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Interview with Hanna Martine

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Hanna Marine to the blog today to chat about her newest release A TASTE OF ICE.

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

Sure! Some random tidbits … I do not like practical jokes or pranks. I was on a competitive college dance team. I can’t stand mixing crunchy foods with soft (granola in yogurt and chocolate chips in ice cream are the worst offenders). I think Before Sunrise and Before Sunset are two of the most romantic movies ever made. I met my husband in a bar.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Always! I remember writing stories and plays in grade school–as early as third grade–and thinking that the only career that would ever make me happy would be a writer. I thought it would be so easy to accomplish. How little did I know! But the sweat and (literal) tears have been worth it.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

Hmmm. I edit on paper and I have to use a really, really sharp pencil to do it. It’s labor intensive and takes a long time, but it’s the best way for me to really examine the structure of the story, to see where I’ve made all my changes, and to concentrate best on the prose.

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

My newest book is A Taste of Ice, the second in my paranormal romance series, The Elementals. Xavier is the last of his race left on Earth. He wants nothing more than to fit into the human world, and to do that he has sworn off magic and women. Enter Cat, a gorgeous artist, who tests his resolve and ignites a desire he never thought he would feel. Only he suspects her of being a water elemental, the very race that held him in slavery before he escaped. Just when they begin to trust each other, a new threat emerges, one that hunts them both and puts their entire secret world at risk.

It’s an emotionally intense story that, at times, wrung me out while writing it. I’m very proud of it.

You can read more about it here (including the first two chapters): http://www.hannamartine.com/taste-of-ice.php

How did you come with the idea for this story?

The world of the Elementals is based on classic elemental magic (earth, air, fire, water), which has always fascinated me. I wanted to write about subversive cultures and hidden worlds mixed in with our own. With Xavier, I challenged myself to write a paranormal hero who wasn’t all muscled out and whose biggest battles were not fought with his fists. For A Taste of Ice, my goal was to heal a man who seemed impossible to reach. I love when opposites attract, find common ground, and lift each other up, so I knew I had to make Xavier’s true love wear the face of his former enemy.

For each Elementals novel, I switch locales and make the story self-contained. A Taste of Ice is set in a snowy mountain town during a big film festival. The setting (ice, snow, etc.) really helped push the plot into areas I might not have considered before.

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

I am writing my first contemporary romance, Long Shot, which is set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highland Games in the mountains of New Hampshire. It releases October 2013 and I’m really excited about it! It’s about Jen, a big-time event planner in New York City who is called back to the New Hampshire town of her youth to save the local Highland Games. When she returns, she finds Leith, the boy she left ten years earlier to chase her dreams, is still there. A local hero and former athletic champion of the games (throwing giant stones and hammers and long tree trunks carved into cabers), he is finally leaving his hometown to start a new life elsewhere, until the love of his life suddenly reappears, begging him to compete again and kickstarting his heart.

I know I’m not supposed to play favorites with my fictional men, but Leith MacDougall might be up at the top of my list of heroes. It’s all about the kilt, baby.

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

This is actually a funny story. I did, sort of, meet my favorite author. I adore Jacqueline Carey–her Kushiel series pretty much changed my life–so when I learned she was going to be at WorldCon this past Labor Day (as was I), I got giddy. The day I was set to sign my first book, Liquid Lies, I was approaching the table where the previous signing authors were vacating their spots. Ms. Carey was getting up from her chair right in front of me. She looked right at me, smiled and said hi … and I just said hi back, ducked my head, and shuffled on. Completely starstruck. Completely humiliating. My one good chance and I squandered it. I can laugh about it now. Sort of.

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

Find amazing critique partners. This can take some time, but it is so, so worth it to find those precious few fellow writers who not only get you and what you want to do with your writing, but who aren’t petty, who genuinely want to help you, and who are smart as hell. It is important you learn how to take constructive criticism, how to step back and apply it to your writing, and not automatically get defensive.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Go on an African safari! It just seems so incredibly exotic.

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

I can’t believe I haven’t yet read Endgame, the final Sirantha Jax book, by Ann Aguirre. It downloaded on my Kindle the day it came out and I have yet to read it. I think I’m scared to finish the series. I don’t want it to end. I want to savor it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I also dabble in erotic romance, and I have a short story out next week in the Cleis Press anthology Only You: Erotic Romance for Women.

Thank you so much for having me! I love hearing from readers.

Website | Facebook |  Twitter |   Goodreads

 


Amazon | B&N

There is an untapped world of magic that any man would covet… 

Five years ago, Xavier escaped from the Ofarian Plant. Today he calls a Colorado mountain town home. It’s there he buries himself in his work, swearing off magic and relationships—until a woman threatens every promise he’s made to himself.

