Tempting His Mate by Savannah Stuart Blog Tour

Tempting His Mate

by Katie Reus

Genre: Paranormal romance

Tone: sexy romance

Elements/Tags: sexy paranormal romance

Heat Level: sexy

Series: Crescent Moon series, #3

Publisher: Savannah Stuart

Pub. Date: November 18, 2013

Length: 25,000 words (novella)

She ran from him once…

Wild one night stands are not Ella Hayes’s style, but with her confidence at rock bottom after a devastating betrayal and her painful departure from her jaguar pride, who could blame her for falling into bed with a sexy wolf? She never thought she’d see him again. And never in her craziest dreams did she expect to come face-to-face with him on her first day with the Kincaid wolf pack. Sleeping with Asher had been one of the most intense experiences of her life—but now she wonders if they could have more.

He’s not letting her go again…

Tired of life as a lone wolf, shifter Asher has joined his cousin’s pack. The last person he expected to see was the sexy woman who ran out on him in the middle of the most incredible night of his life. The Ella he meets now is nothing like the wild, sensual woman he let his guard down with, but he likes both sides of the complicated female. But now somebody—or something—sinister is targeting Ella, and Asher moves quickly to get her under his roof and under his protection. Keeping the sexy female safe and proving they belong together are two missions he doesn’t plan to fail. Because this time, he’s playing for keeps.

For the past six months—okay, way longer than that—she’d been feeling restless and ready to move away from her pride anyhow. Her sister’s mating had been the perfect excuse for her to pack up and head down to Gulf Shores, Alabama to live with her cousin, Lauren. Well, not with her, since Lauren was newly mated, but Ella was joining her cousin’s new wolf pack of all things.

Her cousin had mated a wolf and was now part of their pack. Once Lauren heard she was looking for a change she’d almost come up and packed Ella herself. And Lauren had refused to come to the wedding out of a sense of sisterhood. It didn’t matter that they weren’t actual sisters, Ella and Lauren had grown up closer than Ella had to her own younger sister.

Clearly.

She wasn’t expected for another two days so Ella had decided to take her time and tonight she’d stopped at a well known shifter bar in Montgomery. No humans were allowed in so shifters were free to be who they were. She’d never been, but had heard wild stories about it. Wild wasn’t normally her thing, but tonight it was perfect because she was ready to let her inhibitions loose. Just for one night.

As she motioned to the bartender for another shot, she glanced in the mirror above the bar and saw a sexy as sin shifter leaning against one of the six pool tables, stick in hand, as another man racked their balls. He wasn’t overtly tall, but he was broad—really broad, with muscular shoulders and biceps she could imagine running her fingers across. His dark hair reached his jaw line. Normally she didn’t care for long hair on a man, but on him it looked perfect. With about two days worth of stubble on his defined jaw, wearing faded jeans, a black leather jacket and shit kickers, he almost looked like a bad boy cliché. Tall, dark, sexy and a little brooding. Yes, please.

Her gaze traveled up from those beat up shit kickers, over the length of that powerful body to land on that insanely handsome face again and she realized he was looking right at her. With piercing green eyes, there was no mistaking it when they caught hers in the mirror.

Thanks to her shifter sight, there wasn’t even a doubt he was watching her. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared at him, completely snared. One of the men at the pool table said something and briefly diverted his attention, releasing her from that stare. It was like she’d been released from a trance. For just a moment everything around her had funneled out; sounds, sights, scents and anything not Mr. Sexy.

Meet Author Savannah Stuart:

Savannah Stuart is the pseudonym of New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katie Reus. Under this name she writes slightly hotter romance than her mainstream books. Her stories still have a touch of intrigue, suspense, or the paranormal and the one thing she always includes is a happy ending. She lives in the South with her very own real life hero. In addition to writing (and reading of course!) she loves traveling with her husband.

If you have any questions about her upcoming releases or her current books, please email her through her contact page.

Connect with Savannah (and Katie) at:

Website (Savannah) | Facebook (Savannah)

Website (Katie) | Facebook (Katie) | Twitter (Katie)

Tour Wide Giveaway:

(5) Digital copies of TAMING THE ALPHA, (5) Digital copies of CLAIMING HIS MATE, (5) Digital copies of TEMPTING HIS MATE; (1) GRAND PIRZE: $50 eGC to Amazon.com or B&N.com. Please follow the Rafflecopter directions and Terms & Conditions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Stops:

http://events.litconnect.com/tempting-his-mate-by-savannah-stuart/

November 18, 2013November 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Warrior’s Revenge by Coreene Callahan

TITLE: Warrior’s Revenge
SERIES #: Warrior’s of the Realm #1
CHARACTERS: Lord Brigham de Mornay & Lady Aurora de Marquise
AUTHOR: Coreene Callahan
NARRATOR: Sue Pitkin
PUBLICATION DATE: June 25, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After the death of her parents, Lady Aurora de Marquise is left with no illusions. Stripped of her birthright and betrayed by her uncle, escape is her only option. With her life on the line, she narrowly avoids another murder attempt—only to run headlong into Lord Brigham de Mornay, a man most consider a monster.

With her uncle’s henchmen nipping at her heels, Aurora knows better than to trust a stranger—especially one as compelling as Brigham. Well-honed instincts urge her to flee before his abundant charm takes a nasty turn into aggression—and she ends up neck deep in trouble.

