Kelly reviews Fear For Me by Cynthia Eden

TITLE: Fear For Me: A Novel of the Bayou Butcher
CHARACTERS: Anthony Ross & Lauren Chandler
AUTHOR: Cynthia Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: November 12, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s the obsession two men share: one wants her love, the other wants her life.
A shared passion for justice first brought Baton Rouge district attorney Lauren Chandler and US marshal Anthony Ross together—when each played their part in bringing down the infamous Bayou Butcher. The sparks flying between the two made it clear they weren’t just a legal dream team. Then desire had to make way for duty, and what they had was done. But it would never be over.
Five years later, it’s none other than the Butcher who gets things started again, when his shocking jailbreak reunites the lawyer and the lawman…and reignites their love. But this time, the pair is in danger of being permanently parted—by a killer with revenge on his mind, and Lauren on the top of his list. As a new wave of terror sweeps through the streets and swamps of Baton Rouge, one man will pit his boundless passion against another relentless hate, for the life of the woman who obsesses them both.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts
5 years.
5 years he has waited.
5 years he has planned and today is the day that he will finally get his revenge on those who put him here.

This was a disturbingly good story. I have often said that the mind of a suspense author is a very scary place to be. Cynthia Eden has proven that again with Fear For Me. If you have read Die For Me: A Novel of the Valentine Killer, you will see a few familiar names in Fear For Me. But if you have not read Die For Me yet, I would suggest that you do. Fear For Me my hold a spoiler.
I really enjoyed this book and the twists and turns made me a little afraid to close my eyes and try to sleep. While I feel a little strange saying that I can’t wait for Cynthia’s next serial killer. I am looking forward to Scream For Me (Feb 4, 2014)

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

November 28, 2013November 20, 2013

Interview with Emma Rights

Hi Emma, Welcome to Books-n-Kisses.

Can you describe your writing style in 140 characters or less.

Organic, off-the-seat-of-my-pants writer.

Where do you do your best writing?
Anywhere–as long as little voices are not asking me about ten questions every fifteen minutes.

What do you do if you ever suffer from writer’s block?

Go read a book or go for a walk with my dog.

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

Pantser, but plotter-wanna-be.

How did your current book come about?

We’ve all been there–at least those of us who are over 21–revving to grow up, the world at our feet, the stars reachable. Wonderful ,wondrous future. But in wanting to get there, we forget to smell the roses, we trample on thorns and we get sorely poked and pricked, and alas, some of the barbs could be poisonous. Except for the Grace that watches over me, over you, (call it LUCK if you wish), all it might have taken for any of us to take that wrong path was that wrong turn, that grabbing of something that looked too good to pass up on. This, coupled with a strong desire to make it in life, might blind any of us, and we can end up grabbing at the adder’s tail.

That is the story of Dead Dreams; of Brie O’Mara, a good girl; someone who’d never even gotten a traffic ticket, even a Miss Goodie Two-shoes. But, let’s face it we can all be tempted, just a tiny bit. And sometimes that’s all it takes to have things spiral out of control.

Can you see parts of yourself in any of the characters?

I can see that back when I was eighteen–only about a century ago, at least it feels that way–I could have been just as caught off guard as Brie. I know, I know, naive…some have said. But it’s true, though.

Once we finish this book and fall in love with your characters, we are going to want the next book immediately. What can you tell your readers to help calm their hunger for more?

Sign up for my newsletter. I will give a “snoop” preview and also at the end of the year I would need Beta readers so if there’s anyone out there wanting to see previews even way before the book is completed, please sign on. I only send out newsletters 4-5 times–at most–throughout the whole year. Also, by the time I send it out to Beta readers it would have been about 75% ready. I’d only need about 10 Beta readers so sign up early.

When you started your book, did you plan on writing it as a series, or did it just grow into one?

It grew on its on -promise! That’s why Dead Dreams ends as a cliff hanger. It wasn’t my fault. The mystery was more intense–and more diabolical– than when I first planned.

Quick Round:

If you could be any paranormal being, which would it be?

An angel.

Light or dark chocolate?

Dark.

Favorite color?

Pink.

Dogs or cats?

Cats

E-reader or print book?

E-book–a recent change of heart here.

Night owl or early bird?

Night owl.

Name one food you would never eat?

Frogs.

If you could have any automobile, which would you have?

Hummer.

