Interview & Giveaway with Isabel Cooper

Books-n-Kisses is excited to welcome Isabel Cooper to the blog today .

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

Isabel: I grew up as a faculty brat in a variety of boarding schools: first in Pennsylvania, then in southern California, and finally in Maine. Now I live in Boston and take the subway everywhere, which means I get to read a lot. No kids, boyfriends, or pets: I shun responsibility.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Isabel: At least since sixth grade. The teacher read one of my essays aloud in class, everyone seemed entertained, and I thought that was pretty cool. Plus, I heard you could work in your bathrobe. I’m still hoping for that part one day.

Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
Isabel: Other than a computer, not really! I try and do at least a thousand words a day when I’m on deadline, 500 when not. I actually do most of my writing during downtime at work. J Life with roommates has left me able to tune out most distractions.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
Isabel: The most rewarding moments are those when I’m really in the zone and words come easily—especially when dialogue is working, as that’s my favorite part. The most challenging is anything to do with physical details: sex, fighting, or geography. Lord, do I hate geography.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?
Isabel: She’s a late-Victorian secretary with ambitions beyond her East End roots! He’s a two-hundred-and-some-year-old shapeshifting Scottish dragon with a curse! They…fight crime? Kind of? They definitely fight one really awful guy. And they make out a lot.

How did you come with the idea for this story?
Isabel: My former editor, Leah Hultenschmidt, actually suggested dragons. I was all “Ooh, cool!” and started brainstorming, and settled on trying to do a version of “Beauty and the Beast” that made the Beast less of a jerk. (The instinct to do this is in like eighty percent of romance novelists, as far as I can tell—it’s like getting a tattoo in college. One can only hope to do it well, in both cases.)

Can you share with us your current work in progress?
Isabel: I’m tackling the story of Stephen’s sister Judith, who’s being all kinds of weary-quasi-mortal-veteran out in Scotland, and the spy who loves her. Only he doesn’t love her yet: they’re in the stage where neither trusts the other and each is pretending to be way less badass than he or she is. As one does.

Who are some of your favorite authors?
Isabel: Robin McKinley, Stephen King, Terry Pratchett, Mercedes Lackey, Candace Camp, and Georgette Heyer. This is a very abbreviated list. J

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
Isabel: I can only hope! I really love how both McKinley and King, each in their own very different ways, mix fantasy or horror and romance, and I expect I’ve tried to imitate that a little in my own way.

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

Isabel: I’m actually at the office as I’m writing this, so it’s more Google Docs Pointer Roulette, but: okay, so Stephen and Mina have just cast this spell to keep Bad Stuff out, only it’s triggered his transformation, and he’s all “RUN NOW” and starts Hulking out. She runs, because she’s a sensible girl. He starts angsting in a paragraph or two.

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

Isabel: I’ve promised myself Doctor Sleep to read when I travel this December. Otherwise, I tend to see what’s at the library when I go.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Isabel: Thank you very much for having me on here! I hope you enjoy the interview and Legend of the Highland Dragon.

LEGEND OF THE HIGHLAND DRAGON

by ISABEL COOPER

IN STORES DECEMBER 2013

He Guards a Ferocious Secret…

In Victorian England, gossip is often as precious as gold. But the Highlanders are a more mysterious bunch. And if anyone found out that Stephen MacAlasdair really was, he’d be hunted down, murdered, his clan wiped out. As he’s called to London on business, he’ll have to be extra vigilant—especially between sunset and the appearance of the first evening star.

Mina just wanted to find out more about the arrogant man who showed up in her employer’s office. Some might say it was part of her job. She never thought the stranger would turn into a dragon right in front of her. Or that he’d then offer her an outrageous sum of money to serve as his personal secretary. Working together night and day to track a dangerous enemy, Mina comes to see a man in love is more powerful and determined than any dragon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Isabel Cooper is the author paranormal historical romances No Proper Lady, a Publishers Weekly and a Library Journal book of the year in 2011, and Lessons After Dark. Both titles were also nominated in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Awards. During the day, Isabel maintains her guise as a mild-mannered project manager working in legal publishing outside of Boston. For more, visit www.isabelcooper.org.

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December 3, 2013November 24, 2013

Kimberly reviews So Irresistible by Lisa Plumley

TITLE: So Irresistible
CHARACTERS: Gabby & Shane
AUTHOR: Lisa Plumley
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/03/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tantalizing. Hot. And mouthwateringly delicious. The pizzas at the Portland restaurant chain Shane Maresca is secretly priming for takeover are all that and more. Unfortunately for him, so is Gabriella Grimani, the business owner’s daughter. He had no idea who she was when they had their first X-rated one night stand. Now she’s all he can think about. For someone whose career hinges on ruthlessness, that’s a slice of disaster.

