Interview & Giveaway with Melinda Leigh

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have Melinda Leigh on the blog again to talk about your newest Romance Suspense novel She Can Hide.

Melinda, for those who don’t know you can you please tell us a little about yourself

ML: Hi everyone! I’m the author of bestselling romantic thrillers, including SHE CAN RUN, my debut International Thriller Award nominated book, and my latest release, SHE CAN HIDE. I’m also a mom, a wife, a martial artist, and a dog person. I have a fondness for rescue animals, British comedy, and ice cream.

BnK: Melinda, have you always wanted to be an author?

ML: Like all the best things in my life, I became a writer by accident. When my kids were small, I was reading 3-4 books a week because it was the only activity that didn’t wake them up from their afternoon naps. One day my husband suggested I try writing a book instead of reading one. I liked the idea. At first writing was just a hobby. It wasn’t for several more years that I’d try to write as a serious career, but I was hooked.

BnK: Can you tell us a little about She Can Hide?

ML: SHE CAN HIDE is the 4^th book in the She Can Series (Don’t worry. They’re all stand-alone reads. The connections between the books are slim.) The story is all about trust. Can a woman who’s already been betrayed learn to trust again, even if her life depends on it?

BnK: What is next in the She Can…. series? I heard a rumor of a novella?

ML: I have a short story, HE CAN FALL, releasing March 26. It’s a quick, fast read about a romantic weekend gone horribly wrong. I’m considering another book in the series. I don’t feel like I’m through with the characters in Westbury, Pennsylvania just yet.

BnK: I know you write another Romance Suspense series The Midnight Series. What is it about the Romance Suspense genre that you love so much?

ML: Romantic suspense combines my two favorite genres, thrillers and romance. RS is the best of both worlds, a fast-paced exciting thriller with a happily-ever-after (a must for me!).

BnK: Do you ever see yourself writing any other genres?

ML: Sure, why not? Who knows what the future holds? I love to tell stories. I’m very happy writing RS right now, but I might want to try something else someday.

BnK: I think I suggest not too long ago that you and Kendra Elliot should team up to write a book. How is that project going? 😉

ML: Shhhh. It’s all a big secret. J

BnK: What is up next for you?

ML: Midnight Betrayal is scheduled to release in September, and I’m currently working on a new project, which might turn out to be the start of a new series. I haven’t decided yet. New projects are so much fun. The possibilities are endless.

BnK: Melinda, it is always a pleasure to have you on the blog!! Is there anything else you would like the masses to know before we end?

ML: I’d love to hear from your readers. Do you love romantic suspense? What is it about the genre that thrills you? For any of you who have read the She Can books, is there a particular character you’d love to see her his/her own story?

Once again, it’s been a huge thrill to be here at Books-n-Kisses. Thank you so much for hosting me today.

BnK: You are so very welcome! We always love having you on the blog 🙂

*****

She Can Hide

She Can…..#4

Amazon| B&N

From the moment Officer Ethan Hale pulls Abby Foster from icy waters, he senses there’s more to her than meets the eye. Abby has no memory of the accident that submerged her car in the frozen river. Three years ago, Abby was kidnapped and abandoned in a well for a week. The botched police investigation nearly killed her. Abby had moved to the mountains of Pennsylvania for a fresh start, but when it becomes clear that this car crash wasn’t an accident, she knows the violence from her past has caught up with her. But Abby’s former assailant was convicted and imprisoned, so who else wants her dead? Ethan uncovers a fresh string of murders tied to Abby’s past. Someone is trying to kill her, and this time the stalker seems determined to finish the task. As the killer grows bolder, Abby begins to trust Ethan enough to share the truth, her heart, and her life. But to stop the murders, Ethan must make a decision that could jeopardize it all.

