Interview with Victoria Scott

I have been raving about The Collector to anyone who will listen and I recently got the opportunity to interview the fantastic author, Victoria Scott. I finished The Liberator in about a day and I have to say I will always be a fan of the bad boys. 🙂

1. Tell me a little bit about your new release The Liberator.

THE LIBERATOR focuses on Dante’s journey as someone who now works for the good guys, and how hard that is for someone who believes they’re bone-deep bad. It also introduces a new character that will force Dante to confront his past.

2. Was it difficult writing about Dante and Charlie or did their characters come easy for you?

Dante was much easier to write than Charlie, oddly enough. Sometimes I’d lose Dante’s voice, but then I’d think of a guy I once knew and it would snap back.

3. Are you planning to write more in the series or just have these two books?

There will be one final book after THE LIBERATOR.

4. Which actors do you see playing your characters and has there been any talk from Hollywood about making this into a movie or series?

Oh, definitely Zac Efron for Dante and Emma Watson as Charlie. No talk from Hollywood yet, but my agent is busy shopping it to studios.

5. What are you working on next?

Right now I’m working on my newest series, FIRE & FLOOD, coming out from Scholastic next February. It’s kind of Hunger Games (brutal competition) meets the Golden Compass (animal companions) set in today’s world.

6. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

I’d say to ask yourself four questions before you begin any book: 1) Am I passionate about the story? 2) Would the general public find it appealing? 3) Is it truly original? 4) Is there a ton of opportunity for conflict? I hadn’t asked myself these questions before beginning the Dante Walker series, but I did for Fire & Flood, and what a world of difference it made.

About the Author:

I’m a teen fiction writer with a die-hard affection for dark and humorous books. My work is represented by Sara Crowe of Harvey Klinger literary agency. I have a master’s degree in marketing, and currently live in Dallas with my husband, Ryan.

My first series started with THE COLLECTOR, and was published by Entangled Teen in April 2013. The second book in the trilogy, THE LIBERATOR, will release August 2013. My next series kicks off with FIRE & FLOOD and is being published by Scholastic, February 2014.

Website/Twitter /Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of The Liberator

TITLE: The Liberator

SERIES #: Dante Walker #2

CHARACTERS: Dante Walker, Charlie Cooper

AUTHOR: Victoria Scott

PUBLICATION DATE: 08/27/13

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Dante has a shiny new cuff wrapped around his ankle, and he doesn’t like that mess one bit. His new accessory comes straight from Big Guy himself and marks the former demon as a liberator. Despite his gritty past and bad boy ways, Dante Walker has been granted a second chance.

When Dante is given his first mission as a liberator to save the soul of seventeen-year-old Aspen, he knows he’s got this. But Aspen reminds him of the rebellious life he used to live and is making it difficult to resist sinful temptations. Though Dante is committed to living clean for his girlfriend Charlie, this dude’s been a playboy for far too long…and old demons die hard.

With Charlie becoming the girl she was never able to be pre-makeover and Aspen showing him how delicious it feels to embrace his inner beast, Dante will have to go somewhere he never thought he’d return to in order to accomplish the impossible: save the girl he’s been assigned to, and keep the girl he loves.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Five Stars

REVIEW: I absolutely loved The Collector and I was thrilled to learn that I didn’t have to wait a year before The Liberator was released. In this book, Dante is now working for the good guys and has a new assignment to liberate a young girl’s soul while trying to protect Charlie from the clutches of the evil collectors. He quickly finds that his new assignment is more difficult than he imagined because Aspen reminds him so much of himself and he becomes tempted to fall back into his old bad habits. On top of this, Dante learns that being a liberator holds its share of secrets and one of these secrets may put Charlie directly into harm’s way.

I love Dante because he is such a bad boy that has a heart of gold, especially when it comes to the adorable Charlie Cooper. He made a deal to save Charlie’s life in The Collector and he is now coming to terms with those actions. I was happy to see Dante start to grow emotionally because of his past decisions but it isn’t an easy road that he has to follow. His new assignment challenges him to go back to his old ways and he doesn’t want to disappoint Charlie or ruin his new gig. I liked seeing that internal moral struggle with Dante because it showed that everything wasn’t going to be easy for him even though he had changed and his love for Charlie helped him to do the right thing.

Charlie is still the sweet, lovable girl that wants to change the world and you can see why Dante has fallen head over heels for her. My other favorite character is Aspen, the kick-ass, no-holds barred assignment that puts Dante’s world into a little bit of tailspin. She doesn’t care about anything and just seems to live for the moment until she meets Dante. Together, they are able to learn how to put their past mistakes behind them and I just liked their interaction with one another.

