Hi Jacki, Welcome back to Books-n-Kisses… I am so honored that you are here on Adam’s release day. Shall we share Adam & Jasmine’s story?
A little more about Jacki:
Jacquelyn Frank is the New York Times bestselling author of Seduce Me in Dreams, the Nightwalkers series (Jacob, Gideon, Elijah, Damien, andNoah), the Shadowdwellers novels (Ecstasy, Rapture, and Pleasure), and the Gatherers novels (Hunting Julian and Stealing Katherine). She lives in North Carolina and has been writing romantic fiction ever since she picked up her first teen romance at age thirteen.
#1 Tell me about Adam: Details…hotness level? Hair color? Eyes color? How tall? How old? Shoe size? Weakness? Deepest secret?
Jacki: On a scale from 1 to 10, Adam is definitely a 12! He has shoulder length wavy walnut brown hair. Eyes of the deepest blue. Standing 6 foot 10 inches tall with a shoe size of 12…he is hotness personified. Adam’s greatest weakness also happens to be his greatest strength and that would be his love for his brother Jacob. His deepest secret would have to be that he is not as infallible as he would lead others to believe he is!
#2 Do you have any photos of Adam? Naked maybe??
Jacki: Ha ha, I do believe that Jasmine would have all our heads if I gave up one of those. But I do have one of him shirtless if you’re interested.
Ummmm HECK YA!!!!!
Reading world I would like to introduce for the 1st time EVER
ADAM!!!!
OMG!!!! This Man is FINE!!!!
*clears throat* Ummmm were where we? Oh yeah, asking Jacki questions about Adam & Jasmine’s book.
#3 Did Adam and Jasmine cooperate while you were writing their story?
Jacki: They cooperated as much as they were able to! Since they were not cooperating with each other the entire time it made certain parts of it extremely difficult but it all worked out in the end.
#4 What was the most difficult part about telling Adam & Jasmine’s story?
Jacki: Knowing how resistant my editor was going to be about certain events that took place in the story.
#5 In the Nightwalker series who has been the biggest baby about their story being told?
Jacki: I would have to say Gideon, mainly because it was so hard to write such a cerebral character. He was kind of a know it all JThank God Magdelegna took him down a peg or two.
#6 Who in the Nightwalker series has been the happiest to have their story told?
Jacki: Noah. He waited so long for his HEA. He was so sad and so lonely and stoic about it all at the same time.
#7 Of all the characters in the Nightwalker Series who is your favorite and why?
Jacki: Isabella, she was the first. She was so open and didn’t take any shit, but she was sweet about it if she could at all manage it.
#8 Ok, back to Adam. Without giving too much away tell us a little more about Adam’s book.
Jacki: Well, people are going to be very angry with me for some it and they’re going to love me for some of it. I tie up a lot of the loose ends that people have been asking for.
#9 So Jacki *wiggles eyebrows* Please tell me how you come up with these steamy, hot sex scene in your books? What kind of research do you do?
Jacki: I can assure you that if I used sexual research from my life over the past ten years you would be bored to death! However, I did have some interesting twenties, early thirties to draw from.
#10 And how many of those steamy hot scenes will we have in Adam’s book?
Jacki: Just enoughJ
#11 Will that evil Ruth finally get hers? I so wanted to kill her in Damien. If you don’t bump her off I might have to track her down and do it myself!
Jacki: Trust your author…Muahahaha
#12 How do you dream up your bad guys? Maybe from people you know? Evil stepmother? Bully from high school?
Jacki: D. All of the above! I had a lot of villains in my life form which to choose. (Though more evil stepfather than mother.)
#13 What is the one question that you are asked repeatedly that you totally hate to answer? *Looks worried & thinks to self “sure hope it is not one I asked in this interview or the last!”*
Jacki: I can’t stand being asked questions that I’ve already answered on my FAQ page on the website. When it’s there right in front of their faces. I kind of find that irritating.
#14 So, I know you are not 100% sure if Adam is the FINAL book in the series, as you are great at avoiding that question. So I will not ask. But, how do you feel when you finish a series? Do the characters ever show up later and demand that you tell more of their story?
Jacki: I’ll let you know as soon as I finish a series…LOL
#15 I won’t ask what is next (in this series) but you can whisper it to me if you want. I won’t tell a soul.
Jacki: At this point the details of that are still undetermined. However, I do have a few new things in the mix for the Nightwalkers and as soon as the particulars are ironed out I’ll be shouting it from the mountaintops.
Books-n-Kisses: Thanks Jacki, again for taking time out of your very busy schedule to stop by Books-n-Kisses to talk to me about Adam. I really enjoyed learning more about Adam & Jasmine.
Once last question Jacki, what do you say we do a giveaway a copy of Adam to one lucky person?
Jacki: Absolutely, It would be my pleasure. In fact, lets make it two!
Books-n-Kisses: Jacki, You are the BOMB!!!!
Here is a little snippet of Adam’s book to wet your appetite:
He changed form in the blink of an eye, morphing from man to a deluge of water that dashed against her face and body. But unlike normal water he did not cascade off of her and fall to the ground. Instead, he flowed over her supple body, slowly washing over and around her, covering her inch by inch. He felt the smoothness of her skin beneath his touch, the weight of her breasts…tasted the hard points of her nipples.
She gasped in shock when he first hit her, but that shock quickly changed to something deeper and far sultrier. The sound that erupted from her as he flowed over her was nothing short of purest sin. He took satisfaction in it.
And even as he covered the most intimate inches of her skin with his exploration, he knew he was going too far. It had gone too far the moment he had sat in the brush to stare at her as she bathed. But this, what he was doing now, it was a whole other level of perversion, and as glorious as she felt, he knew he was stepping way over the line.
Want to learn more about Jacki and her books? Check her out here:
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Patricia Leever to the blog today. We are looking forward to learning a little more about Patricia and her new book Cat O’Nine Tales.
Patty: Hey Miss Kelly, I’m glad to be here!
Q1) Please tell us a little about yourself {will add author photo at posting)
Patty: I’m a stay-at-home mom of four, five if you count my husband of 20 years. Nah, seriously though, he is super supportive and stands behind my work 110%. I’m a serial hugger, I wear my geek on my sleeve and make no excuses for it. I have an affinity for zombies and writing is my passion, the one thing that I have an innate need to do.
Q2) How do you find time to write with four kids?
Patty: LOL! I get asked that a lot, but it’s a completely legit question. Well, I multi-task my ass off. I write anywhere and everywhere. I even wrote on the tray paper at a sandwich shop once. But on top of that, I have notebooks all over the house and I used to carry one with me until my husband got me a phone the I could put Word on so I always have something with me to jot ideas on because if I don’t get them down on paper (or in the phone) right when they hit, they’ll be gone forever. Sometimes though, I just like the feeling of writing my idea out on paper.
Q3) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Patty: Not always, when I was a kid I wanted to be a coroner. Yeah, I was a weird kid LOL! However, I did always have an overactive imagination and I have always written, I just never put the two together. My grandma did though, she used to tell me that she thought I would be a writer one day and when she passed, we found a drawer full of everything I’d ever written from creative writing assignments to poems. She used to ask for a copy of everything I did, I never knew why until then.
Q4) Tell us what your typical writing day is like
Patty: After I settle World War III, aka the insanity that is getting four kids up, dressed and off to school, I sit down for some coffee, watch a bit of the news to unwind and open up my head and see what spills out onto the keyboard. Sometimes it’s like opening up the floodgates and some days I’m lucky if I can squeeze out a drop or two.
Q5) Who are some of your favorite authors and how have any of them inspired you?
Patty: One of my faves is Paula Quinn and she inspired me to give Historical Romance a shot. I love her work and I own everything she’s ever written. Also, Victoria Michaels, one of my fellow Omnific Publishing authors, she is a great friend of mine and a mentor of sorts for me. I call her my own personal Yoda.
Q6) Let’s talk about your new book Cat O’Nine Tails. Tell us more:
Patty: Cat O’ Nine Tails is a Historical Romance set in the age of pirates. Aeron Lynch is our heroine, a female pirate that uses her feminine wiles to get what she wants, but make no mistake; she can kick your ass into submission if she needs to. Orrin Walsh is an infamous pirate hunter that has been tracking her for years but she always manages to stay one step ahead of him. When they finally wind up on the same island they find that the pull between them is more than either one of them expected.
