Interview with Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

Lee Ann, can you please share with us a little about yourself

Please if at all possible return at least a week before your interview date.  Thank you.

I’m a rebel at heart, a dreamer and a storyteller.  I grew up in the historic old river town of St. Joseph, Missouri in the shadow of Jesse James and the echo of the Pony Express.  I spent a lot of time with my grandparents so I ended up being raised in the 1960’s and 1970’s with my head in the 1930’s and 1940’s.  I’m married with three kids, one dog, and I live in what I like to say passes for the suburbs in a small town in the Missouri Ozarks.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Absolutely. One of my earliest memories is of dictating a story to my mother I wanted her to write down for me.  I grew up writing and telling stories.  I tried my hand at a novel in the fifth grade, still have the manuscript.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I like to write with music – and the music often suits what I’m writing.  If it’s contemporary, it may end up being what my characters like, if it’s set in the past, I’m listening to Big Band music (which I love) or jazz.

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

Dust Bowl Dreams is set in the 1930’s, during the Dust Bowl period and the Great Depression.  It begins when a young man desperate to save the family farm for his widowed mom and younger siblings decides he’ll have to rob banks to get the money.  His gal, a schoolteacher, is against the idea and so is his kid brother but Henry decides to do it anyway.  Things get complicated in a hurry especially after the local chief of police begins courting Mama.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I grew on Depression era stories from my grandparents and watched how frugal they were because of those years.  I also am fascinated with Charley Floyd – better known as Pretty Boy Floyd, a name he hated – an Oklahoma outlaw.  I’m fond of Oklahoma, living basically next door and one of my great-grandmothers’ family pioneered there when it was still Indian Territory.  So all the elements combined together to create the novel.

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

I wish I could have met Frank McCourt, author of “Angela’s Ashes” and “’Tis” before he passed away – he wrote with such honesty, such raw power and I loved his work.

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

Grow a thick skin, understand the editor is there to help you, and never give-up. And always be willing to improve and keep learning.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I want to be in Hollywood, at the Hollywood Forever cemetery some time for the annual Rudolph Valentino memorial held each August since his death and burial there in 1926.

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

Well, I’m eager to get my hands on the next Outlander book from Diana Gabaldon but I think it’s still about a year away.  And I’m about to start “The Tarot Diaries” by Elicia Seawell.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for interviewing me!

Links:

leeannwriter@gmail.com

Twitter: leeannwriter

Facebook: my personal page is Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy plus I just kicked off an author page – From Sweet to Heat: The Romance of Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

https://www.facebook.com/pages/From-Sweet-To-Heat-The-Romance-of-Lee-Ann-Sontheimer-Murphy/287540748010934?ref=hl

Website/blog: http://leeannsontheimermurphywriterauthor.blogpspot.com

Blog: Rebel Writer: Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

http://leeannsontheimermurphy.blogspot.com

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Ann-Sontheimer-Murphy/e/B004JPBM6I

Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4543214.Lee_Ann_Sontheimer_Murphy

TRR/Manic: http://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4543214.Lee_Ann_Sontheimer_Murphy

Kimberly’s review of At Last by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: At Last
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE:   06/26/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG . . .
Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she’s looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she’s tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won’t make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn’t let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can’t deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it’s up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor.

REVIEW:
This is the 5th in the Lucky Harbor series. I have not read the other four books and had never read this author but I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The character of Matt had me actually smiling by page 20. He is an adorable character. Amy is written very well too. Amy is a tough girl who has lived on the streets as a teenager and has finally moved to Lucky Harbor and found where she belongs. I believe we may have met her in at least the last book “Lucky in Love” (#4) but as I said before I have not read this series before. However this book is certainly a stand alone book. While I could tell that there was background to some of these characters from previous books it was not written in a way where you feel lost by not knowing the characters.

This story is mostly about Matt and Amy. However, I love the “bro-mance” of Matt, Ty and Josh as well as the friendship of the “Chocoholics” Amy, Mallory and Grace. Amy is just a wounded bird who is learning to fly again and watching her take flight is amazing. Matt is a womans dream. He is funny, sweet and loving as well as strong enough to take care of his woman and anyone else who comes along.

I will most certainly be working my way through this series now that I have read this one. I loved the writing of Jill Shalvis and can’t wait to read the next story of Grace and Josh (Forever and a Day).

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

4 Hearts

Kimberly’s review of A Little Mischief by Amelia Grey

TITLE: A Little Mischief
AUTHOR: Amelia Grey
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Isabella Winslowe is finally gaining respectability when the unthinkable happens: she finds the Earl of Colebrooke’s sister in the back garden with a stone cupid in her hand and a dead man at her feet. The last thing Isabella wants to deal with is a formidable earl who is willing to go to great lengths to protect his sister’s reputation from a murder scandal. As Daniel Colebrooke begins following Isabella around the ton, desperate to keep her from spreading her story and making mischief, he can’t help but notice how captivating she is. And if he’s not careful, he could lose his heart along with his sister’s reputation.

REVIEW:
This is a re-release from 2003 and a delightful read. This historical has a little bit of suspense and a lot of romance. The characters of Isabella and Daniel are perfect together. The connection they have even from their first scene together jumps right off the page. I love that Isabella seems so strong, confident and loves a good mystery and yet she has decided she should just become a spinster and has never even been kissed. She helps “wallflowers” come into their own by teaching them they are worthy and how to act. Yet she is just as much of the innocent as they are. She is innocent and worldly wrapped in one package. Daniel is written very well too. He is of course handsome and rich but he is also protective of those he loves and has a heart of gold.

