Victoria Hamilton Bowled Over Blog Tour and Review Giveaway

I am happy for Books-n-Kisses to host Victoria Hamilton as part of the Cozy Mystery Book Tour for her new novel Bowled Over. This is the second novel in A Vintage Kitchen Mystery and I am delighted to have Victoria Hamilton here with us today.

Interview with Victoria Hamilton

1 – Tell us about your new release.
Bowled Over is Book 2 in my Vintage Kitchen Mystery series. Jaymie Leighton, the main character, tries to solve a decades old feud between her and her best friend from high school. Things don’t quite turn out how she hoped, and something of hers turns out to be the weapon in another murder in Queensville, Michigan.

2. Where did you come up with the idea for the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries?
You could say it was right in front of me the whole time! I was casting about for a hook for a cozy series, something to tie it all up together, and one thing I love is collecting vintage kitchen utensils and bowls, etc. It suddenly occurred to me, what is more cozy than the kitchen? And so Jaymie Leighton, vintage kitchenware and old cookbook collector, was born.

3. Is there one character in your series that has a similar personality to you or that you can relate to the most? Or are there characters that remind you of people in your real life?
Hmm… you know, I’ve heard it said that every character you create has a piece of you inside them. I think that’s true to some extent. Jaymie certainly is as compulsive about buying vintage as I am. But her sister, Becca, is kind of a know-it-all, and I have to severely curtail that characteristic in me! LOL. Her best friend Valetta is based on someone I knew a long time ago: kindly, spinsterish and fond of odd sweaters and clothes.

4. What are you working on next?
I’ve got a million things on the go! Book 3 of Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, entitled Freezer I’ll Shoot, comes out in November 5th, 2013, but before then I’m really excited for the first book of another cozy series, the Merry Muffin Mysteries. Book One is Bran New Death, out September 3rd 2013. Merry Wynter inherits a castle in Upstate New York and so begins her journey among the quirky residents of Autumn Vale, New York, as she tries to figure out why someone is digging deep holes all over her property… until she finds a body at the bottom of one of them!
I’m also excited about the book I’ve just finished, the first book in another new cozy series, The Teapot Collector Mysteries. Tempest in a Teapot will be out in 2014.

5. What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Believe in yourself and keep trying. I didn’t get the first book I wrote published. Nor the second. Nor the third. If you really want to get published, study the market and write for it. And no, I don’t mean become a hack; I mean find a way to inject your own unique style and personality into something that the market will find sellable. Also, perfect your writing. Good spelling, grammar and punctuation usage will make you appear more the professional, and agents and editors will take you more seriously.

6. Is there any kind of food/drink that you absolutely have to have while writing?
Oh, tea… definitely tea! I drink coffee in the morning, but there usually comes a time about mid-afternoon when I absolutely need… wait, I have to go turn the Keurig on. Okay, I’m back. I need a cup of tea. Sometimes a cookie with the tea will not go amiss!

7. I always like to do a fun question with authors so what is your favorite kind of pizza?
Oh sure, now you get to the really tough question! Kind of deluxe, I guess… I like pepperoni and ham and Italian sausage, but I like mushrooms, onions, green peppers and olives, too!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be here with us today.

Thank you so much for having me at Books ‘n Kisses! I’ve enjoyed it so much.

Meet the author:
Victoria Hamilton is the pseudonym for author Donna Lea Simpson. As Victoria she writes the bestselling Vintage Kitchen Mystery series (Book 2 – Bowled Over – March 2013) and the upcoming Merry Muffin Mysteries, also from Berkley (Book 1 – Bran New Murder – September 3rd, 2013) Victoria loves cooking and collecting vintage kitchen utensils, as well as reading and writing mysteries.

Check out her webpage for all the latest: http://www.victoriahamiltonmysteries.com and find her on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorVictoriaHamilton

Jennifer’s review of Bowled Over

SERIES #: A Vintage Kitchen Mystery #2

CHARACTERS: Jaymie Leighton, Valetta Nibley

AUTHOR: Victoria Hamilton

PUBLICATION DATE: 03/5/13

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Stirring up trouble…Vintage kitchenware and cookbook collector Jaymie Leighton has been estranged from her high school best friend Kathy Cooper since they were teenagers, but she never knew what turned Kathy against her. After fireworks at a Fourth of July picnic, Jaymie discovers the body of her former friend in the park. On the ground nearby is Jaymie’s own Depression-era glass bowl, broken in two.

With her fingerprints all over the bowl and a troubled history with the victim, Jaymie suddenly finds herself at the top of the list of suspects. Did the killer intend to frame her for the murder? If so, she is ready to mix it up, because solving crimes is vintage Jaymie Leighton…

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars

REVIEW: I really enjoyed Victoria Hamilton’s first novel, A Deadly Grind, and was very excited to read her new book. Jaymie Leighton has finally settled back into her life after helping to solve a murder involving one of her precious antiques and is taking things slow with her new beau, Daniel Collins. When a recent trip to the Queensville Emporium puts Jaymie face to face with her ex-best friend Kathy Cooper, tempers fly, leaving Jaymie wondering what happened to destroy their once strong childhood friendship. On the Fourth of July, Jaymie makes the decision to confront her former friend and mend their relationship but before she can do this, she discovers Kathy’s body in the park. To make matters worse, Jaymie also finds her glass bowl broken by the dead body. I felt so bad for Jaymie when this happens because she wanted so badly to make amends and find out why her old friend hated her so much. She had no clue what happened and now she would never have that opportunity to patch things up.

I loved this book so much more than Victoria’s first one because I got to learn more about Jaymie and her character is really starting to grow on me. I love small town mysteries, especially ones that deal with cooking and antique collectibles so this was a very enjoyable book for me. The secondary characters were delightful and definitely brought this book to life for me. The mystery was well written and had me guessing until the very end. I can’t wait to read more from Victoria Hamilton and her charming Vintage Kitchen Mysteries because this is a series that can’t be missed.

*****

The Fantastic 4 Cozy Mystery Book Tour Giveaway

Thanks to our wonderful site sponsors and our Amazon Affiliate, we are offering some super fantastic prizes for our FANTASTIC FOUR AUTHORS that are on tour with us this week: Lucy Burdette (author of Topped Chef), Victoria Hamilton (author of Bowled Over), Billie Thomas (author of Murder on the First Day of Christmas) & Marie Moore (author of Game Drive).

There will be four prize packages:
Prize 1 (US/Canada only)
* a Kindle Touch
* a $15 Amazon.com giftcard
Prize 2 (International)
* a Kindle copy of Topped Chef and Bowled Over
* a $15 Book Depository giftcard
Prize 3 (International)
* a Kindle copy of Murder on the First Day of Christmas & Game Drive
* a $15 Amazon.com giftcard
Prize 4 (US/Canada)
* your choice of a cozy mystery paperbacks (up to $25 in value)

To enter:
1. Fill in the form here.
2. There is no requirement to follow any of the blogs participating, but we hope you will support these amazing blogs by following them. They do a great job, many of whom host for us every month.
3. Giveaway ends on May 15, 2013 at midnight and the winners will be contacted via email.

May 10, 2013May 9, 2013

Interview with Samantha Young

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Samantha Young to the blog for the frist time to talk about her newest release Down London Road.

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

Scottish with a hint of nutty, I’m twenty seven years old, born in Central Scotland and a big fan of Edinburgh. I write young adult urban fantasy and adult contemporary romance. My one tattoo is the symbol for Samurai. I have a thing for fajitas, indie rock music, True Romance (the movie… although there’s nothing wrong with the real thing), The Knife of Never Letting Go, my indie hellcats and Biffy—my new A to B star.

I’m also a little bit random.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yeah, I’ve definitely always dreamed of being an author but for the longest time I wrote for fun and not really ever believing that I could make a career out of writing. That all changed in 2011 when I found myself unemployed. I decided there was nothing left to lose and put my all into making my dream a reality.

Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?

My typical writing day: breakfast, answer emails, social media comments etc, run errands, lunch, write, dinner, write, break, write, write write… usually into the wee hours of the morning.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most challenging part of writing is writer’s block. It’s incredibly frustrating. Not fun. The most rewarding is the response from readers. I receive wonderful emails and comments every day from readers who want to thank me for my writing. That’s amazing and very humbling.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

My latest book is Down London Road, the second book in the On Dublin Street series. It follows the story of Johanna (Jo) Walker and Cameron (Cam) MacCabe. Jo is a young woman who bears the responsibility of looking after her little brother and mother. She is incredibly loyal and determined to make sure Cole has everything she never had, even if it means dating men who have money. There are lots of layers to Jo but she has low self-esteem. That is until Cam enters her life and after a few misunderstandings, attempts to show her that there’s so much more to her than she thinks.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

The idea for Jo’s story was just a seed in On Dublin Street, but after ODS was written Jo seemed like the natural next step. She had such a rich story to tell and it really came from the influences of the people around me. I’m lucky enough to know quietly strong women that have an amazing sense of loyalty and self-sacrifice, and I just wanted to put a heroine like that down on paper and experience the pride of watching her grow into herself.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

My current work in progress is the third book in the On Dublin Street series. More on that to be revealed soon!

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Oh there are lots. Richelle Mead, Rachel Caine, Cassandra Clare, Patrick Ness, Suzanne Collins, Angela Carter, Colleen Hoover, Stacia Kane, Orson Scott Card, Laini Taylor, Stephanie Perkins, and many, many more…

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?

Yeah. I love the smooth, easy prose of writers like Richelle Mead and Rachel Caine because it immediately pulls you into the story. It’s authentic and real and relaxed. I strive to emulate that in my own prose.

Open your book to a random page and please reads us a few lines.

“A heads-up.” Cam’s deep voice washed over me. “So you’re not too disappointed that Disney lied—no matter how much you wish it, I’ll still be here when you open your eyes.”

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

I’m looking forward to Entwined by You by Sylvia Day. I’ve not read book two in the Crossfire series yet because I’ve been waiting on book three so I wouldn’t have to die of frustration over a rumored cliffhanger.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just a huge thank you to you guys for inviting me on your blog for an interview and also a massive thank you to all my readers for their wonderful support over the last few years. x

New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young is a 27 year old book addict who graduated from the University of Edinburgh. She lives in Scotland.

Visit her online at:

samanthayoungbooks.com | Twitter.com/SYoungSFAuthor

www.Facebook.com/OnDublinStreet |http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4167378.Samantha_Young

*****

DOWN LONDON ROAD

by Samantha Young

Amazon | B&N

Johanna Walker is used to taking charge. But she’s about to meet someone who will make her lose control….

It has always been up to Johanna to care for her family, particularly her younger brother, Cole. With an absent father and a useless mother, she’s been making decisions based on what’s best for Cole for as long as she can remember. She even determines what men to date by how much they can provide for her brother and her, not on whatever sparks may—or may not—fly.

But with Cameron MacCabe, the attraction is undeniable. The sexy new bartender at work gives her butterflies every time she looks at him. And for once, Jo is tempted to put her needs first. Cam is just as obsessed with getting to know Jo, but her walls are too solid to let him get close enough to even try.

Then Cam moves into the flat below Jo’s, and their blistering connection becomes impossible to ignore. Especially since Cam is determined to uncover all of Jo’s secrets even if it means taking apart her defenses piece by piece.

May 10, 2013May 6, 2013

Interview & Tour Wide Giveaway with Susan Ardens

Books-n-Kisses is excited to have first time guest Susan Arden on the blog today.

Susan, can you please share with us a little about yourself.

I’m not very interesting aside from having a vivid imagination. As a child it kept me company. Now as an adult, it’s like watching a free flowing movie that I have to shut off and attend to the world around me.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes. And no. I’m ADHD. To compensate I became a special ed teacher, and in the process learned how to help myself. Structure, structure, structure. But to your question, I was afraid of writing or editing really. I never thought I could write page after page. Now, it seems effortless to reach 60,000 words or 200 type-written pages.

Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?

I wake up before five generally. Feed my LOUD cats, and patient dogs. My husband is still asleep so I write. I do my promos first thing when I’m fresh. Like checking in on tours, get a post up, respond to emails. Then later I’m doing something along the continuum of writing. It’s never just writing. Brainstorming, laying out scenes, the actual writing, researching, editing…some more editing. MORE EDITING.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Did I mention editing. LOL. I guess you can see I’ve quite the edit-challenged being.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

Picture Perfect is releasing and it’s a secret baby troupe featuring Carolina (from Tempted by Trouble) cousin, Cynthia “Sam” Cainwright. Chronologically, it the story precedes Tempted. But things do always work out linearly in the world of publishing.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

In NaNoWriMo I began with the idea of two crazy cousins from Miami. They’re best friends and suffer the loss of a parent. They’re both half Cuban, half American, and very close. I’m from Miami, and went to bilingual schools. I adore the Cuban culture. Very similar in ways to the Western Romance premise of fierce loyalty and family values. The heroes are friends, college buddies.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

There’s always something brewing. A new genre for instance. Erotica. A short series. Naughty Nights and the first book is Taken and will be available in May 2013.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Elizabeth Hoyt, Joyce Carol Oates, Gabriel Marquez, and David Sedaris is my absolute favorite for a laugh.

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?

Definitely. All of them. I think each time a person reads, they are changed. Sometimes remarkably, others infinitesimal. We see things from a different perspective. The joining together of words stretches the imagination. Reading is also seeing.

Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.

Just opened to page 119. Here’s the summary beginning with Carolina’s question to Matt.

“Yes. What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking I want every part of you. Every inch of you. You’ll be mine. For one night. Mine. Without reservation. Mine to do with as I wish.”

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

Yes. I’m happy to report the second book, Beautiful Stranger from the duo Christina Lauren who wrote Beautiful Bastard.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Only that this has been absolutely delightful being here with you and thank you so much for the invitation to share my inner world. XO

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Susan is offering up a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card and a SWAG Pack (T-Shirt, Notebooks & Pen) to one lucky winner that follows the tour.

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TEMPTED BY TROUBLE

Author: Susan Arden

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Release Date: April 1, 2013

When a woman is the magnet for the wrong man, it takes a bad boy to break old habits.

Carolina Rodriguez is a large animal veterinarian on a mission to escape South Florida and her overprotective family. Willing to do just about anything, she accepts a job in Annona, Texas over the Internet from a family connection.

At her cousin’s wedding, she runs into Matt, a handsome Texan in the church parking lot. Matthew McLemore is more than gorgeous, he’s Carolina’s new boss, and needs her help to determine why his cattle keep dying. Matt’s instantaneous attraction to Carolina sorely tempts him to push the boundaries of their work contract, but a roll in the hay may prove too volatile to handle. Until she arrives on his ranch and is too hot to resist.

Carolina refuses to admit Matt’s raw sexuality is more than overpowering or that she’s the least bit tempted by this smooth-talking bad boy. But by the time the pathology lab reports comes back, they’ve explored every inch of each other. All of a sudden, this fiery affair is more than just a fling. And when a past flame threatens to overwhelm their new found romance, Matt must find a way to stake his claim to Carolina’s heart before it’s too late.

Warning: Contains a smoking mess of scorching love scenes.

Ice may be needed for blazing imaginations.

Available Now at Amazon

BOOK TRAILER

TEMPTED BY TROUBLE Excerpt

“Evermore Ranch,” she read aloud.

“I hope this won’t upset your plans?”

“Would it matter? I signed a service contract that included a non-disclosure agreement. Even if I had a problem, I couldn’t tell a soul and I’ve promised you two weeks of my time.”

He chuckled softly. “Yes, two weeks to do my bidding.”

She almost choked at the thought of doing his bidding. “What the heck have I gotten myself into with you, Mr. McLemore? Exactly what type of office do you run?”

His expression changed. Sharpened. “Strictly business. Look, Dr. Rodriguez, we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot.”

“Wrong foot … the whole body is a problem, sir,” she hissed.

He smiled broadly, reassuring her. “Let’s discuss this later. This isn’t the correct time or place. Don’t you have to help the bride or something?”

“Yes. As a matter of fact, I do. I don’t know what you think you’ve contracted, but I’ll only supply you with vet services. As long as you understand that fact, there’s nothing more to discuss.”

“Well, there is. In the service agreement, there’s a provision that we need to discuss before you’re allowed access to the ranch barn and stable sites. So, either we can do it later or when you arrive in Texas. But until you and I have a little sit-down and get a few things ironed out, there won’t be any work for you to do directly. I’ve got a ranch to run, and I don’t have time to play games. I’ve already spent enough time finding a vet.” His eyes glittered and dropped to her mouth. “If you think I’m about to waste more time because you’ve got second thoughts, Dr. Rodriguez, the next communication you’ll have from Evermore Ranch will be from my attorneys. Had I known who you were before, believe me, I wouldn’t have … I’d never let the situation get away from me.”

Oh, this was rich. “Away from you. I’d say it got out of control. But that’s on your side of the table. Fine. I’ll honor my service contract. You’re right about one thing. The only thing of interest to me is treating your cattle. Once the job is done, I’ll be only too happy to leave you in peace and we can go our separate ways.”

Up close, his eyes shone sherry-colored. A muscle flexed along his jaw. His masculine scent of leather, smoke, and wood filled her head. The hard set of his mouth didn’t resemble the man from before. He’d done just as he’d promised, shutting one door, and leaving in place a man who didn’t look as if he enjoyed playing games. No this version of Matt McLemore had a locking gaze and if looks could kill, she was a goner.

“I’m glad we understand one another then, Dr. Rodriguez. I expect to meet with you tomorrow at your convenience. Our relationship will be strictly business, if that’s what got you in such a dither.”

ABOUT SUSAN:

Susan Arden is a third generation Floridian. She left the field of education in 2008 pursing her dream of writing romance fiction. Currently, she writes hot love stories within the romance genres of contemporary erotic, western, and fantasy/paranormal. Susan also writes under the name of Susan D. Taylor.
Susan currently lives in TN along with husband, two cattle dogs, two crazy cats, a gecko and a corn snake. A mother, RYT200 Yoga Alliance (registered yoga teacher), and avid gardener. You can find her on the mat when she’s not writing her next hot romance novel.

CATCH SUSAN HERE:

TEMPTED BY TROUBLE

Blog Tour Schedule

4/29 – Reading Between The Wines

http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/

5/01 – Riverina Romantics

http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

5/02 – My Reading Obsession

http://4myreadingobsession.blogspot.com

5/04 – Urban Girl Reader

http://www.urbangirlreader.com/

5/05 – The Reading Café

http://thereadingcafe.com/

5/06 – Book Monster Reviews

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

5/07 – Book Lovin’ Mamas

http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com

5/09 – Ramblings From This Chick

http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/

5/10 – Books-n-Kisses

https://books-n-kisses.com

5/11 – Romance Junkies

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

5/12 – Manga Maniac Café

http://www.mangamaniaccafe.com/

5/12 – Romancing The Book

http://romancing-the-book.com/

May 10, 2013May 6, 2013

Kelly reviews The Best Man by Kristan Higgins

TITLE: The Best Man
SERIES: Blue Heron #1
CHARACTERS: Levi Cooper & Faith Holland
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 26, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes the best man is the one you least expectFaith Holland left her hometown after being jilted at the altar. Now a little older and wiser, she’s ready to return to the Blue Heron Winery, her family’s vineyard, to confront the ghosts of her past, and maybe enjoy a glass of red. After all, there’s some great scenery there.

Like Levi Cooper, the local police chief—and best friend of her former fiancé. There’s a lot about Levi that Faith never noticed, and it’s not just those deep green eyes. The only catch is she’s having a hard time forgetting that he helped ruin her wedding all those years ago. If she can find a minute amidst all her family drama to stop and smell the rosé, she just might find a reason to stay at Blue Heron, and finish that walk down the aisle

REVIEW:
This was a super sweet read. I loved Faith. She is sweet, sarcastic, brave and as you will learn very blind to things that are right in front of her.

Levi is such a stick in the mud at times, but once you know his back story you will understand why. But he really is a great guy.

This was as I said earlier a very good read. I am really happy that I picked up a copy of this book. I won’t go into anymore details of this book as I may inadvertently give away too much. But know this: love sometimes finds you when you least expect it or when you are stuck in a bathroom window.

If you have not picked up a copy of The Best Manyou really should. I can’t wait to see what Kristan has in store for us next in the Blue Heron series.

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.

May 10, 2013May 5, 2013

Jennifer reviews Too Hot To Handle by Victoria Dahl

TITLE: Too Hot to Handle
SERIES #: The Jackson Series #2
CHARACTERS: Merry Kade and Shane Harcourt
AUTHOR: Victoria Dahl
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/26/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This good girl’s going bad…Merry Kade has always been the good girl. The best friend. The one who patiently waits for the guy to notice her. Well, no more. Merry has just scored her dream job, and it’s time for her life to change. As the new curator of a museum in Wyoming, she’ll supervise a lot of restoration work. Luckily she’s found the perfect contractor for the job.

Shane Harcourt can’t believe that someone wants to turn a beat-up ghost town into a museum attraction. After all, the last thing he needs is the site of his dream ranch turning into a tourist trap. He’ll work on the project, if only to hasten its failure…until the beautiful, quirky woman in charge starts to change his mind.

For the first time ever, Merry has a gorgeous stud hot on her heels. But can she trust this strong, silent man, even if he is a force of nature in bed? When Shane’s ulterior motive come out, he’ll need to prove to Merry that a love like theirs may be too hot to handle, but it’s impossible to resist.

REVIEW:
Victoria Dahl has been one of my favorite authors for a very long time and I thoroughly enjoyed her new book, Too Hot to Handle. Merry Kade is so sweet and adorable in an awkward way and I could instantly relate to her. She has always been considered the best friend and not the “hot chick” and I felt for her trying to navigate in today’s misconstrued dating scene. When she meets Shane Harcourt, she immediately believes that he only sees her as a “friend” and any sexual contact that they may have would be labeled under “friends with benefits.” No strings attached and no long-term commitment potential when all Merry would love to do is settle down with this hot cowboy.

Shane started off in this book as having a chip on his shoulder and had this reputation that he wasn’t looking for a relationship. He agrees to help Merry with rebuilding the ghost town of Providence, little by little, but we quickly find out that he has ulterior motives to assisting Merry. I have to say that Shane grew on me after a while and I was really hoping that he could see Merry as more than a friend because they seemed to have great chemistry together. Merry deserved a true relationship and to know what love feels like and there were a few people in this book who would have kicked him in the ass if he broke Merry’s heart. I really enjoyed this book and reconnected with past characters from Close Enough to Touch and I am looking forward to more love stories in the beautiful town of Jackson, Wyoming.

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

May 9, 2013April 9, 2013

Thursdays Thought…

May 9, 2013May 2, 2013

Spotlight Feature & Giveaway of Lauren Jameson’s Blush

Amazon | B&N

From the author of Surrender to Temptation comes a provocative story of overwhelming passion set free with one exquisite touch.…

Madeline Stone is determined to heal from her tragic past, one difficult step at a time…and she doesn’t need any distractions. Then she meets a mysterious and captivating stranger—and over a glass of outrageously expensive wine, her world turns upside down. Try as she might to banish the wealthy business mogul from her thoughts, Madeline can’t fight Alex’s staggering appeal or his enticing offer of intimate discovery.

Alex doesn’t date—at least, not in the traditional sense. Still, he wants Madeline…and his sexual intensity provides her with a much-needed escape. They embark on a tumultuous erotic affair, one that takes them to the pinnacle of obsession and desire. But underneath each explosive encounter lie dangerous secrets waiting to consume them both.…

Lauren Jameson is a writer who lives in the shadows of the great Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. She also writes erotic romance as Lauren Hawkeye. Visit her online at www.laurenjameson.com and twitter.com/LaurenHJameson.

Special Giveaway!

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May 9, 2013May 6, 2013

Jennifer reviews Dead Silence by Kimberly Derting

TITLE: Dead Silence
SERIES #: Body Finder #4
CHARACTERS: Violet Ambrose
AUTHOR: Kimberly Derting
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/16/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Violet thought she’d made peace with her unique ability to sense the echoes of the dead and the imprints that cling to their killers…that is, until she acquired an imprint of her own. Now she’s more determined than ever to lead a normal life. However, the people who run the special investigative team Violet works for have no intention of letting her go.

When someone close to her becomes a suspect in a horrific murder, Violet finds herself pulled into a hunt for a vicious madman with an army of devoted followers–and quickly discovers that protecting those closest to her is far more difficult than protecting herself.

REVIEW:
Kimberly Derting has written a pulse-pounding story full of suspense with Dead Silence and the stakes are much higher for Violet and her special investigative team. In this installment, Violet is dealing with the recent events that have left her with an imprint of her own. I just want to say that Violet has come so far in her journey from the first novel in the series and finally seems to be coming to terms with her unusual gift. She seems stronger, more grown-up and I was impressed by how well she was handling everything in her life. She is still in limbo in regards to her feelings toward Rafe while having a romantic relationship with her longtime boyfriend, Jay. All this changes when she accidentally finds the bodies of a family and is thrown into a murder investigation where someone she knows becomes the prime suspect.

I really enjoyed this story and I liked how Violet was able to understand more about her gift by finding journals that belonged to her grandmother, who also had Violet’s ability. It helped to provide some answers that she had always wondered about, yet provided more questions as to what her future holds with her fellow team members of the special investigative unit. I was also impressed by her boyfriend, Jay, because all through this series, he has been a great guy that has stood beside her and would do anything to protect her. He doesn’t particularly care for Rafe and knows that Rafe has feelings for Violet but is able to put those emotions aside because they ultimately have to work together. I felt sorry for Rafe throughout this book because of his unrequited romantic feelings toward Violet but I was also glad to see there could possibly be a new love entering his life soon.

The killer in this book was absolutely creepy and I had a hard time with some of the scenes just because of the gore content. Makes you want to double check your locks and get home before it gets dark after reading this.

Kimberly Derting is such a talented writer and I have enjoyed every one of her books in the Body Finder series. I have loved Violet’s transition from being just this young girl with a bizarre talent to a young woman who now wants to help people with her “gift.” I’m hoping that there will be more books in this series because Kimberly has done a wonderful job creating these characters and I can’t wait to see what is next for Violet and her friends.

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received this book free as part of the blog tour.

May 8, 2013May 8, 2013

Interview & Giveaway with Erin McCarthy

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Erin McCarthy for her first visit to the blog. We are chatting about picking one book you must read before you die and her newest release TRUE.

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

I’ve been a full time writer for almost ten years now (yay!) and have two almost grown kids, two cats, and a dog. When I’m not writing, I love live music, martinis, traveling, and randomly moving furniture around in my house. I love ice cream, beaches, and think fleece is the greatest thing ever invented.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I wanted to be a writer in the first grade, when I won a writing contest. But I was informed a career writing fiction was not practical, so I went to college to be a lawyer. Yeah. So not for me.

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

I’m a tweener… somewhere in between. Plotters plan everything out for the entire book in advance of writing, right down to each individual scene, whereas pantsers create the story as they write. I have an overall arch for the story figured out ahead of time and a good sense of the characters, with some scenes worked out. But I don’t use post-its or charts and I don’t have everything figured out. There are definitely surprises along the way.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I almost never work at my desk. I write on the couch, the bed, at the kitchen island. And I chair dance. A lot.

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

TRUE is my first new adult story. Rory is socially awkward and is just looking to have the same sexual experiences as other girls, only she is not prepared for the feelings she winds up having for Tyler.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I don’t know, honestly. I brainstormed about five new adult ideas with a friend and this is the one that came alive and spoke to me.

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

I am working on a second new adult book, which features the heroine from TRUE’s roommate, Jessica. Rory and Jessica are total opposites, and while Jessica may have a ton of sexual experience, she has never let a guy into her heart—until now.

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

I’ve been fortunate enough to meet so many fabulous authors! I’m not sure who else I would chose except for Edgar Allan Poe, and unfortunately yes, I realize he’s dead. But I am desperately curious to see what he was like in real life. He would either scare the begeezus out of me or I would fall in love with him.

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

Read everything you can in the genre you want to write in. It sounds obvious but it is such an education, plus you need to love to read what you want to write. Join a writer’s group, like RWA to meet other writers, and do lots of online research about the craft of writing.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I always wanted to jump out of a plane and this summer I am planning to do that with a friend. It’s possible I will have a heart attack on the way down, but the box will be ticked!

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

Right now I’m reading Behind the Beautiful Forevers, about life in a slum in Mumbai. I am in a book club with my friends and it’s been awesome to be exposed to books I would never find on my own.

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

ONE book?! That’s like picking a favorite child. It can’t be done. J

What is your favorite time of year & why?

Summer, hands down. I love the warm weather, I love dining outside, I love gardening. Winter is too much work.

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

Right now, I think that the guy who plays Agent Weston on The Following is adorable. The actor’s name is Shawn Ashmore and if I met him, I would make him monstrously uncomfortable by touching his beard scruff.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for having me by!

Erin McCarthy is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 40 novels and novellas in the paranormal, contemporary romance, and young adult genres. The author is a RITA award finalist and an American Library Association winner of the Reluctant Young Reader award. She lives with her family inOhio.

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May 8, 2013May 2, 2013

Spotlight Feature of Spank Me Mr. Darcy

Netherfield, infamous for its debauched parties of excess and luxury, has a new Master.

After finagling an invitation to the ball, Elizabeth Bennet is introduced to the powerful and prideful Mr. Darcy, while her sister Jane has captivated the new owner, Mr. Bingley. Having contented herself with the pleasurable caresses of her best friend, Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth is intrigued with the sensuality she finds at Netherfield. But it isn’t until her sister Jane is taken ill and Elizabeth stays at Netherfield to nurse her back to health that she finds the dungeons of Netherfield and the man in the black mask who becomes her Master.

By the time she leaves Netherfield, Elizabeth will have become disenchanted with her childhood playmate and obsessed with Mr. Darcy, her Master, who has told her that she would be more marriageable as a Netherfield submissive than as a curious virgin. Elizabeth holds on to her affront at his callous regard for her until Charlotte marries Mr. Collins and Jane is discarded by Mr. Bingley. Unwilling to save herself for a man who’ll make a good match and determined not to suffer Jane’s heartbreak, when she meets Mr. Darcy again at Rosings Park, she decides to become his slave and offers him her virginity.

But when she finds out that her cruel Master has destroyed Jane’s chance at marriage with Mr. Bingley, she rejects Mr. Darcy – even as he reluctantly proposes marriage to her. It isn’t until he saves her sister Lydia’s reputation and brings Jane and Bingley together, that Elizabeth realizes that she loves him. If he still loves her, she would be most willing to take her punishment for rejecting him – and live happily ever after.

Spank Me, Mr. Darcy can be purchased at these fine locations:
My publisher is offering $3 off the book for a limited time, if you order from Riverdale Avenue Books. Just put the code ROMANCE in when you check out.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance Books | Smashwords

A Little bit about Lissa:

Lissa Trevor has her stilettos firmly entrenched in the romance community. Spank Me Mr. Darcy is her debut novel from Riverdale Avenue Books. She is a frequent reader at Manhattan’s Between The Covers events, where her novellas Wild Oats and Timelash from Coliloquy’s Entwined volumes 1 & 2 have been very popular. Lissa also created an erotic story template for Coliloquy’s ValEntwined promotion that allowed readers to download a personalized ebook starring themselves and their significant other. You can find her at http://lissatrevor.wordpress.com/

May 7, 2013May 6, 2013

Guest blog & tour wide giveaway with Laura Wright

Laura Wright is stopping by to promot her new book Eternal Demon. She is also sharing with us 10 facts about the Mark of The Vampire world you might not know. I personally love #9 😀

Take it away Laura…..

10 Facts about the MOTV world you may not know

1.Many vampires really do like the taste of food, but they’re ashamed to admit it.

2. Baby vampires (balas) can be born with a full set of very sharp fangs!

3. Learning to flash (air travel) can come easily to some, but for most it takes practice. Many a vamp get stuck mid-flash, or even with a limb still in the place they started from. (no pain, no gain)

4. Fangs can be used for more than bloodletting. Just one recent example: They work really well as a corkscrew.

5. Impure vampires truly have no desire to be Pureblood. All they want is to accepted for themselves.

6. The taste of blood to a vampire, is like the taste of honey to a human.

7. True Mates are no more powerful than True Love. They just make it easier for some to find the one who completes them.

8. Alexander Roman wants so desperately to remove his sister from the credenti she lives in with his parents and bring her to Soho to live, that he has a plan in place.

9. Nicholas and Lucian Roman have tossed around ideas to form a metal band. (stay tuned)

10. Gray Donohue has been researching mutore, and how it would be possible to become one with injections of animal/Shifter DNA. He has a secret wish and a fantasy to meet Dillon’s jaguar with one of his own.

Hope you enjoyed 🙂

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Laura is giving away the following prizes on her tour:

Grand Prize: One winner will receive a Kindle ($69.00 Value)

Runners-Up: FIVE (5) runners up will receive their choice of eBook from either the MARK OF THE VAMPIRE Series or the BAYOU HEAT Series.

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Here is a look at the MARK OF THE VAMPIRE Series

ETERNAL HUNGER

Mark of the Vampire, Book 1

Amazon / B&N / Audible.com / Tantor Audio

FEAR IS IN THE BLOOD

Alexander Roman wants nothing to do with the controlling rulers of his vampire breed or the family he escaped from a hundred years ago. But as a new threat to the pureblood vampires emerges, Alexander’s ties to the past are forced upon him again, and without warning, he finds himself – disoriented, terrified, and near death – at the door of a stranger.

TRUST IS A RISK

Dr. Sarah Donohue is dedicated to removing the traumatic memories of her patients – like those of the stranger at her front door. But what he tells her of his past is too astonishing to be anything more than the delusion of a madman. Yet she has seen his flesh scarred by the sun and witnessed his inhuman strength. And never more has she felt so conneted to a man, by both fear and seductive excitement.

LOVE IS ETERNAL …

But as their worlds collide, Sarah and Alexander are bound by something even stronger, as one becomes hunter and the other prey. And Sarah’s only chance of survival is to surrender to the final – and most unimaginable – desire of her life.

*****

ETERNAL KISS

Mark of the Vampire, Book 2

Amazon / B&N / Audible.com / Tantor Audio

Sacrifice will be their downfall. And their resurrection.

Family is blood.

His father unknown, his mother dead, Nicholas Roman was raised by the vampire Breed with one wish: to live as a normal vampire. But once he’s transformed against his will into a gifted immortal, Nicholas now has one goal: to stop the Eternal Order of vampires from controlling his life and from transforming more males from his bloodline for their vicious reign. Then comes a beautiful stranger with a startling secret.

Vampire Kate Everborne claims she’s sheltering Nicholas’ long-lost son. If this is true, then who is the mother? And how endangered are they if, indeed, Nicholas does possess the bloodline so coveted by the Order? These are questions that with every seductive whisper, every silken touch, draw Nicholas and Kate intimately closer and nearer still to the truth. But aroused too are Nicholas’ fears that this tantalizing woman has even more secrets—both dangerous and provocative—she has yet to share.

*****

ETERNAL BLOOD

Mark of the Vampire E-special, Book 2.5

Amazon / B&N / Kobo

Gray Donahue is crippled by the guilt he feels for his father’s death. An Impure vampire cursed with the ability to hear the thoughts of others, he indulges in blood and sex to stave off the pain of his existence. He is then abducted by the Eternal Order of Vampires, who subject him to a nightmarish ritual. But when he is rescued by the icy pureblood vampire Dillon, he finds something that is worth living for, dying for, killing for….

*****

ETERNAL CAPTIVE

Mark of the Vampire, Book 3

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Lucian Roman knows he must stay away from Bronwyn Kettler for sanity’s sake. Since feeding her his blood, he can think of nothing else but possessing her—fighting an uncontrollable desire to kill her, if need be, and the vampire she has sworn to wed.

Bronwyn, a brilliant vampire genealogist, can never escape her connection to Lucian. He sustained her when she was starving. He still rules her dreams. And when the nights get dark enough, she still craves him. Though his essence still courses through her body, she has found a true mate in someone else.

But when a dangerous enemy threatens Bronwyn, only Lucian—bound to her forever by blood—can save her life. Even if it means sacrificing his own…

*****

ETERNAL BEAST

Mark of the Vampire, Book 4

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Ever since his abduction by the Eternal Order of Vampires, Gray Donohue has finally found his true calling: vengeance. He will stop at nothing to bring his fellow Impure vampires the freedom they deserve. Now if he could just release his primal need for the beautiful vampire who saved his life-and rules his thoughts and desires . . .

After nearly killing the senator she was assigned to protect, Dillon is now in mortal danger. The jaguar within her has been unleashed, and she can no longer control it. Sex is the only thing that can tame her shift. And Gray is the only man who can make her surrender to a passion strong enough to overpower her inner beast. But she doesn’t want to surrender-she wants her life back. Because she is determined never to belong to anyone, especially not Gray-the man who destiny claims is her mate.

********

ETERNAL BEAUTY

Mark of the Vampire Series E-special, Book 4.5

April 2, 2013

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

He is captivated by the one who saved him from death—until he finds out who she is…

When his lover is murdered by evil vampire-beast, Cruen, the grief-stricken Synjon Wise believes his life over. Enraged, he flashes her away to a remote spot in South America to give his beloved’s body a proper burial. But when the sun blazes overhead and takes her body before his eyes, Synjon’s mind completely unravels. Mad with the need to join her, he walks into the sun a morphed male, prepared to die.

He awakens to find himself amongst a breed known as Shifters. As he is nursed back to health by Petra, who saved his life, Synjon feels no gratitude—only anger and guilt that he is still alive. But this female is strong and refuses to let Syn waste away. For the bond that will form between them will be enduring: as nurse and patient, male and female, savior and saved.

Betrayer and betrayed

*****

ETERNAL DEMON

Mark of the Vampire, Book 5

Available: May 7, 2013

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

When Erion’s son is kidnapped by the evil vampire Cruen, Erion vows to stop at nothing to find his hideaway—including intercepting the traveling party of Cruen’s beautiful bride-to-be. But instead of a vulnerable caravan, Erion is met by a feral band of female demons that includes Hellen, the bride—a creature of dark magic and darker passion.

Though the safety of his son is foremost, Erion can’t deny his unexpected connection to Hellen—inflaming a manic desire as primal as it is irresistible. As their bond intensifies, they move toward an inevitable and terrifying battle. With time running out, Erion realizes he must not only find and rescue his son but protect Hellen from Cruen and the underworld forces waiting to destroy her for her betrayal.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author of the Bestselling Mark of the Vampire series, Laura Wright spent the early years of her life immersed in the worlds of singing, acting and competitive ballroom dancing. But when she started writing, she knew she’d found her true calling. Laura lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband, two children, three dogs, two frogs and two fish. She’s been thrice nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, and loves hearing from her readers.

Connect with Laura:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Laura Wright’s ETERNAL DEMON Blog Tour

5/06 – 5/11