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Interview & Giveaway with Juliana Stone

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have Juliana Stone on the blog today to chat a little about her newest book.

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

Hi!  Thanks for having me stop by.  Sure, as much as I hate talking about myself, I’ll give you the bare bones!  I’m a wife to the dude, mother to two teenagers, a cat and a dog.  I love music of all kinds, though I’m especially in love with the 80’s, hockey and baseball. I live somewhere in Canada and have the best girlfriends in the world.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I think it’s something I always dreamed of, but did I think it would actually happen?  Not really.  My imagination was pretty intense.  I mean I dreamed of marrying Jon Bon Jovi and that didn’t happen either! J But, I’ve always had an artistic bent, and if I wasn’t writing music I was putting together stories.  I suppose it was inevitable, but again, it’s one of those things where, if you don’t try, you never know!

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I’m not sure if this is interesting or quirky, but I talk a lot when writing.  I argue dialogue with myself and make a lot of hand gestures.  I also need absolute silence when writing and that’s not always easy to find in my house.  Makes for a grumpy mom and writer.

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

Sure!  TO HELL AND BACK is a continuation of the novella, WRONG SIDE OF HELL.  These books are set in my LEAGUE OF GUARIANS series, a series that features all sorts of otherworld creatures. It’s one of the reasons I love writing these books so much.  These novellas are not so much prequels for the full length mass market books, (Wicked Road to Hell and the upcoming, King of the Damned) as companion novellas.  They follow the story of Logan, a hellhound, and Kira, a human who’s kinda sorta not your average everyday human, as they fight to survive in a world where everyone wants Kira either dead or in their possession.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I’m not sure how I come up with any of my ideas, to be honest.  I’ve always had an active imagination, but something about Heaven and Hell and all the creatures in between fascinates me.  I love taking the idea that anything from hell is automatically evil.  In my world, this world that the League exists in, evil can carry many faces and not everything is as it seems.

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

Sure, King of the Damned is the next book up in the League of Guardians.  It releases November 27th.  I plan on writing the next installment next year, people can look on my website for release information.

I’ve also begun writing contemporary romance, writing two series, The Barker Triplets, featuring OFFSIDE, which is a hockey romance featuring a female hot shot player!  It’s available now!  I also have a new series debuting in April, Bad Boys of Crystal Lake, and the first book, THE SUMMER HE CAME HOME, features a hero who is a rock star! So, I’ve combined my love of sports and music.  Again, all this info is on my website!

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

That’s a hard one, mainly because I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting the one author who inspired me to write paranormal romance, Christine Feehan.  I was lucky enough to not only meet her but have dinner with her.  Such a lovely, lovely, lady.  I think If I could pick, it would be Anne Rice.  I read Interview With A Vampire in high school and fell in love with the darkness of her world. I was pretty much hooked.

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

Just do it.  Don’t say you’re going to be a writer. BE a writer and FINISH what you start.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans and spend the night in a plantation.

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

Hmm, that’s a hard one.  I’ve got so many book in my kindle that I need to get to. I think it would have to be, Iced, by Karen Marie Moning.  I loved her fever series and am curious to see what happens next.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Again, thanks so much for having me.  I hope everyone enjoy’s Logan and Kira and this hard and fascinating world they live in!  I love to hear from readers, so please don’t hesitate to contact me.

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Kimberly’s review of Lean On Me by HelenKay Dimon

TITLE: Lean On Me
AUTHOR: HelenKay Dimon
PUBLICATION DATE:   10/22/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Cassidy Clarke once climbed the world’s highest mountains, but after an unexpected illness ends her career she’s back in her hometown, broke and hoping for a little luck. But the townsfolk aren’t exactly putting out a welcome mat for the woman who once snubbed them in the media, despite her apologies now.

Mitch Anders knows someone has set up camp on the grounds of his plant nursery, and he’s surprised to find his sexy high school crush ducking questions about where she’s staying. Though he’s sworn to stop cleaning up other people’s messes, Mitch offers Cassidy a job and a place to stay—his place. Bedsharing optional, but definitely welcome.