Want to learn more about Emma and her books? Check her out here: http://www.emmaright.com | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest | Twitter

*****

Dead Dreams

Book 1, a young adult psychological thriller and contemporary mystery.

Genre: YA for ages 13 AND UP

Published AUG 2013

Goodreads

Eighteen-year-old Brie O’Mara has so much going for her: a loving family in the sidelines, an heiress for a roommate, and dreams that might just come true. Big dreams–of going to acting school, finishing college and making a name for herself. She is about to be the envy of everyone she knew. What more could she hope for? Except her dreams are about to lead her down the road to nightmares. Nightmares that could turn into a deadly reality.

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkcU1jBMMZc

Music video: http://youtu.be/uM7MI_3vqyo

Dream cast video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12bSNSh-ld4

Author’s Bio & Picture:
Emma Right is a happy wife and home school mother of five living in the Pacific West Coast of the USA. Besides running a busy home, and looking after their five pets, which includes two cats, two bunnies and a long-haired dachshund, she also writes stories for her children. When she doesn’t have her nose in a book, she is telling her kids to get theirs in one.

Right worked as a copywriter for two major advertising agencies and won several awards, including the prestigious Clio Award for her ads, before she settled down to have children.

Author Links:

Giveaway:

1 Paperback copy of DEAD DREAMS (DOMESTIC ONLY – ebook for International)

1 Amazon Gift Card for $15
a Rafflecopter giveaway

November 28, 2013November 3, 2013

Thursday’s Thought… Happy Thanksgiving

November 28, 2013November 24, 2013

Jennifer reviews The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

TITLE: The Naturals
SERIES #: The Naturals #1
CHARACTERS: Cassie, Michael and Dean
AUTHOR: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Seventeen-year-old Cassie is a natural at reading people. Piecing together the tiniest details, she can tell you who you are and what you want. But, it’s not a skill that she’s ever taken seriously. That is, until the FBI come knocking: they’ve begun a classified program that uses exceptional teenagers to crack infamous cold cases, and they need Cassie.

What Cassie doesn’t realize is that there’s more at risk than a few unsolved homicides – especially when she’s sent to live with a group of teens whose gifts are as unusual as her own. Soon, it becomes clear that no one in the Naturals program is what they seem. And when a new killer strikes, danger looms close. Caught in a lethal game of cat and mouse with a killer, the Naturals are going to have to use all of their gifts just to survive.

REVIEW:
Cassie lost her mother to a killer and has been haunted by that memory ever since. She also has the gift of being able to get into a person’s head and determine things about them just by looking at them. This talent gets her noticed by the FBI and they soon recruit her to be a part of a teenage task force known as The Naturals. The Naturals each have a different skill involving perception that helps agents solve cases and find the identity of killers that have eluded them. To Cassie, this means everything because there is one case that she has always wanted to find answers to, the unsolved murder of her mother and now a copycat killer is trying to finish what was started so long ago.

I loved the premise of this book when I first heard about it and The Naturals had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved Cassie and I could feel her initial apprehension about joining this group but I wouldn’t have been able to turn down an opportunity such as this either. The Naturals was an amazing thrill ride of suspense that made it hard for me to put down. I loved the dual viewpoints where the reader was able to see things through Cassie’s eyes as well as the killer’s eyes and knowing that made the book even more exciting. This was an intriguing story with engaging characters that has made me a permanent fan of of Ms. Barnes and hopeful that the sequel in this series is just as thrilling as The Naturals.

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

November 28, 2013November 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Window by Michele Renae

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

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An erotic romance behind glass

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

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

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

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

Or this bold…

Paris Secrets
Do you dare?

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

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

November 27, 2013November 24, 2013

Legend of Me and The Winter People Cover Reveal and Giveaway

Today Rebekah Purdy and Entangled Teen Ember are revealing the covers for LEGEND OF ME,
releasing in early 2014. And THE WINTER PEOPLE, releasing July 1, 2014! Check
out the gorgeous covers, exclusive excerpts, and enter to win an eARC of each!

On to the reveals!

