Interview & Giveaway with Lisa Renee Jones

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have Lisa Renee Jones on our blog today.  I am so excited to have you here to talk about her new release (yesterday) The Storm that is Sterling.  I have been looking forward to Sterling’s book since I finished The Legend of Michael. *sigh*

Award winning author, Lisa Renee Jones, has published more than fifteen novels in several different languages, spanning multiple genres of romance – contemporary, romantic suspense, dark paranormal and erotic fiction. In each book the hero is dark, dangerous, and sexy. She debuted for both, Nocturne and Blaze, on the Bookscan bestseller list. You can find Lisa onTwitterFacebook, and her blog for regular updates. Lisa now has a Fan Page at Facebook.

Lisa: Thank you so much Kelly. I finished writing Michael and was eager to write Sterling’s story. He really came to life for me as I wrote Michael.
Q1) Let me start by saying that I love Sterling’s cover.  What did you think when you first saw it?
Lisa:  I was really please with the Sterling cover and it’s my first blue cover so I thought that was a cool thing!
Q2) Let’s talk Sterling.  Tell us a little about Sterling’s book.  Perfectly named The Strom that is Sterling.
Lisa:  Sterling has had a lot of pain in his life. He’s very damaged yet he is so willingly to put himself out there for those he loves. He reminds me of Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon. He has a secret death wish but he keeps going because what if someone he loves needs him 
Q3) Sterling’s book is book 2 in your Zodius Series.  How did you come up with the idea for this series?
Lisa: I am a Vegas addict. I love it! I’ve always been interested in the secrets of Area 51 and my now deceased father-in-law was at a famous cleanup site. He told us tidbits before he died and it was enough to really spark ideas about Area 51 and Super Soldiers.
Q4) What has been the most challenging and rewarding part of writing Sterling’s book?
Lisa: The end is always the most rewarding and the most challenging. I never want to let go of the characters and I struggle for days to get into my new characters as I cling to the old.  
Q5) I know that Damion’s book is next: The Danger that is Damion (Release date is May 2012).  Can you tell us a little about this next book?
Lisa:  Damion is a character readers will meet in Sterling’s book and he is a very by the book kind of guy. He believes there are rules for a reason. Suddenly, to save a woman he loves, he might have to break those rules.
Q6) What is up next for the Zodius Series after Damion’s book? 
Lisa: You will meet Chale in Damion’s book. He is my next planned story feature.
Q7) I know you write in other genres besides the paranormal. Do you prefer one genre over another?  If so, can you explain why?
Lisa: No I like the mix. Paranormal suspense is intense and dark and emotional to write. Then I write a Blaze and its light and fun. I find the shift back and forth keeps me fresh and excited and challenged.
Q8) What kind of research did you have to do for the Zodius series?
Lisa: I have lots of military family connections so those are questions I direct to those connections. My cousin’s husband is active Special Forces. My fiancé is going to med school so the genetic stuff he helps me with or he’s gone to an instructor for me before.  
Q9) Who is your all-time favorite author and why?
Lisa:  Oh I have a lot of favorites. I can’t pick just one. I love Karen Moning and Galean Foley.  I love a good historical because I don’t write that genre so it’s just an escape.
Q10) Tell us three things about yourself that we can’t find in your bio or on your website.
Lisa: I am a Starbucks addict – white mocha!
I am a chocolate addict – any but Godiva is a fabulous indulgence – if only it wasn’t priced like gold.
I’m a gym rat. I workout 6 days a week and even on vacations
Q11) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Lisa:  No. I was into acting before the corporate world stole me away and I actually got back into independent film quite heavily right before I started writing books.
Q12) Do you prefer writing series or stand-alone books?
Lisa: I like series because I don’t like to let go of my secondary characters
Q13) What trait do you like best in your heroes and heroines?
Lisa: They are all different, and like people, those differences make them special.
Q14) Do you ever base your characters off of people that you know?
Lisa: Not really. In Santa Baby the heroine was very me which was not the norm. For some reason, she just took on a lot of my character traits.
Q15) Name one movie that you think everyone should see.
Lisa: You know—I love movies but I rarely see them twice. I’m a big television person. Everyone should have a Sam and Dean Supernatural addiction!
Q16) If you could spend a whole day doing anything that you wanted to do with one of your characters.  Who would it be and why?
Lisa:  Whoever I am writing at the time. I have to be in love with the character while I’m writing him/her.