Wary, but undeniably drawn to him, Aurora pits her will against his, challenging his authority every chance she gets. But when her uncle manages to track her, the game of fox and hound takes a perilous turn and she is left with the ultimate choice—surrender to the man who now holds her heart or risk it all trying to escape again.

Gritty and fast-paced, Warrior’s Revenge brings to life the magnificence of the medieval age while exploring the meaning of honor, duty, and nature of true love.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I enjoyed this book. I listened to all but the last two chapters on audio book, because I was impatient and could not wait until the next morning to finish. So since I had Warrior’s Revenge on my kindle I read the last two chapters. So I will start there. Sue Pitkin is not my favorite narrator. She did a good job with the telling of the story and the female voices. But the male voices were just off for me. They didn’t sound quite right.
I can’t really put my finger on it. But even with that I enjoyed the story.
Aurora is fun (even if she likes the words “the big brute” too much). I liked her fighting spirit and her will to survive. I did have to say I really enjoyed the banter between Aurora & Brigham. It was really fun to watch the each of the try to push the other to the breaking point.

Brigham for a better word is a brute. He has been very accustomed to getting his way and never having anyone stand up to him. I loved that Aurora got the better of him time and time again.

I am looking forward to seeing what is next in the Warriors of the Realm series I really want Cam’s story and I want to learn more about Quinlyn, Aurora’s feisty best friend.

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 18, 2013November 3, 2013

Kimberly reviews BBW Erotic Romance Boxed Set

TITLE: BBW Erotic Romance Boxed Set
SERIES #: Varies
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Various ~ See below for authors name
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/06/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dangerous curves ahead! This collection of ten scorching hot romances featuring plus-size heroines and the powerful alpha males who crave their lush, curvy bodies is guaranteed to spark a fire deep inside, whether you’re looking for a rags-to-riches fairytale, a rough and wild love affair, or a sweet and sexy friends-to-lovers romance. Pamper your inner big girl with this boxed set and feel the heat!

VEGAS KNIGHTS by Marina Maddix, author of the bestselling Laid Bear: Curvy artist Kelly finds herself on the ride of her life to Las Vegas with a real-life ‘Knight on shining armor’, but is their love strong enough to survive beyond the dazzling lights of Sin City?

HUNTING FOR CURVES by Julianne Reyer, an All Romance best selling author: Shy and curvy Jasmine Taylor is down on her luck when she meets two gorgeous men–billionaire CEO Evan Westmore and his longtime lover, Luke Rosso. She can’t resist the invitation to join them for one night of passion, but then both men start falling for her. Will the steamy threesome lead to disaster or is it the start of a new relationship for all three?

BLIND WOLF by Aubrey Rose: A blind werewolf leading a pack of stragglers finally finds his one true mate — then realizes she’s human…

FOR KEEPS by Adriana Hunter, Amazon and B&N Top 100 Bestselling author: Curvy single Valerie Gordon finds herself reluctantly accepting a job transfer where she comes face-to-face with billionaire bad boy Tyler Princeton, son of the senior partner. Tyler isn’t used to being turned down and when he sets his sights on Valerie there is little that he won’t do to get her into his arms, and into his bed…

MAKE YOU MINE by Tawny Taylor, USA Today Bestselling Author in addition to B&N and Amazon Top 100 Bestselling author: To keep her job, Daryl Laroche must find the perfect new client for her employer–a prestigious matchmaking company–and the sexy, rich and enigmatic Tevin Page fits the bill. But before he signs the contract, he issues one deliciously tempting demand…

CURVES OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA by Krista Lakes, author of the bestselling romance “Saltwater Kisses”: Megan can’t believe her luck when a billionaire playboy courts her and makes her a part of his life on the south coast of France, despite her flaws.

OPEN YOUR CURVY LEGS FOR ME, a BDSM New Adult erotic romance by Aphrodite Hunt, author of 25 Amazon Top 100 Erotica/New Adult and 12 B&N Top 100 bestselling books. Plus-sized Mariel meets gorgeous, seemingly unattainable Michael in college, and is amazed she can turn his head. Golden boy Michael is ashamed to admit he likes bigger women, especially to his laughing friends. Can the two of them have a relationship?

THE BIG, NOT-SO-SMALL, CURVY GIRLS, BBW ROMANCE, DATING AGENCY by Ava Catori: Becky’s life just got complicated. 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.

THE POWER BILLIONAIRE by Angelina Spears: Plus-size secretary Merrin Rexford is seduced by a powerful billionaire who harbors dark secrets, but dangerous Special Agent Evartt makes her world – and desires – spin out of control! Who will she choose?

RIDING CURVES by Christa Wick, bestselling author of PET. Stuck on the back of Aiden Perry’s motorcycle, engine thrumming between her legs while she is pressed against his big, hard body, Cecelia Harper is about to have her secret crush exposed.

REVIEW: Over All 3 Hearts
VEGAS KNIGHTS by Marina Maddix (Page 9)
2 Hearts This story just didn’t do anything for me. It was very cliche’ and there was no chemistry between the characters. Anyone could see what was going on but Kelly seemed naive about it. The sex scenes were tame really and with no imagination for a story that is in an erotic romance set. This should not have been the first book in the boxed set. I hope they get better from here.

