Gift Ideas for the Book Lover #9

Its that time of year where we begin to think about gifts/presents for those in our lives. But why limit ourselves to this time of year only? I’m starting a new weekly series of cool and unique gift ideas for the book lover in your life!

Personalized Custom Stamp – From the Library of – PK222
$11.95+ (plus S&H)
From the Library of PK-222 Custom Style
Stamp image size: 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″

 

Mount Type of Your choice.
 
 
 

*****
Library Quote/Jorge Luis Borges “I have always imagined Paradise” Slouchy Pullover with White Ink. Made To Order
$38.00 (plus S&H)
 
Please allow 7-10 business days for completion.
 
♥ “I have always imagined Paradise to be a kind of Library.” – Jorge Luis Borges
No truer words have been spoken!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*****
Dragon & Knight Metal Art Bookends – Free USA Shipping
$62.99
 
This set of bookends are handmade and designed by Knob Creek Metal Arts.
 
Made from solid steel, these bookends are heavy enough to hold up your reading collection. Sold in a set of two pieces, finished in hammered black.
 
Dimensions are approx 6 1/2″ t x 6 1/2″ w x 4″ d.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*****
Book Cover Range for Amazon Kindle eReader and Tablet by KleverCase
$40.12 (plus S&H)
 
The perfect twist of old and new for your amazon kindle ereader & tablet device. 
 
Our handmade classic book cases are made in our workshop in the New Forest, England. We use traditional book binding techniques and 40 years of experience. These cases for various kindle and ereader models (see dropdown box when choosing) and can be held just like a real book. 
 
Made with extra strength card, special bookbinding paper and a moulded interior case specifically made for each type of Kindle, the KleverCase is lightweight, durable, and splashproof, whilst being a real head turner on your travels. 
 
 
 
 
 

*****
I like big books throw pillow cover, book quote pillow
$ 16.99 (plus S&H)
600 denier Poly Duck pillow cover. 14″ x 14″.
 
Each of our pillow covers are handprinted by me using the sublimation process. This process is nontoxic and environmentally friendly. The print actually dyes the fibers of the fabric, leaving a permanent print that will not fade, crack or peel. It is also safe to wash! This is not an iron on transfer and the print has no “hand” or feel to it. I also do screenprinting and have found this printing process superior to screenprinting in producing a soft, washable, permanent, nontoxic print.
 

 

 
 
 
 
*****
Vintage Book Plaque Book Lover’s Plaque Book Quotes
$23.00 
 
SHIPPING INCLUDED. This lovely vintage book, titled Immortal Masterpieces of Literature, is covered with navy, light blue and red designs, accented with metallic gold. It measures 12 inches wide and 9 inches tall. The book has been glued in open position and is ready to hang–see hook mounting in last photo.
 
I love books and reading and have chosen two of my favorite “bookish” quotes to mount on the cover, surrounded by ornate gold frames..
 
 
 
 
If items are no longer available, please contact the seller to inquire further information. 



Click here to see more gift ideas!!
Check back every Wednesdays for more awesome gift/present ideas for you or the 
Book Lover in your life!!! 
 


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

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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.

8686057For 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.

 

Kelly reviews Deadly Fallout by Katie Reus

deadly falloutTITLE: Deadly Fallout
SERIES #: Red Stone Security #10
CHARACTERS: Sawyer McCabe & Zoe Hansen
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: December 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N 

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Zoe’s stalker has been murdered…

Dr. Zoe Hansen was forced to leave her beloved hospital job to escape a stalker. It worked—or so she thought. She’s terrified when he reappears in her life one night—and stunned when he turns up viciously murdered soon after. She’s arrested for the crime, but she quickly clears her name. Unfortunately, her problems are far from over. She’ll have to accept the protection of the one man she shouldn’t want.

…now she’s in more danger than ever before.

Former Navy SEAL Sawyer McCabe might not know the gorgeous Zoe as well as he wants to, but he knows all about trouble. So when she’s threatened, he steps in to help her regardless of the consequences and gets her out of town. But it’s not enough to escape a determined killer. As the danger closes in they have to trust each other if they want to stay alive. And Sawyer’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep Zoe safe and in his arms. Because Zoe is worth risking everything for.

REVIEW:
Another great Red Stone Security story from Ms. Reus. The last few books have alluded to the fact that Zoe has been keeping something from her family and friends. And what she has been keeping could have easily got her killed.

Zoe & Sawyer are so great together. Is it wrong that I loved that there was a not so pleasant past between the ultra calm Vincent and Sawyer. And that when that past is brought up Zoe doesn’t side with you you think she would. Also the threat of calling their mother. Classic.

I will say that I think I read this book way too fast because the story was over before I knew it. But it was a great fast read. I am ready for the next book in this series. If you are a Red Stone Security fan you will enjoy this book. If you are new to the series, while I think you can pick up any book in this series and be fine I would suggest starting from the being.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Katie Reus, CrushStar Multimedia LLC & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Meow If It’s Murder by T.C. LoTempio

9780425270202_medium_Meow_If_It's_Murder

Hello.  My name is Toni LoTempio, and I’m the proud HUMAN to Rocco!

