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Kimberly’s review of The Guest Book by MaryBeth Whalen

The Guest Book
AUTHOR: Mary Beth Whalen
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/03/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Macy Dillon was five years old her father encouraged her to draw a picture in the guestbook of a Carolina beach house. The next year, Macy returned to discover a drawing by an unidentified little boy on the facing page. Over the next eleven years the children continue to exchange drawings … until tragedy ends visits to the beach house altogether. During her final trip to Sunset, Macy asks her anonymous friend to draw her one last picture and tells him where to hide the guest book in hopes that one day she will return to find it—and him. Twenty-five years after that first picture, Macy is back at Sunset Beach—this time toting a broken family and a hurting heart. One night, alone by the ocean, Macy asks God to help her find the boy she never forgot, the one whose beautiful pictures touched something deep inside of her. Will she ever find him? And if she does, will the guestbook unite them or merely be the relic of a lost childhood?

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It does fall under Christian romance so there is quite a bit about God and returning to Him after a time when Macy let herself stop believing.

This is a very melancholy book. The character is still in, I think, a depression from the last few years of her life. Her father passed away and she got pregnant by a boyfriend who then ran off and she has raised her daughter on her own. Macy’s brother Max is going through a depression as well but has turned to drinking and maybe even her mother is too since she has kept a shrine to her late husband for 10 years. Most of the book is spent with Macy looking back at her father and the time they spent at the beach when she was young. And while she wonders who the artist is that has left her the pictures for years the story feels more like a homage to the father she misses. I wonder if the author recently lost someone herself to feel this melancholy and put it in writing. But what is interesting is the book is not a downer. The memories that Macy has are good memories, most of the time, so you do not feel like she has been in a deep depression just a functioning one.

I do not want to give the wrong impression. This is a REALLY good book but it is not all love and sex. It feels more like what a real person goes through after a rough time. Wanting to come around and change her life. All the characters are very interesting in the book from Brenda (mom), the neighbor (Buzz), the three men who enter her life and especially Max her brother. I really enjoyed the playfulness of Max especially when he is around Emma (Macy’s daughter). The author really writes Emma’s part well. Emma is supposed to be 5 years old and she acts it. So many times authors put in a child about this age and the child either speaks like a 2 year old or like a 10 year old. You really feel that the author has had these conversations with a 5 year old and wrote them down.

While, like I said, there is quite a bit of God and religion in the book (including a handsome pastor) it is not shoved down your throat. This is a wonderful Christian story of a woman who is ready to turn her life around and is just trying to figure it out and hoping to get led in the direction she is supposed to go. I do, however, wish we had an epilogue to this book (you will understand when you read it).

NOTE: After reading the extra note about the sculpture used in the story I went all through the internet looking for a picture. Even going to the website of the city it is located in and when one was not there I actually sent them an email telling them that they needed one because the book was coming out. I finally found it on a Pinterest site made up by the author. http://pinterest.com/marybeth6/the-guest-book-a-novel/

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of In Rides Trouble by Julie Ann Walker

In Rides Trouble

Black Knight Inc #2
AUTHOR: Julie Ann Walker
PUBLICATION DATE:   09/04/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
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.

REVIEW:
Aaahhh, book 2 in Julie Ann Walker’s Black Knight Inc. series was just as good as book 1.

In Ride Trouble picks up right where Hell on Wheels leaves off (so if you are thinking about reading this series I would highly recommend you start with book 1) with Becky still on vacation.  But soon enough the resident queen greasemonkey of Black Knight Inc, finds herself and her best friend Eve in a bit of a pickle.  Being taken hostage by pirates was not on her list of things to do on vacation.  But Becky knows it is just a matter of time before her big brother and her boss Frank will be coming for her.

When word of Becky’s kidnapping reaches Frank he goes a little nuts.  Frank will not stop until Becky is safe and home with him under his roof no matter the cost.  And it almost cost Frank everything.  Because everything he wants and never thinks he can ever have, almost  doesn’t  make it home.