HUNTING FOR CURVES by Julianne Reyer (Page 191)
3 Hearts The name does not fit the story if you ask me. This is m/m/f and there is an erotic feel about it. The problem is that the story is just sad. Not bad, just sad. There is a lot of feelings of loss in the story. The two males are trying to reconnect. The female is going through bad times and even the connection between the three of them has a sadness to it. Don’t get me wrong the story is good and it is a quick read but it really doesn’t have that HAPPILY ever after feel.

BLIND WOLF by Aubrey Rose (Page 287)
3 Hearts Well this one is certainly the best written of the books so far in this boxed set. And I enjoyed the storyline. What I didn’t like was Damien is a liar and a cheat. I get the whole he was going to take another wolf because he hadn’t found his mate thing but he kept lying to Julia at every turn. And I have never been one who enjoys when one of the characters is involved with someone else first. And this should not be describe as erotica. There was barely any sex at all.

FOR KEEPS by Adriana Hunter (Page 387)
3.75 Hearts Ok I know I said this on the last one but this was most certainly the best story so far. This has a complete feel to it even though it is only 75 or so pages. The story is sweet in it’s simplicity. I enjoyed that the expected is not necessarily what happens. Very sweet story.

MAKE YOU MINE by Tawny Taylor (Page 450)
3 Hearts This was sweet in a cute kind of way. Mostly obvious except a part or two and yet still sweet. Not my favorite of the 10 book set but certainly not one that I didn’t like. The characters have a good connection.

CURVES OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA by Krista Lakes (Page 558)
2.5 Hearts This was just ok for me. It was pretty much sex with a bit of a story. The problem was it was repetitive sex. It was not very interesting really. There was some parts that were entertaining but unfortunately not enough to make this story good.

OPEN YOUR CURVY LEGS FOR ME by Aphrodite Hunt (Page 660)
3 Hearts Ok so here is the thing with this one. I liked it… Mostly… The storyline was ok and the sex scenes were interesting… the problem? It leans to the stereotype of the big girl being used for sex because the guy is too embarrassed to date her. Ok maybe it works out in the end but why this woman is so willing to be used by this guy over and over is beyond me. Maybe if it showed more of a secret romance than just secret sex it would have played different but it didn’t. I read it feeling like it gives credence to the way big girls feel and they should just accept what a handsome man is willing to give no matter what.

THE BIG, NOT-SO-SMALL, CURVY GIRLS, BBW ROMANCE, DATING AGENCY by Ava Catori (Page 727) ** I received this book as a stand alone prior to receiving this boxed set. **
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 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.

THE POWER BILLIONAIRE by Angelina Spears (Page 866)
3 Hearts Another one that was just ok for me. In the beginning I was thinking it was going to be my favorite of the set but I have to say the mood of the story changed. It was light and humorous and just sweet but then it turned. It lost its lightness. I don’t want to say too much because it would give parts away but I really didn’t like who the characters became.

RIDING CURVES by Christa Wick (Page 976)
4 Hearts This was definitely the best of the set. It was a complete story with all the romance and sex. There were a few parts that I am not thrilled with but it was still a very good and interesting story. I enjoyed the connection of the characters which was immediate and not forced.

*Page #’s are based on the version I received from NetGalley
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

November 17, 2013November 14, 2013

Kissin’ the week of Nov 11th-16th Goodbye

11.11.13

Interview & Giveaway with Amanda Foster

Kelly reviews Hard As It Gets by Laura Kaye

Kelly reviews Protecting His Witness by Katie Reus

11.12.13

Interview with the ladies of Dangerous Attraction

Release Day Madness

Kelly reviews Ever After by Ryan, Harte, Royce, Davis & Shaw

11.13.13

Interview & Giveaway with Anne Cleeland

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews Holiday Games by Jaci Burton

Kimberly reviews Hunted: An Erotic Retelling Of Beauty & The Beast by Cerys Du Lys

11.14.13

Interview with Mary Ann Kempher

Marissa Dobson

Kelly reviews Midnight Surrender by Donna Grant

Thursday’s Thought…

11.15.13

Interview with JN Johnson

Kelly reviews Unbreakable by Stephanie Tyler

Kelly reviews Moonlight by Lisa Kessler

11.16.13

SINsational Saturday Series

Carrie Ann Ryan’s Dante’s Circle

November 16, 2013November 14, 2013

Carrie Ann Ryan’s Dante’s Circle

Dust of My Wings

Dante’s Circle #1

Humans aren’t as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes?

Neat freak lab tech, Lily Banner lives her life as any ordinary human. She’s dedicated to her work and loves to hang out with her friends at Dante’s Circle, their local bar. When she discovers a strange blue dust at work she meets a handsome stranger holding secrets – and maybe her heart. But after a close call with a thunderstorm, she may not be as ordinary as she thinks.

Shade Griffin is a warrior angel sent to Earth to protect the supernaturals’ secrets. One problem, he can’t stop leaving dust in odd places around town. Now he has to find every ounce of his dust and keep the presence of the supernatural a secret. But after a close encounter with a sexy lab tech and a lightning quick connection, his millennia old loyalties may shift and he could lose more than just his wings in the chaos.

