dragons have been at war for ages.  Innocent humans and immortals have died as a result.  Some unfortunate immortals have been forsaken to live ignorant as humans among us.  A beautiful Forsaken, Arianna Mergliano will discover she’s something more than she ever imagined. 
           Clayne MacDagon, a powerful dragon warrior embittered by his twin’s death is sent on a mission to find the dracvipen.  Seeing Arianna, he knows she is his fated mate.  Embracing this truth, he takes her as his own.  They suffer much at the hands of their enemies – nevertheless, their love helps them overcome all. 
            I just finished a book I’ve named An Angel for Avery.  It is the first book in the series Avery’s Angels, the sons of Aiden.  It’s a modern day story taking place in Maine.  Avery’s a pastry chef at an historic Inn.  Fresh out of college Avery’s lonely and has some struggles adjusting to her new life.  She’s far from her home and family.  One morning she wanders into Granny’s Cupboard on Bay Street.  There she finds a gorgeous cut glass antic ornament.  An angel with a huge sword sparkles grabbing her attention.  She purchases the ornament, makes a wish, and her life will never be the same.  I have not decided where I will be submitting this book and series. 
            Additionally, I am starting another series with Elise Whyles with the working title, Akvo the Waters of Life. This series is in early stages, so stay tuned for more information. 
Q6) How did you come with the idea for this story?
I do a lot of daydreaming.  I may hear something or experience something and a story is born.  I jot down names and ideas to come back to later. 
With Forsaken, Elise and I talked it out in brainstorming sessions.  New characters and ideas are born with each session.  I talk to Elise often about my ideas for other books too.  It is great to have someone to talk with, to bounce ideas off. 
Q7) Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
            I am currently working on the next in the Forsaken series, its working title is The Waves of Time. 
            This story is about a strong spirited environmentalist lawyer, Tabitha Lock.  Ms. Lock is defending a company alleged to be polluting the waterways.  A Merman, Jax Aquilla, also an environmental lawyer, for The Poseidon Firm, has an agenda regarding Ms. Lock and an intense dislike for the wasteful, careless, 21st century humans, who pollute our world.  Jax is very intolerant at first, yet Tabitha loosens him up a bit.  The two destined lovers start at odds, literally on opposite sides, but their love conquers their differences.  The intensity turns to passion.
Q8) What would you be if you were not an author?
Just me, as I was before, a mother, a daughter, a friend and an attorney for children and families.  I would be the same.  But being an author has brought a new and wonderful layer to my life.  I appreciate this opportunity to share my work with readers. 
Q9) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I look forward in reading any new releases from my favorite authors previously mentioned.  Or any new author who I find that writes paranormal, fantasy or sci fi.  However, to be honest, I have been so busy working at my day job and writing my various series, I have not been reading very much.  I need a vacation to just sit back and read.  I’ll go grab a bunch of books, download them to my Ipad and read, when given the chance.  My love to write started with my love to read.  This is really unlike me not to have a list of books in progress.  But, I have been devoting my time to creating my own stories when not in court or doing something with my children at home. 
www.ciaralakeromanceauthor.com 
www.ciaralakeromancebooks.com
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Interview & Giveaway with Dani Harper

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Dani Harper back to the blog!!!

Dani Harper is a newspaper editor turned paranormal author. There isn’t anything she likes better than exploring the supernatural — unless it’s writing sizzling and suspenseful romance. Of course, all of her stories have at least one foot in the netherworld.
Q1)  Can you please share a little about yourself?
Hi, I’m Dani and I absolutely LOVE all things paranormal. I used to have a tiny farm in northern Canada and now I live on an island in Alaska. My husband and I run a commercial salmon boat, and it’s been an adventure for me to learn about the ocean. I’m owned by two pugs, Fiona and Toby, and they’re snoring next to me as I type this. When I’m not writing, I love reading, painting, hiking, crafts, sewing and most of all, gardening.
Q2)  Have you always wanted to be an author?
Definitely! I’ve loved books from the time I could walk. And I knew that I wanted to be the one who made up the stories. When I grew up, I moved into newspaper and magazine writing, but as much as I enjoyed that, it still wasn’t my dream. I wanted to create, not report.
Q3)  What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I don’t know if it’s interesting, but I tend to talk out loud when I write. I also admit to making faces and assuming the expressions of the characters I’m writing about. This tends to make people look at me oddly when I’m writing at a coffee shop or at the airport.
Q4)  Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
My new release, CHANGELING DAWN, is book 3 in my shapeshifter series, but the story can stand alone. “Never judge a man by his species. Love, danger and archeology combine as human Josh and werewolf Kenzie work to rescue a shapeshifter child.”
Q5)  How did you come up with the idea for this story?
 