Love, love, loved Frank and Becky’s book.  These two are like oil and vinegar.  They don’t mix will, but just like any good vinegate if you shake them hard enough they learn to work together.
Frank and Becky both want the same thing, but neither is willing to take that first step.  But when that step is taken, OH BOY!!!!  But just like oil and vinegar the minute you stop shaking the bottle they separate again, these two really need to learn to communicate.    But in the end I think they finally got it right.

Again, Julie had me crying, laughing and on the edge of my seat nervous.   I am so excited for the next book in this series Rev’ It Up.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy (from NetGalley) of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly’s review of Lord Atwood’s Lovers by Eva Clancy

Lord Atwood’s Lovers
AUTHOR: Eva Clancy
PUBLICATION DATE:   06/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
To the rest of the ton, Lord and Lady Atwood seem to have the perfect marriage. They wed for love and their marriage bed doesn’t lack for passion—but Imogen is haunted by the memory of her first marriage…while Charles harbors secret thoughts and desires he’s been unable to confess to his wife.

Then Charles’s ex-lover, Alexander Lambert, arrives in town, throwing Charles into a tailspin—and awakening a surprising attraction in Imogen. Now, both have to face the possibility that they may need more than just each other to be truly complete.

REVIEW:
I think this was trying to be a story of erotica but it just didn’t work. While the background story was interesting there was not enough of it. And there was not enough of the sex scenes to have it fall under the erotica heading. Surprisingly though the story might have made a really good novella since there could have been more put into the characters story but it felt like the story was being rushed to get to where Alex is brought into the story but yet when he finally is brought it there is nothing interesting that happens. It could have been written so we see more of how Charles enjoys watching Imogene flirt with other men and more about the nightmares she has. Then we could have maybe met Alex with more of a storyline like maybe Alex and Imogene flirt at first without Charles knowing or something… I do not know I just know that there was not enough to this story in any way shape or form which is too bad because the premise was really good.

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Ursula’s review of The Theory Of Attraction by Delphine Dryden

The Theory of Attraction
AUTHOR: Delphine Dryden
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/09/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Camilla can set her watch by her hunky rocket-scientist neighbor who jogs past her window each day. She relishes each glimpse of his shirtless abs, and is dying to see more. But it’s hard to connect with a man who doesn’t seem to know she exists…

Ivan feels at home in the lab, not in social situations. When he finally approaches his attractive neighbor, it’s not for a date—he wants tutoring in how to behave at an important fundraiser. Ivan doesn’t expect the chemistry between them to be quite so explosive, and is surprised when Cami actually accepts his proposal to embark on a series of “lessons.”

Cami soon discovers Ivan’s schedule isn’t the only thing he likes to be strict about—he needs to be charge in the bedroom as well. She’s shocked at how much she comes to enjoy her submissive side, but wonders if a real relationship is in the equation…

REVIEW:

Ok let me get this out of the way:

Do you watch Big Bang Theory? Because all through this book I had the feeling I was reading a hot, dominant version of Sheldon Cooper. BAZINGA! I tried, TRIED to see Ivan, but all I could picture was a sexy Sheldon type. I loved it. If you don’t watch Big Bang Theory, then you won’t get it. I am afraid I may spend this review comparing Ivan to Sheldon. I am going to try really hard not to, but in my mind they are intertwined. And not only the character of Ivan. The whole set up. A bunch of slightly misfit people, living in a complex, all hanging out together. To me it just screamed…well, you get the point. Sorry.

This story made me laugh and cringe all at the same time. Ivan is so clueless, yet extremely dominant. He is clueless how to relate to “real” people and has no clue how to be tactful. He is so smart he thinks differently, acts differently and relates differently. I was tickled watching how Ivan saw things and seeing Cami teach him how he should see things. The little intricacies of how the normal person relates to someone are humorous when viewed through his eyes. It is not something I really think about. I like to think I am pretty good at relating to people. I have a bad habit of not letting people finish sentences, kind of like Ivan. Only in my case it’s because I get a thought and I don’t want to lose it. (I am ditzy like that)

I guess I have become distracted. (Like I said, ditzy) I really enjoyed reading this book. The relationship was not like the usual and it was fun to read. I just wanted to shake Ivan when he couldn’t be clear on what he wanted. I was upset at the thought that after everything, they might not work out. I am super glad there was a HEA! I definitely recommend this book. Especially if you are a Big Bang Theory fan. Sorry. Couldn’t resist.

