Kelly’s interesting interview with Zane from Marked by Rebecca Zanetti’s + a giveaway

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have Zane from Rebecca Zanetti Marked on the blog today. MARKED is the last book in Ms. Zanetti Dark Protector’s series. While I am so very sad to see this series come to an end, but I am excited to finally learn more about Zane. There have been so many questions about what and who Zane is. And how he will help or hinder the Janie Kayrs. So let’s see if we can get some information from Zane so we can figure out what he is. But before we do that let’s take a quick look at MARKED.

Marked

Dark Protectors #7

Amazon| B&N

Janie Kayrs has known Zane almost her whole life. He was her friend in the dream world. She trusted him. But that was before he kidnapped her, spiriting her away to an isolated cabin to learn what her dreams never told her. Like how dangerous he looks. How he got on the wrong side of the negotiating table. And how much sexier he is in real life…

Zane is a battle-hardened warrior, used to command and solitude. But Janie has drawn him from the minute they met. His need for her could destroy everything he’s worked for, but the risk is too sweet not to take it. They call her the Chosen One. But when it comes down to the questions of peace or war, life or death, safety or passion, it will be Janie who makes the choice.

*****

Now on to the interview.

Kelly: Hi Zane, Welcome to Books-n-Kisses

Zane: Ah, Hi, Kelly. I’m new to the interview scene, so go easy on me, will you? J

Kelly: Thank you for taking time away from your busy……. schedule to sit down with me to take to talk about…. well you.

Zane: Sure. Not much is going on right now besides war, world catastrophe, and my unsettled love life.

Kelly: Okay I have to ask because everyone wants to know. What are you?

Zane: Just a regular guy, I think. I mean, I’m a soldier and part vampire, but really, I’m just a normal soldier with maybe a couple of secrets thrown in. I like beer, football, inventing new weapons. You know. Normal guy stuff.

Kelly: Okay *thinks to self: so that didn’t work* How about a game of 20 questions?

Zane: I do love a good game. Usually when I win, I take over a continent, though.

Kelly: Sounds good.

Zane: All right – shoot them my way.

Kelly: Questions #1: What is your favorite color?

Zane: Blue – the exact color of Janie’s eyes.

Kelly: Questions #2: Do you have any magical powers?

Zane: Yes.

Kelly: Questions #3: Who is your favorite person in the whole world?

Zane: Janie Belle Kayrs would have to be number one. But I also like my brothers, usually. Their names are Sam and Logan.

Kelly: Questions #4: What are you?

Zane: Just a regular guy.

Kelly: Questions #5: Who is your least favorite person in the world?

Zane: I’d have to say Kalin, who’s a Kurjan, is probably my least favorite person. It’s hard to completely hate him, though. We’ve known each other since we were kids, and even when you don’t like somebody, there’s a type of bond you get with people you’ve known forever, you know? I hope I don’t have to kill him, but to save Janie, I may have to. I’m prepared.

Kelly: Questions #6: How tall are you?

Zane: Last time I checked, I was about 6’6.

Kelly: Questions #7: Do you drink blood?

Zane: I’m part vampire, so I do drink blood during battle or maybe during sex. We don’t need blood to survive and can make our own. I plan on biting Janie, just so you know.

Kelly: Questions #8: Do you dream walk with anyone except Janie?

Zane: No. Well, Kalin shows up sometimes, but Janie’s the draw for us both. Kalin and I have never met in the dream world without Janie.

Kelly: Questions #9: What are you?

Zane: A realist. I enjoy the romances throughout the Realm, but really? I don’t see myself having a happy ending. Of course, I hope I’m wrong about that.

Kelly: Questions #10: Tell me your favorite thing about Janie?

Zane: She’s smart as hell and a complete smartass. The smartass part is just a cover-up to keep everyone around her calm. She really has a huge heart, and she’s incredibly fragile but has no clue how true that is. Fate and destiny weigh heavily on her, and I have a feeling she’s about to meet both. She’ll win, though. She has to.

Kelly: Questions #11: Football or Basketball?

Zane: Football. I have two brothers, and we like to hit things.

Kelly: Questions #12: What do you do for a living?

Zane: I’m a soldier and a pretty damn good assassin. That weighs on me, to be honest.

Kelly: Questions #13: How much can you deadlift?

Zane: Two vampires and a Kurjan.

Kelly: Questions #14: What are you?

Zane: A guy about to make a move to get the woman I’ve loved for years. That makes me more dangerous than I’ve ever been, but I’m okay with that now.

Kelly: Questions #15: If you could go anywhere in the world for one night where would you go?

Zane: Well, okay. Don’t tell anybody, but I do have a retreat in the wilds of Alaska where I just get away from everybody and everything once in a while. I love that place.

Kelly: Questions #16: Whom would you take with you on the one night?

Zane: Janie Belle Kayrs, but she’d probably be mad if I kidnapped her. Not that I kidnap her or anything. Really. Trust me. J

Kelly: Questions #17: Whom do you work for?

Zane: If I told you who I worked for, I’d have to make sure you couldn’t tell anybody else, and I don’t know of any nice way to do that. So let’s just say I do have a job, and it’s bloody.

Kelly: Questions #18: Naughty or Nice?

Zane: Naughty. Life is too short for Nice.

Kelly: Questions #19: What are you?