About
the Book

LEGEND OF ME

Author: Rebekah Purdy

Release Date: Early 2014

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Goodreads

Sixteen-year-old Brielle has grown up hearing tales of a beast that kills humans, leaving behind only a scattering of bones and limbs. Or so the village elders say. She thinks it’s just their way of keeping children in line, though it doesn’t explain her grisly premonitions of blood, claws, and severed heads. When Lord Kenrick, Knight of the Crowhurst Order, shows up asking questions about the legendary monster and Brielle finds a mangled body in the woods, she begins to wonder if the grim stories are true. Her attraction to the handsome knight grows as she spends time with him searching for clues to the creature’s existence, and she becomes even more
determined to help him discover the beast’s location.

But as her seventeenth birthday approaches, her nightmares worsen. If Brielle doesn’t figure out the connection between Kenrick, the monster, and visions of a ghostly woman in the woods soon, more people could die. Including those closest to her…

Exclusive Excerpt!

Brambles scratched my legs, snagging my skirt. Gnarled trees bent in gruesome forms, while thick shadows splayed out beneath them. A heavy gloom settled over the woodland as wisps of fog slithered like snakes against the ground. I shivered. Don’t think. I picked an animal trail to follow, stepping over dead branches and forest debris. Blood pounded in my ears and the hair on the back of my neck prickled. I twisted around to glance behind me.

Nothing there. Only the trees. Urgency gripped hold of me and I picked up my pace once more. As I scrambled through the thicket, an overwhelming scent of rotten meat made me gag. I covered my mouth with my hand and stopped running when a bright red piece of fabric caught my eye. With hesitant steps, I moved toward it.

“Oh God.” I stumbled. There, sticking out from beneath a barberry bush was a severed arm, its finger pointed at me in accusation. My breath came in gasps as I scanned the rest of the clearing. My foot nudged against something and I looked down in horror to find the head of Liam Gatekeeper staring up at me. I screamed, backing away as fast as I could. All around me were pieces of his body scattered like breadcrumbs. I shielded my eyes with my hands, until I bumped into something else.

With another scream, I whipped around only to find myself faced with an oak tree covered in dried blood and deep claw marks. My vision darkened and I prayed I wouldn’t faint, that I wouldn’t be stuck in the woods. Because somewhere out here, a monster lurked. If I didn’t believe it before, I did now. The beast was real.

About
the Book

THE WINTER PEOPLE

Author: Rebekah Purdy

Release Date: July 1, 2014

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Pages: 320

ISBN: 978-1622663682

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes
& Noble

An engrossing, complex, romantic fantasy perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore or Maggie Stiefvater, set in a wholly unique world.

Salome Montgomery fears winter—the cold, the snow, the ice, but most of all, the frozen pond she fell through as a child. Haunted by the voices and images of the strange beings that pulled her to safety, she hasn’t forgotten their warning to “stay away.” For eleven years, she has avoided the winter woods, the pond, and the darkness that lurks nearby. But when failing health takes her grandparents to Arizona, she is left in charge of maintaining their estate. This includes the “special gifts” that must be left at the back of the property.

Salome discovers she’s a key player in a world she’s tried for years to avoid. At the center of this world is the strange and beautiful Nevin, who she finds trespassing on her family’s property. Cursed with dark secrets and knowledge of the creatures in the woods, his interactions with Salome take her life in a new direction. A direction where she’ll have to decide between her longtime crush Colton, who could cure her fear of winter. Or Nevin who, along with an appointed bodyguard, Gareth, protects her from the darkness that swirls in the snowy backdrop. An evil that, given the chance, will kill her.

Exclusive Excerpt!

The sky darkened with ominous storm clouds. Giant flakes fell onto my face, sticking to my eyelashes and cheeks. Snow blew unhindered across the yard into what looked like small tornadoes.

Oh God. It’s happening again. The frigid air. The creaking of the treetops beneath the wind. Even the way the snow blew across the yard. I only had one more feeder. Just needed to toss the seeds in then I could leave. Be safe.

The pond water rippled, while the trees bent beneath the strong gusts. Soon, everything became so white I couldn’t see the house. In the distance a strange tinkling sounded, like dozens of wind chimes.

What had the shrink told me to do?

Ten, nine, eight. Breathe. Seven, six, five. Shit!

Panic stole my thoughts. I backed away from the pond as the flurries swirled toward me. Chasing me.

Then, I bumped into something—something that felt quite human. A firm chest, arms, hands. Not something, someone. A shriek tumbled from my lips and I spun around to face my captor.

“It’s okay. I won’t hurt you,” a soft masculine voice said, pale hands clinging to my arms as he kept me from falling.

