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Kelly’s review of Mark Of The Witch by Maggie Shayne

TITLE: Mark of the Witch
AUTHOR: Maggie Shayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/18/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
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BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Maggie Shayne comes the first novel in her thrilling new trilogy, THE PORTAL She was born to save what he is sworn to destroy…

A lapsed Wiccan, Indira Simon doesn’t believe in magic anymore. But when strange dreams of being sacrificed to an ancient Babylonian god have her waking up with real rope burns on her wrists, she’s forced to acknowledge that she may have been too hasty in her rejection of the unknown. Then she meets mysterious and handsome Father Tomas. Emerging from the secrecy of an obscure Gnostic sect, he arrives with stories of a demon, a trio of warrior witches-and Indira’s sacred calling. Yet there’s something even Tomas doesn’t know, an inescapable truth that will force him to choose between saving the life of the woman he’s come to love-and saving the world

REVIEW:
I have to start with I loved the novella The Legacy of the Witch that starts off “The Portal” series.  But I had a hard time with Mark of the Witch.  I liked Indira, I like the depth of what is happening to her.  I liked Tomas, but he drove me nuts.  I understand that they both have to deal with what is real, what is not and the strangeness of the past that they share.   I just didn’t connect with these two characters.

I really like the idea behind this whole series and will keep reading and hope that the next two books are better for me then this one.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The following review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly’s review of White Swan Affair by Elyse Mady

TITLE: White Swan Affair
AUTHOR: Elyse Mady
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/21/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N
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BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After the tragic death of her beloved, Hester Aspinall vowed never to be ruled by her passions again. Still, she is drawn to her landlord, handsome adventurer Thomas Ramsay—but she doesn’t fool herself that a man of his station would look twice at a poor tailor’s sister.

With the sea for a mistress, Thomas has no intention of entering into matrimony. And yet, he can’t get the plain-spoken and desirable Hester out of his mind, even though she’s never tried to secure his attentions as other women do.

Everything changes the night Hester’s brother is arrested during a raid on a gay brothel, the infamous White Swan. With no one else to turn to, and terrified Robert will hang for his crime, Hester accepts Thomas’s offer to bear the cost of the defense. A true gentleman, Thomas expects nothing in return—but Hester can no longer deny her own desires…
She may offer her body eagerly, but can she protect her heart?

REVIEW:
I was not sure what I would think of this book when I first picked it but it sounded so different than most books that I read that I decided to try it and I must say it surprised me. This story is more than a romance. The relationship between Robert and his sister Hester really makes the book. It is set in a time when being gay was punishable and Robert is having a hard time with his homosexuality. But Hester will do whatever she needs to do to help her brother. And while the relationship between Thomas and Hester is the romance in this book it is the sibling relationship that keeps the readers attention.

It is interesting to note that the White Swan and Robert are real characters that the author has written a story around. And even more interesting is the fact that some of the situations the book deals with are the same situations that are happening even in these modern times.

This book has everything a romance should be. I think if the reader can handle the topic then they will enjoy the book immensely and will agree this book is one of a kind.

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

4 Hearts
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Interview with Honey Jans

Books-n-Kisses is please to welcome Honey Jans to the blog today to chat about her newest release “Goldie & the Three Bears”

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

I’m romance author Honey Jans. I’m a small town girl from Wisconsin with a big imagination. I guess you could say that I’m a natural born romantic who tends to daydream. Sometimes it gets me into trouble. But on the plus side it sparks my vivid and sometimes kinky imagination. I love writing erotic romance and it’s my fervent hope that readers will enjoy my books. So stick around. Check out my red hot covers…some of those cover models are truly drool worthy. Read my excerpts, and enter my giveaways. I hope well be friends. I’d love to hear from all my readers. Feel free to post on my blog.

Have you always wanted to be an author? 

Actually I’m a late bloomer.  I’ve always loved to read but never thought to write until my sister gave me two bags full of her cast off romances.  Well after wading through the stack I thought maybe I could write one.  Of course it wasn’t that easy but there isn’t anything else I’d rather be doing.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?  There are many but off the top of my head I’d have to say Sherylinn Kenyon, Ann Rice, Jane Ann Krentz, and JA Konrath.  I like them all for different reasons and they may have influenced me in different ways but my voice is all my own.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?  I’ve written in many genres starting with contemporary romance then suspense and futuristic.  When I tried my hand at writing erotic romance I found it was a perfect fit for me.