Zane: Who are any of us? I guess it’d depend who you asked as to who I am. I’ve got friends, I’ve got enemies, and I’ve got Janie Belle Kayrs. Whether she considers herself friend or enemy, I don’t know yet. But I do know that she’s mine, so we’ll have to figure it all out, won’t we?

Kelly: Questions #20: Okay fine. Final question Boxers or Briefs?

Zane: Who has time for either?

Kelly: Okay seriously Zane, Off the record. What are you?

Zane: Okay, seriously. Off the record. Read MARKED. At the end of Chapter 1, both you and Janie will know exactly what I am. Let’s hope you’re not as pissed as Janie is. I do have a plan, you know.

For my first interview, this is been a lot of fun. To celebrate, I’d love to give away a print copy of FATED, the first book in the Dark Protector series, to a commenter here. Kelly will randomly draw a name. Just so you know, the book is about Talen Kayrs, who’s Janie’s father. The first time I met him, it, ah, didn’t go so well.

Here’s the blurb:

The damn earth ground to a stop. A weapon hit the pavement a yard away. Dage Kayrs’s eyes widened, and Moira Kayrs gasped.

Zane sighed and focused just as a locomotive the size of Talen Kayrs tackled him midsection, throwing him ten yards and landing hard on his chest. Zane’s head crashed onto the asphalt. Stars exploded behind his eyeballs, and unbearable pain cut into his brain. He tried to concentrate, to say something, when a fist plowed into his face.

Unconsciousness was a fucking blessing.

*****

To Enter: Please leave a question or comment for Ms. Zanetti.
Winner will be picked on Dec 15th.

December 8, 2014November 29, 2014

Kelly reviews Wolf’s Fall by JD Tyler

TITLE: Wolf’s Fall
SERIES #: Alpha Pack #6
CHARACTERS: Nick Westfall & Calla Shaw
AUTHOR: JD Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: December 2, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A top secret team of wolf shifters, the Alpha Pack are former Navy SEALS that use their Psy powers to take on the world’s greatest predators. But while each member is loyal to the pack, it can be hard to deny the call of desire…

Still tormented by his recent captivity, Alpha Pack commander Nick Westfall isn’t sure he’s fit to lead—especially when he meets the one woman he can’t claim without reliving the torture he endured at the hands of a rogue vampire.

Vampire princess Calla Shaw has seen her own share of heartbreak, but she can tell that the wild attraction she and Nick feel for each other could turn into something significant—if only he’d let it. But Calla isn’t about to give up on her mate without a fight.

Time is running out, not only for Nick to claim his mate, but for Calla and her coven. A vampire war is on the horizon, one the Alpha Pack can’t hope to win if their leader can’t pull himself back from the abyss

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts ***Warning***
If you have not read Cole’s Redemption you may not want to read this book yet. The events that happened in book 5 shape the dynamic of book 6. You have been warned. I will do my best to keep the review spoiler free for those who have not read book 5 yet.
***End of Warning***

Wolf’s Fall picks up after the devastating events in Cole’s Redemption. I can remember reading Cole’s Redemption thinking how on earth could Ms. Tyler let this happen to Nick. Not my big strong Nick. But at last it did happen and Nick has to try to move on. Which is not an easy thing for him to do. Through in the fact that he just met his mate and she is of all things a vampire.
Wolf’s Fall took me on a lot of highs and lows. Lows as to how low Nick really is. Highs that Calla is there for him. Lows of the suffering that Calla has to endure. Highs that Nick finally sees the light. All in all this was a very good book and a really quick read for me. There were just a few holes in the story for me. Things moved very quickly, which is fine but I would have like to see more relationship building.

Even with that I am so very very glad that Nick got his story and hope that this will lead him on the path of healing.

If you are a fan of the Alpha Pack you will surely enjoy Nick’s book, especially after Cole’s Redemption.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 5, 2014December 4, 2014

Spotlight feature of Gena Showalter’s The Darkest Touch

*****

The Darkest Touch

Lord of the Underworld #11

Amazon| B&N

From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter comes the long-awaited story of Torin, the most dangerous Lord of the Underworld yet…

Fierce immortal warrior. Host to the demon of Disease. Torin’s every touch causes sickness and death—and a worldwide plague. Carnal pleasure is utterly forbidden, and though he has always overcome temptation with an iron will, his control is about to shatter.

She is Keeley Cael. The Red Queen. When the powerful beauty with shocking vulnerabilities escapes from a centuries-long imprisonment, the desire that simmers between her and Torin is scorching. His touch could mean the end for her, but resisting her is the hardest battle he’s ever fought—and the only battle he fears he can’t win.

*****

An excerpt from The Darkest Touch:

She appeared in front of him, displaying more tanned skin than she concealed, her hair falling around her face in lush, golden waves. Her eyes glittered with remnants of her anger. Her lips were slightly swollen and pinker than usual.

“Temper much?” she quipped.

His relief was palpable. She hadn’t forgotten him! But the relief was quickly replaced by concern. “Are you all right? Did someone hit you?”

She blinked with confusion. “No. Why?” “Your lips are swollen.”

She rubbed them, color heating her cheeks. “Someone didn’t hit me, but someone sure did hit on me.”

Hit on her. As in kissed her.

Already on edge, Torin. Utterly. Erupted.

He forgot everything he’d planned to do and say and got in Keeley’s face, snarling, “Who was it?”

Her eyes widened. “Hades. Why?”

“You dare ask why? You belong to me! We agreed. You do not kiss other men, Keeley. Ever. Have you for- gotten my rules?”