Out of options and too attracted to Mitch to keep things platonic, Cassidy says yes to his offer. She wants to get back on her feet financially and start a new career. She never expects to suffer a different kind of fall, one that has her believing Mitch just might bring her something bigger and better than luck.

REVIEW:
This was a very cute read. While I am not sure that the story was any different than so many other short stories out there it was written very well and the characters were immediately relatable. Cassidy was written really strong, independent and in such a low point in her life that you feel so sad for her yet proud of her for surviving. Mitch suffers from white knight syndrome which is common in short romance stories. I enjoyed this read. I read it between larger novels just to read something short and move beyond one story to the other and it worked better than I thought. It only took a couple hours to read and would have enjoyed it to be a little longer.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Phantom Shadows by Dianne Duvall

TITLE: Phantom Shadows – Immortal Guardians #3
AUTHOR: Dianne Duvall
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/02/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Dr. Melanie Lipton is no stranger to the supernatural. She knows immortals better than they know themselves, right down to their stubborn little genes. So although a handsome rogue immortal seems suspicious to her colleagues, Sebastien Newcombe intrigues Melanie. His history is checkered, his scars are impressive, and his ideas are daring. But it’s not his ideas that have Melanie fighting off surges of desire . . .

Bastien is used to being the bad guy. In fact, he can’t remember the last time he had an ally he could trust. But Melanie is different – and under her calm, professional exterior he senses a passion beyond anything in his centuries of experience. Giving in to temptation is out of the question – he can’t put her in danger. But she isn’t asking him .

REVIEW:
I will start by saying I love the Immortal Guardian world.  Dianne Duvall does an amazing job of creating a complex world with many overlapping elements.  The same virus, two different results.  The leader of the Immortal Guardians is not what he seems.  Secrets kept from humanity and the Immortals.  Common enemies.

I really enjoyed the first two books in this series Darkness Dawns & Night Reigns, but book 3 Phantom Shadow was just okay for me.

I love Bastien.  He is the black sheep of the Immortal’s little family.  But I just didn’t get into these story like I did the first two.  I was very happy that Bastien got a bit of happiness with Melaine.  I am looking forward to what Dianne has in store for us next.

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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Spotlight Feature of Midnight’s Seduction by Donna Grant

Midnight’s Seduction by Donna Grant
Book 3 in the Dark Warriors Series
AVAILABLE Oct 30th!!
 

Midnight’s Seduction

Amazon | B&N

SEDUCED BY PASSION

Captivating and enticing, Saffron Fletcher is a rarity in the Druid world—a Seer. She is the ultimate prize in an epic battle. After suffering horrendously at the hands of evil, her thirst for justice is all that keeps her going. Can she put her trust in the sinfully gorgeous, wonderfully dangerous Warrior who haunts her dreams and promises retribution for their common enemy?

ENSLAVED BY DESIRE

Camdyn MacKenna is hungry for revenge…until he falls prey to Saffron’s seductive magic. She enchants him like no other. But if Camdyn yields to her allure, will he be strong enough to defeat their sworn enemy—and resist the rising forces of evil that could destroy their love forever?

Midnight’s Seduction will be out in Mass Market Paperback on Oct 30th~

But in the meantime, how about a little teaser to whet your appetite for Camdyn?
“You’re reckless,” he told Saffron. It was a ridiculous thing to say, but he had to do something to release the need and frustration inside him.
She raised a light brown brow. “Excuse me? What did you just say?”
“I said you’re reckless,” Camdyn repeated. “Your life is so short, so easily stamped out. You could get a cold from being out here, or hit your head on one of the stones beneath the snow. Your life would be over in an instant. You’re reckless.”
“Reckless?” she repeated, he voice low and her eyes staring at him with deadly intent. “Well, forgive me, Mr. High and Mighty. Maybe I should apologize for not being immortal or having powers to heal myself like other Druids, but I won’t. I know better than anyone how short a life can be. Lest you forget, I was kept prisoner for three years. So, yes, I might be reckless, but it’s my life to live. Mine!”
Camdyn opened his mouth to try and calm her, once he realized he might have overstepped, but she talked over him.
“People catch colds all the time. People break bones all the time. People dies all the time. It’s part of life. And if I want to be reckless with my life, I’ll be the one to pay the consequences.”
She started to walk off when Camdyn took hold of her arm and pulled her to a stop. Her body vibrated with anger, but he could see the hurt in her eyes. Hurt he had caused.
We’re thrilled that the first two books in the Dark Warriors series are now
available in Audio!!
  