Honestly this book has the basis of so many other historicals but it is such a delightful read that it is a must read. It is the perfect beach book or sit around and relax book. It is a very quick read and you really don’t want to stop until you get to the end. If you love the historical romance genre then this should be near the top of your “TBR” list. You will not be disappointed.

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

4 Hearts

Kelly’s Review of Entice by Jessica Shrivinton

TITLE: Entice
AUTHOR: Jessica Shirvinton
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/04/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

The war between Exiles and Angels is on—and she’s wanted by both sides.

Seventeen-year-old Violet Eden is learning what it means to be Grigori: part angel and part human with a destiny is to protect humans from the vengeance of exiled angels. Knowing who to trust is key, but when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even her partner, Lincoln. Violet has to learn to live with her feelings for him while they work together to stay alive and stop the exiles from discovering the key to destroy all Grigori.

It isn’t easy. Especially when the electricity between Violet and Phoenix ignites, and she discovers his hold over her has become more dangerous than ever. With Lincoln’s secrets and Phoenix’s mysterious schemes, Violet is truly on her own. The race to find the one artifact that could tilt the balance of power between Angels and Exiles brings them to the cradle of civilization, where Violet’s power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed.

The story continues with EMBLAZE in March 2013!

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly

NUMBER OF STARS: DNF

REVIEW:

Had to set this one aside. I didn’t realize that this was the second book in the series.
I need to read book one first.  While I got a good idea of what happened in book one I didn’t connect with the characters in book 2.  That and I am not a huge fan of love triangles.  I don’t like when the heroine is so in love with the hero but sleeps with the enemy.
I have these on my list to read now and will be starting with book 1.

I am sure if you have read book 1 you will love Entice.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received this book free as part of the blog tour.

Interview & Giveaway with Kellie Kamryn

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Kellie Kamryn to the blog today to chat a little about her newest book

Kellie, can you please share with us a little about yourself: Mom to four by day, erotic/contemporary author by night. Well, I write during the day too. I need to sleep at night.

Have you always wanted to be an author? I think to some degree yes, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I became serious about pursuing it as a career.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing? Eloisa James, John Sheridan, Dawné Dominique, Daisy Dunn, Jennifer Labelle, Julie James…my list could go on, but I’d run out of room and we don’t have all day!

How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre? I always wrote slightly spicy contemporary, but after reading some really good erotic literature by authors such as Jennifer Jakes and Jo Davis, among others, I tried my hand at it. Turns out I really enjoy writing it, and I’m pretty good at it.

What are some of your writing rituals? I try to write at least 1000 words a day if I’m working on a new piece. When the words are flowing, I’ll write as much and as fast as I can in a day. I break up my day into sessions – 1 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon with breaks in between to eat, exercise and promote.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)? The Love and Balance series are about gymnastics coaches finding love. I used to be a competitive gymnast and coach, so I combined passions to create the series.

How did you come with the idea for this story? My plot ideas came to me in dreams as so many of my stories do.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress? Right now, I’m working on an erotic romantic suspense. That’s all I’ll say!

What would you be if you were not an author? Probably still a gymnastics coach.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for? The third book in the Eden series by Dawné Dominique, some erotic shorts by John Sheridan, and a romance by Lori Leger.

Is there anything else you would like to add? Thank you for having me as a guest today. One lucky commenter can win a signed copy of Rebound just for leaving a comment!

 

Learn more about Kellie here:

Website / Facebook / Twitter

To enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Rebound.  Please leave Kellie a comment or question

*giveaway end 10/15/2012*

 

Secrets & Desires of the Heart

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Eyes are the window to the soul, words falling from our lips attempt to express our innermost desires, but it’s the heart that holds the secrets behind our smile. Join erotic/romance author and poet, Kellie Kamryn, as she takes you on a journey of the heart with twenty seven poems of romance, love and lust you’ll never forget. Lose yourself in a world of Secrets and Desires of the Heart.

 

Rebound

Secret Cravings / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

An award-winning choreographer must face the only man she’s ever loved then lost when they are teamed up to work together at a gymnastics camp for Olympic hopefuls.

Claire LeMay is at the top of her game – she’s head of a prominent gymnastics facility with her gymnasts winning awards for her outstanding choreography. Now her biggest challenge is to coach alongside the man she’s avoided for three years after he demanded she live in his shadow instead of forging her own path.

After sinking every penny of his inheritance into his state-of-the-art gymnastics facility, Justin Black has achieved his dream. But even with hundreds of members and well-trained coaches, when Claire’s presence invades his space, he reluctantly admits she’s the one thing missing in his life. As their old passion tumbles out faster than a gymnast sprinting down the vault runway, Justin knows he can’t let her walk out of his life this time.

Are they destined to repeat the same old routine or will they be able to choreograph a new one?

 

Excerpt:

“We’re adults. We can share a bed to sleep. No big deal.”

She glanced away, hoping he couldn’t see her cheeks blush. “Exactly.”

He tugged on the other end of her blanket to get her attention. When her eyes met his, he asked, “Unless you’re chicken?”