Cat has always known she is different. Water speaks to her on an uncanny level, and she channels this gift into beautiful painted waterscapes. Now, a gallery is debuting her work in Colorado—and it’ll reveal far more about her than she imagined.

The spark between Cat and Xavier is enough to throw both of them off balance. Every tantalizing moment sends them dangerously close to a rising flood of desire. Dangerous because Xavier comes to suspect that Cat is an Ofarian—his people’s enemy. But they’re both about to discover a far greater, more malicious power at play.

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Kimberly’s review of Kissed By A Vampire by Caridad Pineiro

TITLE: Kissed By A Vampire
AUTHOR: Caridad Pineiro
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
For two thousand years, vampire elder Stacia has roamed on her own, haunted by the betrayal that turned her into a creature of the night. Her nights looming empty and eternal, Stacia longs for love, but settles for quick bites and sinful pleasures in South Beach. Until she comes face-to-face with the unforgettable DEA agent she once brought back from the brink of death. Alex Garcia knows that demons exist—the real kind, the kind that are kidnapping women and selling them into slavery. Finding those victims is his focus—not a beautiful seductress whose otherworldly abilities can’t possibly be real. But when Stacia summons all her powers to prove what she really is, Alex will summon all his to believe in the vampire’s kiss….

REVIEW:
The story is good. The connection of the characters is not. I have never read a book by Pineiro before and while most of the writing was good I was tired of her using the same words over and over. How many times does the vampire need to tell us she is an elder? While we apparently meet this characters in “Death Calls” the meeting is explained and does not matter if you have not read the first one (as I had not).

I really just did not feel a chemistry between these two characters. And Stacia (Who is an elder. Did we mention that already?) seems to be a bit of a wuss of a woman. Ok maybe not a wuss but certainly not the powerful vampire she is supposed to be. And Alex just has no depth to him. He is not the alpha you would think a vampire would fall for and his sweet moments are just blah.

Ok now that has been said the storyline is interesting and keeps you wanting to read more. Maybe it was just these characters but this book just didn’t do it for me much.

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

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Bayou Heat Tour Stop with Laura Wright & Alexandra Ivy

COVER LOVER

Alexandra and I commissioned the amazingly talented, Tricia ‘Pickyme’ Schmitt to create our Bayou Heat covers. We wanted them to be incredible, sexy, evocative, and have that special something extra that draws readers. And as always Trish produced that and more. I actually told her recently to please start thinking about the next 3 covers in the series because I just love seeing her work J

Cover art, to me anyway, is priority #1 (after a great book, of course) when putting out a novel. It’s the very first thing we see as readers, and it must tell us about what is inside. The very best of what is inside J

So, what do you think?

Does the cover sway you one way or another?

And while we’re at it and for a BAYOU HEAT SWAG BAG

Which Bayou Heat cover is your favorite?

New Year. New World. New Species.

LEGEND OF THE PANTERA

Hidden in the depths of the Louisiana bayous, the Pantera,  have become little more than a legend to most humans. It’s rumored that in the ancient past twin sisters, born of magic, had created a sacred land and claimed it as their own. From that land was born creatures who were neither human or animal, but a mixture of the two. Faster and stronger than humans, they have hyper acute senses, and when surrounded by the magic of the Wildlands they’re capable of shifting into pumas. It was also whispered that they possess other gifts. Telepathy, witchcraft, immortality, and the ability to produce a musk that could enthrall mere mortals. Mothers warned young girls never to roam alone near the swamps, convinced that they would be snatched by the Pantera, while young men were trained to avoid hunting anywhere near the protected Wildlands. Not that the warnings were always successful. What girl didn’t dream of being seduced by a gorgeous, mysterious stranger? And what young man didn’t want to try his skill against the most lethal predators?

As the years passed, however, the sightings of the Pantera became so rare that the rumors faded to myths. Most believed the entire species had become extinct. Sadly they weren’t entirely mistaken…

A little about your authors:

About Laura:

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

About Alexandra:

Alexandra Ivy is the New York Times bestselling author of the Guardians of Eternity series, the Immortal Rogues series and the Sentinels.

Alexandra graduated from Truman University with a degree in theatre before deciding she preferred to bring her characters to life on paper rather than stage. She currently lives in Missouri with her extraordinarily patient husband and teenage sons.

Connect with Alexandra:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

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Guest blogger & giveaway with Sharon Clare

This Game’s a Trap

By Sharon Clare

I want to thank Books-n-Kisses for welcoming me as a guest today to talk about my new release Rhapsody published by Crimson Romance.

Rhapsody is a paranormal romance that revolves around a board game. Remember those? But this isn’t the kind of board game you’d find on the shelves of Walmart.