I’m never certain where the ideas come from. Usually it’s a case of characters suddenly popping up in my head. I can “hear” them talking to each other, and I know immediately what they look like and sound like and even what their names are. As far as the plot goes, I’m afraid I have to rely on the characters to reveal it to me – this can be pretty frustrating at times if they’re not forthcoming!
As far as wolfen shapeshifters, I think that may have been inspired by a real life event when I lived on the farm. One bright sunny morning, an entire pack of wolves loped across my yard in front of me. They were beautiful animals but what I remember most is that they seemed happy. It remains one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
Q6)  Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’m working on Book Four in my Macleod family Changeling series, and also beginning a new Changeling trilogy with brand new characters.
Q7)  Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
There are many authors whose work I adore, but I think if I only got to meet one, it would have to be Christine Feehan. Her Carpathian series introduced me to the paranormal romance genre. In fact, it was a short story “Dark Dream” in an anthology titled “After Twilight”. I was SO hooked by the Carpathian hero, Falcon, and the world that Feehan had created!  I would want to meet her just to be able to say “thank you”!
Q8)  What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
I’m still learning myself, but if I was going to give advice, the first thing I’d say is to read, read, read. Plus, I created a page on my website with some resources that might be helpful to a beginning writer. http://www.daniharper.com/FOR_ASPIRING_AUTHORS.html  
Q9)  Can you share with us something off your bucket list?
I’d like to visit the countries that my family came from, especially Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
Q10)  What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m a big fan of Patricia Briggs’ shapeshifters, and I’m waiting for the release day of Fair Game, the next book in her Alpha and Omega series. What I’m really dying for, however, is the third installment in the Dorina Basarab series by Karen Chance!
Q11)  Is there anything else you would like to add?
It’s been said that “romance readers are the nicest people” and I’ve found that to be true. I’m so grateful for their support! The best part of being a writer is that magical co-creative relationship with the reader – their imaginations make the characters live as much as mine does. And I have to thank the many book bloggers and reviewers who have generously shared my work with their fans. I’d never get the word out without them! Thank YOU, Kelly, for inviting me over to Books-n-Kisses today!
CONTACT
Website – http://www.daniharper.com
Facebook  – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dani-Harper-Fan-Page/174878995877026
Twitter – @Dani_Harper or go to https://twitter.com/#!/Dani_Harper
Blog – Way Past Normal http://waypastnormal.blogspot.com/

GIVEAWAY

Leave Dani a comment answering the following: “What’s your favorite paranormal being?” Please include an email address so you can be contacted if you win. A winner will be chosen at random from the comments on Wednesday, March 7, 2012.  Prize is a signed copy of Dani’s latest shapeshifter novel, Changeling Dawn.  Giveaway is International.
Fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  


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Interview with Cassandra Carr

Q1)  Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Cassandra:  I’m a mom of one daughter who’s three and a wife from the Western New York area. I started writing seriously in 2008 and sold my first novel in November 2010. Since then I’ve sold seven other works ranging from a short story to full-length novels.

Q2)  Have you always wanted to be an author?
Cassandra:  Not at all. I worked in corporate marketing for 15 years, but the job market for that is not great in this area, so I decided to try out something different. And here I am!

Q3)  Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?
Cassandra:  Heh. I wish I had a typical writing day. Since I stay home with my toddler (I only have part-time child care for her) there is no such thing. Basically, I write whenever I can. I’m not picky about where I write, what noise is around me, etc. If I was I’d never get anything done. I don’t listen to music while writing or watch TV – those two things do distract me.

Q4)  Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
Cassandra:  The most challenging for me is simply finding the time. The most rewarding is hearing from a reader about how much they loved my book. Believe us, readers, when we say we love to hear from readers, we aren’t kidding. Writers, by the very nature of what we do, are oftentimes alone. Getting a friendly (or gushing if we’re lucky) email can make our entire week.

Q5)  Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Cassandra:  Well, let’s see…Impact came out Feb 1st and is book 1 of the Buckin’ Bull Riders series. It follows Conner, who is a professional bull rider and closet Dom, and Jessica, who works for the tour and is a submissive. She tries to convince Conner he can have it all- a career, true love, and the BDSM lifestyle he craves.
Cold As Ice, Buffalo Intimidators book 2, comes out March 7th. This one is a ménage a quatre, with Luc, Jake, and Carter, who seduce massage therapist Eva. Eva’s been lusting after the guys but didn’t want to do something unprofessional. Plus, how could she pick just one gorgeous hockey hunk? It turns out, she doesn’t have to.

Q6)  How did you come with the idea for this story?
Cassandra:  For the Buckin’ Bull Riders series, I watched some of the professional bull riders tour (PBR). Incidentally, it’s on the same channel that carries a lot of hockey games. When I saw the excitement of the sport and some of the hot guys who ride the bulls, I was hooked.
As far as the Buffalo Intimidators series, I fully admit to having an unhealthy obsession intense focus on hockey. So I thought – wouldn’t it be cool to do an entire series that centers around a hockey team that has permanent ménage relationships?

Q7)  Can you share with us your current work in progress?
Cassandra:  Currently I have two projects in the first draft stage, and then others that are in edits, etc. The first project is Buckin’ Bull Riders book 3, Momentum (book 2, Collision, releases in April or May 2012). I’m about 27k through about a 50k story.
The other project is the first full-length book I’ve written since 2008. It’s the first of a five-book series focusing on IT geeks. I married a geek and I don’t think they get enough love.

Q8)  Who are some of your favorite authors?
Cassandra:  Oh gosh. I always hesitate to name people because I don’t want to leave anyone out, but I’ll say Lisa Kleypas, Maya Banks, and LA Witt. Three totally different authors writing three totally genres.

Q9)  Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
Cassandra:  Huh. I’ve never really thought of it. I’ve heard that although my sex scenes are graphic they’re a little more lyrical than some other authors, and I think that might be from reading Lisa Kleypas. But overall, probably not. I have my own voice.

Q10)  What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Cassandra:  *snort* I have, and I’m not joking here, well over 200 books in my TBR pile, and I keep buying more. Lately I’m on a m/m kick. There are far too many I’d love to start RIGHT NOW if I was able to.

Q11)  Is there anything else you would like to add?
Cassandra:   No, just that I had fun and I hope that if any of your readers do take a chance on one of my books and like it to please let me know! Here are all my links:
Website: http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/CassandraCarr
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr
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Interview & Giveaway with Dana M Burnett

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Dana M Burnett to the blog today.  

