Blog Tour & Giveaway: Death With All The Trimmings by Lucy Burdette

Writing Cozy Mystery Characters
by Lucy Burdette

I’ve always been a huge reader. I tore through the Nancy Drew mysteries, then moved on to my brother’s Hardy boys adventures, gobbling lots of teenage romances in between. I also enjoyed a less well known series featuring a nurse named Cherry Ames. This sticks in my memory: Cherry was working on a hospital ward and one of her patients reported a fever and chills. She did just what she was supposed to: got a blanket for the sick person and reported the symptoms to the supervisor. Now here’s where the facts get fuzzy: I think the supervisor on duty had it in for her and didn’t write down what Cherry told her. And later, she got in big, big trouble for failing to report those important symptoms. And now Cherry had a dilemma: Did she rat out the other woman, or take the rap? Isn’t it funny how clearly I remember the character’s emotional dilemma even though most of the other details about the book have faded?

What stays with me even years after reading a book are the characters and their conflicts. So I shoot for that when writing my own series. DEATH WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS, the fifth book in my Key West food critic series, was published December 2. These books are mysteries so I understand I need a body. And suspects. And clues. And theories about the murder.

But more important than solving the puzzle, I’m hoping readers will fall in love with my character Hayley Snow. I hope they’ll feel the shock she does when she sees her ex-boyfriend out to dinner with a new woman. And feel her heart sink when she thinks the job of a lifetime has slipped away. And I hope I’ve made the magic of Key West at Christmas come alive. And I hope readers will fall for Hayley’s family and friends too, and then want to read the next book in the series and recommend the books to friends. And maybe even remember Hayley in fifty years–now that’s what I’d call a dream!

About the Author:

Lucy Burdette (aka Roberta Isleib) is the author of 13 mysteries, including the latest in the Key West series featuring food critic Hayley Snow. Her books and stories have been short-listed for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards. She’s a past president of Sisters in Crime.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

It may be Christmastime, but thoughts of peace on earth, good will toward men, don’t seem to extend to the restaurant business. Food critic Hayley Snow has been assigned to interview Edel Waugh, chef/owner of Key West’s hottest new restaurant. But off the record, Edel reveals that there’s been sabotage in the kitchen and asks Hayley to investigate.

Things heat up fast when the restaurant is set on fire—and a body is discovered in the charred wreckage. Is someone out to destroy the chef’s business—or actually kill her? Amid holiday festivities like the lighted boat parade, and visiting relatives who stir up mixed emotions, Hayley needs to smoke out an arsonist and a killer before they turn up the heat again…on her!

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Death With All The Trimmings

Review (4.25 Stars):Hayley is back with a new assignment for Key Zest magazine to interview up an coming chef, Edel Waugh and finds that someone is out to sabotage Edel’s new restaurant. When a body is found in the kitchen after a fire, Hayley must find the killer before everything she worked for goes up in smoke.

Hayley is an adorable character and I think that she has the best job ever. She gets to live in the beautiful and warm Key West and has the great job of being a food critic in an area that has wonderful cuisine. Her relationship with Wally is starting to heat up and things seem to be going her way when she gets the interview with Edel Waugh. Death with all the Trimmings was a very entertaining holiday mystery that will please mystery and food lovers alike. I love the recipes in the back of the book and all the descriptions of food that Hayley tried during this story made me so hungry. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series which is due out next summer.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of Death with all the Trimmings. This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by December 18th, answer me this question in the comments:

What is your favorite restaurant or cuisine?

December 4, 2014December 4, 2014

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

Merry Christmas, Baby

by Jill Shalvis

Amazon|B&N

Wild child Chloe Thompson can’t believe how much things have changed. She still can’t get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.

Sheriff Sawyer Thompson hopes surprising Chloe at the party will give him a chance to set things right. But as the snow begins to fall and the wind rages, he wonders whether he can make it back in time. While mother nature conspires to keep Sawyer and Chloe apart, an unexpected arrival will require them to kiss and make up . . . and ring in the happiest holiday Lucky Harbor has ever seen.

*****

All I Want For Christmas Is You

by Jessica Scott

Amazon| B&N

All Major Patrick MacLean wanted was Christmas with the woman and child who were his family in everything but name. But Captain Samantha Egan has come back from the war a different woman than the one who left – and she doesn’t know if she can love him anymore.

But neither of them counted on the determination of a little girl they both call daughter and if Natalie has her wish, her parents may have no idea what’s coming for them. It’s going to take Christmas miracle to bring these two wounded warriors back from the edge of a broken heart.

*****

The Billionaire’s Holiday Obsession

by Nadia Lee

Amazon

Deep in debt and stalked by a deadly conman, Jane Connolly needs a job and a safe place to stay. With no one to turn to in an unfamiliar city, she can’t refuse the kindness of a magnetic stranger.

