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Interview & Tour Wide giveaway with Jennifer Lyon

Can you please share with us a little about yourself

Thank you so much for having me on Books-n-Kisses today! So about me, I grew up mostly in Southern California, met my husband at the dog pound and considering the competition—dogs—I got his attention pretty fast J. We married and have three great sons. These days, I work long hours. In my free time, I hang out with family, occasionally drag myself to the gym, and every once in a while, I get out and see real people instead of the characters living in my head.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I’ve always loved reading and storytelling, but it was after I was married and we had our three sons that I got serious about the idea of writing. I tried going back to college to pursue a marketing degree, but my passion was writing and I am fortunate enough to be married to a man who supports my dream in every way possible.

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

I’m both. If I’m writing for a publisher, I always have a general outline, and as I work, I’ll add in layers of emotional depth as well as strengthen the conflict and plot.

If I’m working on my Indie books (like The Proposition and Possession), then I start with even less of an outline.  It’s more work that way in the long run, but I love the freedom of letting the characters show me what they need in their story. I revise more often, but I think the story can be richer and more authentic for it.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I don’t see much about my process as interesting <g>, most of it is frustrating. Maybe that when I’m deep in a book, I don’t process what people (the real ones) are saying to me? My husband will tell me he’s going to the store, then when he returns I blink and say, “You were gone? Where’ d you go?” Now he makes me repeat back to him what he said, LOL!

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

I’m happy to! I’m releasing the second installment of The Plus One Chronicles; POSSESSION. In book one, THE PROPOSITION Sloane sees Kat Thayne and he’s more intrigued than usual.  He goes out of his way to get her to agree to his plus-one arrangement, offering her the one thing she can’t turn down—a chance to learn self defense so she will never be a victim again. By the end of the book, it’s clear something powerful is happening between them. But Sloane convinces himself it will burn out and die off. 

But in the second book, POSSESSION, everything begins to change. Sloane is facing the brutal reality that Drake, his mentor who has been like a father to Sloane, is dying. It’s ripping Sloane apart and there’s nothing he can do to change it. Although he does move Drake into his house and care for him, but to Sloane, that’s not enough. The more he feels Drake slipping away, the more he’s driven to hold onto Kat.  Even though he knows the best thing for her, for both of them, would be to end it before they get in too deep.

In the meantime, Kat’s struggling with her fears from an attack she can’t remember, and coming to trust that Sloane won’t betray her as her ex-fiancé had when she discovers Sloane’s dark side that could destroy them both.

You can read an except here: http://jenniferlyonbooks.com/the-plus-one-chronicles/possession/

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Most of this entire trilogy came to me after my son suffered a very serious injury to his leg. Through his months of recovery, Kat and Sloane took shape in my mind. Kat is much like my son, a determined survivor fighting to get stronger. And Sloane…he’s the hero I have always, always wanted to write.  He’s strong and damaged but not a jerk. He may make some bad decisions, but he’s not cruel or mean to people who don’t deserve it. And he sees Kat as a beautiful survivor. I think Sloane has been developing in my mind ever since I was young, maybe 8 or 9 and hanging out in the karate studio my brother owned, watching all those powerful men spar.

As for The Plus One Chronicles part of it, that came from a family member who has a good friend and they “plus-one” for each other when they aren’t in relationships. I began to think:  What if a rich, powerful man never dates, never has relationships, but only has a plus-one? A woman who will go to events with him and warm his bed? Who is his man, why is he that way?

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

I’m working on Obsession, book 3 in The Plus One Chronicles, which is the explosive conclusion to the trilogy. I’m also going to be starting on the second book in my Once A Marine Series written under my Jennifer Apodaca name. The Baby Bargain was the first book in that series.

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

Stephen King, I just think he’d be fascinating. I don’t even read him much anymore, but I began reading his books in high school.

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

Learn to finish the book! When we get bogged down in the middle of the book we’re writing, it’s so easy to get distracted by a new, fresh ideas. Jot down those ideas somewhere, then go back and finish that first book. I also encourage writers to join groups, maybe Romance Writers of America, or an online group. We learn so much that way, and it helps us to stay inspired and motivated.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

That always makes me smile. I don’t really have a bucket list. This year is so crazy, I’m just trying to get it all done!