My gaze followed those long fingers, up black leather sleeves, to the most gorgeous face I’d ever seen. My breath caught in my throat. I’m gawking. But I couldn’t help it. His raven hair shot with strands of blue, his face pale and perfect, like an ice sculptor had chiseled it into existence. His eyes—oh God, his eyes. They were the palest blue I’d ever seen. Glacial. He had to be over six feet tall, muscles evident through the tight shirt he wore beneath an unzipped jacket.

His mouth turned up at the corners as if enjoying my scrutiny. A cocky grin that made my cheeks warm.

“You’re trespassing.” I tried to keep the tremble from my voice.

“This is private property, or can’t you read the signs?” Bravo, that’s right, scare him off with your bitchiness.

He chuckled. And it sounded like the low song of the chimes. “Doris doesn’t mind me coming around. In fact, I’ve met you before, Salome.”

My name on his lips made my knees go buttery. I groaned inwardly.

“You know my grandma?” I fidgeted with the bucket still in hand.

He gave a nod. “Yeah, I’ve known her for years. But I haven’t seen you since you were a child.”

Warning bells went off in my mind, but I pushed them aside. If he knew my grandma, then he must be okay.

“Funny, I don’t remember you at all.”

“Don’t you, Salome?” Strands of my hair blew about my face. He reached a hand out as if to touch them then stopped, dropping his arms back to his side.

“No. Grandma’s never mentioned you.”

He gave me another cocky grin. “Well then, maybe we should be reacquainted.”

“Or maybe not.” I snorted. “I’m not sure how you got on the property, Grandma keeps all the gates locked.”

He produced an antique-looking skeleton key. “She gave me this. Like I said, Doris has known me for a long time.”

“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be a jerk or anything, it’s just my grandma never mentioned I’d have visitors.” In fact, I wondered why she didn’t ask this guy to watch her house instead of me.

The arrogance left his face and he stared at me. “Perhaps, we can try this again.” He held his hand out to me.

“I’m Nevin.”

About
Rebekah:

Rebekah was born and raised in Michigan (just look for the mitten-shaped state on the map). She’s lived there most of her life other than the few years she spent in the U.S. Army. At which time she got a chance to experience MO, KS, SC, and CA.

She works full time for the court system and in her free time she writes YA stories. Pretty much any genre within the YA realm is game for her, but her favorites are fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, thrillers, light sci-fi, and some time travel.

She also has a big family–she like to considers them the modern day Brady Bunch. When her hubby and her met and got married, he had 3 children from a previous marriage, she had 2 and have 1 together. It’s a lot of fun though. And she can’t forget her other family members–yep, they’ve got some pets: 4 dogs, 3 cats, and 1 turtle. Everyone in the family has one…she won’t bore you all with their names (unless you really want to know). Okay, you talked her into it! Jack, Pearl, Grr…(yes that’s her dog’s name), Callie, Shadow, Mooshoo, Grouchy, and Sorbert.

Other than writing some of her other hobbies include: reading (mostly YA of course), singing, swimming, football, soccer, running, camping, sledding, church, hanging with her kids, and traveling. She belong to a fabulous writing group called YA Fiction Fantatics (YAFF) and you guessed it they all write YA!

Website /Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 eARC
of LEGEND OF ME International

1 eARC
of THE WINTER PEOPLE International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

November 27, 2013November 27, 2013

Wild Card Book Spotlight and Review

It was bad enough that gods gambled with human souls, but Catherine Sharp’s soul just had to be won by the Greek goddess of Discord, Eris. As if working a dead-end tech support job didn’t suck the life out of her as it was. Now, Cat finds herself performing random tasks for the goddess in her free time.

But when Coyote, the Native American trickster himself, claims to have won her own soul in Mayhem’s weekly poker game, Cat wants in on the action. With five sneaky gods upping the ante, Cat needs to find a way to collect the winning chips that could save her soul.

Marius, a handsome yet irritating satyr with his own debt to Eris, might finally come in handy for something. If they play their cards right and work together, Cat and Marius may just get their freedom back. If they don’t kill each other—or fall in love—first.

Amazon/B&N/Goodreads

About the Author:

After a misspent adulthood pursuing a Music Education degree, JAMIE WYMAN fostered several interests before discovering that being an author means never having to get out of pajamas. (However, she can eat/spin fire, tell you a lot about auditioning to be a Blue Man, and read/write in Circular Gallifreyan.) As an author, Jamie’s favorite playgrounds are urban fantasy, horror and creepy carnival settings. When she’s not traipsing about with her imaginary friends, she lives in Phoenix with two hobbits and two cats. She is proud to say she has a deeply disturbed following at her blog.