Victoria has created another wonderful installment in this series that is filled with non-stop action and great character-building that will keep you guessing. I loved The Liberator and I am looking forward to reading more about Dante and Charlie in the next book.

August 30, 2013August 22, 2013

Personal Assets by Kelsey Browning blog tour

Personal Assets

by Kelsey Browning

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“A hot man, a headstrong woman, and sizzling chemistry set against a homey Texas backdrop–Browning’s contemporary debut has all the assets that count!”

—Ruthie Knox, USA Today bestselling author of Flirting with Disaster

“Sinfully hot, sassy, and laugh-out-loud hilarious—everything a southern romance should be!”

–Macy Beckett, author of the Sultry Springs series

Sex therapist Allie Shelby has the professional credentials, but she could use a bit more practical experience. Finding the right man to bring out her inner bad girl is tough in a population-challenged Texas town. So when sinfully sexy Cameron Wright rolls back into Shelbyville, Allie wastes no time inviting him to join her in some hands-on research.

But while her personal life heats up, Allie’s business is about to crash and burn. And she has to convince Cameron that she’s one princess who’s not looking for a prince to ride to her rescue.

EXCEPT

Allie led Cameron to BB’s passenger door. The car’s rich red paint was flaking, and her rear end was still smushed like a pug’s face.

He said, “If you so much as ding this car again, I will personally take it out of your sweet little ass.”

Her body part in question tingled at the thought.

Allie tugged open a door weighing as much as a calf and nudged Cameron into the front seat. She slammed the door before he changed his mind and climbed out. She was way too invested now. She hotfooted it around the hood in her needle-heeled –pink slides and opened her door.

“I thought you were going to apologize,” Cameron said.

“I already told you I was sorry.”

“Not to me, to her.”

Seriously? But Allie returned to the front of the car and said, “BB, I’m terribly sorry I hit you, but Cameron’s going to make you all better. Okay?”

Lord, like she expected the car to answer her. Regardless, she leaned down and pressed her lips to the hood.

“Did you kiss her and make it better?” Finally, Cameron was smiling.

“Mmm.” Allie slid behind the wheel, the leather smooth against her thighs. Oh, she and Cameron were going to feel fantastic together, naked and entwined on that luscious upholstery. Her back caressed by the body-warmed fabric and her front scorched by Cameron’s hotter-than-July skin. She was going to kiss him and make it all better.

He must have caught the essence of her thoughts as she stretched over his lap to secure his seat belt, because he said in a low voice, “I plan to star in whatever hot little fantasy you just had running through your busy little brain.”

She didn’t bother to ask how he’d known.

A little about Kelsey:

Kelsey Browning writes sass kickin’ love stories full of hot heroes, saucy heroines and spicy romance. Originally from a Texas town smaller than the ones she writes about, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she hangs out in northeast Georgia with Tech Guy, Smarty Boy, Bad Dog and Pharaoh, a Canine Companions for Independence puppy. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Texas Nights series and The Granny Series. Give her a shout at Kelsey@KelseyBrowning.com or drop by www.KelseyBrowning.com. For info on her upcoming releases, subscribe to her Sass Kickin’ News.

Tour Wide Giveaway

One lucky person will win a Bed Lounge Pillow.
US Shipping ONLY.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

There will be a giveaway for one follower of Books-n-Kisses of a print copy of Craving Her Soldier’s Touch by Wendy S. Marcus – http://wendysmarcus.com/

To enter please leave a comment or question

Along with you EMAIL!!!!

Giveaway ends 9/5/13

August 30, 2013August 18, 2013

Kelly review First Temptation by Joan Swan

TITLE: First Temptation
SERIES #: Covert Affair #1.5
CHARACTERS: Taft Walker & Zoe Brooks
AUTHOR: Joan Swan
PUBLICATION DATE: August 19, 2013
ORDER LINKS:

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Counterterrorist agent Taft Walker knows the Mexican cartel smuggling game. But posing as part owner of an adult store to ferret out the newest tunnel into the US is a first. So is Zoe Brooks, his partner, new to undercover and a sex-toy virgin. Taft’s up for the sexy challenge. At least until he sees the real Zoe beneath her tough façade and realizes, for the first time in his life, he’ll have to risk his heart to win.

