I hope everyone has a happy and safe halloween.

Don’t eat to much candy.

Happy Release Day to all the wonderful Authors out there that keep out TBR piles over flowing….

What are you looking forward to this week?

Find your new book here:  B&N |Amazon | Powell’s | Books a Million| ARe | Kobo | Itunes

Writer Envy: Who Do I Wish I Was?

Every now and then I read a book and think “This is so good. I should write a book like this.” Of course I can’t. Every writer has her own style, including me. But certain writers regularly inspire me with jealous torments.

I love the way Liz Carlyle sets a scene, especially a sordid scene. The opening of Tempted All Night, for example. Without going into a lot of description, she makes you see the shady pub – and incidentally tells you’re a whole lot about her hero.

“It’s generally said that a man can be known by the company he keeps, and Tristan Talbot was likely the only fellow in London who went dicing with his manservant. That his servant disdained the Three Shovels as beneath his dignity served only to further illuminate the level to which Tristan sometimes sank. And illumination was direly needed at the Shovels, for the place was dark as a den of thieves.

Actually, it was a den of thieves. And rogues and sharps and bawds—even the occasional gentleman out for a low-class lark. From somewhere deep inside the low-ceilinged alehouse, raucous laughter rang out….”

I’m always telling people Janet Mullany is the funniest historical writer around, though why I bother to qualify the statement I don’t know. Can’t think of any funnier in any genre. Only Janet—in the Rules Of Gentility– would set her marriage proposal in the bathroom.

“What are you doing in there?”

“It’s a water closet. What sort of question is that?”

“Well hurry up. I want to propose to you.’ He thumps on the door again and mutters something about women taking so long in there. It must be all the petticoats.

My papa comments that he’s always thought it so too.

I envy Eloisa James’ ability to effortlessly convey romantic deliciousness, as in this random page from Desperate Duchesses, perhaps my favorite Eloisa.

“Damon was well aware he was consumed by lust. It was a dangerous state. He’d never before experienced it as a sort of waking fever dream, as the past few days when he walked the halls of Beaumont House merely so that he could catch a whiff of Roberta’s perfume, or see the flutter of her dress retreat around a corner.”

Anna Campbell’s dark sensuality leaves me gaping. How does she do that?

“He told himself her body was all he wanted.

The declaration sounded laughably hollow. The feverish encounter had bitten more deeply than the fleeting demands of flesh alone ever could, however much he wished it otherwise.

She took a shuddering breath as he settled at her side. He fought the urge to stroke the damp black hair back from her brow. She wouldn’t welcome his tenderness, he knew with piercing regret. (Claiming the Courtesan)

Among the many things I envy in Susan Elizabeth Phillips is her ability to construct a big multi-character ensemble scene. The most fun may the one where a horde of giant professional sportsmen invade the heroine’s house (“Get your big-ass shoes off my sofa cushions.”) My favorite is the dinner party in Ain’t She Sweet when Sugar Beth turns an event designed to humiliate her into a triumph. We see her emerge with grace and dignity and Colin’s emotions turn from revenge to shame to love. There’s nothing I find more satisfying than seeing the tables turned.

And then there’s Loretta Chase. I’d kill to write like Chase. All I can do after devouring one of her books is to pray that some of her genius rubs off on me.

Among your favorite authors, can you pinpoint exactly what aspects of their work you like the most?

BIO

Miranda Neville grew up in England devouring historical novels and romances. She now lives in Vermont where she is hard at work on her seventh full length novel. The Second Seduction of a Lady is a prequel to THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING WICKED, coming November 27th. She can be found on Facebook and Twitter and on her website. She also blogs regularly at The Ballroom Blog

Enter the thrilling, sexy world of Georgian England in my new novella—and catch a glimpse of Caro, the heroine of the upcomingThe Importance of Being Wicked, on sale December 2012.

Eleanor Hardwick and Max Quinton shared one night of incredible passion…that was shattered the next day, when Eleanor learned of a bet placed by Max’s friends. Now, five years later, Max still can’t get Eleanor out of his head or his heart. He has a single chance to make a second impression—one that will last forever.