Q17) Do you ever get writers block?  If yes, what do you do to get unblocked?
Lisa:  Yes and it always means something is wrong with the story. I beat myself up until I figure it out and probably I should step away but I rarely do. Once I figure out what is wrong I am always amazed it took me so much fretting to come to that answer.
Q18) What if anything have you learned from your characters?
Lisa: That unique is good and it makes us special.
Q19) What are you currently reading? Or what is your next read?
Lisa:  I’m listening to one of the Bones/Frost books. I love that series and enjoy it on audio book.
Q20) Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Lisa:  Just huge thanks to my readers and to you Kelly for all of your love and support!
Books-n-Kisses:  Lisa, again thank you so very much for letting Books-n-Kisses being a part of your blogging tour for Sterling’s book.  I really enjoyed reading Sterling’s story and looking forward to reading Damion’s book.  I would love to have you back again. 
Lisa — I would be thrilled to return!!
Books-n-Kisses: Hey Lisa, How about we do a giveaway? 
Lisa:  Sounds good.  How about a goodie bag of books and Bath & Body Shop stuff.
Giveaway, To enter for a chance to win Lisa’s goodie bag.  Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway will end November 7th.  Winner Announced Nov. 9th.




Interview with Aiden & Kelly from Lisa Renee Jones Hot Vampire Seduction


Books-n-Kisses:  Hi Aiden, Hi Kelly, Welcome to Books-n-Kisses.  I am so glad that you both agreed to sit down and talk with me today.
Aiden:  Lisa says you love vampires and we are vampires.
Kelly: I still can’t get use to hearing that. We are vampires. I am a vampire.
Books-n-Kisses:  Can I get either of you anything before we get started?
Aiden: Don’t suppose you have any blood handy?
Kelly: Aiden! Forgive him. He’s joking.
Aiden: Lisa said she likes vampires.
Kelly: He’ll take coffee and so will I. Thank goodness vampires really don’t live on blood and blood alone. I don’t know what I’d do without my pizza and Starbucks.
Books-n-Kisses: Okay, let’s get started then
Book 1
Q1) Aiden, can you give us a little of your history?
Aiden: I was a human bitten by a vampire with blood lust and left for dead.
Kelly: Blood lust happens when a vampire drinks too much blood.
Aiden: We’ve evolved. We need no more than a monthly feeding.  When we overindulge, it’s like a drug. We are stronger and faster, on a high, so to speak, but we are also violent killers.
Kelly: He was saved by one of The Wardens who are like the law of the vampire world.
Aiden: Right. I was given the opportunity to hunt down and kill monsters or die myself. I was all about killing monsters.
Q2) Kelly, What was your first reaction when you learned what Aiden was?  Where you ever scared?
Kelly: I’m a coroner so I see dead people all the time. Not much scares me but I suspect if I hadn’t already felt the good in Aiden before I found out it would have been harder to accept. It’s some of the monsters he hunts that rattle me though. Wolves infected with a rabies like virus. Vamps with bloodlust. They scare me. (Looks at Aiden) It scares me that he hunts them.     
Q3) Aiden, this one is for you.  How has your life changed since Kelly came into it?
Aiden(Taking Kelly’s hand): I actually care if I live or die when I go into battle. I realized after Kelly came into my life that a hundred years of battle had taken a toll. I’d stopped caring if I woke up the next day.
Book 2 Aiden & Kelly’s Book 
Q4) Have either one of you wondered what life would be like if Aiden had never walked into Kelly’s office?
Aiden: I’d still be miserable
Kelly: I’d be dead. The vampires I’d exposed for killing innocent humans would have killed me.  
Q5) Kelly, tell us something about Aiden that he would not let Lisa share with us in your story?
Kelly: He likes bubble baths.
Aiden: Only when you’re in them.
Q6) Aiden, same questions.  Tell us something about Kelly that she would let Lisa tell us in your story?
Aiden: She can convince me to do about anything. Including bubble baths.
Kelly (laughing): You know you love them.
Aiden(kisses her forehead) I love you.
Q7)  Kelly, has Aiden leaved up to his promise to let you bite him?
Kelly (smiling):  Now he begs for it.
Aiden(laughs) Who begs?
Q8) Umm, how do I ask this?  Umm are things ever a little awkward with Troy after… well you know?
Aiden:  He’s gone. He took off and not because of anything that happened between the three of us.
Kelly: We’ll find him Aiden.
Book 3 Troy’s book
Q9) So speaking of Troy…  How is he doing?   I know his story is next do you think that your little brother is ready for all the attention?
Aiden: Troy is in trouble and has been since a wolf bit him and he began some odd hybrid vampire wolf mixture. Or I guess that’s what’s happening. Vamps are immune to the wolf virus so I just don’t know. Al I know for certain is that Troy is in deep deep trouble and I don’t know how to help him.
Kelly: We’ll find a way to help him.
Aiden (scrubbing his jaw) : I wish I believed we really could.
Kelly (takes his hand): I’ll believe enough for both of us  
Q10)  What do you think the one thing the readers should take away from your story?
Kelly: That there is always hope – for you, me, and (giving Aiden a pointed look) even Troy
Q11) Is there anything else either of you would like to add?
Kelly:  There’s some interesting things happening in the werewolf civil war. Check out Wicked Werewolf Night to find out just how intense it’s getting. December 13th!
Books-n-Kisses:  Aiden, Kelly, again a huge thank you for stopping by my blog so that we can learn a little more about you and your book.  And can I say that Aiden, you are my favorite of the brothers and love that your lady love is names Kelly.  *winks at Kelly* It is a really good name. 