Dana Michelle Burnett spent most of her life writing short stories and sharing them with family and friends. Over the years, her work was published in numerous commercial and literary magazines  including Just Labs, Mindprints: A Literary Journal, Foliate Oak, and many more.  Her short story John Lennon and the Chicken Holocaust was include in The Best of Foliate Oak 2006.  
In 2010, Burnett’s first novel, Ghost Country, was released.  Based on her own Cherokee heritage, the novel marked her return to the literary world after a four year hiatus.  She followed that with the release of her first romance novel,Two Out of Three in the summer of 2011.

Spiritus is the first novel in her new  paranormal romance series by the same name. The second book,Haunted,  is expected in the spring of 2012.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

  1. Dana can you please share with us a little about yourself  I am a paranormal romance writer and the proud dance mom to a beautiful eight year old daughter.  We live in Southern Indiana, not far from where my novel Spiritus is set.
  2. Have you always wanted to be an author?  I think I was in elementary school when I went from wanting to be an actress to wanting to be a writer.  Why just act out someone else’s stories when I could write my own?
  3. Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?  I love Stephen King!  He has a way of describing things that put you right in the story.  I also love Anne Rice and her attention to detail.  My all-time favorite is Margaret Mitchell.
  4. How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?  I actually began my writing career as a literary author with some success, but then my daughter was born and life just got in the way of my work.  When I took over the family home décor business, I wrote a few decorating articles and those eventually became a book.  I went back to my roots of literary writing, but a few romantic story lines kept coming to me.  I started writing a contemporary romance and once it was finished, I moved on to Spiritus.  I think I have found my true calling in paranormal romance.
  5. What are some of your writing rituals? I tend to write all of my stories out of order.  I write whatever scene is strongest in my mind at that moment.  I also write everything out long hand first, then I do a rough edit when I type the story in the computer.
  6. Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?  Spiritus is a paranormal romance about a girl that is haunted by a ghost that loves her.  He believes that she is his dead wife reincarnated.  The problem?  His wife was the one that killed him.  So, is he back for love or revenge?
  7. How did you come with the idea for this story?  I live very close to where Spiritus is set.  I would drive past these old mansions and wonder about the people that lived there over the years.  Bit by bit, Spiritus began to take shape.
  8. Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?   I am currently working on Haunted, book #2 of the Spiritus series, and should have it ready for release late this Spring.
  9. What would you be if you were not an author?  I would probably go back to the home décor business.  I really enjoyed it, but writing was always my true calling.
  10. What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?  I have a few more Amanda Hocking novels to read and I’ve just recently discovered Amber Scott’s work.  Since the dance competition season has started, I’m hoping get some reading in during my daughter’s rehearsals.
  11. Is there anything else you would like to add? I would just like to thank you for having me.  Readers can keep in touch with me through:
http://DanaMichelleBurnett.com
http://www.Twitter.com/DanaMBurnett
http://www.Facebook.com/DanaMichelleBurnett
Spiritus (Book One)
A love that refuses to die…
Buy Links: Amazon / Nook / Smashwords
“As I watched him vanish into a soft mist that faded away, I knew that he was no ordinary spirit…I knew that he was a dangerous entity that could be in some corner of another realm planning his revenge, but I also knew that I was hopelessly in love with him.”
When Becca moves into her ancestral home in Corydon, Indiana, her life takes a puzzling and thrilling turn when she meets the ghost haunting the halls. As the seductive spirit lures her closer and closer, she learns about her own past and starts to understand that some mistakes are meant to last.
Becca McAllister has always been different from other girls her age. Never part of the “in crowd”, Becca never really fit in anywhere. When her mother dies and her father moves them to the small town of Corydon, Indiana, Becca didn’t expect things to change.
But things do change when Becca accidentally makes contact with a one hundred and sixty year old ghost, Alastor Sinclair, that haunts the halls of her new home.
To Becca, Alastor is a seductive spirit that seems to see straight into her soul. To Alastor, Becca is what he was waited a century for–A second chance.
But the closer they get, the more Becca realizes that this isn’t the first time she and Alastor have known each other. Worse still, is she the one responsible for his death so long ago? And if so, did he come back for love or revenge?

Continue reading “Interview & Giveaway with Dana M Burnett”

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Interview & Giveaway with Kristina McMorris

I am so excited to welcome Kristina McMorris to the blog today to talk about her upcoming  book Bridge of Scarlet Leaves.   I had the great pleasure of meeting Kristina this past summer and she is super fun and nice.  I am so glad that I have a chance to share her with you.  Enjoy. 

Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Kristina: Far from living a glamorous author’s life, I’m a married, minivan-driving soccer mom of two young boys who make me laugh on a daily basis. They are inseparable best friends and the most affectionate kids I’ve ever known. (Can you tell I’m a motherly gusher?) Before the insanity of my writing life, I was a PR Director for many years, owned a wedding/event-planning company, and hosted weekly TV shows and travel programs for most of my life, starting at age nine. (Please. no child actor/rehab jokes, people!)  J
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Kristina: I have to laugh at the question, only because my answer is a flat-out, resounding “No.” I had no plans whatsoever of becoming a creative writer. I was barely a reader. But then, high on pregnancy hormones, it suddenly occurred to me that my grandparents’ courtship story would make a great premise for a movie. Soon before that, I’d discovered a collection of their wartime iove letters and the romantic sentiment had remained with me. Instead of penning a screenplay, however, I decided to write a novel. Because hey, how hard could that be? Uh….yeah. A little harder than I had anticipated!
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Kristina: Some of my favorite authors are Markus Zusak (The Book Thief), Ruta Sepetys (Between Shades of Gray), Alma Katsu (The Taker), and Sara Gruen (Water for Elephants). The author who has probably most influenced my writing, and especially my in-depth research process, would have to be Jodi Picoult.
Q4) How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
Kristina: It was really my desire to tell a story about my grandparents that propelled me to write my debut, Letters from Home. I had no inkling of specific genres, outside of the obvious few, before I finished writing the book. Now, though, I’ve learned that historicals are where I feel the most comfortable and find the most passion to write. Without that, it’s awfully tough to motivate yourself to sit down everyday and face that blank page and blinking, taunting cursor.
Q5) What are some of your writing rituals?
Kristina: Well, after I eat my oatmeal and stop myself from procrastinating (ahem, evil Facebook and Twitter), I make a cup of decaf coffee with way too much vanilla-caramel creamer, bundle up with a fuzzy blanket and warm ugly socks, and park myself on the couch with my laptop. I’ve tried just about everything to lure myself back into my home office—from buying a mega-fancy keyboard to a mega-fancy chair—but after essentially living in there through many, many drafts of my first novel, I just can’t get myself to go back in and write anything creative. Hmm…maybe for the next novel…

Q6) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

Kristina: Given that it’s my new shiny toy, I’d love to tell you about it!
Bridge of Scarlet Leaves is set in Los Angeles in 1941. The story features Maddie Kern, an aspiring violinist who secretly elopes with her brother’s best friend—a handsome, ambitious Japanese American named Lane Moritomo—the night before Pearl Harbor is bombed. When Lane is interned at a relocation camp, Maddie forgoes her career ambitions and dares to follow, despite disapproval from both families. But Maddie isn’t the only one stuck between worlds. To prove his allegiance to America, Lane enlists in a secret branch of the U.S. Army, responsible for code-breaking and interrogating against Japan. It’s through these searches for identity that every character, from tremendous sacrifice, will learn the true meaning of love and loyalty.
Q7) How did you come with the idea for this story?
Kristina: An old family friend once shared that he had fought for America while his brother served for Japan. I was captivated by the idea. But it wasn’t until years later, when I’d found my calling as a writer, that I recalled his story and realized what an amazing premise it would make for a novel. Combined with my undying love for the U.S. miniseries “North and the South” (perhaps more for Patrick Swayze in uniform than anything else), I set out to write my book. But in the midst of research, I happened across an obscure mention of roughly two hundred non-Japanese spouses who had chosen to live in the U.S. internment camps voluntarily. I called my agent that very day and said, “This is it. I have my story!”
Q8) Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Kristina: I’m happy to report that I just turned in a novella, titled The Christmas Collector, which will be published this coming October by Kensington Books in a holiday anthology headlined by #1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels. After that, I’ll be working on my next two women’s fiction novels under contract with my publisher. So, hopefully I’ll be sharing stories for a long time to come!
Q9) What would you be if you were not an author?
Kristina: I would probably return to one of my two favorite former careers, either an event planner or a TV host. I thoroughly enjoyed both, although being an author offers the greatest benefit of setting my own hours so I can be there when the kids come home—which is an incredibly important perk.
Q10) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Krsitina: Due to my last book deadline, I was never able to finish THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern, which I’d love to do. Also, my dear friend Sarah McCoy just released her latest novel, THE BAKER’S DAUGHTER, and I can’t wait to dive in. The premise is so intriguing that I would have run straight to the bookstore on launch day even if I didn’t already adore the author. 

Want to learn more about Kristina?   You can find her here: 

Web: www.KristinaMcMorris.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Kristina-McMorris/206963412668555
Twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/KrisMcmorris
GoodReads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/4384611.Kristina_McMorris

Kensington Books (U.S.), Avon/HarperCollins UK
Release date: February 28, 2012  (March 2012)
ISBN: 978-0-7582-4685-1
Original Trade Paperback, 420 pages
Price: $15 U.S./$16.95 Can.
Special features: Discussion Guide and Asian-fusion recipes in the book
Amazon | B&N | Powell’s | Indiebound | Books-a-million 
Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern’s life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother’s best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.
When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.
Skillfully capturing one of the most controversial episodes in recent American history, Kristina McMorris draws readers into a novel filled with triumphs and heartbreaking loss–an authentic, moving testament to love, forgiveness, and the enduring music of the human spirit.




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Interview with Samara King


Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Samara King to the blog today.  We are looking forward to learning a little more about Samara and her stories In the Public Eye, The Panty Affair, & Flirting with Danger
Samara: Hello there, thanks for having me today!

Q1) Please tell us a little about yourself:
Samara: Well I’m a romance author, that savors the sensual side of storytelling, along with light paranormals and suspense. J

Q2)  Tell us a typical writing day for you:
Samara:  It depends on the day. Some days I write in the AM with a cup of coffee, other days it’s snippets of time in the evenings.

Q3) Have you always wanted to be an author or what made you become an author?
Samara: I started writing when I was in the 8th grade, I didn’t realize then that that was what I wanted to do, until I became engrossed in the magic of creating characters and I was hooked every since.

Q4) Tell us a little about your stories and what the readers can expect?
Samara: Readers can expect steamy reads, from novellas to novels. Heroes and heroines that are realistic and have passionate personalities and shadows of their pasts to overcome.

Q5) How do you come up with the ideas for these stories?
Samara: My ideas come from reading magazine articles, tv, people watching, movies and just from my overactive imagination.