A former mixed martial arts fighter, billionaire Iain Pryce couldn’t walk away from a small town girl in a big city, especially when it’s obvious she’s in trouble. But her sweet spirit threatens the single principle he’s been living under for the past thirteen years: don’t lose control…

Rafflecopter Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

December 4, 2014December 3, 2014

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

KEEPER OF THE CASTLE
Guest Post by Juliet Blackwell

In Search of Ghosts:

To me, one of the best things about being an author is research. In the course of writing my two series, the Witchcraft Mysteries and the Haunted Home Renovation series, I get to do things like shop in vintage clothing stores, hang out in Haight Street cafes, and tour historic buildings.

But one of my favorite parts of research is trailing around after paranormal investigators, peppering them with questions:

Can ghosts reach out and “touch” a person?
Can they become violent?
What if you had different ghosts or entities in a building?
From different times, “haunting” the place for different reasons?
How would they interact?
Why are animals sensitive to spirits, and how might they react?

Actually, I try to reserve these questions for either before or after walking through an allegedly haunted house. While on site, I mostly keep my mouth shut, trying not even to breathe loudly for fear of mucking things up…or possibly attracting unwanted attention!

Unfortunately, I have found that there’s a lot of “grey area” in the paranormal realm – which, I suppose, is fitting – so not all experts agree on the rules of the afterworld. Some think we bring our own ghosts with us, for example, while others believe in “residual” energies, and still others think sentient beings sometimes roam the earth.

But here are the “Top Five” things I’ve learned from my recent encounters with “ghost professionals”:

1.   Bring extra batteries (some spirits “borrow” energy by siphoning off battery power)
2.   Don’t wear perfume or scented lotions. Ghosts have a profound sense of smell, and whether they like or dislike what you’re wearing, it might not be a good thing
3.   Animals and children are considered more “sensitive” (and attractive to) spirits. But since they can’t give consent, it’s unethical to take them along on a ghosthunt, darn the luck.
4.   Wear quiet shoes that are easy to run in (self-explanatory)
5.   Don’t make jokes about the size of the ghostbuster’s equipment (also self-explanatory)

So…how about you? Have you ever encountered something that felt otherworldly? Do you believe in ghosts at all?

About the Author:

Juliet Blackwell is the New York Times bestselling author of the Witchcraft Mystery series, featuring a powerful witch with a vintage clothes store in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury. She also writes the Haunted Home Renovation Mystery series, about a failed anthropologist who reluctantly takes over her father’s high-end construction company…and finds ghosts behind the walls. As Hailey Lind, Blackwell wrote the Agatha-nominated Art Lover’s Mystery series, in which an ex-art forger attempts to go straight as a faux finisher. She is currently working on a novel about a woman who takes over her uncle’s locksmith shop in Paris, entitled The Paris Key. A former anthropologist and social worker, Juliet has worked in Mexico, Spain, Cuba, Italy, the Philippines, and France.

Visit her at www.julietblackwell.net, join her on Facebook (JulietBlackwellAuthor) and on Twitter @JulietBlackwell

Lately, Mel has been worried about finding enough historic renovation work to pay the bills. But while Turner Construction is in need of a project, Mel’s boyfriend, Graham, has his hands full managing the reconstruction of an ancient building shipped over from Scotland.

With the job plagued by rumors that the stones are cursed, Graham brings in Mel to look for paranormal activity. And while the ghost of a charming Scottish clansman does seem to be hanging around the site, the real shock comes when they stumble upon a body.

When the original construction crew starts running scared, Mel brings in her team to finish the job. Now all she has to do is nail down the killer, and put the spirits to rest, before anyone else winds up heading for the highlands…

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Keeper of the Castle

Review (5 Stars): I love, love, love the Haunted Home Renovation mystery series because I love any mystery that involves ghosts and the supernatural. Mel Turner is asked to be part of the crew to help reconstruct an ancient building from Scotland that has been plagued with paranormal sightings and has most of the construction crew running scared. Mel is no stranger to ghosts and can’t turn down the job offer when there is so many dollar signs offered by the ultra-rich entrepreneur that is funding the project. Before Mel knows it, she is involved with another murder mystery when she finds a dead body on the work site. Now, she must work to find the real killer and find out who or what is really haunting the ancient building that is scaring everyone away.

I have loved Melanie from the very first book, If Walls Could Talk, because she is just this lovable character that you can instantly connect with. She has a difficult job of being a female in male-dominated world, so there isn’t much that can scare her except that she has the uncanny ability of finding ghosts on her work sites. After everything that she has been through over the course of the series, she still continues to impress me and I love reading her ghost hunting adventures with each new installment. Keeper of the Castle is an entertaining mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seat with memorable characters and an intriguing whodunit. Ms. Blackwell has this amazing way of weaving a story that will hook you from the first page until the great reveal of the true killer. Can’t wait to read the next mystery from this author.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of Keeper of the Castle. This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by December 17th, leave a comment for Ms. Blackwell below:

December 4, 2014November 29, 2014

Natasha reviews Owning Violet by Monica Murphy

TITLE: Owning Violet
SERIES #: Fowler Sisters #1
CHARACTERS: Violet & Ryder
AUTHOR: Monica Murphy
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/2/2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy begins a sexy new contemporary romance series – perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emma Chase – that introduces three sisters born to wealth, raised to succeed, ready to love, destined to make waves.
I’ve moved through life doing what’s expected of me. I’m the middle daughter, the dutiful daughter. The one who braved a vicious attack and survived. The one who devoted herself to her family’s business empire. The one who met an ambitious man and fell in love. We were going to run Fleur Cosmetics together, Zachary and I.
Until he got a promotion and left me in the dust. Maybe it’s for the best, between his disloyalty and his wandering eye. But another man was waiting for me. Wanting me. He too has an overwhelming thirst for success, just like Zachary – perhaps even more so. He’s also ruthless. And mysterious. I know nothing about Ryder McKay beyond that he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.
One stolen moment, a kiss, a touch . . . and I’m hooked. Ryder’s like a powerful drug, and I’m an addict who doesn’t want to be cured. He tells me his intentions aren’t pure, and I believe him. For once, I don’t care. I’m willing to risk everything just to be with him. Including my heart. My soul.
My everything

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Ooh this book made me so mad and so happy all at the same time. It tells the story of shy pushover Violet and over confident womanizer Ryder. These two are an unlikely pair as they are complete opposites. We start off not liking Ryder at all, which was done on purpose – he’s not a good guy. Violet was also not likeable from the very beginning, because you felt so upset that she was such a pushover and you wanted her to be stronger and more secure. She had the capability to be so strong but she was letting herself be trampled over, which is hard to read. That said, she definitely grew throughout the story and I think she found herself and her inner strength. She makes some decisions along the way that many people wouldn’t make, but they worked for her. Ryder continued to be a jerk throughout the book, but he made incremental changes that turned him into a much different person by the end of the book. There are also great antagonists in the book that you completely love to hate! Overall it was a very good story, super intense, very explicit love scenes and a feeling of closure and completeness – loved the epilogue. There are two other books coming out in this series starring Violet’s sisters Rose and Lily that I cannot wait to read because I just love these two!

Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Bantam Dell. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 3, 2014November 17, 2014

Gift ideas for the Book Lover #8

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!

Stack of Books Earrings, Library Colours (Made to Order) – Book Jewelry by Coryographies

By Coryographies

$24.12 (plus S&H)

Love to read? Love someone who reads? Here is a perfect gift for the book-lover in your life!

These tiny earrings are made from polymer clay and hand painted to resemble a stack of books to dangle from each ear. Very cute!

As this item is made to order, it may differ slightly from the photo. Made to order items take 3-8 business days to make. I will message you when it’s all finished and in the post!

*****

Gift for book lovers | Books fall open. I fall in. | Book worm, book club gift idea

By BluePenguinShop

$14.50 (plus S&H)

This compact mirror is a perfect for any book worm. Inspired by David McCord’s poem, this mirror includes the quote “Books fall open. I fall in” on the inside glass. It makes a great small gift for book lovers, book club members or friends.

This design can be done with a solid background in color (shown here in blue) or with the lettering as the color. The design works well either way. Let us know which way you prefer in the details of your order.

This mirror, like any other mirror in the shop, can be done in multiples. We created a large batch of this design for a librarian to give to her team. How fun is that?!? Message us for a discount on orders over ten.

What you need to know:

– The mirrors are pocket-sized – 2.5″x2.5″

– Easily cleaned with a soft cloth

– Each mirror comes with a small bag to protect it from damage while hanging out in your purse

*****

Book Shelf Wristlet Zipper Bag

By PlotTwisted

$18.99 (plus S&H)

Show your love of books and reading with this unique, handmade wristlet. It’s just the perfect size to hold all your essentials. With an easy-to-remove strap and a beautiful design depicting a row of books, you’ll grab this bag again and again.

It measures approximately 5″x8″, just the right size for your phone, keys, cards, cash, and make-up. For longer outings, just remove the strap and toss in a larger bag or backpack.

*****

Pride & Prejudice Book Case iPhone Case – Jane AUSTEN iPhone 4 4s 5 5s 6 6Plus iPhone 5C Samsung Galaxy S3 S4 S5 for Book Lovers

By CASEFULSTUDIOS

$19.00+ (plus S&H)

Literature in a sentence: At Caseful Studios, we strive to design and produce tasteful cases for the literary inclined. We pick one line or quote to emphasize that is easily recognizable at a glance, or embodies the spirit of the work as a whole.

This phone case features a passage from Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, with the emphasized quote “I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”

** This item is currently MADE TO ORDER. Made to order details available on Store Policies page. **

50 Assorted Library Cards

By knotandbow

$8.00 (plus S&H)

As seen in Martha Stewart Living Magazine!

A five-color assortment of 50 library cards – 10 of each color. Printed on sturdy card stock with tons of Old School appeal.

LISTING CONTAINS:

• 50 library cards (10 each of white, coral, goldenrod, green, and blue), 3″ x 5″

Check out the shop for sets of 100 cards!

Luxury Club Library Bookcase Chair – Made to Order

By The Library Chair

$2,500 (plus S&H)

Fully upholstered button-cushion club chair with armrests and a built in 27 feet of shelf storage for books and DVDs. Very comfortable deep seat, perfect for sitting and reading, enveloped by your library!

Secret compartment under seat, accessed from behind bottom shelf books, for hiding away those extra special things. On rolling castors for easy movement.