Giveaway Time

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March 20, 2014March 13, 2014

Kelly reviews Fall Into Forever by Beth Hyland

TITLE: Fall into Forever
CHARACTERS: Jon Priestly & Ivy McAllister
AUTHOR: Beth Hyland
PUBLICATION DATE: March 10, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Some girls may find guys like Jon exciting and charming. Some are even naive enough to want to date them. But guys like him can harbor dark, dangerous secrets. Secrets you don’t want to know or be involved in. How do you think they got this way in the first place? It’s best to follow your head and stay as far away from them as possible.
Trust me when I say this: Guys like Jon Priestly are nothing but trouble.

Ivy McAllister had it all. Perfect boyfriend. Perfect life. Perfect future. Or so they tell her. Because one night, on a dark country road, a fiery crash changed everything…and Ivy can’t remember what happened.

Now, two years later, at a new college far from home, she tries to regain control of her life, but her plans don’t include a tattooed, motorcycle-riding, indie music-obsessed guy with his own sorority girl fan club.

Jon Priestly is the hottest guy at Pacific State University. Just ask his groupies. But with a dark past he must keep hidden, he shuts himself off emotionally and trusts no one. That is…until he meets a broken girl with haunting green eyes and secrets of her own.

Ivy shouldn’t be attracted to Jon. They’re wrong for each other in every possible way. Yet as they spend time together, something about him—everything about him—feels so right.

But when threats from her past make her question what little she does remember, Ivy must decide whether to run again or trust the one person she can’t live without.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts College can be hard enough, even without the added trauma of the past. So when Ivy’s past pops up at her college is throws her into a tail spin. And just when she thinks that she will spiral out of control a knight in not-so-shiny armor comes to her rescue. The only problem is that he is everything she should never want.

Jon, might be well known on campus for all kinds of things. But he really wants is a future, stability and maybe love. Who would have ever though helping someone down from a tree would change his future.

I need to start by saying that I am not a huge new adult fan. I have found few new adult books that I have liked. So when I was asked to review Fall into Forever I was a little hesitant. But I read the blurb, though it sounded really good so I decided to give it a try. And I am glad I did. I enjoyed Fall into Forever. I think any fan of the new adult genre will enjoy Jon & Ivy’s story.

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

March 20, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews Four Friends by Robyn Carr

TITLE: Four Friends
CHARACTERS: Andy, Sonja, Gerri & BJ
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Gerri can’t decide what’s more devastating: learning her rock-solid marriage has big cracks, or the anger she feels as she tries to repair the damage. Always the anchor for friends and her three angst-ridden teenagers, it’s time to look carefully at herself. The journey for Gerri and her family is more than revealin—it’s transforming.

Andy doesn’t have a great track record with men, and she’s come to believe that for her a lasting love is out of reach. When she finds herself attracted to her down-to-earth, ordinary contractor—a man without any of the qualities that usually appeal to her—she questions everything she thought she wanted in life.

Sonja’s lifelong pursuit of balance is shattered when her husband declares he’s through with her New Age nonsense and walks out. There’s no herbal tonic or cleansing ritual that can restore her serenity—or her sanity.

Miraculously, it’s BJ, the reserved newcomer to Mill Valley, who steps into their circle and changes everything. The woman with dark secrets opens up to her neighbors, and together they get each other back on track, stronger as individuals and unfaltering as friends.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I had a hard time with this book. I usually love Robyn Carr’s writing but this just made me feel sad in the beginning. I never connected with any of these women or their men. Honestly I really didn’t care if any of them made their relationship work or not. The best part of the story was Bob (and Beau). He is a sweet guy.

I hate that I can’t rave about this book mainly because I love reading Carr’s books and have never been disappointed before but this one just didn’t do anything for me. I can see what Carr was trying to do. I can see the way she wanted to show the different ways a broken trust can change a person and how a cheating man can change a womans life but I hated that the books make it sound like every man is a cheater in some way.

There are some good parts in this book so I don’t want anyone to think that I hated the book. I didn’t. It just didn’t work for me but I will most certainly pick up the next book by Carr because she is one of the best.