Warning: Contains a sexy angel with a choice to make and a green-eyed lab tech who dreams of a dark-winged stranger. Oh yeah, and a shocking spark that’s sure to leave them begging for more.

******

Her Warriors’ Three Wishes

Dante’s Circle #2

Ambrose Griffin is older than most, if not all, civilizations. As each year passes, he submerses himself into his training, only relaxing around his protégée and friend, Shade. After losing his wife and children in the last Angelic Wars, he guards his heart and has no desire to share it with another.

Bookkeeper and romance novel enthusiast, Jamie Bennett dreams of being swept off her feet by a white knight. However, her life is no romance book. Since meeting Ambrose—a sexy, delicious angel—she’s been twisted inside out and doesn’t know why. Things are happening that she can’t control and now her life is in danger.

Balin Drake is stuck in hell, literally. His life of refusing to take souls, even though it’s part of his demon nature, has caught up with him. He’s dying and now must search for his true half, but even a mating may not save him. When he meets the two people who could fill that part, he’ll need to fight for something he hasn’t felt in over a century—hope.

Warning: Contains a rigid angel who needs a certain sexy woman to help him unwind, a book keeper who finds herself the creamy center of the best cookie ever, and a demon who has a certain taste for pressing them both against walls.

*****

An Unlucky Moon

Dante’s Circle #3

He’s spent the last few years in hell fighting in the demon games and doing things that would haunt even the fiercest of men’s nightmares. But now Hunter Brooks is back in the human realm, ready to take on the Pack that left him behind…and take the mate he’s just met.

Becca Quinn is one of the seven lightning-struck women—a human who isn’t so human and only needs to find her true half to unlock all that she could be. Hunter, the dangerous, sexy wolf, has saved her life twice, and yet she knows nothing about him—only that she wants to know everything she can.

Between the Pack’s council and strangers who could take everything away from them, Becca and Hunter have more to fight and everything to fight for. Hunter’s dark past takes over their courtship, and just when he thinks all his lost, he’ll find that Becca’s more than he—or she—ever thought.

Warning: Contains a sexy wolf who broods with the best of them, a woman who defines the term unlucky, and a chemistry that’s sure to make the wolf howl in all of us.

*****

Ever After

Dante’s Circle #3.5

From five bestselling authors comes five brand new novellas sure to heat up the night.

From Carrie Ann Ryan’s Dante’s Circle series, a demon from the fiery depths of hell must make his choice to follow in the footsteps of his father or love the submissive wolf who lays claim to his heart in His Choice.

From Marie Harte’s Beasts of Burden, Eira, a fierce valkyrie, has spent fifty years trying to get a rise out of her goddess’s guardians. But when the battle-cat shifters give her what she wants, can she handle the heat—and the danger—that comes from loving them?

From Rebecca Royce’s brand new series, the Alphas of each Werewolf Pack are on the brink of war. Travis Michaels will use all in his power to keep innocent Lilliana out of danger and into his arms…away from rival Alpha Cyrus Fennell.

From Lia Davis’s Ashwood Falls series, buried pain, old lies, and dangerous secrets aren’t enough to keep the sparks from flying as Sarah Mathews and rebel leader, Damian Palmer, try to survive a new threat against their race.

From Leia Shaw’s Shadows of Destiny series, a war is brewing in the supernatural world. Rebel shifter Dalton’s only passion is protecting the colony, and flirtatious misfit, Eden, is a distraction he can’t afford. But as danger approaches, he learns that underestimating the sexy little wolf is a big mistake

*****

Tangled Innocence

Dante’s Circle #4

Release Date April 15, 2014

As one of the seven lightning struck women, Nadie Morgan has known for a while now that her fate would be forever changed…and revolve around a certain dragon. From the first time Dante Bell saw Nadie, he knew she was the one for him. There’s just one problem–there’s another in his life he’s waiting on as well.

When Jace Goodwin, a bear shifter and Mediator, finally comes back to the human realm after years away under circumstances out of his control, his first stop is to Dante’s Circle where he not only finds his dragon, but the woman they both have been waiting for.

Once secrets are told and the sparks fly, Nadie’s new life becomes something she never thought possible. However there’s another realm at play and Jace and Nadie’s dragon will have to fight harder than he’s ever fought before to keep the life he’s waited eons for.

Warning: Contains one not-so-innocent human, a bear known for his bear-hugs, a tattooed and pierced dragon with a fiery temper, and a connection so explosive, you’ll be fanning yourself from page one.

*****

Fierce Enchantment

Dante’s Circle #5

Release Date December 2014

November 15, 2013November 11, 2013

Interview with JN Johnson

Can you please share with us a little about yourself

There isn’t really that much to tell. I am a mother of two beautiful daughters who keep me busy with school homework and volunteering. I have been married to my high school sweetheart going on fourteen years. When I am not with them hiking, fishing or watching cartoons I am a hermit.

Have you always wanted to be an author?
No actually I haven’t always wanted to be an author. My goal as a child was to be a dentist. I wanted to be the one thing I feared the most so that other kids wouldn’t be scared. Writing was always there in the back of my mind. I had a friend that I used to write short stories with when I was 13 or 14 years old. We kept these old spiral notebooks full of adventures that we only wished we could have. I always thought she would be the one with her name on a book one day.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

Interesting? I am a pretty boring writer. I tend to sit down when the house is empty to write. I have the normal desk beside a window and I totally pants each and every story. But for a quirk I would say I like to have the tv on for background noise, Dean and Sam are my writing partners. Oh and lemonheads are a must while writing.