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

Laura Wright has a cowboy series coming out, I can’t wait for BRANDED! I can’t remember when it releases, I think it’s late 2014. But I wish she’d hurry up!

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

Good question! I don’t know the answer as I think it’s different for each person. For me, it was TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. I read it when I was young and it exposed me to concepts I knew nothing about.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

I like different times of the year for different reasons. But summer just because we enjoy having BBQs and hanging out by the pool.

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

Does the French bulldog from the Modern Family sitcom count? Otherwise, I usually say Hugh Jackman, and if he could meet me as Wolverine, that’d be perfect!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for having me today! I love books and always enjoy the opportunity to chat about them!

 

*****

The Plus One Chronicles

 A wicked proposition…

A sensual possession…

A dark obsession…

The Plus One Chronicles: Searing passion and fiery vengeance collide in three explosive books.

*****

THE PROPOSITION

The Plus One Chronicles, Book 1

Kindle | Nook | Kobo | Smashwords | iTunes

Rich, sexy and volatile, Sloane Michaels has a dark agenda that keeps his heart on ice. His extreme wealth gives him the control he craves and his skills as an ex UFC fighter the tools he’ll need to extract his ultimate revenge. But when the woman he never believed he’d see again crosses his path, Sloane is caught between the vengeance he needs and a sexual conquest he craves.

Kat Thayne has been in survival mode for six years, hiding behind the sweet creations for her bakery. But when a random carjacking brings her face-to-face with her darkest fears and hottest fantasy, Kat is forced out of hiding and offered a dangerously passionate proposition. One she knows she isn’t strong enough to refuse.

Book Trailer:

 

 *****

POSSESSION

The Plus One Chronicles, Book 2

 

Kindle | Nook | Kobo | Smashwords 

**Please note: Possession is book two of a three book series. Readers should start with The Proposition.**

Savagely sexy billionaire Sloane Michaels ruthlessly controls his life and everything in it. Even his sex partners are carefully negotiated plus-one arrangements, including his latest, the fiery bakery owner, Kat Thayne. But Sloane’s control is challenged when his mentor becomes seriously ill, and his need for Kat, his need to possess her at all costs, rivals only his single-minded goal of vengeance for the murder of his sister.

After surviving an attack six years ago, Kat Thayne escaped her fears in the protective world of her beloved bakery. Then Sloane Michaels storms into her life, making her feel beautiful, strong and sexy. Yet as Kat pushes her boundaries and uncovers a dangerous secret in her past, Sloane’s controlling side emerges. Worried that Sloane will possess her mind, body and soul, Kat fights to keep her hard won independence. But just as Sloane demands her complete surrender, she discovers he has a dark side that could destroy them both.

**Possession is an adult contemporary novel and is not intended for younger readers due to mature content.**

*****

OBSESSION, Book 3 – Coming 9/24/13

 

A little more about Jennifer: 

Jennifer Lyon grew up under the shadow of the Matterhorn at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. She attended Walt Disney elementary school and her very first playmate was her beloved dog, Duke, who was cast in the role of hero in all their adventures.

Clearly Jen was born to daydream. But it took her years to figure out how to turn her imagination into a career as an author. After marrying and becoming a full time mom to three sons, Jen launched her career with the award winning Samantha Shaw Mystery Series and other romantic mysteries under the name Jennifer Apodaca. Later, she took the name Jennifer Lyon, combined her love of witches, alpha males and sizzling romance into another award winning series, the Wing Slayer Hunters.

Jennifer has several new releases coming out this year.  THE PROPOSITION, the first book in her new Plus One Chronicles was just released on February 24 and following later in the year will be Book Two: POSSESSION – Coming 5/28/13 and Book Three: OBSESSION – Coming 9/24/13.

Writing under Jennifer Apodaca she will be releasing the first book in her Once A Marine series, titled THE BABY BARGAIN which will be out in March 2013 from Entangled Publishing in their Indulgence line.