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

March 19, 2014March 19, 2014

Guest blogger Elizabeth Michels talks about kisses and her newest release + a giveaway

I’m so excited to be here on Books-n-Kisses today to celebrate the release of the second book in the Tricks of the Ton series, Desperately Seeking Suzanna! And, what better juicy tidbits of this story to share with you on this fabulous blog than the first kiss scene between Holden and Sue. Technically, the first kiss in this story occurs on page 34 when Holden and Suzanna have an unexpected evening together at a masquerade ball…after she accidentally kicks him in the nose. But, when she disappears later that night, he spends the London season searching for her, only to find simple, girl-next-door, Sue Green, standing in his path.

Finally, on page 191, Holden realizes not only that Suzanna was a myth, but he has developed a fondness for the very real lady at his side on the bench in the garden…

She wasn’t sure at what point in his story she’d slid her hand down his arm to wrap her hand around his, but she glanced down to find their fingers entwined now. She should move. She should remove her hand from his grasp. Instead she squeezed his fingers and laid her other hand on his forearm, attempting to rub the tension away.

With his story came understanding. A few of the missing pieces that made him whole snapped together in her mind. Not all of them, but enough for now. “Your father can’t honestly hold you responsible for such a thing.”

“I can’t believe I told you any of this. What is it about you?” He glanced down at their joined hands, pulling away as if burned. Flexing his fingers for a moment, his gaze returned to her face with an intensity she hadn’t seen since they’d met on the stairs that night.

“Holden.” Her mouth went dry and she licked her lips. “This is why you try as you do to play the disreputable rake.”

“Might we return to the subject of wiggling toes?” His breathing seemed harsh as he looked at her.

“You wish to confirm your father’s presumptions about you. You try to sink to his expectations. I can’t say I blame you. I suppose…”

Unexpected warmth flooded her senses as he reached up to frame her face with his hands, pulling her closer. His kiss was harsh, punishing, but with a desperation she matched. She heard a startled whimper escape her throat as his lips moved over hers. Her hands fluttered in the air for a moment before landing on his chest. He pulled back, watching her. There was an awareness in his eyes that she didn’t quite trust, as if he remembered something he’d forgotten long ago.

Her lips parted in question, yet she had too many thoughts to ask. He’d released her lips but his hands held her head still. His thumbs brushed against the wisps of fallen hair at her temples.

Blinking up into dark green eyes and lips she wanted back on hers, she tugged on his lapels until his mouth met hers once more. He chuckled, the rough sound vibrating through her, only to be soothed by the softness of his mouth. His tongue traced the lines of her lips until she opened to him, allowing him in. Time must have passed but she was unaware of anything beyond his lips on hers.

His hands slid to the back of her neck as he tasted her, his warm skin heating hers more than a thousand suns. His lips slashed over hers, pulling her deepest desires from her, then delving for more. Exposed, in need, she bit at his bottom lip, dragging him into the spiral of longing with her. As if in a battle where neither side would surrender, she matched every movement he made. She’d learned. Whether he knew it or not, he’d been her teacher. Her hands were inside his coat now, splayed on his chest and slipping further around him with every passing second.

Nearness. That’s what she needed.

His body pressed close to hers. His hand moved down her neck, sliding down her back to rest on her hip. He pulled away with a lazy smile, his eyes darting across the garden. “Where’s a bedchamber when you need one?”

“Holden, we shouldn’t.”

“Yes, actually I believe we should.” He pulled her in for one more kiss, leaving her flustered, confused, and giddy.

She touched her fingers to her lips as he pulled away. He’d kissed her. Not Suzanna, her! Sue Green!

“For someone who hasn’t danced a quadrille before, you certainly are experienced,” he mused.

“You. Only you,” she whispered. Had she spoken aloud or only in her mind?

How do I go about writing a first kiss? There are 3 steps that lead to the creation of a scene like this one: longing, atmosphere and wine.