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

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione

 Immortal Rider
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE:   12/01/11
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sexy, powerful, and immortal, Limos is on a crash course with destiny. She’s been marked as Satan’s bride and her jealous fiancé wants her all to himself. The only way this Horseman can keep herself—and everyone else—safe is to keep her distance. But not even Limos can save herself from the secrets she’s kept . . . or resist the seductive allure of one very brave human.

Arik Wagner knows the saying “love hurts” better than most, yet he never thought stealing a kiss from Limos would land him in Hell. Literally. It takes all his military training to survive the demon torture, but once he’s topside, Arik realizes that the agony has just begun. With the Apocalypse looming and Satan demanding his bride, will Arik and Limos surrender to the desire smoldering between them? Or will giving in to their passion unleash hell on earth?

REVIEW:
I honestly have never read a Larissa Ione book that I have not enjoyed and this is no exception. This is the second in the Lords of Deliverance series. Ione is one of the best when it comes to Paranormal Romance.

I would not suggest reading this book without first reading the Eternal Rider (the first in the series) as there is a lot of references to the first book and the background story of Reseph is continued in this book and while you can probably pick up the gist of the story if you did not read the first one I am not sure why you would not want to since Ione is the Queen of this genre.

I was a little taken back at the way Ione had Limos become more reserved then she was in the first book. She was written as a bad-ass in the first book but she falls for Arik and becomes a little bit of a lovesick puppy then the doberman she was in Eternal Rider. That being said she can still kick butt better than most. I enjoyed the fact that the storyline of Lethal Rider (#3/Than’s story) was begun in this book. I can not wait to start the next book.

If you enjoy this genre then you can not miss this series and don’t miss the series that started it all “Demonica”.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Chilled by Kendra Elliot

 Chilled
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE:   8/14/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
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.

REVIEW:

A plane crash.  A search team.  A murderer on the loose.

This was a great suspense romance. From the beginning you feel like you are sucked into the SAR’s team journey.  While this is Brynn’s story you get to know each of the cast of and fall in love with all of them. So much so I wanted to know more about all of them.  I am hoping that Kendra will be writing a story for a few of them.  But back to the review.

I love the suspense of this book.  We know who the bad guy is, or at least we think we do. But yet we don’t know all the variable of the whys, the hows, or the true who’s.  Kendra takes up to the very end of the book before we truly understand everything that is happening.  But along the way we have a very sweet and tender beginning of a love story if they can just get off this mountain alive.

If you love a good suspense book I would highly suggest ordering a copy of Chilled.  I am very much looking forward to the next book Kendra has in store for us.

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.

4 Hearts
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Cynthia Eden Deadly Series

Deadly #1

Deadly Fear 

by Cynthia Eden

TWO BRILLIANT AGENTS
FBI Special Agent Monica Davenport has made a career out of profiling serial killers. But getting inside the twisted minds of the cruel and the sadistic has taken its toll: She’s walled herself off from the world. Yet Monica can’t ignore fellow agent Luke Dante, the only man who ever broke through her defenses.

ONE DREAM TEAM
Luke has the unique ability to put victims at ease…professionally, he and Monica made a perfect team. Now they’re reunited to catch a murderer who uses his victims’ deepest, darkest fears for sport – but their investigative skills aren’t enough. Luke and Monica will have to face the secrets from their past, the ones that terrify them the most, if they are to have a future together.

BUT CAN THEY CATCH A KILLER WHOSE WEAPON IS…

DEADLY FEAR

Deadly #2

Deadly Heat 

by Cynthia Eden

She wants revenge…
Six months after her lover died in an arsonist’s blaze, firefighter Lora Spade calls in the FBI’s elite Serial Services Division to track the elusive killer. When Special Agent Kenton Lake is lured into a violent inferno, Lora pulls him to safety and is stunned – not by the fire, but by her own searing attraction to Kent. For the first time in months, she longs for something other than vengeance.