As well as the series that began it all, and spun off into the Dark Warriors & Dark Kings ( the  DRAGONS!!), the Dark Sword series ~
Donna is giving away a SIGNED copy of
Forbidden Highlander

Dark Sword #2
May 25, 2010

Forbidden Highlander to one lucky commenter today!!
Make sure to leave your email address to I can contact you. 

And look for Book 4 in The Dark Warriors series,

Midnight’s Warrior ~ our Nov 27th!!

Midnight’s Warrior
Dark Warriors #4
November 27, 2012

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Spotlight Feature of Kendra Elliot’s Bone Secret series& giveaway

Hidden

A Bone Secrets Novel, #1

Order here: Amazon | B&N | Powell’s | Books-a-Million

Eleven years ago, the Co-ed Slayer murdered nine female students on the Oregon State University campus. Lacey Campbell barely escaped his attack, but lost her best friend whose remains were never found. As the sole surviving victim, Lacey helped send the sadistic serial killer to prison for life.

Now a forensic odontologist examining teeth and bones for the state Medical Examiner, Lacey is devastated when she arrives at a crime scene and identifies the skeletal remains as her college friend’s.

The remains are discovered on the land of ex-cop Jack Harper. Sparks fly between him and Lacey, even as they realize that the prosecution’s witnesses from a decade ago are now being murdered one by one. All the evidence points to the Co-ed Slayer as the culprit—only, he’s long since dead. So who’s the new killer? And is Lacey next in line to die?

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Chilled

A Bone Secrets Novel #2


Order here:  Amazon | B&N | Powell’s | Books-a-Million

As a forensic nurse on a search and rescue team, Brynn Nealey braves a dangerous blizzard to find the survivors of a plane crash in the Cascade Mountains. Joining her is Alex Kinton, a former US marshal with self-destructive tendencies. Alex lies his way onto Brynn’s team to find the man who killed his brother—and then return the favor. But once the team members reach the plane’s wreckage, they discover everyone aboard has perished…except for the man Alex is hunting. Alex will do whatever it takes to track his target through the vast, snowy wilderness.

As the temperatures drop, however, so do Alex’s defenses. His contact with the sharp, kindhearted Brynn makes his lust for vengeance difficult to reconcile with his growing feelings for a woman who risks her life to help others. What will happen to Alex’s savage instincts when he finally has the opportunity to confront his brother’s killer?

In Chilled, the next thrilling tale in the Bone Secrets saga, Golden Heart finalist Kendra Elliot weaves an icy tale of cold nights, cold hearts, and cold-blooded killers

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buried

A Bone Secrets Novel #3

Release Date:   3/26/2013

Pre-Order here:  Amazon 

Twenty years ago, a small private-school bus of children and their driver completely vanished on the way home from touring the state capital building of Oregon.   No clues were ever found. Two years later, a boy near death, Chris Jacobs, walked out of the Cascade Forest as the sole survivor.   Brain and physical trauma left him unable to help police find the other children and the investigation went cold. Today, multiple gravesites of children have been uncovered at an abandoned dairy farm and investigators determine they are the remains of the vanished children from the bus.

Investigative reporter Michael Brody anxiously awaits news of his missing brother’s body. All the lost children’s remains, except for Michael’s brother’s, are recovered. Desperate for answers, Michael reaches out to Chris Jacobs to see if Chris has recovered any memory to create leads for the investigation. Unable to locate Chris, Michael goes to Chris’s only relative, his younger sister Jamie. Attraction is instantaneous between Michael and Jamie. But so is utter frustration with each other’s attitude and opposing positions on Chris’s whereabouts and his inability to help the police. Michael and Jamie hunt for Chris, racing against a tattooed stranger who wants to find Chris and silence him permanently this time.