For more information on Jen or her books, please visit her website or follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jennifer is giving away a $50.00 gift card to Amazon or B&N (winners choice) on the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Jennifer Lion’s POSSESSION Blog Tour

May 27 – June 9

5/27 – Book Monster Reviews (Guest Post, series spotlight)

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

5/ 27- Wicked Readings by Tawania (series spotlight)

http://www.wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com/

5/28- United by Books (series spotlight)

http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

5/29- Romance Junkies (interview & review bk 2)

http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

5/29- Buffy’s Ramblings (series spotlight & review bk 1)

http://buffy-kennedy.blogspot.com/

5/30- Salacious Reads (series spotlight & reviews)

http://www.salaciousreads.com/

5/30- The Reading Cafe (guest post, series spotlight & review bk 2)

http://thereadingcafe.com/

5/28- Ramblings From This Chick (series spotlight & reviews)

http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/

5/31- Mimmi’s Musings (series spotlight)

http://mimmismusings.blogspot.com/

6/01- Underworld Love Addiction (series spotlight & review bk 2)

http://underworldloveaddiction.blogspot.com/

6/01- Riverina Romantics (series spotlight)

http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

6/02- Page Flipperz (series spotlight & review bk 2)

http://pageflipperz.blogspot.com/

6/02- Toot’s Book Reviews (interview)

http://tootsbookreviews.blogspot.com/

6/03- Cocktails and Books (series spotlight & review bk 2)

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

6/03 – Books-n-Kisses (interview)

https://books-n-kisses.com

6/04- Flirting with Romance (Interview)

http://flirtingwithromance.blogspot.com/

6/04- Books, Books and More Books (series spotlight & reviews)

http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/

6/05- Book Lovin’ Mamas (guest post and review bk 2)

http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com//

6/05- Under the Covers (guest post & reviews)

http://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/

6/06- Vampires, Werewolves & Fairies Oh My! (Interview and reviews)

http://vampireswerewolvesfairiesohmy.blogspot.com/

6/06- Offbeat Vagabond (series spotlight & review bk 1)

http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/

6/07- Night Owl Reviews ( guest post )

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5

06/07  Hesperia Loves Books (series spotlight & reviews)

http://www.hesperialovesbooks.com/

6/08 – Scorching Book Reviews (interview)

http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot.com/

6/09 – Reading Between The Wines (guest post)

http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.com/

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Kimberly reviews The Night Is Watching by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Night Is Watching
SERIES #: Krewe Of Hunters #9
CHARACTERS: Jane & Sloane
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/28/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The dead of night. The Old West town of Lily, Arizona, is home to the Gilded Lily, a former theater…and bawdy house. These days, it offers theatrical productions geared to tourists, but the recent discovery of a skull, a real skull, among the props and costumes shakes everyone up.

So, who do you call? The Krewe of Hunters, a special FBI unit of paranormal investigators. In this case, it’s agent Jane Everett. Jane’s also a talented artist who creates images of the dead as they once were. But the Krewe always works with local law enforcement, and here that means Sloan Trent, former Houston cop and now sheriff. His great-great-grandmother was an actress at the Gilded Lily…and she’s not resting in peace.

Then more remains appear in the nearby desert. As they search for answers, using all the skills at their disposal, Jane and Sloan find themselves falling into danger—and into love.

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars While an interesting story this book just did not have the flare that Graham’s books usually have. I didn’t feel that Sloan and Jane had the connection that most of the characters have in her stories. And in all honestly all the characters seemed so snippy to each other that it was distracting. There were many moments of mean-spiritedness in this story. I am not sure why because that is not common in Graham’s books but every character seemed so pissed off at everyone else.

Now that being said as always Graham puts so much real life history into her books that even one of her worst books (which this most certainly is not) is a great read. The story of the town of Lily, Arizona is one that you don’t want to stop reading. Something is just missing from this story.

I am glad I read this book even if it was not one of my favorites. Graham’s books are always an interesting and educational read if not for any reason other than the background that she must painstakingly research.

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

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Kissin the week of May 27th -June 1st Goodbye

05.27.13

Kelly reviews A Witch’s Handbook of Kisses & Curses by Molly Harper

Spotlight of Christine Wenrick’s Charmed Trilogy

05.28.13

Kelly reviews What a Wicked Earl Wants by Vicky Dreiling

Spotlight Feature of Avenging Angel by Cynthia Eden 

Interview & Tour wide giveaway with Alexandra Ivy

Release day Madness

05.29.13

Kelly and Kimberly review It Had To Be You by Jill Shalvis

Guest blogger: Lindy S Hudis

05.30.13

Thursdays Thought…

Interview & Giveaway with Vicky Dreiling & Jennifer Haymore

Spotlight Feature of TC Arches’ Full Throttle

Kimberly review Hot and Bothered by Linda Cajio

Jennifer reviews Summer in Napa by Marina Adair

05.31.13

Spotlight feature: Forgiveness by Carrie Ann Ryan

Kelly reviews Under The Covers by Rebecca Zanetti

Kelly reviews The Cursed by Alyssa Day

06.01.13

SINsational Saturday Series

Jill Shalvis’ Animal Magnetism Series 

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Jill Shalvis’ Animal Magentism Series