Can be upholstered in any material and painted in any color. Stained veneer surface available on top at additional cost.

An original Alexander Love design. Made to order, ships in 3-4 weeks. Please contact me with your zip code for a shipping quote.

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!!!

December 3, 2014December 18, 2014

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

Training Cats
by Krista Davis

There are people who believe that cats cannot be trained. Those of us who love cats tend to believe otherwise. The sad truth is that while we might think we’re training our cats, they’re really training us. It’s true. If you are owned by a cat, or two, or more, you might recognize some of these lessons straight from the Feline Manual of Proper Decorum.

1.   Cats should be fed first. Should your person have forgotten to feed you, jump on the table and a) look indignant, or b) eat from your person’s plate. They will soon learn not to eat unless you have been served.
2.   When the house is too cold, one of the following maneuvers usually conveys your displeasure with the setting of the thermostat. When your person has nestled down to sleep, drape yourself over the person’s neck. Be sure to purr loudly. An alternative position is on the chest as close to the chin as possible. You will know you are in the correct position when you are raised and lowered each time your person breathes. If said person does not respond quickly, try a few gentle nips on the chin.
3.   Closing the bathroom door is a most irritating human habit, and one that is hard to break. Try to open the door by inserting an upside-down paw under the door, extending claws, and pulling. If this technique fails, yowl at the top of your lungs. If that fails, practice shooting ahead of the person when you see him or her heading for the bathroom. Sit quietly to teach your person not to be afraid. With time, he or she may leave the door open a bit for you.
4.   Getting your person’s attention. By far the easiest method is the sit and stare. In a matter of minutes, your person should take note that you want something. If this fails and the person has any papers in front of him or her, sprawl across the papers. If the person is typing in front of a screen, walk across the keyboard or sit on it. This generally rouses people from their concentration on unimportant matters.
5.   Keep your people in shape. Darting around their feet when they walk, especially when they walk down stairs, will keep your people nimble and able to continue to do your bidding.

About the Author:

New York Times Bestselling author Krista Davis writes the Paws & Claws Mysteries for animal lovers that debuted in December with MURDER, SHE BARKED. The sequel, THE GHOST AND MRS. MEWER, will be in bookstores on December 2nd. She also writes the Domestic Diva Mysteries. Her 8th Domestic Diva Mystery is THE DIVA WRAPS IT UP, a Christmas mystery in bookstores now. Like her characters, Krista has a soft spot for cats, dogs, and sweets. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with three dogs and two cats.

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Pinterest

Holly Miller doesn’t believe in spirits, but the Sugar Maple Inn is filled with guests who do. The TV series in development, Apparition Apprehenders, has descended on Wagtail’s annual Halloween festivities to investigate supernatural local legends, and Holly has her hands full showing the ghost hunters a scary-fun time.

But the frights turn real when Holly’s Jack Russell, Trixie, and kitten, Twinkletoes, find a young woman drowned in the Wagtail Springs Hotel’s bathhouse—the spot of the town’s most infamous haunting. The crime scene is eerily similar to the creepy legend, convincing Holly that the death wasn’t just accidental. Now she’ll have to race to catch a flesh-and-blood killer—before someone else in town gives up the ghost . . .

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer

Review (4.5 Stars): The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer is the second book in the Paws & Claws mystery series and you’re in for a spooktacular thrill ride with this delightful story. Holly Miller and the Sugar Maple Inn are hosting ghost hunters for their annual Halloween festivities and before they know it, a dead body is found in the same spot as a famous haunting. Holly must race against time to find the killer before the local legend becomes a horrible tragedy.

I loved Holly since Murder, She Barked and I love that she is finally settling down with her grandmother at the Sugar Maple Inn. She is fun, energetic and the perfect crime-fighting heroine for this series. I enjoyed following the crazy antics of the Apparition Apprehenders in this story and deciphering the clues with Holly to determine who was the true killer. The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer was a well-written murder mystery with the right combination of humor, eccentric characters and furry friends that is sure to keep readers entertained. Looking forward to reading the next book in this entertaining series.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer. This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by December 15th, answer me this question in the comments:

Do you believe in ghosts?

December 3, 2014November 29, 2014

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

TITLE: Merry Christmas Baby
SERIES #: Lucky Harbor #12.5
CHARACTERS: Sawyer & Chloe Thompson
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: December 2, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis brings you a heartwarming tale that could only happen in Lucky Harbor . . .

SEASON’S KISSES

Wild child Chloe Thompson can’t believe how much things have changed. She still can’t get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to thinking about impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts Oh how I love a good Lucky Harbor story. And I love them even more knowing that the Lucky Harbor series is done (will kind of. I asked Jill about this and she said there will be more novellas).
Merry Christmas Baby takes us back to visit Sawyer and Chloe and little baby Bean. This was such a sweet story and I am so glad that we got to take a glimpse into Sawyer and Chloe’s life. These two have had a rough time of life and love. I am so happy that they are getting a happy ever after. And let me tell you Sawyer and baby Bean are beyond adorable together (totally tissue worthy)

Lucky Harbor fans you will love this very very short story. Until next time Lucky Harbor.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is a sweet Holiday novella with less than 40 pages but one that any fan of the Lucky Harbor series just had to have. We met Chloe and Sawyer in Head Over Heels (Lucky Harbor #3) and this is their follow up. Chloe is now pregnant and going through so many pregnancy hormones she can barely stand herself neither less anyone else and when Sawyer keeps leaving she is heartbroken. But like any Shalvis story there is more to it then Sawyer wanting to get away. I loved that within a few pages of the story Shalvis says “shes once been hell on wheels” as a shout out to their first story.