An Excerpt from Buried:

Eighteen years ago.

He crouched behind the woodpile, carefully watching the little girl through an opening in the stack. She looked about ten-years-old but exuded the confidence of an older child. She carried a calico kitten into the little playhouse near the woodpile, chatting to the animal about tea and cookies. She was dressed for play in cut-off shorts and a lunch stained t-shirt.

The little plastic house had to be stuffy. The weather was hot and dry, but that was good. It meant he’d been comfortable while sleeping the last few nights in the woods, but during the day the heat could be deadly. He’d spotted the big white farmhouse this morning. His first sighting of civilization in…years. He’d slowly crawled to his current hiding spot, moving between shaded spots, watching every movement about the property. An hour ago he’d seen a couple of older teenage boys leave in a beat-up farm truck and a woman let two grey cats out the back door. She looked kind.

He ached to experience some kindness.

He nestled in closer to the wood, resting his head, blinking hard as his vision blurred. He was days past feeling hunger; food barely interested him. He just wanted water. There was a hose near the back door, but it was a good hundred feet away. Maybe he should just approach the woman and ask for help. But he wasn’t going anywhere until he felt safe. Maybe he’d wait until dark. By then—

“Tabby! Come back!”

He grasped at the woodpile with both hands as the kitten shot by his feet.

Uh oh. 

The little girl burst around the corner of the woodpile and slammed to a stop as she spotted him, her mouth falling open and her eyes widening. She took two cautious steps in his direction, studying him intently.

He couldn’t move.

He knew he looked bad. His filthy clothes blended with the brown of the wood and dirt. Under the layer of grime on his skin, he suspected he was lily white from lack of sunshine.

Curiosity filled her bright blue eyes and she moved closer, looking him over. Her gaze slowly traveled from his blistered bare feet to the old bloody shirt he’d wrapped around his head. She stopped five feet away. A healthy distance if she needed to make a fast exit, but she’d obviously judged him to not be a danger. She was right. He was about as threatening as a baby seal.

“Do you speak English?” she asked loudly.

He bit his cheek. That was her first question?

“Do you live in the woods? How old are you?” Her gaze narrowed.

He slowly stood, bracing himself against the wood, feeling his head swell with the movement. Her eyes grew wide. He was thin, stork-thin. She could see his bruises and abrasions, and he knew many more were hiding. “Yes, I speak English. No, I don’t live in the woods. And I’m thirteen,” he croaked.

She stood straighter, concerned. “Are you alright?

He touched a gentle finger to his make-shift turban and winced. “Do you have any water?”

She nodded and raced into the playhouse. She reappeared, carefully carrying a blue floral cup and saucer. His hand shook as he lifted the cup to cracked lips. The warm water was heavenly, but he winced as his muscles went through the foreign motion of swallowing. The simple act of her help made him want to cry.

“How did you get those pink circles on your face?”

The cup rattled as he set it back on the saucer. The scars. Cigarettes. The bunker. Stories he could never share without endangering lives. “May I have some more, please?” This time she brought out a little pot and refilled his cup. He drank and then slid back down into his crouch before his legs gave out on him. Nausea gripped him. Did he drink too fast? “Is your mom home?”

She nodded. “Do you want me to get her?”

“Please. Don’t tell anyone else I’m here, okay? Just get your mom.” He leaned his head back against the wood and closed his eyes. Bright colors shifted on the back of his eyelids as the world began to gently spin. Speaking had sapped his energy, but he’d escaped the forest and this family would help him. Now, keep his wits about him and his mouth shut.

“What’s your name?” she whispered.

He opened his eyes a crack. Her expression was one of simple curiosity. “Chris. Chris Jacobs.” His dry lips twisted. “Could you get your mom? Please?”

She turned and ran, tan legs pumping hard.