Website/Twitter/Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Wild Card

Review (4 Stars): After years of service for Eris, Catherine Sharp finally gets the opportunity to get her soul back by attending a prestigious party with the handsome satyr, Marius. What Catherine finds is that her soul has become a pawn in a weekly card game of the Greek gods and it is up to her to get all the bargaining chips back from the players to win back her soul. Each of them have their own agenda for trying to win Catherine’s soul and hopefully she can get the chips back before everyone tries to kill each other.

I wasn’t sure what to make of this book when I first started reading it but I am happy to say that I really enjoyed it by the end. I liked Catherine from the beginning and she just seemed to have the bad luck of losing her soul to the Greek goddess, Eris. She had a talent with fixing computers and was able to fix any hard drive or network in a matter of minutes when the problem had her co-workers stumped for hours. I knew there had to be something special about her because the gods were literally fighting over her and it was amazing when she finally figured out what that gift was.

Marius was an interesting character even though he was a jerk most of the time. He had quite a few secrets that he was keeping from Cat and through most of the book, you kept wondering what his real intentions were. I loved the scenes that he had with Cat because they were the exact polar opposites and some of the things that Cat did to him was absolutely hilarious.

Wild Card was a fun action-packed thrill ride set amidst the decadent Las Vegas nightlife. I loved how Jamie mixed Greek Mythology throughout this book which added to its atmosphere and made it more enjoyable for me. I am looking forward to reading more from Ms. Wyman in the future.

November 27, 2013November 24, 2013

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

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

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

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

REVIEW:
Holiday erotica wrapped up in an enjoyable package.

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

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

November 27, 2013November 3, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 26, 2013November 20, 2013

Release Day Madness 11.26.13

Happy Release Day!!!!

What are you getting this week?

Did I miss your favorite?

Send me an email at kelly(at)books-n-kisses.com and let me know of any upcoming releases you want featured on Tuesday’s Release Day Madness.

November 26, 2013November 20, 2013

Interview & Giveaway with Donya Lynne

Donya, welcome to Books-n-Kisses. Can you please share with us a little about yourself

I live in Indianapolis, Indiana, enjoy writing with my window open even when it’s a tad nippy outside, and love listening to all kinds of music when I’m writing. And I’m a huge cat lover.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes. I’ve been writing since grade school, and always knew I wanted to be a writer, but it took me until I was 42 years old to become confident enough in my skills as a storyteller to take the plunge. Thankfully, the risk paid off and readers seem to like the worlds I’m creating. In hindsight, there is really nothing else I could have been than an author. Everything in my childhood, from my hobbies, to school, to the way my mind works, to my tendency to daydream stories inside my head almost nonstop, should have told me to go to college to study creative writing.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I get ideas from everywhere. Yesterday I watched a TV show called 16 and Pregnant, and while the show was still on, I was already developing a story idea in my mind. I can read about bullying in The New York Times and suddenly get an idea for a story or character. Even commercials have sparked ideas. I feel as if I can take any idea, no matter how dark or challenging, and turn it into a good story readers will want to read. I love turning hardships or the unbelievable into emotional character journeys or viable plots readers can see happening.

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

Return of the Assassin is book five in my award winning All the King’s Men Series and is already continuing the award-winning trend by being named a finalist in the RWA Heart of the West contest before the manuscript was even finalized.

In Return of the Assassin, the heroine, an assassin named Gina, has an abusive past that left her barren. Between the traumatic memories of her abuse and the low self-worth at the thought she can’t bear children, she has no interest in being mated again, but when she meets Malek, a flutter of desire sparks to life in her soul that she can’t ignore. But Malek is also dealing with an agonizing past. Malek was once mated, but she died. Now he’s formed a mating link to Gina that he doesn’t want to acknowledge, because he never truly accepted the death of his first mate. Divided between two desires—1) to keep his first mate’s memory intact, and 2) the need to mate Gina—Malek’s mind fractures and he falls into the vampire phenomenon known as suffering. If Malek and Gina can’t move past their fears, they’ll lose each other forever.