 READ AN EXCERPT

Only $1.99! Order here:   Barnes & Noble Kindle   iTunes  Amazon UK  Amazon

The novella (approximately 26,000 words or 100 pages) will be available in a print edition.

Happy Release Day!!!

What are you picking up today?

I got my copy of The Twelve!!!! Can’t wait to read!!

Books-n-Kisses is excited to have our pal Ava Riley back on the blog today to chat about her upcoming Paranormal release.

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

First of all…thank you Kelly for having me today.  I appreciate it.  Hmmm, well let’s see…I am a woman who wears many hats proudly.  At present, aside from being an author, I am a full-time student working on a double major in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and History.  I am also wife to an amazing man and we have two beautiful children (a boy and a girl who are 11 and 10).  I am also very involved in my son’s competitive soccer team.  So, I stay very busy and get rest not nearly as much as I need.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I get asked this often and my answer would be that I have, but I never imagined that I would ever be published.  And even after this my fourth book to be published it still is both nerve-wracking and exciting.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I have two…I always need coffee when I write and I always need to have my hair in a ponytail and socks on (okay that’s actually three).  Don’t know why, but I write better and am more focused when I have these three things.

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

My latest book is a paranormal romance novella.  It is called Leesea’s Books and Babbles (Camric Series) and it is my first real attempt at a paranormal story.  It is the story of Braeden and Annalisa.  Braeden is a vampire who has waited centuries to find his soul-mate Annalisa and now that they have found each other, there is one nasty little vampire who is trying to keep them apart – Aisling.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Honestly, it started as a project for a writing class I had and I decided to try my hand at paranormal because it is one of my favorite genres to read.

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

I am working on two follow up books in the Camric Series, but because of my school schedule have not been able to devote as much time to them as I had hoped.  Come Christmas break, however, I will immerse myself in writing.

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

Well, my favorite author is Lara Adrian and I’ve actually had the pleasure of meeting her and it was amazing.  Aside from her, I’d say Kresley Cole because I really like her work.

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

I believe that the best way for someone to be a good writer, is to be an avid reader.  It’s important to see what is working or not working when it comes to other writers.  Also, find someone that you trust to read your writing and have them give you honest critiques before you submit anything to anyone.  I have a friend that reads all my stories and will tell what is working and what isn’t.  It’s better to hear it from a trusted friend that will be gentle than someone who doesn’t know you.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

One thing on my bucket list that will probably not happen until the children are out of the house is I want to travel the US in an RV with my husband.  There are so many places I’d like to visit and America has some amazing beautiful places I’d like to see.

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

Madame Bovary…I heard one of my classmates rave about it, so I have it on my Kindle waiting for me.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would just like to say thank you again to Kelly and Books-n-Kisses for having me.  I appreciate it.  Also, thanks to all my fans for the support they have shown me over the last few years.  Y’all are amazing!

*Thank you Kelly for having me.

Learn more about Ava and her books here:

Twitter: @avarileyromance

Website: http://avarileyromance.wordpress.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ava_riley

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ava.riley.18?ref=ts&fref=ts

Castle of Dark Dreams Series

WICKED NIGHTS

“Castle of Dark Dreams” trilogy, Book 1

April 2005
Berkley

 Read an Excerpt

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Welcome to the Castle of Dark Dreams. It’s the yummiest attraction in Live the Fantasy, an adult theme park where women who dare can take sexy role-playing to new erotic heights. Just by looking at the castle you know that only dangerously tempting men would play here. Three brothers—Eric, Brynn, and Conall McNair—run the castle. Okay, so they’re not quite human, but that’s a secret. This night Eric, the castle’s resident vampire, will prove that he’s everything bad should be.

Talk-show host Donna Nolan is on the trail of the weird and wacky in the Castle of Dark Dreams. But thoughts of a juicy interview to enthrall her listeners disappear when she meets Eric. With the coldest blue eyes and the hottest mouth she’s ever seen, he’s a primitive call to the wild in every woman.