Tough, take-charge Gabby intends to put her family’s restaurants back in the black, and that means no distractions. But somehow Shane keeps getting to the part of her that no one else sees–enticing her to lean on him. To trust him. That could be the biggest mistake Gabby and her business ever made. . .or a recipe for something truly spectacular…

REVIEW:
Something was just off with this book for me. I had a hard time with the characters in the beginning even though I did eventually warm up to them. The story is a bit interesting even though it is pretty common. The writing seemed a bit off too so I had a hard time with it.

I have only read a couple of books by Plumley and I can say this was not one of my favorites. The story was so slow at least in the beginning that I found it hard to keep reading it.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

November 30, 2013November 30, 2013

Book Spotlight: Poisoned Web by Crista McHugh

The fate of the empire hangs on one slave breaking her silence…

As the Deizian Empire prepares for the upcoming wedding of Emperor Titus Sergius Flavus and Azruha, one mystery remains unsolved—the sudden and unexplained death of the former emperor. And as her wedding gift to Titus, Azurha wants to give him answers. She suspects an unknown poison was involved, and her search for the truth enlists two unlikely allies.

Modius Varro’s thirst for knowledge caused an uproar in Emona three years ago and exiled him to the border town of Madrena. But when Titus falls victim to the same poison, his expertise in medicine becomes essential in solving both the riddle of the former emperor’s death and finding a cure to save the current one. His search leads him to far reaches of the Alpirion realm, to an ancient culture shrouded in secrets, and into the arms of one slave who must break her silence to save the empire.

Amazon/B&N/Goodreads

About the Author:

Growing up in small town Alabama, I relied on story-telling as a natural way for me to pass the time and keep my two younger sisters entertained.

I currently live in the Audi-filled suburbs of Seattle with my husband and two children, maintaining my alter ego of mild-mannered physician by day while I continue to pursue writing on nights and weekends.

I am an active member of the Romance Writers of America (including the FF&P , Greater Seattle Chapter, and the Seattle Eastside Chapters).

Just for laughs, here are some of the jobs I’ve had in the past to pay the bills: barista, bartender, sommelier, stagehand, actress, morgue attendant, and autopsy assistant.

And I’m also a recovering LARPer. (I blame it on my crazy college days)

For the latest updates and answers to any burning questions you have, please check out my blog.

Jennifer’s Review of Poisoned Web

Review (5 Stars): I loved Tangled Web and this book picks up right after the events of the first one. Azruha has settled into life as Emperor Titus’s future bride and knows that his father did not die from natural causes. Because of her experiences as “The Rabbit,” she believes that the Emperor’s father was killed by poison and decides to enlist her trusted slave, Izana to help solve the mystery. Izana joins forces with Modius, a gifted scholar and son of the mysterious Varro, to determine who poisoned the previous emperor and stop them from trying to kill Titus. Besides finding answers to this dangerous mystery, the two find that they can’t help being attracted to one another and the dangers that their love may face in the Deizian empire.

I really enjoyed Poisoned Web and Ms. McHugh was able to weave such a thrilling story of action, suspense and romance that will have you wanting more. I loved Izana’s character and sympathized with her struggles of being a slave and falling in love with a man that was considered above her station. The fact that she was able to read and write were punishable offenses in the Deizian empire and being a royal slave was better than the life she lived before working for the Emperor. Modius was a mysterious character for me because he was once a soldier but now a scholar and I was curious as to what secrets he was hiding from everyone, including Izana. They just fit well as a couple and their search for the deadly poison captivated me until the end.

Poisoned Web is an great sequel to Tangled Web and you should definitely read them in order. I love Crista McHugh’s stories and I look forward to each book when it is released. I can’t wait to read more about the Deizian empire in Deception’s Web and see what happens to the characters in the next installment of this great series.