Her eyes narrowed to slits. “That only works once.”

He stared her down. “I dare you to share a bed with me for the night.”

She sat heavily on the edge of the bed and slipped off her sandals. “That is a stupid dare.”

“No stupider than it was for me to fall for you and your little anxiety attack over performing the full-in this morning.”

She crossed her arms in front of her chest and blinked at him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Her lips twitched as she fought a smile.

“Don’t play innocent with me.” Justin grabbed his pillow and smacked her in the face with it.

She squawked in surprise.

“You knew I’d take the bait,” he said. “I never could resist helping you.”

She took up her own pillow, kneeled on the bed, and hit him back. “Then you shouldn’t have been spying on me.”

He smashed his pillow into her ribs, nearly knocking her over.

She righted herself and took a swing at him, hitting him square on the side of his head, causing him to give it a vigorous shake.

The next thing she knew they were in the midst of an all-out pillow war. On their knees on the bed, they took turns whacking each other over and over. It felt good to take her frustration out on him.

Finally, he wrenched the pillow from her hands, took hold of her wrists, and yanked her up against his chest. Her nipples hardened on contact, and she inched back, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

His eyes flicked downward and then up. A slight move, but she saw it. She bumped her pelvis lightly into his and felt his bulging erection. Good. She wasn’t the only one affected by their physical proximity.

She wrenched free of his grasp. “That’s not fair, using your size against me.”

He shrugged. “All’s fair in l– war.”

Interesting slip up, buddy. She thought back to the days when they had wrestled with one another and he had used his strength to win. If memory served, she’d come up with some pretty creative ways of gaining the upper hand. He was in for a big surprise if he thought she’d give up so easily tonight. Even after all this time, she still had a few tricks up her sleeve.

She hopped to her feet and kicked one leg out, her shin connecting with the side of his

ribcage. Caught off guard, he toppled sideways, ending up on his back with her on top, her knees on either side of his torso, her hands pinning his arms to the bed.

Surprise registered on his face, but it wouldn’t last long, and she knew it. She sprang off the mattress, flipped over his head, and landed on her feet on the floor. Quickly, she turned, and twisted his arms together in her grasp.

“Shit,” he muttered. “I’d forgotten how quick you are.”

Fresh out of ideas, she let go of him, having no desire to put herself in a more vulnerable position. But, she failed to step away fast enough. He reached above his head, grabbed her at the hips, and sat up while flipping her forward.

A squeal escaped her lips, and the next second, she was suspended upside down in the air with her face an inch from his crotch. She wet her lips at the sight of the bulge there.

 

 

The Perfect Score

Secret Cravings / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

The new head coach has barely gotten her beams in alignment when she’s threatened with a lawsuit by a father for refusing to train his brat of a daughter.

Shelley Longstaff finally has her chance to be in charge only to rue the day when she is asked to train the dreaded Anna Fortier, a gymnast who has no sense of sportsmanship and makes everyone in her vicinity miserable. When Shelley refuses, she’s threatened with a lawsuit by her father. To make things worse, Shelley has an inexplicable attraction to the arrogant rich lawyer!

Since his wife’s death five years ago, Jacques (Jack) Fortier does whatever it takes to protect what is his. Shelley’s club is his last resort to keep his daughter in the sport, but threatening to sue her isn’t exactly his smartest move. When she grudgingly agrees to give Anna a chance, he finds himself attracted to the spritely gymnastics coach – the first woman he’s had any feelings for since his wife passed away.

As Shelley and Jack leap over the line in their parent-coach relationship, Shelley worries over falling in love with a man who admittedly still loves his late wife. But when a crisis of teenage proportions threatens their relationship, will they risk everything for the chance to achieve The Perfect Score?

Excerpt:

He didn’t say anything, but placed a hand on top of the one she had on his thigh. That’s when she noticed the intimacy of their current position. Flustered, she stood and gestured with her hands. “I wanted to go to the Olympics when I was little, but as I got older, I realized I wouldn’t make it. I changed my vision. I wanted to be able to compete, and later I wanted to become a coach. At university, I studied human movement, and I chose to be a part of the sport in a different way.”

“It’s something to think about.”

The faraway tone of his voice told her he didn’t like admitting defeat. Their eyes met again, and the intensity of his gaze had Shelley frozen to the spot. He rose, towering over her, and picked up one of her hands. Lifting it up to eye level, he flattened his palm against hers. Her hand was half the size.

Her heart pounded when he folded his fingers over hers, and the sound of blood rushing in her ears was all she heard. A small smile blossomed as she remembered what she’d thought the first time she’d seen the size of his hands.

“I like it when you smile,” he said, his voice deep. “What are you thinking?”

“The first time I saw your hand I thought it would cover my whole chest. Such an inappropriate thought when first meeting a parent of a potential club member.” She snapped out of her stupor and blushed deeply. “Oh, dear Lord, I can’t believe I said that.”

He shifted his gaze to her breasts. “Shall we test your theory?”

Her nipples hardened in response, and her eyes widened. “It’s not appropriate for you to be staring at my breasts.”

“You shouldn’t have mentioned them.”

“Are we sixteen?”

“Far from it.” He glanced at her lips. “I suppose it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to kiss you.”

“Precisely.” Her voice was far too breathy for her liking. She tried taking her hand out of his, but he tightened his grip.