Her jaw dropped, and she gasped out a few unintelligible words as if she couldn’t quite figure out what to say to him.

He stood in place, breathing too quickly, too heavily, his throat and lungs burning. He reached for her, but as so many times before, fisted his hands and dropped them just before contact. This is crazy. I’m crazy. I have to leave.

“Are you…thinking about touching me?” she asked, her eyes widening again.

No, she had to leave. He could not be in public right now. “Go shopping. Buy yourself something pretty. My treat.” He basically tossed his credit card at her. He should be calm by the time she finished. “Come back in an hour. Maybe two. Actually, we’ll reconvene tomorrow.”

“You are,” she said. “You’re thinking… Even craving me. You don’t like the thought of another man’s hands on me, and you want to replace the memory with your hands.”

That. Yes. Hades would die, and Torin…Torin would touch this woman and never stop.

He gnashed his molars. “Last chance, Keeley. I suggest you take it and leave.” Soon. His control was almost completely shredded.

“No way. You’re the big bad warrior, yet I’ve had to come on to you time and time again. I’ve had to battle within myself—worth the price or not worth it. Well, it’s your turn.”

“There is no damn way you just suggested I haven’t done the same. I’ve battled.”

“When have you ever caved without prompting from me? You’ve resisted me so easily, always walking away. Sure, you’ve snarled while you’ve done the walking but still you left me behind. So, tell me. When did you ever—”

“So easily?” he roared. Had she just said so easily? She had no clue about the intensity of his need—but he would teach her better.

Torin cupped her by the nape, yanked her close and smashed his mouth against hers. The kiss was a brutal assault meant to silence her, to dominate and possess. He held her still, making her take it, take everything. But the moment she softened against him, welcomed him inside her mouth, the darkness churning inside him switched gears. From the need to punish and master to the need to seduce and please.

This was Keeley. His princess. She deserved his best. He gentled the pressure, rolling his tongue inside her mouth, learning her all over again, tasting her. Summer berries and melted honey. So sweet. And mine. All mine. He framed her cheeks, angled her head and rolled his tongue just a little deeper. This time, she met him with

a roll of her own.

That was his undoing.

*****

Check out Kelly’s review of The Darkest Touch HERE

*****

Make sure to check out Gena’s live virtual signing on 12/9 through Shindig and Katy Budget Books (let your followers and fans know that Gena is offering Signed print copies and a virtual chat!)

Details here: http://www.shindig.com/event/thedarkesttouch

And to order copies go here: http://www.katybooks.com/event/gena-showalter-virtual-signing-event

A little about Gena:

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author whose books have appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazines, as well as Entertainment Weekly. Her novel Red Handed has been optioned by Sony Television. Critics have called her books “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories,” while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise.” Her mix of humor, danger and wickedly hot sex provides wildly sensual page-turners sure to enthrall.

Learn more about Gena and her books here: Website | Twitter @genashowalter | Facebook | Goodreads

December 5, 2014December 1, 2014

Kelly reviews The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter

TITLE: The Darkest Touch
SERIES #: Lord of the Underworld #11
CHARACTERS: Torin ‘Keeper of Disease’ & Kelleycael ‘The Red Queen”
AUTHOR: Gena Showalter
PUBLICATION DATE: November 25, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter comes the long-awaited story of Torin, the most dangerous Lord of the Underworld yet…

REVIEW:
Of all the Lords I think Torin was the one who broke my heart the most. As the Keeper of Disease he can’t touch anyone for any reason. Because they will get sick and die. And for any reason they do survive they will have to be taken down or they will be come a carrier of that disease. Meaning the sweet, caring and totally kick ass Torin can’t ever touch or be touched. I often wondered as I read through this series how Ms. Showalter was going to solve this little issue. And in The Darkest Touch Ms. Showalter does just that. She solves Torin’s problem but only to bring him more problems.
Keeleycael ‘The Red Queen’ is one mean SOB. She is feared and hated throughout the world and the realms but we good reason. Keeley is a bit of a drama queen with a very short fuse and a pension for killing things. Needless to say that her and Torin’s first visit doesn’t good smoothly. But soon Keeley will find herself in a situation that even The Red Queen can’t bully, threaten or kill her way out of.
This was another really good story from Ms. Showalter. I just loved Torin and Keeley. They are perfect for each other after they get over the whole I want to kill you moments. If you are a Lord of the Underworld fan you will love this book. If you are new to this series, I would suggest that you start at the beginning. There is a lot of history that leads up to this book. BUT I do think that you could pick up The Darkest Touch and read it and not be too lost.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin HQN in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 1, 2014November 29, 2014

Kelly reviews Universal Alien by Gini Koch

TITLE: Universal Alien
SERIES #: Katherine “Kitty” Martin #10
CHARACTERS: Kitty Martin and the whole AC crew
AUTHOR: Gini Koch
PUBLICATION DATE: December 2, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Issues with Australia need to be straightened out, so the White House sends the Vice President and his wife, aka Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini, over to handle the situation. But before Kitty can make things worse, she’s suddenly in another world — one where she’s been married to Charles Reynolds for years and aliens don’t exist.

Kitty’s not the only one confused, because the Kitty from that world has taken her place in this one. Can they both save their respective days before it’s too late to go home to the universes they belong to, or will one Kitty decide to keep the other’s life… forever?

REVIEW:
In Universal Alien Kitty’s world gets turned upside down and things may never be the same.