Longing- The characters have to earn that first kiss by surviving far too many pages of heartache. Readers have to want these two crazy characters to get together, and to cheer for it when it finally happens. Also, the characters have to finally reach that turning point in their relationship. This was a challenge in Desperately Seeking Suzanna because Holden had to have time to befriend Sue and then choose her over the image of Suzanna. And for a disreputable rake, he doesn’t move very fast. *grins*
Atmosphere- The couple must be alone with no prying eyes, preferably, in a location with a romantic atmosphere. This isn’t easy in Regency England when chaperones were required and matronly eyes were always watching.
Wine- This is the point when the characters have suffered, the setting is perfect, the couple is ready to turn that corner in their relationship, and I just need to pour a glass of wine, close the door to my office, and write it.

Thank you for hosting me on Books-n-Kisses today! I hope you enjoy Desperately Seeking Suzanna. What’s your favorite setting for a first kiss scene?

DESPERATELY SEEKING SUZANNA

IN STORES MARCH 2014

Her Cinderella Moment…

Sue Green just wanted one night to be the pretty one. But a few glasses of champagne and one wild disguise later, she’s in some serious trouble. Who knew the devastatingly handsome face of Lord Holden Ellis would get in the way of her foot? And how exactly did all that high-kick dancing start in the first place? At least she blamed it on her new persona—Suzanna—so Society’s most eligible bachelor will never find out the truth.

All Holden wants is the truth. Who was that vixen who seduced him so thoroughly, then disappeared? The only one who seems to have any answers about Suzanna is Miss Sue Green. She’s promised to help him find his mystery woman, but she’s not being all that helpful. And the more time Holden spends with Sue—witty, pretty, and disarmingly honest—the more he realizes he may have found exactly what he’s been looking for all along…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Michels grew up on a Christmas tree farm in rural South Carolina. After tip-toeing her way through school with her focus on ballet steps and her nose in a book, she met a boy and followed him a thousand miles away from home to Kansas City, Missouri, before settling down in North Carolina. She attended Park University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Interior Design. Elizabeth is a lover of happily-ever-afters; she invites you to read her stories, get lost, and enjoy. For more information, please visit http://www.elizabethmichels.com/

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March 19, 2014March 13, 2014

Kimberly reviews Sex & The Single Vamp by Robin Covington

TITLE: Sex and The Single Vamp
CHARACTERS: Cici & Deacon
AUTHOR: Robin Covington
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/24/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cici Trent, vampire and media darling, spends her days finding true love for humans and supernaturals (the “Others”) at her dating agency. But someone is trying to sabotage her business and she needs help. Unfortunately, the best man for the job is the one who broke her still-beating heart two hundred fifty-four years ago.

Deacon is a patient vampire. He’s only loved one woman in over three hundred years— CiCi— and she chose another. So when she shows up in his office asking for help, he finally has the chance to lay that demon to rest. He’ll help her, but for a price—a night in his bed.

Adrenaline, mischief, and a little late-night B&E light the passion that even a couple of lifetimes couldn’t put out. But Deacon has a secret and when Cici is suddenly mortal, his deception might be the only way restore her immortality. Can love bridge the gap between a heartbeat and forever?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This was a bit different of a vampire book. First both main characters are vampires already so there is none of the human/vampire interaction that makes up for most vampire romances. Second the world seems to know about vampires (and other paranormals) and they are almost a new segregated community.

There is suspense and romance. This is well written and interesting. It has only about 180 pages so it is a quick read good for between novels. If you are a fan of vampire romance and want a story that is a bit different then what is normally out there this is the one for you.

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

March 19, 2014March 8, 2014

Kelly reviews Dash Of Peril by Lori Foster

TITLE: Dash of Peril
SERIES #: Love Undercover
CHARACTERS: Dashiel Riske & Margo Peterson
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: March 25, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A no-nonsense female cop reluctantly teams up with the one man who makes her lose control in a deliciously sensual new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster…

To bring down a sleazy abduction ring, Lieutenant Margaret “Margo” Peterson has set herself up as bait. But recruiting Dashiel Riske as her unofficial partner is a whole other kind of danger. Dash is 6’4″ of laid-back masculine charm, a man who loves life—and women—to the limit. Until Margo is threatened, and he reveals a dark side that may just match her own.