“I’m going to do it anyway.” He lowered his face toward hers.

She turned her head, trying to remain in control of this situation. Her brain told her this wasn’t a good idea. Her body said, What the hell? “Jack.” Her firm tone should have brooked no argument. Too bad it came out with a quiver.

His eyes closed. “Say it again.”

Her voice trembled when she spoke. “Say what?”

“My name. I hate it when you call me Mr. Fortier.”

“Mr. Fortier,” she began, but Jack caught her chin gently in his hand. Her eyes narrowed, but she didn’t try to escape. “Do you always expect to get what you want?”

“Not a lot of people say no to me.” His lips were a hair’s breadth away from hers. “Please say my name.”

With their lips almost touching, she whispered, “Jack.”

She had been about to say they should keep their relationship professional, and intimate contact was out of the question. But when he sealed her lips with a kiss, further protest died in her throat. He added a little pressure, and warmth spread throughout her entire body.

Her body responded like a woman dying of thirst needs water. She thought his kisses would’ve been aggressive like him, but this was unlike any kiss she had ever experienced. It spoke of moonlit walks and breakfasts in bed, promised tender good nights, and passionate good mornings, whispered words meant only for a lover’s ear, and dreams shared only with another.

Shelley had always viewed a kiss as a prelude to sex, but never to her future.

She drew back and pressed a shaking hand to her lips. Future? She had no future with this man beyond seeing him from time to time at the gym when he brought his daughter for practice.

Completely unnerved, she could only muster two words. “Oh. Wow.”

 

 

 

 

Inverview & Giveaway with Soraya Lane

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Soraya Lane to the blog today. 

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

I live on a small farm in New Zealand. I work as a freelance writer as well as an author, and I’m a mom and a wife too!

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Absolutely. I’ve been writing stories since I was about 8 years old, and I started reading from a very young age too – The Saddle Club inspired me as a child to read and write!

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

I think every book I’ve ever loved has probably inspired me, because reading is so important to an author. Some of my favorite authors right now are Nalini Singh, Nora Roberts, Stephanie Meyer, Harlan Coben and James Patterson.

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

I usually write contemporary romance novels for Harlequin Romance, so writing a paranormal young adult book was completely different for me. I loved it because it was a fun, enjoyable challenge.

What are some of your writing rituals?

I used to write to music a lot, but now I tend to work on my books when my toddler is asleep, so I sit in silence to make sure I don’t wake him up!

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

Change is my debut young adult paranormal romance…

When her twin sister dies of a mysterious heart condition, Riley King is sent to her grandma’s ranch. But instead of the isolation she’s been aching for, she learns of a family secret that’s been deliberately kept from her, until now.

As if finding out she’s actually a leopard wasn’t enough shock for one vacation, Riley meets Hunter Logan … the guy she’s promised to. For life. But Riley has no intention of being told what to do by anyone, certainly not some stubborn, dominant shifter. Even if he can make her purr, her claws are slicing out. Until Riley realizes that not fulfilling her destiny would commit her sister to a life on the other side without her.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Like most of my ideas, it just popped into my head J

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

Right now I’m working on my next book for Harlequin Romance, as well as the sequel to Change. I’ve also just release a contemporary romance, The Navy SEAL’s Promise – available on Amazon.

What would you be if you were not an author?

A veterinarian

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

I can’t wait to read the latest book in Nalini Singh’s changeling/psy series, and Zoo by James Patterson.

Learn more about Soraya here:

www.sorayalane.com

 

@Soraya_Lane

 

Giveaway time: 

Soraya is giveaway a kindle ebook copy of Change 

Just leave a comment to go in the draw!

Please leave your email address though as otherwise I’ll have no way to contact you J

You must be able to receive a gift from amazon.com in order to be eligible, and I believe that includes all entrants from the US, Canada, India, Australia & NZ.

I’d also appreciate an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads in exchange for the free copy J

Kimberly’s review of Promise Me A Rainbow by Cheryl Reavis

TITLE: Promise Me A Rainbow
AUTHOR: Cheryl Reavis
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/07/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Deserted by her husband because she couldn’t have children, Catherine Holben has thrown herself into her job counseling pregnant teens. Catherine is still recovering from the pain of her divorce, but her life is changed forever when she makes a purchase in a quaint curio shop. She meets handsome, hardworking Joe D’Amaro, a widower and father of three, and his daughter, Fritz. But Joe needs help with Fritz, a seven-year-old dynamo. She’s a precocious but headstrong little girl who’s impossible to resist., and he is too proud to admit it.

Joe and Catherine are cautious about making a commitment to each other. They both know the joy and heartache of falling in love, but are they willing to risk being together despite their misgivings? Neither can ignore the love that quickly blossoms between them. Maybe they can have a wonderful life together . . . if only Joe’s still-grieving older daughter, Della, will accept a new woman in her father’s life.

True love versus reality. Can Catherine handle his ready-made family? Or is there more in store for her than she thinks?