I really liked Universal Alien. I will admit that when I first read the blurb I was really nervous. I didn’t want anything upsetting Kitty & Jeff’s story. But I trusted (after a bit of reassurance) and really liked this story. There were differently a few anxiety moments that I wished that “our” Kitty was with Jeff and the whole AC crew. But both Kitty’s were great and where they needed to be at the time. This world switch-a-roo also gave us a few answers to questions that have been plaguing us for many many books. But like always Ms. Koch give us just enough to drive us nuts with “oh goodness what is going to happen next”.

I have to say that I think that Jamie-Kat (both of them) stole the show for me. Jamie in both worlds is so accepting and so sweet. Jamie-Kat has easily become one of my favorites.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 1, 2014November 30, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: A Cursed Bloodline by Cecy Robson

Since being cursed with unique abilities, Celia Wird and her three sisters have fought the most bloodthirsty preternaturals in the Lake Tahoe region. But Celia’s greatest threat is someone she would have never suspected: Anara, a werewolf Elder who has allowed his hatred for Celia to spiral out of control. In a play for dominance, Anara tortures Celia and gives her an ultimatum: sever her mate bond with pureblood were Aric—or Anara will kill everyone she loves.

From the instant they met, Celia and Aric have shared an attraction that cannot be tamed. So keeping Aric away is impossible, and Aric would sooner die than allow anyone to hurt the woman he loves. Misha, master vampire and Celia’s sworn protector, also finds his way into the chaos, seeking blood from those who have harmed her.

Now Celia and her sisters are caught in the middle of a war driven by lust, fueled by hatred, and destined to end in tragedy. For Anara is a force to be reckoned with, and he will not succumb without robbing Celia of those who hold her heart.

Amazon/B&N

I cleared my throat when I reached the open bedroom door and tried to speak as loudly as
possible. “I don’t want to see you, Aric. You need to leave.” And if you don’t, you’ll die.

There was so much pain and astonishment in Aric’s voice my stomach churned in painful
rumbles. “Celia . . . what—”

“I told you, I don’t want to see you!” I croaked. The tears that had stopped just moments
before returned full force. Being cruel to anyone—especially Aric—was unthinkable.

The seconds of stunned silence passed with brutal thumps to my insides until Misha broke through the horrible quiet. “Celia wants nothing to do with you. Go lick your wounds elsewhere, wolf. You are not welcome in our home.”

No one spoke. No one moved. No one breathed. For what seemed like an eternity, time
stood still.

“Come, Aric,” Gemini finally said. “Our efforts are better suited in finding Emme.”

Liam’s growls reverberated against the windows. “You’re an asshole, Misha. I know
you’re influencing her somehow.”

Koda sounded more pissed than Liam. “Tim, if you don’t wipe that goddamn smirk off
your face, I’ll tear out your throat and leave it for the crows!”

Shayna rushed past me, pausing only to shoot me a pained glance over her shoulder. Her
presence would help facilitate the wolves’ departure, despite the confusion and disappointment shadowing her pixie face.

Taran waited with me with her arms crossed. I couldn’t face her. Hell, I couldn’t even raise my head. Yet I felt her taking me in and scented the sharp aroma of her shock as it pierced through my damaged nose. When the last few snarls faded and the roar of the engines disappeared along the lengthy stretch of Misha’s driveway, Shayna returned and clasped my hands. “I know Aric doesn’t look the same, but he’s still the same wolf. He loves you, Ceel. You have to see past his injuries . . .”

Shayna’s voice faded when my sobs overtook me. She thought I was abandoning Aric because of his deformities. And I had to let her believe it was true. Despite how much it pained me, it would keep him, her, and everyone else safe for now.

Taran maneuvered her way between us and led me toward the sink. “Leave her alone, Shayna. Now’s not the time. Come on, we need to get this fucking glass out of her back.”

About the Author:

Cecy Robson is the New Adult author of Once Perfect, Once Loved, and Once Pure and the award-winning author of the Weird Girls urban fantasy romance series. A self-proclaimed professional napper, Cecy counts among her talents a jaw-dropping knowledge of useless trivia, the ability to make her hair big, and a knack for breaking into song despite her family’s vehement protests. A full-time writer, registered nurse, wife, and mother living in the Great Northwest, Cecy enjoys spending time with her family and silencing the yappy characters in her head by telling their stories.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of A Cursed Bloodline

Review (5 Stars): Every time I read a book by Cecy Robson, I automatically know that I’m in for a story that will put me through the ringer of emotions and then carefully put me back together again by the end. I felt so horrible for Celia in A Cursed Bloodline because she had two big secrets that she was keeping from everyone and she did what she had to do to protect the well-being of the people that she loved. It broke my heart seeing her go through that much pain and not being able to tell anyone the truth as to why she was doing what she did.

Celia and Aric have this amazing connection with one another and he is her true mate, no matter what has happened to them in the past. Celia is now faced with a foe that has an immense amount of power intent on destroying her and the people that she loves. I hated this character from the very beginning and I was just hoping that Celia could find someone and tell them the truth before it destroyed everything forever. I can’t tell you how many times I cried because just when Celia found her happiness, it was ripped away from her in the very next breath.