He wants her…
Kenton’s interest in Lora should be purely professional. But one fleeting kiss and he can’t get her out of his mind. Her combination of strength and vulnerability makes him want to protect her, and that means solving this case – and fast. For even the passion igniting between them can’t hide a terrifying truth: Lora is the next target in a murderer’s sadistic, fiery game.

A vicious killer wants only…
DEADLY HEAT

 

Deadly #3

Deadly Lies 

by Cynthia Eden

She wants to hide the past
FBI Special Agent Samantha Kennedy is haunted by memories of the serial killer who abducted her. To keep the darkness at bay, she pretends to be a different, more confident woman. This Samantha doesn’t fear every unknown face. So she throws caution to the wind and shares a night of unbridled passion with a handsome stranger.

He needs to uncover the truth
One night isn’t enough for successful entrepreneur Max Ridgeway. He wants more of the sexy, smart, mysterious woman who slipped away before dawn. When they meet again, their attraction is undeniable-until his stepbrother goes missing, and Max realizes that Samantha isn’t who she seems. But they must trust each other to trap a ring of bloodthirsty kidnappers before the nightmares that terrorize Sam become irrevocably real.

As a merciless criminal spins a web of . . . 
DEADLY LIES

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Spotlight Feature & giveaway with Kacey Hammell

AWAKENINGS

In the Arms of the Law, Book 2

Available at Decadent Publishing

With her old flame back in her life, and on the trail of a killer, Detective Alicia Knowles is forced to face the past as she tries to make decisions about her future…

Detective Alicia Knowles once believed there was good in everyone. Not anymore. After a harrowing experience, her life had changed and she was a very different woman. Now more dangerous, she moves through the darkness of her once sunny world, unsure what to do with her pent up feelings of fear and anger.

Even her new boss, Cole Douglass, makes her feel out of control. One night, years ago, he made her feel things she’d never felt with any other man. This time it can only be business between them.

With her latest case, however, temperatures flare.

Their passion is rekindled as the search is on for a missing child and a murderer on the run. Can Alicia protect her heart from the most dangerous power of all…love?

© Kacey Hammell

She turned around. Their chests brushed, and she gave him a half-smile. “I know Hannah might not blame me, but I do. A few more moments, it’s all we would have needed. I’d change it if I could.” When Cole opened his mouth, she placed her fingers on his lips to silence him. “I can’t, but I vow to do whatever it takes to catch this son-of-a-bitch.”

Alicia tried to convey the sincerity of her promise as she stared into his eyes. For Hannah, and this man, she’d do whatever she could to bring peace to their family once more.

“I know you would. But you can’t carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. We’ll get him.” He raised his hand to her cheek and pushed back a strand of hair that had fallen over her face. Her breath quickened at the light touch. Her body stilled.

The air crackled with electricity. She was sure he could feel it, too; the tension rolled off his body like waves in the ocean. To walk away would be the best thing to do, but for the life of her, Alicia couldn’t get her feet to move.

“You know what, Ali?” His voice was soft and powerfully seductive. “You know what I remember most about our night together?”

Alicia’s hand clasped his wrist, below where his fingers rested lightly on her cheek. She wanted to fall into his arms, burn beneath his touch again. They’d never talked about it and she was curious to know what he remembered.

She remembered it all.

Every touch and sigh. Every kiss and pleasure she basked in.

Through many a cold and lonely night, she cherished the memories of Cole’s hard body pressed against hers, pushing her against the mattress—and the wall and the bathroom counter—but she marveled at how he’d made her feel like more of a woman in one night than she’d felt in all her adult years.

Her voice hoarse and scratchy, she whispered, “What do you remember?”

“Our fire.”

When his mouth claimed hers, her body ignited with long-repressed emotions. Hunger, mind-blowing hunger, rattled through her. It was so hard to breathe.

 

 

TIED DOWN

An “Edge” short story

Available at Decadent Publishing

Connected to In the Arms of the Law Series

The time has come for Brady Jacobs to grab hold of the woman he loves and their future. But his lady, Isabella Knowles, is skittish. He knows she’ll bolt at the mention of twenty, forty or sixty more years together.