As some of you may or may not know, ROCCO not only runs his own blog, but he is also the “honorary spokescat” for KIDS NEED TO READ, a charity co-founded by Denise Gary, PJ Haarsma and Nathan Fillion (Castle, Firefly)  In addition, he’s also the inspiration for the feline character NICK in the Nick and Nora mysteries, coming this December from Berkley Prime Crime!
ROCCO has interviewed many authors on his blog, but no one to date has ever interviewed him!  So now…it’s his turn. I interview ROCCO!

TLT:  Hey, ROCCO!  For all our interested readers out there, describe a typical day in your life.

R:  Thank you,  my Human.  Well, I’m usually very busy as you know, what with coming up with authors to interview for the blog, as well as ideas for that new mystery series you have coming out in December.  That takes up a great deal of my time.  My morning usually begins at around 3 a.m. when I start knocking everything off your dresser so you are sure to get up and feed myself and my siblings: brother Maxx and sisters Trixie and Princess.  Once that’s done, I usually bother you whilst you are getting dressed to go to your day job and once you’re out the door, I take a mid-morning nap to regain my strength.
Later, if I am so inclined, I amuse myself by playing with my favorite toy – my ballies! I love to lose them underneath large pieces of furniture so that you can get on your hands and knees and find them for me!  Then when you come home, I meow loudly to remind you that we all still need to be fed! Once that’s done, I trot myself into the den where you are working on one of your (our!!!) books and finagle you into spending at least twenty minutes playing “catch”.  After that, I take my evening nap (usually at the foot of your bed, sometimes next to you) until it starts all over the following day!

TLT: How did you become the spokescat for KIDS NEED TO READ?

R:  You and I were surfing the web one day and came across the charity.  It looked worthwhile, and you were travelling to Arizona that year on vacation, so you set up a meeting with Denise Gary and then we hit upon the idea of having an Ebay auction, publicized by moi on my blog, every summer.  So far we have run two very successful ones and will be doing our third this September.

TLT: What’s the story behind your name? Are you a Sylvester Stallone fan?

R:  Ah, my name has nothing to do with the ROCKY movies.  The lady at the Clifton Animal Shelter, where you adopted me, named my sister Pebbles and me ROCCO. Even then she could see I was a feisty devil.

TLT: I’ll definitely agree with the devil part…..

R:  Moi? Devilish????????? You betcha!

TLT: What do you love most about me?  Dislike most?

R:  Love is an extreme term.  I love the fact that you know to feed us on time.  If I had to hone in on one dislike, it would be you do not play “catch” enough with me.

TLT: Now, suppose you explain how you became the “inspiration” for our new mystery series debuting in December.

R:  With pleasure!  If you will recall, my Human, I have meowed many times to you that you should concentrate on writing stories about a cat such as myself and give up on the vampires and other such supernatural creatures.  After your supervisor concurred with my assessment one day, you came home and after watching a “Thin Man” movie on Turner Classic, got all fired up and started calling me “Nicky”.  Thus was born the Nick and Nora mysteries! My only regret is it had to be rewritten to eliminate my “talking”, MOL! (Meow Out Loud)
And I did come up with the title…MEOW IF ITS MURDER…although to date I have received absolutely NO credit for doing so, hisss!!!!!!!!!

TLT:  Just for fun…
Catnip or scratching post?   Scratching the arms of your couch!
Tabbies or Tuxedos? Both are equally fine.
Fish or Steak? Sardines

TLT:  Rocco, where can readers find out more about you and our mysteries?

R:  My human has a website www.tclotempio.com  and one can always check my blog, www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com  Not only do we have at least 3 author interviews/giveaways per month, we also post news about the Human’s upcoming books!

The first Nick and Nora mystery, MEOW IF ITS MURDER, for which I am the inspiration for the tuxedo cat Nick, will be available December 2 from Penguin/Random.

TLT: Any last words?

R:  Pad softly and carry a big fish.

About the Author:

Toni LoTempio Credit to Clifton Animal ShelterWhile Toni LoTempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper. Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic. She lists among her favorite mystery/suspense writers Erle Stanley Gardner, Mary Higgins Clark and James Patterson, as well as EJ Copperman, Steve Hockensmith, Victoria Laurie, Ali Brandon, Rita Mae Brown, Miranda James and Sofie Kelly to name only a few! Toni is also passionate about her love for animals, as demonstrated with her four cats: Trixie, Princess, Maxx and, of course, ROCCO, who not only provided the inspiration for the character of Nick the cat in the Nick and Nora mystery series, but who also writes his own blog and does charity work for Nathan Fillion’s charity, Kids Need to Read!   Toni’s also devoted to miniseries like The Thorn Birds, Dancing with the Stars, reruns of Murder She Wrote and Castle (of course!). She (and ROCCO, albeit he’s uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime – the first volume, MEOW IF ITS MURDER, debuts Dec. 2, 2014. She, Rocco and company make their home in Clifton, New Jersey, just twenty minutes from the Big Apple – New York.

