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Interview with CJ Ellisson

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome the wonderful CJ Ellisson to the blog for the first time.

C.J. Ellisson, author of contemporary fantasy and erotica, lives near DC with her husband, two children aged eleven and nine, two Staffordshire Bull Terriers and a fluffy black cat who makes her sneeze.

After spending most of her working life dealing with real estate – either as a sales manager in wholesale mortgage banking, a corporate trainer, a Realtor, or as a property manager – she’s now writing full-time and happy for the first time in years. 

Writing has become her passion and to find people want to read her stories feels like a dream come true.

To find out more about C.J. please visit her online:  Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

The VV Inn Series 


Vampire Vacation 

(The V V Inn #1)

Meet Vivian. She’s a 580-year-old vampire who exudes sex, has a talent for drama, and is passionate about two things: her human husband, Rafe, and their resort for the undead. Her ability to project physical illusions has created the perfect vacation spot a dark, isolated Alaskan hideaway where visitors can have their wildest fantasies come true.

Vivian knows the best performance requires perfect timing, but the powerful vamp is put to the test when she discovers a corpse in a locked guestroom minutes before the next arrivals. Always cool-headed, Rafe hides the body, convinced he and Vivian can find the culprit without disturbing their guests.

Juggling the increasingly outrageous demands of their customers while tracking a killer isn’t easy. Will their poking and prodding give them the answers they need, or will it uncover secrets Vivian would kill to protect?

Warning: This story contains some explicit sex scenes and is not intended for readers under 18.

Purchase Links:  Amazon / Barnes & Noble

The Hunt (The V V Inn #2)

Vivian thinks she can control every aspect of a deadly game with her usual manipulations… but what if she can’t? Journey along, in this next installment of The V V Inn series, for a wild ride as the tale is told through the eyes of all her new seethe members.

Seven vampires and seven werewolves pay to hunt a supernatural criminal across the cold, vast grounds of an Alaskan resort. The one to catch her, and live through the encounter, will increase their power by feasting on hers.

The tiny vampire they track is more than she appears, however. To escape a fate of ten years in silver chains, she’ll do anything to survive the week long excursion. This time, the darkness holds more than just the stinging bite of the Arctic—it holds death.

Purchase Links:  Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Big Game (The V V Inn #3)

In this much-anticipated third installment of the V V Inn series, our sexy couple journeys to Argentina, bringing half their seethe along for the ride. Vivian and Rafe venture into the Seat of Darkness, the Tribunal’s base, to uncover who’s plotting against them and why. From a cold, windy island off the southern Argentine coast, to the decadence of Buenos Aires, the group has plenty to keep their attention–seductive twins, deadly games, and a bunch of bloodsucking fiends who hate our much-loved, despotic innkeeper enough to see her dead. Asa and Jon remain in Alaska, to manage the famous inn as it opens doors to a new type of guest. Visiting werewolves go on their first exploration of the property, looking for big game–hormones run high and shots ring out across the tundra. Soon, the hunters become the hunted and the peaceful getaway resembles a battleground. How many will survive the next five days and will they ever be the same again? Warning: This book contains very explicit sex scenes and is not intended for readers under 18

Purchase Links:  Amazon / Barnes & Noble

 

Can you please share with us a little about yourself

I’m a mother of two, a full time writer, and a devoted wife who hasn’t killed her spouse, yet. 😉 Just kidding, he’s a keeper.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I never thought I could ever be a writer. I sat down and started writing one day. A good friend with a journalism degree and twenty years experience as an editor read my work and told me I was a natural. I believed her and haven’t looked back since!

Are you a plotter or a panster? And can you explain the difference?

I’m a plotter who leaves the outline loose enough for the story to evolve as I’m writing it.  A true panster writes without an kind of outline, letting it flow from concept to creation, right onto the page. I’ve heard some pansters have a hard time with story arcs and dangling plot threads, and must edit a lot on the finished MS.

Some plotters have really extensive outlines, like fifty pages or more. Mine are never that detailed but they do help guide me while crafting the story.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

Hmm… I had to think hard on this one. Perhaps the most interesting quirk I have is the style in which I choose to write. I like first person present tense, not past tense (which is more commonly done). There are more and more books being done in present tense, but it’s still rare enough that for some readers mine is the first they’ve ever tried.

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

BIG GAME is an adventurous erotic vampire mystery with two distinct storylines. One is set in Alaska, following the werewolves, and the other is Argentina, with most of Vivian’s vampire seethe.

How did you come up with the idea for this story?

I’ve had the idea for this story since the first book, VAMPIRE VACATION. I thought I knew exactly how I wanted BIG GAME to end, but while writing it I altered some small points as it evolved. Conceptually, I knew I wanted Vivian to need rescuing. Setting up the scenario and premise was the fun part!