He needs to handle this with precise planning, tools to seduce and never give her a moment to flee.

Brady will tie her down, pleasure her, push her further than she’s ever experienced.

Then he’ll ask her …

© Kacey Hammell

Isabella stirred at a tug on her ankle. She shifted, not in any way eager to wake up.

Snuggling her cheek deeper into the pillow, she sighed. The web of slumber curled around her as she relaxed again.

At the shuffle of footsteps and a thump, she stirred. Her eyes flew open and she lifted her head. As she shifted to her side, she gasped.

Why couldn’t she move?

Jesus, what the hell?

Danger screamed through her mind while she took in the room around her. Right where she’d fallen asleep, in Brady’s bed.

No need to fear for her safety. Right?

“What the fuck is this?” Damn the bindings around her wrists and feet. “Brady!” she screamed. She’d kill the bastard who dared to enter their personal space. Cripes, if he’s been hurt, she’d carve out their hearts and throw the bodies in the ocean.

“Brady!”

“I’m right here, babe.”

His head appeared over the foot of the bed. Her heart skipped a beat. Safe. Her head fell back in relief. She’d die if something happened to him. Could never relive him ever being hurt again. She’d barely survived once before when he’d been stabbed and almost blown to bits. She did not ever want to go through anything like it again.

“You okay, babe? These scarves aren’t too tight, are they?”

So lost in her own thoughts, she forgot she lay there, tied like some prisoner.

“What the hell? What’s going on?” He knelt at the end of the bed. She gaped as she took in her naked body, the scarves holding her legs and arms captive. Her heart rate accelerated. She had no control over any of this. Desperate to get out of the ties and the situation, she pulled hard, jerked her limbs to escape their captivity.

“Fuck! Goddamn it. Let me loose.”

Purchase Illusions & Awakenings, which precede this story, at Decadent Publishing

Giveaway

~ To enter to win a chance at a Coffee Mug (which says “Detectives Love Handcuffs”) plus author swag, simply leave a comment/question below.

Winner will be chosen Sept 15th

*open to everyone.  Kacey will pick winner on the 15th*

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Interview & Giveaway with Lisa Darling

We are pleased to welcome Lisa Darling to the blog today to chat about her newCan you please share with us a little about yourself

I never know what to say here so I’ll just try to make it short and sweet. I love; chocolate, writing, trying to garden, my cat, my kids, my husband of 26 years, classic cars, fast motorcycles, movies, Bruce Springsteen, Stephen King, and magick. I am addicted to; Facebook and its games!  I hate; stupid people.  Yeah, I guess that about sums it up in a nice little package.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes, since 4th grade I knew I would be writing all the rest of my days.

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

Generally, after my hubby leaves for work in the morning (I’m currently unemployed and looking for work), I check/answer email, check site stats, then head to FaceBook to check that and play a few word games to warm up.  Then, most days, I’m off to blog—another warm up exercise. After that I gather my; coffee, cigs, cold drink, candles, incense, iTunes, and then open the file. If it’s a good day, I’m lost in the Zone until 3-4pm with my fingers flying across the keyboard.  If it’s not a good day, I’m back to FaceBook for more games while I try to figure out my next move in the story.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Most challenging; getting started! The older I get the harder it is to get going along. Most rewarding; getting a note from someone who read and truly enjoyed one of my books.

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

One September 21st, the third full-length novel in my OF WAR Series “Child of War-Rising Son” releases. The series revolves around Ares God of War, his half-Fey half-human wife, Alena, their son Raven and the Greek pantheon. The series is set in modern day though I’ve tried to keep the old world flavor to date. In “Rising Son” Raven gets his chance to redeem himself as he comes of age, to call the kid a hellion would be putting it very mildly. In this story we’ll find out if Raven can reconcile the fact that he’s not a full-blooded Olympian, that he’s hated by nearly every Olympian outside his Father, Mother, and Brother Eros, or if he’ll go through with destroying the mortal world which is in utter turmoil.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