Q7) How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Patty: I have always love pirates and I thought, what fun would it be if instead of the man swooping in and ravishing the unsuspecting beauty, what would happen if the tables were turned? When that little kernel started inside my head, Aeron was born and she wouldn’t be ignored, I had to write her.
Q8) What is up next for you?
Patty: After the blog tour I’m going to be working on getting my second piece ready to present to my publisher. This one is Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance about a 134 year old demon hunter named Evelyn Wright and the company she works for, The Lebriga Corporation.
Q9) I like to know what authors are reading. Tell us what book you just finished that you love or what upcoming book you can’t wait for.
Patty: Oh! Elizabeth Hoyt just came out with a new book in her Maiden Lane series, Scandalous Desires! I’ve been DYING for this book ever since I read about “Charming” Mickey O’Connor in book 1, Wicked Intentions. He’s an Irish river pirate, RAWR! Not to mention I just love the way that Elizabeth writes.
Q10) Is there anything else you would like to share?
Patty: Please check out patricialeever.com for updates on future projects and giveaways and you can get a copy of Cat O’ Nine Tails over at my amazing publisher’s site, omnificpublishing.com! Also I’d like to thank my awesome marketing associate Traci for setting this blog tour up, she rocks!
Books-n-Kisses: Patty, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down and talk with me. I am looking forward to reading your book Cat O’Nine Tales.
Patty: Thank you Kelly! It has been a pleasure chatting with you!
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome DJ Westerfield to the blog today. We are looking forward to learning a little more about DJ and her new experimental novel.
DJ Westerfield was born in Texas and has lived most of her life in various southern states with a few years in the north to round out her accent. She is a lover of stories in every form, but specifically the written word. When she isn’t making up her own stories she helps others make their own better. She has worked as a freelance writer, editor, and graphic designer.
Q1) Please tell us a little about yourself
DJ: I am a thirty-@#$# year old wife, stepmom, sister, and auntie. I have been a freelance writer, editor and ghost writer for several years. I recently founded Curvalicious Living Magazine(http://curvaliciousliving.com), where I am editor in chief. In my “day job” I am a court advocate for victims of domestic violence.
Q2) Tell about your Idea to Novel Experiment
DJ: I am attempting to take a novel from idea to published novel in 6 months. And I am doing it publicly by blogging about it.
Q3) Tell us about the Voodoo Moon
DJ: Voodoo Moon is set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic world I call the ParaNorm World. After a worldwide cataclysm and wars that broke down society and changed the landscape of the world, a new society had to take shape. The magic users and paranormal beings that spent centuries in hiding and were relegated to myth and legend had to come out of hiding to save the world that shunned them. Now witches, vampires, werebeasts and normal humans live side by side in a society that was built by merging technology and magic.
In the ruins of old cities new ones formed. New governments rule. Within the walls of the autonomous city-states that have risen up life is safe with Peacekeepers on every corner. Or it should be. Beyond the walls in the outer-zones is where the outlaws live. Right?
Fiona Moon is a member of the elite Black Blade Guard. She hunts down the worst ParaNorm outlaws and is no stranger to the OZ. But when powerful ParaNorms start going missing inside NashCity she realizes there may be something nasty lurking within the city walls. When the crime hits close to home, Fiona must seek help from the one man that embodies everything she despises.
Q4) What is your goals for this experiment?
DJ: The Plan:
Sept & Oct: Pre-write the book using the Story Cookbook (I’m a little behind, but I think I will be ready to go by Nov. 1)
November: NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month): Write, write write. At least 50K words
December & January: Revisions and edits
Feb: Readying for publication on Feb. 29, 2012: LEAP DAY
I figured Leap Day would be a good release day since I am taking a big leap by trying this, and I think readers and fans are taking a leap of faith by following my progress and then reading the book. It’s a leap I appreciate and am going to do my darnedest not to disappoint!
Q5) How did you come up with this idea?
DJ: The idea came about as a way to motivate myself to seriously participate in NaNoWriMo, and focus on getting a full length novel written. I figured the pressure of writing the book publicly would make me stick to it this year. I also think it’s a good way to show just how my book for writers, The Story Cookbook: An Organized Approach to Fiction Writing, can be used to help develop a book.
Q6) What is a typical writing day for you like?
DJ: There really isn’t a typical day. Mostly it is me hiding somewhere and carving out a few hours at a time between my day job, magazine job, and other responsibilities. Like most other writers, I have to keep another job to pay the bills. It can be hectic but, obviously, I love it!
Q7) Who are some of your favorite authors?
DJ: Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz, Jayne Castle, Ilona Andrews, Jeaniene Frost, Jessa Slade, Janet Evanovich, Marlene Sanchez…the list goes on
Q8) Best piece of advice you would give to a budding author?
DJ: Just do it. Writers write. Don’t let anyone discourage you. And most importantly don’t let YOU discourage you. The biggest reason I decided to motivate myself to write this novel or risk very public humiliation is because I didn’t want to be one of those people that kept saying “someday”. I have written many short stories and novellas (under pen names I no longer use), but I kept putting off writing something mainstream to break into what I really wanted to do, write full length novels. I kept letting life, other projects, and my own procrastination get in the way. Then, in August I lost my mother. She was only 55. She was also a very talented writer and she always wanted to write a book. But she always said she didn’t have time and maybe someday when she had time, could focus…the excuses were limitless. But her time wasn’t. I’m determined I’m going to live my dream and do it well enough for the both of us. So, now that I’ve depressed you, that is my advice: Live your dreams while you can…if life gets in the way, find a way to get around it.
Q9) Have to ask because I am nosey. That is in your to be read pile that you are dying to read next?
DJ: I just loaded Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews onto my Ipod and am looking forward to cleaning house later so I can listen to it!
Q10) Is there anything else you would to add?
DJ: I want to thank you for having me here today. I also want to thank all of the readers who will follow the writing of Voodoo Moon, as well as the writers who will join NaNoWriMo and write alongside of me.
Books-n-Kisses: DJ, again huge thank you for stopping by the blog to day to chat about you and your books. I look forward to following your progress on your blog and finding out if you are happy with how your experiment turns out.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome the wonderful JK Coi to the blog today. We are looking forward to learning a little more about JK and her books.
J.K. Coi is a multi-published, award winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance and urban fantasy. She makes her home in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and son and a feisty black cat who is the uncontested head of the household. While she spends her days immersed in the litigious world of insurance law, she is very happy to spend her nights writing dark and sexy characters who leap off the page and into readers’ hearts.
JK: Hi Kelly and everyone! I’m so happy to visit today!
Kelly: Can I get you anything before we start? Coffee, Tea, Soda?
JK: Actually, it kind of sucks, but when this posts, I’ll be on an operating table (don’t worry, it’s not serious, but I’m kind of out of commission for a couple of days). Still, I might have some lukewarm broth if you’ve got it LOL J
Kelly: I am sorry to hear that, hope that it all goes well. Are you ready to get started.
JK: Uh oh, this is the hard part, isn’t it?
Q1) Please tell us a little about yourself
JK: There isn’t too much to tell. I’m as normal as they come. Wait, don’t look over there…um, that closet doesn’t open. No, you don’t hear anything coming from it, I swear. Really. *grin*
Q2) Tell us a typical writing day for you
JK: I have a full-time day job so I write during my lunch hour, and then after work – once the dinner dishes are all cleaned up and my son has been put to bed – I sit down again and write (as long as I don’t pass out from exhaustion). It’s tough sometimes because I’d love to have more time to devote to my writing, but at least for now this is the way it goes.
Q3) Have you always wanted to be an author or what made you become an author?
JK: I remember writing when I was in high school, and I did some writing in University too, but I really didn’t think about it as serious until I wrote my first full length novel (after my son was born). When I told my husband I was finished writing a whole book, he said “Great. Now what?” (so enthusiastic LOL) It was at that point I first started researching the publishing industry, and now….more than 10 books later, here I am!J
JK: Falling Hard is the book I love. I love that Gabriel is broken. I love that Amelia doesn’t know how to fix him. I love that the two of them rage against each other in an effort to hold on to some semblance of control…even when everything is spinning out of control.
Here’s the official blurb:
After a life filled with tragedy, rocker Gabriel Gunn thinks he’s finally getting the better of his personal demons. Then he’s attacked after a concert—and rescued by a warrior goddess brandishing a sword and white wings. As hard as it is to believe in an angelic bodyguard, Gabriel must face an even more impossible truth: he carries the devil’s soul within him.