Beneath Margo’s tough facade is a slow-burning sexiness that drives Dash crazy. The only way to finish this case is to work together side by side…skin to skin. And as their mission takes a lethal turn, he’ll have to prove he’s all the man she needs—in all the ways that matter

REVIEW:
This book was just alright for me. I didn’t love or hate it. I liked both Dash & Margo. But for some reason they just didn’t work for me.
I have not read any of the other books in this series but did enjoy a few moments with some of the other characters (ie. Rowdy). I do think I will give this series another try.

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

March 18, 2014March 9, 2014

What releases the week of March 17th? Check here!

Happy Release Week!!!!

Check Out These Great Reads That Come Out This Week!

And there are so many more to choose from.

Just click on a link to see what books are available.

March 18, 2014March 18, 2014

Guest Blogger: Vicky Dreiling + giveaway

The Glamorous Life of an Author

by Vicky Dreiling

It is a truth universally acknowledged that authors lead glamorous lives.

Not even close. At least I don’t. Fear not, there are some perks to living the life of an author. Prior to my gig as an author, I actually wore business casual clothes and drove to an office. Sometimes I flew all over the US and to some swanky places in Europe like London and Paris. Eventually, I gave up my marketing gig for the high life as an author. Now I have a different wardrobe. Depending on the season, it might consist of sweats or shorts, but my favorite is my Tinkerbell nightgown. Hey, don’t judge!

As a published author I live for the thrill of…. the UPS man. I love him because he brings my author copies of my books. I’m amazed at how athletic these guys are. I tell myself Mr. UPS is not running away from a scary looking woman decked out in the author height of fashion: A pink bathrobe over sweats (that would be moi).

You might feel sorry for authors. After all we dwell in solitude all the day long or so you might think. I assure you I have friends—you know, the imaginary ones who snatch the metaphorical keys and take over the scene. It’s quite irritating, so I frequently put them in character time out. The last time I did that they revolted. Never fear, I bribed them.

I admit I had my hands full when Colin and Angeline arrived on the scene. Now I knew a few things about the couple. Their families had been close all of their lives, but my budding couple had been at odds for many years after an unpleasant incident at Angeline’s debut. To be honest, they loathed each other until they found themselves in difficult circumstances at the annual house party. Here’s an excerpt from WHAT A RECKLESS ROGUE NEEDS.

What a Reckless Rogue Needs

The Sinful Scoundrels #2

Amazon| Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Books-a-Million

Will the Rogue’s Perfect Plan…

Colin Brockhurst, Earl of Ravenshire, has no desire to wed, this season or any other. So when his father demands he give up his wild ways and take a wife, Colin refuses. But his father raises the stakes and threatens to sell the ancestral home if Colin doesn’t comply. Now Colin has no choice but to find a wife. Unfortunately, the only woman he wants is the one whose heart he broke years ago.

Lead to the Perfect Seduction?

Regardless of the ton‘s whispers, Lady Angeline Brenham won’t settle for anything less than true love. After rejecting more than her share of suitable suitors, spinsterhood looms before her—until the devilishly handsome Colin reappears in her life with a proposition. Angeline vows to keep her feet on the ground and her heart in check. That is, until one searing kiss melts her resolve and reignites a burning desire for more.

How about an excerpt from What A Reckless Rogue Needs:

As Colin drew nearer, recognition dawned. The candlelight burnished her brunette hair and shed a mellow glow over her creamy complexion. He felt as if she’d knocked the breath out of him. Hell, she’d literally done it when he’d tried to give her a chaste kiss beneath the Christmas mistletoe a few years ago. She’d always had a sharp tongue, and he’d remained wary of her with good reason.

Angeline curtsied and regarded him with a shrewd smile. “Bonsoir, mon ami.”