What are some of your writing rituals?

I steaming cup of coffee in the morning when I sit down in front of my computer.  Then taking my laptop outside in the afternoon or early evening to edit and dream up new twists.

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

Goldie and the Three Bears is a torrid twisted tale for Whiskey Creek Press Torrid.  It’s my first foray in the ménage world and it was loads of fun to write.

GOLDIE AND THE THREE BEARS

When Goldie Lockwood, a half breed Were-Bear with no powers, runs away from her clan the last thing she expects to run into is the trio of Were-Bear studs of her erotic dreams. It’s mating season and she isn’t even in the running, being a dud DNA-wise.

But when they touch her she can’t resist making them her harem. Just who seduces who in this twisted tale? And will Goldilocks find the Were-Bear mate that’s just right?

How did you come with the idea for this story?  I love to take traditional fairy tales and give them an erotic spin.  And Goldilocks seemed to be tailor made for that.  I’ve previously done versions of Cinderella and Little Red Riding hood for WCP.  They’re titled Cindy Revisited and A Wolf’s Tale.

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

I have an upcoming release with three of my colleagues, Debi Wilder, Shari Dare, Lynn Crain.  This paranormal erotic romance series was inspired by the Beast of Bray Road a myth that lives in the Kettle Moraine Forest of Wisconsin.  It’s really special and I hope you’ll give it a try.

BLUE MOON MAGIC

ONE FATHER. TWO MOTHERS.  FOUR SIBLINGS.  ONE INCREDIBLE NIGHT THAT WILL CHANGE THEM ALL FOREVER.

I also have another work in progress.  The working title is Bayou Heat and it’s a ménage with a suspense twist.  When this story came to me I just had to write it.  I’m hoping my readers will enjoy coming along for the ride.

What would you be if you were not an author? That’s hard to say because there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.  It would probably be something in the arts or travel because I love both of them.

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

Anything by my favorite authors.  I’m constantly looking for new releases.  One thing I really would love is another book by Boy Mayor and Jennifer Cruise like Agnes and the Hitman.  It loved that book and hope there will be more from them.  I also loved Toni Marie Causeys Bobby Faye Series and hope for some sequels.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Simply that I’m pleased to be here and I’d like to thank everyone for stopping by.

Learn more about Honey here:  Website / Blog

 

 

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Kimberly’s review of Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

TITLE: Fifty Shades Darker
AUTHOR: E.L. James
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/15/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

REVIEW:
This is the second in the Fifty Shades trilogy. And as with the first book I loved it. If the first book was about lust than this book is about love. Something changes in this book and while it is still erotic it is more about romance.

This book picks up where the first book let off. Christian and Ana have broken up and been miserable and now we learn what both of them are willing to give up to be with the other. Can Christian tame his Dom to be with Ana? Can Ana be more submissive to Christian?

I have heard that this trilogy is a love story more than anything else and having read this book I can see why that is being said. The love that the characters have is palpable. There is something about this story that makes a person believe in love and the fact that a real love means being willing to compromise.

As with the first book I do think this is a love or hate story for the reader. Christian is a haunting character that stays with the reader. There is something about him that appeals to the woman who needs to fix her man. And there is something about Ana that women can relate to as well. Every woman wants to feel loved, treasured, protected and needed.

There is just something that draws me to this trilogy (and millions of others as well). This is the modern day fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast. And I am all for the “Happily Ever After”.

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly’s review of Hostile Takeover by Joey W. Hill

TITLE: Hostile Takeover
AUTHOR: Joey W. Hill
PUBLICATION DATE:   01/27/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ben is the last unattached member of the five-man executive team of K&A Associates. The other four, all Masters, have found the submissive of their dreams. That’s fine. The sharp-edged lawyer knows he’s the most hardcore of all of them, with extreme tastes as a Master he satisfies physically through experienced club submissives. He doesn’t really need anything more than that.