Animal Magnetism

Animal Magnetism #1

Co-owner of the town’s only kennel, Lilah Young has lived in Sunshine, Idaho, all her life. Pilot-for-hire Brady Miller is just passing through. But he soon has Lilah abandoning her instincts and giving in to a primal desire.

It’s Brady’s nature to resist being tied down, but there’s something about Lilah and her menagerie that keeps him coming back for more.

*****

Animal Attraction

Animal Magnetism #2

Jade Bennett couldn’t be happier to escape her past for the quiet ranching town of Sunshine, Idaho. Plus, there’s nothing like working for veterinarian Dell Connelly. And though Dell has no intention of settling down, Jade’s strength and sass are enticements no red-blooded male can resist.

*****

Rescue My Heart

Animal Magnetism #3

After a tragic stint in the National Guards, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. All Adam wants is to be alone. Then he opens the door to the past—the woman whose heart he once broke. Still gorgeous, still tough-as-nails, but this time, unusually vulnerable.

Holly Reid learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, it’s the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.

For Holly and Adam, each with their ghosts, a trek this desperate, this unpredictable, and this intimate, will have its share of risks—including opening their hearts one more time.

*****

Rumor Has It

Animal Magnetism #4

He’ll help unleash the new woman in her…
Special Ops soldier Griffin Reid doesn’t exactly have happy memories of growing up in Sunshine, Idaho. He’s only come back to recover from a war injury, and while he refuses to admit he’s in a weakened state, he finds comfort in the last person he’d expect.
Kate Evans teaches fourth grade science in Sunshine, the place she’s always called home. Dreaming of graduate school and a happily-ever-after, she’s desperate to break out of the monotony of Sunshine. Luckily, a certain sexy man has just come back into her life.
To Griffin, Kate as always been his little sister’s friend, but now he’s finding her to be so much more. As both attempt to forge their paths, they must decide if their passionate connection can turn into something lasting…

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Spotlight Feature of Forgiveness by Carrie Ann Ryan

Forgiveness

Redwood Pack Novella #4.7
by Carrie Ann Ryan

Release Day: May 21, 2013

Amazon |  Barnes & Noble | ARe | Kobo | iTunes

Adam Jamenson’s courtship of his mate wasn’t the most conventional. In fact, it didn’t exist. Though he knows Bay loves him with every ounce of her soul, he needs to prove to her that he’s worth it. Not only for her, but for himself. While they move on and learn to be the Enforcer mated pair, Bay will find herself on a path that leads her to a history beyond just her and Adam’s mating. When she finds a locket rich in history and memories, she’ll do all in her power to see those involved found and remembered. With Adam by her side, they’ll both find the true meaning of forgiveness.

Author’s Note: This is a novella set between books 4 and 5 to give you a taste of Bay and Adam It is best that you have already immersed yourselves in the Redwood Pack world, however even new readers will enjoy a glimpse of one of the Redwood’s favorite couples.

A little about Carrie Ann:

Carrie Ann Ryan is a bestselling paranormal and contemporary romance author. After spending too much time behind a lab bench, she decided to dive into the romance world and find her werewolf mate – even if it’s just in her books. Happy endings are always near – even if you have to get over the challenges of falling in love first.

Carrie Ann’s Redwood Pack series is a bestselling series that has made the shifter world even more real to her and has allowed the Dante’s Circle and Holiday, Montana series to be born. She’s also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She loves meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.

Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:

Website | Facebook  | Goodreads | Twitter: @CarrieAnnRyan

 

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Kelly reviews The Cursed by Alyssa Day

TITLE: The Cursed
SERIES: League of the Black Swan #1
CHARACTERS: Luke Oliver & Rio Jones
AUTHOR: Alyssa Day
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author of the Warriors of Poseidon series Alyssa Day returns with a thrilling new series of paranormal romance and a heated battle between good and evil fought to the death on the streets of New York…

Bordertown private investigator Luke Oliver’s beat is the dimensional fold in Manhattan between the human and supernatural realms. But now a secret from his past—the League of the Black Swan—has surfaced. Because Luke isn’t any ordinary P.I. He’s the Dark Wizard of Bordertown, and he never backs down from a fight.