After the death of a teammate, Border Patrol Agent Zoe Brooks is ready to get off the front lines. She’s willing to tolerate a swaggering partner like Taft for a chance to work investigations with ICE. But she’s not prepared for the way he understands her deepest, sexiest desires. Or the fact that she’ll have to break her own rules to grab hold of the passion she’s always wanted.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars First Temptation is part of the Wicked First Anthology package, which features 6 amazing stories by 6 amazing authors. But this is my review of Joan Swan’s First Temptation.

First Temptation is a novella in Joan’s Covert Affair series. In FT we get to see what makes Taft Walker tick. And BOY HOWDY does Taft have some tricks up his sleeve *wink, wink* What tricks you may ask? Well what would you say if I told you that Taft has to go undercover with Zoe. This will be Zoe’s first undercover operation. And what do they have to pose as? Why a couple that owns a sex shop…. 🙂 Yep!! Taft & Zoe get to own a sex shop. Needless to say these two have fun.

And that is all you are getting from me.

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.

August 29, 2013August 18, 2013

Thursday’s Thought…

August 29, 2013August 22, 2013

Interview with Elise Sax

Welcome to Books-n-Kisses Elise, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I’m a harried, single mother, living in Southern California with my two sons, and I also write funny, sexy books with a side of murder.

Connect with Elise: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes, except when I wanted to be an ice skating, ballet-dancing, veterinarian.

Are you a plotter or a punster or combo of both? And you explain the difference?

I write a general outline. I always know the ending (although MATCHPOINT’s ending surprised the hell out of me and will probably surprise the hell out of YOU.)—who did it and why. Then, I plough ahead. There’s a lot of organic magic that happens while writing a book.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I wrote MATCHPOINT entirely while lying in bed and watching TV. That’s pretty quirky.

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

MATCHPOINT is the second book in the Matchmaker series. In it, Gladie Burger is still a matchmaker in training. While matching someone, she becomes the murder suspect in the death of the local dentist. Meanwhile, two hotties are after her, but there isn’t a lot of time for love when she’s being chased by a maniacal killer.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I have no idea. Probably while I was deep conditioning my hair. Showers are really good for creativity. So are carbs.

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

The first book in a young adult trilogy, which will make you cry (in a good way)

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

I met Diana Gabaldon and almost swallowed my tongue. I would love to meet Nora Roberts because I always mention her, as in “what would Nora Roberts do?” She’s amazing, if only for her work ethic, alone.

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

Write. Finish. Just do it. And then do it, again. And don’t listen to anyone.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

A luxury bungalow on the water in Bora Bora where I do absolutely nothing. (I bet Nora Roberts would do something more energetic than that, though)

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

I have To Read Piles. Piles and piles. I buy books like other people buy peanuts. I love bookstores, the smell of books, the excitement before I crack open the first page.

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

Oh, that’s a really good and really hard question. Books—stories—are so subjective. Like music and visual art, they hit everyone differently. For me, East of Eden and The Hotel New Hampshire changed my life. The Bible ain’t bad, either.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

Summer. I don’t believe in cold and rain. Although, I’m sweating in misery while I type this. So, maybe I should change my answer?

Who is your Celebrity crush? And what would you do if you ever meet them?

The Rock. If I met him, I would insist that we get married, and I wouldn’t take NO for an answer.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Read my book! I promise you’ll have a good time. Also, Thank you so much for interviewing me! This was a lot of fun.

*****

An Affair to Dismember

Book One of the Matchmaker Series

Amazon | B&N | Indie Bound | BAM | iTunes

Three months has been Gladie Burger’s limit when it comes to staying in one place: She’s always been a temp agency kind of girl, ever ready to move on. That’s why Gladie is more than a little skeptical when her eccentric Grandma Zelda recruits her to the family business in the quaint small town of Cannes, California. Gladie is also highly unqualified: Her beloved grandmother’s business is matchmaking, and Gladie has a terrible track record with romance. Still, despite evidence to the contrary, Zelda is convinced that her granddaughter has “the gift.” But when the going gets tough, Gladie wonders if this gift has a return policy.

When Zelda’s neighbor drops dead in his kitchen, Gladie is swept into his bizarre family’s drama. Despite warnings from the (distractingly gorgeous) chief of police to steer clear of his investigation, Gladie is out to prove that her neighbor’s death was murder. It’s not too long before she’s in way over her head—with the hunky police chief, a dysfunctional family full of possible killers, and yet another mysterious and handsome man, whose attentions she’s unable to ignore. Gladie is clearly being pursued—either by true love or by a murderer. Who will catch her first?