In Rhapsody, when their tropical resort disappears, Jonathan and Isabelle must play a game of seduction with magical twists and turns to win their freedom from the Elvin world where they are trapped.

I’d love to share an excerpt from a scene in Isabelle’s point of view where she and Jonathan first discover their resort has disappeared:

Isabelle was vaguely aware of the stricken expression on Jonathan’s face as her knees buckled. Only with legs clenched tight did she keep herself from tottering over.

Impossible.

The sun was a blazing half disc hovering over the horizon, the trees, an ink smudge rimming the beach. Within minutes, the shore would be chilling, isolating, disorienting, all except for this one fire-lit area.

Jonathan’s gaze rose from the bizarre note she’d found. “It’s a joke, it has to be. We have to play a game called Rhapsody to get back to the resort? That’s insane.” He peered once again at the forest where ten minutes ago the resort had stretched over a few kilometers. Not a sound came from that site now, not even wind through the trees. Besides the flicker of fire, the night was still as a corpse.

“Did you find any sign of life out there?” She forced the words out evenly to tamp her panic and keep her voice from cracking.

“No, nothing. Did you know the resort has an invisible security fence? We won’t get past it if we go through the forest.”

“That’s odd. No, I didn’t hear anything about invisible security. Whoever wrote this note is playing games with us. Do you think this is a hoax put on by the resort?” Though she didn’t wish to admit it out loud, something about this scenario seemed … unearthly. A few feet from the fire lay a carpet with over-sized pillows placed for comfort and as the note suggested — pleasurable game play. She couldn’t kid herself into believing that display had been on the beach five minutes ago. The cozy fireside retreat seemed to have appeared from under the snap of a magician’s cloak.

“I doubt it. This fire came out of nowhere. The note says we can’t escape the beach. ‘Play the game of Rhapsody to win your return to Serenity Resort.’ I don’t know who the lunatic is behind this, but we’re cut off from the hotel.” Jonathan checked his watch. As if the time mattered. With the sun sinking, it was lights out any minute.

“I don’t have time for this,” he said.

Like she did? “Late for your date with the redhead?”

He shot her a wry look. “Not tonight.”

“Triplets?”

“I’ve got them lined up for Saturday.”

His dry sense of humor had appealed to her from their first conversation. She couldn’t deny she’d behaved like his Monday night date until the redhead showed up. He’d been too easy to be with, like an old friend — they’d fit like parts clicking in perfect sequence. She could blame his good looks, the wine, the atmosphere, the conversation, but the truth was she’d gone to his room Monday night because she was too weak to keep to her relationship recovery program. But that was Monday. Today was a new day. “It’s some kind of magic trick. Mirrors?”

His gaze fell on the pillow arrangement. “I don’t think so. I see the game.”

 

Thanks again, Book-n-Kisses! For more information on Rhapsody, please visit: sharonclare.com

A little more about Sharon: 

Sharon Clare lives in Ontario with her husband and three wonderful grown-up kids who come and go from the nest. She fell in love with writing at the University of Toronto where she graduated with a science degree in psychology and professional writing. She writes paranormal romance and has published short stories, art reviews, newsletter and magazine articles. Her favourite place to write is outside under the maple trees beside the lily pond.

Rhapsody


is available for your Kindle here: Amazon

Isabelle plans to escape the real world when she takes a tropical vacation to work on her relationship recovery program. But escape becomes too real when she realizes Paradise Resort has disappeared. She is trapped in an immortal world where she must win her freedom by seducing her opponent, a man she labeled off limits, in a board game of seduction. Her resistance is solid, safe, and steadfast until her traitorous body decides this is a game she wants to play.

Jonathan has made seducing women an art form. His needs are simple: break down Isabelle’s resistance, seduce the panties off her, and get back to the real world fast where an emergency needs his attention. He plays to win, but when Isabelle takes a penalty and they must play out her secret fantasy, Jonathan struggles to follow the objective and keep his own arousal under control. Desire grows between them as each roll of the die reveals secrets, truths, and a greater expanse of skin, until the mastermind behind the game forces Jonathan to confront his worse fear or lose Isabelle forever.

Sensuality Level: Sensual
To thank your readers for visiting today, I’d like to offer the chance to win a small travel gift since Rhapsody takes place on a tropical vacation. Please leave a comment with your email address and tell us your favourite romantic travel destination, and I’ll randomly select one commenter.

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Book Blitz: The Unicorn and the Serpent by Ellie Potts

The Unicorn and The Serpent

Ellie Potts

Buy Links: Publisher / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Princess Morgan, wild and fiery, heir to her father’s throne, can best any man with a sword. Now a woman she is fearful of being Queen and marriage. But when visitors from a different kingdom show up Morgan is faced with big changes. Faced with loss, love and some touches of magic Morgan has to become the Queen she is meant to be or succumb to a life worse than death.