But this time the fight threatens his life and his heart. Rio Jones, the only woman he loved, needs his help against a deadly menace. Luke pushed her away once before, so she’d never fall prey to the curse that threatens to destroy him. He swore he’d never let her go again.

Luke and Rio, with the help of the newly reformed League, must keep evil forces from taking over Bordertown—all the while battling a passion on the razor’s edge between danger and desire. And going to take everything they have just to stay alive.

REVIEW:
Rio Jones is a fighter. Always has been even if she feels alone most of the time. But as her 25th birthday draws near she finds she is the center of attention and not in a good way. Rio may not know what everyone wants from her, but she does know who is the only person she can trust. Luke Oliver

Luke Oliver is very yummy (it helps that his likeness is Paul Marron, Right SG?) Yummy, but very deadly. Luke is the dark Wizard of Bordertown. He runs a private investigation services and tries his best to keep the citizens of Bordertown safe. But when Luke is drawn back into the world of the League of the Black Swan, he finds himself protecting the one woman he would not let himself get close to, not matter how bad he wanted her. Until now.

This was an awesome start to a new series for Alyssa. I really love her Warriors of Poseidon series. But I think I am going to love the League of the Black Swan series even more.

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.

4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Under The Covers by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Under The Covers
SERIES: Maverick Montana #2
CHARACTERS: Juliet & Quinn
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 5/28/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Opposites don’t attract. They ignite.

The small Montana town near the Kooskia reserve seemed like the perfect place for Juliet Montgomery to hide from her not-so-law-abiding family. But when her peace is shattered by a break-in and threatening phone calls, it’s clear someone back in New York knows where she is. It’s time to plan her getaway, and fast—but first, she needs to tie up a few loose ends. Namely, finding out exactly what the town’s sexy cowboy sheriff is hiding in his holster…

Sheriff Quinn Lodge has enough demons of his own to know when someone’s hiding something. Clearly, he needs to do a thorough investigation to uncover what’s beneath Juliet’s uptight, city-girl exterior—preferably one piece of clothing at a time. But when their chemistry goes from fizzy to full-on explosive, things start getting complicated. How can Juliet stay beneath the covers with Quinn, when doing so means blowing her cover?

 

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars
LOVED!!! LOVED!!!! LOVED!!!!

Quinn & Juliet are amazingly awesome!!!

If you have not read Against the Wall (book 1 in the Maverick Montana series) I would highly recommend you start there. We first met both Quinn & Juliet in Against the Wall We get to see the sexual tension bewteen these two. But in Under the Covers that tension jumps to a whole new level.

Under the Covers starts with a proposition to Juliet from Quinn. A proposition for them to date for the next six, just until the election is over. While Juliet is reluctant to say yes, she does under one condition. That Quinn is never allowed to touch her ( I will tell you that the no touching policy doesn’t last long). But while Quinn & Juliet are fake dating someone is causing havoc in the small town of Maverick. And unfortunately one of them has their sights set on Juliet and the lies she has been keeping. Will Juliet’s lies be more than Quinn can handle or will Quinn’s need to protect and his growing feelings for Juliet help him over look her betrayal?

I so love this series. I love the change in direction that Rebecca has gone with her writing (I still really love the Dark Protectors 🙂 ) I am so glad she took this chance on some very hot cowboys. I can’t wait for the next two books in the series. Colton and little sister Dawn are going to be really fun books to read.

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.

4 Hearts

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Interview & Giveaway with Vicky Dreiling & Jennifer Haymore

Book-n-Kisses is pleased to be a part of Jennifer & Vicky’s 8 Days of Desire tour….

 

Hi Ladies,

Thank you for stopping a Books-n-Kisses on your tour.  We are excited to have you both here today…

Are you ready to get started?

VD:  Yes, I’m sufficiently caffeinated.

JH: Sure!