As with all of my stories, the Muse dropped it in my lap. He asked; what if Ares fell in love? Not in lust and not in extreme, but temporary, infatuation but REAL love. I’ve been intrigued by Ares God of War since high school and then in the early nineties a little show called “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” appeared on TV with this absolute HUNK to portray Ares. Oh my lord! I fell in LUST the second Kevin Smith exploded onto the screen.  So, when the Muse asked, I thought it was an interesting question and we ran with it. I thought it would make a good novel so “The Heart of War” was born but then it turned into a series on me.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

As of this writing, I haven’t begun it yet, but the next work will be the final installment in the OF WAR Series, “Spoils of War”.  I don’t want to give anything away since “Rising Son” hasn’t released yet but let’s just say, in “Spoils of War” we’ll see if Ares can get Alena to fall in love with him all over again and if they can finally their Happily Ever After.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

My all-time hero is Stephen King, I always bend a knee at the Altar of the Master. I’ve always found hours of lustful enjoyment in the works of Harold Robbins, Jacqueline Susan, Judith Rossner, and VC Andrews.

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

Oh definitely! There is a Kingism or some nod to him in every single story I write. The OF WAR Series is dedicated to Red and Andy from “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank” Redemption, I can’t possibly tell you just how much I love those two! They are my absolute favorite characters. I cried my eyes out reading the short story and the movie always makes me bawl, the second Red gets parole I start crying!  I say hi entire monologue right along with him from start to finish, it ends with the best line in the world; “I hope.” My eyes are welling just telling you about it. If you’ve never read the story or seen the movie do yourself a favor, get “Different Season” or rent the flick, you won’t be sorry.

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

My TbR pile is so large at the moment I’m not adding anything to it. A strange thing has happened to me as I’ve gotten older, I seem to only have the attention span—and interest—in the news! I can read any news article but when it comes to a book, lately, nothing has been able to hold my attention.  Pretty sad, huh?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If anyone is interested in reading the OF WAR Series, I’d like to stress this is not a YA series, it is written for adults, and contains several scenes of graphic sex and violence. I’d also like to thank you for having me here today, I’ve enjoyed it very much.

 

LINKS:

Website: http://www.moonsmusings.com
Blog: http://lbdarling.wordpress.com
FaceBook: http://facebook.com/lbdarling (“fan page”)
Twitter: @lb_darling

GoodReads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1577311.Lisa_Beth_Darling

 

My Books are Available On:

Amazon.com/Kindle- http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Beth-Darling/e/B002BMDA9I/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Smashwords- https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lisadarling

Nook- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lisa-beth-darling

iBooks- http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/lisa-beth-darling/id411650358?mt=11

Kobo- http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=Lisa+Beth+Darling&t=none&f=author&p=1&s=averagerating&g=both

 

Giveaway: 1 e-book set of the OF War Series to date:

The Heart of War
Child of War-A God is Born
Christmas Eve on Olympus (a short story enhancement to the series of full-length novels)

To enter please fill out the Rafflecopter form below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Interview & Giveaway with Liz Grace Davis

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Liz Grace Davis to the blog today to chat about her new book Chocolate Aftertaste.

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

I was born in Angola but my parents are Namibian. I grew up in Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Germany and Austria. I met my husband in Austria and have been living here since. I’m in love with books.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I never really thought about it. I just started writing for me at first, and then decided to share my work with others. All I know is that I’m happy to be a writer. It’s a part of me I never want to live without.

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

Jodi Picoult, John Grisham, Sophie Kinsella, Marian Keyes…gosh there are many more. But these authors have touched me most. I can’t really say who influenced my writing. I think all the books I read and really enjoyed had a combined effect on me.

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

The thing is, I write what I enjoy reading, and I read different types of genres. In addition to this romantic women’s fiction (Chocolate Aftertaste), I also wrote a young adult fantasy novel, Tangi’s Teardrops.

What are some of your writing rituals?

I don’t really have writing rituals. I try my best to write every day, but at different times. I do try to have my favorite snacks nearby and country music playing in the background.