 

Excerpt:

“Out here is the training area,” Cormack said, opening the old wooden door and walking onto a small wooden platform. They all looked down, watching the two fighting in the ring.

“King Cormack, your man is fighting in a dress,” Prince Philip said, stunned.

“Watch,” he said, as Morgan threw the helmet from her head.

“I will make you wear it, Ryan,” she said, angrily. She spun in a blur, sword hitting against Coyle’s.

The women gasped and the men stared in shocked silence. The guards and Morgan all went still, looking up. Ryan took her sword, and they all bowed, except for Morgan; she gave a slight nod of her head.

“Hello, Father, will you join us?”

“No. You know I do not fancy the sword as much as you do. And do not let us stop you,” he said.

“You let her play with the men?” King Henry asked, not holding the shock from his voice.

“She is my second,” he said.

“Because she is your heir?”

“Because she is the best sword fighter ever seen,” he said, smiling down at his daughter. She gave him a small salute with the sword, to thank him for his praise.

“But she is a woman,” Henry said.

“A girl? And you say she is the best of all your men? That does not make them seem very good, does it? I mean, a woman cannot be better than a man at many things, other than music and sewing,” Philip said.

“You can ask all my men. They are all very good with a sword, but they will tell you she can beat any of them. She has been fighting since she was a child.”

“You let your daughter fight?” Queen Jaylene said, stunned.

“I gave her a wooden sword. It was carved by my great-grandfather and passed down from father to child since.”

“I have never been beaten by a girl. And will never, for the sake of our sex, let it be said that a girl can beat a man,” Philip said.

“I should have died if I were to have a girl and find her fighting,”

Jaylene said.

“She does carry herself very well,” Cormack said.

Prince Philip looked down at the woman with curly, auburn hair. She watched them with dark emerald eyes that sparkled like jewels. He saw a fire in those eyes he did not agree with. He felt a need to tame her like a horse. She would make a wonderful trophy; even if, perhaps, she was not as beautiful as some of the other women in his circle. It would mean more land to add to his Father’s, one that produced very well.

“I challenge the princess,” he said. “I wish to see if she is really as good as the praise.”

The guards all murmured below. Coyle nudged her. “You have been challenged,” he whispered. “Will you accept?”

“Have I ever turned down a challenge?”

“Not once.”

“I accept your challenge, Prince Philip.”

 

About the Author:

Somebody told Ellie Potts you had to be rich to be eccentric otherwise you were just crazy. She set out to prove them wrong doing things she was told she couldn’t do like dressing like a pirate, get her books published, playing video games, planning to survive a zombie apocalypse, and other antics most women stay away from. Her love of books motivate her and movies captivate her. She loves almost everything from Disney to George Romero. She lives in California’s Central Valley where most of her stories and books take place. Her and her husband are owned by their attack Bugg, and her two red eared slider turtle minions who live in the backyard.

Blog / Facebook

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Kelly’s review of Killing Time by Cindy Gerard

TITLE: Killing Time – One-Eyed Jacks #1
AUTHOR: Cindy Gerard
Characters: Mike & Eva
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/22/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An exciting new series featuring Mike “Primetown” Brown, a character from her popular “Black Ops, Inc.” series.

For the seven years after Operation Slam Dunk went south, Mike Brown got drunk on each anniversary. The eighth year was no different–until he was drugged by a woman and woke up to her questions about what had happened eight years ago in Afghanistan. CIA attorney Eva Salinas has her own theory behind what happened to Mike’s team–which included her husband–in Afghanistan eight years ago, and she’s determined to prove foul play. Though she doesn’t trust him, Mike is the only person she can turn to for help. Under an assumed name, Eva convinces Mike to assemble a new team and go after the traitor who screwed up both their lives. As they track down the rogue who started it all, Eva and Mike discover they can’t live without each other. But can they stay alive while an enemy is still on the loose?

REVIEW:
Killing Time is Cindy Gerard’s first book in her new One-Eyed Jacks series, which is a spin off of her Black Ops Series. While I have not read any of the Black Ops books, I didn’t feel lost at all when some of the Black Ops characters popped into this book. If anything it makes me want to go buy the whole Black Ops series and read them. But back to Killing Time.

Mike & Eva don’t really get off on the right foot in this book. I love that Eva was able to get a jump on him, seeing he was thinking with the wrong brain and all. But they make a great team and you always need some you trust at your six.