9780425270202_medium_Meow_If_It's_Murder

Nora Charles doesn’t believe in fate, even if she is a crime reporter who shares a name with a character from The Thin Man. In fact, she’s moving back to Cruz, California, to have a quieter life. But after finding an online magazine eager for material, and a stray cat named Nick with a talent for detection, Nora’s not just reporting crimes again. She’s uncovering them…

Back in her hometown, Nora reconnects with old friends and makes some new ones, like Nick, the charming feline who seems determined to be her cat. But not everything about Cruz is friendly. Writing for a local online magazine, Nora investigates the curious death of socialite Lola Grainger. Though it was deemed an accident, Nora suspects foul play. And it seems that her cat does too.

Apparently, Nick used to belong to a P.I. who disappeared while investigating Lola Grainger’s death. The coincidence is spooky, but not as spooky as the clues Nick spells out for her with Scrabble letters—clues that lead her down an increasingly dangerous path. Whether fate put her on this case or not, solving it will take all of Nora’s wits, and maybe a few of Nick’s nine lives.

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Meow If It’s Murder

Review (4.25 Stars): Nora Charles has moved back home to take over the family business, Hot Bread and is ready for the simple life.  She had her share of excitement as an investigative reporter back in Chicago and can’t help but get involved when she reads about the murder of local socialite, Lola Grainger.  Lola used to be a customer of Nora’s restaurant and Nora feels that her accidental death looks more like murder.  With her new furry companion, Nick, she sets out to find answers but finds herself in hot water because someone wants Lola’s death to remain an “accident” and will stop anyone determined to discover the truth.

Nick and Nora Charles have always been one of my favorite crime-fighting couples and I’m delighted to have a new mystery series with fun characters of the same name.  Nora was such a smart, sassy heroine who was used to getting what she wants after everything she learned as an investigative reporter in Chicago.  I loved the idea of her returning home to run her mother’s restaurant and she was a character that you could instantly relate to.  Her cat, Nick, was an entertaining sidekick for this mystery and I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble he can get in next.  The murder mystery in this book was well-written and engaging and will definitely keep readers on their toes.

Meow If It’s Murder is a charming cozy mystery that will have readers clamoring for more of Nick and Nora.  This is the first book in a brand new series and I have to say this crime-fighting team is a real winner.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of Meow If It’s Murder. This giveaway is for US Residents only.  To be entered in the drawing by December 18th, answer me this question:

Who is your favorite literary or TV detective?

Release Day Blitz for Kallypso Masters’ Nobody’s Lost

Kallypso Masters has a surprise new release!

The fifth book in the Rescue Me Saga released Dec. 9. While we all were expecting it to be time for Luke and Cassie, Kally’s recent battle with cancer derailed those plans. But not wanting to disappoint her fans, she wrote what was going to be a book about half this size but just kept growing so that she could give her fans a book this fall as promised.

NOBODY’S LOST is about two characters who have had minor roles to this point in the Rescue Me Saga, but who will play a large part in the future books in the series, including NOBODY’S DREAM (Luke’s book which will release by March 4, 2015 now that Kally’s cancer free and able to concentrate on it again.)

Haven’t read Kally’s books before? No problem! NOBODY’S LOST provides readers with a new entry point to the series. However, most readers enjoy and understand the depth of these stories much more so when they read in order, starting with the first book, MASTERS AT ARMS & NOBODY’S ANGEL (almost 500 pages in print!), which is FREE everywhere. That’s the ideal place to start! Here’s the reading order for all available books (including preorders):

MASTERS AT ARMS & NOBODY’S ANGEL (FREE!)

NOBODY’S HERO
NOBODY’S PERFECT
SOMEBODY’S ANGEL
NOBODY’S LOST (releases Dec. 9–available for preorder one more day)
NOBODY’S DREAM (releases March 4 at latest–available for preorder)

Nobody’s Lost

Rescue Me Saga #5

NL-ebook-nook

(Coming Dec. 15 to All Romance eBooks and Google Play, as well)

A standalone novel about two characters with very minor mentions in the earlier books.

Ryder Wilson returned from serving multiple deployments but can’t leave the hell of combat behind him. Frustrated and ashamed of his inability to function in the world as well as the veterans he served with, he retreated, choosing to engage only with those he trusted. When retired Master Sergeant Adam Montague sends him on a mission to protect his sister from some unknown danger, Ryder’s days of hiding out may be over. Can he fulfill his mission without failing again?

Megan Gallagher has two big-brother Marines bent on protecting her from the evils of the world, but she’s tougher than they think. When her older brother sends Ryder, one of his recon Marines, to her doorstep in the wee hours one night following a break-in, she realizes he needs rescuing more than she does. A friendship forms quickly, but unexpected passions run hot and complicate her resolve never to have a romantic relationship, much less marriage. So why are her body and her heart betraying her every time he comes near?

Can these two wounded people lower their defenses long enough to allow love to grow?

The main characters in this book have appeared briefly in earlier Rescue Me Saga books, but this story can be read as a standalone novel and is a new entry point into this ongoing series. Megan and Ryder will appear in later books in the Rescue Me Saga.