Plus, there is a healthy dose of danger and tension as a pair of vicious vampires hunts Gina for blood vengeance. There are lot of twists and turns in this one, and the story was very intricate since so much was happening, but I’m delighted with the final product. Return of the Assassin is a heart-wrenching story of learning to let go of the past to embrace the present and live for the future, and many readers have told me this is their favorite in the series so far, and almost all have said they needed to reach for a box of Kleenex a time or two. I always feel as though I’ve succeeded when readers tell me one of my stories touched them so deeply they cried.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Return of the Assassin was the logical progression of the series, but a lot of the plot ideas occurred to me when I decided to introduce a bunch of characters into the AKM Series from an old project I worked on but never got published. I loved the characters I created for that other project, and I thought it was a waste that they weren’t going to be seen by readers, so I decided to bring them in. A few of them get introduced in this latest book, but still more will come along later, but all of the new characters have added a wonderful richness and depth to the series, especially my bad guys. I love a good bad guy, don’t you?

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

Of course. I have a few WIPs, but the ones highest on the radar are an AKM mini-prequel that will serve as a lead-in to the first book in the series, Rise of the Fallen. Next year, I’ll begin work on the major prequel, which I’m really excited about. Other than that, book one of my upcoming Mark Strong Chronicles, Good Karma, is in its second round of edits. Good Karma is a contemporary romance with an erotic spin, and I’m in love with my main characters, Mark Strong and Karma Mason. They’re both so playful and witty. Book two of that series, Bad Karma, is in the draft phase, as is the next book in the AKM Series, Bound Guardian Angel. BGA is Trace’s book, and fans have been dying for this one since book one, and from what I’m getting from the characters, it won’t disappoint. I already drafted one of the love scenes, and I think readers will have to peel themselves off the ceiling when they read it.

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

There are so many, but I think I’d like to meet Stephen King, even though I haven’t read but a couple of his books. But he’s the master, and he’s so inspiring. I also like that he says it like it is. People who don’t mince words are refreshing.

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

KNOW WHAT READERS WANT and give it to them. Writing is not for someone who only cares about making him/herself happy and/or rich. There is something known as the writer/reader agreement, and every author who publishes a book enters into it. This agreement states that the author agrees to give the readers what they want and that their story will be well-written, well-edited, entertaining, and will follow the rules specific to its genre (ie. In romance, there is always a happily ever after; otherwise, it’s not romance. In erotica, the sexual relationship comes first, the romance (if any) is second. Each genre comes with a set of “rules” the author must follow or she/he breaks their agreement with the reader). Writers must write with the readers in mind. Those who don’t, fail. So, it’s highly advisable to study good writing technique specific to the genre the author is interested in so he or she can learn what the readers want.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I would love to be a cat breeder someday. When I was a kid, we had tons of cats, and I loved when a new litter was born. Another item on my bucket list is to visit Italy someday, and the hubby and I want to take an RV and travel across the country. That would be a treat.

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 for Gayle Forman’s next book, the sequel to Just One Day. That book was unputdownable, and I’ve been waiting impatiently for the sequel for months. Forman has become my new favorite author. Another book I’m looking forward to is the final book in The Taker Trilogy by Alma Katsu. The first two books were spellbinding and so well written. She is a gifted writer and a joy to read.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just that Micah wants to say hi to all the ladies out there. He’s a hoot, and right now, in my head, he’s got his shirt off and a bottle of baby oil in his hand, with this wicked, mischievous look on his face, as if he’s teasing everyone that he’s going to oil himself down and do a striptease.*sigh* Micah, Micah, Micah. He’s my most intense character, but also the biggest clown.

*****

Return of the Assassin

All the King’s Men – Book 5

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | All Romance eBooks

3rd place winner – RWA Heart of the West contest

“If you’ve been waiting for the next Black Dagger Brotherhood, this is it…” -GraveTells Review

Assassin Gina Carano doesn’t have time for love. In fact, the last thing she wants is a mate. But Gina can’t stop thinking about Malek, the handsome AKM enforcer she met in Chicago. And now she’s beginning to fear Malek’s memory is the reason for her crippling panic attacks, which have assaulted her relentlessly since she left him.

Malek has never dealt with the centuries-old death of his first mate, but now that he’s formed a new mating link to Gina, he has no choice. Stuck between the agony of mourning and the despair of being without Gina, his mind fractures as he attempts to reconcile the two halves of himself.