Amelia has been watching over Gabriel for years, using her angelic powers to prevent Lucifer’s return. Now she must also protect him from warring angel factions with their own agendas. Amelia would do anything to avert another angelic war, even sacrifice her own emotions to avoid temptation. Yet with Gabriel she feels things she no longer wants to deny, and pleasure she never imagined.
But the closer Gabriel and Amelia get, the stronger Lucifer becomes. Will Amelia be forced to kill the man she’s come to love to stop the war she’s always feared?
Q5) Will we ever see any more of these characters or is this story done?
JK: I haven’t had a chance to write more in this world yet due to other commitments, but the intent is there and I hope to start with Cass’s story.
Q6) How did you come up with the idea for Fallen Hard?
JK: The idea for this book started with one scene (a scene that was later deleted from the book, but can be found in the Extras page on my website:www.jkcoi.com) And after I’d been introduced to Amelia I realized how important music was to the angels, and knew it would only make sense for Gabriel (with the dark angel’s soul) to be a bad-boy rock star J The rest of the book developed from there. It grew and changed directions a few times as I wrote, but I always knew how it was going to end.
Q7) Tell us a little about your story Caged in the in the Agony/Ecstasy Anthology, coming December 2011 from Berkley Heat (love this cover)
JK: Caged is awesome! It’s dark and angsty and hot and mean and sexy and brutal. But definitely on the Agony half of the scale.
Q8) What is your current work in progress?
JK: I’m currently working on book 2 in my steampunk series. The first book is FAR FROM BROKEN, which is going to be released in December as part of Carina Press’s holiday anthology, and book 2 is tentatively titled BROKEN PROMISES and continues Callie and Jasper’s story.
Q9) Have to ask because I am nosey. What is in your to be read pile that you are dying to read next?
JK: If you think that’s being nosey, you haven’t seen me interrogate a prospective babysitter LOL! On my TBR pile, I have Touch—the Upper YA debut from Jus Acardo, and I also have the Steampunk Bible and Meljean Brook’s Heart of Steel
Q10) Is there anything else you would like to add?
JK: Only thank you so much! I promise to get here to address any comments and questions – although that might not be today (unless you want some pretty wacked-out drug-induced crazy comments LOL)
Kelly: JK, again huge thank you for stopping by the blog to chat about you and your books. I hope the readers enjoyed. What do you say we do a giveaway of an e-copy of Fallen Hard?
JK: Sounds wonderful! I’d also love to give a set of my romance trading cards!
Want to learn more about JK? Check her out on her website HERE
Books-n-Kisses is pleased as punch to welcome the super, super sweet Meljean Brook to the blog today. We are going to be talking about her newest releases Demon Marked, Heart of Steel and her novella “Ascension” that can be found in Angels of Darkness.
Meljean was raised in the middle of the woods, and hid under her blankets at night with fairy tales, comic books, and romances. She left the forest and went on a misguided tour through the world of accounting before focusing on her first loves, reading and writing–and she realized that monsters, superheroes, and happily-ever-afters are easily found between the covers, as well as under them, so she set out to make her own.
Meljean lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter
Kelly: Hi Meljean, so glad that we could meet up again and talk some more. Welcome to my blog.
Meljean: Thank you! It was awesome meeting you at Jan’s Paperbacks in person, and I’m so glad you invited me over.
Me & Meljean 🙂
Kelly: can I get you anything? Coffee, Tea, Cookie?
Meljean: All of the above, please
Kelly: *hands Meljean coffee and plate of cookies* Shall we start?
Meljean: I am ready for anything (almost.) *grin*
Q1) For those who don’t know you. Please tell us a little about yourself
Meljean: There’s not much to tell, actually. I’m a nearing-middle-aged, redheaded, superhero-loving, fangirl-squeeing dork who loves to tell stories.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Meljean: Yes and no. I wanted to be a dancer when I was six. I also wanted to be a lawyer, a doctor, and a history teacher. I did imagine myself as a Harlequin author when I was very young (I started early) but didn’t really think of it seriously until I was in my twenties and I realized that writing was the one occupation I really, really loved more than anything else and could imagine myself doing forever.
Q3) Who are some of your favorite authors?
Meljean: This minute they are China Mieville, Peter Beagle, Dean Koontz, Jorge Luis Borges, and Italo Calvino. By the time I’m done with this interview, I’d probably list someone else. Usually it’s who I’ve been thinking of the most lately.
Q4) Who do you feel influenced your writing style?
Meljean: All of the above, plus some. I notice little things slipping into my writing after I’m read someone with a very strong voice, but after a while, I don’t notice them so much. I’m not sure if that means I’m working them out of my writing or working them into it.
Let’s talk books:
Q5) Your newest release is Demon Marked (#7) in your Guardian Series. Can you tell us a little about the Guardian novel series?
Meljean: It’s a series about the struggle that Guardians (humans who have been given angelic powers) have with demons, who are the evil baddies from Hell. There are a few other players that can skew good or evil, but it’s primarily all about the Guardians’ fighting to keep demons from taking over the world.
Meljean: Oh, I love the cover, too! It’s one of my very favorites. This was a departure from my usual pairings – I often have Guardians or vampires as my heroes and heroines, but for the first time in several books I have a human male and a woman who simply doesn’t know what she is. The process of discovering what happened to Ash and why she can’t remember anything was a really fun ride. It was one of those books that was simply a blast to write, and felt much lighter and funny than some of my darker books.
It’s also one of those books that can be read by someone who is new to the series. I know coming into the Guardian series seven books in can seem intimidating, but Ash and Nicholas don’t really know what’s going on, either, and you can learn along with her.
Q7) You just had a story come out in the anthology Angels of Darkness. Can you tell us more about that story?
Meljean: This was another fun pairing between a Guardian who was introduced in Demon Marked – a down-to-earth Guardian warrior named Marc – and the blue-skinned Guardian who loved him and left him almost one hundred and fifty years ago. They are investigating a series of vampire deaths in a community in Marc’s territory, but the seemingly obvious perpetrator isn’t quite as obvious as they think.
Q8) Do you know what is next for the Guardian Series
Meljean: The last book in the Guardian series is coming up, and I know is one that many readers have been waiting for: Michael and Taylor’s story. I’m planning a few epic battles and – I hope – a romance that will blow readers away.
Q9) Tell us about your next novel Heart of Steel which is book 2 in The Iron Seas Series.
Meljean: This is my year for really fun books, I think. Archimedes is a treasure hunter who – for those of you who read The Iron Duke – airship captain Lady Corsair left in some rather dire straits the last time we saw him. But he’s back, and he wants the sketch she stole from him … and he wants her, melt her heart of steel, too. This is a hero who desperately *wants* to fall in love. He couldn’t have chosen a more dangerous object of affection, however.
Q10) Tell us about your short story “Rescue Me” that will be found in the Agony/Ecstasy anthology (released Dec 2011)
Meljean: This is unrelated to any of my other work, and is a story about a woman who has been put in a perilous position and has to get out of it…and she saves herself in a rather unusual way. (It’s a really short story and I don’t want to get too much away.)
Q11) What is your current work in progress?
Meljean: I’m currently working on the third Iron Seas novel. I keep calling it different things, however, so I don’t have a title yet. I do know that it’s set in Iceland, features a giant whale, virgin cults, mechanical trolls, and a hero who wears spectacles.
Q12) I love to know what authors are reading. What did you just finish that you totally loved or what new release are you most looking forward to?
Meljean: I’m looking forward to tackling my TBR pile, because I haven’t read much lately. So pretty much every book that was released this year … I’m looking forward to it. I haven’t read anything that wasn’t related to research or that was a non-romance in so long it makes me want to cry to think about it.
Q13) What is the best piece of advice you would give to a budding author?
Meljean: Write what you’d love to read – not just because it’s easier to maintain your excitement on a story for the months it takes to write it, but because your excitement *will* shine through to the reader. There’s nothing worse than reading a book that feels like the author was just going through the motions. So write the stories you love to read, and other readers will probably be excited by them, too.
Q14) is there anything else you would like to add?
Meljean: Just that I’m so thrilled that everyone has been enjoying the series – and if you haven’t tried them yet, I hope you love them!
Books-n-Kisses: Meljean, it has been a pleasure to get to sit down and talk with you again. I look forward to seeing you in Bellevue, WA at the end of the month too. I hope my followers fall in love with you like I have. So what do you say we wet their appetite a little and giveaway a copy of Angels of Darkness?
Meljean: I’d love to! I’m happy to give away five (5) copies to commenters.
Books-n-Kisses: WOW!!!! Meljean, Thank you!!!