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

Chocolate Aftertaste is a novel about Nora, a woman who has always lived up to her wealthy and domineering father’s expectations. Until she reaches a breaking point and suddenly decides that she wants to live her life according to her own rules. She risks her relationship with the only family she has, her father, but stands to gain so much more. She falls in love and rediscovers her dreams. But the road to her happiness is very rocky.

Chocolate Aftertaste is about real life problems and how Nora overcomes them in order to find her happiness.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

There are too many people in the world who do things just to make others happy—family, friends, relatives. I wanted to share the message that only you know what you really need, what would make you incredibly happy. Don’t sacrifice your dreams and happiness. Listen to advice from others, but take what is right for you and leave the rest. Life is too short not to live it fully.

Until I wrote the novel, I was one of those people who lived to make other people’s dreams come true, and neglected my own. No more. I can be there for others, help them reach their dreams. But not help them crush mine.

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

I’m currently editing my next romantic women’s fiction. Honeysuckle & Jasmine is the story of two African Au-pairs (in Germany) who become closer than sisters. As they go through the challenges of living in a foreign country, there is nothing they wouldn’t do for each other. Nothing stands in the way of their friendship—not money, not boyfriends…nothing. They will protect each other, even if it means getting in trouble with immigration. This novel is based on a true story and will be published in early December.

What would you be if you were not an author?

A book cover designer.

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

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, Book 2). It’s right here next to me. I think I’ll start it tonight.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It’s so nice of you to interview me today. I enjoyed chatting with you. I hope your followers will give Chocolate Aftertaste a chance.

At her pre-wedding dinner, Nora Darkin, the daughter of a wealthy entrepreneur, discovers her fiancé is not the man she thought he was. As her father hoists his glass to toast them, she makes an announcement: there will be no wedding to her father’s right-hand man.

Due to the fresh rift driven between her and her father, Nora escapes to the quaint town of Dreara. Determined to live her life her own way, she makes new friends and pursues her lifelong desire of becoming a chef. Ethan Danes, a neighbour with his own broken heart, helps soothe hers.

Just as Nora discovers what it means to be happy, and she begins to fall in love with Ethan, a woman from his past re-enters his life…

Buy Link: Amazon

Excerpt:

Nora turned her attention back to the reality in front of her. She hated arguments; sometimes she wished she could hide somewhere, just wait them out. Unfortunately, life was not like that.

She lifted her eyes to meet Liam’s. The ice in his eyes had not melted. She dropped her gaze.

Instead of flirting with her appetite, the large marinated tiger prawns made her stomach queasy, and the oriental noodles looked like neglected yarn left out in the rain. From the way he dissected his steak, Liam’s appetite was just fine. She gritted her teeth as his knife scraped the porcelain plate.

Unable to bear the silence between them, she leaned forward and whispered, “I hate it when you ignore me.”

“What do you want me to say?” He chewed the last of his food and waved for the waiter. “We’re done.”

The waiter nodded and scuttled over to remove their plates.

When the waiter was out of earshot, Nora hissed through clenched teeth, “I wasn’t done.”

Liam took a swig of water, probably wishing it were something stronger. “You didn’t look like you were hungry.”

“Stop treating me like a child,” she snapped.

“Stop acting like one.”

Nora’s cheeks heated. She contained her anger with difficulty. “That’s really insensitive.”

“What do you want from me, Nora?” A vein pulsed in his neck. “What exactly do you want me to say?”

“Say you want me to be happy.” Her eyes brimmed. “Don’t ask me to get rid of my best friend.”

He loosened his tie—and then slammed his fist on the table, knocking over Nora’s glass of water. The silver stream raced straight for her lap.

The waiter appeared as if from nowhere to replace the white tablecloth with a new one. Nora forced a smile and whispered an apology. The waiter nodded, and a minute later he left.

Ignoring the curious looks they got from the other diners, she dabbed at the moisture on her black jeans. “You can’t always explode every time I refuse to do what you want.”

Liam ignored her. “Ask to pay. I want to leave.”

Nora flinched, but abided. Paying wasn’t so bad—so long as it was fair. On their first and second date, he paid. On their third and a few more after that, they went Dutch. After one year, he asked her to pay for an occasional meal until it became an unspoken arrangement between them. The only thing Liam had paid for himself in three years was her engagement ring.