An Excerpt from Nobody’s Lost:  Fallujah, Iraq, 15 November 2004

Ryder Wilson enjoyed talking with Lance Corporal Grant. She was young, but sure as hell knew her shit when it came to advanced satellite communications.

His recon Marine unit had been on this rooftop in Fallujah for hours, waiting for something to break and to go after the insurgents who had terrorized this part of the city for the last few days.

Too damned quiet. Sergeant Miller suggested they eat in shifts while they could. He was informing Damián Orlando of the SITREP while Ryder spent time getting to know the Marine newly attached to their unit.

Didn’t usually find women Marines assigned to combat units, although the cease-fire they were under meant they probably wouldn’t have any direct engagement. He hoped not anyway.

“So where are you from?” Grant asked.

“Born and raised in New Mexico. Albuquerque. How about you?”

“Army brat. I’ve lived all over and then some.”

“That why you enlisted?”

Silence dragged out before she responded. “I guess so. Pissed my dad off that I didn’t choose the Army, but I had something to prove to myself. I just hope I’m still in when women Marines are allowed to serve in combat.”

“Not so sure that’s a good idea.”

She sat up straighter and glared at him. “Why not? I can perform just as—”

“Grenade!”

Orlando’s voice jarred them from the conversation. He and Sergeant Miller were hurtling across the rooftop in their direction when the sound of an explosion threw Ryder against the wall he’d been leaning on. His ears rang from the blast. They were under fire.

Momentarily dazed, Ryder tried to remember what he had been doing, but his focus shifted to protecting Lance Corporal Grant. She was his responsibility and shouldn’t be in the middle of this shit.

“Get behind me,” he said picking up his rifle.

“Sergeant Miller and Orlando have been hit.” Ignoring him, she moved toward the two fallen Marines, and he followed.

“Madre de Dios! No! Sergeant, don’t you fucking die!”

Orlando was lying under the body of Sergeant Miller. Holy fuck! Ryder and Grant reached the body at about the same time and lifted their Sergeant off Orlando with reverence and speed combined.

“Corpsman up!” Ryder called. Once they had set Sergeant’s body down, they returned to check on Orlando.

Jesus, no. His foot dangled by what looked like some skin and meat alone. Where was Doc? Grant grabbed Orlando’s hand and spoke to him. Ryder had never seen so much carnage in all his years serving in the Marines.

Ryder moved so Doc could assess the situation and keep Orlando alive.

“Keep his head down!” Doc ordered, and Ryder moved to his head where he placed one hand on the young private’s forehead and another on his shoulder. Ryder filled Doc in on what had happened, but the mention of Sergeant’s name had him glancing over at the man’s head.

So much blood.

The hiss of an RPG made it clear the attack was still under way. Ryder realized he hadn’t done his damned job. He radioed their immediate need for artillery and air support with their preplanned fire coordinates.

Doc shouted, “Let’s get him off the roof!”

“Sure thing, Doc!” With Doc’s help, he and Grant lifted an unconscious Orlando onto a litter…

*     *     *

Just after midnight

Ryder rolled over in bed, drenched in sweat. His heart pounding, he gasped for breath. Fucking nightmares. He laid his arm over his eyes, but the images came back in living color. Vivid, but different than the one the other night.

Blast.

Brains.

Blood.

Sergeant Miller’s lifeless body. Damián Orlando’s foot blown off. Doc D’Alessio nearly killed.

Jesus, he’d fucked up that mission. While he was shooting the shit with Grant, all hell broke out for his unit.

His cell phone buzzed. Not now. He didn’t want to speak to anyone until he had time to regroup. Tossing the sheet aside, he sat up. A beer. That ought to take the edge off.

Before he could open the door to the fridge, his landline phone rang. Whoever it was could leave a message. He wasn’t talking to anyone tonight. Even if it was Marcia. He’d call her back in an hour or however long it took to regain control of himself.

The answering machine kicked in, and he waited for his sister’s voice.

“Wilson. Pick up the phone. Adam Montague here.”

How the fuck did Top have his phone number? He must have been the one calling on the cell, too.

Had Orlando mentioned to his former master sergeant that they had run into each other a couple of months ago on a Patriot Guard ride in southern Colorado? He had known it was a bad idea to go, but the man being buried had served with him in Kosovo. To lay low during his funeral would have been disrespectful, and he damn well wouldn’t let any asshole activist protester disrupt his buddy finally being laid to rest.

Another brave and hurting hero’s fucking suicide.

Other than the Patriot Guard Riders, Ryder had severed all ties to those who survived the past and had hoped Orlando would respect his request not to say anything to the others. He wanted to put all that behind him.

The nightmare from the mayhem on the rooftop in Fallujah told him he wasn’t doing a very good job of that, though. He reached for the phone.

“Yes, Top. Sorry. I was…in the head.”

“Glad I waited. How’re you doing?”

“Great. Got myself a nice place in the Jemez Mountains. Nice and quiet.”

Nobody bothers me, and I sure as hell don’t bother anyone else.

“Sounds good.” Top paused a moment. “Listen, Wilson, my sister is staying at our brother’s place in Albuquerque. I have no fucking clue what’s wrong, but when I called a little while ago, she said the police were there. Also said she’d call me back when they left, but I haven’t heard a thing. Patrick’s out of the country, and I’m worried about her.”