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

Ravens Legacy is my twist on the Ugly Duckling. Raven was adopted into a shifter community as an infant and longs for the one things she doesn’t have, an inner beast. She feels pressure from her father to find her mate and to try and fit in. One tiny accident that would be nothing but a splinter to anyone else causes her world to flip flop upside down. When the power of the Goddess unlocks her hidden inner self she is thrown into a whirlwind of drama. Not only is there a hot steamy man who drives her crazy but there is a villain who wants to chop her head off and use her blood to bring forth more evil. I hope that makes sense J

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I think I started Raven as a sort of therapy for me. After my daughter and I were in a house fire I have had issues with dealing with the smell of smoke and the heat of fires even if they are contained. I think this was my way of having power of that element. Now Raven was a total surprise. One day I sat down at my computer and started typing, a few hours later the story was born. I sat back wowed at what I had done and it just kept getting better from there.

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

Currently I am working to see where this crazy journey is taking my dear Raven in the second Between Fire and Ice Novella. She keeps telling me that she needs to do this and I keep saying no do this but she is winning. I am also working on another shifter book that I have been throwing around for awhile. But that is still too new to share.

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

Jane Austen, I want the answer to the age old question. Did she have a lover and if not how the hell did she write men like that without a muse?
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Don’t stop. Take lots of advice and do your homework. It is a tough industry and you need thick skin to make it but the end result is so worth it.Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

My husband and I wrote our bucket lists when we were married, we have marked a few things off but going to Ireland is on there for us both. Someday…

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I am waiting for the next Chicagoland Vampire by Chloe Neill and the next Hollows book by Kim Harrison, it seems to be taking forever for them to be released!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for having me on here today. I hope that you and your readers enjoy Ravens Legacy, she was fun to write and I hope that you come back to see where this crazy roller coaster takes me!

*****

Raven’s Legacy

J.N. Johnson

Raven Corvus has always felt like she was on the outside looking in. Being adopted into a family of shifters without the ability to shift has put her life on hold. Never wanting to take part in the Moon Ceremony or choosing a mate, she tends to distance herself from her people. When an accident lets loose a side of her that had been hidden for her protection she is forced to come to terms with whom and what she really is.

Griffin Snow serves as a protector for the Goddess in the fight against Dexius, the Dark God. When an old enemy returns to threaten one of his charges, he jumps into action to protect Raven—only to discover that she is not just his charge, but his fated mate. Hiding out in the safety of Griffin’s cabin only adds to the need growing inside of them.

Can Raven and Griffin save their people from the big, bad ugly or will they lose their chance at happiness?

Excerpt:

Raven watched as the sun set over the valley. The view from her front porch was utterly breathtaking in the spring. The stars lit up the sky like a blanket of glittering diamonds, the absence of the moon leaving them the only guides in the sky. It wouldn’t be long until she made her appearance known to Raven’s kind. The drawl of her moon song would be too strong to ignore. But no matter how loud the beat played in Raven’s head she wouldn’t be able to answer the call. Fate had given her a bum ride; she could hear and feel the drawl of the moon but her body wouldn’t respond. It was a cruel reality that she dealt with every month.

“Raven, get in here now! Your father needs your help getting ready for the ceremony.”

Her mother had a temper shorter than a dynamite fuse and it was burning fast from the stress of the Moon Ceremony. Once the moon showed herself in the eastern sky, in less than a week, their home would be flooded with other shifters preparing for the spring mating ritual.

“I’m coming, Mom.” She whispered a few choice expletives, but with a shifter’s hearing her mother had no trouble understanding her ramblings.

“Young lady, I know you are twenty-five, but you’re still my daughter and I will pull you over my knee.” Her mother’s goodhearted laugh let her know it wasn’t urgent. Nevertheless, the stress level was getting pretty damn high. “Now get out in the yard and help your father.”

Her father, TalfrynCorvus, had been planning the Moon Ceremony since he was chosen by the council last spring. He was to host the opening ceremonies of the mating ritual on their family lands. Ever since he had been chosen, he had become obsessed with every small detail, and had driven Raven to the brink of insanity.

She walked through the front doors and back into the chill night air. Her father was bent over placing stones around the center alter, preparing a small pit to contain the fire.

“Hey Dad, did you need me?”

“Yes, please take a seat.” He indicated one of the makeshift benches made from cut logs that now lined the yard. The smell of sawdust mixed with the sweet smell of spring. “Daughter, I think you understand how important this ceremony is to your mother and me. I need to know for sure that you understand your part. You don’t have to shift to be included in the ritual but you should try to commune with the Goddess. She will choose your mate.”

Upon their eighteenth birthday, shifters gathered at the change of each season under the first full moon to not only celebrate and dance but to find and seal the mating bond. Most shifters went into the ceremony with their intended mate, ready to make the commitment and start families. Others went with the intent of finding their mate among the flock. But not Raven.

“Dad, I understand. I’m just not ready.”

“You are twenty-five and have refused each chance at a mate. Why do you buck tradition? You could have any man in the flock you desire and yet you still choose none.”