I won’t say too much since it is so short and it would give too much away but I will say that it was a great Christmas gift to the fans of Lucky Harbor and Jill Shalvis. (Just wish we knew what the baby’s name is – I wrote Shalvis on Facebook to ask – No word yet)

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

December 3, 2014December 2, 2014

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

In a captivating novel spiced with holiday magic—perfect for fans of Rachel Gibson, Susan Mallery, and Molly O’Keefe—a rugged Montana man mends a Northeast girl’s jaded heart.

Boston veterinarian Hayley Scampini tends the city’s pampered pets but dreams of the rural life of a country vet. She’s single and determined to stay that way, convinced that love isn’t permanent enough to trust. Then a vacation to the Whisper Creek dude ranch introduces her to Daniel McKee, a sexy single dad who runs the kind of veterinary practice she aspires to—and rattles her conviction to keep men at a distance.

Managing a thriving practice, coping with the loss of his wife, and fighting a custody battle with his in-laws over his twin daughters, Daniel couldn’t be more overwhelmed. Hayley is a godsend, accompanying him in the field and winning over his girls. It doesn’t take Daniel long to realize he’s falling for this woman, hard and fast. So before Hayley returns to Boston, he extracts a promise: that she will return to Whisper Creek for Christmas. It’s the perfect time and place to show Hayley that the promise of a beautiful life together is something she can believe in.

Amazon/B&N

Roscoe motioned them back onto the road. “You two get out of here. Whisper Creek’s a-waitin’ for ya.”
A minute later, they crested a hill with the best view west of the Mississippi, and Hayley sighed in pleasure. The rolling vistas never ended out here. It was nothing like the crowded, noisy streets of Boston, that’s for sure.
“Ahh, vacation.” Hayley slid her shoe off and stuck her bare foot out the window.
“You think this is good. Wait ’til I introduce you to the man of your dreams.”
“I don’t really need man-of-my-dreams-level assistance here. Man-of-the-week would be just fine.”
“I don’t really deal in the of-the-week variety. Sorry.” Kyla smiled innocently. “I’m all about the staying kind.”
Hayley rolled her eyes, but didn’t let Kyla see her do so. “Okay, fine. Tell me about the vet. Does he do big animals or regular-sized ones?”
“Mostly horses.”
“Lucky. His clients could eat mine for lunch.”
“So you still have nothing but mini-beasts?”
“Not by choice.”
“Wait ’til you meet Moose. You’ll wish you could take him home.”
Hayley’d heard about Kyla’s fated trip to the Humane Society last week, but hadn’t yet seen any pictures. Apparently she’d gone in to drop off a donation—and come out with a dog who weighed more than her.
“Is he ugly?”
“So ugly that he’s cute, yes.”
“Does anything about him match anything else?”
“Not a thing. He’s got one white paw and three black ones. A funny brown circle around his right eye. A tuft of hair that sticks up randomly from his head.”
“Sweet. Does he slobber?”
“All the time.”
Hayley put her hands to her chest. “I’ll adopt him.”
“Ha. You’ll have to get by Decker. Those two are already joined at the hip. Plus, he’d take up half your apartment. And eat Brutus.”
“Brutus could use a big brother to look up to. He’s got serious little-dog syndrome.”
Kyla laughed again. “I still can’t believe you adopted a cockapoopa—wait—what is he again?”
“He’s a great Dane in disguise.”
“Of course.”
“So back to the vet. Deets, please. Height? Weight? Eye color?”
Kyla winked at her. “He might just be the sweetest guy I know, next to Decker.”
“So he’s hideous looking. Thanks, Kyla. You’re a true friend.”
“He’s not hideous at all. He’s actually quite . . . attractive.”
“If you can get beyond the crooked nose and snaggletooth and beer belly?”
“Exactly. And I mentioned he’s eighty-seven, right? Because that’s the kind of friend I am?”
“Fine. Call me out on being shallow.”
“You’re not shallow. You’re just not thinking long-term potential here.”
“I’m on cowboy-vacation. I’m not supposed to be thinking about long-term potential. Have you seen your own website? It practically screams ‘fling!’”
“You’re no more a fling type than you are a nun, missy.”
“Don’t be so sure. I’m working up to it.”
“What’s your record now?”
“Longest relationship or shortest?”
“I’m not sure you’ll ever beat the forty-five minute one from 2008, so let’s go with longest.”
“Thirteen weeks.”
Kyla was quiet for a moment as they cruised into downtown Carefree. Then, “Doesn’t it ever get old?”
Hayley sighed. Of course it got old. But it sure was better than the alternative. Definitely better than tying yourself to a guy you thought would be there for eternity, only to have him take off the moment you actually started to believe that this one was the forever variety. Been there, done that, had the T-shirt.