The Zodius Series by Lisa Renee Jones

The Legend of Micheal

Zodius Series, # 1 
By Lisa Renee Jones

Sourcebooks Casablanca (May 2011)
ISBN-10: 1402251564
ISBN-13: 9781402251566


HE IS A LETHAL WEAPON…
One of an army of human soldiers injected with alien DNA, Michael is a legend within this new race, split between good and evil. Untamable, he has walked on the dark side and returned to the light. Feared and misunderstood, he leaves everything behind, including the one woman destined to be his mate.
HE IS HER ENEMY…AND HER DESTINY…
Fate leads Michael back to Cassandra Powell, for she holds the key to defending his comrades. With their loyalties divided between duty and the people they love, only together can Cassandra and Michael overcome insurmountable odds to save humanity from the wrath of a madman.

But no ordinary woman can control a creature such as Michael, and only one thing is clear—the world will never be the same…

The Hero: Michael
He is sin and satisfaction, lust and damnation, a lethal weapon created from the greed of man. A human soldier injected with alien DNA, he is one of many, yet none are like him, a legend within this new race, split between good and evil. Untamable, he has walked on the dark side, returned to the light, but it matters not, for he is feared, misunderstood—lethal in all ways possible. Women desire him, lust for the mysterious warrior, hungry for the raw passion that touches his every breath. Men envy his stature, his power; they lust to control him. But there is no controlling a creature such as he, no taming the primal fires within him. He is the past, he is the future.
He is Michael.

Read my Review of The Legend of Micheal HERE


THE STORM THAT IS STERLING
Zodius #2:
By Lisa Renee Jones
Sourcebooks Casablanca (November 2011)
ISBN-10: 1402251599
ISBN-13: 978-1402251597
Read an Excerpt of Sterling here

He may be invincible to everyone else…
Sterling Jeter has remarkable powers and has shown himself to be just about indestructible. But beautiful, brilliant Rebecca Burns knows that even a Super Soldier needs comfort, and so much more…
But she can see that deep down, he’s just a man…
Sterling and Rebecca’s teenage romance was interrupted, but years later the heat between them flares back to life. Even though it endangers everything they’re fighting for, it’s impossible to resist picking up right where they left off…

The Hero: Sterling
He was created, molded, formed from life, love, and misery…
Lethally daring. Ruthlessly passionate. He invites death to his door. Welcomes it with each breath he draws, each step he takes. And thus he is danger. A volatile storm that will sweep across the calm realms of humanity and shake it to the depths of its core.
And that storm is…Sterling.