Cecy Robson is one of my absolute favorite authors and each book that she writes becomes more gut-wrenching and brilliant than the last. A Cursed Bloodline is an amazing addition to the Weird Girls paranormal series and after finishing it, I’m dying to read the next installment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

November 26, 2014November 25, 2014

Spotlight feature of Stacey Kennedy’s Witches Be Burned

Witches Be Burned, a Magic & Mayhem novel

Author: Stacey Kennedy

Author Location: Canada

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Release Date: May, 2015

Page Count: TBA

Publisher: Loveswept by Random House

Format: Digital eBook

ISBN: 978-0-553-39513-6

Synopsis: Nexi Jones has lost her family, she’s been stripped of her guardian duties, and she’s still learning the ins and outs of white magic. At least she has Kyden, the smoldering hot elite guardian who’s been there for her every step of the way. But just as Nexi completes her training, tragedy strikes the Otherworld when a fellow guardian is murdered by a group of rogue vampires. Ready or not, she and Kyden trek into the Earthworld to hunt down a killer—and Nexi alone will be put to the ultimate test.

Although Kyden knows that Nexi must fight her own battles, his guardian instincts are raging as he struggles to keep her close. The ruthlessness of these vampires is like nothing he’s ever seen. And at their helm is the Black Witch Astoria, a demon with one burning desire: to shed Nexi’s blood in the name of vengeance. What troubles Kyden even more, though, is the warlock who covets Nexi’s heart. Let the devil do his worst . . . all Kyden can do is love and protect Nexi until his last breath.

Goodreads Amazon Barnes & Noble Additional purchasing options

Author Bio

STACEY KENNEDY is the USA Today bestselling author of the CLUB SIN series. Growing up, Stacey’s mind wandered the path less traveled and that path most often led to love. She has always broken rules and she continues to feed off emotion – staying true to her heart. Those traits are now the bones of her stories. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who puts any of the heroes in her books to shame, and their two young children. If she’s not on mom duty or plugging away at a new story, you’ll find Stacey camping in the summer, hibernating in the winter and obsessing over Penny Dreadful, Game of Thrones and Sons of Anarchy.

Website Facebook Twitter

November 26, 2014November 22, 2014

Kelly reviews Alien vs Alien by Gini Koch

TITLE: Alien vs Alien
SERIES #: Katherine “Kitty” Katt Series #6
CHARACTERS: Kitty, Jeff and crew
AUTHOR: Gini Koch
PUBLICATION DATE: December 6, 2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini and the rest of the American Centaurion Diplomatic Corps are still recovering from their introduction to Washington D.C. politics, parties, and conspiracies. So when compromising pictures arrive, no one’s too surprised. They’re also the least of anyone’s worries.

Evil androids running amok, birds of all kinds and from all places creating havoc, a Senator trapped in an ever-tightening web of intrigue, and escalating international tensions all seem tough but manageable. But the disappearance of Jeff Martini and Charles Reynolds during the International One World Festival signals more than the usual nastiness — and it looks like even ACE can’t help them.

Then new trouble arrives in old packages and even with the best hackers in the world, beings from near and far, the full might of Earth’s military, and the Wonder Twins on their side, Centaurion Division’s outmanned and outgunned.

Now Kitty’s racing against the clock to find not only Jeff and Chuckie, but to keep the peace between Middle Eastern countries, all while searching for the bases of super-soldier operations — to stop them or die trying.

REVIEW:
Scandal
Androids
Birds
War
Love and Kitty.
Sounds like the beginning of a bad joke. But this is no joke just another day in the life of Kitty Katt-Martini saving the world.

I think if I could be one heroine I would choose to be Kitty. Not only is her husband smoking, her daughter beyond cute and she gets to hang out with my love Christopher, Kitty is a total kick ass person. And as always Ms. Koch gives us an amazing fun story filled with humor, sarcasm, action and Kitty and crew in kick ass mode.

In Alien vs Alien Kitty has to fight to clear her name while protecting her family and friends. I love reading about Jeff and Kitty’s love for each other. It reminded me so much of why I loved this series to begin with.

Oh and lest us not forget Chuckie!! Oh now we can’t forget something so important as Chuckie find love. YAY!!!! I am so glad that he is happy now and not pining after Kitty anymore.

I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 25, 2014November 18, 2014

Kelly’s interview with Paige Tyler + a tour wide giveaway

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome one of our favorites to the blog today. Paige Tyler is stoping by to chate about life and her newest release Her Lone Wolf. So what do you say we get started.

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

I was born and raised in New Jersey, then moved all over after marrying my hubby (South Korea, Louisiana, Atlanta, Washington State), and currently call the beautiful Florida coast home. I’m a USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, romantic fiction and I’ve written over fifty books in practically every genre of romance, although I have to admit that my favorite genre is definitely the paranormal/romantic-suspense combo. Hubby, my very own military hero, and I live with our adorable fur baby (also known as our dog) and spend a good portion of our time writing. While I graduated with a degree in education and was well on my way to being an elementary school teacher, I decided to pursue passion of writing instead. These days I’m fully committed to writing books about hunky alpha males and the kickbutt heroines who fall in love with them.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I always loved writing from the time I was a little kid. I wrote stories about my cats, and made up romance stories about my Susie Homemaker doll falling in love and getting married to my Green Giant doll. They had so much in common, you know?

I credit my high school creative writing teacher with encouraging me to write for a living, but I have to admit, once I became an adult, I sort of put all that stuff in an old box and stuck it in the closest. I needed a “real job,” or thought I did.