Her father was right on one count. She did turn her nose up at the traditions of her people, and she couldn’t imagine tying herself to one person for the rest of her life. She wanted to be free, to be among the rest of humanity, and off of this damn mountain.

He was wrong to assume she had her choice of mates. Most of the men she knew were family, and the ones who could be potential mates kept a wide berth when she was around. She was born different from most shifters, with the moon closer to her heart than her non-existent beast, and it kept her from the one thing she really wanted.

“Daddy, you know how I feel about finding a mate. When the Goddess thinks I’m ready, she will bring him to me. Not a moment before.”

Author Bio:

Growing up in her hometown of Charleston WV, J.N spends her days wrangling her two beautiful daughters and super dog Bo and is married to her high school sweetheart, who she considers the rock that keeps her grounded to reality when she would rather be lost in the paranormal. If a book contained something supernatural there is a good chance that she has read it. Whether its vamps, shifters, elves or fairies it is most likely setting on her shelf waiting to be re-read.

Looking for a new genre she found the world of romance and fell in love. The drama and conflict are different but still enough to get the adrenaline pumping and the heart thumping to keep her coming back for more. It wasn’t long until the need to write came knocking at the door and by the grace of her husband’s patience and her children’s bed times she got that chance. Her twisted mind found a new outlet on paper and now her story has found a way onto your shelf or reader and she hopes that you enjoy reading it as much as she enjoyed writing.

www.jnjohnsonauthor.com Facebook

10/28: Spotlight – Lunar Haven

11/1: Tens list or Interview – Laurie’s Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews

11/6: Spotlight – Indie Authors Books and More

11/7: Guest blog – Books to Get Lost In

11/8: Interview – You Gotta Read

11/11: Guest Blog – Romantic Reads and Such

11/12: Interview – Romance with Flavor

11/12: 2nd stop – Spotlight – My Erotic Notions

11/14: Interview – Lusty Penguin Reviews

11/15: Interview – Books-n-Kisses

11/15: 2nd stop – Review – Trips Down Imagination Road

November 15, 2013November 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Moonlight by Lisa Kessler

TITLE: Moonlight
SERIES #: Moon #1
CHARACTERS: Adam Sloan & Lana Turpin
AUTHOR: Lisa Kessler
PUBLICATION DATE: July 15, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Rancher Adam Sloan is more than meets the eye. As the heir to his Pack, the sexy werewolf’s biggest challenge is keeping his kin’s true nature under wraps. But a group of jaguar shifters threatens to reveal the pack, blasting into town killing humans in plain sight. And when he smells one at the local diner, his standing orders are to take her out.

Lana Turpin doesn’t realize she’s a moving target. Raised in the foster system, she only knows that she blacks out during the new moon and wakes up without remembering a thing. But now she’s being tracked by some strange organization that wants her back—even though she’s never stepped foot inside their compound. And the stranger across the diner is watching her like an enemy.

It should be a simple mission for Adam, but when he touches the frustratingly beautiful Lana, his inner wolf howls…mate. Now, the two must find and stop the people who hunt her…and Adam must keep his own family from killing the only woman he will ever love.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts The only good jaguar is a dead jaguar. That has been Adam’s moto for a very long time. It is part of Adam’s job to hunt down the jaguars that have been hunting humans in his pack’s territory. But all that is about to change, when Adam’s scents a new jaguar in the area.

Lana has been on the run for months. She knows the new moon is coming and fears where she will end up next. But worse than that are the men that are after her. How long can she keep going on like this at some point her luck is about to run out. No sooner does she think that then a very imposing man walked through the door. But something about him puts her at ease.
Adam & Lana have to fight off an unknown enemy, all while fighting the fact that they should be enemies themselves. The lines have been drawn and there is only one thing left to do when you find that your enemy is your intended mate. Fight like help and hope you both survive.

This was a good book. It took me a while to really get into the story. I am thinking that it was how the book was written. The story is told in first person from both Adam & Lana’s point of views. But after getting use to how the story was being told I started enjoying it more. I am looking forward to the next installment in the Moon series, Aren’s story is next. I do hope that Lisa will write a story about Sebastian.

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 15, 2013November 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Unbreakable by Stephanie Tyler

TITLE: Unbreakable
SERIES #: Section 8 #2
CHARACTERS: Gunner & Avery
AUTHOR: Stephanie Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: Nov. 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A cabal of operatives with dangerous pasts team up to work black ops missions. Their weapon: deception. Can they help one of their own before he goes too far?

When Gunner agreed to help out Section 8, he didn’t realize he’d be pulled back in to the shadowy world he’d thought he’d escaped forever. The son of double agents, Gunner was initiated at a young age into the cold world of espionage when his father forced him to work for international smuggler Drew Landon. And when Gunner’s past with Landon threatens the other mercenaries, and most importantly, Avery, he makes an impossible choice…and disappears.

Avery’s not willing to give up on Gunner. The attraction between them has been there from the start and she rallies Section 8 to help him. She knows there’s only one way to keep Gunner safe: fake his death and take him off the grid. But when she finally locates him, Gunner is a changed man, harder, more desperate, and on the edge of self-destruction. And only Avery can find a way to free him from Landon—and from the demons of his past—before it’s too late.