*****

Matchpoint

Book Two of the Matchmaker Series

Amazon | B&N | Indie Bound | BAM | iTunes

Lovably troublesome Gladie Burger runs into sizzling danger and a fiery love triangle in the second installment of Elise Sax’s hilarious and sexy Matchmaker romance series.

Since joining the family matchmaking business run by her eccentric Grandma Zelda, Gladie is always looking for love. But when an unbearable toothache knocks her out of commission and into the dentist’s chair, she prays only for relief. No such luck. Emerging from an anesthetic haze, Gladie awakes to find that not only is her tooth still throbbing, but her dentist is dead—and the lead suspect in the murder, office receptionist Belinda, just so happens to be Gladie’s first real client. Now it’s up to Gladie to find Belinda a manand keep her from being locked up behind bars.

As if that weren’t enough distraction, two gorgeous men are vying for Gladie’s attention: Spencer, the playboy chief of police, and Holden, Gladie’s secretive, gorgeously muscled neighbor. Still, Gladie’s not complaining about having a helping hand or two when the case leads her to a dangerously bizarre cult. She may have met her match—and if she’s not careful, it could be her last.

Check out the MATCHPOINT trailer: http://youtu.be/HIO1MTit7Ww

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Elise is giving away the following prizes at the end of her tour:
GRAND PRIZE: $50.00 Amazon gift card
2nd Prize: $10.00 Amazon gift card
3rd Prize: $10.00 Amazon gift card

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August 29, 2013August 18, 2013

Kelly reviews Burn by Maya Banks

TITLE: Burn
SERIES #: Breathless Trilogy #3
CHARACTERS: Ash McIntyre & Josie
AUTHOR: Maya Banks
PUBLICATION DATE: Aug. 6, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ash, Jace, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Ash, it’s the woman who changes everything he’s ever known about dominance and desire…

When it comes to sex, Ash McIntyre has always explored his wilder side—extreme and uncompromising. He demands control. And he prefers women who want it like that. Even the women he’s shared with his best friend, Jace.

But Jace is involved with a woman he has no intention of sharing. And now even Gabe has settled into a relationship with a woman who gives him everything he needs, leaving Ash feeling restless and unfulfilled.

Then Ash meets Josie, who seems immune to his charms and his wealth. Intrigued, he begins a relentless pursuit, determined she won’t be the one who got away. He never imagined the one woman to tell him no would be the only woman who’d ever drive him to the edge of desire.

REVIEW:
Burn is Maya Banks final book in her “Breathless Series” And I do have to say that this was my favorite book in the trilogy.

Ash is not as laid back as we thought in book 1 & 2. Ash is very a intense, demanding, protective and very sweet man. And Josie is the perfect mix of submissive yet witty and fiery enough to keep Ash on his toes.

Burn is a really good book. It is kinda sad to know that this is the end of the trilogy. But then again all three of these guys have their Happily Ever After and are blissfully happy and that would make a pretty boring book. But maybe, just maybe, Maya will throw us a boone in the future with a revisit to the Breathless Series. Got to have updates on how Gabe, Jace & Ash fair as daddy’s right?

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.

August 28, 2013August 27, 2013

Entangled Teen Launch Party

Welcome to the Entangled Teen August 27 release party! Today, we’re celebrating the release of The Liberator by Victoria Scott, Relic by Renee Collins, Everlast by Andria Buchanan, Ward Against Darkness by Melanie Card, and Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

*****

The Liberator

by Victoria Scott

B&N | Amazon | Indiebound | Goodreads

Bad boy, meet bad girl.

Dante has a shiny new cuff wrapped around his ankle, and he doesn’t like that mess one bit. His new accessory comes straight from Big Guy himself and marks the former demon as a liberator. Despite his gritty past and bad boy ways, Dante Walker has been granted a second chance.

Victoria Scott: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

*****

Relic

by Renee Collins

B&N | Amazon | Indiebound | Goodreads

After a raging fire consumes her town and kills her parents, Maggie Davis is on her own to protect her younger sister and survive best she can in the Colorado town of Burning Mesa. In Maggie’s world, the bones of long-extinct magical creatures such as dragons and sirens are mined and traded for their residual magical elements, and harnessing these relics’ powers allows the user to wield fire, turn invisible, or heal even the worst of injuries.

Working in a local saloon, Maggie befriends the spirited showgirl Adelaide and falls for the roguish cowboy Landon. But when she proves to have a particular skill at harnessing the relics’ powers, Maggie is whisked away to the glamorous hacienda of Álvar Castilla, the wealthy young relic baron who runs Burning Mesa. Though his intentions aren’t always clear, Álvar trains Maggie in the world of relic magic. But when the mysterious fires reappear in their neighboring towns, Maggie must discover who is channeling relic magic for evil before it’s too late.