 

A little more about Kendra: 

Kendra Elliot grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives there with her husband, three daughters, two cats, and a Pomeranian. She left the dental world after sixteen years to write full time in 2012. Her first two books HIDDEN and CHILLED spent months on Kindle’s top 100 paid best seller list. Two more Bone Secrets novels will be released in 2013. She’s always been fascinated with forensics, refuses to eat anything green, and loves a strong Mai Tai on the beach on Kauai. Before being published, Kendra’s manuscripts finaled in RWA’s Golden Heart Awards, the Daphne Du Maurier, and the Linda Howard Award of Excellence. Visit Kendra at kendraelliot.com.

 

Want a chance to win a paper or e-copy of Hidden or Chilled?
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Kimberly’s review of Planning For Love by Christi Barth

TITLE: Planning For Love
AUTHOR: Christi Barth
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hopeless romantic Ivy Rhodes and anti-Cupid Bennett Westcott request the pleasure of your company for their disaster of a courtship.

Wedding planner Ivy Rhodes is the best in the business, and she’s not about to let a personal problem stop her from getting ahead. So when she’s asked to star in the reality TV show Planning for Love, it doesn’t matter that the show’s videographer happens to be a recent—and heartbreaking—one-night stand.

Bennett Westcott admits he didn’t handle his encounter with Ivy very well. But looking at her beautiful smile—and great body—through a camera lens every day? He can’t be faulted for suggesting they have some no-strings fun.

The more time they spend together, the more Ben realizes Ivy isn’t the wedding-crazed bridezilla he’d imagined. But if he doesn’t trust himself to make a relationship last, how can he convince Ivy to give him another chance?

REVIEW:
Have you ever heard the line “Chase him until he catches you”? Well that is the best way to describe this storyline. While some of the story could be a bit cliche’ it was really a good story. Ivy is the typical wedding planner who believes in romance, love and forever. Ben is the typical cynical man who believes in reality, lust and for now. But there is something about Ivy that he can not ignore.

What I enjoyed about this book was the characters were very real and relatable. Both Ivy’s romantic heart and Ben’s scared one are something people can relate to. The background stories are interesting and some of the scenes are very sweet between these two characters. I thought they were written very well together and enjoyed watching Ben do romantic things without even knowing he was being romantic. We have all met people like these two people. The woman who falls in love with every man she has one date with and the man who is afraid of commitment. They are the perfect characters to write a love story about.

However, they are also the same “couple” we read about in a lot of books. While they were enjoyable and it was a good version of the story it was the same story I have read before. Her the hopeless romantic woman and him the commitment-phobic man. There did not seem to be much difference in so many other books as far as storyline goes. I wanted something different, just any part of the book to be different, but it never happened.

I did enjoy the background characters. I would have loved to read more about the guys getting together. I loved the poker game and would have loved a couple more scenes of that throughout the book. Daphne is an interesting character and I hope the next book is about her. She is egotistical (when it comes to work), loyal (when it comes to friends) and funny (ok maybe snide is a better word). While I am sure her story is already written I would love to see Daphne with a man who is color-blind and can not view her floral “masterpieces” the way she does (just a hint to Barth in case her book is not written).

If you love the romance genre, as I do, then you will enjoy this book. Yes, it is something we have all read before but it is beautifully written and enjoyable. I look forward to Barth’s next book.

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

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Enslaved in Shadows by Tigris Eden

TITLE: Enslaved In Shadows
AUTHOR: Tigris Eden
PUBLICATION DATE:   06/18/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A man’s Past leads to his Future……

Agent Stone of the Shadow Unit’s job is simple, most days. Work in the Shadows, police his own Kind.

When an unwanted assignment turns out to be his darkest fantasy from the past, Draven can’t help but be conflicted by the memories of the past and his responsibilities in the future. But his decision has been made.

The Heart of a woman is Tested……..

Jes can’t let the tall dark agent back into her life. How can she trust any man after what she’s endured. Years of abuse have broken her down and she doesn’t have room for more. The man she turns to for help hasn’t abused her physically but he’s tormented her emotionally. A past betrayal left her scarred, but also brought her life.

Can she accept him into her heart and trust him again?