REVIEW:
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would when I picked it. The writing eventually was good, but in the beginning it was not written the way a normal conversation takes place but that seemed to change as the book went on and the dialogue became more real. The interesting thing about this book is Joe is a single father of three who manages to get by by the skin of his teeth. He is not rich nor has some fancy job, he is a man trying to make life work out as best he can. He is not perfect and he messes up more than not but he loves with his whole heart. Catherine is a teacher of pregnant teens and not some model or something. Catherine is a broken woman trying to get on with her life after a divorce and finding out she can not have children. They are just normal people who most anyone can connect to. The background characters are interesting too. Fritz is adorable and written really well for the age she is portraying. Charlie does not have much of a part but is cute too. And Della could have used a little more of a background for us to understand her pain but she was written as a typical teen. This book has a lot to offer especially if you are at a point in your life wondering if you can have a second chance at love. I do wish the book had a epilogue since so much was left without us knowing. Also the book started with both characters being still in love with the people of their past and in the beginning that is hard to get past even though eventually you do. I think this book is very good and I think if you enjoy the genre you will enjoy this book.

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

4 Hearts

Kimberly’s review of Starstruck Romance & Other Hollywood Tails by Julia Dumont

TITLE: Starstruck Romance & Other Hollywood Tails
AUTHOR: Julia Dumont
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/04/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As her Second Acts Dating Service truly takes off, Cynthia Amas discovers that in the heady world of high-end Hollywood romance, with success comes complexity. In this wildly seductive romp through the lush canyons and lavish neighborhoods of Los Angeles, the line between business and pleasure quickly blurs in a dizzying rush of sex and celebrity. Just as our heroine’s uncanny genius for matching up her growing roster of exclusive love seekers continues to deepen, her own love life reaches a fever pitch. Things get complicated. And funny. And excruciatingly sensual. Cynthia’s high-maintenance lovelorn mother, her maddeningly hot ex-fling Max, a long-lost high school crush, and of course her best friend, the libidinous, star-crazed Lolita and her mysterious pack of telepathic canines, are all along for the ride. Not to mention one very rich, very famous film producer. On top of everything else, her newest, most important client is literally the biggest movie star in the world. In more ways than one. When it comes to extra curriculars, he is the hardest-working stud in show business. Try as Cynthia may to hook him up with any number of gorgeous ladies in waiting, his notoriously one-track mind is set on her. She’s determined to steer the dating service to the next level, but it’s hard to focus, let alone keep your hands on the wheel, when you’re hot, bothered, and nearly driven to distraction along the steamy highways and byways of love and lust. What a way to make a living.

REVIEW:
This is the second in a new the 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.

Interview with Frank & Becky from In Rides Trouble by Julie Ann Walker (& giveaway)

Welcome Frank.  Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down and talk with me.

Frank: *settles significant bulk into chair, looks around uncomfortably*  You’re welcome.  Julie Ann Walker told me to come, so here I am.

BnK: Can I get you anything before we get started?

Frank:  Coffee.  Black.  *reaches into shirt pocket and pulls out Root Beer-flavored Dum Dum*

BnK: For my followers that don’t know you please tell them a little about yourself?

Frank:  *shoves sucker in cheek, talks around it* I’m an ex-Navy SEAL who started a custom motorcycle shop on Goose Island, Chicago.  It’s called Black Knights Inc.

BnK: Can you tell us what you do at Black Knight Inc?

Frank:  I build and sell custom motorcycles.

BnK:  Okay, now please tell us what you really do at BKI?

Frank:  *shifts in chair, eyes narrow slightly*  Julie Ann Walker spilled the beans, didn’t she?  *big sigh*  Okay, the truth is, Black Knights Inc. is the cover for my covert government defense firm.  I employ a bunch of ex-spec-ops warriors and we take on the jobs too hot for Uncle Sam to handle.

BnK: Can you tell us a little about the guys that you work with.  Any favorites?  Any you would like to slap upside the head? You know give us some dirt.

Frank:  *pops sucker from mouth and frowns, considering*  I guess I’ve known Snake and Rock the longest.  They were part of my SEAL Team.  But all the guys who work for me, each and every one, is a cog in the machine that makes up Black Knights Inc.  Take out one component, and the entire unit breaks down.  As for slapping anyone upside the head, I have to admit I’ve wanted to do that to all of them at one point or another.  There’s a lot of testosterone running amok around that place.  Still… Ozzie is the one who pushes my buttons most often.  Oh, hell… er… heck, who am I kiddin’?  That kid pushes everyone’s buttons.

BnK: What about your resident mechanic *wiggles eyebrows*

Frank: *frown deepens, but eyes twinkle*  Talk about someone who pushes buttons…

*Becky comes in*

BnK: Hello Becky!

Becky:  Hello!  *squeezes Frank’s shoulder and grabs the extra seat*

BnK:  Can you confirm everything that Frank has been telling us?  *hands Becky the interview to look over*

Becky: *reads quickly and shakes head*  A man of very few words, isn’t he?  But, yeah, he gave you the basics.  The absolute bare minimum.

BnK:  So tell me how do you both feel about Julie Ann Walker telling your story?

Frank:  *crosses arms and scowls*  She’s got a big mouth.

Becky:  *rolls eyes*  She’s only doing her job.  And I think she does us all justice.  Frank’s just upset *hooks thumb in Frank’s direction* because she once described his face as a “big, beautiful mess.”  The big guy here likes to act all tough, but he’s really just a softy.

Frank:  *fighting a grin*  That’s not what you said last night when-

Becky:  *slaps hand over Frank’s mouth*  This is a professional interview, you big dillhole!  Keep it PG!