Marcie has loved Ben since she was sixteen. He’s never behaved as anything more than a protective big brother, a family friend. But now she’s twenty three and starting her career as a corporate investigator. She may be a blood-and-bone deep submissive, but she won’t hesitate to use her aggressive talents to prove she’s meant to be his. With a Master as tough as Ben, she’ll have to take whatever measures are needed—even if her deepest desire isn’t a hostile takeover of his heart, but an unconditional surrender to it.

REVIEW:
**This book is hardcore BDSM if you are not into that than this book is not for you.**
This is the fifth in the Knights of the Boardroom series. This series has been released originally in anthologies with three other authors but it looks like the stories are being released under the author name alone. This story can stand alone but if you enjoy this genre then you will want to read the others.

I believe “Hostile Takeover” is what everyone imagines “50 Shades of Grey” to be before they read it and realize it is not so hardcore.  And while I might understand the comparisons to “”Shades” you must realize that this series was begun in 2005 before the other was released.

I am going to assume that if you are reading my review and read the first line above than reading hardcore BDSM is something you enjoy and if that is true then I think you will enjoy this book. The characters of Marcie and Ben are very intriguing. Marcie has been in love with Ben for as long as she can remember and while everyone thought it was a crush she knew it was love. She is now an adult and has learned that she enjoys being a submissive and a masochist. She knows Ben is a Dom and a sadist so she wants to prove to him that they are a perfect match. Ben finds himself obsessing over Marcie and it is the last thing he wants but is it what he needs?

This story is written very well and while it can be harsh at some points if you enjoy the genre than there is nothing that will surprise you. The only complaint I had was it seemed like so many of the erotic scenes took place together. I kept thinking “save something for another page” but there did seem to always be something for the next page. And while the story was very fluid I believe that if some of the scenes had been spread apart it might have added to the story. There was a lot of Marcie thinking about how much she loved him and wanted to prove herself to him as his sub/slave and Ben wallowed in self pity a bit too much but I really enjoyed the storyline. I enjoyed the characters very much and while the scenes are very extreme I did not find them over the top for this type of book. The story may not make the splash that “Shades” did but I would bet that if someone mentions that the book was tamer than they expected you will turn to them and say “you need to pick up Hostile Takeover.”

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

4 Hearts
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Spotlight Feature & giveaway of Tempted by the Storm by Maxine Mansfield

Buy links: Wildrose |Amazon

 Larksong Hammerstrike has always been just the younger sister of Princess Aryanna. Never quite as pretty or as smart, always lacking, a mere empath whose power gets her into trouble more often than not. But at Carnalval, the festival of all things sexual, she unleashes her sensual side for a night in the arms of a masked stranger. When morning dawns, Lark can’t resist a peek beneath the mask of her lover and is once again crushed by fate. The man of her lusty adventure is none other than the future Lord of the High Elves and destined to marry her sister.As heir to the kingdom of Landis and current instructor of wizardry at the Academy of Magical Arts, Sarco Sunwalker is honor bound to rise above the temptation of the beautiful empathic student who invades his mind, body, and soul. But when sparks fly, lightning strikes, and thunder rolls, Sarco finds himself more than tempted by the storm of Lark’s passion and vows to find a solution that will prevent a war between races, fufill an infamous quest, and win Lark’s hand.

 

EXCERPT: 

There was only one word that could describe the creature standing before him.Wonderful.

“Did you say something?” the woman whispered.

He shook his head. “Nothing, I just can’t believe my luck. You really are real and here with me.”

She smiled, but her smile didn’t extend to her eyes.

Before another heartbeat passed or another breath taken, he stood at her side. With tenderness, he gazed into her gentle, masked face and took both of her hands in his. He was humbled as her fingers trembled even more than his own did. “We don’t have to do this if you’d rather not.”

She smiled wider, and her eyes gleamed with mischief. “I suppose we might as well. After all, we’re already here, and you’re at least halfway undressed.”