BnK:   For my readers who may not know you please tell me a little about yourself

VD:  My mom says I have had a “wild” imagination since the age of two.  She tells all of her friends at the retirement community about my books. I have a grown son & daughter. My sister-in-law Vanessa & my daughter Amber read my books. My previous jobs include admin (I was terrible at it), aerobics instructor (it was fun), and market research analyst. The best part of the marketing job was getting to travel to New York, London, Paris, and many other great cities.

JH: I am a mom of three and live in California with my family. I love writing historical romance!

BnK:  Tell us about your newest release.

VD: WHAT A WICKED EARL WANTS is the first book in the new SINFUL SCOUNDRELS series.  The story features the rakish and tormented Earl of Bellingham (aka Bell) whom readers might remember as a minor character in HOW TO RAVISH A RAKE.  Bellingham is on the hunt for a new mistress and finds himself caught up in the life of the beautiful widow Laura Davenport, a vicar’s daughter with a rebellious stepson. When her son’s guardian threatens to take the boy away, a desperate Laura turns to Bellingham for assistance.

 

 

 

 

JH: THE DUCHESS HUNT is the first book in my new series, The House of Trent. I like to say this is my series about the most dysfunctional family in Regency England! The series tells the story of the Duke of Trent, his four brothers, and his sister. When their mother mysteriously disappears, the duke and his siblings come together to try to find her. Here’s a blurb for THE DUCHESS HUNT:

Simon Hawkins, duke of Trent, is no stranger to scandal. Rumors and innuendo have darkened the House of Trent for decades, and it has fallen to Simon to restore his tattered family name. He lives by a strict code of honor, but when he is called home to investigate his mother’s disappearance, the distinguished duke will tangle with temptation. For there waits the only woman he has ever loved-and the last woman he should desire . . .

Sarah Osborne has spent her life dreaming of Simon’s touch. But dukes do not long for lady’s maids-or so Sarah believes, until a stolen kiss sparks a passion that could be her ultimate undoing. As the couple begins a forbidden romance, a cunning enemy plots to destroy the duke and everything he loves. Now, caught in a blackmailer’s web, Simon faces an agonizing choice: sacrifice his family’s future or break Sarah’s heart.

BnK:  Please open your book  and read us a few lines. 

VD:     She entreated Bellingham with her eyes. “It is Montclief, Justin’s guardian. “Please, say nothing of Justin to him,” she said in a low tone.

“Why?” he said. “If he is the guardian—”

“Please,” she said, aware that her voice shook.  There is no time to explain. I will do anything you ask, but I beg you not to betray me.”

He arched his brows. “Anything?”

“Yes, anything,” she said, worrying her hands.

He snared her with his blue eyes. “Be careful what you promise.”

JH: “Sarah, look at me.” He cupped her hands in his palms, and warmth instantly flushed through her, combating the cold.

“I…Sarah, I want you. But I don’t want to hurt you. I’m not the kind of man who…uses women.”

“I know you’re not.” One of the reasons she adored him.

“So you see why we can’t, why I can’t…?”

“I’m not a fool, Your Grace,” she said softly. Sarah knew that no matter what happened between them, no matter what power he had over her, Simon would never take advantage of her. “I know what I am doing. What I want.”

Simon flinched. “I don’t want to ruin you.”

“I know,” she whispered. “But sometimes I wish you did.”

BnK: Can you share with us your current work in progress

VD: The next two books in the SINFUL SCOUNDRELS series are WHAT A RECKLESS ROGUE NEEDS and WHAT A DEVILISH DUKE DESIRES

JH: I’m working on THE SCOUNDREL’S SEDUCTION, book 3 in the House of Trent series. This book is about Simon’s older half brother, Sam. Sam is the rock of the family, the warrior, but when he tangles with a woman who might be a traitor for France, his world is rocked right off its axis!

BnK:  If you were stranded on a deserted island what are the three items you would have to have to survive.

VD: Wi-Fi, My Samsung Galaxy Phone & 4G LOL. How else will I get rescued?

JH: Books to read, my comfy pillow, and a year’s supply of vanilla lattes. Wait, you didn’t mean for real, did you???

BnK:  Thank you Ladies…The wonderful Vicky & Jennifer and their publisher have given me two copies of each book.  So that means two lucky followers will get a copy of each book.  To enter please fill out the rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Spotlight Feature of TC Arches’ Full Throttle

Full Throttle

By: T. C. Archer


Published By: Etopia Press
Published: Jun 01, 2012
ISBN # 9781937976415

Word Count: 93,576

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Fast cars and a smokin’ hot passion…

Rex intends to own and drive his own car, but that will cost him millions up front. Last season was a disaster, thanks to a nasty break up, but it taught him a lesson and helped sharpen his focus on what he needed to do: Win every race. And stay away from pretty girls. The last thing he needed was to learn that his new head mechanic, Jimmy James, was the gorgeous redhead pin-up walking around his pit like it was some kind of dance floor.

Gail “Jimmy” James is the first female NASCAR mechanic. As if competing in a man’s world isn’t tough enough, her bombshell figure bellies her genius IQ, and the pit is no place for either. Nothing Jimmy knew about Rex Henderson the driver prepared her for Rex Henderson the man. But Jimmy has no time to dwell on her feelings as strange mechanical problems curse Rex’s car. Whether sabotage or her own mistakes, Jimmy must stay one step ahead of trouble if she’s going to keep her job, and keep her driver alive…

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

T. C. Archer is comprised of award winning authors Evan Trevane and Shawn M. Casey. They live in the Northeast. Evan has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, and Shawn is a small business owner. Their collaboration began on a lark with the post WWII film noir story The Pickle My Little Friend, and has evolved into over a dozen works, which includes their new series The Phenom League, and Daphne Du Maurier winner the romantic thriller For His Eyes Only.

Connect with T.C.:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

*****

FULL THROTTLE GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

T.C. is giving away an eBook of FULL THROTTLE

Book Monster Promotions is giving away a $10.00 gift to Amazon or B&N

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Jennifer reviews Summer in Napa by Marina Adair

TITLE: Summer in Napa
SERIES #: A St. Helena Vineyard Novel #2
CHARACTERS: Alexis Moreau, Marco DeLuca
AUTHOR: Marina Adair
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/14/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Alexis “Lexi” Moreau caught her husband, Jeff, sampling the sous-chef’s more intimate wares in their New York restaurant, she ran–all the way back to her hometown of St. Helena, California. Six months later, Lexi has no husband and no restaurant. But she does have a three-step plan: First, convert her grandmother’s bakery into her dream bistro. Second, ignore Grandma’s matchmaking attempts. And third, avoid Marco DeLuca, her ex’s commitment-phobic, distractingly sexy best friend.

In school Lexi was off-limits for Marco. After all, she was his buddy’s girl. But she’s still as smart and as gorgeous–and apparently as immune to his charms–as she used to be. Yet the simple fake romance they agree upon to dodge Lexi’s grandmother’s matchmaking plans soon turns deliciously complicated. And the sultry summer might bring together all the right ingredients for Marco to win the only woman he’s ever wanted.

REVIEW:
I adore this series and I can’t seem to get enough of the residents of St. Helena. Alexis “Lexi” Moreau has come home to pick up the pieces of her life and career after the disastrous divorce from her husband, Jeffrey. All she wants is peace and quiet and be able to immerse herself in her grandmother’s bakery. On the very first day of being home, she gets stuck in a window of the bakery while trying to avoid seeing her ex-husband’s best friend and resident casanova, Marco DeLuca. Yet the person that comes to her rescue is non-other than the one man she is trying desperately to avoid. This leads to the two of them slowly making amends for the past, which develops into a friendship with the possibility of being so much more.

I thought Lexi was a sweet character that just wanted her life back after feeling that she had lost everything that she ever cared for. She was smart, vulnerable with her heart on her sleeve and her grandmother’s eclairs were the perfect remedy for any emotional trauma that she may experience. I wanted her to find her happy ending because she deserved to find a little happiness after everything that she went through with her ex.

Marco DeLuca was definitely a charmer in this book. He never wanted to settle down with anyone but when Lexi came back to town, that changed everything. He has cared for her since high school and was never able to act on it because she was with his best friend. I loved how protective he was of his family and the people he cared about, including Lexi. He made some mistakes in his relationship with Lexi but was willing to fix everything for her even if it meant possibly losing her in the end.

I love Marina Adair’s work and the St. Helena Vineyard books are one of my favorite series right now. She creates characters that you can’t help to fall in love with and romantic stories that will bring tears of happiness. I loved this book and I can’t wait to read Autumn in the Vineyard later this year.

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