“Sorry to bother you this late, but would you mind running over to make sure she’s okay? It would mean a lot to me knowing someone I trust has taken a look around.”

Go into the city? All those people? Adrenalin kicked in, and Ryder’s heart began pounding.

A mission. His master sergeant hadn’t given him orders in nearly eight years.

Someone I trust.

The desire to live up to those words and help the man who had brought him and nearly every man home from their deployments outweighed Ryder’s penchant for drowning in his own shit.

“Sure, Top.” He reached for a pen and pad of paper. “What’s the address?” The neighborhood was more familiar than he liked. Ryder also jotted down her name—Megan Gallagher. Must be married since they didn’t have the same last names. Why wasn’t her husband looking in on her?

But Ryder would help where he could. She was Top’s sister. That’s all that mattered.

After also taking down a couple of phone numbers where he could reach Top, he said goodbye and tucked the paper inside his jeans pocket before returning to the bedroom to grab a long-sleeved flannel shirt and his leather jacket. It got colder than a witch’s tit when the sun went down here in the high desert. Riding a Harley without a windscreen didn’t help.

But he preferred to detach it when he rode alone. He couldn’t stand being cooped up in a car or truck either. Needed to be able to breathe—and have an unobstructed view of any potential threat. Usually, his treks were on mountain roads and small highways, limiting the danger.

Not like tonight. The lights of the Albuquerque valley spread out before him as he headed south on I-25. He couldn’t avoid the city this time.

Still, he wished he was alone back at Carlos’s house in the mountains. Being around people wore him down quicker than the road.

Only because you asked, Top.

A man didn’t turn his back on his Marine family ever—no matter how fucked up he was. He hadn’t been in a real city in nearly two years. If he needed anything he couldn’t acquire for himself, his friend Carlos usually took care of it. But Ryder prided himself on being self-sufficient. He might be totally useless as far as holding a job went, but he didn’t take handouts.

If he’d truly gone off the grid, Master Sergeant Montague never would have found him. But he kept a phone because of his sister Marcia in Santa Fe. Maybe he’d tracked him through phone records. But didn’t he say he’d just heard from his sister about some trouble? Had he already known Ryder’s number? No answers came as the lights of the valley grew brighter.

Fucking city. God, he hated being around that many people.

Just let me keep it together in front of Top’s sister.

The last thing he wanted was for his unit to find out how badly he was handling the aftermath of his years in service. He’d tried going to the VA, but they were too far away—in miles and philosophy—to be of much help.

Hell, why was he so screwed up? He’d come home. In one piece, even. Look at Orlando. He’d adjusted well to his amputation, from what Ryder could tell from their brief meeting during the Alamosa PGR procession. If he hadn’t seen the man’s foot blown off by that damned grenade with his own eyes, Ryder would never have guessed Orlando wore a prosthesis.

Why couldn’t Ryder put the past behind him like everyone else in his unit had done?

 

*****

If you preordered and live in the UK or elsewhere in Europe, Australia, Africa, New Zealand, and other locations “east” of the United States, please read this newsletter message about a mix-up in the file you received in case you need to know more about how to update your device to get the correct file. Kally apologizes for the mistake, but was only trying to get a better version to you when all hell broke loose. http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=c5caf1c20fc5da535929b2e1e&id=b6d5b97e6c

*****

Kally profile  from Bookie Award pic croppedKally tells us about herself and her writing and appearance plans for 2015

I write emotional, realistic Romance novels with an emphasis on healing using sometimes unconventional methods, including BDSM (bondage, sado-masochism, kink, interrogation scenes from hell, and more). My alpha males are dominant (whether active in the BDSM lifestyle or former active-duty military or not) and attracted to strong women who can bring them to their knees. I’ve brought many readers to their knees, too—having them experience the stories right along with her characters in the Rescue Me Saga. I know that Happily Ever After takes maintenance, so my couples don’t solve all their problems and disappear at “the end” of their Romance, but will continue to work on real problems in their relationships in later books in the saga. That’s why it’s difficult to read the series out of order (except for NOBODY’S LOST).

I enjoy meeting readers and have traveled extensively to try to get to every state (someday!) to hold events as big as a KallypsoCon or as small as an intimate dinner for 3. However, because I want to give my readers more books to read, I’m scaling way back on appearances in 2015 so I can hunker down in the writing chair. (I write in a glider, exactly like the one I describe in Adam’s bedroom at the Masters at Arms Club.) Coming in 2015 are NOBODY’S DREAM (Rescue Me Saga #6–the long-awaited Luke and Cassie story) and a novella (or short novel–you know I don’t write short because NOBODY’S LOST started out to be a 35-40,000-word novella and it ended at 71,000 words. The couple in that novel will be Pamela (the NICE ex-girlfriend of Marc D’Alessio’s who you met in SOMEBODY’S ANGEL) and Master Roar (Kristoffer Larson–a relative of Gunnar Larson’s, who trained Damian and Grant as dominants). Then I’m not sure which direction I’ll go. Grant and Patrick were HUGE in NOBODY’S LOST, and I planned a spin-off three-book romantic suspense (with BDSM) for them. I may have to decide if the time is right to begin Patrick’s story. Let me know what you think after you read LOST!