One will survive and adapt, the other will realize hearts can be mended even if it’s a bit too late.

The road to forgiveness sometimes only brings more pain. Unexpected events set their lives on two separate tracks leading to one outcome. Lives will be changed and an emotional battle to save their souls will leave them both trapped and enslaved in their need for one another

REVIEW:
Where do I start with this book.. Oh how I want to tell you about the ending, but that just would not be fair.  Not fair at all.  But Oh MAN!!  OH, Oh *covers mouth*…  Okay lets start at the beginning.

Enslaved is Tirgis Eden’s debut novel and let me tell you I think she knocked it out of the park.  This book has a little bit of everything.  You have love, lust, trust, betrayal, failure and hope.  And oh man I really wish I could tell you all the sordid little deals.  But again that is really not fair.  I will tell you that this book left me dying, DYING I tell you for the next book in this series.

Let me tell you how hard it is to write this review without giving away spoilers.  And I try really hard not to give spoilers.  So I would just say if you are looking for a new author, a new series, a new hero & heroine to fall in love with you really need to pick up a copy of Enslaved In Shadows.  Oh and the band of side characters SO MUCH potential.

Oh and the ending?   Nope not going to tell you…. Yes, because I am evil like that.  🙂

4 Hearts
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Kissin’ the Week of Oct 22-27th Goodbye

10.22.12

Kimberly’s review of Santerra’s Sin by Donna Kauffman

Ursula’s review of Bound Temptaions by Shiloh Walker

Jennifer’s review of Tangled Web by Crista McHugh

Guest Blogger: Crista McHugh

Interview & tour wide giveaway with Ashley Rae

Sneak Peek of ICED by Karen Marie Moning

10.23.12

Guest blog & giveaway with HelenKay Dimon

Guest blog & giveaway with Cari Quinn

Release Day Tuesday

Kelly’s review of A Jaguar’s Kiss by Katie Reus

Kimberly’s review of The Perfect Impostor by Wendy Soliman

10.24.12

Spotlight feature & giveaway with Kristin Knight

Sneak Peek of RELEASE ME by Julie Kenner

Kimberly’s review of If I Were You by Lisa Renee Jones

Kimberly’s review of Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione

10.25.12

Guest blog & giveaway with Macy Beckett

Sneak Peek of Forbidden by Jacquelyn Frank

Kelly’s review of Shades of Temptation by Virna DePaul 

Kimberly’s review of Lip Service by MJ Rose

10.26.12

Spotlight feature of Style Me Sexy by Tara Chevrestt

Spotlight feature of Virgina Nelson

Kelly’s review of How to Drive a Dragon Crazy by GA Aiken

Kimberly’s review of  Avenging Angel by Anna Marie Becker

10.27.12

Katie Porter Kindle giveaway

SINsational Saturday Series: Sophie Jordan’s Firelight Series

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Katie Porter’s Amazing Race for a Kindle

Have you read a book by the debut co-writing team of Katie Porter? Have you told others what you think? Now’s your chance! With Kindles!

We’d love to get the word out by giving others access to the most important opinions of all: those of readers! It’s so simple. Just post a review of DOUBLE DOWN on Amazon.

Love it, hate it, think it’s worth a solid three stars…? Want to write a few lines or a treatise? We can’t wait to hear what you think. Here are the prizes.

When DOUBLE DOWN reaches 25 reviews, we’ll give away a $50 Amazon gift certificate to a randomly selected reviewer.

When DOUBLE DOWN reaches 50 reviews, we’ll give away a $119 Kindle Paperwhite.
When DOUBLE DOWN reaches 100 reviews, and for every 100 reviews after that, we’ll give away a $199 Kindle Fire HD.

You only need to enter once. One person. One voice. But your chances are never exhausted–unless you win, of course. For example, if you’re reviewer number 12, you’ll be eligible for the 25, 50, and 100+ review prizes. By encouraging other Katie Porter fans to participate, you up the prize stakes.