November 30, 2013November 24, 2013

Kendra Elliott’s Bone Secrets Series

Hidden

Bone Secrets #1

Eleven years ago, the Co-Ed Slayer murdered nine female college students on the Oregon State University campus. Lacey Campbell barely survived his attack, but he killed her best friend, Suzanne, whose body was never found. Now a forensic odontologist analyzing teeth and bones for the state medical examiner, Lacey is devastated when she identifies Suzanne’s remains at a crime scene. She finds comfort in the arms of ex-cop Jack Harper, and sparks fly between them even as a new reign of terror begins. Someone is killing the witnesses who sent the Co-ed Slayer to prison a decade ago. All the evidence points to the Co-ed Slayer as the culprit, only he’s long since dead. So who’s the new killer? And is Lacey next in line to die? Golden Heart finalist Kendra Elliot unites in-depth forensic knowledge with a passion for thrillers. Set amid the snowy backdrop of Oregon, Hidden creates spine-tingling chills.

*****

Chilled

Bone Secrets #2

As a forensic nurse on a search and rescue team, Brynn Nealey braves a dangerous blizzard to find the survivors of a plane crash in the Cascade Mountains. Joining her is Alex Kinton, a former US marshal with self-destructive tendencies. Alex lies his way onto Brynn’s team to find the man who killed his brother—and then return the favor. But once the team members reach the plane’s wreckage, they discover everyone aboard has perished…except for the man Alex is hunting. Alex will do whatever it takes to track his target through the vast, snowy wilderness.

As the temperatures drop, however, so do Alex’s defenses. His contact with the sharp, kindhearted Brynn makes his lust for vengeance difficult to reconcile with his growing feelings for a woman who risks her life to help others. What will happen to Alex’s savage instincts when he finally has the opportunity to confront his brother’s killer?

In Chilled, the next thrilling tale in the Bone Secrets saga, Golden Heart finalist Kendra Elliot weaves an icy tale of cold nights, cold hearts, and cold-blooded killers.

*****

Buried

Bone Secrets #3

Reporter Michael Brody is used to getting answers. The one that’s eluded him, though, for twenty long years is learning what happened to his brother Daniel the day his school bus disappeared. When the remains of the other children are discovered—and Daniel’s aren’t among them—a desperate Michael calls upon the sole survivor of the tragedy, Chris Jacobs, hoping he will finally break his silence.

Constant fear of being found by his kidnapper has driven Chris into hiding. The only lead Michael has is Chris’s sister, Jamie. Strong and impenetrable, she’s capable of burrowing deep into Michael’s heart. As they race to find Chris, Michael and Jamie somehow find each other among the decades of wreckage. But locating Chris may not be so easy. Now grown, his scars go far deeper than skin.

In Buried, the next thrilling Bone Secrets novel from bestselling author Kendra Elliot, a damaged hero digs deep into his terrifying past…and unearths a chance at love for the future

*****

Alone

Bone Secrets #4

One rainy night in the woods outside of Portland, Dr. Victoria Peres is called to the site of a haunting crime scene. Six beautiful young girls—all in white dresses and arranged in a perfect circle—have been left for dead. Only one girl, fighting for her life at a nearby hospital, has survived the carnage. Things get stranger still when Victoria and the police discover that the disturbing arrangement of the bodies—as meticulous as it is mysterious—is straight from the pages of a decades-old cold case. Victoria is called on to do what she does best, read the bones of the dead for clues…while dealing with the surprise return of her first love, medical examiner Seth Rutledge. Only this time she must figure out how the two cases, fifty years apart, are connected.

November 29, 2013November 21, 2013

Interview & Giveaway with Leah Braemel

Books-n-Kisses is please to welcome Leah Braemel to the blog today.

Leah, tell us a little about the premise of Slow Ride Home.

Two brothers, Ben and Jake Grady, have just inherited the family’s massive 71,000 acre ranch, Bull’s Hollow. But Jake’s taken his father’s death hard, and Ben feels that most of the work to keep the ranch running. He’s just learned that someone is claiming they own part of the ranch and has sold it to someone else, so in order to fight the claim and protect his ownership, his title insurance company sends in one of their claim investigators—who turns out to be Ben’s old high school flame, Allie O’Keefe. While Ben thinks Allie left him when her father was fired from Bull’s Hollow, Allie tells a different, darker story about the last day they spent together. While they’re unraveling the mystery of the ranch’s ownership, they discover the sparks that once flickered between them are still burning bright. But fifteen years is a long time to have been apart and Allie’s not the careful girl she used to be, and letting go of the anger and bitterness of the partner Ben’s family caused her isn’t easy to overcome, no matter how loveable Ben is.

How would you describe your main characters

Ben is stalwart. He’s always known where he belonged, and is ready to put in a long day’s work to keep the ranch going. He’s fair and firm with his hands, but he has some growing up to do too, which he quickly learns the longer Allie is around, and the more of his family’s secrets are revealed.