In between dabbling in writing, I spent time going to college for Art, English, Computer Programming, and Education, looking for a career that would speak to me. I worked for a while on a military base, but other than the fact that I met my wonderful hubby there, I found it wasn’t really for me. It wasn’t until I started working as an elementary school teacher that I really got it. While I loved teaching kids, I realized that I resented the time the job took away from my writing.

That wasn’t fair to the kids or me, so I took the plunge and decided to write full time. The money hasn’t always been the greatest, but as any writer will tell you, it’s never about the money.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

Not sure if you’d call it a “quirk” per se, but most people find it interesting that I write with my hubby as a team. We outline the stories together, then he handles the first rough draft (focusing mostly on plot development and action sequences), while I come in right behind him and layer in the character-building, dialogue, and romance. Then we both sit down side by side on the couch and read the entire book start to finish before I send it to my editor. It might seem like a crazy way to write, but it works for us.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

My latest book is HER LONE WOLF, the second book in the X-OPS Series. For those who aren’t familiar with the series, it revolves around the Department of Covert Operations, a top secret organization that’s buried deep within the Department of Homeland Security. The DCO pairs the very best soldiers, law enforcement people, and spies together with shifters—humans that have special animal attributes in their DNA. They take on impossible missions that few people in the world will ever know about.

In Book One, HER PERFECT MATE, the reader gets a taste of how these DCO teams operate, especially how my particular kind of shifter works. These shifters have naturally occurring animal DNA that has blended with their human DNA to allow them to possess certain animal-like capabilities, such as speed, strength, aggression, and keen senses. While these abilities make them the perfect asset for the DCO, they’re also labeled by some as “freaks” and “monsters.” In HER PERFECT MATE readers get to see how much the shifters distrust the very people they work for. In HER LONE WOLF, the distrust continues to grow until the shifters—and the people who love them—aren’t sure whom they can trust.

All of this shadowy intrigue takes place against the backdrop of the DCO sending the hero Clayne Buchanan, the wolf shifter with the “bad attitude” readers met in Book One, out to California to deal with a possible rogue shifter that just might have turned into a serial killer. Clayne prefers to work alone, only this time it’s not going to happen that way. To get the job done, he’ll be forced to work with the one person on the planet he’d rather claw his own eyes out than see again. Here’s a quick blurb for HER LONE WOLF for you:

Leaving him was Impossible…

It took everything she had for FBI Special Agent Danica Beckett to walk away from the man she loved. But if she wants to save his life, she has to keep her distance. Now, with a killer on the loose and the stakes higher than ever before, the Department of Covert Ops is forcing these former lovers into an uneasy alliance…whether they like it or not.

Seeing her again is even worse…

The last thing Clayne Buchanan wants is to be shackled to the woman who broke his heart. She gets under his skin in a way no one ever has and makes him want things he has no right to anymore. All he has to do is suffer through this case and he can be free of her for good. But when Clayne finds out why Danica left in the first place, everything he’s tried to bury comes roaring back-and there’s no way this wolf shifter is going to let her get away this time.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I love to tell this story. Hubby and I were at the Lori Foster Get Together in 2011 and were having dinner at PF Chang’s with our friend Monette Michaels and her friend Linnea Sinclair. We were talking about writing, especially about jumping from e-books to New York. I doubt Linnea even remembers me, but she said some really insightful things about finding a niche and a voice that is undeniably mine, then she pointed at hubby and suggested that I should be using his military experiences to lend an edge to my books that other writers might not have.

That suggestion led to the X-OPS series. Since the very building block of the series is these human-shifter teams, I spent a lot of time developing them. After I developed the Special Forces hero (Landon) and feline shifter heroine (Ivy) in HER PERFECT MATE, the very first secondary character I created was the wolf shifter Clayne Buchanan, who was specifically written to be the complete opposite of the Landon. Those two butt heads constantly in book one, but by the end of the book, the reader starts to see that there might be something more to Clayne than he appears. Fans were screaming for his story the moment they finished book one!

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

Beyond all the promo I’m doing for HER LONE WOLF, I’m also getting ready to do the promo for a special FREE X-OPS novella from Sourcebooks called HER SECRET AGENT. It gives the readers a peak behind the scenes of the very beginnings of the DCO. You get to see a younger John Loughlin, the Director of the DCO, getting to know a certain foxy shifter extremely well. It will be available on the 2^nd of December from Sourcebooks (digital format only).

I’m also putting the finishing touches on Book Two of my Special Wolf Alpha Team Series (SWAT…as in a pack of werewolves working on the Dallas SWAT team. Cool, right?). At the same time, I’m working the first draft for Book Three in that series so I can send it to my editor in January. Plus, I’m starting to rough in the details on Book Four of X-OPS. It’s freaky jumping back and forth between the two series, but it keeps me on my toes!

Oh yeah, BTW, I’m also putting out a military ménage boxed set for Veteran’s Day, with a tribute to each of the uniformed services. It’s your basic, old-fashioned girl meets two guys, and decides that anything two people can do, three can do better!

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

Well, I have to admit that I’ve already had the privilege of meeting one of my very favorite authors, Suzanne Brockman, at RT last year. I was getting ready to help out with an off-site event with my publisher (Sourcebooks), and my editor turned and said, ”Have you met Suzanne Brockman before?”