There is a lot of history in this book, but Cindy does a great job of laying it out for us, so we don’t feel lost. I had a hard time putting this book down. I kept wanting to know who…. Who did this to Mike & Eva….. Who, Why and Oh please don’t let it be…… (you know I don’t give spoiler’s silly)

Over all I really enjoyed this book and so look forward to what Cindy has in store for Coppe & Taggart, Mike’s fellow One-Eyed Jack Team members

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 Carly Phillips

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have first time guest Carly Phillips on the blog today…  We are chatting about life, her new book PERFECT FIT and page 89!!!!

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

I’m a stay at home mom who used to be a lawyer, who turned into a romance writer and never looked back! I have 2 daughters, age (almost) 21 and 16, a husband, and two dogs (Wheaten Terrier and Havanese).  I love love love to read, I’m always online, I occasionally knit, and enjoy shopping and being with close friends!

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Not always.  I was a lawyer for a (short) time, and always a huge reader.  Once I found the Romance genre as a reader, I knew what was missing from my life, somehow I decided to try my hand at writing, and from that day forward, I KNEW that was what I was meant to do! Looking back, I did make up stories in my head when I was younger, so the tendencies were there all along.  I just didn’t know it!

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

I wake up at 6 and my youngest leaves for high school at 7.  I try to get on the treadmill for 30 minutes, then shower and sit down to write … errands after 11/11:30, a boring lunch at home, usually peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat, unless I go out with a friend for lunch, then home to try and write some more.  My schedule has been really messed up lately because my dad passed away and I’m having trouble getting my mind back on work.  But my daughter drives now, so I don’t have to run around for school pickup, so dinner, and hanging out w/my husband …we watch TV, DVR’s of shows we missed, then when he falls asleep I like to hang out with my daughter for a little before she goes to bed.  I need to be asleep between 10 and 11 or I’m nasty the next day.  All that’s an ideal schedule for me but like I said, life can get in the way and all bets are off.  I’m looking to find my routine and mojo again.

I’m usually on the computer all the time, so always working in one way or another!    I love my Macbook Air and I really can only write on that but luckily that means I can work anywhere!

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

When a story clicks and I finally nail something I’ve been struggling with, then all the angst is worth it! That’s really rewarding.  The most challenging for me is usually the first half of the book.  I find getting all the elements together the hardest.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

Perfect Fit is a part of the town of Serendipity.  It’s the first book where you meet Mike, but you’ve met his brother Sam in Karma, along with Mike’s heroine, Cara Hartley.  Cara spoke to me and needed a hero.  In Perfect Fit, you’re introduced to the entire Marsden Clan, the “cops of Serendipity” hence the subtitle Serendipity’s Finest.  Mike feels like the odd man in his family, the only one who doesn’t fit in because he’s been adopted by the man who raised him and never felt good enough because his own dad abandoned him.  Despite his feelings, he’s close with his parents and siblings and though he left home to make his own way as a cop, he returns when his adoptive father needs him, never expecting to stay long.  But Mike didn’t count on Cara.  She’s a Serendipity cop with whom he had a one night stand, and she’s his brother’s best friend. She’s also a small town girl and Mike’s a wanderer, or so he thinks.  But when they can’t ignore the sexual tension between them, they figure an affair is the answer – until an unexpected emotional connection continues to grow.  Then Mike’s real father’s secrets come back to haunt him and he has to confront who he really is – and wants to be – or lose Cara for good.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Luckily for me, readers really seemed to like the town of Serendipity, where I set the first three books about the Barron Brothers in Serendipity, Destiny and Karma, so I got to write Mike and Cara’s story! Next we’ll get Mike and Sam’s sister Erin in Perfect Fling (8/2013) and then Sam himself in Perfect Together (2/2014).

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

I’m currently writing Perfect Fling, which is the story of Erin Marsden and her hero, Cole Sanders.  There’s an excerpt in the back of Perfect Fit for this story which is out in August 2013 and I can say it’s another one night stand, this one with far reaching consequences!  Then I write Perfect Together, Sam’s story.  After that, we’ll see! I’m as curious as you 🙂

Who are some of your favorite authors?

My current fav author is Kristen Ashley – I’ve read everything she’s written and would devour anything she writes in the future!  I also have my staple authors, my plotmonkey partners – Janelle Denison, Leslie Kelly, Julie Leto.  And I’ve been on an erotic romance kick – so Raine Miller and Cheri Lynn.

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

Wow. Good question! “Growing up” I really aspired to write along the lines of authors I admired in the contemporary romance genre.  These days, I think I’ve found my voice and do what I do – however I do find my heroes like to be a little more dominating lately … could be my reading influencing things? J

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

I opened to page 89 –

Cara was coming out of her skin, every exposed body part needing something more.  But the further she writhed beneath him, the harder he held her down in one place, pressing into her with his taut, hard body.  The man did like his control, she thought, twisting her hips against him in search of relief.