Read my review of The Storm that is Sterling HERE


Zodius #3: THE DANGER THAT IS DAMION
Sourcebooks Casablanca (May 2012)

General Powell from book 1 has returned and he’s developed a way to create and control a new generation of female GTECHs. He plans to use these women to bring both, the Renegades and the Zodius soldiers, back under his command. The world will be his. Now, Damion, a Renegade, who readers met in book two, will be pitted against one of those soldiers, a woman destined to be both his Lifebond and his enemy. Damion will become her only hope of salvation and their trust in each other the only chance they have to save the world from a madman.

*I have had the extraordinary pleasure of already meeting Damion and let me tell you Damion is Dangerously HOT!!!!!!  Can’t wait to read the final version* 

My Review of The Storm that is Sterling by Lisa Renee Jones

The Storm that is Sterling 
by Lisa Renee Jones

Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

November 2011 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1402251599 (ISBN13: 9781402251597)
Zodius Series #2

Sterling Jeter, Renegade Super Soldier, is fearless, powerful, and wildly unpredictable. His life-threatening mission is to save the beautiful, brilliant astrobiologist Rebecca Burns from ruthless villain Adam Rain. But their immutable mutual attraction threatens to put them in the path of death… or worse…


Preorder here
Amazon| Barnes & Noble


The Storm that is Sterling takes us on a wild ride of love & lust, betrayal & trust, misunderstands and a very uncertain future. 

My Summary:
The Storm that is Sterling is perfectly named and poor Sterling is in for the ride of his life.  But let me back up a bit and give you a little history.  The Storm that is Sterling is book 2 in Lisa Renee Jones Zodius series.  Book 1 is The Legend of Michael (my review of Michael) in which we are introduced to the world of the Super Soldiers, soldiers who have been injected with an experimental Alien DNA.  With this change in their DNA the soldiers are gifted with more strength, speed and other special gifts.  Becoming a Super Solider comes with a great responsible to protect and keep the world safe.  But not all of the soldiers are out to keep the world safe, some feel that it is their right to be better than others and therefore feel they should rule the world.
When Sterling is asked by Cabel (his leader) to go get a scientist to help find a cure for ICE (their enemy’s newest weapon to try to take over the world), his world is forever changed by two words.  Rebecca Burns.  Becca is the sweet, innocent, little future NASA scientist he was forced to walk away from fourteen years ago.  
When Sterling show up at Becca’s house to ask for her help; everything falls apart.  The next thing Sterling knows they are being attacked at all sides. The last thing Sterling remembers is handing Becca off to Damion his teammates only to see Damion hand Becca off to the enemy.  When Sterling wakes he finds that he has been captured by his enemy also.  Then he learns that his enemy has forever changed Becca’s life by forcing her to become addicted to the very drug they were seeking her help to find a cure for. 
My thoughts:
I really, really enjoyed Sterling and Becca’s story.  I have to admit that even while reading Michael’s book I wanted to learn more about Sterling. So when Lisa gave me the opportunity to read The Strom that is Sterling there was no way I was going to say NO.
Lisa did a great job of showing the struggle that Sterling goes through to realize what and who he needs in his life.  Sterling is a man who has always thought that he didn’t need people in his life. His motto was ‘live life fast and hard’, that was until Becca came back in his life. Only to learn that life has other plans for Becca.
Becca on the other had has always had the support and love of a family, until death took them away.  Not wanting to be a burdened to anyone with her health issues she runs away to hide. That is until Sterling walks back into her life
Lisa sucked me back into the Zodius world with a heart wrenching story of a young love lost before it was ever explored, only to be found again under dire circumstances. And with time is quickly running out can these two find a way to save the world and each other
A Huge Thank you to Lisa for allowing me to read Sterling.  I enjoyed very, very much. 

What is next? 

Damion’s book *sigh*

will be out Spring 2012.

Want to learn more about Lisa?
Check our her website HERE
On Facebook HERE
Twitter HERE

Review of Hot Vampire Kiss by Lisa Renee Jones

This is the first book in a hot, erotic vampire series.