Fine print: No purchase necessary–coz hey, libraries and friends loan copies all the time. We’ll ship anywhere these American version Kindle devices are functional, or replace the prize with its cash equivalent. Those who already own Kindles may choose a cash equivalent. Your opinion will not affect your chances of winning, as all drawings will be conducted via Random.org. Void where prohibited.

Thank you for your enthusiasm, and best of luck in your amazing race to a Kindle!

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Sophie Jordan’s Firelight Series (YA)

Firelight

Firelight #1

by Sophie Jordan

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki, a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will’s dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She’ll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Vanish

Firelight #2

by Sophie Jordan

An impossible romance.
Bitter rivalries.
Deadly choices.

To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  

Hidden

Firelight #3

by Sophie Jordan

Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the “prince” of their pride. But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian’s sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.

The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there’s no guarantee they’ll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning….

Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie Jordan’s Firelight trilogy.

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Breathless

Firelight

by Sophie Jordan

Sophie Jordan’s breathtaking digital original novella set in the world of Firelight.

For Az, it’s supposed to be a fun summer vacation with her family. Nothing complicated. Just a quick trip to test the waters as she prepares for a year on her own. That all changes when she rescues a drowning girl and meets Tate—the most gorgeous human boy she’s ever seen. Tate throws her heart, her plans, and her life into upheaval, but the closer she gets to him, the harder it is to hide the secret of what she is. With no hope for a future together, the last thing that can ever happen . . . is love.

This stand-alone digital original is perfect for those new to the Firelight series as well as veteran fans.

ebook, 100 pages

Expected publication: December 4th 2012 by HarperCollins

Want to learn more about Sophie’s Firelight series?   Check it out HERE http://www.sophiejordan.net/ya/books.html

 


Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Novella

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Spotlight Feature of Style Me Sexy by Tara Chevrestt

Style Me Sexy

by Tara Chevrestt

Release Date – October 26th, 2012

Genre – Short Story, Sweet Romance

Bridget isn’t beautiful. At least she doesn’t think so. Besides, her ex always told her she wasn’t. And she believes him. So when an online romance leads to a blind date, she heads to the salon for a makeover stat.

She’s dismayed to discover that her usual stylist isn’t available, and she has no choice but to let a man do her hair. Nervousness turns into sexual awareness as the sexy Javier buries his fingers in her tresses.

Javier has been aware of the timid but kind woman for some time and vows to make her see that she’s beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside. Will he succeed in keeping his own feelings at bay and style her sexy?

Excerpt:

Bridget was grateful to get out from the under the hairdryer. Not only were her eyes beginning to water and tear, but she was looking forward to having Javier wash her hair, to have his soapy fingers massaging her scalp and oh to be at eye level with… Oh, my gawd. He’s gay. He’s not going to want you looking at his… oh, what does it matter? Looking isn’t the same as touching.

She followed him to the sinks and sat in the chair he beckoned her to. He placed a rolled up towel behind her neck before she rested it on the hard edge of the sink. He’s considerate. Deborah never did that. I always had a crick in my neck after washing…

She closed her eyes as the warm water cascaded over her hair. His fingers soon followed, pulling the foil from around the strands, caressing her mane as it fell into the sink. His attentions caused goose bumps to rise all over her body. She felt her nipples harden into little peaks beneath her bra.

Finally, the foil was removed from her hair, and his hands delved deep into her newly highlighted tresses. Oh, yeah. That feels so good. Some sprinkles of water fell onto her face when he rinsed the shampoo from her hair, but she barely noticed. She was noticing wetness growing elsewhere and not for the first time, was glad to be wearing the cape.

Javier, however, did notice the water on her face, for he gently dabbed at the drops around her eyelids with a towel. She opened her eyes, and they sought and met his. It felt like an eternity, but it was only a few minutes. They simply gazed at each other, and Bridget silently prayed that he didn’t notice the increase in her breaths. She tried to take short, measured inhalations, but it was hard to breathe at all with his eyes on hers, with his hands buried in her hair, with the knowledge that should she turn her head just a bit to the left, she would be eye level with his plumbing, and oh, she so wanted to look. How utterly and deliciously naughty.