Their relationship had always been closer to adversary than friend, but he’d not seen her in a long time. There was no question that she’d grown even more beautiful.

Angeline offered her gloved hand, and he bowed over it. He flicked his eyes quickly over her generous bosom. Colin mentally reminded himself to keep his gaze a very safe distance above her low neckline. “I suspect you’ve had more than a few Parisian admirers.”

Her one-shoulder shrug was all Gallic. “The French have a proverb: ‘Beautiful grapes often make poor wine.’” A sly expression flitted through her green eyes. “So I avoid the grapes and drink the wine.”

“Clever,” he said.

Angeline clapped her hands twice. “Girls, repair to the drawing room. The marchioness is expecting us.”

He offered his arm to her. “Shall we?”

“I don’t know. You look as if you’re facing a prison cell rather than a drawing room.”

He said nothing, but he’d always dreaded visits to his father’s home. He’d been at Eton when his father remarried, and on his infrequent stays at Deerfield, he’d never felt he belonged. It wasn’t as if they were estranged; it was just circumstances. He’d always felt a bit awkward here, and as a result, he didn’t visit often.

They entered the drawing room to the delighted exclamations of Angeline’s mother—the Duchess of Wycoff—and his stepmother, Margaret, the marchioness. He noted the proliferation of gray in the duchess’s hair, and the fine hair on his neck stiffened. The scandal must have created a great deal of vexation.

“I daresay they make a handsome pair,” the duchess said.

Colin winced. When they were children, their deluded families had concocted the idea of a match between them, all because they were born only a week apart. But that had happened when they were mere babes, before his mother’s death and his father’s second marriage.

“Unfortunately, Colin and Angeline are about as compatible as two spitting cats,” the marquess said.

“Chadwick, please mind your words,” Margaret said. “Oh, look what you’ve started. The girls are hissing at each other. Bianca, Bernadette, you will cease.”

His father had spoken the truth. Beyond the annual house party and the spring season, Colin and Angeline had done their best to avoid each other over the years, though they had not been entirely successful. Despite her outward civility this evening, he knew her capacity for causing trouble, and he could not afford to be distracted. The fate of Sommerall hung in the balance.

Don’t miss Kelly’s review of What a Reckless Rogue Needs HERE

GIVEAWAY TIME

Make sure to leave a comment or questions for Vicky (plus your email). Vicky has 2 copies of What a Reckless Rogue Needs up for grabs 🙂

A little about Vicky:

Vicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to the UK allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname her “Trouble.” When she’s not writing, Vicky enjoys reading, films, concerts, and most of all, long lunches with friends. A native Texan, she holds degrees in English literature and marketing.

Email: vicky@vickydreiling.com

Publicist: Melissa Sangiocomo

Grand Central Publishing, Publicity
237 Park Avenue NYC, NY 10017

March 18, 2014March 16, 2014

Kelly reviews What A Reckless Rogue Needs by Vicky Dreiling

TITLE: What a Reckless Rogue Needs
SERIES #: The Sinful Scoundrels #2
CHARACTERS: Colin Brockhurst & Angelina Brenham
AUTHOR: Vicky Dreiling
PUBLICATION DATE: March 25 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Will the Rogue’s Perfect Plan…

Lead to the Perfect Seduction?

Regardless of the ton’s whispers, Lady Angeline Brenham won’t settle for anything less than true love. After rejecting more than her share of suitable suitors, spinsterhood looms before her—until the devilishly handsome Colin reappears in her life with a proposition. Angeline vows to keep her feet on the ground and her heart in check. That is, until one searing kiss melts her resolve and reignites a burning desire for more.

REVIEW:
What does love got to do with it?
Well if you are Colin’s father you think it has everything to do with everything. But two can play at that game. Colin will do anything to keep his father from selling the piece of land where his mother is buried. But in order to do that he needs to prove to his father that he is serious. Only problem Colin’s father has told him that he can only inherited the property if he can find a bride. Problem is, Colin doesn’t want to marry. Well at least not yet.