Explicit — hot!
In blood they will find destiny and the eternal bond of passion…
The Wardens series begins with a trilogy of three brothers—Evan, Aiden and Taylor Brooks are brothers (in order by human age: 34, 32, 28), who were early settlers of the town of New Braunfels, Texas, in the 1500s. When the town was haunted by a series of brutal animal attacks that left a half-dozen townsmen murdered, the Brooks brothers took things into their own hands. Armed and ready for action, they set out into the wilderness, determined to find this animal and kill it. What they found was a female vampire who decided the brothers were scrumptious morsels, worth keeping around for a lifetime. She attacked the brothers and turned them to vampires.
No sooner did she turn them, though, than another vampire appeared and killed her. This vampire declared himself a “Warden” of the Vampire Council. Wardens uphold the rules of the Vampire race, and report to the Council. Killing humans is punishable by death, and their ‘Maker’ had broken that rule. The brothers were then taken to the Council, where they were taught how to survive without killing, how to mingle with humans as if one of them, when to move on from a location so that they would not be suspected as vampires, and most importantly, who their enemies were and how to defeat them.
In the end the brothers were granted a financial dowry that had belonged to their Maker and given the choice of freedom, under Council rule, or an alternative—to become Wardens.
Now, the brothers travel together as Wardens, tracking outlaw vampires, killing them, and protecting innocent humans. It is their eternal duty.
HOT VAMPIRE KISS
Book one, Evan’s story
The werewolf population is entrenched in a century long civil war, and now they are plagued by a virus that is turning wolves into killers. The Evans brothers pursue one such rogue werewolf to Temple, Texas. It is in Temple that Evan encounters a beautiful nurse named Marissa who instantly melts the hundred years of ice running through his veins. When she is brutally attacked by the wolf, he breaks the rules of the Vampire Council and uses his blood to save her. Now, if he doesn’t kill the wolf by the next full moon, Marissa will become a killer wolf, and he will be sentenced to death.
Book 2, Aiden’s story — Hot Vampire Seduction — Late 2011
Book 3, Troy’s story — Hot Vampire Touch — Late 2011




My Thoughts:

Okay Yum, who doesn’t love brothers. Hot brother… Hot Vampire Brothers!!! YUM!!!  Did I say YUM yet?  YYYYUUUUUMMMMMMMMMM!!

Lisa does a great job of creating a new vampire world.  A world where Vampires are kept in check or they are put to death.  The world of the Vampire Wardens. But those in charge may not always be trust worthy. The Brooks brothers will learn that the hard way.

I really enjoyed this 1st installment of Lisa’s Vampire Warden Series. Evan & Marissa are great together. They learn very quickly to trust one another and learn that sometime you can’t fight chemistry or fate.  No matter how many walls you build up, there is going to be one person that can break through them.

Over all I really, really enjoyed this short story.  My only problem was that I think that Marissa adjusted way too quickly to the changes that fell upon her. But maybe it was the alcohol or her over whelming urge to be with Evan.  But either way I loved Evan and Marissa together. I hope that we get to see them some in the next two books. I am looking forward to Aiden (Hot Vampire Seduction) & Troy’s (Hot Vampire Touch) books.

If you are looking for a really good, fast, hot short read. I would encourage you to go grab a copy of Hot Vampire Kiss by Lisa Renee Jones. 

The Masters Series by Lisa Renee Jones

Eight years ago, Sarah Michaels locked eyes with Ryan White at a sinful sex club. His dominant presence exuded erotic promises and aroused part of Sarah that she didn’t recognize. But Ryan was her family’s chief rival in the candy business, the very definition of forbidden fruit.
Since that night, Sarah has tried to deny that she wants what Ryan offers, that she actually wants to be dominated. Yet she can’t stop fantasizing about him. When Ryan invites her to his elite club where power and pleasure go hand-in-hand, the temptation to explore her suppressed desires is too strong to resist. Is she ready to give up control to Ryan—a man who might never give it back?


My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this short story.  Lisa does a great job of building up the relationship between Sarah & Ryan. I almost died from anticipation from these two.  But while the sex scene was a little light it was perfect their relationship.  If it was any more complex or involved it would not have worked for Ryan & Sarah.  My only complaint is that Lisa sucked me into Ryan & Sarah’s relationship, and left me wanting more.  Wanting to know what happens next for them.