Relic is a thrilling adventure set in a wholly unique world, and a spell-binding story of love, trust, and the power of good.

Renee Collins: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

*****

Everlast

by Andria Buchanan

B&N | Amazon | Indiebound | Goodreads

Allie Munroe has only ever wanted to belong, maybe even be well liked. But even though she’s nice and smart and has a couple of friends, she’s still pretty much the invisible girl at school. So when the chance to work with her friends and some of the popular kids on an English project comes up, Allie jumps at the chance to be noticed.

And her plan would have worked out just fine…if they hadn’t been sucked into a magical realm through a dusty old book of fairy tales in the middle of the library.

Now, Allie and her classmates are stuck in Nerissette, a world where karma rules and your social status is determined by what you deserve. Which makes a misfit like Allie the Crown Princess, and her archrival the scullery maid. And the only way out is for Allie to rally and lead the people of Nerissette against the evil forces that threaten their very existence.

Andria Buchanan: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

*****

Ward Against Darkness

by Melanie Card

B&N | Amazon | Indiebound | Goodreads

The last thing Ward de’Ath wants is more trouble. On the run from both the law and the criminal underworld, Ward and Celia flee Brawenal City only to stumble into the mansion of a powerful evil necromancer. And when Ward discovers the man possesses a dangerous grimoire, his duty leaves him no choice. He can’t allow the necromancer to keep the grimoire. But the mansion is filled with monsters–human and undead–and Ward has no way of telling who’s friend or foe. The only person he can trust is Celia who dominates more of his thoughts and feelings everyday. But there are still laws in the way of anything but friendship. She’s still dead and he’s still alive . . . for now.

Melanie Card: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

*****

Origin

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Goodreads

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything.

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?

And will they even be together?

Jennifer L. Armentrout: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway

To celebrate the new releases, Entangled is giving away a paperback copy of each book. Enter using the Rafflecopter below!
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August 28, 2013August 18, 2013

Kimberly review Slow Summer Burn by Elisabeth Barrett

TITLE: Slow Summer Burn
SERIES #: Star Harbor #4
CHARACTERS: Cameron & Val
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Barrett
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/12/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Val Grayson has been a strong, steady presence in his younger brothers’ lives. Now that the other Grayson men have settled down, Val is able to focus on himself … and he has gorgeous, privileged Cameron Stahl in his sights. Cam has just opened her second antique store in Star Harbor and is more than receptive to sexy-as-sin Val’s advances. But Cam’s family isn’t too keen on their precious daughter dating a DEA agent. It’ll be up to Val to convince Cam–and himself–that he’s worth it. And man, is he worth it.

REVIEW:
This is the fourth in the series and unfortunately I read the first book and then somehow jumped to this one so I missed a couple of stories and I was sorry I did. Yes you can read this as a stand alone but you will know that you missed a few stories and want to go back and read them.

Val is most certainly the silent but deadly type. He is the oldest brother who raised his three younger brothers and it has made him the man he is today. Cameron is the rich debutante that longs to come down from her ivory tower. And when they meet there is fireworks.

I really enjoyed the first and the last in the series and have already picked up book three and will find book two as well. I just really enjoy the way Barrett writes and hope she continues even though this series is done.

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

August 27, 2013August 20, 2013

Release Day Madness 8.27.13

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.

August 27, 2013August 22, 2013

Interview with JL Vallance

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome JL Vallance to the blog for the 1st time

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

I was born and raised in northeast Ohio. I’ve lived here my entire life, except for the three years I gave San Antonio, Texas a go while my husband was in the USAF. I love fairy tales and anything supernatural in nature. I’ve always been plagued with an overactive imagination, and would always create fantastic stories at night to combat insomnia. A little over a year ago, I decided to start putting those stories down on paper. I still have insomnia, but my stories keep getting bigger and bigger.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I can honestly say that writing is a newer dream of mine. I’ve always had a very vivid imagination, and I’ve also always been overly dramatic. One day I decided that I should take all of these stories that I entertained myself with at night during bouts of insomnia, and put them into something useful. In turn, I found that I really enjoyed writing. It was a therapeutic outlet.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

That is an interesting question…I’m not sure that I have one! I like to sit down with some coffee and good music and just type away. I don’t write in any specific order, just what feels right at the time.