BnK: Do you think Julie Ann Walker did a good job of keeping it true?  Anything you wish Julie put in or left out?

Frank:  I wish she left it ALL out.  I’m supposed to be the government’s biggest secret.  Instead I’m here, talking to you about-

Becky: *interrupting*  I heard she had to leave out a particular sex scene that involved one of my suckers.

Frank:  *glancing over, eyes wide*  She wouldn’t have dared to put that in a book.

Becky:  *nodding and grinning*  Oh, yeah.  She dared.  But her editor made her remove it.

Frank:  Thank God for small miracles.  That stuff’s supposed to be private.

BnK:  Becky I have to ask.  Pirates?  Really, Pirates?  You couldn’t think of a better way to get Frank’s attention?

Becky:  Hey! *holds hands in air*  It’s not like I intended to get abducted or anything.  I was out minding my own business- 

Frank: *interrupting* She was out minding her own business in the middle of the goddamned… er… gosh darned pirate-infested Indian Ocean. 

Becky:  *grinning*  Okay, so maybe he has a point.

Frank:  But in her defense, trouble does seem to find her wherever she goes.

Bnk:  But I can see that it worked.  How are you two doing?

Becky:  Oh, we’re good.

Frank:  Better than good.  *wiggles eyebrows*

Becky:  *rolls in lips and giggles*

BnK: Can you tell us what is next for the BKI crew?

Frank:  Julie Ann Walker just finished with Rock’s story. It’s titled THRILL RIDE and it’s slated to hit the shelves this coming April.

Becky:  The story begins with Rock on the run after he’s been listed as a rogue operator.  It’s mostly set in the jungles of Costa Rica, and it is one hot read, even if I do say so myself.

BnK: Thank you again you two for sitting down and talking with me for a little bit.

Becky:  You’re so welcome.  We’re always happy to help out Julie in any way we can.

Frank:  *snorting*  Speak for yourself.

Becky:  *shakes head and pushes up from chair, extending a hand toward Frank*  Come on, big guy.  I’ve got something special planned for you back at the shop.

Frank:  *wiggles eyebrows at BnK before standing and following Becky from the room*

 

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

Lets take a look at the BKI series

 

Hell on Wheels

Book 1 in the Black Knight Inc Series

PUBLICATION DATE:   08/07/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

 He’s the bad boy she’s always wanted…

Nate “Ghost” Weller has loved Ali Morgan nearly half his life. But he’s done something so heinous he’s convinced she’ll never forgive him if she discovers the truth, so he keeps his feelings and his secrets to himself. Then she blows into town with a mother lode of bad guys on her tail and Nate can’t deny she’s in serious trouble. Unfortunately, he’s the only one who can help her.

She’s the good girl he’s kept at arm’s length…

Ali knows Nate as the most solemn, aloof man on the planet. Sadly, he’s also the sexiest. For years she’s avoided him, unable to stomach his dark scowls and brooding silences… especially when she secretly yearns for his touch. Now she must rely on him to save her from the malevolent shadows ghosting her every move. When the bullets explode, so does their passion. But can love really conquer all? Or are some things just too terrible to forgive?

 

In Rides Trouble

Book 2 in the Black Knight Inc series

PUBLICATION DATE:   09/04/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

Rebel with a Cause

Becky “Rebel” Reichert never actually goes looking for trouble. It just has a tendency to find her. Like the day Frank Knight showed up at her door, wanting to use her motorcycle shop as a cover for his elite special ops team. But Becky prides herself on being able to hang with the big boys-she can weld, drive, and shoot just as well as any of them.

Man with a Mission

Munitions, missiles, and mayhem are Frank’s way of life. The last thing the ex-SEAL wants is for one brash blonde to come within fifty feet of anything that goes boom. Yet it’s just his rotten luck when she ends up in a hostage situation at sea. Come hell or

high water, he will get her back-whether she says she needs him or not.

Rev It up 

Book 3 in the Black Knight Inc Series

PUBLICATION DATE:   10/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

He Never Misses a Target

Jake “the Snake” Sommers earned his SEAL codename by striking quickly and quietly – and with lethal force.  That’s how he broke Michelle Carter’s heart.  It was the only way to keep her safe – from himself.  Four long years later, Jake is determined to get a second chance.  But to steal back into Michelle’s loving arms, Jake is going to have to prove he can take things slow.  Real slow…

She Aims to Make Him Beg

Michelle Carter has never forgiven Jake for being so cliché as to “love her and leave her.”  But when her brother, head of the Black Knights elite ops agency, ticks off the wrong mobster, she must do the unimaginable: place her life in Jake’s hands.  No matter what they call him, this man is far from cold-blooded.  And once he’s wrapped around her heart, he’ll never let her go…

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Ann Walker is the USA Today and New York Times Bestselling Author of the Black Knights Inc. romantic suspense series. She is prone to spouting movie quotes and song lyrics. She’ll never say no to sharing a glass of wine or going for a long walk. She prefers impromptu travel over the scheduled kind, and she takes her coffee with milk. You can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission. Look for the first two books in her fast-paced series: Hell On Wheels (August 2012) and In Rides Trouble (September 2012). For more information, please visit www.julieannwalker.com or follow her on Facebook www.facebook.com/jawalkerauthor and/or Twitter @JAWalkerAuthor

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Interview with Zoe Archer & tour wide giveaway

Books-n-Kisses is pleased Zoe Archer to the blog today to chat a little about life and her newest book Skies of Steel

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

I was born in New York, but grew up in Los Angeles, and went to college and grad school in different parts of California.  The first time I lived out of state (aside from right after my birth), was when I attended the University of Iowa for their MFA program in Fiction.  That was the first time I’d ever lived anywhere that snowed—but I didn’t mind so much because I’d come home to my boyfriend (now husband) in Southern California every holiday break.  Snow’s easy to take when you know it isn’t forever!