Q6)  What is your current work in progress?
Samara: Working on a rewrite of a upcoming mystery novel, Mama Has a Brand New Bag and the launch title for SK MINIS’ sub series, Blush titled Grapevine.

Q7) Who are some of your favorite authors?
Samara: Brenda Jackson, Debra Webb, Beverly Jenkins and tons of others.

Books-n-Kisses: Samara, thank you for taking the time to stop by the blog today to chat about yourself and your books. 
Samara: Thank you for allowing me to visit Books-n-Kisses. Please be sure to stop by my website at: http://samaraking.com or sign up for my newsletter, SK MINI Notes J Happy reading!
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Interview with Liz Crowe

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have the wonderful Liz Crowe on the blog today to chat about her new series. 
       Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself
I own a brewery and a beer bar. I write sexy books set in breweries, real estate offices, far flung countries, and on the soccer pitch. I have 3 teenagers (1 at college), 2 poodles, 1 hardly home executive spouse.  I adore watching English Premiereship and Spanish La Liga soccer, college football and basketball and hate to cook. I can bore you cross eyed with my deep knowledge of all aspects of craft beer including brewing it, selling it and maintaining market share.  I’ve lived in Japan, Turkey and England, had my passport stolen in Spain and been arrested by the Turkish Gendarme.  I like to read and write romance with an edge of “real” and usually avoid regency and sweet romance but am a sucker for a great Young adult dystopia (reading “Knife of Never Letting Go” right now and loving it!)

Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Nope. Wanted to be a doctor but hit organic chem…wanted to own my own business though, so I guess I got that twice between “the brewery” and “the author.”

Q3) Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?
My typical day involves 90% beer work as I handle all aspects of sales, marketing and distributor relations and have to manage a bar staff, sales staff and my own pretty visible “Beer Wench” on line presence. I write at night, usually or, if I get the odd day clear of appointments have been known to marathon through and do 40k plus words.  I’m in the strange position of loving my “day job” as much as my writing one!
I have to have lots of coffee early, at least one bagel with cream cheese, loud music and alcohol later (beer for writing, red wine for editing, bourbon for galleys).

Q4) Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
Challenging: being heard above all the fray of ever increasing published writers.
Rewarding: cover art day

Q5) Can you please tell us about your latest books?
Floor Time, The Realtors Book One has been a long project of my deepest heart. I’m lucky in that Tri Destiny Publishing saw potential in the series and has given me all I need to make it happen including amazing editing, top notch cover art, incredible promotional support and provided a platform to bring Jack and Sara’s epic story to reality.

Q6) How did you come with the idea for this story?
I sold real estate my self for many years. I found myself in way too many situations where the “what if?” overwhelmed my overactive imagination.  Many of the hottest scenes in the series are in settings pretty unique to Realtors.

Q7) Can you share with us your current work in progress?
Sure, it’s got soccer dudes in it.  I like to jump into non-traditional areas of erotic romance. I write stories set in breweries, real estate offices, uncommon locales like Istanbul, Turkey and on the soccer pitch. 
Man On is an m/m coming of age kinda cougar story that is the first of what promises to be a VERY hot series about an expansion MLS team.

Q8) Who are some of your favorite authors?
I am all over the place with this.  I have to confess I’m not a huge “traditional romance” fan at all. I cut my erotic romance teeth on whatshername with the time travel history lady and the dude in the kilt and the cave people ones (oh yeah, “the pleasures”), have enjoyed Suny’s Monere (Mona Lisa) stories a lot and of course have been sucked into the BDB JR Ward thing to a certain extent. 
But I also love authors like King, Franzen, Tyler, Atwood, Kingsolver.

Q9) Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style? 
Probably only Stephen King in that I think he writes some of the most realistic dialogue I’ve ever read and I try VERY hard to keep it real on the dialogue side.

Q10) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Well, yeah. ‘TOHR’S STORY” whatever the “lover” name it is from Ms. Ward. (I don’t live under a ROCK for crying out loud) and I have King’s alternative history thing about Kennedy queued up AND there is a new YA story about teenagers with cancer by John Green I can’t wait to read.
www.brewingpasslon.com
www.lizcrowe.com
www.a2beerwench.com (beer stuff)
www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor
www.twitter.com/beerwencha2
I have a “Street Team” of savvy marketers  as well.  You can join up by going to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LizCroweStreetTeam/
It’s my attempt to get a little closer to my readers and less into the generic facebook promo mode. Check it out!
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Interview & Giveaway with Tara Lain


Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Tara Lain to the blog today to talk about her new books.  

Tara Lain never met a beautiful boy she didn’t love – at least on paper. A writer of erotic romance, mostly ménage and male/male, Tara loves all her characters, but especially her handsome heroes. A lifelong writer of serious non-fiction, Tara only fell in love with EROM in 2009 and, through perseverance and lots of workshops, had the first novel she ever wrote published in January of 2011. Then she capped off the year by being voted Best Author of 2011 in the LRC Awards and had her Genetic Attraction Series named runner-up for Best Series of 2011! A very good year. After an exotic life of travel all over the world and work in television, education and advertising, Tara settled in Southern California with her soul-mate husband and opened her own small marketing business. She paints, collages, and started practicing yoga “way before it was fashionable”. Passionate about diversity, justice, inclusion and new ideas, she says on her tombstone it will read, “Yes”.