About the Author:

Maggie McGinnis is the author of Accidental Cowgirl and Driving Without a License, which was a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award. A former high school English teacher, an accomplished musician, and a certified black belt, she lives in New England with her family.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of A Cowboy’s Christmas Promise

Review (4 Stars): A Cowboy’s Christmas Promise was a tender-hearted romance about two people who believed that love had passed them by until fate brought them together. Hayley had always believed that love wasn’t for her because she saw what it did to her family when a relationship doesn’t always have a happy ending. Daniel had met his true love and lost her to illness and felt that love like that doesn’t happen twice. Until he met Hayley at a friend’s wedding one weekend and his whole life changed. When the wedding festivities are over and Hayley is to return home, Daniel makes Hayley promise that she will return to Montana for Christmas and see if this initial attraction can turn into something more.

Hayley had given up on love because she saw what it did to her family and how it tore it apart when a relationship ended. She had this strict philosophy that she would date them and dump them so she never got her heart involved and experience any loss. The thing was that Hayley never really gave love a chance until she met Daniel. Daniel was handsome, smart, a veterinarian like Hayley and seemed like the perfect guy. When Hayley found out that he had children, she panicked because her fears were coming true and she didn’t want to fall in love with his family and then have the relationship fall apart.

Daniel was such a great guy. Loving, sweet and such a great dad for his two little girls. I loved how he went on YouTube to watch videos so he could braid his daughters’ hair for the wedding and I don’t know many men who would do that for their daughters. He didn’t think that he would get a second chance at love but then Hayley walked into his life and he couldn’t imagine anyone more perfect for him. I loved the things he did to prove to Hayley how much he cared for her and the final gift that he gave Hayley for Christmas had me in tears.

Ms. McGinnis is a new author to me but after reading A Cowboy’s Christmas Promise, I can’t wait to read more from this talented author.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

December 2, 2014November 28, 2014

Kelly’s interview with Monica Murphy + a giveaway

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Monica Murphy to the blog.

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

Well, my name is Monica Murphy and I write contemporary and new adult romance. I also write romance as Karen Erickson. I’m married, mom to three children and I live in California not too far from Yosemite.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I’ve always been a big reader and at one point after discovering (and devouring) my mom’s romance books, I decided I wanted to do that someday. And now here I am!

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

Early days my favorite romance writers (the ones I discovered when I was a teen) were Jude Deveraux, Judith McNaught, Julie Garwood, Lavyrle Spencer. I loved their books so much. There was so much emotion and tension between the characters. I don’t know if anyone has really influenced my writing, though I’m sure they have.

Current favorite authors include Jill Shalvis (she’s my go to comfort read, love her), Cora Carmack, Samantha Young, Tessa Dare, Katie McGarry…I could go on and on. It’s an endless list.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?

I have actually written in a lot of different subgenres of romance. I started out writing erotic romance as Karen Erickson back in 2006. I wrote a new adult book that I self published as Monica Murphy (One Week Girlfriend) and I decided to write it under a different name because it was not my usual style of writing.

I like to change it up because I feel like it keeps me fresh. But I always stay within the romance field. I can’t resist a good romance.

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

Absolutely! OWNING VIOLET is the first book in The Fowler Sisters series and it’s about Violet, the middle sister. The dutiful sister who is being groomed to take over and run Fleur Cosmetics, the company her family owns. Her life completely changes at the beginning of the book and she starts interacting with the mysterious, sexy Ryder McKay, who works at Fleur. Soon she’s embarking on a torrid affair with him but things happen. Not nice things. The book has a Cruel Intentions vibe.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I’ve wanted to write a book about three sisters who have flower names for years. I knew I wanted it to be sexy, a little edgy, a little dark. And I wanted to have unredeemable characters who are somehow redeemed after all. That’s Ryder. He’s so awful through much of the book and I tried my best to redeem him. Hope I succeeded.

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

I opened OWNING VIOLET to page 48 and Ryder and Violet are in a work meeting together. He’s completely distracted by the color of her lipgloss and sort of mad about it. LOL

What is your favorite Christmas/Holiday memory?

I love watching my kids open their presents every year, especially when they were younger and everything was so magical. The magic has worn off a little now that I have Santa non-believers but still. I love the holidays. It’s one of my favorite times of the year (I love Halloween too!)

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

I read a YA book called The Book of Ivy by Amy Engel. So freaking good. I don’t know when the second book is out but I want to read it NOW.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just want to thank you so much for having me here today Kelly! And if anyone gets a chance to read OWNING VIOLET, I hope they enjoy it!

Let’s take a look at OWNING VIOLET

Owning Violet

The Fowler Sisters #1

New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy begins a sexy new contemporary romance series—perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emma Chase—that introduces three sisters born to wealth, raised to succeed, ready to love, destined to make waves.I’ve moved through life doing what’s expected of me. I’m the middle daughter, the dutiful daughter. The one who braved a vicious attack and survived. The one who devoted herself to her family’s business empire. The one who met an ambitious man and fell in love. We were going to run Fleur Cosmetics together, Zachary and I.