Basically, I wanted to be a writer since I was a little girl.  I wrote all the time—all different kinds of stories from murder mysteries to fantasy epics.  In high school, a friend of mine introduced me to romance novels, and almost immediately after, I started to write them.  I’m pretty glad that those manuscripts, printed on a dot-matrix printer, are long lost.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yep!  I went through a few different phases during high school, college and grad school—I thought about being a book illustrator, a costume designer, a dramaturge, a literary professor—but it always came back to writing.

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

I write full time, so I try to get up at a reasonable house and plant my butt in front of the computer.  I like having music when I write, since it helps me focus.  Also, I have to have my outline and research books (and the internet) handy.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Some of the most difficult aspects of writing involve motivation.  You’ve got to be responsible for getting the words on the page.  Nobody else is going to write that book for you.  I had a bunch of full-time day jobs after I finished my MFA program, and I’d get up early to write in the morning before work.  I knew if I left it until I came home, I’d be too tired, so I made time to get it done, even when I just wanted to keep sleeping.

The most rewarding is definitely hearing from readers.  It still amazes me that people I’m not related to or know people I’m related to read my stuff.  And when they not only read my books, but like them—that’s just incredible.

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

SKIES OF STEEL is part of the steampunk romance series THE ETHER CHRONICLES.  The Ether Chronicles was actually co-created by me and my husband, Nico Rosso.  As we were creating the world for me, we realized it was expansive enough and had enough stories to have two writers telling different tales within it.  Nico writes the steampunk Westerns, and I write the steampunk everywhere else.

In SKIES OF STEEL, British anthropologist Daphne Carlisle finds herself in a terrible situation.  Her archaeologist parents have been kidnapped by a ruthless warlord in the Arabian Peninsula, and the British government is unwilling to help her rescue them.  The Mechanized War between different nations rages on, and if Britain gets involved, things could get very dangerous, politically.  But Daphne’s determined to free her parents.  Desperate, she turns to the one man who can help her: Captain Mikhail Denisov.

Not only is Mikhail an untrustworthy mercenary, he’s also a rogue Man O’ War, making him doubly dangerous.  Man O’ Wars are men who have been enhanced through technology to be faster and stronger than normal men.  Those technological enhancements also make them capable of powering and flying airships.  It takes a lot of convincing and the promise of lots of money to get Mikhail to agree to help Daphne.  So the scholar and the mercenary set out on an adventure in Arabia, but of all the perils they encounter on their travels, the most dangerous is the unexpected attraction between them.  And not everything is precisely as it appears.

Oh, did I mention Mikhail has a Mohawk?  He’s one sexy mo-fo!

How did you come with the idea for this story?

It was a collaborative process between me and Nico.  I liked the idea of a supposedly prim and proper woman tangling with a scoundrel Man O’ War, and so we thought about what kinds of situations would find them thrown together.  Plus, I really wanted to set the story in Arabia so we could see how the Arabic world interpreted steampunk technology.  It was so much fun!

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

In addition to working on the next Ether Chronicles book, I’m working on a new historical romance series for St. Martin’s Press, called Nemesis, Unlimited.  It’s gritty and dark and sexy.  I’ve been pitching it as Leverage/Burn Notice in Victorian England. The first book in the series, SWEET REVENGE, comes out June 2013.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

For romance, I love Julie Anne Long, Joanna Bourne, Meredith Duran, Sherry Thomas, Tessa Dare, and Courtney Milan.   It’s been a while since I read something that wasn’t romance, but Jane Eyre was always one of my favorites, and I love Austen, of course.  When I read Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy, I was stunned.  His writing and ability to get into so many characters’ heads is incredible.  Some other authors I like include Lorrie Moore, Graham Greene, Michael Ondaatje, Vladimir Nabokov, Alice Munro, and Deborah Eisenberg.

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

I can’t point to a specific author, but my love of language comes from reading, and that’s what compels me to write: I love words.  Beautiful, elegant, rough, crude, rich, spare, luminous, complex, simple words.

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

As soon as Joanna Bourne has a book on the shelf, I’m there.  I’m also really looking forward to Julie Anne Long’s A Notorious Countess Confesses.  And I have Sherry Thomas’s Tempting the Bride on my TBR. Of course, when it comes to steampunk, it’s all about Meljean Brook’s Iron Seas series.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’m loving writing the Ether Chronicles series—not only do I get to collaborate with my husband, but we get to create exciting tales of adventure with some hot, hot romance.  It’s so much fun!  Even if steampunk isn’t your favorite subgenre, or it seems intimidating, the Ether Chronicles are all about adventure and strong heroes and heroines.  There’s something for everyone!