Q 1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself
I write the Beautiful Boys of Romance. I knew from my first moments as a fiction writer that my books would always be distinguished by my gorgeous heroes and so far so good. I’m only a little over one year old as a published author. My first book, Genetic Attraction, came out in Jan of 2011. The book I am introducing this week, Fire Balls, is book number seven for me with another book releasing next month and two more under contract. It’s been a busy year! Most amazing is that I was recently honored to be named Best Author of 2011 in the LRC Awards and my three- book Genetic Attraction series was runner-up for best series of the year. As you can tell it’s also been a breathtaking year! I have a great (and busy) fulltime job in advertising and public relations, I am ecstatically married to my soul mate and, if I ever have a moment’s spare time, I love movies and doing  mixed media collage. I practiced and taught yoga way before it was fashionable. I have a great life.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
I’ve been a writer forever. I make my living as a non-fiction writer and thought for a long time that I would never write fiction because writing all day and then all night too sounded like work! But then I found erotic romance and suddenly I felt like I could write it all day every day and it would be fun. So one day a couple years ago I sat down and wrote a book. After a lot of editing and learning that book became Genetic Attraction.
Q3) Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?
I am fortunate enough to get to do my “day job” at home which means I can do some writing of novels in the cracks –before I start work, on my lunch hour. Sometimes it’s no more than a few lines, but bit by bit the work gets done. Then on the weekends I write a LOT! I like to write in my home  office on my desktop computer because the screens are so big, although I carry my iPad with me and also write in downtimes when I’m away from home. I don’t mind noise when I write but I can’t write easily with music playing. Background music is okay but I don’t have a writing soundtrack like many authors. Somehow it seems to interfere with my creative flow.
Q4) Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
I love living in another world (even though my own is pretty great). I love the feeling of being absorbed in my character’s heads and hearts. That moment when they take over and just talk and you try to keep up is thrilling to me. It never gets old. The challenge is to keep getting better. To constantly learn new things, improve your style, deepen your focus.
Q5) Can you please tell us about your latest book
This week, I am introducing Fire Balls. It is a MM contemporary novella but that doesn’t begin to describe it. I love contrast in my books and the unexpected. My alpha males are never the guys you expect and I enjoy giving dominant characteristics to seemingly effeminate men. Fire Balls tells the story of a flamboyant artist who also happens to be a black belt in karate. He has a huge passion for a beautiful, conservative firefighter, but since Rodney the artist is tiny and very ostentatious he assumes that the firefighter could never love him back so he breaks his own heart but helping his friend Jerry, a surfer, to land the gorgeous man. Fire Balls is the second in my Balls to the Wall series of books that take place on the beach in southern California.
Q6) How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Last year I was delighted to be asked to submit a story for a beach anthology. I created a novella called Volley Balls which turned out to be a bestseller on the Amazon Gay Romance list. I knew I wanted to do sequel and I wanted it to have “balls” in the title so I started thinking about all the possible names. Fire Balls leaped out and with it came the germ of a story–it would involve a Laguna Beach firefighter. There was a character in Volley Balls I loved. My hero’s best friend, Rodney. So if you have a hunky firefighter, what could be a more different or unexpected match for him than a hero named Rodney who is 5’ 6” tall and flamboyant. But I wanted another twist and I thought about the old Rostand book called Cyrano de Bergerac in which the hero is a great swordsman and poet but has a big nose and considers himself unworthy of the gorgeous heroine. Consequently, he helps another man win her. That became a thread for my book–without the nose!
Q7) Can you share with us your current work in progress?
My next book being released on March 20 is my first true paranormal. It’s called Spell Cat and it’s about the greatest male witch in ten generations who is called on to save his race by marrying a powerful female witch. Problem is–he’s gay. And he’s in love with a human male which is bad since humans are the cause of the decline of witchery because they steal human energy. There is a black cat familiar in the book named Aloysius. Hence–Spell Cat. The book I am completing now for submission is a MM contemporary fantasy. What is that you ask?  Ah, you will have to stay tuned.  :  )
Q8) Who are some of your favorite authors?
I have many favorites in my genre but I will name the three that I consider my mentors because their writing inspired me to want to try fiction — Jet Mykles, Lynn Lorenz and Z. A. Maxfield. They are all friends now and I have learned so much from them. They inspire me every day.
Q9) Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style? 
I see a little bit of all three of them in my writing. I love Jet’s over-the-top heroes and I know mine share some of that characteristic. Lynn captures emotion so magnificently and I try to do the same. ZAM writes in this witty, youthful voice that inspires me. They all make me want to get better every day.
Q10) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Oh sigh. I feel like my poor Kindle is bursting at the seams. I have so many books I want to start I can barely decide where to begin. Right now I am reading Josh Lanyon. Always a good choice.
Q11) Is there anything else you would like to add?
This has been an amazing first year for me as an author. So many people–authors, editors, reviewers, and readers– have helped me and still do! I can only say thank you from the bottom of my heart.  
Would you like to win a 
copy of Fire Balls? 
Enter my contest. I’m having a drawing this coming Friday. Leave a comment here with your email and you’ll be entered in that drawing. Go over to my Contest Blog http://beautifulboysbooks.blogspot.com and leave another comment with your email and you will be entered Again. And there are more chances to Win. Go to my Web Site http://www.taralain.com and look under events. It’s all there.  First leave your comment here.  And thank you to so much to Books n Kisses for being such wonderful hosts. And thank you so much for coming to say hi.  Leave a comment and don’t forget the email.  :  )


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Interview with T.D. Jones


Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome TD Jones to the blog today. We are going to be talking about her new book Coming up for Air.