Allie is smart and smart-mouthed at times, but she’s also conflicted. All her life’s plans were changed by one act one afternoon so now she’s more cautious, but that inner adrenaline junkie she used to be yearns to come out and play. Preferably with Ben.

He cupped her jaw, the fierceness in his expression holding caught in his gaze. “Be strong. Don’t let anyone stop you from being who or what you want. Even me.”

Her breath hitched at his passionate reminder. It had been a long time since any one had believed in her like that. Fifteen years to be precise. Unable to deal with the emotions swirling inside her, she took his hand and dragged him down the path.

At the next pasture, three mares, one heavily pregnant, stopped their grazing to raise their heads and watch them pass. After ordering the dogs to sit beside Allie, Ben diverted from their path to call to one of them. “Hey, Miree, how you doin’, momma?”

The pregnant mare flicked her ears and wandered toward him. Allie never saw Ben reach into his pocket but he suddenly had a carrot stick in his hand.

“That’s my girl.” Once Miree had taken the treat, he lovingly stroked her neck.

Allie climbed onto the wooden fence and perched on the top rung. “I used to dream of them, you know.”

“Of who?”

“Of the horses. Especially the foals, with their big eyes and the way they look at you as if they can see right into your soul.” Rather like the way Ben’s had just seen into her subconscious.

“I used to think the same of you.” Ben’s voice turned husky. He stood behind her, resting his hands lightly on her waist. “I still do.”

“Don’t.” Don’t tempt me to want a relationship with you again unless you’re dead serious. And the idea that she wanted to be in another committed relationship scared the living daylights out of her.

What do you have on your desk?

A ton of sticky-notes, in a rainbow of colors. Seriously there are sticky notes on my monitors and my desk’s hutch with reminders like “the romance is the journey” and “sexual tension in every scene” to names of my characters — where they work, where they live, family trees, to-do lists, you name it. Usually at least one coffee cup, hand cream, note pads, my long-distance glasses (I wear a special pair of glasses set to the distance of my monitor), lip balms, and a theraband so I can do my physiotherapy while I’m sitting at my desk (I wrecked my rotator cuff from sitting typing too many hours a day)

5 Things you have to have to write?

The main thing I need is peace and quiet (as in no puppies whining at me the way our Shih Tzu Seamus is grumbling right now), oh and no cats climbing across my keyboard. I swear Turtle has changed programs with key combinations I didn’t know existed before. (And haven’t been able to set right since.) As for the writing itself, I need to know exactly where I’m going—what the scene needs to show—before I can settle in to writing. At least two cups of coffee in the morning (does that count as one item or two?), and a huge monitor – I use a 27 incher so I don’t have to squint.

Do you write with music on?

Sometimes when I’m writing a first draft — I’ve created several playlists to keep me in the country frame of mind while writing The Grady Legacy books. (You can find the songs that I listened to while writing since I created playlists for them: Ben’s playlist, and now Jake’s)

Plot or write by the seat of your pants?

I’m a die-hard plotter. Even though I have to know where I’m going with each scene, I write numerous drafts—as in at least 5 – 8. The first draft resembles more of an extended outline, with notes about what each scene needs to show, and snippets of conversation. Then in my second draft I’ll go through and fill out the detail, on third draft I fill in more detail and start layering in more emotion. Fourth draft, I start laying in more detail and even more emotion. Because usually I get partway through each draft, I discover a new fact about the hero or heroine that changes the slant of the whole story. Why my brain can’t figure these things out in the first draft, I have no idea, but it’s part of my process. Trouble is it makes me a much slower writer than some.

What’s next for you?

I’m finishing up Book 2 – Jake’s story which is called No Accounting for Cowboys. You get to see more into the secrets Jake’s been keeping and why—and he has more, very personal, family drama heaped on him that forces him to make some hard decisions. Then I’ll be diving straight into book 3—Wrangling the Past as the newest member of the Grady family wrestles with their new found family and identity.

Read more about Slow Ride Home, book 1 in The Grady Legacy trilogy on Leah’s website. Or buy the book from Amazon, B&N, or Carina Press. Or as an audio book from Audible

Slow Ride Home
Author: Leah Braemel
Book 1 in The Grady Legacy trilogy
ISBN-13: 9781426897351
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Publication date: 11/11/2013

Amazon | B&N | Carina Press link | iBooks

Losing his father was hard enough, but now Ben Grady must face the fact that he and his brother may not be sole owners of their beloved ranch. To protect his family’s legacy, he’s forced to rely on the legal prowess of the woman who stars in his erotic fantasies: Allie O’Keefe. Ben’s never forgotten the illicit encounter they shared fifteen years ago—or forgiven himself for letting her go.