Sliding his hands up her arms and around her shoulders to her back, Sarco felt for and found the clasps holding her gown together. With the flick of a wrist, they gave way, and with a swish, the silky fabric fell to her hips exposing lush, rose-tipped breasts. Just the right size to hold in both hands, to fondle, to caress, to taste.

“Hmm, it seems you’re halfway undressed yourself.”

 

BIO: Maxine Mansfield writes romances in many different forms from her easy chair in the far northern state of Alaska, where the summer days are long and the winter nights even longer. She has one very special man, three equally special adult children, and six delightful grandchildren in her life. Not to mention a very bossy and verbal African Grey parrot called Gabriel.

 

Facebook |  Twitter: Leeky Shortz | Web site  | Blog | Goodreads



Email: Maxine-mansfield@hotmail.com


UP NEXT: In spring 2013 I have the 3rd book of The Academy Series coming out, Taken by the Passion. And that same summer, book 4, Tamed by the Fire is scheduled for release.




 


 


 


PREVIOUS RELEASES:  


Touched by the Magic (First book in The Academy Series) 




Amazon


a Rafflecopter giveaway




	


	





		

		
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Cover Reveal: Murder on Olympus by Robert B Warren
	


			

			
							
		

	
	

		


MURDER ON OLYMPUS,


 


Book one of the Plato Jones series


 


Robert B. Warren




 


  Expected publication: March 28, 2013


 At first glance, the Gods of Olympus are as different from one another as salt is from sugar. Despite their bickering, they share a universal bond, a thread of commonality that unites them.


They’re all jerks.


After a stint with the Olympic Bureau of Investigation, Plato Jones is through with the Gods and their political games. Against his protests, he’s drawn into a murder investigation, where the murderer’s targets are the Gods themselves.


Plato has cracked some tough cases: exposing cheating spouses, capturing treasonous heretics, hunting three-headed dogs. But this time he’s in over his head. How can he solve a crime that’s impossible to commit? And what chance does Plato—a mere mortal—have against something powerful enough to kill a God?


 


 


 


 


 


Author’s Bio:


A fan of thrillers, fantasy, and science fiction, Robert B. Warren has been writing stories ever since he could hold a pencil. In 2009, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and creative writing from the University of Alabama—Roll Tide! He currently lives in the South.


 


 


	


	





		

		
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Release Day Tuesday 11.13.12
	


			

			
							
		

	
	

		
Happy Release Day to all the wonderful Authors out there that keep out TBR piles over flowing….


What are you gettting this week?


I am sure there are many more awesome new releases so please share your finds with us too!!!


Find your new book here:  B&N | Amazon | Powell’s | Books a Million| ARe | Kobo | Itunes


 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  


Did I miss your favorite????

Or Authors do you want to make sure your upcoming books is on our Tuesday post?????


Send me an email and let me know books.n.kisses (at) gmail (dot)com


	


	





		

		
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Kelly’s review of Hunter’s Season by Thea Harrison
	


	
	

		
TITLE: Hunter’s Season

AUTHOR: Thea Harrison

PUBLICATION DATE: 09/18/12

ORDER LINKS:Amazon |B&N


BOOK SYNOPSIS:

A Novella of the Elder Races


Duty. Devotion. Desire. When fate brings two isolated people together, love is in the cards.


As a palace guard and assassin for the Dark Fae, Xanthe always wore a mask, hiding her emotions to do her duty. But when her identity is compromised, she trades undercover work for guarding Queen Niniane—a position that often brings her in contact with Chancellor Aubrey Riordan.


Aubrey’s trust is shattered. A year ago his wife tried to assassinate their new queen in his name, a betrayal of everything he believes in. And now an attack on his life is proof the dark conspiracy is not yet over. Although injured and weak, Aubrey can’t help but be drawn to this shy assassin and loyal protector. Xanthe is everything Naida wasn’t, and the passion she stirs in him is something he thought had long passed him by.


Warning: Take a man recovering from an assassination attempt, the assassin sworn to protect him, add in a magical Tarot card deck and an isolated cabin, and watch the sparks fly!