I’m a West Texas girl and wouldn’t have it any other way. I love to see the blue sky and all the open space. At night you can walk out and see stars for miles. There’s nothing like sitting on a porch and watching the Texas sky on a warm, summer night. 
I’ve always dreamed of becoming a published writer and finally decided two years ago I was either going to make my dream come true or give it up. Luckily Melange-books decided I was worth giving a chance and published Hot Days. My dreams seem to becoming more of a reality since I will have my second story published in July 2011 and more to come out soon.
I love writing about characters who aren’t perfect. They have problems and have to figure out ways to make their life better. Humor is sprinkled throughout my stories. It always surprises me that I’m able to write humor because I don’t really find myself funny. I’m known to worry about things and stress out easy so maybe that’s why I love writing humor, at least my characters are having fun!
Writing feeds my soul and I want to do it forever. I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I love writing them.
Website / Blog / Twitter
                                       
TD: Hi. Thank you for having me. I’m excited to be at Books-n-Kisses. This is my first stop on my book tour.

Q1) Can you tell us a little about yourself?  
TD: I write under the name T.D. Jones and I write Romance/Family Drama/Mystery. All my books have humor in them. I write for Melange-books, XoXo Publishing and New Dawning BookFair Publishing.

Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
TD:  I have always been a ‘closet writer’ and always wanted to be published and finally two years ago I decided I was going to work really hard at making that dream happen. It was kind of ‘Do it or Bust’ kind of thing.  I quit just saying I wanted to be a writer and I became one. I learned you can’t fulfill a dream till you start to believe you are good enough to do it and that’s what I finally did. I started calling myself a writer and I write whenever I can.

Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
TD:   I loved LaVyrle Spencer when I was younger. Now I love to read Janet Evanovich and Debbie MaComber and when I really need some spice I read Jackie Collins. I think all these women influenced me due to they know how to take a simple story and make characters come alive. We’ve all been in love and had heartache but these writers know how to make us really feel the emotions. I love J. Evanovich humor, she keeps me laughing and that is my goal to do for my readers in my books.

Q4) Can you tell us what a typical writing day for you is like. 
TD:  I work full time at a hospital so my day starts about 4am and I will write and answers e-mails and promote until 6:30 am and then go to work at 8am and then back home at 5pm and usually I try to write at least for about an hour if I can find the energy. Weekends are really when I write. I have been known to stay in my home office all day and write. I’m not one of those writers that has to be writing at a set time, just as long as I write.

Q5) Can you tell us a little about you book Coming up for Air?
TD: Coming Up For Air is about Maggie Dawson and Kevin Walker. They were young lovers and going to get married, but Kevin leaves Maggie at the altar. Eighteen years later he is back to sale the family ranch but he’s not alone. Kevin has brought his pregnant fiancée with him. Maggie Dawson is the local doctor and thinks she has moved on when it comes to Kevin but soon finds out she’s wrong and her heart is still beating for him. This book has some fun in it and of course some surprises.  It’s a sweet romance and published by XoXo Publishing.

Q6) How did you come up with the idea for this story?
TD:   Maggie Dawson came to me first and started telling me about Kevin. I know it sounds strange but usually a character will show up and start talking to me. I would never tell anyone this before, but as I got to know more writers it seems to be a normal thing with us so I’m thrilled to say I’m not crazy!

Q7) What is up next for you?
TD:  After Coming Up For Air, I have Salem’s World and Wrangled Hearts to be released. Both books should be released by March and Dangerous Games should be released sometime around there also. I always have at least three stories going, one I’m doing edits, one I’m writing and one I’m just thinking about.  I’m not sure if I would suggest that for anyone who wants to write, but it seems to work for me.

Q8) What is the next book on your To Read Pile that you are dying to jump into?
TD: I want to read Janet Evanovich #18 and I have a lot of friend authors that have some great books out I want to read.

Q9) Is there anything else you would like to add?
TD: You can find all the information about my books on my web and I always have some kind of contest going on so visit www.tdjones.weebly.com or on my blog at www.writingonthego.blogspot.com  I’ve just started doing twitter so come see me there at www.twitter.com/TDJones5

Books-n-Kisses: TD, again thank you so very much for making Books-n-Kisses a stop on your book tour.  I have enjoyed learning more about you and your book.  I look forward to reading and see what you come up with next.
TD:  Thank you so much for having me here at Books-N-Kisses. I love visiting with everyone and hope I get to come back sometime for another visit. Love T.D.
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Interview & Giveaway with Margaret Ethridge

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have Margaret Ethridge back on the blog today.  We are going to be talking about her new book Commitment. 
Hi Margaret, welcome back to Books-n-Kisses
Margaret: Thanks so much for having me back! I love Books-n-Kisses. Your readers are awesome.

Q1) Margaret, for those who may have missed you last time you were on the blog can you share a little about yourself?