Angelina is still trying to recover from her broken engagement. While she may have not done anything wrong no one know that. They only know the lies that have been spun by a very evil person. But in order to regain her place in the world would she marry for convenience?

What a Reckless Rogue Needs is book two in Vicky’s The Sinful Scoundrels series. In What a Reckless Rogue Needs we get a closer look into what makes Colin tick. I have enjoyed all the snippets we have got of Colin in the past. There is much more to Colin than meets the eye. I loved Angelina. She is feisty, sweet and willing to do just about anything for her family. These two were great to read.

If you enjoyed book 1 you will really like book 2. If you are a fan of historical I think you will enjoy What a Reckless Rogue Needs. While I think that you should read the series in order it is not necessary. This story easily stand alone.

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

March 18, 2014March 8, 2014

Kimberly reviews Book Lovers by Various Authors

TITLE: Book Lovers: Sexy Stories from Under The Covers
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Varies
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Forget poorly written prose and clichéd love scenes: Book Lovers answers the call for sexy literature with substance. This collection of toe-curling tales written by and for word-worshippers offers well-crafted fiction and creative nonfiction that connects literature to libido. From a Vonnegut-inspired tryst to an imaginary ménage à trois with Henry Miller and Anaïs Nin, the book encompasses a veritable buffet of literary fantasies.

Whether they’re conjuring Junot Díaz between the sheets or dreaming of a modern-day enactment of Wuthering Heights—this time refusing Edgar in favor of lusty, bodice-ripping nights with Heathcliff—the stories in Book Lovers are designed for readers’ brains and bodies.

Includes contributions from Izabella St. James, Slash Coleman, Trina Calderón, Cara Bruce, and Stephanie Auteri.

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts Ok this book is just odd. Some stories are better than others and some are much worse. So it is as if pretty much a bunch of (mostly unknown) authors were ask to write a 10 page erotic story about their favorite book. In the style of Fan Fiction for lack of a better description. And I will be honest I have not read most of the “classics” these shorts are based on.

Maybe this is your style. It was not mine.

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

March 17, 2014March 13, 2014

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Books-n-Kisses.com

March 17, 2014March 15, 2014

Interview & Giveaway with Leisl Leighton

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome 1st time guest Leisl Leighton to the blog today. Leisl, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I am a tall red head with an overly large imagination. As a child, I identified strongly with Anne of Green Gables. A voracious reader and a born performer, it came as no surprise to anyone when I did a double major in English Literature and Drama for my BA, then went on to a career as an actor, singer and dancer, as well as script writer, stage manager and musical director for cabaret and theatre restaurants (one of which I co-owned and ran for six years).

After starting a family I stopped performing and instead, began writing the stories that had been plaguing my dreams. My stories have won and placed in many competitions in Australia and the US, including the STALI, Golden Opportunities, Heart of the West, Linda Howard Award of Excellence, Touch of Magic and many others.

I live in the leafy suburbs of Melbourne, Australia with my two beautiful boys, lovely hubby, overly spunky dog, Buffy and improbably named white cat, Ezmerelda. I love to spend time with family and friends, sometimes sing in a choir and perform solo and have a penchance for trying unusual x-treme things. I work as a swim teacher in my day-to-day job.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I always wanted to do something creative. Having a family put a halt on me performing on stage as often as I wanted to and I’d written scripts on and off for years which I always loved doing. English was always one of my favourite subjects, creative writing a bliss, so it wasn’t too far-fetched a stretch from that to writing the stories that inhabited all my dreams.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

Ooh, tough one. I think, probably, I always write really interesting and fun secondary characters that always threaten to steal the scene. But that’s okay because that just means I’ll need to give them a book sometime soon.

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

Dark Moon is the first in a paranormal series, The Witch-Were Chronicles. It is about a reluctant Witch and an Alpha Were torn by his loyalty to Pack and his budding feelings for the woman who would be his mate.