Ummm … I think the passage speaks for itself 🙂

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

Hmmmm …. I have to say you stumped me.  I’m currently not finding much to read, waiting (im)patiently for something I’ve preordered and probably forgotten to pop onto my iPad Kindle app! LOL.  I have a bad memory J  But on Saturdays on my Facebook Fan Page, I ask people what they’re reading and we share books – I can get upwards of 200 ideas that way! So I urge people who love to read romance to join us there! www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for having me! I really enjoyed your questions!

 

A little about Carly:

Carly Phillips has written over 35 romance novels with contemporary characters and small town settings that today’s readers identify with and enjoy.  She’s currently focused on the New York Times bestselling Serendipity series set in the small fictional town in upstate, New York.  Carly is a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom to two daughters (16 and 20!) and two crazy dogs (a 1 year old Havanese named Brady and a 5 year old wheaten terrier named Bailey).  In addition, she’s a Twitter, Facebook and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.   Carly lives in Purchase, New York and would love for you to like and follow her on the web.

Where to find Carly:

Carly’s Website |  Carly on Twitter |  Carly on Facebook 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Interview & Giveaway with Stacey Kennedy

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have our pal Stacey Kennedy on the blog today to chat about her newest release The Cat’s Meow.  

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

I live in Southwestern Ontario with my husband who gave me my happily ever after. We have two small children who keep me on my toes and can always make me smile. But we also have basically a zoo at our house with one dog and three cats. I love the outdoors, camping, curling up with the latest flick, and Sons of Anarchy, Games of Thrones, Supernatural and Dexter.

My urban fantasy romance novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll find fast paced action, emotions we can all relate to, life threatening moments and a big bad villain that needs to be destroyed.

My erotic romance novels are just that…erotic. There is nothing better than taking the dominant men I love and watching them do wicked things to their women. I make the stories as hot as I possibly can and usually the characters take it a step further to even make my cheeks blush. But I just can’t write without a little humor added into the mix so that’s always a must have in my stories. And of course, what’s a story without a big dose of emotional characters, too.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Nope. My journey as a writer all began as a way to keep my brain alive since being a stay at home mom can be a little let’s say―numbing. It was an escape from screaming kids, dirty diapers and plain old mom duty.  It started as a hobby, but as the stories progressed it became a passion, especially when it comes down to the juicy bits. Every mom needs a good thrill!

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

I adore Katie MacAlister’s dragon series and Sylvia Day’s Crossfire novels. I love Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Lux series. Jeaniene Frost is an auto-buy for me and I adore the Night Huntress world, especially Vlad. But Keri Arthur is, by far, my favorite author and who inspires me the most. I love everything about her books; the mystery, the sexual tension and the fantasy elements. Her Riley Jenson Guardian novels were the books that made me fall in love with the genre. Now, I’m totally obsessed with her Dark Angels novels and just can’t get enough!

How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?

I write in the urban fantasy romance genre, because I adore it. It’s my favorite genre to read and I honestly have a total blast writing it. I’m totally one of those authors who write because I have fun doing it. All of my books are written for my own personal enjoyment and it just makes me so happy that other people enjoy them, too.

The other genre I write in is BDSM erotic romance. What can I say, I have a thing for the Alpha male!  I wouldn’t even attempt to write in any other genre…right now. Who knows what will happen down the road and if my interests will change, but right now, these genres are my addiction.

What are some of your writing rituals?

Coffee. That’s it, that’s all. I always need either a plain old coffee, or a yummy treat from Starbucks, before I can even think of writing a word. Once I have a coffee, I’m ready to get those words written.

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

My newest release is The Cat’s Meow. It’s an urban fantasy romance, which means it has a mystery at the core of the book and lots of those fun twists and turns. Of course, I need a little romance in there, too.

Here’s a peek at it:

Libby is an Enchantress—a witch gifted by the Goddess to conjure spells. When a magical presence is detected around a recent string of feline slayings, Libby takes the case to uncover the reasons behind the odd deaths. Much to her displeasure, the coven also sends a sexy warlock, Kale, to assist her.

While having the muscle around proves to be useful, fighting the attraction between them is worse than a hex, especially considering Kale is keeping secrets. But soon, Libby has bigger problems than the elusive warlock when her spells turn up clues that point to something far more sinister than slaughtered cats.

Now Libby has landed herself in the midst of an uprising. She trusts no one and isn’t safe—not from the warlocks stirring up trouble. Not from the worrisome rebellion she can’t escape. And certainly not from Kale, who is weaving a very dangerous spell over her heart.

Check out BnK’s review of The Cat’s Meow HERE

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Libby came to me first. To be honest, I thought the idea of having a witch, who uses magical spells and hunts the bad guys would just be a really fun book to write. And I was right—I had a total blast writing Libby and Kale.