Love between a talk-show host and a vampire shouldn’t be possible, but then, strange things happen in the Castle of Dark Dreams.

WICKED PLEASURE

“Castle of Dark Dreams” trilogy, Book 2

February 2007
Berkley

Read an Excerpt

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 A MAN WHO CAN’T SAY NO

Brynn McNair has spent the last five hundred years of his existence offering his body to any woman who desires him. The evil entity that created him has made sure that if he tries to resist the compulsion to play love slave, he suffers. So it’s no wonder that he thinks of women as his enemy. Until he meets Kimberly Vaughn.

A WOMAN WHO WON’T SAY YES

Kim Vaughn is a demon hunter. It’s a family business and her destiny. But Kim is all about avoiding her destiny. She wants to marry an ordinary guy, have ordinary kids, live in an ordinary house, and work as an architect. No way does she want anything to do with a man who has paranormal connections. Until she meets Brynn McNair.

Kim comes to the Castle of Dark Dreams, the main attraction in a sexy theme park, to plan a few upgrades. She stays to join forces with Brynn and save Galveston from a supernatural takeover. Can a woman who wants to marry Mr. Ordinary and a man who thinks of love as sleeping with the enemy find happiness together? You’d be surprised.

WICKED FANTASY

“Castle of Dark Dreams” trilogy, Book 3

May 2007
Berkley

  Watch the Trailer /  Read an Excerpt

 Buy at Amazon.com /  Buy at Barnes & Noble

 Welcome to the Castle of Dark Dreams, the yummiest attraction in an adult theme park where only dangerously tempting men play.Wicked Fantasy is the final book in a series that stars three extraordinary brothers—each promising ultimate fulfillment for any woman bold enough to accept his sensual challenge.

Conall O’Rourke learned the hard way that goddesses kick butt when you tick them off. After killing an Irish deity’s favorite in battle, he’s cursed to protect his enemy’s descendants down to the last arrogant jerk. Now there’s only one left, and Conall can almost taste freedom after endless centuries. But who knew the remaining descendant would be so beautiful, so sexy, and such a . . .

Vampire? Gerry Kavanagh hunts nonhuman entities that break Texas laws. But she finds more than the sneaky shape-shifting snake she’s after at the Castle of Dark Dreams. The most hated member of the O’Rourkes expects to follow her around so he can “protect” her. Protect? She’s a fanged creature of the night, for crying out loud. Nope. Never going to happen. Too bad he’s a major wow on her personal sizzle meter.

 MY WICKED VAMPIRE

The Castle of Dark Dreams series, Book 4

 Read an Excerpt

 Not available in print anymore

Will be re-released in eBook format soon with a new cover as well

 The Castle of Dark Dreams is just part of an adult theme park, right? The most decadent attraction in a place where people go to play out their wildest erotic fantasies. Holgarth isn’t really a wacky wizard, and Sparkle Stardust doesn’t actually create cosmic chaos by hooking up completely mismatched couples. And that naked guy chained up in the dungeon? No way he’s a vampire.

 Wrong…dead wrong, as botanist Cinn Airmid is about to find out. It’s up to her to save the night feeder’s sanity, but to do that she’ll have to get close to the most dangerously sexy male she’s ever encountered. And one look in Dacian’s haunted black eyes tells her close will take on a whole new meaning with someone who’s had 600 years to practice his technique. Even a girl with a name that conjures up images of forbidden pleasure has a few tricks to learn from…

WICKED EDGE

The Castle of Dark Dreams series, Book 5

March 2012
Berkley

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USA Today bestselling author Nina Bangs once again tempts readers to enter the wickedly sensual Castle of Dark Dreams—a playground where private pleasures and devilish fantasies come true, where the men who breathe life into women’s ultimate desires burn with their own supernatural fire…

As an angel, Passion prides herself on perfection. But some mischievous part of her always goes against the godly grain. After one too many attempts to enliven the heavenly halls, she’s sent to earth to tame her naughty nature. While human, she has to bring goodness and light to the most sinful of places, the Castle of Dark Dreams. Once there, she finds herself in the role of a virgin used as bait to trap a marauding demon. Passion thinks the game is harmless—until she sees the man playing the demon. His name is Edge, and Passion senses darkness in him beyond any she’s ever dreamed.