But I’m also wanting to start the spin-off series about Angelina Giardano’s firefighter brothers with Tony (her brother) and Carmella (Marc’s sister) as the potential first couple. Sparks sure were flying between them in that scene in SOMEBODY’S ANGEL. Definitely something I want to explore!

As far as 2015 appearances, I’ll be attending RomCon in Denver, Colorado, in September. And the weekend before I will be conducting a Rescue Me Saga private sightseeing tour of the places I write about in Denver and areas near Breckinridge. That package will include lodging for three nights, bus transportation for the tour, and at least one special meal each day.

I’m also planning my second KallypsoCon to be held in the Boston, Mass., area in late October or early November. In March, I’ll be announcing the authors who will join ne AND will open up registration for the VERY limited number of reader spots. (We want to keep this intimate and relaxing, which is what everyone at the first event loved most. We only had 85 attendees, including 7 authors, but will probably have 8 or 9 authors and up to 110 readers at this one (since so many of those who were at the first one want to be there).

What else is there to know about me? Well, I’ve been writing full-time since May 2011, having quit my “day job” the month before. I live in rural Kentucky and have been married for more than 30 years to the man who provided my Happily Ever After. We have two adult children, one adorable grandson (Erik, who my followers on FB hear about often!), and a rescued dog.

Here are some of the places where you can learn more about me and my books online:

My web site: http://kallypsomasters.com/

Facebook Author Page:https://www.facebook.com/KallypsoMastersAuthorPage

My Facebook Profile https://www.facebook.com/kallypsomasters (I’m close to max friends, so I only send friend requests to those who message me saying they want to engage by commenting or posting on my timeline, BUT anyone can follow me and see almost everything I put up there. It’s 99.9% public.)

 

Kelly reviews Razed by Shiloh Walker

razedTITLE: Razed
SERIES #: Barnes Brother’s #2
CHARACTERS: Zane Barnes & Keelie Jessup
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: December 2, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Tattoo artist Keelie Jessup can handle that someone else has claimed the man of her dreams. She’s just not pleased with her remaining options…

Keelie doesn’t believe in the “perfect man.” But the men who are worth the trouble are usually taken—like her business partner Zach Barnes. After a string of bad luck and the lost chance with Zach, Keelie decides that maybe flying solo—and living with suppressed desires—is the key to happiness.

As a photographer, Zane Barnes has an eye for the human form, and his eyes can’t get enough of Keelie’s curves. Unfortunately, Keelie is like most women—always fawning over his little brother, Zach. Zane is about ready to give up, but then a few stolen moments at his brother’s wedding have him thinking maybe there’s a chance there after all. Now he just has to prove that the perfect man does exist…for her

REVIEW:
After reading Wrecked I could not wait for the next book in this series. I didn’t like Keelie much in book 1 mostly because she caused a lot of trouble. But in Razed I learned to like her. Keelie has a lot of secrets and demons in her past that affect her future. It was great to see her work through them throughout the book. Zane, is a great guy who has been pining for Keelie for years. He is finally at a point it is all or nothing.
I did like Razed. But I didn’t like it as much as I loved Wrecked. I am not 100% sure what it was. I just didn’t connect with Keelie and Zane in the same way I did with Zach and Abby. But even with that I did enjoy the story and am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the 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.

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: Spell Booked by Joyce and Jim Lavene

9780425268254_medium_Spell_Booked

What’s a male witch to do?
By Jim Lavene

I’m Brian Fuller – part-time student – full-time witch.

That’s right. Not a warlock. We don’t like to be called that. I’m a male witch.

I’ve never ridden a broomstick but I have attended a few Sabbats or witch holidays. I don’t have a black pointy hat or a cape. I do have a wand because I’m an air witch and that’s my tool.

So I’m going through my life, enjoying everything as the grandson of a powerful member of the Grand Council of Witches. My parents give me anything as long as I stay out of their way. It’s been like that for years. I don’t mind.

Then I meet this crazy bunch of old witches. Olivia was nice. Elegant and sexy. We went out on a date and she was found dead the next morning. For some reason, her friends thought I had something to do with it. Me! I’ve never killed anyone in my life. I don’t even like squashing bugs.

This one older chick, Molly, was really obnoxious. So I warned her off. She went into hyper-protective mode, worried about her family. She’s chasing me around Wilmington, trying to prove I murdered Olivia. She even put a summoning spell on me to get me where she wanted me. I fought that off but we came to a truce of sorts. She wouldn’t bother me anymore. I wouldn’t bother her. I even admitted that I owed her one.

What’s the first thing she does? Summon me in a big cauldron full of hot water. It’s sitting over a huge fire in a cave under her shop by the river, and I’m in my underwear. She says she needs me to prove who killed Olivia. As long as she’s not looking at me, I’m okay with that.