After I figured Libby out, Kale came to me…and then he took over! The plot, all the little twists to the story, just fell into place after Kale’s first appearance in the book.

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

I have an insanely busy schedule over the next few months. I’m nearly finished the third book in The Pact of Seduction series (Loose Id). Once I get that off to my editor, I plan to write the second book in Witch’s Brew series (Entangled), then I’ll get down to starting the second book in the Club Sin series (Random House/Loveswept). So, yes, busy times ahead, but oh so fun!

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

 

“Why do you keep looking at me like…that?”

His eyebrow arched. “Like what?”

“All curious like.”

He smiled. “Because I am curious why we are walking around a cemetery with a dead cat in your hand.”

Libby has been hurt…and hurt badly, this leaves her very cautious and judgmental. In this part of the book, Libby begins to realize that Kale isn’t who he says he is and she’s trying to figure out his game. Only problem? He’s very good at keeping secrets!

What would you be if you were not an author?

I would continue to do the other job I love, being a stay-at-home-mom, who would likely read a lot. Maybe I’d even be a book blogger, since when it comes right down to it, I simply love books.

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

Right now, I have Keri Arthur’s, Darkness Hunts and Beneath a Rising Moon, and Jennifer L. Armentrout’s, Opal.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

As always, a big thank you to all my readers—you guys always know how to make a girl feel good! And thank you to Books-n-Kisses for letting me spend some time with you all today!

 

THE CAT’S MEOW

Entangled Publishing  |  Amazon  |   B&N  |   Books on Board  |  iTunes

 EXCERPT LINK: http://www.staceykennedy.com/the-cats-meow/

 

BIO:

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart-squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll also find fast-paced action, life-threatening moments, and a big bad villain who needs to be destroyed. She lives in Southwestern Ontario with her husband and two children. If she’s not plugging away at a new story—which is rare because her muse is annoying—you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy, Games of Thrones, Supernatural and Dexter.

Stacey welcomes comments from readers. You can find her at:

Website | Blog | Facebook  |  Facebook Fan Page |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  | Amazon Author Page

Want to see more of Stacey?
Check out her book tour HERE

 

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Interview with Destiny Wallace

 

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Destiny Wallace to the blog today.

Destiny, can you please share with us a little about yourself?

I grew up in North Carolina.  As an only child, I spent a lot of time in my imagination.  I learned to read when I was four and never stopped.  I wrote my first story when I was in the first grade.  It was about my classmate, his lost textbook, and how I helped him find it.  That story was put in the writing folder that followed me through school.  I got it back when I graduated from high school and every now and then, I pull that story out, read it, and I resolve that seven-year-old me should definitely grow up to be a writer.

I spent four years in the Air Force where I met my husband.  We have two children.  We’ve lived in Florida for the past eight years. In addition to my job, I do volunteer work, I help at my kids’ school, and I love to cook.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I have wanted to write since I was in Elementary school.  I wrote stories and drew comic strips all through high school.  I even helped my friend write a comic book starring me as one of the heroes.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I have at least ten stories started at any given time.  I start them, get as far as I can, then leave them until I get another dose of inspiration.  Then, I return to the story.  Sometimes it take weeks for me to finish a story, sometimes it takes years.

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

My latest releases:

Believe: A Halloween Anthology: This is a collection of stories about four women and the ways they found love with the help of some supernatural beings and abilities.

House Sitting:  The story centers on recent college graduate, Leah moves back home, but gets a job house sitting for the summer.  She jumps at the chance to live alone for the first time ever and work on jump-starting her adult life.  Then she meets Jaysen, the boy next door, and struggles not to fall for him.

Joy’s Christmas:  Joy thinks her Christmas is ruined after she storms out on her family and finds herself in a rundown motel for the holiday.  Then, she meets Eli and her holiday gets much, much better.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Believe: A Halloween Anthology:  Halloween is one of my favorite holidays.  For the first story, I was inspired by the idea of a haunted Halloween costume.  The sequels include a haunted diary, a very bothered medium, and a woman in need of something or someone to pull her out of the guilt and grief caused by the death of her older sister.  Each heroine is connected to the one from the previous story, as are their male counterparts.

House Sitting: I dreamt about Jaysen and Leah.  It was one scene: the two of them were making out in a lavish kitchen.  There was a large pool visible through the window behind them.  A sweet, little old lady walked in.  They jumped apart, guilt written all over their faces.  The old lady smiled at them, said a few reassuring words, and walked out of the kitchen.

The dream was so vivid, when I woke up the next morning, I knew I had to figure out who they were and write about them.

Joy’s Christmas:  This story is very loosely based on actual events!  When my family was on Christmas vacation in New Jersey, we were thrown into the same situation as Joy…not with the same results, of course.

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

I am currently working on Joy’s New Year.  It is a sequel to Joy’s Christmas and a prequel to Joy’s Valentine.

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

I would love to meet Mary Janice Davidson.  I was on vacation in England in 2006 and picked up Undead and Unwed at a book store.  They were having a buy 2, get 1 free sale, so I bought the next two in the series.  I told my husband I would have them to read on the flights home in 3 days.  I was done with all 3 books before we even left for the airport!  Then, when we got back to the States, I went to the nearest bookstore to buy the next book!

Her Undead series inspired me to realize my dream of being a published author.

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

Just do it.  I spent too much time doubting myself and questioning whether or not anyone would be interested in my work.  It took a lot of encouragement for me to submit my work to publishers, but after I did, I wish I’d done it earlier.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I want to travel the world, but I have always wanted to visit Australia specifically.

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

My To-Be-Read-Pile is enormous.  However, I am excited for the next book in  Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampire series (aka Sookie Stackhouse aka True Blood).  I am also intent on reading all the Jane Austen Heroes books by Amanda Grange.  I only have Colonel Brandon’s Diary and Henry Tilney’s Diary left to read…until she writes another.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would just like to say that I am grateful to everyone who buys my books!  I love writing and knowing that people enjoy my work is priceless.  Thanks especially to everyone who takes the time contact me.

Facebook:  https://m.facebook.com/destiny.wallace.940?refid=70

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/11140344-destiny

Twitter:  @destinycallzu

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Jennifer’s review of How To Misbehave by Ruthie Knox

TITLE: How to Misbehave
AUTHOR: Ruthie Knox
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/28/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

As program director for the Camelot Community Center, Amber Clark knows how to keep her cool. That is, until a sudden tornado warning forces her to take shelter in a darkened basement with a hunk of man whose sex appeal green lights her every fantasy. With a voice that would melt chocolate, he asks her if she is okay. Now she’s hot all over and wondering: How does a girl make a move?

Building contractor Tony Mazzara was just looking to escape nature’s fury. Instead, he finds himself all tangled up with lovely Amber. Sweet and sexy, she’s ready to unleash her wild side. Their mutual desire reaches a fever pitch and creates a storm of its own–unexpected, powerful, and unforgettable. But is it bigger than Tony can handle? Can he let go of painful memories and let the force of this remarkable woman show him a future he never dreamed existed?

REVIEW:
This was a charming little romance with enough hot steamy sex that it could melt the words off the page. Amber was a sweet young woman who was attracted to Tony, but was afraid to even talk to him until the day of the tornado. They are then thrown together in a dark, small space and the sparks fly. I loved how she was so willing to lose her good girl image to spend time with this gorgeous man. Tony was a nice guy that had a troubled past and was trying desperately to find forgiveness for his past sins. He wasn’t interested in starting a relationship because he felt he wasn’t worthy while Amber felt that she was too “innocent” to attract a man such as Tony.

I was very impressed with Ruthie Knox’s writing style and I was immediately involved with these wonderful characters from the beginning. This is a novella to introduce her upcoming series and I can’t wait to read more from this author in Along Came Trouble and learn about the other inhabitants of Camelot.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Lord Stillwell’s Excellent Engagements by Victoria Alexander

TITLE: Lord Stillwell’s Excellent Engagements
AUTHOR: Victoria Alexander
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/26/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN…
Some say I do not take my engagements seriously. Nonsense. What man with no interest in marriage would find himself proposing not once, but three times? And each time, I’ve felt certain that this, at last, is the absolutely, positively, perfect woman.

Miss Felicia Whitingdon, for instance, has youth, beauty, style, grace—and a handsome fortune. Lady Lucille Eustice is a widow of impeccable social standing, and a balm to my soul. Then there is Miss Caroline Hibbit, sweet and charming in every way. Any one of these intoxicating treasures could make a man happy. Any one of them could be an ideal wife. But which—if any of them—will it be?

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars I will try to explain this novella so it is understood where it lies in Alexander’s stories. We meet Win in “What Happens At Christmas” as the best friend and cousin of Gray. During that story we learned that Win had been engaged three times but it was nothing more than a couple of passing comments. Now “The Importance Of Being Wicked” will be coming out which is Win’s story. So this novella is the short telling of the three engagements that never turned into marriage.

The story makes you almost sad for Win but knowing his story will be out soon does help with that because Alexander would never leave him without a true love. I enjoyed this little romp. Win is a delightful character in the Christmas novel and has a wonderful sense of humor so I can not wait to read his story. And I am very glad that Alexander has given us the background we need to know how Win really wants love.

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