I completely lost my ever-loving fan-girl mind! You know how sometimes you worry that you might have built an unrealistic image of a person in your head, one that’s impossible for a mere human to ever compare to? Well, I met Suzanne, and she’s so much better than the impossible image I had of her! She is absolutely the coolest person ever! Hubby and I had drinks with Suzanne and her hubby, talking about books and her cutie of a fur baby, Little Joe. As busy as she was, she found time to sit and chat with me. That meant a lot to me.

As far as other authors I’d like to meet in the future (sorry, I can’t limit it to just one), it would be Johanna Lindsey. Her alpha-male heroes and feisty heroines are the essential role-models for the characters I love to write. I also want to meet Lisi Harrison, author of the first set of Monster High books. As you’ll read below, I’m crazy about Monster High!

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

I sort of mentioned it early, but for me, the best advice is simple—write because you love to write and there’s a story in your head screaming to get out.

Because you can trust me on this, at some point, every writer faces disappointment. There are the times when you can’t get your thoughts on the page the right way, the weeks and months spent waiting for someone to decide if your book is “what they’re looking for,” or even the reviews that make you want to cry.

That love of writing will get you through these rough patches because you’re writing for yourself, not for someone else.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

Nope! I don’t really have one of those. Strange, I know, but I just don’t like the whole connotation of a “bucket” list. If there’s something you really, really want to do, then don’t put it on a list. Figure out a way to do it now, not later.

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

Ghoulfriends Just Want to Have Fun, by Gitty Daneshvari, author of the second set of Monster High books. As I’ve already mentioned, I’m an absolute Monster High fanatic! I have a whole room set aside for my Monster High dolls!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just want to say thanks for taking the time to stop by and ready my ramblings. I really appreciate it. If you get a chance, stop by and check out my website and social media pages at the links below and see if anything grabs your attention. If you read any of my stuff, drop me an e-mail—I’d love to hear from you. Hope you’ll check out my X-OPS Series!

Want to learn more about Paige and her books?

Let’s take a look at Her Lone Wolf

*****

Her Lone Wolf

Series: X-Ops Book 2

Author: Paige Tyler

Pubdate: November 4^th, 2014

ISBN: 9781402292125

Leaving him was Impossible…

Seeing her again is even worse

The last thing Clayne Buchanan wants is to be shackled to the woman who broke his heart. She gets under his skin in a way no one ever has and makes him want things he has no right to anymore. All he has to do is suffer through this case and he can be free of her for good. But when Clayne finds out why Danica left in the first place, everything he’s tried to bury comes roaring back—and there’s no way this wolf shifter is going to let her get away this time.

Paige Tyler is the USA Today bestselling author of sexy, romantic fiction. She and her very own military hero (also known as her husband) live on the beautiful Florida coast with their adorable fur baby (also known as their dog). Paige graduated with a degree in education, but decided to pursue her passion and write books about hunky alpha males and the kickbutt heroines who fall in love with them. Visit www.paigetylertheauthor.com.

Check out Kelly & Kimberly’s reviews of Her Lone Wolf HERE

Giveaway Time!!!!

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November 25, 2014November 22, 2014

Natasha reviews The Other Lamb by Katie Young

TITLE: The Other Lamb
CHARACTERS: Zach, Kim, Grigory & Sam
AUTHOR: Katie Young
PUBLICATION DATE: 8/27/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Incarcerated on Earth as punishment for breeding with humans, the Watchers found a way to escape. Zach is living proof of that…even though someone has cut out his heart.
When Zach turns eighteen he develops an insatiable thirst for blood, but he tries to bury his fears and go on enjoying his birthday. His best friend Kim has scored them tickets to the hottest gig in town. But a charged encounter with his idol, the enigmatic rock star known as Grigory, leads to a revelation that shatters everything Zach thinks he knows about himself and the world, and places everyone dear to him in grave danger.
Zach is a Naphil, the forbidden offspring of a mortal woman and a Watcher. When those who seek to destroy him snatch Kim, Zach is forced to embark on a journey of discovery spanning continents and ages. With the help of a mysterious stranger named Sam, Zach must unearth the truth about his parentage, find Kim, and discover who has stolen his heart…before he triggers the apocalypse.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Wow! I was not expecting this book! You know how sometimes you’re just chugging along like any other day and then BAM! you get smacked in the face by the unexpected and you just can’t look away? Yep, that was this book! The very first page has you scratching your head and wondering what on earth is going on… You get the answers…oh do you get the answers – but the way it plays out is amazing! This book is about Zach finding out that he isn’t exactly human and that his existence threatens the entire planet and everyone on it. Zach meets Sam and Grigory who begin to unravel the crazy history leading up to Zach’s existence and all the while Zach’s best friend Kim is undergoing an extreme transformation and no one knows what’s going on or what’s going to happen! Whew, it was so intense! I’ll admit, I cried more than once. I really felt connected to these characters, I was learning right along with Zach. This book is not for the light of heart, it’s a dark story that definitely can highlight the very bad things in our universe; but its still a very good read and I’m very happy I had to the opportunity to find this author.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Curiosity Quills Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 17, 2014November 16, 2014

Kelly reviews Cut Lara Adrian & Run by Tina Folsom

TITLE: Cut and Run
SERIES #: The Phoenix series
CHARACTERS: Ethan Jones & Tori Connors/ Scott Thompson & Phoebe Chadwick
AUTHOR: Lara Adrian & Tina Folsom
PUBLICATION DATE: November 17, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Darkly gifted and dangerously skilled, they were once the nation’s most powerful asset. Betrayed by unknown enemies, unable to trust anyone–not even one another–the Phoenix hold the key to unmasking a conspiracy steeped in blood and fire. To survive, they’ll have to solve . . . The Phoenix Code.