Giveaway time:
Please use form below to enter for a chance to win one of five copies of Angels of Darkness.
They soar through the night, unearthly creatures of legends and lore. Four masters of urban fantasy and paranormal romance explore the rapture of the heavens above, and the darkness below in four all-new stories of angels and guardians, and good and evil.
*walks in the front door of the Masters at Arms club* Thinks to self “It is way too quiet in here Of course, it’s still pretty early. Things will probably be hopping in here tonight”
*talking to myself* “Why am I so nervous? I’ve been here before. Heck, it was just a few weeks ago that we had that celebration party. What is my problem?”
Master Marc: “Principessa Masters Brat Kelly, you are in need of some refresher training.”
Kelly: *turns to find him standing behind me in his black leathers and wolf eye mask. But, of course, I know who he is. Does he really think that mask hides anything? Angelina’s right, though. He needs a bell around his neck so he can’t sneak up on a subbie like that.*
*Master Marc steps past me and motions for me to follow him to the loveseat in the corner. Remembering what he did to Angelina on that loveseat, I wonder what he has in mind, but feel compelled to follow anyway*
MM: “Master Damián or I might even make time for you tonight. I’ll check the schedule after the interview. Please, sit. *he waits for me to sit, then nails me with his Dom stare* “Just don’t make the mistake of assuming I would be the gentler of the two, even though I’m not the sadist.
Kelly: *winks at Master Marc* Ummm…well…I think I’m booked solid, but let’s get this interview started. I want people to learn about you and the other bo… *corrects self* …Masters.
MM: In my time, Principessa. Now, tell me, why do you feel the need to demean the status of the Doms at the Masters at Arms by referring to us as boys?
Kelly: *wonders who is in charge of this interview* “Come on, Master Marc. This interview isn’t about me and when I call you boys I mean in it with the utmost respect. Let’s move on do I need to beg?”
MM: “I’ve always enjoyed hearing a sub beg for what she needs, so that might be a good start.” *he waits*
Kelly: *rolling eyes, I adjust the red sash at my waist that seems to be cutting off my breathing all of the sudden. Oh, why did I wear the red one? I forgot about that scene in Angelina’s bedroom…. Don’t go there. I need to see in order to record his responses in my notepad*
MM: “I await the pleasure of your questions, Principessa. What would you like to know about me—or BDSM, Italy, the Colorado mountains…. I always try to be honest with little subs.”
*a shadow passed over his eyes and I decided not to pursue any questions about lying*
Kelly: “So, tell me how do you feel Kally did telling your story?”
MM: “Once she bowed to my will and changed the ending to the story to suit my wishes, she did quite well. Of course, that message you sent her on Sept. 2 asking a very pointed question (that I won’t repeat, to avoid spoilers) gave me the ammo I needed to come to her the next morning letting her know that she had the ending all wrong. So, I suppose you should get points for making me so happy. *he grins* But I do believe we both gave Kally some very stressful moments over the final few weeks before publication. I don’t think she’ll let any of the other Doms get away with that kind of last-minute change. I guess we’ll see.”
Kelly: “No, I supposed not. Is there anything important that she left out?”
MM: “Well, I really did want to get Nurse Angelina into the medical room—I have the nickname “Doc” as you know. But I’m sure Kally will find a way to please me by making it happen in an upcoming story in the Rescue Me series.”
Kelly: “Master Marc, if Angelina wanted to trade places—don’t roll your eyes at me. Let me at least finish the question.”
MM: *growls* “Are you giving me commands, Principessa? Do you feel that is wise, given all the implements at my disposal in this room?”
Kelly: “No, I was just trying to finish my questions. I hate it when people do that to me. Did you just Growl at me?”
MM: “I don’t see anyone else in the room.”
Kelly: “Kally told me you were cuddlier in this group of Doms, but who wants to cuddle with a growling Dom? Geez, *hurry’s to ask the question really fast* I just wanted to know if you trusted Angelina enough to give her control?”
Angelina: “Oh, excuse me! I didn’t know anyone was in here. Did I hear my name? Something about your giving me control, Sir? *she smiles at Master Marc and winks*
MM: Careful, my pet. You are in the club now and I am always in Dom role when we are together in the club or in the bedroom. Kneel. *Master Marc glances at a pillow on the floor near the coffee table*
Angelina: “But…”
MM: *snaps fingers and points to pillow*
*Angelina sighs and kneels at Master Marc’s side, eyes downcast, back tall and straight*
Kelly: Okaaaayyyyy…moving on… As I was saying, would you ever let Angelina take control of you in a scene? *glances at Angelina, who tries to hide her grin*
MM: “Well, of course, a sub always holds the lion’s share of control in a scene.”
Kelly: “That’s not what I meant. Would you let her tie you up, restrain you, flog you?”
MM: “No, she would never be interested in that role with me.”
Angelina: *looks up at him* “Oh, but, Sir, Luke was showing me some new rope tricks that I would love to try on you.”
MM: *glares at Angelina, who grins and casts her eyes down again. He returns his attention to Princess Masters Brat Kelly* “As I was saying, out of the question. I would not trust anyone to restrain me. Out of the question.”
Kelly: “But you demanded trust from Angelina. *Angelina looks up at me and mouths the words “thank you” I can’t wait to see Angelina continue to tame him in the coming books* “Shouldn’t you give her the same respect and trust her?”
MM: “Next question.”
Kelly *checks notepad* “Sir, tell me about your roll at the Masters at Arms Club.
MM *relaxes—this must be safer territory for him*: “I’m one of the three co-owners, along with two Marine veteran friends I served with in Iraq. Over the past year, I’ve been somewhat…absent…from the club.” *reaches down to stroke Angelina’s head* “But that will change now. I am planning some demonstrations in the medical room, as well as a demonstration of the Florentine flogging technique in the near future.”
*Angelina bites her lower lip*
Kelly: “Is it getting hot in there?” *waves hand in front of face* “Um, where was I?” *looks down at her notepad* “What is the one thing you want people to learn about you through your story?”
Master Marc & Angelina
MM: “That, while I may not be the perfect Dom, I am perfect for Angelina. Right, cara mia?”
Angelina: Yes, Sir. *she smiles and blushes*
MM: “Also that training her gives me great joy. She is so responsive to my commands and listens so attentively. That gives me great pride, knowing she’s under my thumb now. Let me demonstrate. Angelina, what did I just say?” *he smiles, expectantly*
Angelina *furrows her brow as her eyes dart to the side*
Kelly: *tries to muffle her giggle*
MM: “Look at me, bella.”
*Angelina looks up at Master Marc, her breathing shallow*
MM: “You were listening, weren’t you, pet?”
Angelina: *breath catches in her throat* “But, Sir. You were talking to Princess Masters Brat Kelly, not me. I just figured I could go to the blog later to read your responses. I was trying to figure out what happened to that recipe I made for dinner last night that didn’t turn out quite right.”
Kelly:*can’t stop the giggle this time seeing the look on Master Marc’s face* hehe
MM: *sighs* “Ah, pet, that is quite disappointing. A sub is always attentive to her Dom.” *MM glances pointedly at the armrest at the end of the loveseat. He smiles* “Five swats. Bare ass. Just as soon as Principessa Kelly leaves.”
*MM communicates something to Angelina without a word and I get the distinct impression that I’m in the way—sitting between Master Marc and the armrest and all*
Kelly: Ahem. “Um, well, Master Marc, I thank you for taking time out of your busy training schedule to sit down and talk with me. I look forward to telling my readers about your story.”
*MM pulls his attention away from Angelina and turns to me, making me feel a little nervous*
Master Damián
MM:”I am not too busy to train you, as well, Principessa. With the Masters at Arms club becoming so popular lately, Master Damián has asked me to help with the submissive training program again. I would love nothing more than to show you the finer points of my flogging skills. I’ve gotten a lot of practice lately.” *glances at Angelina, who blushes again*
Angelina: “Yes, Sir. Your flogger can be quite…persuasive.”
*MasterDamián and Master Luke walk into the great room and survey the scene*
Master Luke
Master Luke *looks at Kelly*: Hi, I don’t believe we’ve met darlin’. I’m the newest Dom here. Master Luke. What’s your name?
Kelly *blushes* I’m Princess Masters Brat Kelly, Luke—Master Luke. I really liked the scene with you in your cowboy outfit in Nobody’s Angel.
Luke *grins* “Are you one of those ‘Save a horse, ride a cowboy’ type subs? How did you like the choices I gave Angelina?”