Allie thought she’d moved beyond the scandal that cost her Ben in the past. But working so closely with the seductive rancher arouses the wild child within the cautious woman she’s become. Though she tries to keep business and pleasure separate, Allie soon gives in to temptation, and discovers Ben’s sensual skills surpass even her X-rated memories…

Allie has every intention of leaving Bull’s Hollow forever after her investigation is complete. But there are a few complications. Not the least of which is that while saving the ranch, Allie’s lost her heart.

About Leah

The only woman in a houseful of men (even the cat and dog are male), Leah Braemel loves hiding away from all the dust bunnies while she writes sexy heroes and heroines finding true love. To read more about Slow Ride Home or any of Leah’s other books, you can visit her website, follow her on Twitter, or on Facebook.

**Leah is giving away a digital copy of her backlist to a lucky commenter.**

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November 29, 2013November 3, 2013

Kimberly reviews The Seduction Of Hypothesis by Delphine Dryden

TITLE: The Seduction Of Hypothesis
SERIES #: Science of Temptation #2
CHARACTERS: Lindsey & Ben
AUTHOR: Delphine Dryden
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/06/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
(1 Curious Sub + 1 Dom in Denial) – Inhibitions = 4 Naughty Nights

Wildlife biologist Lindsey thought attending a fan convention with her new boyfriend Ben was a great idea—until their relationship fizzled. Lindsey still lusts after her ex—but if he wants her, he’s going to have to prove it.

Ben will do anything to win Lindsey back, and when he sees her in her skimpy black vinyl convention get-up, he realizes what she’s been craving all along. And he is inspired to finally give in to his own dark desire to take complete sexual control…

Lindsey is surprised by her reaction to Ben’s kinky new seduction techniques, and suddenly sees the brilliant but uptight code guru in a different light. After several erotic encounters in hotel rooms and stairwells, she’s falling for Ben all over again. And wondering if the intimate connection will last once they head home…

REVIEW:
While this is the second in a series this book stands alone. This is a book of love and erotica with a science spin. This series proves nerd are sexy. Lindsey is just realizing that she has the tendency to be a sub and while she is still in love with her ex-boyfriend when she hinted about it he thought she was joking but now he realizes she is serious.

What is different about this book is the guy is not a Dom who has been living this life for a long time and turning his girlfriend on to it like so many books are now. They are both new to the experience and yet he is willing to try it and finds he likes it. I enjoyed that part of this. I liked that both were coming out of their shell at the same time. I enjoy this authors writing and if you enjoy a quick erotic romance this is the one to pick up (and don’t forget the first in the series either The Theory Of Attraction).

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

November 28, 2013November 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Window by Michele Renae

TITLE: Window
SERIES #: Paris Secrets #1
CHARACTERS:
AUTHOR: Michele Renae
PUBLICATION DATE: Oct 22, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An erotic romance behind glass

The first time she sees her new neighbor, his sexy smile arouses her curiosity — and her desires. His hard, chiseled muscles and playful invitations are irresistible.

Bared before their windows, framed and displayed above the streets of Paris, they embark upon a provocative affair.

Their daring game of exhibitionism lures her back for more and more, and she quickly realizes he is the man she has dreamed about.

Yet she’s never heard his voice. Never felt his touch. Never thought she’d experience something this exquisite.

Or this bold…

Paris Secrets
Do you dare?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Window is an interesting twist on an erotic romance story. Two people, two windows, no touching, no talking yet a relationship of sorts has started. But the question is how will it end? I enjoyed this book. It is very different than your normal boy meets girl romance. That alone is refreshing. I am glad that I pick up this book and gave it a try. I am looking forward to seeing what Michele has next in this series. I really hope that the hero & heroine will finally take that step and move their relationship to the next level.

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

November 27, 2013November 24, 2013

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Naughty Nicks by Christine d’Abo

TITLE: Naughty Nicks
CHARACTERS: Kim & Blake
AUTHOR: Christine d’Abo
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/21/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Kim has been the coordinator at Naughty Nicks, home of the sexiest Santa strippers, every Christmas for three years—and for just as long, she’s lusted after her boss. She enjoys their flirty banter and heated looks, but she’s getting tired of Blake being nice when she’s feeling naughty. This year, there’s only one kind of Christmas bonus she wants.