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

In Destruction of the Soul, Vivienne Drake continues on her quest for answers to her heritage. She continues trying to figure out fact from fiction, who is friend and who is foe. She figures out a little more about who she is and who she wants to be–not just as a Guardian but as a living, breathing creature in the world. There’s continued action, suspense, romance, pain, despair. It’s an intense and insane rollercoaster.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Deep Into the Soul began as a simple love story, and it quickly changed and grew to the paranormal beast that it is now. It was a simple case of the story evolving on its own. I had been sitting at my desk, writing, and Vivienne had one of her nightmares…and the story just took off from there. Aedan entered into her world and everything changed.

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

I’m currently working on a novella for the Guild Series. The novella is kind of Aedan’s story. It’s his story of his love, his lost love…it will give readers a little bit of an idea of how he came to be where he is when we meet him in Deep Into the Soul–cold, heartless, ruthless. I love it because it shows a different side to him. I do love my bad guys, especially ones with many complex layers.

I’m also working on a contemporary romance. It’s a diverse love story about a boy and a girl and a love that has many, many challenges. That one is in the early stages still, but I hope that readers will love those characters just as much as they love The Guild Series crew.

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

I think I’d have to go with Stephen King. He seems so neat and genuine, and like he would have a wealth of knowledge and advice. I’ve read some interviews that he’s given, and he seems like he’d be great to sit and have a talk with.

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

Write what you feel and what you love. And whatever you do, trust what the story tells you…because sometimes, it just writes itself.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I can tell you it won’t be anything involving me getting on a doggone airplane. I hate even the idea of flying. (Yep, that’s where Vivienne gets it from.) I would really love to travel to England and Scotland. I have heard there are cruise lines that go that-a way… Maybe?

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

I’m currently reading Sins and Needles by Karina Halle.

I cannot wait for the next Mageri Series book, by Dannika Dark, to come out later this year. I have really enjoyed this series and am looking forward to the next book while I’m also bummed that it will be the final one.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I thank each and every one of my readers for reading, reviewing, sharing, and following! Thank you so much for having me!

Released Date: August 20th
“There is more at stake in Aedan’s war than any of you realize.”

Vivienne Drake is lost.

She’d let every one of her walls down, finally allowing others into her guarded circle, and all it brought her was pain and devastation. Now, out of fear and desperation, she’s turning to the one being she believes will be truthful with her; the only being that’s dared to give her anything resembling an honest answer–Linux, The Cruciatum.

The Daemonium is dangerous and mysterious, and offering Vivienne things that she’s been begging for. He offers her a chance at discovering what lies just beyond her reach. Though his motives remain far from clear, there is something within him that Vivienne is drawn to. And she wants nothing more than to believe in him, to believe in the things he tells her.

Together, they uncover details of Aedan’s plans, and discover what he intends to use his daughter for. Vivienne learns that she carries within her a destructive darkness, that if she allows, will consume her, and destroy the goodness she contains.

Fighting an endless battle against lies and deception, Vivienne must find the strength within herself to remain on a virtuous path. She’ll be forced to overcome pain and obstacles in order to discover the truth of just how deep the deceit runs within The Guild.

Can she remain above the darkness for the sake of Humanity and herself, or will she allow it to devour her light and destroy her soul?

Author’s Bio & Picture:
J. L. Vallance is a wife, mom, and nurse by day, while posing as a writer by night. Plagued with an overactive imagination, a lover of all things supernatural in nature, she has an extraordinary flair for the dramatic that adds flavor to life. There’s little in her world that Otis Redding and buttercream icing can’t fix. And of course, coffee always helps too. True story.

Author Links:

Website/Blog: http://www.jlvallance.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jlvallance

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/jlvallanceguild

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6548856.J_L_Vallance

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August 27, 2013August 22, 2013

Kimberly reviews The Hero by Robyn Carr

TITLE: The Hero
SERIES #: Thunder Point #3
CHARACTERS: Devon & Spencer
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/27/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In a moment of desperation, Devon McAllister takes her daughter and flees a place where they should have been safe and secure. She has no idea what is around the next bend, but she is pretty certain it can’t be worse than what they’ve left behind. Her plan is to escape to somewhere she can be invisible. Instead, an unexpected offer of assistance leads her to Thunder Point, a tiny Oregon town with a willingness to help someone in need.

As the widowed father of a vulnerable young boy, Spencer Lawson knows something about needing friendship. But he’s not looking for anything else. Instead, he’s thrown his energy into his new role as Thunder Point’s high school football coach. Tough and demanding to his team, off the field he’s gentle and kind…just the kind of man who could heal Devon’s wounded heart.