Blurb:

Lately, Skye Collins has been unable to shake the feeling that she’s being watched. After a lifetime spent hiding her true nature, she knows that any unusual attention is something to be wary of. And the only attention she’s been receiving lately is from the intense and attractive Jason McVale.

Jason claims to know things about Skye that can’t be true, and it’s obvious he’s hiding secrets of his own. Yet despite herself, Skye can’t resist the attraction between them, and her surrender will set in motion a chain of events that will have consequences for everyone she holds dear.

Gradually, Jason convinces Skye that she has to trust him if she is to solve the riddle of her past and learn the truth about her power. But believing Jason means that her entire life has been based on a lie.

As her enemies gather strength and the danger increases, Skye is forced to accept who she really is. Will she risk everything and fight for those she loves? Or save herself and let them be destroyed by the forces of darkness?

How did you come with the idea for this story?

It actually just started as a scene where a woman was knocked down on the ski slopes by an out of control snowboarder (something that had happened to me many a time). But in the dreams that I had about this, the snowboarder (unlike the reality of what had happened to me) was unbelievably gorgeous and the girl felt an instant spark of reaction to him. As I wrote her story, it soon became apparent that there was a paranormal aspect to my characters and that spark she felt was something more than just sexual attraction.

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

I am currently working on the 2^nd and 3^rd in The Witch-Were Chronicles series, Healer Moon and Blood Moon.

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

If I could go back in time, it would have to be Shakespeare. He had a fascinating mind, an ability to create his own language and to take old stories and make them into something new. He was also prolific and incredibly visual.

If I couldn’t go back in time, hmm…

I am lucky in that I’ve met quite a few of my favourite Australian authors already (and a lovelier, more generous bunch of writers you’d be hard-pressed to meet), but I think I’d like to meet Nora Roberts or Raymond E. Feist. Nora, because I’d like to find out how she manages her time, how she comes up with so many stories and makes her characters so convincing, and Raymond simply because he is my favourite fantasy author and I’d love to just chat to him about Pug, Jimmy the Hand and all their cohorts and find out where they’ve gone now he’s finished with the series.

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

Read. Write. Read some more. Write some more. Go to workshops. Read some writing books. Learn from them. Keep reading. Keep writing. Try out some comps. Get yourself a good critique partner or two. Join a writing group. Join something like RWA and just keep going. Talent is part of the equation, but persistence is also in there too.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I don’t really have a bucket list. I’ve always made a point to try the things I want to do. I’ve travelled overseas, have been parachuting, have done white water and black water rafting, climbed up a volcano (although I’d like to go up one that was a little more bubbly), have been caving, done abseiling, I horse ride, ski, and last year did a rap jump (forward abseiling down a 6 story building) with my sister. I would love to travel more, though, travel back to some of my favourite places in the world (I love Italy) and visit more places in the world to experience their flavor, their history, would therefore be on any bucket list that I have.

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

I can’t wait to sink my teeth into Nalini Singh’s next book in the Psy-Changeling series (still not out yet, but soon), and also MJ Scott’s next one in her Half-Light City series. And Anne Gracie’s next novel is high on my list too – I just love her stories set in a much more gracious world than ours – if harder.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for having me as a guest on your blog. It’s been a lot of fun answering your 10 questions.

I would also like to give away a kindle copy of Dark Moon to one of your readers. Being in Australia, there is a little bit of a region problem – so I can send anyone outside Australia an Amazon gift voucher so they can buy Dark Moon in whatever region they’re in.

Dark Moon is out on March 15^th. You can buy it here:

Amazon | Kobo | Destiny Romance | iBooks | Google Play

Leisl’s romantic suspense, Killing Me Softly is out now:

Amazon | Kobo | iBooks |Destiny Romance | Google Play

You can follow Leisl and find out more about her and her books on her website: www.leislleighton.com

Facebook| Goodreads | Follow her on Twitter @LeislLeighton

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