With each passing holiday season, Blake’s attraction to Kim has grown. But after a bitter divorce, he’s not sure he’s ready to jump into a new relationship, especially with an employee. One passionate kiss under the mistletoe and he realizes he’s had enough of looking and not touching. Fortunately, he knows the perfect way to seduce Kim—a private striptease to prove she’s the only elf for his Naughty Nick.

REVIEW:
Holiday erotica wrapped up in an enjoyable package.

This is a short novella, only about 80 pages, but it is a very enjoyable read if you enjoy erotica. Not that anything is very intense sexually but there is a number of sex scenes.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

November 27, 2013November 3, 2013

Kimberly reviews The Big, Not So Small, Curvy Girls, BBW Romance Dating Agency by Ava Catori

TITLE: The Big, Not So Small, Curvy Girls, BBW Romance Dating Agency
CHARACTERS: Becky & Reed
AUTHOR: Ava Catori
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Becky Holgate’s lost her focus. It’s complicated…she didn’t mean to fall in love with another woman’s guy. How could she be a matchmaker for other people if all she could think about was her own heart? Determined to ignore her growing infatuation, she set her sites on building her career. Only Reed Amwell was making it hard to concentrate; every encounter left her breathless.

Reed didn’t mean to fall for the curvy girl, but she was carefree, silly, and fresh. Her soft curves and playful heart had him questioning his current relationship. Could he be with the wrong girl? He needed to figure it out fast, because his wedding day was getting closer by the minute.

With a laugh-out-loud best friend, an insane cat, and a business to run, Becky Holgate didn’t have time for guys like Reed Amwell…until time was running out.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Big title, short story, big wallop of feelings. I have to say the first thing I did was go to the authors information to see if she was a bigger girl and the reason I did is because the author really has the feelings of a bigger girl in her story. Every big girl (and I am one) has that feeling that they are not good enough, that someone else is better because she is skinnier, and that a gorgeous guy will never be attracted to them and Catori expresses those feelings perfectly.

This is a story with a happy ending (aren’t most romances?) but I am not sure it is a realistic ending in most cases. However the story really hits on the feelings perfectly. And I have to say the writing is done very well. The conversations between characters is realistic, funny and moving.

The story is short, about 120 pages, but it is complete and enjoyable. Every big girl should pick this story up to remember that IT can happen. And every skinny girl should read it to get an idea of what us big girls feel on a daily basis.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

November 26, 2013November 22, 2013

Interview with Laura Kaye

Happy Release Day to Laura Kaye!!

HARD AS IT GETS is one steamy read! How did you first get into writing?

Thanks so much! And thanks for having me here! I’ve been a writer all my life. I’m a historian by training, so writing non-fiction was a part of my job for the fifteen years I worked as a college professor. But I started writing fiction in 2008 in kind of an unusual way. I hit my head on July 4, 2008. I didn’t think much of it that day, but soon after I realized I’d really hurt myself, and it turned out I had a minor traumatic brain injury. As I recovered, I was filled with an amazing urge to be creative, so I started taking guitar lessons (still not very good at that!) and wrote my first novel in 12 weeks (fortunately, I’m better at that LOL!). The experience of writing that first book was truly transformative. It was what I was supposed to be doing, so I revised that book until it sold and kept writing new ones. And I haven’t looked back since!

Why did you choose to write romance?

I had been an avid reader of paranormal romance for years at that point, so I wrote what I loved. But I also picked romance—unconsciously, I think—because to me it’s an incredibly hopeful genre. Romance stories are inherently stories about people who can’t find love or think they don’t deserve it who overcome the odds and find it in the end. In the years leading up to starting writing, I experienced a number of very hard personal losses, so writing in this genre was one way I worked through those issues.

What does “Hard Ink” refer to? What importance do tattoos play in your story?

Hard Ink is the name of the Rixey brothers’ tattoo shop in the Hard Ink series. Nick and Jeremy Rixey are co-owners, though Nick (the hero of book one, Hard As It Gets) prefers to be more of a silent partner, despite Jeremy’s efforts to put Nick’s artistic talents to work. In this series, tattoos are a way people remember, pay penance, or highlight what’s important to them. The act of creating permanent marks on skin has deep meaning to them. And the shop creates a gritty setting where diverse kinds of people meet and interact in the series. I really love it!

Describe Becca—what do you love most about her? And Nick?

I’d love to! Because I really loved writing these characters!