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

I’m aiming at the Fifty Shades of Grey readership. I’ve written erotica in the past and anyone who has read my books knows I don’t shy away from incredibly hot sex scenes! Crafting an erotic romance that would appeal to women and men is my goal. Whereas the current sensation calls to women, I’d like to write something couples can read together. The novel will take the reader on one woman’s journey of sexual discovery, while teaching the man in the book a little about himself as well.

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

Hmm… I can’t say. There are lots of authors I admire and lots of books I’ve loved. I don’t have one that stands out as the be-all-end-all rock star that I’d love to meet.

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

Develop a thick skin and hire an experienced editor. So many authors think publishing houses have editors and the company will take care of all of that stuff for them. In reality, if your manuscript isn’t as close to perfect as you can possibly make it before an agent or big editor sees it, then you can bet there won’t be any contract offers or a chance to work with their editing team to follow. They really expect you to have a clear grasp of the mechanics and hand them something that is extrememly well polished.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I’d like to learn several foreign languages and travel around the world, staying for long periods of time on each continent. I realize that’s a tall order, especially learning languages, too, but it’s a dream I’ve had for years.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

Fall. Not simply for the return of the school year (yay!), but for the cooler weather and the anticipation of my favorite excuse to dress up – Halloween!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’d like to ask readers to give my work a try. Download the free eBook JUST ONE TASTE to read half of my first book, Vampire Vacation. It’s available on Kindle, Nook, Apple, and through Smashwords. It’s a chance to see if the characters, storyline, and writing style appeal to you before you lay out a dime.

Website | Facebook  | Twitter | Goodreads

** CJ is having  a big contest this month.  To enter fill out the rafflecopter form below**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Kelly’s review of Shadow Rising by Kendra Leigh Castle

Shadow Rising
Dark Dynasties #3
AUTHOR: Kendra Leigh Castle
PUBLICATION DATE:   7/31/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ancient Secrets, Dark Passions…

As one of the Grigori, a noble vampire dynasty shrouded in mystery, Ariane has spent her life hidden away in the desert. Like all of her kind, she is a watcher, fated to observe, forbidden to act. Yet when her best friend, Sammael, vanishes, she defies all rules and flees her safe haven to bring him home.

A shape-shifting assassin for the House of Shadows, Damien Tremaine is hired to locate Sammael. His hunt for the wayward Grigori leads him to Ariane, the rogue vamp who stands between him and his bounty. Damien never lets emotion interfere with his work, but a single touch from the sexy, beguiling vampire shatters his self-control. Drawn together by their common goal, what begins as an alliance of necessity soon becomes one of desire. But when the secret at the dark heart of the Grigori comes to light, Damien and Ariane must make a choice that could bind them eternally…or tear them—and everything they care about—apart

REVIEW:
Damien, is just a pain in the ass, smart mouth, totally hot bounty hunter.  But really Damien uses all the smart mouth and sarcasm as a way to keep people from getting close to him, and it has worked for a very long time.  But like all good things it has to come to an end.  When Damien gets his next assignment to track down a missing Grigori the last thing he expected to find was one very hot, very stubborn, defiant female Grigori, that will test every wall Damien has ever put up.

Ariane has lived a very sheltered life, but she is done with that now.  Ariane is determined to go out on her own to find her missing friend Sammael.  Ariane is not prepared for the outside world, but she loves it and know now she can never go back to her sheltered life.  The one thing that Ariane was never prepared for is the very sexy cat-shifter that just walked into her life.

Damien & Ariane are like magnets.  At times they are pulled too close together you have to pry them apart and other times they repel each other.  It was great fun to read about these two and watch them grow together.  It is always fun when a big tough man falls so hard that he doesn’t even know it.  Damien may be a total and complete jerk at times, but he is sweet and dream too.

This was a great book.  This was also my first Kendra Leigh Castle book and I really enjoyed the world that Kendra created.   While I think that you can read this book as a stand alone I think it would be best to start at the beginning with Dark Awakening.  I am looking forward to what is next in the Dark Dynasties series.

4 Hearts

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly

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Kimberly’s review of Edge of Light by Cynthia Justlin

Edge of Light
AUTHOR: Cynthia Justlin
PUBLICATION DATE:   05/14/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Taken prisoner by a ruthless group of anarchists deep in the Cambodian jungle, anthropologist Jocelyn Hewitt is isolated in a dark prison cell. Without chance of rescue. Or hope. Until the man in the next cell reaches out to let her know she’s not as alone as she thinks.

CIA agent Oliver Shaw has been held prisoner for over two years. Forced to witness the brutal torture and slow murder of his entire team, his spirit is not just broken, it’s crushed. He no longer believes in hope. Until he hears Jocelyn through the wall, and suddenly feels like a glimpse of light is trying to reach in…

Jocelyn’s heart aches for the tortured man whose presence and voice give her the courage to risk their escape. But first she’ll have to remind Oliver who he once was, what he once loved, and bring him back to life. Only then will they have a chance for freedom—and the kind of love neither ever thought possible.