Kelly: *blushes* “Choices?”
Luke: “Kneel at my feet or sit in my lap.”
Kelly: *did he just order me, or just repeat Angelina’s choices? Oh, well, duh, he’s standing, so obviously he’s not ordering me* “Um, yes, that was the first time you really went all Dom like. Pretty damned hot.”
MM: “Damián, I believe Principessa has forgotten some of her training. Perhaps you or I could make time for her tonight.
Master Damián: *strokes his goatee as he contemplates the idea* “Princesa, we worked so hard for so many months. I thought I had finally prepared you. No wonder you haven’t been able to find a Dom to take you on for more than a night or two. Perhaps we could have a session in the dungeon tonight, if you want to turn this sad situation around. We only want you to find the Dom who will be able to provide for your deepest needs.”
Kelly: *my heart starts pounding. I haven’t been to the dungeon here before. Am I brave enough to go there with the club’s sensual sadist?* “So, I am thinking I need to go…….But thank you for the offer”
MM: “We can discuss the technique later. First, I think we ought to give away a copy of Kally’s latest, NOBODY’S ANGEL book in the RESCUE ME series to some lucky commenter. Let’s ask them to comment with a suggestion on how we might get Principessa Kelly to stop being a brat? Hmmm. Just imagine the possibilities….”
For a chance to win, please leave your comment below (WITH YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS). If you’d like to suggest ways the Masters at Arms Doms might discipline…er, train Princess Masters Brat Kelly to be a more obedient, respectful sub, feel free! But all comments are welcome and will be counted!
A winner will be chosen using Rafflecopter and will receive a free e-copy of NOBODY’S ANGEL (and MASTERS AT ARMS, if she or he doesn’t have it yet.) Master Marc says you are not permitted to read his book until after you have finished MASTERS AT ARMS. If you already have Nobody’s Angel, Kally will put you on the list to win a copy of the December release of Nobody’s Hero (Master Adam’s story)
NOBODY’S ANGEL description:
Marc d’Alessio might own a BDSM club with his fellow military veterans, Adam and Damián, but he keeps all women at a distance. However, when Marc rescues beautiful Angelina Giardano from a disastrous first BDSM experience at the club, an uncharacteristic attraction leaves him torn between his safe, but lonely world, and a possible future with his angel.
Angelina leaves BDSM behind, only to have her dreams plagued by the Italian angel who rescued her at the club. When she meets Marc at a bar in her hometown, she can’t shake the feeling she knows him—but has no idea why he reminds her of her angel.
When Marc’s search-and-rescue partner, widower Luke Denton, confides he believes Angelina is the angel his wife promised to send him, Marc is convinced she is meant for Luke. A painful incident from his past keeps Marc from letting any woman drive a wedge between him and a friend.
While Luke can provide Angelina with love and stability, Marc knows his friend can’t satisfy her submissive needs. Marc offers one night to show her that BDSM is not about pain, but a power exchange with mutual trust and consent. But he knows he can’t commit emotionally to anything more.
When the abusive Dom from Angelina’s past threatens, Marc’s protective instincts kick in; he must keep her safe. Again at the Masters at Arms Club, she turns the tables on him—and turns his safe, controlled world upside down. (Book Two in the RESCUE ME series; follows introduction to series, MASTERS AT ARMS.)
Entering is really easy. Hit read more, but only if you are on the main page other wise Walk your way down the questions. 1st is leave a comment. Hit the Click for Instructions. Answer Master Marc’s question in the comment section at the end of the blog. Then come back and hit the I DID THIS button. Enter the information it is requesting. Then go to the second mandatory entry: Leave your email. Hit I DID THIS and it asks you all the questions. Once you do these to entry’s everything else is extra credit! Which means extra chances to win.
If you have any questions or concerns about how to use Rafflecopter please email me at books.n.kisses(at)gmail(dot)com
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Juniper Bell to the blog today.We are looking forward to learning a little more about Juniper and her book Go Deep.
Juniper: Thank you for having me, I’m thrilled to be here. Books and kisses are two of my favorite things.
Q1) Please tell us a little about yourself
Juniper: I write erotic romance for Samhain and Ellora’s Cave. My books tend to feature very dominant men, smart women, ménage, light bondage themes, usually a contemporary setting though I’ve written one Regency. I live in a tiny town in Alaska with my husband and stepdaughters. And I just bought tickets for a trip to Hawaii. Yay!
Q2)Tell us a typical writing day for you
Juniper: My typical writing day involves a lot of cursing and curling up in a fetal position. Not really. I pace around until I think I can face the computer, then I tie myself to the chair until I’ve filled 12 pages. Not really. I do take bathroom breaks. But seriously, my typical day? I don’t really have one. The only typical part is I do maintain a strict word count goal and always stick to it. But it may come in the morning, the afternoon, or when everyone’s gone to bed.
Q3) Have you always wanted to be an author or what made you become an author?
Juniper: Yes, I have always wanted to be an author, ever since I understood the concept that an actual person wrote the books I loved. I’ve never wanted to be anything else, but I took a roundabout route to get here. I used my writing skills for news promotion, encyclopedia updates, screenplays, TV copy, many other things. It took me a while to believe that I could write a novel.
Juniper:Go Deep is a novella about a married couple who are both hiding their deepest sexual desires from each other. They attend a winter festival called “Wild Nights,” where the only rule is “anything goes, nothing counts.” They grab this opportunity to break through their barriers, share their sexual secrets, and let loose.
Q5) How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Juniper: I think it was inspired by the fact that I recently got married. I started thinking about how many layers people have and how much you can still learn about someone even after years, and even after taking a vow to spend your life together.
Q6) What is your current work in progress?
Juniper: I just finished (just a few minutes ago, actually) the first draft of the 3rd book in my Receptionist series, called Unleashing the Receptionist. This is a really fun series about a sassy receptionist, her two extremely sexy bosses and their highly inappropriate adventures.
Q7) Who are some of your favorite authors?
Juniper: The authors I write with are way up there. PG Forte, Kelly Jamieson, Skylar Kade, Meg Benjamin, Kinsey Holley, Erin Nicholas, Kate Davies and Sydney Somers are all part of the Nine Naughty Novelists. We wrote a serial romance parody called The Zillionaire Vampire Cowboy’s Secret Werewolf Babies that’s doing great on Amazon. Among authors I don’t write with – Nora Roberts, Lisa Kleypas, Christine Feehan, Sherry Thomas, Eloisa James, Beth Kery, Eden Bradley, Kate Pearce, Darynda Jones … somebody stop me!
Q8) Have to ask because I am nosey.That is in your to be read pile that you are dying to read next?
Juniper: I have a pile of historicals I’m about to dig into: Maya Rodale, Sherry Thomas, Sarah McLean. Can’t wait!
Q9) Is there anything else you would to add?
Juniper: I love to hang out online, so if anyone would like to connect onFacebook or Twitter, don’t be shy! On Twitter I’m @AuthorJuniper.
Books-n-Kisses: Juniper, again huge thank you for stopping by the blog to day to chat about you and your books.I hope the readers enjoyed.
Beth is the shy, dreamy type. No one guesses at the wild sexual thoughts she hides behind that quiet façade. She doesn’t even share her secret longings with her husband.
Gavin loves his wife, but he’s tired of living in a marriage in which neither he nor Beth reveal their true desires. When Gavin sees Beth’s response to an erotic bondage photo in her framing shop, he jumps at the opportunity to break through her barriers.
He accepts an invitation to a showcase match for the amateur hockey team he coaches during Wild Nights, the infamous winter festival during which “anything goes, nothing counts.” But he’s opened a sensual Pandora’s box—Beth has some surprises of her own. When she meets Eagle, a free-spirited Wild resident, she knows he’s the perfect man to help enact her erotic fantasies. And once they go deep, there’s no going back.
Books-n-Kisses, is pleased to Welcome Madison Edwards to our blog today. We are looking forward to learning more about Madison and her book According to Plan.
Madison Thank you for having me on your blog today. I’m looking forward to your readers getting to know me a little better.
Q1) Madison, Can you please share a little about yourself
Madison: As a Canadian, questions like this make us look to the ground, shuffle our feet, and blush. But, I’ll share anyway.
I’m a wife, mother, grandmother and when I’m not on my computer, I love having loads of people over for dinner and playing games with friends and family.
I’m a PRO member of Romance Writers of America, Toronto Romance Writers and Passionate Ink.