Edge may play a demon, but he is something much worse. His past is littered with pain and destruction—and that’s the way he likes it. Now he must prove to himself and others that he is what he’s always been—cold and emotionless. But as danger threatens and his need for Passion heats up, he finds himself balanced on love’s Wicked Edge.

WICKED WHISPERS

The Castle of Dark Dreams series, Book 6

October 2012
Berkley

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 USA Today bestselling author Nina Bangs welcomes you back to the Castle of Dark Dreams, a place of otherworldly secrets and sensual men with the power to fulfill your most private fantasies…

All Ivy had ever wanted was a safe, secure life with no drama. Now she was working in an adult theme park where visitors came to role-play their wildest imaginings. She reminded herself to stay focused on her job and to ignore everything else. The reminders didn’t work. One man drew her. Murmur was every erotic dream she’d tried to repress, every deliciously dangerous temptation she said she didn’t need.  Her instinct suggested that this was a man who walked in darkness. She ignored the warning.

But Murmur was more than what he seemed. A powerful demon, he used his evil gift to destroy as well as seduce. In desiring him, Ivy had opened herself to a menace born centuries ago—one that would risk both their lives and betray the promises made with every one of his…

Wicked Whispers Mini Blog Tour

 10/01/12 – Books-n-Kisses

10/02/12 – The Reading Café

10/03/12 – United by Books

10/04/12 – Riverina Romantics

10/05/12 – Grave Tells

10/08/12 – Book Monster & Literal Addiction

GIVEAWAY:

Nina is giving away an autographed book from The Castle of Dark Dreams series (winners choice of book) and a $20.00 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble to one winner per stop.

To enter please fill out the Rafflecopter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A little about Nina Bangs:

My one regret in life? I wish I’d started writing sooner.

Talk about misspent youth. What did I do during those lazy summer days of childhood when I could’ve been honing my writing skills? Nothing. Okay, so I spent a lot of time dreaming I was a cowgirl with a trusty black stallion. Oh, and I read every Walter Farley horse novel. I was an only child so I relied on my imagination to supply the excitement in my life.

By high school, I’d decided to trade in my lariat for a trench coat. I was into dark and dangerous. As an intrepid foreign correspondent, I’d stalk the mean streets of the world. Did I actually write anything? No, but I did read all of Agatha Christie’s mysteries.

I worked at a department store during college. My short stint in the accounting department taught me a lot about math. Three hundred-dollar shortages plus hysterical tears equaled instant move to gift-wrap. A career in math was not in my future. I didn’t care because I’d discovered “real” literature. I plowed through James Joyce’s Ulysses and Tolstoy’s War and Peace. If it didn’t make my eyes cross then it wasn’t worth reading. Yes, I admit it, I was a literary snob.

But there’s just so much “real” literature one person can take. I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in English Literature and a determination to avoid books that induced eye crossing or had tragic endings. The only things I managed to write during those years were research papers.

I taught second grade for several years then spent two years in Dublin, Ireland. A friend and I supported ourselves by singing folk songs in Irish pubs. We weren’t great, but we were young, enthusiastic, and wore short skirts. It was obviously my destiny to be the next Judy Collins. I spent a lot of time poring through music books.

Returning to New Jersey and reality, I taught elementary school until I grew restless again. My cross-country odyssey included stays in Arizona, California, and Texas. Along the way, I indulged my love of horses. No black stallions, but I did have several beautiful Arabian mares. I read tons of books on breeding and showing.

Somewhere between California and Texas I grew addicted to romance novels and cats. The cat’s independent attitude was exactly the quality I admired in my romance heroes. And once I decided to try writing my own romances, I made sure a cat crept into each story.