Three years ago, Darla Rogers’s ex, Jacob Remington, left on a top secret Special Forces mission and didn’t return—at least, not to her. They had broken up after he pushed her to the erotic edge, asking her to trust him completely…and she pushed him away.
Now Jacob is back, revealing his membership in a secret society that enjoys games of dominance and submission. This time, Darla is determined prove she belongs in his world. Even if that means embracing her darkest desires with Jacob and the society’s leader….


My thoughts:
This second trip into The Masters Society doesn’t disappoint.  Lisa had me hooked from the get go.  I loved learning about Darla & Jacob’s history.  The fear that she feels for where their relationship was heading and why she runs.  But when fate brings Darla a second chance at the man she loves how far is she willing to go?  While I am a little upset about Jacob’s methods, in the end it may have been the best thing for them.
The Masters #3

Book store owner Kim Baker has a serious crush on Dr. Blake Morgan—an attraction that only gets stronger when he shows her an erotic book and invites her on a night of sensual exploration at his private club, the Society.
She’s drawn to his sense of power and dominant sexuality…and can’t help but fantasize about being controlled by him in every way. But as Blake teaches Kim to claim her pleasure and lose her inhibitions, he may be the one in danger of losing control….


My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this story a lot.  I loved how Lisa shows the softer side of one of the Masters.  Blake forces Kimberly to face her fears by entering the Society. But it back fires on him, she runs. Now it is Blake’s turn to face his fears.  His fear of his feelings for Kimberly, but will it be too little too late?
My over all review of the series:
I enjoyed all of these short stories but I think I would have to say #3 Exposed & Pleasured had to be my favorite.  I loved to see Blake fall.  Loved to see him struggle to not fall and the moment that he realizes he has not chance
Thank you, Lisa for allowing me to read and review these short stories for you.  I enjoyed every minute of them.

Happy Release day to Lisa Renee Jones on book 3 of The Masters Series

The Masters #1 Taste of Pleasure
Harlequin Spice Briefs (June 1, 2011)
eHarlequin | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble Nook | Kobo Book

Eight years ago, Sarah Michaels locked eyes with Ryan White at a sinful sex club. His dominant presence exuded erotic promises and aroused part of Sarah that she didn’t recognize. But Ryan was her family’s chief rival in the candy business, the very definition of forbidden fruit.

Since that night, Sarah has tried to deny that she wants what Ryan offers, that she actually wants to be dominated. Yet she can’t stop fantasizing about him. When Ryan invites her to his elite club where power and pleasure go hand-in-hand, the temptation to explore her suppressed desires is too strong to resist. Is she ready to give up control to Ryan—a man who might never give it back?
.

The Masters #2: BOUND AND PLEASURED Harlequin Spice Briefs (July 1, 2011)
ISBN-ebook: 978-1-426-87887-9


Three years ago, Darla Rogers’s ex, Jacob Remington, left on a top secret Special Forces mission and didn’t return—at least, not to her. They had broken up after he pushed her to the erotic edge, asking her to trust him completely…and she pushed him away.

Now Jacob is back, revealing his membership in a secret society that enjoys games of dominance and submission. This time, Darla is determined prove she belongs in his world. Even if that means embracing her darkest desires with Jacob and the society’s leader….

The Masters #3: Exposed and Pleasured
Amazon

Harlequin Spice Briefs (August 1, 2011)
Book store owner Kim Baker has a serious crush on Dr. Blake Morgan—an attraction that only gets stronger when he shows her an erotic book and invites her on a night of sensual exploration at his private club, the Society.
She’s drawn to his sense of power and dominant sexuality…and can’t help but fantasize about being controlled by him in every way. But as Blake teaches Kim to claim her pleasure and lose her inhibitions, he may be the one in danger of losing control….




My thoughts: 
if you are looking for a short story that is hot and spicing and leaves you wanting more.. Come check out what The Masters have to offer.. 


In celebration of my pal Lisa’s release of book three of her The Master’s series I am going to be purchase all three books and giveaway the whole series (3 short e-stories) to one person. Yes, one lucky person will win all three of these short stories…

To Enter: 
Please leave a comment and what type of ereader you have.
Your email (this part is VERY important)
Please follow my blog (but not a requirement) 

Extra Points: 
Swing by & Friend Lisa on Facebook 
Follow Lisa on Twitter
Giveaway will stay open until August 5th
Winner Announced Aug 8th