When Gina botches a hit on two vicious vampires in Miami, she reluctantly flees back to Chicago, where Malek must choose between the past and the future before he loses Gina forever.

Warning: This book contains explicit sexual content, sensitive subject matter, references to non-traditional/alternative lifestyles, and profanity.

Donya Lynne Bio

Donya Lynne is the author of the award winning All the King’s Men Series. Making her home in a wooded suburb north of Indianapolis with her husband, Donya has lived in Indiana most of her life and knew at a young age that she was destined to be a writer. She started writing poetry in grade school and won her first short story contest in fourth grade. In junior high, she began writing romantic stories for her friends, and by her sophomore year, they had dubbed her Most Likely to Become a Romance Novelist. In 2012, she made that dream come true by publishing her first two novels and two novellas. She has several more stories planned for the AKM Series, as well as two sister series that are in development.

Author Links: Donya Lynne Fan Page | AKM Reader Group | Donya Lynne Profile | Donya Lynne’s Blog | Donya Lynne’s Website

*****

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

I have one e-copy of Return of the Assassin to giveaway. To Enter please fill out the 1st Rafflecopter below (2nd is for Grand prize drawing)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Two Grand Prizes will be given away at the end of the tour, drawing to be held on Christmas Day (Merry Christmas!). A rafflecopter code is included below for each blogger to include in their post. The first name drawn will have their choice of the following two prizes, and the second name drawn will receive the other. The two prizes are valued at $210 each and include:

Grand Prize #1: Coach bag and a $50 Amazon gift card

Grand Prize #2: The newest version of the Kindle Paper White, leather cover (winner’s choice of color), and an AKM blanket

Grand Prize Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DATE	BLOG
11/4/2013	GraveTells
11/4/2013	Talk Supe
11/5/2013	Pimpin’ Reads
11/5/2013	Obsession is a Book
11/6/2013	I Smell Sheep
11/7/2013	The Reading Cafe
11/8/2013	Reading Between the Wines Book Club
11/9/2013	The Jeep Diva
11/11/2013	Confessions of a Book Heaux
11/12/2013	Book Addict Mumma
11/13/2013	Mad Hatter Reads
11/14/2013	Read-Love-Blog
11/15/2013	Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
11/18/2013	Paranormal Book Club
11/19/2013	Romance Book Craze
11/20/2013	Love of Bookends
11/21/2013	Book Lovin’ Mamas
11/22/2013	Page Flipperz
11/25/2013	Ramblings from this Chick
11/26/2013	Books-n-Kisses
12/1/2013	The Pen Muse
12/2/2013	My Secret Romance Book Reviews
12/3/2013	Close Encounters with the Night Kind
12/3/2013	Cocktails and Books
12/4/2013	Smut Book Junkie
12/5/2013	Dark Desire’s Book Blog
12/6/2013	Satin Sheets Romance
12/9/2013	Lisa T Jung – Read Me
12/10/2013	Night Owl Reviews
12/11/2013	Smexy Books
12/12/2013	Lisa Bilbrey
12/13/2013	Feisty Girls Book Blog
12/15/2013	Morning After a Good Book
12/16/2013	Author’s Corner Blog
12/17/2013	Book Junky Girls
12/18/2013	Alexx Mom Cat’s Gateway Book Blog
12/19/2013	Author Connie Rhinehart

November 26, 2013November 22, 2013

Interview with Laura Kaye

Happy Release Day to Laura Kaye!!

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

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

Why did you choose to write romance?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What significance does the military play in the book?

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

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

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

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

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

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

~J.R. Ward on Hard As It Gets

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

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

Here’s my advice:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introducing Nick and Becca from Hard As It Gets

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

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

MEET HERO NICK RIXEY:

Becca’s first impression of Nick:

“I’m Nick Rixey. Who wants to know?”

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

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

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

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

3 Words that Describe Nick: Tortured, Alpha, Heroic

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

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

MEET HEROINE BECCA MERRITT:

Nick’s first impression of Becca:

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

Becca’s Job: ER nurse

3 Words that Describe Becca: Loyal, Compassionate, Strong

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

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

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

Thanks for reading!

Laura

*****

Hard As It Gets

Hard Ink #1

Nov. 26, 2013
Amazon | B&N

Tall, dark, and lethal…

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

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

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

Read Chapter 1 of Hard As It Gets

Check out Kelly’s review HERE

About Laura Kaye:

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

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