About the Author:

Liz Grace Davis grew up in Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Germany. She now lives with her husband in Vienna, Austria.

Growing up, Liz spent most her days in libraries, diving into the world of books. In her spare time she reads a lot, travels, creates jewelry and designs digital scrapbooks. That’s of course when she’s not weaving stories. She’s in her element whenever she is doing anything that requires creativity.

Liz is the author of a young adult fantasy novel, Tangi’s Teardrops, and a romantic women’s fiction novel, Chocolate Aftertaste.

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Twitter / Book Trailer

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Interview & Giveaway with Parker Kincade

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome first time guest Parker Kincade to the blog today.  Parker, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I’m originally a mid-western girl, but I’ve lived all over the United States. I grew up in Colorado and I now live in the South, where it’s currently too hot to breathe.  I have BA degrees in philosophy and anthropology and am working on a Master’s degree. I love ice cream, dancing and singing (much to my kids amusement),  and I’ve been writing since I was a little girl. Little known fact…I don’t eat cooked fruit – which includes pie. I know, crazy right?

Have you always wanted to be an author?

The short answer is yes. The slightly more lengthy answer is yes, I have always wanted to be an author, but instead, I found other (translation: safer) things to do.  I never stopped writing. I wrote for work, academia and other venues, but my first  love has always been romance novels. Last year, I decided to take the plunge and see what happened. Best decision I ever made. 🙂

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I don’t like to write in complete silence, but I can’t listen to music that has vocals (too distracting because then I want to sing along). I listen to brainwave or classical music. I even have different composers I like for certain types of scenes. It’s funny where inspiration comes from!

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

My current release, One Night Stand, is about a young woman, Amanda Martin, who is fed up with love/relationships and decides to have a one-night stand. As  with most plans made while shooting whiskey with her best friend, Amanda realizes she may have made a mistake in judgment when she runs into trouble in a bar. The bar owner, sexy, ex-military sniper, Joe Sterling, steps in to help and Amanda is immediately taken with him – and takes him home.

What Amanda doesn’t  know is Joe has been alone for most of his life…and it’s a situation he’s looking to rectify. What Joe doesn’t know is Amanda has three very large, very over-protective brothers who would do anything to protect their baby   sister from harm.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I was traveling across Texas when the idea started to form. I knew the characters; I just didn’t know what I was going to do with them…or who would be    first. Several people close to me were dealing with relationship issues and the idea sparked from there. I’ve always been fascinated with behavior patterns – why people do the things they do. The quest for a one-night stand is something we generally associate with men, so the idea of approaching it from the female  perspective was intriguing. Plus, it gave me an opportunity to challenge the   Martin men right off the bat.

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

I’m working on a 4-part series of novellas that span the course of a year. I can’t    say too much about it yet, but I hope to have news to share before the end of this   year. I am also working on book two in the Martin Family series, which is Caleb’s    story.

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

I’d love to meet JR Ward, for so many reasons! She’s an amazing talent at the top of her game. The world she has created in her Black Dagger Brotherhood series is complex and stunning, the characters are edgy and fierce, and each book is just as good, if not better, than the one before. Yeah, I have a little author  worship going on. LOL!

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

Learn your craft. That’s the first step – and the most important one. Then, keep learning your craft. Keep writing, learning, listening.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Sure! I want to spend time in Greece. While the food, drink and beaches are a definite plus, I’m interested in the archaeological aspects of the islands. It’s the anthropologist in me. Boring, but true. 🙂

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

My TBR pile is extensive! Lora Leigh’s Stygian’s Honor is next; GA Aiken’s new Dragon Kin book, How to Drive a Dragon Crazy and Jaci Burton’s Playing to Win,  just came out and, of course, JR Ward’s Rapture comes out this month too.   Gaaaa! I better get busy!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for having me today and I wish you all luck in the giveaway!

LINKS:

www.parkerkincade.blogspot.com

www.parkerkincade.com

www.facebook.com/parkerkincade

www.twitter.com/parkerkincade

www.goodreads.com/author/show/6475101.Parker_Kincade

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