REVIEW:
This was a great follow up to Stephanie’s first book Surrender (book one in the Section 8 series). While you don’t have to read book one I really think you should. It will give you much better understanding of the characters in the whole series. But a huge insight into Gunner’s mind set. That being said I am really mad at how Gunner handled things in the beginning of this book. It is like he took the easy way out. I understand why he did what he did but I still didn’t really see his character being like that. I really love Avery. This chick is wicked strong. Avery is put through the ringer and comes out of it a stronger person for it.

The storyline of the Section 8 series gets more complicated with each book, but Stephanie does a great job of string them all together. I am very much looking forward to Jem’s story. I can’t wait to see the crazy twists and turns that will come next. If you have not started the Section 8 series now is a great time to start. We are only sitting at book 2 right now!! Go out and get a copy of Surrender today!

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 15, 2013November 14, 2013

Deathbed & Breakfast Blog Tour and Review

I am delighted to have Bart Gilbertson here today to talk about his new mystery, Deathbed & Breakfast. This one takes place in Oregon and is a very fun read.

SSR – Sustained Silent Reading

When I was in the 4th Grade, our teacher, Mrs. Parks, would read to the entire class from a book for about 30 minutes or so every day after our lunch break. Some of us would put our heads down on the desk, others would just lean back in their chairs, and still others would get out a piece of paper and draw doodles while she would read to us. We learned how to eat a fried worm, solve mysteries (thanks to Encyclopedia Brown), and how to herd cattle and horses according to a ranch boy called “Little Britches.” It was in this way that I really found a love for books. I especially loved it when she read “Where The Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls. That was the one book that lit a fire inside of me and made me want to become a writer myself someday.

Towards the end of that school year, my parents relocated us to a neighboring town about 11 miles away and I had to finish 4th Grade with a new teacher, Mrs. Beasley. What I really liked about Mrs. Beasley’s class, was that she had rotating book shelves filled with paperback books about all sorts of things. It was in this class that two new traditions started for me.

The first tradition took place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It was something we did for about 45 minutes every afternoon that Mrs. Beasley called “SSR.” It stood for “Sustained Silent Reading.” All of us kids would go over and pick out a book off the rotating racks, or get out something we’d brought from home. Then, we’d just read to ourselves…silently. I know most of the kids really looked forward to these days. I was one of them. I loved SSR time. So much so, that I still have SSR time. It isn’t quite as often as it used to be with the added responsibilities of adulthood, but it is still important.

The second tradition was that, everywhere I went, I carried a book with me. I don’t mean required reading or school text books. Some sort of fiction. In between the lectures and school work, I could always be found reading a book. This is something that has also followed me down through the years. I knew early on in life, that I wanted my own books out there for others to carry with them and read when they could.

I believe we all need some SSR time. Television, movies, music, even video games…they all have a place in our lives. So does reading – sustained silent reading. With no music playing, no television going off in the background; just you, your book, and your imagination.

It thrilled me to watch my daughter as she grew up and see how much she loved to read books as well. Her bookshelves are full of books, and she’s read them all. She was happier receiving a book as a gift than a movie or a video game. There is nothing quite like the twinkle in a young person’s eyes as they delve into a captivating story on the high seas, or a mystery.

My book, “Deathbed & Breakfast,” tries to capture that same magical feeling of a good mystery. A fun and humorous read, it will keep you guessing as you move forward to the killer’s identity at the end. Put aside some time for it as you enjoy a little SSR!

About the Author:

Bart J. Gilbertson is the author of the Pookotz Sisters Mystery Series. Although he was born in Wisconsin, he spent most of his youth and later years in the rocky mountain state of Idaho. He has been all over the northwest and it is his love for the lush green state of Oregon that inspired the setting for Pleasant Lake and its inhabitants. He attended ITT Technical Institute in Boise, ID and received an Associate in Applied Science Degree for Computer Networking Systems and graduated with honors. Bart has worn many hats over his lifetime career, but the one he is most proud of is that of being a writer. He currently resides in O’Neill, NE. He has two children.

Website/ Facebook/ Twitter

Richard Forester, a retired CEO for a major software company, and his granddaughter Penny show up at the Pookotz Bed & Breakfast one evening and find themselves in some rather unpleasant company. All the guests somehow seem to be connected to Richard’s past and when he is found dead the next morning, everyone is suspect. However, there are a few wrinkles that the inn’s owners Edna and Mildred Pookotz need to iron out as the investigation unfolds. Not only was Richard deathly ill, but he was also accused of embezzling $750,000 which is still unaccounted for. The local Sheriff suspects that this victim’s death is not a natural one, so he–and the sisters–set forth to discover who the murderer is.

Amazon/B&N

Jennifer’s Review of Deathbed & Breakfast

Review (4.0 Stars): I am always looking for new authors and I really enjoyed Mr. Gilbertson’s new book, Deathbed & Breakfast. I loved the fact that the Pookotz Bed & Breakfast was set in Oregon which added to the charm of this delightful mystery. The mystery was well-written and fast-paced which caused me to spend half the night reading it just to try to figure out who the killer was. I loved the Pookotz sisters because they were such interesting characters and I loved their old-fashioned ways.

The supporting characters in this mystery are what really make this book fun. Felix, the elderly chef who can’t hear and can barely see had some hilarious scenes in this book as well as the other quirky guests that were staying at the bed & breakfast. This was an enjoyable mystery with a lovely cast of characters that I can’t wait to visit again.