Margaret: I went back in my files to see what I said last time so I didn’t repeat myself and I found that it all still holds true. I thought I’d do a little copy and paste with updated commentary. You ready for this?
Each day I roll out of bed with my make-up already applied and every hair in place (Still true. That is, if bed wrinkles count as make-up and Mrs. Toucanella from Horton Hears a Who styled my hair.), hop in my sports car (I did buy a little red coupe since we last spoke, but it’s a 4-cylinder Kia. Cute as all get-out.), and zip through a traffic-free commute to my office (They are expanding our building, so these days I follow the dump-trucks of dirt.). There, I count bottles of booze. (Still counting.) Literally. My mother is proud. I have her dream job. (She still likes her vodka. A lot.)
When I return to my spotless abode each evening (cracking up), my loving husband greets me at the door wearing nothing but black mesh boxer briefs and a smile, asks about my day (This may or may not be true. I’ll never tell.), and leads me to a candlelit table laden with Steakburgers from Steak ‘n Shake, heaps of McDonald’s fries, bowls of candy corn and Smarties, platters of Krispie Kreme crullers, and a convoy of Route 44 Diet Cokes from the Sonic. (Sigh. Is there anything hotter than a food fantasy?) I consume them all without ever gaining an ounce or getting a zit whilst Colin Firth climbs out of the pond in our back yard wearing a wet white shirt… (I’m imagining Mr. Darcy climbing out of the goldfish pond by my patio. Still imagining…)
Yeah. So…I still write fiction-as you can tell. It’s fiction about ordinary people finding extraordinary romance where and when they least expect it. And that’s the truth.
Q2) When did you decide you wanted to be an author?
Margaret: I was one of those people who said, ‘Someday, I’d like to write a book.’ I’ve been an avid reader since I was young, but I didn’t start writing until about five or six years ago. Now, I can’t stop.
Q3) What is your typical writing day like?  What are the things you have to have while writing?
 Margaret: Well, my typical writing day doesn’t begin until 7 or 8PM, which means I have about 2-3 hours to attend to all of my authorly duties including writing, editing, and promotion before I have to hit the sack. Unfortunately, I cannot function on less than 6 hours of sleep, and they don’t appreciate me sleeping at my desk at work. Weekends are prime time for me.
I’m pretty low-maintenance when it comes to my writing routine. I grew up in a large, noisy family, so I do need some form of background noise in order to concentrate. Oh, and my feet must be warm. Fuzzy socks are a must. Cheese Its don’t hurt, either.
Q4) Who do you feel has influenced your writing style?
 Margaret: Wow. So many people. I started reading Nora Roberts when I was in my early teens. I picked up a copy of Irish Thoroughbred, and I was hooked. I love the humor in Janet Evanovich’s books. She always makes me laugh out loud. Sarah Addison Allen’s writing is so breathtakingly descriptive it make my heart go pitter-patter. I love her books and I dream of being able to create stories as utterly charming as hers.
Q5) Can you tell us about your book Commitment 
 Margaret: I love this book! Is it bad to admit that? I can’t help it. I love this couple. They’re so funny and sexy. There were times when I thought they would spontaneously combust on the page. And they’re real. I would totally hang out with them. That makes it even more fun as far as I’m concerned.
Here’s the blurb:

Tom Sullivan wants a woman who is willing to accept him as he is. The successful divorce attorney has seen enough of the flip-side of love to know better than to promise forever. Women have tried to pin him down, but none have managed to make it stick.
Until Maggie McCann.
Maggie is only interested in one thing. Her fortieth birthday is looming and the tick-tock-tick-tock in her head means her biological clock is about to strike midnight on her dreams of finding Prince Charming. Armed with a new plan for her happily ever, she foregoes the Fairy Godmother routine and makes an appointment with a fertility clinic for a rendezvous with a sperm donor.
The last thing Maggie needs is to get mixed up with a player like Tom Sullivan.
A chance encounter and the opportunity to scratch a decade-long itch prove irresistible, and what starts as a one night stand turns into a game of cat and mouse when Tom learns of Maggie’s plan to start a family on her own.
To Maggie, messing with a guy like Tom Sullivan is the single-girl equivalent of playing with fire, but she convinces herself to take what she can get for as long as she can and expect nothing more. But Tom falls hard and fast for Maggie, and now that they’re planning to have a baby together he starts banking on his own happily ever after.

If only he can get her to commit…
 Q6) How did you come with the idea for this story.
 Margaret: We first met Maggie in Tom in my June 2011 release, Contentment. Maggie is Tracy Sullivan’s friend and Jiminy Cricket, and Tom is Sean Sullivan’s snarky and elusive older brother. In Contentment, everyone is stunned when they learn that Tracy’s good-girl friend has hooked up with Sean’s bad-boy brother. And that’s when the fun begins…
Maggie and Tom’s story is much more light-hearted than Tracy and Sean’s story. In Contentment Tracy and Sean were stumbling about trying to navigate the perilous middle of their relationship, and not having much success. Maggie and Tom are just embarking on this backwards kind of relationship. It was great fun to turn their expectations inside-out and upside-down.
Q7) Can you tell us about your current work in progress
Margaret: Well, at the moment my naughty alter ego is monopolizing the writing time (Her name is Maggie Wells. Shh. Don’t tell my mother…), but I do have two more novels coming in 2012. The next is the tale of an unexpected love affair between a small-town widower and the big-city divorcee. Spring Chickens will be released by The Wild Rose Press in April 2012. Coming in June 2012, Turquoise Morning Press will release Inamorata, the sequel to my ghostly paranormal romance, Paramour.
Q8) Can you tell us what you would be doing if you were not an author?
 Margaret: I would probably be reading quite a few more books. I don’t get to read nearly as much as I did once upon a time.
Q9) Because I am nosey.  What is up next in your to read pile?
 Margaret: Just started The Fall of Rain by the fabulous Renee Vincent. It’s the third in her Emerald Isle Trilogy, a contemporary romance to wrap up a historical series. I’m loving it so far.
Q10) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Margaret: I just want to thank your readers for their enthusiastic response. I’ve made quite a few new friends through Books-n-Kisses, which is always a treat. Please feel free to contact me – I love hearing from readers!
Books-n-Kisses, Margaret: it always pleasure to have you on the blog. I look forward to having you back again.  What do you say we give a copy of Commitment away to one lucky follower?
Margaret: I say let’s do it! Thanks again for having me here. The pleasure is all mine. Happy reading, everyone!
Want to learn more about Margaret?  You can find her here:
Website –  Facebook –  Twitter –  Goodreads
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