Too bad Cassandra, the herald to the council of witches, sees me there. She’s bound to tell my parents and my grandfather. They won’t like it.
But I kind of like the new witch, Dorothy, that is joining their coven. She’s a librarian, of all things. She’s funny and sassy. She’s just learning magic (at her age) but that doesn’t bother me. She still thinks magic is fun and exciting. I like being around her.

Not enough to join the crazy old witch coven with her friends, but I figure I can hang with Dorothy without joining up. The three of them (even Olivia’s ghost) are like a family. I’ve never needed that in my life, but I admire it. And I sure admire Dorothy, you know? She is sweet!

About the Author:

J.J. Cook Author photoJoyce and Jim Lavene write bestselling mystery fiction. They have written and published more than 60 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, and Charter Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family, Quincy, their black cat, Stan Lee their tabby and their rescue dog, Rudi.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

 

9780425268254_medium_Spell_Booked

Once upon a time in Wilmington, North Carolina, three witches ran a curio shop named Smuggler’s Arcane. But as the years passed, their magical powers started to fade—leaving them no choice but to conjure up a retirement package…

Before they could blink their eyes or twitch their noses, Molly, Elsie, and Olivia somehow became eligible for AARP. But they can’t fly off to Boca Raton just yet. First they must give up their magic, recruit and train three new witches, and pass on their cherished spellbook.

They’ve barely begun to consider potential practitioners when Olivia winds up dead and their spellbook is stolen. To honor their friend and reclaim their spells, Molly and Elsie are about to go wand-to-wand with a dangerous young witch more powerful than the trio was in their prime. And this time they’re going to need more than magic up their sleeves…

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Spell Booked

Review (4.5 Stars): What a great start to a series!  I was simply enchanted by the ladies of Spell Booked and these fun characters will definitely put a spell on cozy readers.  I loved Molly, Elsie and Olivia in this story and how these ladies were looking for replacements since they were getting so close to retirement.  Dorothy was cute as a witch-in-training and I found myself laughing out loud at all the magic spells that didn’t go the way they wanted them to.

The murder mystery was well-written and had so many different plot twists that I had a hard time trying to figure out the true killer, which is always a plus for me.  Spell Booked was a delightful and intriguing mystery and I can’t wait to see what is in store next for these lovely ladies.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of Spell Booked. This giveaway is for US Residents only.  To be entered in the drawing by December 18th, leave me a comment below:

Kelly reviews Wolf’s Fall by JD Tyler

wolfs fallTITLE: 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.

3hearts-68-77

Kissin’ the week of Dec 1st to Dec 6th Goodbye

12.01.14

Top 10 with Gini Koch + a giveaway

Kelly reviews Universal Alien by Gini Koch

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Geared For the Grave by Duffy Brown

Blog Tour & Giveaway: A Cursed Bloodline by Cecy Robson

12.02.14

Kelly’s interview with Monica Murphy + a giveaway

Kelly reviews Hour Of Need by Melinda Leigh

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Murder, Served Simply by Isabella Alan

12.03.14

Gift ideas for the Book Lover #8

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly & Kimberly review Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis

Blog Tour & Giveaway: A Cowboy’s Christmas Promise by Maggie McGinnis

Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Ghost & Mrs. Mewer by Krista Davis

12.04.14

Spotlight feature of some of the holiday’s sweeties Christmas novella’s + a tour wide giveaway 

Natasha reviews Owning Violet by Monica Murphy

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Keeper of the Castle by Juliet Blackwell

12.05.14

Spotlight feature of Gena Showalter’s The Darkest Touch

Kelly reviews The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Death with all the Trimmings by Lucy Burdette

12.06.14

SINsation Saturday Series

Rebecca Zanetti’s Dark Protectors series.

Rebecca Zanetti’s Dark Protectors series

Fated

Dark Protectors #1

#1

Marry Me! Cara Paulsen does not give up easily. A scientist and a single mother, she’s used to fighting for what she wants, keeping a cool head, and doing whatever it takes to protect her daughter Janie. But “whatever it takes” has never before included a shotgun wedding to a dangerous-looking stranger with an attitude problem.

Or Else! Sure, the mysterious Talen says that he’s there to protect Cara and Janie. He also says that he’s a three-hundred-year-old vampire. Of course, the way he touches her, Cara might actually believe he’s had that long to practice.

*****

Claimed

Dark Protectors #2

#2

A Daring Rescue Emma Paulsen is a geneticist driven by science. But she’s also a psychic, so when a dark, good-hearted vampire frees her from the clutches of the evil Kurjans, she realizes he must be the man who’s been haunting her dreams. But with a virus threatening vampires’ mates, Emma may discover a whole new meaning of “lovesick”.

A Deadly Decision As King of the Realm, Dage Kayrs has learned to practice diplomacy. Still, it’s taken three hundred years to find his mate, so he’ll stop at nothing to protect her—even if it means turning his back on his own kind.