November 14, 2013October 28, 2013

Interview with Mary Ann Kempher

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Mary Ann Kempher to the blog today.

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

I’m married with two children; a boy who is 15 and a girl who just turned 13; she’s the handful. I lived many years in Reno NV, where my first book; Mocha, Moonlight, and Murder is set. I spent 20 years in the Air Force

Have you always wanted to be an author?

No. I’ve always liked to write, but didn’t decide to write a book until about 5 years ago.

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

Instead of feeding her late-night appetite, a midnight food run nearly gets 28-year-old Katherine O’Brian killed. She’s the only person to see the man who brutally murdered a local woman, and the killer is hell-bent on making sure she doesn’t talk.

Scott Mitchell left a broken engagement behind when he moved to Reno, and the last thing he needs is more melodrama. But when he and Katherine are paired for a college project, that’s what he gets. It can be very distracting when someone is out to kill your lab partner. Together, they try to figure out what the police haven’t been able to—the identity of the murderer.

Passion flares, but with Katherine’s life in danger, romance seems like more than a bad idea.

Scott and Katherine will face jealousy, misunderstandings, lust, and rivals, not to mention attempted murder—and all before their first real date.

How did you come up with the idea for this story?

The story evolved, I’m what people call a “pantser”, so my story started out one way and ended up being totally different from the original concept

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’ve just finished my second book, it’s a mystery set on a cruise ship where two people (so far) have been murdered. The head of security must find the killer before the ship returns to port. Still working on the title.Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

Both my favorite authors are dead, Jane Austen and Agatha Christie. At the moment, I’m reading a lot of Janet Evanovich. I wouldn’t mind meeting her.

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

Research the genre you want to write in. Research how to write a book, don’t just assume you can sit down and start writing. You can, but you’ll have less revisions if you do research first.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
I want to visit London some day.What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

Anything and everything written by the fantastic author, Marni Mann.

*****

Mocha, Moonlight, and Murder

MaryAnn Kempher

Amazon Barnes and Noble

Scott Mitchell left a broken engagement behind when he moved to Reno, and the

last thing he needs is more melodrama. But when he and Katherine are paired for a college project, that’s what he gets. It can be very distracting when someone is out to kill your lab partner. Together, they try to figure out what the police haven’t been able to—the identity of the murderer. Passion flares, but with Katherine’s life in danger, romance seems like more than a bad idea.

Scott and Katherine will face jealousy, misunderstandings, lust, and rivals, not to mention attempted murder—and all before their first real date.

Author Bio:

MaryAnn Kempher’s writing is infused with romance and mystery. Her love of romance stories goes back to her teen years spent living in Reno NV where Mocha, Moonlight, and Murder is set. MaryAnn’s travels have taken her to beautiful cities in Italy, Southeast Asia and the sultry desert country of Qatar. She met her husband on one of her romantic misadventures. She has two children andcurrently lives in Florida where she and her family share their home with two dogs and a cat. Her writing influences include favorite authors Jane Austen and Agatha Christie. She’s also a huge fan of the Hercule Poirot mysteries. Her guilty pleasures include any and all sweets, including a good cup of Mocha.

For more about MaryAnn Kempher, visit http://mkempher.com

Easily connect w/MaryAnn Kempher thru her author FB page: Facebook

10/27: Spotlight – Mark of the Stars

11/4: Interview – Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews

11/8: Spotlight – Theresa Stillwagon

11/11: Spotlight – Becky on Books

11/12: Spotlight – Indie Authors Books and More

11/12: Spotlight – Lusty Penguin Reviews

11/13: Spotlight – Romantic Words and Such

11/14: Interview – Books-n-Kisses

11/15: Spotlight – Bootheel Cotton Patch

11/18: Spotlight – Deal Sharing Aunt

11/19: Spotlight – You Gotta Read Reviews

11/20: Spotlight – My Erotic Notions

11/21: Interview – Books to Get Lost In

11/22: Spotlight – In Shadows

11/25: Spotlight – Storm Goddess Book Reviews

11/30: Spotlight – Harlie’s Books

November 14, 2013November 3, 2013

Thursday’s Thought…

November 14, 2013November 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Midnight Surrender by Donna Grant

TITLE: Midnight Surrender
SERIES #: Dark Warriors Novella #8.5
CHARACTERS: Dale & Rennie
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: Nov 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dale has been on the run–on the run from himself and the demons that haunt him. However, when he comes across a stunningly beautiful woman he cannot resist, he knows that he must do whatever it takes to possess her. She is a Druid with secrets of her own, but he is drawn to her like no other. Even when danger closes in around them, Dale knows that the true threat is to his very soul, which he will sacrifice in order to save her.

REVIEW:
Dale has not always been on the good side. He feels that he doesn’t deserve any kind of happiness. But when is is drawn to the Isle of Coll by an unseen magic he is powerless to resist it. What and who he finds as the source of the magic will change everything for him.
Rennie loves her little plot of land on the Isle. But she is so lonely, but the thought of leaving is to heart breaking. So she decides to spend one more christmas here. With a christmas wish on her lips she ventures out to check on her farm what she finds will change everything.

This was a quick read only 60 pages long. But filled with a lot of action. If you are a Donna Grant fan you will love Dale & Rennie’s story.

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.