Q2) What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Madison: My sense of humor. Even when I received my first rejections, all editors commented on my dialogue and how my sense of humor shone.
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Madison: My favorite author is Karen Marie Moning – hands down. Also ~ Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas, John Grisham, Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, Jeffrey Archer, Jane Austen, and Kristin Higgins. All their books line my bookshelves, and I’ve re-read them many times.
Who influenced my writing? That is so hard to answer because the authors I love to read, I don’t really write in their genre. However, I scoured the books of my favorite authors and wrote down the first three words of each sentence from one chapter. I needed to learn how to escape the pronoun trap. Also, KMM had fabulous sexual tension between her two protagonists, and I backtracked to see where she started adding in that tension. I was shocked to find it was several chapters. This opened my eyes.
Q4) Can you tell us what a typical writing day for you is like.
Madison: I get up around 6:30 a.m. and quickly check my e-mails. If I have a blog entry or a shout out on Facebook, this is when I’ll post. Then off to work in the HR department of a local police service and in the evenings (hubby is a pilot and his job takes him away for days at a time) I’ll write. When hubby’s home I spend time with him.
Weekends are for friends and family. Grandma must see grandchildren, or she’ll wither and dry up. Add to this my writing group and night classes and that takes care of my hours.
Also, spoiled kitties demand equal loving. So much to do, so little time.
Q5) Can you please tell us about According to Plan
Madison: Oh, I’d love to.
The heroine, Shelby Stewart, is sole proprietor of Stewart Investigations. With the help of her best friend Polly, she’s run the agency on her own after her partner and boyfriend, Tank, left her for another woman. The story kicks off when a powerful business man hires Shelby to find his missing son, Harrison.
Things become interesting when Tank shows up, also looking for Harrison. Still attracted to Tank, still mad at Tank, still in love with Tank, Shelby wants him long gone. Not only for the above reasons, but because she wants to find Harrison herself.
We find out Tank never left Shelby for another woman. He’s a Federal Agent and Shelby was in danger. The only way he knew to keep her safe was to make it look like he no longer cared for her and leave. He loves her even more now than he did a year ago, and lucky for him the danger has passed. It’s time to break down the walls Shelby’s erected around her heart.
First, he’ll start with a kiss….
Q6) How did you come up with the idea for these stories?
Madison: Usually driving to work. There’s something about your brain being on autopilot, allowing the subconscious mind to roam. Also, I have been a people watcher all my life, and will listen without guilt to conversations taking place around me. If you don’t want it broadcast, don’t air your laundry in public. I’m just sayin’.
Q7) What is the next book on your To Read Pile that you are dying to jump into?
Madison: I’m waiting for Kate Douglas’ ‘Michael’. Am I the only person who didn’t know about these books?
Q8) What is up next for you?
Madison: At this moment I’m working on Craven Desires. A story that is so layered it scares the crap out of me. But, I can’t stop the voices in my head, so I write, delete, write, delete and dream about hiring a ghost writer. *banging head on desk*
Craven Desires: Eve bought a book. She didn’t know it was about her life.
Eve’s friend wins an all expense trip to Scotland, and takes Eve with her. While touring a castle Eve is transported back to 1611, into the arms of a handsome, sexy man. What sets her heart thudding even harder is the fact he’s the man she’s been reading about from a novel bought in 2011.
Q9) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Madison: My fervent wish for anyone who reads According to Plan is that when you close the book or put down your electronic reader, you have a smile on your face because you’ve come to love my characters as much as I have.
Books-n-Kisses, Madison thank you so much for talking the time to sit down with me. I enjoyed learning more about you and your book. I am looking forward to reading this story.
Madison: Thank you again for hosting me. You must let me know what you did, or didn’t like about According to Plan.
I invite you all to visit me at www.madisonjedwards.com where you’ll find excerpts posted for this book and my three novellas published by Sapphire Nights Books. They’re naughty.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have Raven McAllan on the blog today. We are looking forward to learning more about Raven and her new book Wallflowers Don’t Wilt.
Raven, Welcome to Books-n-Kisses.
Raven: Thank you for having me on the blog. It’s a privilege I really appreciate. And I may add, something I never believed would happen.
Q1) Raven can you share a little bit about yourself.
Raven: this is the hardest bit.
Wife, mother, grandmother.
Love chocolate, traveling and fine wine. Hate liver and midges (especially midges).
I love people watching, get my ideas all over the place (One came to me in the loo on a long haul plane journey. No it wasn’t about the mile high club, and no I haven’t written it yet!)
Lucky enough to have an O.H. who understands his wife is always attached to a lap top, and that dusty bunnies are allowed to go forth and multiply under the bed!
Not prepared to grow old gracefully. As my OH once said to me, you are only as old as you feel. He is younger than me, so hey I always feel younger than I am.
Q2) When did you decide you wanted to be an author?
Raven: When I won a ‘where does Chocolate come from’ competition when I was seven! The prize was a big box of chocolate. I’ve dabbled badly on and off over the years, but seriously, in an “I will get published” sort of way, only this last year. I made a deal with myself to really have a go and try to get published before the big ‘0’ birthday this December (I will make it)
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Raven: I swing between mystery and crime to romance. So, in no particular order, Arthur Upfield, W.E. B Griffin, Bill Knox, Peter Robinson. Gerald Hammond(Crime/mystery) Nora Roberts, Shayla Black, Stephanie Laurens and Doris O’Connor (Widely romance) Katie Fforde.
As to influenced? No one specific person, but several for different reasons. There’s a New Zealand Author called Robyn Donald, who describes the country, in such a way, she made me want to visit. She paints with words so well, you are drawn in. For sheer carry me away and let me wallow, Nora Roberts, and an English writer, Miss Read. Re reading her books is like visiting a well loved old friend. Stephanie Laurens because her books aren’t run of the mill regency. Strangely when I started writing Wallflowers Don’t Wilt, I didn’t read anything remotely regency, in case I accidentally used any of someone else’s expressions etcetera.
For who did it and why, All of the above, plus Frank Muir, Stuart McBride, Stephen Booth and several other British Crime writers, who showed me how to hook someone into the story and not let them go. Whether I have succeeded? Time will tell, I hope so!
Q4) Can you tell us about your book Wallflowers Don’t Wilt
Raven: A romantic, Regency, story of discovery. Or as a friend said to me “Regency Romance with a Twist.
Two well brought up young ladies, are about to set up home together, when an aristocratic male decides that he should become part of the equation. The ladies decide it is up to him to show them why!
Q5) How did you come with the idea for this story.
Raven: Truthfully? Two things got “Wallflowers” written. I am a member of a great crit group, UCW (Up and Coming Writers). Chatting on fb one day, about what we should write, I said idly that I wondered if I could write a menage. A regency one, where everything about it would be taboo. Not only a menage, but one with two women and a man. The group dared me to. Once I started, I knew I had found my voice, whether it was any good or not. Then they nagged, praised, bullied and pushed, until I wrote it polished it and submitted it.
Q6) Can you tell us about your current work in progress
Raven: Which one? I have two on the go, mainly because they were both nagging to be written. Another regency, about the aunt of the heroine of my second novel, due out in January (To Please A Lady) and A Young Adult, about shape shifters.. There an idea for a contemporary beginning to demand attention as well, but it’s going to have to wait for a while.
Q7) What are your writing habits. Anything you have to have while writing?
Raven: during the day? Chocolate and coffee. During the evening if I am sitting with my O.H.- chocolate and wine. Also notebooks all over the house, just in case something comes to me, and I’m not near the lap top. I even had to stop the car one day and dictate from my mobile phone into the house answerphone because I couldn’t find my pen. White van men have been known to swerve, as I talk to myself in a queue at traffic lights ( in my defense, I drive a sports car-my pride and joy- it was hot, I had the roof down, and he had his window open! I bet he wondered what he had got into. It was a steamy scene I was trying to talk my way through.
Q8) I always want to know what authors are reading or looking forward to reading. So can you share with us what you are currently reading or the next new release you can’t wait to get your hands on.
Raven: I’m reading an oldie, The Widows of Broome, by Arthur Upfield, a crime story set in Australia in the early part of the 20th century. Also Katie FForde Highland Fling- which Has been out a while but is one of her novels, I hadn’t read. Looking forward to the new Shayla Black, Scandinavian Scandal, by Doris O’Connor, and the next Peter Robinson. For plane journeys, a bit of escapism, or something I can dip in and out of, like diaries.
Q9) is there anything else you would like to add?