REVIEW:

Another great novella from Thea.  And just like any good novella I don’t want to give too much away.  But it is so great to see Aubrey finally get a little bit of happiness after all the sadness that he suffered in Storm’s Heart.  It was great to see Niniane & Tiago. But I really enjoyed Xanthe she is a tough warrior, yet she longs for something that she never thinks she deserves.  That makes Aubrey the perfect person to show her that loves heals all.


If you are a fan of Thea Harrison you will enjoy this novella.


Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. The following review is my own opinion and not a paid review.


4 Hearts


	


	





		

		
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Kimberly’s review of Sleeping With Dogs & Other Lovers by Julia Dumont
	


	
	

		
TITLE: Sleeping With Dogs & Other Lovers

AUTHOR: Julia Dumont

PUBLICATION DATE:   04/24/12

ORDER LINKS:  Amazon  B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Cynthia Amas has her hands full. In the middle of launching a boutique matchmaking service–Second Acts–amid the sun, surf, and celebrities of Southern California, her own romantic life gets a whole lot more complicated…and steamy. While expertly juggling the needs of her exclusive clients, her own maddeningly irresistible bad-boy, sometime lover unexpectedly returns for a hot and heavy reunion. Meanwhile, her high-maintenance mother busily concocts harebrained schemes for meddling in Cynthia’s affairs. And her new best girlfriend– the sexy proprietress of a chic Beverly Hills dog-grooming salon–just happens to roll with a purebred entourage of curiously gifted canines. Before long, Cynthia’s personal, professional, and amorous lives begin crashing hilariously into one another. Join Cynthia as she begins her own “Second Act” and find out who accidentally slips into bed with whom, who has a penchant for low-cut lederhosen, and who winds up naked and alone on a beautiful beach in Malibu.


REVIEW:

This is the first in a new series called Second Act. This book is a cute quick read. There are some funny pages and the dogs are adorable. The problem is that I never really found myself liking Cynthia. She and the rest of the cast can be very annoying. I never felt any chemistry with Max and Cynthia at all and spent the whole time trying to figure what she saw in him. Don’t get me wrong this is a cute read but just really didn’t have enough romance in it for me. Something is just off about this book for me even though I am not sure what it is.


Disclaimer:

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




	


	





		

		
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Sneak Peek at Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet on Audio & a giveaway
	


			

			
							
		

	
	

		
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet

by Darynda Jones




Release day : 10/31/12

Order Links for Paper or E-book: Amazon  | B&N


Order Link for Audio: 4th Grave on Audio (Amazon) | Audible


BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Sometimes being the grim reaper really is that. Grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above. Or at least get dressed. She quickly realizes something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. The more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.


In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, has been cleared of all charges. He is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved. Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans.


Want a sneak peek at Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet on Audio……

Enjoy


 


 Fourth Grave Under My Feet, Web Clip 


a Rafflecopter giveaway




	


	





		

		
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Spotlight Feature of A Political Affair by Mary Whitney
	


			

			
							
		

	
	

		
 A POLITICAL AFFAIR




Order Here:  Amazon | B&N


No one expected Stephen McEvoy to fill his father’s U.S. Senate seat at such a young age, least of all him. The scion of a revered political dynasty, he’s appointed to the Senate after his father’s untimely death. Now he’s in a tough election battle against an archconservative. When clever Anne Norwood interns in his office, he dismisses her as another pretty face—until her independent streak catches his attention. She soon finds him far more interesting than his Senator McEvoy persona. They’re both too smart to fall for one another, yet they do. Their relationship becomes a political gamble in a tight election, and all the while, his opposition lies in wait for him to make a mistake. As Stephen’s past catches up with him, he and Anne must fight for their future. Their lives mean more than politics, and campaigns—like love—are either won or lost.




 


ABOUT MARY WHITNEY


Even before she graduated from law school, Mary knew she wasn’t cut out to be a real lawyer. Drawn to politics, she’s spent her career as an organizer, lobbyist, and nonprofit executive. Nothing piques her interest more than a good political scandal or romance, and when she stumbled upon writing, she put the two together. A born Midwesterner, naturalized Texan, and transient resident of Washington, D.C., Mary now lives in Northern California with her two daughters and real lawyer husband.


Visit Mary Whitney’s blog:  http://www.wordymary.com