CUT by Lara Adrian

Community college professor Ethan Jones is living a lie. A precognitive agent known as Zephyr, Ethan is accustomed to subterfuge and deception, but when the Phoenix program is betrayed, he’s forced to cut all ties to the life he’s made and everyone in it—including smart, beautiful Tori Connors, the one woman who tempted the cold agent to let down his impenetrable facade.

A chance encounter years later and thousands of miles away thrusts the lovers together again, and this time Tori refuses to let Ethan deceive her. Although he is a dangerous enigma, Tori still desires him, and soon their inconvenient reunion becomes a temptation too strong to resist. With assassins closing in, Ethan and Tori embark on a desperate race for their lives—one that will put their tentative trust to the ultimate test.

RUN by Tina Folsom

Motorcycle mechanic Scott Thompson isn’t the laid-back loner he makes everyone believe. Three years ago, he was known as Ace, one of an elite group of agents in a top secret CIA program. However, the preternatural ability that made him invaluable to the government could now be his downfall, when his skill alerts him to a disaster bound to kill dozens of innocents unless he intervenes.

Journalist Phoebe Chadwick needs to persuade her editor to spare her from department cuts that threaten her job. When a mysterious stranger prevents an accident that would have killed her and many others, Phoebe goes after the story. But bad boy Scott is a reluctant hero unwilling to answer her questions, despite the sizzling chemistry that ignites between them. As his enemies hunt him down, Scott must decide if he can trust Phoebe—and how far he’s willing to go to keep her safe at his side.

REVIEW:5 Hearts

WOW!!! Where to start?
So anyone that follows me or my blog knows that I love Lara Adrian and her books. So when I had the chance to read Run and Cut, I jumped on it. And I am so glad I did. Not only did I get a great new story from Lara, but I found a new author in Tina Folsom. These two have teamed up to give us a great new series. The Phoenix Code takes us into the secret world of the our government.

CUT:
Book one in The Phoenix Code series.
We meet Ethan Jones & Tori Connors.
Ethan has been living a lie, but the feeling he has for Tori are not a lie. But when the call comes Phoenix Down, Ethan knows that life as he has known it is over for good. Ethan’s only choice is to walk away from Tori and never look back. On the run from an assassin that last thing that Ethan ever expected was to run into Tori. Ethan tries to walk away from Tori but she won’t let him. Not this time. No matter what threat is after them Tori won’t walk away

I just loved Ethan. He is all tough and soft at the same time. These two are great for each other.

RUN:
Book two in The Phoenix Code series.
We get to meet Scott Thompson & Phoebe Chadwick.
Scott is an ex-phoenix agent and has been keeping his head down for the last three years. But when he sees a bus load of kids murdered he knows he has to do something. Two things Scott never counted on. One: Phoebe Chadwick. Two: everyone having camera’s on their phones with trigger happy fingers.

Scott and Phoebe are great. I loved that Phoebe challenges and outsmarts Scotts more than once.

I really loved seeing Ethan & Scott come together and realize that there maybe more Phoenix Code survivors. But finding their fellow Phoenix’s maybe a challenge. But a challenge that they are all for. I really loved these story. I am so excited and very nervous to see what is up next in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lara Adrian & Tina Folsom in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 10, 2014November 9, 2014

Kelly reviews Furious Fire by Shiloh Walker

TITLE: Furious Fire
SERIES #: Grimm’s Circle, Book 8
CHARACTERS: Thomas Finn & Rebecca
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: November 11, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He is the love of all her lives…

Thomas Finn, troublemaker, gunslinger, guardian angel…loner. More than a hundred and fifty years ago, he was shot in the back then brought back to life just in time to watch a demon masquerading as his best friend kill the love of his life.

Now, as a Grimm, he satisfies his need for vengeance hunting down demons like the ones that took Rebecca from him. His mission: kill as many as he can, then, when the time comes, go down in a blaze of glory. But with each kill, he comes closer to a line no angel should cross.

Her name was Rebecca. Then it was Tilly. Then Ada. Now, Kalypso. She’s lived so many lives, she can’t even remember when or why it started. All she knows is, she’s always searching for a man with golden eyes that make her burn. And when she finds him—as she always does—she knows that spark of joy means she’s only seconds away from death…again.

This time will be no different…unless something breaks the cycle once and for all.

Warning: Contains the Groundhog Day of star-crossed lovers, a pissed-off guardian angel, a demon-hunter with an axe to grind, and the battle to end all battles. Be warned…there’s pain ahead in this book. Oh, and that HEA finally happens. For these two, anyway

REVIEW:
Another great Grimm story from Shiloh. Furious Fire takes us on a wild ride of Thomas Finn’s life. And boy howdy there was a lot about Finn that I didn’t know. Finn and Kalypso’s story is heart breaking story of love and loss after loss after loss. I will admit there were tears and gasps of “oh god no!!” moments in this book.

I am really sad to see the Grimm series coming to an end and I have a feeling that the next book will be beyond epic. The events that happened in Furious Fire it leaves a lot more questions than answers about the whole Grimm world.

If you have not started the Grimm books I would suggest starting from the beginning. The stories may be able to stand on their own but there is an on going story through out all the books. I can’t wait to see what is next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley & Samhain Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.