Raven: If you want to write, then write. It doesn’t matter what it is or how good it is. Once you see your words in front of you, you’re hooked, and you want to get better. More importantly, write as you can, not as you feel you should.
Books-n-Kisses, Raven it has been a pleasure to have you here today. I look forward to reading you book Wallflowers Don’t Wilt. Please come back any time.
Raven, It was my pleasure, thanks for inviting me- don’t forget to read “Wallflowers”
Books-n-Kisses, is pleased to Welcome Kacey Hammell to our blog today.
Kacey: Thank you so much for having me! I’m thrilled to be here.
Q1) Kacey, Can you please share a little about yourself
Kacey: I’m married, a Mom to three active and creative kids who keep me on my toes. I am an Avidreader who found romance books at the age of thirteen. Since then, I’ve been hooked. It was only natural in 2001 when I found an online romance review site and became a reviewer. In a few years, I reviewed over four hundred title and felt compelled to try writing myself. In 2005, at the advice and prodding of my husband, I decided to sit and write my first story. It did very well, as did its sequel and a couple other titles, but I had to take a hiatus from writing in late 2007 when my father passed away unexpectedly. I am now in a better mind-set and have been able to find my way back to writing.
Q2) What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Kacey: I don’t start a book at the very beginning. I write scenes or full chapters of characters that talk to me and I have to get their voices to quiet down or get an active scene that plays over and over in my head. I end up piecing everything together once the characters dominate my thoughts more. I don’t even start with a title or character names specifically. Those come later, believe it or not.
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Kacey: I think any writer would say that other writers influence their writing. I think that the most influential for me are writers that bring readers honest and believable romances, build up the characters/story to make us want to sit next to their characters and have a conversation. Authors that do this for me are Jaci Burton, JD Robb, Cherry Adair, Nina Bruhns, Suzanne Brockmann, Sara Brookes, TL Schaefer, Monette Michaels, Patricia A. Rasey, Jasmine Haynes…to name just a few. I can never begin to compare myself to these wonderful writers though.
Q4) Tell us about Last Man Standing
Kacey: It is true what people say – you never forget your first true love/heartbreak, Last Man Standing represents a woman’s journey working through her past and finding her own HEA.
Over a decade has passed since Jaslyn “Jazz” Vanburren had her heart broken by her high school sweetheart. After turning thirty, Jazz finds herself remembering the past and tells herself to leave it where it rightfully belongs—behind her. In order to do that, she has to face the man who broke her heart. When he calls her out of the blue, asking to see her, Jazz knows her chance has come to show him what he’s been missing.
But Jazz has another problem. Ryder Donovan—her best friend and her boss, the man who’d always been there for her, finally tells her like it is—he’s in love with her. Always has been and always will be.
Will Jazz hold tight to the past and the heartache she’s lived with? Or will she embrace the future with the one man who has never let her down? Who will be the Last Man Standing beside her?
Q5) How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Kacey: LMS actually came to mind when an old flame of mine contacted me through a social network and we became friends again. He was the first guy to ever break my heart, so the thought started to niggle about the “what ifs” of the past. So while Jazz’s story is her own, there were some personal similarities.
Q6) What is up next for you?
Kacey: I have three previously released titles that have been re-edited/revised, new covers & titles altered a little bit that I have submitted to a couple publishers. One I’ll probably self-publish to get my stories and name in reader’s minds as I wait for the outcome of the other two.
Plus I have a ghost story that I’m putting the final polishes on that I will be submitting to publishers once complete. There’s also about ten WIPs that I have to complete. So there’s really no rest for the wicked in the coming months. It’s just difficult because there’s so many characters talking to me right now. J
Books-n-Kisses: Kacey, Thank you so much for talking the time to sit down with me. I enjoyed learning more about you and your books… I am looking forward to reading your story.
Kacey: Thank you so much for the opportunity to reach your readers. I hope you enjoy Last Man Standing, and future titles.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Alyssa Day to our blog. We are excited to have Alyssa here to talk the Warriors of Poseidon, Vampires and Alejandro’s Sorceress.
Alyssa: I’m so delighted to be here! Thanks to Books-n-Kisses for inviting me.
Q1) Can you tell us a 3 interesting things about yourself:
Alyssa: Well, I live in Japan! For the past year we’ve been through earthquakes, tsunamis, a nuclear meltdown and a month-long evacuation. That was a little bit TOO interesting.
I have had up to 4 adopted rescue pugs at one time and learned how to walk 4 dogs at once. 16 legs plus mine made for some very interesting tangles!
I’ve lived all over the world. In a dozen or so different states including Alaska, Japan, Turkey, and the Philippines. And we’re planning a year-long journey to France!
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Alyssa: Yes, I’ve been writing stories since I first picked up a pencil at age 3. But I thought writing wasn’t a practical way to try to make a living, so I worked as a trial lawyer for 8 years before I started writing full-time.
Q3) Can you share with us your typical writing day? Things you have to have while you write?
Alyssa: I don’t need routine, or ritual, or even for things to be a certain way. All I need is a computer, or a pen and paper if need be, and for my mind to turn on. I wrote the last chapter of a book in a very noisy Chuck E Cheese’s on a Saturday once while the birthday parties screamed around me!! Unfortunately I don’t have “typical” writing days, either. With our lives, things are crazy all the time, so I fit in writing whenever I can and some days I’m lucky to write 5 pages and some day I write 25!
Q4) What is the most rewarding or challenging part of being an author?
Alyssa: Rewarding? Definitely the readers. Every letter I get that tells me how reading one of my books allowed a reader to escape a horrible time in her life, just for a little while, makes me cry–it’s definitely humbling.
Challenging? Trying to make each book better than the last. I stress myself out so much sometimes over trying to be better, better, best, that I freeze totally. Meditation and long walks help with this.
Let’s talk Books:
Q5) Your new upcoming ebook exclusive Alejandro’s Sorceress is scheduled for release in October. Can you tell us a little more about this story?
Alyssa: Well, first, it might actually be early November. Formatting and preparing a book for indie e-book sale is challenging if you want to do it right, so I have a team of professionals I work with to do this.
Alejandro is a secondary character from Lord Justice’s book, Atlantis Unleashed, and I fell madly in love with him from the moment he first stepped on the page. He’s a totally hot alpha male protecting his village and he has a wicked sense of humor. I’ll let him show you:
Alejandro stood up, leveling his shotgun at the vampire’s head. “I propose a barter,” he said calmly.
The vamp barked out a chilling burst of laughter. “What barter could you–“
The shotgun bucked and roared and exploded the vamp’s head. Justice shot a look at Alejandro, who shrugged as the vampire’s headless body fell to the ground, dissolving in a flood of slime.
“My shotgun shell for his head. Seemed fair to me.”
Q6) How did you come up with the idea for Alejandro’s story?
Alyssa: I knew he wasn’t done telling his story, and his lady love had more to do with her life, too. She was too young and too unfocused to be able to stand up to Alejandro. So I sent him to the FBI’s Paranormal Ops Academy and sent him on his first case–to catch a dangerous sorceress. Guess who she turned out to be?
Q7) Will Alejandro’s Sorceress be a stand-alone book or do you see this as being part of a series?
Alyssa: For now, it’s a stand-alone novella. But the idea of taking them into an urban fantasy series quite intrigues me and might actually happen. And this is the first time I’ve ever mentioned that publicly, so you get an exclusive!
Books-n-Kisses: I am extremely flattered that you would share this exclusive with me and my follower. I can’t wait to learn more.
Let’s talk about the Warriors of Poseidon Series.
Q8) How did you come up with the idea for the Warriors of Poseidon Series?
Alyssa: I’ve always loved history, mythology, and the idea of finding a lost civilization. I very nearly went on for an advanced degree in archaeology, so Atlantis has been on my mind for a very long time.
Q9) Daniel’s book Vampires in Atlantis (bk7) was released in June 2011. Tell us a little about Daniel’s book.
Alyssa: Daniel is an eleven thousand year old vampire who finally finds the girl who got away. Massive destruction, torturing of all characters, and a spine-tinglingly hot romance ensue!
Q10) The next book in the Warriors of Poseidon series is a fan favorite (mine too, can’t wait to read this story) Alaric’s story, titled Heart of Atlantis (bk8, release date 5/1). Can you share a little about Alaric’s story?
Alyssa: I could, but then I’d have to send the Warriors to hunt you down and silence you. It’s just not good publicity. You understand. I will share one thing, though – in the very first chapter, Alaric abdicates his role as high priest of Poseidon! Whether Atlantis and Poseidon let him get away with THAT is an entirely different story . . .