Becca Merritt is smart and strong and honest and protective. I really loved the way she was willing to stand up for those she loves, even against people and forces who might be stronger and even a little scary. There’s a scene in particular when she dresses down Nick’s Special Forces teammates after a fist fight where I was particularly cheering for her! LOL

Nick Rixey is, omg, so freaking hot, you guys! He’s brooding and tortured and honorable and when he falls he falls so hard. I especially loved Nick’s mix of hard, alpha edges with his artistic side. When Nick shows Becca what her idea for a tattoo might look like on her skin, it’s just scorching!

What significance does the military play in the book?

Military themes are central to the whole Hard Ink series. The military isn’t just sexy window dressing nor is it just there to provide an intriguing backstory. The prior SF guys are this series are entirely defined by their military experience good and bad. It informs their identity, their sense of honor and duty, their view of the world, and of course gives them the skill set required to fight the battles they face in the series. The overall series mystery the characters are working to solve revolves around a military conspiracy in Afghanistan, so even though they’re out of the Army, the military themes are central.

If you could describe your book in a 140 character tweet, what would it be?

In #HardAsItGets, an ex-soldier joins forces w/his dead commander’s daughter to regain his tarnished honor & save her brother from a gang

Is there a particular author or book that has influenced your writing?

There are a number of authors that have influenced me, but if I had to pick one it would be J.R. Ward. A lot of what I know about how to write sexy, authentic male point of view comes from reading her books. And I definitely learned the importance of a good bromance to a romance novel from her Black Dagger Brotherhood series, too. Given my ginormous fangirling, you can only imagine how flipping excited I was when this happened:

“Edgy, sexy, and full of suspense! A great read from a great new author!”

~J.R. Ward on Hard As It Gets

You guys, I bawled like a baby in the middle of a huge workshop put on by my publisher. For real. LOL

What advice would you give aspiring writers looking to get into the publishing industry?

Here’s my advice:

1) Write, write, write. You can’t revise what you haven’t written and you can’t sell what you haven’t written. And the psychological and emotional boost you’ll get from writing “The End” for the first time cannot be overestimated.

2) Revise, revise, revise. That first time you type “The End”? Yeah, you’re nowhere near done. Your book will need to be edited, by you, several times before you ever put it in front of an agent or editor. You get one shot with them, so don’t waste it by not showing them your very best and most polished work.

3) Find critique partners. And your mom, siblings, and best friend do not count (unless you’re really lucky, like me, and your best friend happens t also be a professional author). You need other aspiring writers in your genre who will give you honest but constructive feedback about how to improve your manuscript. Let them catch all the embarrassing goofs and plot holes you thought you caught before it gets to an agent or editor.

4) Want to be a professional, then act it. And by that I mean join the professional organization(s) of the genre in which you write. Through them you will find classes to help hone your craft, critique partner match-ups, networking opportunities, calls for submission, and other opportunities invaluable to breaking into publishing.

5) Don’t give up. You will hear way more no’s than yeses, particularly early in your writing career. Stick with it. Believe in yourself. Give yourself one day to wallow in the rejection and eat a bunch of chocolate and then get right back on the horse. If your first book doesn’t sell, chalk that up to learning and write a second.

What can fans of HARD AS IT GETS look forward to next?

I’m currently writing four series: two contemporary (Hard Ink, Heroes) and two paranormal (Hearts of the Anemoi, Vampire Warrior Kings). I’ll have books from all four of those releasing in 2014. My next release is Hard As You Can (Hard Ink #2) coming 2/25/14!

Introducing Nick and Becca from Hard As It Gets

I am absolutely thrilled to be celebrating the release of my sexy contemporary romance, Hard As It Gets, the first book in my new Hard Ink series. If you like sexy, gritty contemporaries, military heroes and themes, and even a little suspense, Hard As It Gets is the perfect book for you! *grins*

Today, I’d like to introduce you to Nick Rixey and Becca Merritt, the hero and heroine of Hard As It Gets. They just sizzled together on the page and I really enjoyed writing them. I hope you love them, too! So, without further ado, please meet Hard As It Gets’s Nick and Becca:

MEET HERO NICK RIXEY:

Becca’s first impression of Nick:

“I’m Nick Rixey. Who wants to know?”

Becca jumped at the deep sound of the man’s voice. Geez. How long had he been standing there? And, big as he was, how had she not heard him approach? It was like he’d materialized out of thin air.

The surprise of his appearance pounded adrenaline through her system. Her racing pulse had absolutely nothing to do with the bulge of his impressive biceps straining the sleeves of his black T-shirt, the hints of ink just visible on his upper arms, nor with his harsh yet darkly handsome face. And definitely not with the way his jeans hung on those lean hips. Right. Definitely not.