Devon thought she wanted to hide from the world. But in Thunder Point, you find bravery where you least expect it…and sometimes, you find a hero.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars So here is the thing. The story in the book is really good. The problem is the romance is almost non-existent. Devon’s story is very interesting. The struggles she has been through sucks you in and you want to know more. And I enjoyed catching up with the people from the other books.

The problem is that Spencer did not have much of a storyline at all. Almost like he was thrown into the romance. I actually felt that Devon and the Doctor had more chemistry. I am not sure why these characters were put together. When they are together they are sweet but not what I would call a true romance.

There was a lot of story about the past characters as well. As if the author wanted to tell their continued story and decided “oh what the heck I will add a new couple”. Now that being said it is still a really good story. Devon is a wonderful character and I loved reading about her situation. And if you have read the other two in the series you will most certainly want to read this one so you know what happened to the previous couples.

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

August 26, 2013August 22, 2013

Spotlight & Excerpt of Joan Swan’s Rush

Rush

by Joan Swan

Genre: Romantic Suspense (with paranormal elements)

Heat Level: 3.5/5

Elements/Tags: romance, suspense, paranormal abilities, conspiracy, remote viewing, rescue, firefighters, escape, amnesia, reunion, lobbyist, Washington DC

Publisher: Kensington

Publishing Date: 8/27/13

Series: Phoenix Rising, 3

Format: Print and Ebook

Words: 110k

Jessica Fury, Washington lobbyist, has money, connections, and her own firm. But five years ago she had something better: happiness. Her firefighter husband, Quaid, was handsome, courageous, and crazy about her. Then one day he walked into a chemical inferno—and never walked out. Jessica has been through hell to get back on her feet. And then a rumor surfaces that could bring a miracle or shatter her world – again.

Q has been a prisoner forever. He’s honed his mind and body into weapons. He’s developed abilities no one else understands. But he’s still at the mercy of a cabal of ruthless men, who blank his memory, test him like a lab rat, and tell him lies. Although his past has been erased and his future looks grim, instinct tells him he has a woman to live for. What his mind can’t remember, his body can’t forget…

The heat is on.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16057050-rush

The room fell silent again. Q felt Jessica’s stare on his face. Fought to open his eyes, but only got a flutter of lashes.

He pushed his mouth and tongue around. “Jess . . .” Came out in a rasp. He cracked his lids as she pushed up on her knees.

“Right here.” She reached for something beside him. Slid one hand behind his head and lifted, bringing a straw to his lips. “Take a sip. It’s orange juice, your favorite. We need to get some sugar into your blood.”

Q sucked at the straw. The tangy, sugary liquid hit his tongue and lit off an immediate unquenchable thirst. As if he’d been fueled with instant energy, Q opened his eyes.

“Hey, there.” Her voice was so soft, so sweet, it made his chest ache. “Are you really awake? Or is this just another temporary visit?”

The straw dried up and a slurping sound came from the glass. She set the empty drink on the ground, laid his head back carefully on a pillow and remained leaning over him, her hands caressing his face.

“Feel like heaven,” he managed, finding it easier to talk with a moist throat, though his voice didn’t sound any smoother. “So beautiful.”

A slow smile turned her lips. Her eyes grew wet.

He managed to get one of his hands up and over hers. The orange juice seemed to be hitting his bloodstream. “Missed you so much. Don’t leave.”

“Never.” Her whisper sounded rough as she shook her head. Tears dropped from her eyes and hit his cheeks. “I’ll never leave you again.”

Relief and excitement surged like a tidal wave and rocked him. No words could ever bring him this much joy. She lowered her head and kissed him. Just a touch of her lips, but Q needed more. He strained toward her, waiting for her lips to come back, but they didn’t.

Need gave him the strength to slide the hand covering hers around the back of her head. Gravity did the rest. When her mouth met his, he took as much as he could, unsure of how long he’d have her. She gave with generous lips that caressed and sucked his in ways that made his mind twist and his body want. The sounds she made, emotional, heart-wrenching sounds, shivered through his mouth and ignited need throughout his body.

She tasted sweet, so sweet. Or maybe that was just the orange juice he’d been drinking. But she was fresh, warm, succulent. She was a drug. But nothing like the drugs those bastards used on him. She didn’t suppress him, she lifted him. She was ecstasy. He was completely high. His entire body buzzed with excitement. Bright white light pulsed in his chest.

He felt alive.

Finally felt alive.