 

SKIES OF STEEL

Links to buy: AmazonBarnes & NobleAppleBooks A Million

In the world of The Ether Chronicles, the Mechanical War rages on, and appearances are almost always deceiving . . .

The prim professor

Daphne Carlisle may be a scholar, but she’s far more comfortable out in the field than lost in a stack of books. Still, when her parents are kidnapped by a notorious warlord, she knows she’ll need more than quick thinking if she is to reach them in time. Daphne’s only hope for getting across enemy territory is an airship powered and navigated by Mikhail Denisov, a rogue Man O’ War who is as seductive as he is untrustworthy.

The jaded mercenary

Mikhail will do anything for the right price, and he’s certain he has this mission—and Daphne—figured out: a simple job and a beautiful but sheltered Englishwoman. But as they traverse the skies above the Mediterranean and Arabia, Mikhail learns the fight ahead is anything but simple, and his lovely passenger is not entirely what she seems. The only thing Mikhail is certain of is their shared desire—both unexpected and dangerous.

Excerpt

 

 

Zoë Archer is an award-winning romance author who thinks there’s nothing sexier than a man in tall boots and a waistcoat. As a child, she never dreamed about being the rescued princess, but wanted to kick butt right beside the hero. She now applies her master’s degrees in Literature and Fiction to creating butt-kicking heroines and heroes in tall boots. She is the author of the acclaimed BLADES OF THE ROSE series and the paranormal historical romance series, THE HELLRAISERS. She and her husband, fellow romance author Nico Rosso, created the steampunk world of THE ETHER CHRONICLES together.  Her steampunk romance, SKIES OF STEEL, is now available from Avon Impulse, and Nico’s steampunk Western, NIGHT OF FIRE, is also available now. Zoë and Nico live in Los Angeles.

Website, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Blog

 

 

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Ursula’s review of Spinning Gold by Vivi Andrews

TITLE: Spinning Gold
AUTHOR: Vivi Andrews
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/18/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Rumpelstiltskin as you’ve never seen it before. In this fairy tale, no princes need apply.

Juliana Ravel will do anything to save her innocent brother from the executioner, but what the supposedly charming prince demands is impossible. Spinning straw into gold? He might as well ask her to fly. Her only hope is a family heirloom – a gold medallion rumored to be the magic prison of one of the fabled golden fae.

Trapped inside the medallion for hundreds of years, Rue isn’t fool enough to trust Juliana, but he can’t help but be tempted by the feisty beauty. Even though she is the spitting image of the witch who betrayed and imprisoned him, Rue agrees to help her. For a price.

Entranced by the exotic, golden-skinned man, Juliana agrees to his terms, believing her worries are at an end. But when the tyrannical prince finds her surrounded by riches, he isn’t about to let her walk away – instead holding her prisoner within the corrupt court. Juliana’s only freedom is her nights with Rue, where their negotiations turn to seduction, and together they construct a desperate plot to escape a life where they must keep spinning gold… or die

REVIEW:
A very romantic tale on the classic: Rumplestiltskin.  It was set in medieval times, contained magic, fae and had hot sex.  There was a villain, a brother in peril and a handsome prince. Sounds like the stuff dreamy stories are made of.  I just wasn’t swept away.  The whole evil prince/evil advisor plot was a little convoluted. So was the whole captured/enslaved fae part for that matter. I enjoyed the premise of a girl willing to do anything it took to save her brother. The realization that she was totally naive and that she had some growing up to do was the best part of the book. Oh and the happy ending. Because I am a sucker for those.

The premise for the story was great. The characters were the stuff that fairytales are made of. The writing was solid. And the plot was classic. But it just didn’t carry me off into the fantasy. I think a lot of people will really enjoy this book. It just wasn’t for me.

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

Kelly’s review of Lover’s Instinct by Katie Reus

TITLE: Lover’s Instinct – Moon Shifter #1.5
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/07/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Novella:
Lupine shifter Nikan Lawless has it bad for Esperanze Cordona, the sweet and curvy woman who only views him as a friend. But when Nikan is assigned to act as Esperanze’s bodyguard during a weekend education conference, he knows it’s the perfect opportunity to seduce her off her feet—away from the pack.

To put his plan into motion Nikan cancels one of their hotel rooms, giving them time to get to know one another in a whole different way. But when a man from Esperanze’s past shows up in need of help, Nikan must shield her from a group of dangerous rogue shifters, all while trying to prove that they’re destined to be mates.

REVIEW:
Lover’s Instinct was a great novella.  But like any good novella it was too short.  I really wanted more of Nikan & Esperanze.

Lover’s Instinct takes place between Alpha Instinct & Primal Possession, but can be read as a stand alone.  Although I would highly recommend reading Alpha Instinct first.

In Lover’s Instinct we meet Esperanze who is the cousin of the female Alpha.  After a string of murders leaves the pack reeling Esperanze decides she need a weekend away.  Just a weekend away to regroup.  While her Alpha’s are letting her go they are not letting her go alone.  They are sending Nikan long to protect her.  Nikan is new to the pack.  He is one of the Warriors that showed up with the new Alpha.  While Esperanze doesn’t mind Nikan at all she is not overly happy he is tagging along with her on her weekend away.

Little does Esperanze know that she is leaving one problem for another and having Nikan by her side will be a very helpful too.

I really can’t say much more than that, but I did really enjoy this novella.

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