Books-n-Kisses: I totally understand I had to try!
Q11) Is Alaric’s story the last one in the Warriors of Poseidon series. If yes, are you sad to see the series end? If no, do you know how many more books will be in the series?
Alyssa: NO! It’s the last book in this first arc. Atlantis will rise, one way or another, by the end of the book. Trying to make that happen without killing every Atlantean is the hard part. I’m still planning to write Denal’s book, Jack’s book, and at least a few more novellas.
Q12) I always like to ask what authors are reading. So what is the latest great book you read or upcoming release you are most looking forward too?
Alyssa: I’m reading David McCullough’s THE GREATER JOURNEY, AMERICANS IN PARIS. McCullough has won the Pulitzer Prize twice, so he could pretty much make his grocery list interesting, but this period in particular fascinates me, between about 1830 and 1900 when so many Americans in the fields of art, literature, medicine, and politics, traveled to Paris to live and learn. I’m re-reading A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN with my 11 year-old daughter as part of our homeschooling adventure (one of my favorite books of all time), and I just finished THE CHILDREN OF HENRY VIII by Alison Weir. For fun, I’ve recently read Ilona Andrews’ MAGIC SLAYS, Jayne Castle’s CANYONS OF NIGHT, Karen Marie Moning’s Fae series, Jacqueline Carey’s NAAMAH’S BLESSING, Eileen Carr’s VANISHED IN THE NIGHT (which is absolutely terrifyingly good romantic suspense), and Jim Butcher’s GHOST STORY.
Q13) What is the best piece of advice you ever got about becoming an author that you would like to share?
Alyssa: People say never give up, and that’s probably good advice for most people, but for me, when it quits being fun, it’s time to move on. There are far too many other wonderful things to do in life.
The best advice I ever got was on craft in one of the many RWA workshops I’ve attended, and I wish I could remember who said it because I’d love to attribute it, but it was to remember that each of us is the hero of our own story. I think I write very strong secondary characters and villains because I remember this and never make them two-dimensional.
Q14) What is up next for you (besides Alejandro & Alaric)?
Alyssa: I’m updating and preparing for indie publication my nonfiction book that I’m very proud of: E-MAIL TO THE FRONT, the true story of my family’s experience when my husband had to go to war right after 9-11. I’ve had thousands of reader letters about this book from military families and those who care about military families, and I can’t wait to share it with the world again since it’s now out of print.
Q15) Is there anything else you would like to share with me or my followers?
Alyssa: Yes! Please stay tuned for exciting news about my new series, THE LEAGUE OF THE BLACK SWAN. Set in a corner of contemporary New York that overlaps the Fae and demon worlds, this series is a rocket-paced ride of sizzling suspense and dangerous desire. I can’t wait till next year so you can read it!!
Books-n-Kisses: Alyssa, again a huge THANK YOU for taking time out of your very busy schedule to sit down and talk with me. I have had a great time. I look forward to reading Alejandro’s Sorceress and can’t wait for Heart of Atlantis (Feb. 2012).
Alyssa: Thank YOU!!
Books-n-Kisses: One last thing before you go Alyssa, how about we giveaway a signed copy of Daniel’s book (Vampire in Atlantis)?
Alyssa: How about 2? Good luck, readers!
Want to learn more about Alyssa or her books please check out her website:
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have JM Powers on our blog today. We are looking forward to learning more about JM and her new book Basket of Hope.
Hi JM, welcome to Books-n-Kisses..
JM: HI there! Call me Jeannie. J.M. is so formal. And I am the furthest thing from that.
Q1) Jeannie, can you share a little bit about yourself
JM Oh boy, you asked for it. I’m a bit of a nut, and laugh at inappropriate times. I find humor in just about anything.
I live on an island, in Upstate NY. Summer is my favorite season here. Well my only season. I just spend the rest of them waiting for summer to arrive again. Why do I reside in the north when I live for warmth? I fell in love with a northerner.
My hubby teases me when I say ya’ll, dang, or refer to grandparents as ma-maw and pa-paw. He says I have a southern accent.*rolls eyes* Listen, darlin’, I don’t have a dang accent! When I visit my family in the south, they say I have northern accent. I’m confused.
I tend to ramble too. And I can’t stop– even when I realize I’m rambling. Like now. No wonder I write. I have to get rid of my continuous word overflow.
Q2) When did you decide you wanted to be an author?
JM: I don’t think it was a conscious decision really. I think writing is so ingrained in me that I simply followed my bliss and ended up an author. (or… the word overflow thing.)
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
JM: My all time favorite is Jean M. Auel. I’m very fond of Terry Goodkind too. My favorite romance author is Hannah Howell. I must admit though, I have a new favorite every week. I
The more I read, the more I learn, so I guess every writer influences my writing in one way or another.
Q4) Can you tell us about your book Basket of Hope
JM: Of course I will. What author wouldn’t promo given a chance? J
Kara, a scullery maid, is in love with Machias.*drool* ….His body is as sculpted as the garden statues at the castle. Oh, and when he takes his tunic off? Oh my… oh yeah….Machias.
Oh, sorry. I got distracted for a minute there. Okay, back to BASKET OF HOPE. .
Here’s the blurb:
All Hallows Eve looms near, and encroaching evil shall have its way if a marriage filled with true love and pure magic does not take place. Machias must choose a witch, something Kara never hopes to be.
Machias’s father will do anything to ensure his son chooses wisely—lies, beatings, and even an attempt to soil Kara’s innocence is not past the man.
Machias’s marriage announcement promises to burn Kara’s hope to cinders…unless something truly magical happens at the All Hallows Eve ball.
Q5) How did you come with the idea for this story.
JM: Originally, it was a short story for a contest. When it didn’t win, my characters led me around saying, “now expand on this” and “make her an orphan” then, “wouldn’t it be interesting if you added an evil father?” And wha-lah! The short story magically turned into a novella. (Silly pun. Humor me.)
Q6) Can you tell us about your current work in progress
JM: Right now my next book, Jewel of Ramstone, is in the editing process with a publisher. This historical romance is about a maiden without a past,–and a future full of intriguing twists. It should be out this fall or winter. I hope my readers will love the book as much I did writing it. (You can find updates for all my work on jmpowersromance.blogspot.com)
Q7) What are your writing habits. Anything you have to have while writing?
JM: My habits vary from quiet solitude with a cup of coffee in the morning, to afternoons with a fried bologna sandwich after my day job. But usually it’s on my couch with chaos around me in the evenings. However, my favorite time is a getaway to the cabin with my sister to develop new story ideas or work on our manuscripts. There is a constant though. I must write every day. It’s not a choice so much as a need.
My creations bud in my mind. It gets pretty crowded up there. New and old characters mingle, spilling drinks and leaving crumbs of information while they party non-stop in my head. Many times, I intend to jot down one of those character’s ideas. Then I look up hours later, wondering what my husband just said. Twelve times. God, I love that man. He married a writer and accepted it. Ha. I sometimes wonder if he knew what he was accepting.
Q8) I always want to know what authors are reading or looking forward to reading. So can you share with us what you are currently reading or the next new release you can’t wait to get your hands on.
JM: I read every genre. A friend recently loaned me Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin. (Why does he have two middle initials?) I’m reading it now. There’s everything in this book! Romance, secrets, fantasy, kings, knights, strong- willed women, mystery, backstabbing, honor—I could go on, but that would entail rambling. And I never ramble. *huge grin*
Q9) is there anything else you would like to add?
JM: I never have the opportunity to publicly thank my critique partners so I’d like send a shout out to the ones who always offers great suggestions, honest opinions and encouragement.
My sister, and fellow author, CE Hart, always reads my work before I send it anywhere. She calls me and suggests changes. Once I note her thoughts, we talk for hours on the phone. A lot of that time is spent laughing so hard we can’t understand what the other is saying.
Another author, my friend, Rain Chapman, has a knack for helping me find a perfect word to convey just what I mean. She’s also handy to bounce ideas off of.
These two are the best partners any author could wish for. *waves* Thanks, ya’ll!
Books-n-Kisses, JM it has been a pleasure to have you here today. I look forward to reading you book Basket of Hope. Please come back any time.
JM: I look forward to hearing what you think of it! *GRIN*
I had fun sharing a bit about myself. Thanks for helping spread the word about my latest release!
GIVEAWAY TIME:
Breathless Press is going to be giving away one E-copy of Basket of Hope.
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