*****

Tempted

Dark Protectors #2.5

#2.5

CONSTANT DANGER

On the run from a mental institution and her vindictive half-brother, it’s safe to say that Sarah Pringle’s happy life as a schoolteacher is on hold. Too bad that as far as self-defense goes, “run and hide” is the best she’s got. And with the monsters that started her escape hot on her heels, that’s not going to cut it for long…

INSTANT LUST
That is, unless Sarah has a bigger, badder, hotter monster on her side. Max Petrovsky is right at the top of the list of alpha male ass-kickers. And he knows exactly what Sarah’s up against. Good thing, because the minute he sees her something primal kicks in, turning everyday attraction into red-hot desire. As long as they’re cooperating, why not mix some pleasure with business? Of course, Max should probably tell Sarah he’s a vampire himself…

*****

Hunted

Dark Protectors #3

#3

Moira Dunne is a witch – the quantum physics kind. Time and space are her playthings. Which might explain why her one-night stand from 100 years ago has turned up to ‘claim’ her – and request her family’s assistance with the war he’s brewing.

*****

Consumed

Dark Protectors #4

#4

SOMETIMES YOU MATE FOR LIFE

Katie Smith is the best of her class, part of an elite hunting force trained to eliminate werewolves from the hills of Western Virginia. She’s good at it because she has the kind of focus and drive that won’t back down no matter how steep the odds. Call it southern sass. Whatever it is, there’s no denying her willingness to risk everything for the only man she’s ever cared about-a man on the verge of losing his very humanity…

SOMETIMES YOU MATE TO STAY ALIVE

For the past ten years Jordan Pride has dedicated his life to protecting his people from a deadly shifter virus. But in a rare moment of distraction, Jordan’s guard drops just long enough for his fate to take an irreversible twist. Unless the woman he loves surrenders everything to him, again and again, under a full moon rising…

*****

Provoked

Dark Protectors #5

#5

A TIME FOR WAR…

A casualty of the war between the demons and the vampires, Jase Kayrs has been missing for six long years. His older brothers want answers—but they’re going to have to get them from an unlikely source. For when Kane Kayrs tracks down Amber Freebird, what he finds is a blonde, vegan pacifist who has no intention of using her skills in his war…

A TIME FOR LOVE…

Amber enjoys her life of chaotic freedom and has no intention of falling in line just because a sexy-as-sin vampire insists on order. Unfortunately, he discovers she may be the only hope they have of finding his brother, and there’s no way he’s going to let her go—even if it means mating her to gain her cooperation. The two are as different as can be, yet when the dominant Kane and the untamed Amber finally unite to rescue Jase, they just may find that opposites really do attract

*****

Twisted

Dark Protectors #5.5

#5.5

Maggie is a wolf shifter who was captured and experimented on by the Kurjans. Now that a cure has finally been found for shifters (although not for vampire mates or witches), she can concentrate on creating a new life for herself and finally accepting that her memories are gone forever. Most memories, that is. Sometimes in the hazy world between dreams and dawn, she hears a Scottish voice, dark and deep, that sounds suspiciously like wolf-shifter Terrent Vilks. A man she happened to anger by kidnapping a few years back. Hey, it was for a good cause.

Terrent Vilks knows more than he’s let on for the past several years. After digging for answers, he knows exactly why the demons want Maggie dead. And he remembers his past with Maggie…very well. She is finally where he wants her. Now all he has to do is discover what exactly the Kurjans did to her, beat the demons into so much submission they leave her alone, and get her to fall in love with him. Again. Good thing he’s used to wrangling monsters.

31,000 Word Count

*****

Shadowed

Dark Protectors #6

#6

Jase Kayrs was the fun brother. The warm, charming, easy-going brother of the vampire leaders. Until he was taken and tortured by demons with their evil mind tricks for nearly five years. Upon his return, he’s dark, violent, and not the man they all thought they knew. Not the man he once was. He’s haunted that the only reason the demons would have let him live was to use him as a weapon against his family—but he can’t figure out when or how he’ll explode. Plus, once again the demons are after Jase with a vengeance…or rather, a female demon he rejected is out to destroy him.

Then the king asks Jase for a favor…a big one. To mate with one of their allies in order to save her. She’s everything that’s good and light in the world…while he’s at home with darkness. Yet he agrees…knowing mating may be the only chance to save them both.

*****

Tamed

Dark Protectors #6.5

#6

Caleb Donovan was never meant to be a prophet. At heart he’s a conqueror, his appetites far more carnal than spiritual. He’s not inclined to repress his passions and surrender to fate. After all, that’s what cost him Lily—three centuries ago. She married another, because it was ordained. Now that he’s in the same benighted calling—and forced into proximity with her—all the old desires are roaring back to life. . .

After widowhood and centuries of celibacy, Lily is eager to explore the wild side of life, except now she’s vulnerable to another forced relationship, with an enemy. But this time she’s determined to choose her own path. And if hot, furious Caleb comes charging to the rescue, it might just change both their destinies. . .

Love is about to start conquering.

 

*****

Marked

Dark Protectors #7

#7

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

*****

Spotlight feature of Gena Showalter’s The Darkest Touch

*****

The Darkest Touch

Lord of the Underworld #11The Darkest Touch_cover

 AmazonB&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!)

Showalter_Gena_colorA 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 

Kelly reviews The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter

The Darkest Touch_coverTITLE: 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…

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.

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.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts