Blind Date Winners!!!!!
Over 70 of you wanted a Blind Date with a book.
The Winner of our 1st Blind Date giveaway is……
#49 Danah danahelaine(at)charter.net
Our 2nd winner is…..
#26 Cassy Glass Cassy.glass(at)gmail.com
But wait there is more!!!!
I had a mystery author offer up a box (yes, a box) of books to one lucky person.
That winner is…..
#54 Brenda Tetrault blt1138(at)yahoo.com
Winner’s please fill out the claim form HERE and confirm you SNAIL MAIL address
Don’t forget to re-enter…… another winner will be picked on March 15th & March 31st
Zoe Winter’s Blood Lust is on Sale…
My pal Zoe Winter’s book Blood Lust is on sale for only $0.99.
But the sale only lasts until Saturday…..
So don’t wait…
Here is a little more about Blood Lust.
BLOOD LUST (Preternaturals Book 1) (The compilation of my novellas: Kept, Claimed, and Mated… also sold separately at etailers.)
LENGTH 90,000 words
It’s all about the blood…
Comprised of three novellas, Blood Lust gives readers a snapshot look at the world of the Preternaturals Series. (Future installments of the series will be novels.)
KEPT:
As a cat therian (shifter), Greta’s blood is already sought after to enhance spells and potions, but due to a quirk of her birth, her blood is potent enough to kill for. When her tribe plans to sacrifice her, Greta must ally herself with Dayne, the dangerous local sorcerer, and the only person strong enough to protect her.
CLAIMED:
For a vampire, Anthony isn’t a picky eater, but he’s drawn to Charlee’s blood more than any other. Like a fine wine saved for a special occasion, he’s denied himself this pleasure. But one night, high from the potent magical blood of another, he claims his prize and loses control. Ashamed of almost killing the one woman who means anything to him, he wipes her memory of the event. When Charlee awakens with complete amnesia, Anthony is the only one who can clean up the mess he’s made.
MATED:
Because of the vampiric blood that has run through her veins since birth, Jane has been a target for vampires who resent a human being “kindred.” She’s forced to disguise herself as a vampire groupie to appease them and safeguard her life. When she’s abruptly given to Cole, the leader of the werewolf pack, to satisfy a gambling debt, she discovers the blood running through her veins has a far greater impact on her destiny than she ever imagined.
Here is where you can get Blood Lust for 99 cents:
(Check other Kindle stores separately. It should be available there as well.)
Want to learn more about Zoe and her books? Or have a question about the books?
Check her out here http://zoewintersbooks.com/
Interview with Tara Sue Me
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome first time guest Tara Sue Me to the blog today.
Tara, can you please share with us a little about yourself?
I’m just your average working mom. My close friends know me as being rather introverted with a dry sense of humor. I’m most comfortable in yoga pants and a tee, and believe whoever invented panty hose was a sadist.
Bnk: Have you always wanted to be an author?
Yes, always! I wrote poems and short stories in middle school. At twelve I wrote my first attempt at a novel.
Bnk: Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
I typically don’t write until the kids are in bed, just too much risk for someone to be reading over my shoulder. I’m not too particular, I can write just about anywhere. Usually I have to move a dog or two out of my chair, though. It’s difficult to write when the puppies want to cuddle.
Bnk: Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
The most rewarding part for me are those “AH HA!” moments you have when you’re in the middle of a scene and everything falls into place. It’s especially gratifying when you finally understand why something happened earlier in the book even though it made no sense at the time.
Bnk: Can you please tell us about your latest book?
THE SUBMISSIVE is about Abby King, a librarian determined to be Nathaniel West’s newest submissive. He makes it clear from the beginning that his rules don’t allow for more than a mutually agreed upon pleasure, but they both discover that love doesn’t play by the rules.
Bnk: How did you come with the idea for this story?
I often joke that the story found me. The first chapter was extremely vivid and I found that once I wrote it down, the rest of the story followed quickly. I’ve been writing for six years and in that time, I’ve never had a story flow so freely.
Bnk: Can you share with us your current work in progress?
Sure! I’m working on a new BDSM series that follows three couples. Each book tells the story of one couple. I’m still learning all the details myself, but it’s been a lot of fun writing so far.
Bnk: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Karen Rose, John Gilstrap, and Diana Gabaldon.
Bnk: Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
I’m sure they’ve all inspired bits and pieces, but to say exactly what part? I don’t think I could point to any one thing.
Bnk: Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.
Okay, let’s see. On this page Abby is meeting her best friend Felicia at a spa. Abby’s just had the most mind-blowing, intense sex the night before. Felicia doesn’t agree with Abby’s decision to be a submissive, so she changes the subject after realizing she doesn’t want to hear Abby’s answer to, “How was your night?”
Bnk: What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m counting down the days until THE MISTRESS by Tiffany Reisz releases!
Bnk: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks for having me today!
You can find out more about Tara here:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads
Book One of the Submissive Trilogy
More than 8 Million Reads Online
“The first in Tara Sue Me’s seductive and scandalous series that has enthralled millions…”
Abby King has a secret fantasy.
New York knows Nathaniel West as the brilliant and handsome CEO of West Industries, but Abby knows he’s more: a sexy and skilled dominant who is looking for a new submissive. Yearning to experience a world of pleasure beyond her simple life as a librarian, Abby offers herself to Nathaniel, to fulfill her most hidden desires.
After only one weekend with the Master, Abby knows she needs more, and fully submits to Nathaniel’s terms. But despite the pleasure he takes in Abby’s willing spirit, the Nathaniel hidden behind the rules remains cold and distant.
As Abby falls deeper into his tantalizing world of power and passion, she fears that Nathaniel’s heart may be beyond her reach–and that her own might be beyond saving
Guest blogger: A.M. Griffin
I love writing sci-fi. There are no rules and the possibilities are endless. My characters and worlds are subjected to my every whim. There’s absolutely nothing holding me back but my imagination. In Dangerously Mine, I introduced readers to two different worlds: Sonis, the Moon where our hero Taio is from and Xenaris, the trading planet where Taio finds our heroine, Eva.
Since Sonis will eventually become Eva’s home and where she finds her happily ever after, I wanted it to have the opposite feel from Xenaris. Although Sonis is a desert planet with two rotating suns, the suns represent light and hope. Eva often finds herself looking up at the sky or welcoming the sun’s rays on her skin. Where Xenaris was over crowded, Sonis is a new and growing world. Sonis is filled with bright colors and artwork, suggesting of their relaxing and calm attitude.
In my follow-up releases I’m working on introducing the readers to more of the science-fiction side of the new worlds that my characters find themselves forced into.
Ellora’s Cave / Amazon / All Romance Ebooks
After aliens invade and conquer Earth, Eva is transported to a distant slave trading planet. Escape and freedom are her only priority, but none of her martial arts training prepared her for what she faces. She finds herself enslaved to the warrior King Taio. Eva’s drawn to this sexy alien male who ignites her heart and body.
Taio is disgusted with the idea of owning a slave—until now. From the moment he sees her, he knows Eva is his for the taking. Torn between lust and duty, Taio knows nothing will stop him from protecting his little warrior.
Excerpt:
Taio Xochis hated coming to Xenaris. The place was always filled to capacity with traders from all over the galaxy. Everyone knew that if you needed hard-to-find items, go to Xenaris. Right now, he definitely needed a pulson emitter for his disabled vessel.
Their vessel had run into trouble going through the Interplanetary Travel System. Ankon, his pilot, had been lucky to avert a space collision. If anyone could have done it, it was him. In order to return home to Sonis, they needed to get the vessel up to light speed and the only place Ankon could find the part he needed was on Xenaris, the last place Taio ever wanted to be.
Finding what he needed had been easy enough, but it cost as much as a small planet. As soon as the merchants spotted the Sonis Royal Crest on the arm of his black skin suit, they tripled the price.
“How much longer do we have to stay here?” Taio asked. He watched in disgust as a Lorandian thief used his skills to pilfer trinkets off an unsuspecting couple. If the thief had tried that on Sonis, he would have had his hands removed and his lifeless body thrown into the Singha Ocean. With the help of his royal guards, crime was almost nonexistent on the newly developed world.
“Ankon thinks we will be ready to go before nightfall,” Rasha replied.
Although Xenaris was a trading planet, it still held many dangers. This place was no Utopia. Taio and Rasha both kept their senses on high alert.
Taio and his crew members all came from Drazlan, the home planet, and had relocated to Sonis, the moon that rotated around Drazlan. Drazlan was hot, humid, sunny and dry and also one of the three sand planets in the Zaronna System. While many thought Drazlan’s climate was harsh, they thought Sonis’ climate was no better. Because of the harsh climates of the sand planets, the inhabitants all had many of the same characteristics, golden-colored skin, although the tone varied between individuals, dark-colored hair and they were all tall in stature.
“The sooner, the better. This place makes my skin crawl,” Taio replied.
Taio, Rasha and some of the other crew members walked through one of the many overcrowded markets on the small dusty planet. The sun was almost unbearable, even for a male who grew up on a planet that circled two suns. He had his shoulder-length hair pulled off his face and secured at the nape of his neck. Still, the sun’s rays assaulted him. Xenaris had the harsh climate one would expect from a planet that was set too close to its sun.
The crowd of locals and visitors parted, giving him and his crew a wide berth as they took the time to look for goods that would be needed for the journey home. While the merchants saw unlimited credits when they looked at the royal crest, others saw mercenaries, warriors, guards.
Taio knew the effect he and his crew had on everyone, but there was no point getting back on the vessel just yet. It was docked on a space station, undergoing repairs. So while they waited, some of the crew picked up trinkets for loved ones, while others purchased goods for themselves. Taio purchased a gem necklace for his younger sister, Saia. Of course, the price had been exorbitant, but the necklace matched her eyes.
They walked by a crowd that suddenly went from a small hum to an eruption of roars. “The slave market is in full swing.” Rasha noted.
Taio sneered, his lip curled in distaste. He had no desire to stop by the slave markets Xenaris was famous for. In fact, even after forty-one birth cycles, bile rose in his throat at the idea of beings sold as if they were worth no more than an inexpensive trinket or bauble. He could not stand to watch as beings were sold into slavery while others enjoyed the melee it caused.
Slave trading had been outlawed many cycles ago on every planet in this galaxy except for Xenaris. At that time, Xenaris’ ambassadors petitioned the Galactic Council to legalize slave trading on their planet. After all, Xenaris was famous for its trading and hard-to-find items. The request had been granted with certain exceptions. Humane protection must be provided for those being sold.
As he was about to pass the podium where the slaves were being held, his eyes caught what had undoubtedly made the crowd erupt. Standing on the platform was a small female fighting two Tresdonians. They were short in stature, but made up for it in their dense physical make-up. He’d had the opportunity to take one down during a job when he was still a mercenary. He knew from experience they were not easy to fight.
Yet here he stood, watching the small female use her flexibility to outmaneuver her captors and eventually free herself from their grasp. By the condition of her face, the Tresdonians had a hell of a time getting her to the auction block. She appeared beaten, with a multitude of bruises. He forced in a breath and clenched his fists as he noticed that one of her eyes was most likely lost, the swelling and discoloration of it alone was enough to make him cringe. Shame, he thought.
As the crowd roared around him, he stood in awe. Using the muscles in her short legs, she caught one of her captors between them, squeezing her knees around his neck, taking him down. She flipped this way and that, taking full advantage of an arm that was obviously dislocated and useless to unbalance her other captor. With one down, she charged at the other, flipping him over her shoulder. Then she ran.
Taio looked on in puzzlement as the young female ran back toward the slave cage. No one escaped their captors only to run back to captivity. But before she got a chance to reach her destination, the Tresdonian took out a stun gun and shot the fleeing female in her back. She went down with a thud. The crowd went silent.
The Tresdonian advanced. He had to stop this. “Hold your position!”
Enjoy! Griffin
Author Bio:
A.M. Griffin is a wife who rarely cooks, mother of three, dog owner (and sometimes dog owned), a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She’s a hard worker whose two favorite outlets are reading and writing. She enjoys reading everything from mystery novels to historical romances and of course fantasy romance. She is a believer in the unbelievable, open to all possibilities from mermaids in our oceans and seas, angels in the skies and intelligent life forms in distant galaxies.
Now available from Ellora’s Cave – http://www.jasminejade.com/p-10561-dangerously-mine.aspx
You can find out what else I’m working on by visiting: http://www.amgriffinbooks.com
Like my FaceBook page! http://www.facebook.com/amgriffinbooks
Follow me on Twitter! https://twitter.com/AMGriffinbooks
Kimberly’s review of SECRET by L. Marie Adeline
TITLE: SECRET
CHARACTERS: Cassie
AUTHOR: L. Marie Adeline
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In S.E.C.R.E.T there are…
No Judgments. No limits. No shame.
Cassie Robichaud’s life is filled with regret and loneliness after the sudden death of her husband. She waits tables at the rundown Café Rose in New Orleans, and every night she heads home to her solitary one-bedroom apartment. But when she discovers a notebook left behind by a mysterious woman at the café, Cassie’s world is forever changed. The notebook’s stunningly explicit confessions shock and fascinate Cassie, and eventually lead her to S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T, an underground society dedicated to helping women realize their wildest, most intimate sexual fantasies. Cassie soon immerses herself in an electrifying journey through a series of ten rapturous fantasies with gorgeous men who awaken and satisfy her like never before. As she is set free from her inhibitions, she discovers a new confidence that transforms her, giving her the courage to live passionately. Equal parts enticing, liberating and emotionally powerful, S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T is a world where fantasy becomes reality.
REVIEW:
First I want to say I enjoy reading erotica so I wanted to enjoy this book but I couldn’t. Yes the sex scenes are hot the rest of it is just not worth it. If this society existed I might even join it because I think it is empowering to women and I will give the author that much. If you read this book and it empowers you to enjoy yourself, your life and your sex then by all means read it but I just never connected with Cassie.
I want to read the erotica where there is a romance to it. I want to know that in the end the H/H will be together… I want the HEA and this just didn’t do that for me.
That being said I can certainly understand those who loved this book. I think it has so much potential and the right kind of reader would love it… that is just not me.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Thursday’s Thought…
Who was your fictional Valentine? Check out the list… You may find a new love!
CURRAN – Kate Daniel’s series by Ilona Andrews
ADAM – Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs
CALVIN – Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
NICK – Fatal Series by Marie Force
TREY – Sultry With A Twist by Macy Beckett
HARDY – Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas
ILLIAM – Guild Hunters series by Nalini Singh
ACHERON – Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon
REYES – Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones
ANY DOM – Shadowlands series by Cherise Sinclair
STRIDER – The Darkest Surrender by Gena Showalter
WRAITH – Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione
BRADEN – On Dublin Street b y Samatha Young
DIMITRI & ADRIAN – Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
CLAY – All Summer Long by Susan Mallery
ANY DOM – Mountain Masters/Dark Haven series by Kallypso Masters
GRAYSON – Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood
Spotlight Feature of Past Tense by Shawn V. Kilgarlin
Stress Relief is right here, in your hands.
Are you tense and need a break? You will love this book! Open it to any page on any day. You’ll find guidance and useful tips that are positive, fun, light-hearted and profound so you can get the peace of mind you really need – right now. Whenever you feel bothered and annoyed, fearful, insecure, angry or frustrated, it is probably from on of these:
•Daily Hassles – traffic jams, lost keys, bills to pay, unruly children
•Workplace – office politics, lack of respect, unemployment, helplessness
•Environmental – noise, pollution, harsh lighting, crowds
•Life Changes – college, marriage, divorce, aging, emergencies, grieving
•General Anxiety – holidays, peer pressure, addictions, feeling inadequate
Don’t worry, we have you covered. Designed for easy reading and fast relief, Past Tense gives you 365 engaging “page-a-day” stories to put your stress to rest. Each one brings you a healthy does of feeling better every day of the year. Sprinkled with inspiring quotes, thoughtful sayings and profound wisdom from the world’s great philosophers, modern thinkers, and major religions, Past Tense give soothing, down-to-earth advice for people of all ages. Use it to get “past tense” right away – and stay that way for life!
Work Stress. Management Stress. Money Stress. Life Stress!
They’re All Part of Everyday Life, BUT…
There are practical solutions and secrets that you can start using right away:
Fundamental understanding and management of stress is within your grasp.
With its 365 engaging, “page-a-day” stories, Past Tense offers a healthy dose of stress relief for every day of the year. The book covers every stress-generating scenario imaginable while teaching: the full impact of stress on your life; how to react to any crisis with composure; ways to read the warning signs of stress burnout; and tips on becoming a master of new behavioral patterns that help you live a highly stress-reduced life.
Past Tense is guaranteed to provide guidelines for creative problem solving while giving you positive-habit-forming techniques for tackling difficult situations. In its alternately fun, light-hearted, yet profound pages, you’ll discover ways to reduce harmful stress and increase productivity across the spectrum in areas including:
• Daily challenges (traffic, lost keys, workplace woes)
• Workplace pressures (office politics, lack of control, job loss)
• Environmental stressors (noise, pollution, harsh lighting, crowds)
• Life changes (college, marriage, divorce, aging, grieving)
• Stresses related to family, holidays, peer pressure, addiction, and much more
Sprinkled with quotes, sayings, and profound wisdom from ancient philosophers, modern thinkers, and the world’s major religions, Past Tense offers down-to-earth, common sense advice that speaks powerfully to readers of all ages and cultures. Use this lively stress-handling encyclopedia to get “past tense” and stay that way – for life!
Book Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
About the Author:
Shawn V. Kilgarlin is a writer, speaker, and Chief Operating Officer of Louisiana-based American Screening Corporation (ASC), a nationwide leader in drug testing products since 1999. In 2011, she was named a Cambridge Who’s Who Professional of the Year in Health Care Support. Ms. Kilgarlin’s husband (and co-author), Ron Kilgarlin is ASC’s CEO and an internationally recognized sales expert. Their company has helped over a million people deal with the plague of substance abuse. While unusually active in her industry and community, Ms. Kilgarlin’s true passions are writing and helping those in need. She is the author of the book God’s Love Letters: Overcoming Adversity. Past Tense is her second book.
Visit her website at http://www.
Rafflecopter Code for Kindle Fire HD giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Shuffle Up and Deal Tour Page:
Interview & Giveaway with Katie Reus
Books-n-Kisses is so happy to have our pal Katie Reus back on the blog today to chat about her upcoming release Mating Instinct.
BnK: Hi Katie, Welcome back to Books-n-Kisses. We are always happy to have you on the blog again.
Katie: I love visiting so thanks so much for having me here!
BnK: For my followers who may not know you. Please tell us a little more about yourself.
Katie: I’m a writer, a mom, a wife, and a lover of books! Really good red wine and dark chocolate are two of my weaknesses. I’m a total action movie junkie, wear flip-flops year round and rarely leave home without my kindle. I spend my days writing dark paranormal romance and action-packed romantic suspense—usually while wearing yoga pants.
BnK: Let’s talk about your newest release Mating Instinct. Tell us a little about this book.
Katie: I’m so excited about this release! It’s the third book in the Moon Shifter series and full of so much sexual tension and angst between the two main characters. The official description explains what it’s about perfectly:
As the beast within struggles to break free, he must learn to be what she needs…
Surviving for centuries, powerful lupine shifter Jayce Kazan managed to stay away from humans until he met Kat Saburova and was consumed by the need to protect her. But while Jayce shared his passion with the human seer, he refused to make her his bondmate—a refusal that caused the end of their relationship.
A year later, an attack that left Kat near death has resulted in another lupine shifter turning her. Furious that he wasn’t the one to save her, Jayce is determined to show Kat that he is the one she should rely on. But the newly turned shifter is still traumatized and worried that she’ll hurt those she loves, unless she can learn to control her inner wolf.
And as Jayce struggles to protect Kat from her own worst instincts and convince her to rekindle their love, the extremists who almost killed her are looking to finish the job…
BnK: What was the hardest and most rewarding part of writing Jayce & Kat’s story?
Katie: About halfway through Alpha Instinct (book 1), I knew Jayce and Kat would be getting a story so the most rewarding part was when I finished that first rough draft. I put so much emotion into Mating Instinct and it’s definitely one of my more character driven books so just finishing it was a giant relief. The hardest part…hmm, injecting all the emotion that was necessary for these two characters to get past their own bullshit and baggage and find happiness.
BnK: Open Mating Instinct to a random page. Give us a few lines and tell us what is happening.
Katie:
Jayce continued to stare at her, his chest falling and rising erratically. Oh, yeah, she’d pissed him off really good.
“Get. On. My. Bike.” The words tore from his chest with apparent difficulty.
She really should just give in. Especially when he was in a mood like this. But she wasn’t in the mood to be passive or appeasing. She was in the mood to fight. “No.” With her gaze still on him, her eyes mocking, she pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. Before she had a chance to call someone for a ride, Jayce plucked it from her hand and shoved it in his front jeans pocket.
Kat stepped toward him until they were inches apart and held out a hand. “Give me my phone.”
“If you want it, come get it.” He lifted a dark eyebrow in challenge.
Swallowing hard, she looked at the front of his jeans where the bulge of her phone was. Yeah, that so wasn’t happening.
I love this scene! This is near the beginning of the book and the first time Kat and Jayce have spoken to each other since the events that unfolded at the end of Primal Possession (book 2). They’re both full of anger, but the sexual tension between them ignites as soon as they see each other again.
BnK: What is next in the Moon Shifter Series?
Katie: His Chosen Wolf, novella 3.5, and Avenger’s Mate, book #4. Both of these stories take place in New Orleans. HCW features characters not yet introduced, but their story is uber hot and full of a lot of supernatural action! It’s a pre-cursor to the events that start off Avenger’s Mate, which is Erin and Noah’s story. If you’ve read the first couple books in the series then you know who they are and I’m insanely excited about this book too. It takes place in a city I adore and in addition to a critical investigation they’re part of, they’ve got a lot of stuff to work through before they can find their HEA (there’s also a sweet secondary romance). It’s a very raw story with some issues I think a lot of women will be able to relate to.
BnK: Katie, I know you have a lot of irons in the fire. Tell us about your other new releases Tempting the Jaguar and Enemy Mine.
Katie: These are both paranormal novellas so the stories are really tight and focused on the two main characters. For the brief descriptions: Tempting the Jaguar is about Estrella, a packless jaguar shifter who finds herself being relentlessly pursued by the very sexy, protective wolf shifter, Rainer. For those who have read Destined Mate and Protector’s Mate, Rainer is Alaric’s youngest brother and he is delicious! Full details here.
Enemy Mine is a star-crossed romance about a shifter and vampire whose families are sworn enemies and I absolutely LOVE this story. I wrote this before it was even contracted because it was just one of those stories I needed to get on paper. Melina and Kiernan spent a hot night together a year before Enemy Mine starts and he’s tired of waiting on her to come to her senses and realize they’re meant to be together. When she’s attacked, he steps up and protects her, not caring what either of their families think. Full details here.
BnK: You also have a romantic suspense series too (see I told you she was a busy girl). Tell us a little more about your Red Stone Security Series.
Katie: I love my Red Stone men (and women!). The Red Stone Security group is a Miami-based security company that protects dignitaries and other wealthy people. All the employees who deal with the security side of things are former military or law-enforcement and are highly trained (and oh so sexy). The first three books feature the three brothers who run the company and the next two feature two of their very sexy male employees. All my guys fall hard and fast for their ladies and while they’re all uber alpha, none of them are jerks. I’m planning for the next book to release in April and it features my first RSS female security lead. She’s pretty badass so I’m excited to see how readers react to this one. Even though all the stories are tied together by Red Stone, they can be read as complete stand-alones.
BnK: How do you keep so many books and characters from blending together?
Katie: Just like every person in my daily life is different, with amazingly different backgrounds and things that have shaped them, it’s the same with my stories and characters. To me, they’re ‘real’ in a sense because they’ve all got unique quirks and views on life. As far as keeping everything organized, I have a very detailed Excel spreadsheet for each series I write that helps me keep track of familial relationships, different plot threads, etc.
BnK: What is the best advice you ever got about becoming a writer?
Katie: Oh wow, this is hard! I’ve received so much great advice it’s hard to pick one thing, but learning to move past rejections quickly was something I was advised about many times. And all those people knew what they were talking about! I’ve learned not to dwell on the negative and instead focus on the positive. I’m too busy writing to worry about things I can’t change.
BnK: Katie, it was a pleasure to have you here again. Is there anything we forgot to talk about that you would like to add?
Katie: I think we covered a lot so thank you again for having me as a guest!
A little more about Katie: Katie has been reading romance since a young age—ever since she discovered her mom’s hidden stash. Luckily the addiction stayed with her into adulthood. She writes paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense for Carina Press, Harlequin Nocturne, and NAL/Signet Eclipse. To learn more about her please visit her website, blog, facebook or find her on twitter @katiereus.
GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY
Katie is giving away a signed set of the MOON SHIFTER series (All 3 books – Alpha Instinct, Primal Possession and Mating Instinct), Romance Trading Cards (for Alpha Instinct, Lover’s Instinct & Primal Possession) and a custom made wolf themed book thong to ONE lucky winner that follows the tour. Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway:
*****
Mating Instinct
Book 3
NAL/Signet Eclipse
Release Date: March 5, 2013
As the beast within struggles to break free, he must learn to be what she needs…
Surviving for centuries, powerful lupine shifter Jayce Kazan managed to stay away from humans until he met Kat Saburova and was consumed by the need to protect her. But while Jayce shared his passion with the human seer, he refused to make her his bondmate—a refusal that caused the end of their relationship.
A year later, an attack that left Kat near death has resulted in another lupine shifter turning her. Furious that he wasn’t the one to save her, Jayce is determined to show Kat that he is the one she should rely on. But the newly turned shifter is still traumatized and worried that she’ll hurt those she loves, unless she can learn to control her inner wolf.
And as Jayce struggles to protect Kat from her own worst instincts and convince her to rekindle their love, the extremists who almost killed her are looking to finish the job…
Amazon (paperback) / Amazon (Kindle) / Barnes & Noble (paperback) / Barnes & Noble (Nook)
BAM / Book Depository / Indie Bound Books / Kobo Books (coming soon) / Penguin
MATING INSTINCT Blog Tour
2/11 – Curling up with a Good Book
2/12 – Dark Faeire Tales
2/13 – Mad Hatter Reads
2/14 – The Jeep Diva
2/15 – I Smell Sheep
2/16 – Sizzling Hot Books
2/18 – Reading Between the Wines
2/19 – Bookin’ It Reviews
2/20 – Rabid Reads
2/21 – Book Lovin’ Mamas
2/22 – Close Encounters with the Night Kind
2/23 – United by Books
2/23 – Ramblings From This Chick
2/24 – Book Monster Reviews
2/24 – Literal Addiction
2/25 – Salacious Reads
2/26 – Cocktails and Books
2/27 – Urban Girl Reader
2/28 – Books-n-Kisses
3/01 – Page Flipperz
3/01 – So Many Reads…So Little Time
3/02 – The Reading Café
3/03 – Under the Covers
3/04 – Paranormal Haven
3/05 – Vampires, Werewolves, Fairies Oh My!
3/06 – SOS Aloha Blog
3/07 – Total Book Nerd
Guest Blog & Giveaway with Jennifer Ryan
Thank you Books-n-Kisses for having me over today.
In SAVED BY THE RANCHER, I explore several themes – Jenna’s complicated relationship with her abusive ex-husband. Learning to trust a new man, even one as sexy and kind as Jack Turner.
Rich enough to surround herself with guards and hide behind walls and security, Jenna discovers no amount of money can protect you from an obsessed man. But Jenna has a plan for all that wealth and will use every dime she has to make her ex pay, but not before she shows Jack and his family a little gratitude for all their kindness.
SAVED BY THE RANCHER
From the moment rancher Jack Turner rescues Jenna Caldwell Merrick, he is determined to help her. Soon, he is tending more than her wounds, he is mending her heart. Jenna is a woman on the run—hunted down by her ex-husband, David Merrick, from the moment she left him, taking part of his company with her, to the second she found herself on the safety of Jack’s ranch. More than just a safe haven, Jack’s offering the love, family, and home she thought was out of reach.
Jack’s support and love will give her the strength she needs to reclaim her life. The hunted will become the hunter, as David gets what he deserves when they have an explosive confrontation in the boardroom of Merrick International. But not before Jack and Jenna enter into a fight…for their lives.
Excerpt:
“Now that’s what I like to see. A couple of nice asses bent over a really hot car.”
“Jenna! You didn’t. You bought them cars.”
“Yep. Cool, huh.”
…
“The cars, Jenna. How? Why? Not that I’m complaining, but this is too much. How can you do this for all of us?”
“Yes, Jenna. How can you afford to do this for everyone? Jets, limos, cars, diamonds, shopping sprees?” Jack couldn’t take his eyes off her. She looked like a million bucks in that dress and his mouth watered just looking at her. This was the real Jenna. Dressed like she was, smiling, enjoying herself. He didn’t know what to make of it.
“Jack, you asked me several times who I’m running from. You neglected to ask who I am.”
She wore a huge smile on her face, like the joke was on him for missing that fact. He guessed it was.
“You may be rich, but I’m filthy stinking rich.” She let them absorb that little bombshell. Still smiling like the cat who ate the canary, she took in their shocked faces.
“What I did today was just money. I could do this every day until I die if I wanted to.”
Stunned into complete silence, she smiled even more.
“Okay, here it is. You guys took me in and cared for me. A stranger. You didn’t know anything about me, except someone hurt me. You nursed me back to health and gave me something back that I’ve been missing for far too long.”
She turned to Caleb. “Friendship.”
To Summer. “Caring.”
And Lily. “Hope.”
She faced Jack again. “Kindness. That’s all I ever wanted. You know that. You all gave it to me, expecting nothing in return, without knowing who I am, or what my circumstances.
“I’m returning that kindness. You all have my love and friendship, but I wanted to give you something to show you how much I appreciate having you in my life.” She raised her hand and gestured to the cars. “So, every boy should have a really cool toy. Hence, the really cool cars. I hope you like them.
“Every girl should get to go on a marvelous shopping spree. The jet and limo were just, well, lots of fun.”
They all spoke at once, saying it was too much, and they couldn’t accept.
She held up both her hands to stop all the protests. “These are just things, and I give them to you with all the love in my heart. Accept them. Enjoy them. Seeing you happy makes me happy. That’s another thing I haven’t felt in a long time.
“Now, the appropriate response is, ‘Thank you, Jenna.’”
Heads turned this way and that as they all came to a silent agreement and in unison said, “Thank you, Jenna.”
She laughed.
What would it be like to have all that money? What would I do first?
Buy a huge house? Send my kids to Harvard? Buy my husband that hot sports car he’s always wanted? Take a trip around the world and stay in five-star hotels? Pay off all my bills? My family’s bills? Help a stranger? Use it for revenge against someone who wronged me? Keep it for myself, even when I knew a friend could use a helping hand?
Buy a new freezer and keep it stocked with rocky road ice cream? Definitely. I’m a simple girl, who likes simple things. Like diamonds. Sparkly things make me smile.
Dream big and make those dreams come true? Absolutely.
If you had Jenna’s wealth, what would you do with it?
Author Bio:
Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, three children, her dog, Bella, and cat, Shadow.
When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession for both is often revealed in the state of her home and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.
For more information about Jennifer and her upcoming releases, visit www.jennifer-ryan.com.
Kimberly’s review of Love & A Blue Eyed Cowboy by Sandra Chastain
TITLE: Love And A Blue-Eyed Cowboy
CHARACTERS: Fortune & Hunter
AUTHOR: Sandra Chastain
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hunky cowboy Hunter Kincaid is bruised, broke, and brash enough to think that he can win the top prize in a motorcycle scavenger hunt through the backwoods of Georgia. What he doesn’t count on is being saddled with Fortune Dagosta as a partner. After locking horns with the back-seat driver, Hunter soon hopes to lock lips. Can a loner of the open road be a lover with an open heart?
Fortune has no idea how she’ll survive a week on the road with a smartass like Hunter. But she needs the money from the race to put a new roof on her halfway house for troubled kids—and Hunter’s her best shot at first place. Despite a few bumps on the way, Fortune finds herself lost in Hunter’s deep blue eyes. Neither expects the attraction to last, but Hunter and Fortune have embarked on the ride of their lives.
REVIEW:
This story is so adorable. First let me say some of the things are dated since it was originally released in 1992 apparently. There are references to talking to Minnie Pearl, Barbara Mandrell, etc but the names are either unknown to the modern reader (Mandrell) or the person has passed away (Pearl) so that was a little dated but the rest of the story is really cute.
Imagine the “Amazing Race” in the Carolinas & Georgia. That is what this book is about. Two strangers thrown together following clues to win the race and make money. But they have their own reasons for wanting the money. The journey with these characters is sweet. Hunter is just an all around good guy and Fortune is almost too sweet for words but something about her makes her human and not icky sweet.
This is an adorable book to have for that winter day curled up on the couch in front of the fire (that is what I did).
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