Until he got a promotion and left me in the dust. Maybe it’s for the best, between his disloyalty and his wandering eye. But another man was waiting for me. Wanting me. He too has an overwhelming thirst for success, just like Zachary—perhaps even more so. He’s also ruthless. And mysterious. I know nothing about Ryder McKay beyond that he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.

One stolen moment, a kiss, a touch . . . and I’m hooked. Ryder’s like a powerful drug, and I’m an addict who doesn’t want to be cured. He tells me his intentions aren’t pure, and I believe him. For once, I don’t care. I’m willing to risk everything just to be with him. Including my heart. My soul.

My everything.

Giveaway

I have been given permission to giveaway one copy paper copy of OWNING VIOLET

(Open to US/Canada only)

To enter please leave a comment or question.

Make sure to leave your EMAIL also.

December 2, 2014December 1, 2014

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

Amish On Stage
By Isabella Alan

When the actors dressed in Amish costume burst into song and dance, I knew I had the setting for my next Amish Quilt Shop Mystery. I was visiting Holmes County on a research trip. I live about an hour from Holmes County, so I rarely spend the night there. However on this particular visit, I booked a hotel stay and show because I was curious about the annual Amish-themed play that the hotel had. Never in a million years did I expect it to be a musical. I think I made the assumption that it was strictly a regular play because many Amish don’t sing outside of church and they definitely do not dance. Seeing actors on stage wearing Amish dress prance about, tickled my funny bone, but as amusing as I found the performance to be, I knew many plain folk would not see the humor in it.

Because I’m a nosy sort, I asked some Amish and Mennonite people I knew how they felt about the musical version of Amish life. Most of them thought it was fine. They were happy with the play because it brought even more tourists to the county. Many plain people depend on tourism for their livelihood. However, others, if not outright hostile about the play, made it clear they didn’t care for how it portrayed the Amish. This diverse reaction to the play among the Amish and Mennonites just confirmed to me that a play was the perfect setting for an Amish mystery novel.

In Murder, Served Simply, the story opens in the middle of a progressive dinner. The progressive dinner was the idea of the Rolling Brook Township Trustees to increase tourism to the tiny township. The big finish for the dinner is a play, An Amish Christmas, at an inn in town. The only problem is the lead actress for the play is a former Amish girl named Eve Shetler. Most of the Amish in Rolling Brook are indifferent to the play, but they do not like it that Eve is an actress. They feel she is mocking her upbringing. So it comes as no surprise that poor Eve ends up dead before curtain call. Now, quilt shop owner, Texas transplant, and amateur sleuth Angie Braddock must find the killer even it means taking a long hard look at her dear Amish friends.

About the Author:

National Bestselling Author Isabella Alan is the pseudonym for Amanda Flower. Amanda Flower, a two time Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.

Follow Isabella on Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Amish quilt shop owner Angie Braddock has a lot on her plate this Christmas. But things only get worse after someone develops a taste for murder…

Angie’s parents are visiting Rolling Brook for Christmas—but unfortunately, her ex is joining them. Luckily, Angie has no time to dwell on her romantic troubles as she prepares her store, Running Stitch, for the town’s traditional progressive dinner, featuring a sleigh ride stopping at each shop for a different course of the meal.

The meal ends with an Amish-themed Christmas play at the Swiss Valley Hotel and Barn. But the performance is cut short when an actress falls from the scaffolding to her death. After the sheriff suspects foul play, tensions between the Amish and Englisch heat up, as do rivalries among the acting troupe. Now Angie and her quilting circle must stitch together clues before they’re the ones running for cover…

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Murder, Served Simply

Review (4.5 Stars): This is the third book in the Amish Quilt Shop series and I love being able to take a look into the quiet life of an Amish community, especially around the holiday season. Angie Braddock is gearing up for the holiday season at her shop, Running Stitch, and has her parents visiting her for Christmas with an unexpected guest in tow. The town is also preparing for their traditional progressive dinner, which is to be followed by an Amish-themed play to end the festivities and has traditional members of the Amish community up in arms about the subject matter. Before the final curtain falls, the lead actress of the play is found dead and it is up to Angie to help find the killer before battle lines are drawn within the community. This holiday season may not be so festive with a killer on the loose and time running out for this sleepy little community.

Angie is one of those characters that you will instantly adore because she is sweet, smart and has a great love of cowboy boots. She has worked very hard over the course of the series to become a part of this diverse community and I enjoy that Ms. Alan is able to provide us a glimpse of this private community with each and every mystery. I also liked how Angie’s relationship has grown with Sheriff Mitchell in this book even though there was a bit of drama in regards to her ex-boyfriend coming to visit her along with her parents. Murder, Served Simply is a well-written mystery that will be sure to charm cozy readers and is the perfect distraction for this holiday season. Looking forward to reading more about Angie and her continuing adventures in the Amish community.