He rolled toward her and tried to wrap his free arm at her waist, but it was his bad arm and he didn’t have the strength. He managed to fist the fabric and drag her with him as he rolled back. She moved easily, sliding on top of him and aligning their bodies. And, oh, she was so much more than he’d dreamed. Soft and strong. Lush and lean. Alive and pliant and warm. She was heaven. Absolute heaven.

His hunger intensified to starvation and he tasted her with a stroke of his tongue. She immediately responded, and the sensation of tongue against tongue diverted blood from Q’s brain straight to his cock. The pressure was so intense he lifted his hips and rubbed against Jessica for relief.

She groaned, long and deep, before lifting her head and breaking their kiss. Tears shimmered in her eyes. They were so big. Such a soft, warm brown. Her rich, tawny hair spilled around her face, silky against his bare shoulders.

She gazed down at him, her lips turning in a tentative smile. “Am I hurting you?”

“Only if you stop.” His voice sounded so hideously rough compared to hers. “I can’t tell you . . . how long I’ve dreamt of this.”

He raked his hand through her hair gently, absorbing the feel of it between his fingers. She closed her eyes, those long lashes, which were the same gorgeous color as her hair, curved gently against her cheeks. A soft spray of freckles lay beneath, barely visible.

His chest had grown so incredibly tight, ribs squeezing his lungs until every intake of breath burned. Emotion welled inside until it overwhelmed him. Thoughts swirled in his mind without consent. Words pushed at his lips.

I love you.

The realization floated close as he held her face in one cupped hand. Fear encircled the warmth and excitement. How could he love her? How could he feel so overwhelmingly attached to her? And if Gorin found out how he felt . . .

Gorin.

Years of self-preservation and logic battled with the new and powerful emotions. His mind drifted to the man in the desert with the weapons and the hostages. Q still didn’t know what that had been. A test? And this, was this a test?

Or now that he’d escaped, was this a trap?

The word vibrated in his head. Internally, a thin, cold veneer slipped into place, pushing his emotions into the background, bringing instinct and intellect to the foreground. The orange juice? Had it been drugged? Was this some new experiment? Something they’d been prepping him for? Something they’d implanted in his subconscious for years in case they ever needed to pull it out and use it as a weapon against him?

“What’s wrong?” Her voice brought his eyes up to hers. They were worried. No . . . frightened. They were definitely frightened. “Quaid, honey? Are you o—”

Muscle memory took over. Q had no idea where he found the strength or the coordination, but he flipped her and closed his hand over her throat.

“Stop,” she rasped, clawing at his fingers. “Quaid, please. Stop. You’re hurting—”

“Why are you calling me Quaid?” And why did holding her down like this make him want to put a gun to his own head? “Who are you? Who do you work for?”

“Quaid!” She turned her head and dragged in air, squirming beneath him. “I can’t breathe!”

“What the fuck is going on?”

The deep voice sounded in the doorway. Q’s body reacted again, thought only a hum in the background. He jerked Jessica off the floor and pulled her in front of him with an arm around her neck. The man at the door was big. With an authoritative presence. But he wasn’t holding any weapons.

“Teague, take it easy.” A woman appeared beside him. Mixed race, part Asian with long black hair, light eyes, very pregnant. Unless that was fake, too.

More people rushed through the door. He didn’t know anyone. Didn’t know where he was. Didn’t know what the hell was going on. His body hardened. His mind sharpened. Fear pumped in his veins, preparing him for action.

A little about Joan Swan writes sexy romantic suspense for Kensington (Phoenix Rising Series) and independently (Covert Affairs Series). She also works as a sonographer at a top medical facility in San Francisco and lives in magnificent wine country on the central coast of California with her husband and two daughters.

Website: http://joanswan.com/

Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/JoanSwanAuthor

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joan-Swan/120027341414640

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JoanSwan

Twitter giveaways: http://www.twitter.com/JoanSwan

Giveaway Details:

Tour Wide Giveaway found on Joan Swan’s FB Page:

(3) Designer purses filled with lots of goodies.

Per Stop Giveaway:

(1) print copy of either FEVER (#1) or BLAZE (#2) per the number of tour stops (15 Total) – US/Ca Only.
(1) digital copy of FIRST TEMPTATION by Joan Swan per the number of tour stops (15 Total)
(1) digital copy of RECKLESS by Skye Jordan per the number of tour stops (15 Total)

Please follow the Rafflecopter widget to enter to win at each stop. Then visit Joan Swan’s FB page to enter to win one of three designer purses filled with a variety of goodies! (Full Terms & Conditions located on the widgets.)
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For more tour stops:

http://events.litconnect.com/rush-by-joan-swan/ OR, at http://joanswan.com/