Texas is my permanent home. I’ve come full circle. Born in San Antonio, I spent most of my life in New Jersey. Maybe the Texas in my blood accounts for my attachment to strong men, fast horses, and wide-open spaces. My love of cats? Haven’t a clue.

Connect with Nina:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome first time guest Parker Kincade to the blog today.  Parker, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I’m originally a mid-western girl, but I’ve lived all over the United States. I grew up in Colorado and I now live in the South, where it’s currently too hot to breathe.  I have BA degrees in philosophy and anthropology and am working on a Master’s degree. I love ice cream, dancing and singing (much to my kids amusement),  and I’ve been writing since I was a little girl. Little known fact…I don’t eat cooked fruit – which includes pie. I know, crazy right?

Have you always wanted to be an author?

The short answer is yes. The slightly more lengthy answer is yes, I have always wanted to be an author, but instead, I found other (translation: safer) things to do.  I never stopped writing. I wrote for work, academia and other venues, but my first  love has always been romance novels. Last year, I decided to take the plunge and see what happened. Best decision I ever made. 🙂

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I don’t like to write in complete silence, but I can’t listen to music that has vocals (too distracting because then I want to sing along). I listen to brainwave or classical music. I even have different composers I like for certain types of scenes. It’s funny where inspiration comes from!

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

My current release, One Night Stand, is about a young woman, Amanda Martin, who is fed up with love/relationships and decides to have a one-night stand. As  with most plans made while shooting whiskey with her best friend, Amanda realizes she may have made a mistake in judgment when she runs into trouble in a bar. The bar owner, sexy, ex-military sniper, Joe Sterling, steps in to help and Amanda is immediately taken with him – and takes him home.

What Amanda doesn’t  know is Joe has been alone for most of his life…and it’s a situation he’s looking to rectify. What Joe doesn’t know is Amanda has three very large, very over-protective brothers who would do anything to protect their baby   sister from harm.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I was traveling across Texas when the idea started to form. I knew the characters; I just didn’t know what I was going to do with them…or who would be    first. Several people close to me were dealing with relationship issues and the idea sparked from there. I’ve always been fascinated with behavior patterns – why people do the things they do. The quest for a one-night stand is something we generally associate with men, so the idea of approaching it from the female  perspective was intriguing. Plus, it gave me an opportunity to challenge the   Martin men right off the bat.

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

I’m working on a 4-part series of novellas that span the course of a year. I can’t    say too much about it yet, but I hope to have news to share before the end of this   year. I am also working on book two in the Martin Family series, which is Caleb’s    story.

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

I’d love to meet JR Ward, for so many reasons! She’s an amazing talent at the top of her game. The world she has created in her Black Dagger Brotherhood series is complex and stunning, the characters are edgy and fierce, and each book is just as good, if not better, than the one before. Yeah, I have a little author  worship going on. LOL!

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

Learn your craft. That’s the first step – and the most important one. Then, keep learning your craft. Keep writing, learning, listening.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Sure! I want to spend time in Greece. While the food, drink and beaches are a definite plus, I’m interested in the archaeological aspects of the islands. It’s the anthropologist in me. Boring, but true. 🙂

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

My TBR pile is extensive! Lora Leigh’s Stygian’s Honor is next; GA Aiken’s new Dragon Kin book, How to Drive a Dragon Crazy and Jaci Burton’s Playing to Win,  just came out and, of course, JR Ward’s Rapture comes out this month too.   Gaaaa! I better get busy!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for having me today and I wish you all luck in the giveaway!

LINKS:

www.parkerkincade.blogspot.com

www.parkerkincade.com

www.facebook.com/parkerkincade

www.twitter.com/parkerkincade

www.goodreads.com/author/show/6475101.Parker_Kincade

GIVEAWAY:

To enter for a chance to win one e-copy of One Night Stand please fill out the Rafflecopter form below

a Rafflecopter giveaway