Giveaway

I’m excited to give away a copy of Murder, Served Simply. This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by December 12th, answer me this question in the comments:

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

December 2, 2014November 29, 2014

Kelly reviews Hour Of Need by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Hour of Need
SERIES #: Scarlet Falls #1
CHARACTERS: Grant Barrett & Ellie Ross
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: December 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
While fighting in Afghanistan, Major Grant Barrett receives devastating news: his brother and sister-in-law have been murdered in Scarlet Falls, the sleepy suburb of Grant’s youth. Emotionally scarred from war, the career soldier returns home on emergency leave to temporarily care for his orphaned nephew and niece. But when someone tries to kidnap the kids and their teenage babysitter, Grant knows it’s not a random act…and neither were the murders.

Already devastated by her neighbors’ violent deaths, Ellie Ross is shattered by the attempted abduction of her teenage daughter so she desperately turns to Grant for help. As they navigate a deadly search for the truth, they struggle with growing feelings for each other and Grant’s impending return to deployment.

But time is running out. The killer is growing bolder by the hour, and Ellie and Grant must find him before the children become his next victims.

REVIEW:
WOW!!!
What a tangled web of craziness happened in this book. Gosh I am not even sure where to start without recapping the back blurb or giving everything away (you know how I feel about spoiler reviews) but here it goes:

We start Hour of Need with a double murder. A double murder that leaves more questions then answers. An unbelievable trauma that will bring a broken family back together. Hour of Need is a tangle of many threads that I could not figure how they were ever going to come together. To say I was shocked at the end would be an understatement. I had my guesses but Kudos’ to Ms. Leigh for keeping me on my toes. The mystery and suspense of it all was brilliant. The romance was sweet. But both balance each other so wonderfully.

I can’t wait for the next installment in the Scarlet Fall’s series (I know I should not wish bad things on to these characters, but I do 🙂 ). If you are a fan of Ms. Leigh’s you will need to put this on your must buy list. If you are a romance suspense fan, please put on your buy list. If you are new? Please put on your buy list. So in short you should buy this book.

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

December 1, 2014December 1, 2014

Top 10 with Gini Koch + a giveaway

Kitty Katt-Martini’s Top Ten Songs to Kick Butt To

So many awesome songs, so few slots in a Top Ten list. Basically, um, just ten. Yeah, whatever. But anyway, I’ll give it my best shot because that’s the kind of girl I am! And I reserve the right to change this list at any given time. Because, you know, a girl needs to keep her options open.

10. Come Hell or High Water, by Poison

9. Animal, by The Neon Trees

8. Born to Raise Hell, by Motörhead

7. Saints of Los Angeles, by Mötley Crüe

6. Trouble, by P!nk

5. The Bitch is Back, by Elton John

4. We Want the Airwaves, by The Ramones

3. Steel Claw, by Tina Turner

2. Anything and everything by Aerosmith, but especially Nine Lives

1. Enter Sandman, by Metallica

Let’s take a look at Universal Alien:

Being the wife of the Vice President isn’t easy. Especially when your talents lie in kicking butt and rocking out…

Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini find out just how easy it is for the wife of the Vice President of the United States to unintentionally insult an ally. Now they have to smooth things over with the Australian Prime Minister, pronto, or risk creating an international incident the worldwide anti-alien coalitions will be able to use to force Jeff to resign and the A-Cs to leave the planet.

But before Kitty can make things worse, a cosmic congruence and a little help from some powerful beings shoves her into another world — one where she’s been married to Charles Reynolds for years and aliens don’t exist. She’s also landed in the middle of a huge conspiracy and is marked for death…but at least that’s business as usual.

Kitty’s not the only one confused, because the Kitty from that world has taken her place in this one. Now Alpha Team and the Diplomatic Corps have to make sure that no one spots that there’s been a switch, while keeping World War III from happening. And they have to do so while keeping this new Kitty in line, because she has views about what to do and how to it, and time is running out.

Can both Kittys save their respective days before it’s too late to go home to the universes they belong to? Or will one Kitty decide to keep the other’s life…forever?

Make sure to check out Kelly’s review of UA HERE:

Giveaway:

Gini is offering one winner the choice of one of any of the first 9 books in the Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt Series (Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, Alien Proliferation, Alien Diplomacy, Alien vs. Alien, Alien in the House, Alien Research, or Alien Collective), signed and personalized.

Open internationally.

Ends Friday 12-5-14.

To enter please leave a comment of questions for Gini.

Author Bio:

Gini Koch writes the fast, fresh and funny Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series for DAW Books, the Necropolis Enforcement Files series, and the Martian Alliance Chronicles series. Alien in the House, Book 7 in her long-running Alien series, won the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award as the Best Futuristic Romance of 2013. As G.J. Koch she writes the Alexander Outland series and she’s made the most of multiple personality disorder by writing under a variety of other pen names as well, including Anita Ensal, Jemma Chase, A.E. Stanton, and J.C. Koch. Currently, Gini has stories featured in the Unidentified Funny Objects 3, Clockwork Universe: Steampunk vs. Aliens, and Two Hundred and Twenty-One Baker Streets anthologies, and, writing as J.C. Koch, in Kaiju Rising: Age of Monsters, The Madness of Cthulhu, Vol. 1, and A Darke Phantastique anthologies. She will also have a story in the first book in an X-Files anthology series coming out in 2015. Gini can be reached via her website: www.ginikoch.com