Given who her father was, or had been, this was the type of man she’d expected to find at the end of Charlie’s cryptic note. His dark hair was a little on the long side, but the hard edges and leashed strength of his body clearly read ex-military.

Nick’s Job: Process Server, Part-time Tattoo Artist

3 Words that Describe Nick: Tortured, Alpha, Heroic

3 Things he Loves about Heroine Becca Merritt: Her courage, her compassion, the way she takes away his hurt

Who could play Nick if the book was made into a movie? Tyler Hoechlin hung above my desk for months (in fact, he just may still be there!), so he’s got the look for sure!

MEET HEROINE BECCA MERRITT:

Nick’s first impression of Becca:

Becca Merritt was the all-American girl personified, with her fierce blue eyes and wavy hair the rich color of honey. Bet she tastes as sweet, too. And, damn, that body. It was all he’d been able to do not to gawk at the curves her fitted T-shirt hugged, or trace his eyes over the lace just visible through the thin cotton. It was like the sun had strolled through their front door, casting heat and light all over him. Only the haunted dark circles under her eyes ruined the analogy.

Becca’s Job: ER nurse

3 Words that Describe Becca: Loyal, Compassionate, Strong

3 Things she Loves about Hero Nick Rixey: His intensity (in everything), his strength, his willingness to help her and her brother

Who could play Becca if the book was made into a movie? With her wholesome prettiness, Blake Lively would make a good Becca Merritt!

Do you have a question for either of the characters or their author lady? Ask away and we’d all be happy to chat!

Thanks for reading!

Laura

*****

Hard As It Gets

Hard Ink #1

Nov. 26, 2013
Amazon | B&N

Tall, dark, and lethal…

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey’s tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome — pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He’s left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander’s daughter. Loyalty won’t let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn’t expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge.

Read Chapter 1 of Hard As It Gets

Check out Kelly’s review HERE

About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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November 25, 2013November 3, 2013

Kimberly reviews True by Erin McCarthy

TITLE: True
CHARACTERS: Rory & Tyler
AUTHOR: Erin McCarthy
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/0/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.

Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…

Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost…

REVIEW:
OK so here is the problem… I am not in college.. I am years and years beyond college. This does not say it is a YA book but I really think it is.

First I mean really hasn’t the story about the friends setting up the virgin been done enough? The first thing that got to me was only a page or two in when Rory is wanting to kiss Grant and Tyler the “hero” of the story is sleeping with someone else.

The story is just too juvenile for me I am sad to say. But if you want to read about college kids getting it on then give this a try.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

November 25, 2013November 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Hunter’s Moon by Lisa Kessler

TITLE: Hunter’s Moon
SERIES #: Moon #2
CHARACTERS: Aren Sloan & Sasha
AUTHOR: Lisa Kessler
PUBLICATION DATE: Oct 22, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sasha’s future was stolen from her the moment she was bitten. Now she’s on the run from the Nero Organization that transformed her from a human detective into a shape shifting jaguar assassin.

When a rogue bounty hunter threatens her younger sister, she’ll be forced to fight, and with nowhere else to turn, Sasha will need to trust the one man who has every reason to want her dead.

Aren is a werewolf with a secret. While protecting his twin brother and Alpha of the Pack, he found his one mate for life. Sadly she’s also the jaguar assassin who tried to kill them both. Now Aren is struggling between his animal nature to love and protect her, and his loyalty to the Pack.

REVIEW:
Another really good book by Lisa. I really loved Aren & Sasha’s characters. And if you have not read Moonlight I would suggest you stop here and go grab Moonlight then come back. Moonlight and Hunter’s Moon are very connected and you might feel like you are missing a piece of the puzzle. Be warned below might be a spoiler for you.

Aren & Sasha have a bit of a history. And it is not a very pleasant history. You know with whole tasering, kidnapping, gagging and shooting of body parts these two do not have your typical love at first sight romance. Well it kinda was for Aren, well right after Sasha head butted him that is.
But now the Nero Organization has it’s sights set on Sasha and they are not playing for keeps. This is seek and destroy mission. Aren is determined to do everything in his power to protect Sasha not matter what. But when Sasha’s little sister is used a leverage and now plan has to be formed.

This was a great story. Again we get the story from both Aren & Sasha’s point of view. I am very much looking forward to the next installment in The Moon series. But while I really enjoyed Aren’s story I am so looking forward to Sebastian’s story.

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