REVIEW:
DNF (which is very rare for me)… This is a very intense book with a lot of violence and I found it hard to read. This was not my kind of book. There were too many characters that they began to run together. If you enjoy intense books wrapped around violence and escape then this may be a book you would love to read. However I just could not do it.

REVIEWED BY: Kimberly

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Kelly’s review of Silk Road by TJ Michaels

Silk Road
Seals of Destiny #1
AUTHOR: TJ Michaels
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/17/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The first Descendant in millennia with the power to use an ancient artifact is being hunted. By the good, the bad…and the worst.

* * * * *
Every rogue longs for a second chance, right? Wrong. Larien, former angel of The Host is not looking for redemption. What he needs hasn’t been seen in millennia but he’ll search the ends of the Earth to find it – from the hills of San Francisco all the way to…the Silk Road.

Jayla Protegenu learned as a child to call her protectors to keep at bay the things that prowled the night. Now, as a woman grown, she never expected one of those protectors would be a Fallen angel – Larien. His job: to help Jayla find the mythical and mystical Seal of Solomon.

Even among those who created the very meaning of good and evil, nothing is black and white. Neither friends nor enemies are what they appear.

REVIEW:
Silk Road is a mix of mythology, fallen angels, demons and magic.  We find a little bit of just about everything going on in this story.  But TJ does a great job of blending them all together.  While keeping us on our toes and I  really enjoyed the main characters Larien & Jayla.

Larien, the dark brooding fallen angel who has sworn off love, humans and will just about everyone.  He has been tasked to help a human find an ancient artifact and when that is done he is done.  Only this human and the artifact stand in his way.  But little does this fallen angel know what awaits him on the other side of that door.

Jayla has always known she is special.  She just never knew just how special she was until she wakes up to an extremely hot man in her bedroom in the middle of the night and talking about secret missions. And oh boy does this mission turn Jayla’s life upside down.

Really enjoyed this book.  Great beginning to a wonderful series.   I am looking forward to the next installment in the Seals of Destiny series.

4 Hearts

REVIEWED BY: Kelly

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

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Ursula’s review of Gentlemen Prefer Nerds by Joan Kilby

Gentlemen Prefer Nerds
AUTHOR: Joan Kilby
PUBLICATION DATE:   Available Now
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Self-professed nerd Maddie Maloney is an expert on jewels. Jewel thieves are another matter entirely! So when a mysterious Englishman warns her that a thief known as The Chameleon is after the rare pink diamond on display in her aunt’s shop, she tells herself it’s just a joke. Even if she can’t get Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome out of her mind…

But Fabian Montgomery doesn’t give up easily. He’s everywhere she goes, convinced the thief will strike. And when the diamond does go missing-and Maddie is suspected of stealing it-he whisks her away from the police and together they pursue The Chameleon.

Fabian plunges her into a glamorous world far from her humble workshop and transforms geeky Maddie into a sophisticated siren capable of espionage. Her mission: to seduce The Chameleon and steal back the diamond.

But Fabian isn’t telling her everything-like who he works for, and why he’s so interested in The Chameleon

REVIEW:

This book was a non-stop action packed read.  Chock full of mysterious, hot men and priceless gems, this book had it all. Daring car chases, hidden agendas, and a desert island.  The hero and heroine were interesting characters.  I loved how Fabian just popped into her life with no warning.  Once there she had a hard time getting rid of him, until eventually she didn’t want to. He was a very layered character and we got to see his inner struggle with his feelings for Maddie and his own honesty. The whole time he was lying to her, but somehow it was ok. Maddie is a woman who is focused on one thing, gems. They are her life.  We also get to see her family life and learn how she grew up which really shaped her into the woman she is now.  And under his tutelage, she went from Nerd to Glamazon and then back to something a little in between.  Fabian saved her life many times over the course of the book, and though he acted like it was part of the job, it was clearly so much more.

I have to be honest though: The ending made me a little unhappy. OK, a lot unhappy. I almost threw my Nook across the room while screaming: “WHAT!? That’s it!?”  It ended with a very ambiguous HFN with no indication if there would be a sequel or if it is part of a series. Overall it was a great read.

4 Hearts

REVIEWED BY: Ursula

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Kelly’s review of A Perfect Storm by Lori Foster

TITLE: A Perfect Storm
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE:   03/27/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He never saw her coming…

Spencer Lark already knows too many secrets about Arizona Storm, including the nightmare she survived and her resulting trust issues. But in order to expose a smuggling ring—and continue avenging his own tragic past—the bounty hunter reluctantly agrees to make Arizona a decoy. Yet nothing has equipped him for her hypnotic blend of fragility and bravery, or for the protective instincts she stirs in him.

Arizona wants to reclaim her life, which means acting as bait to lure the enemy into a trap. Sure it’s dangerous, especially with a partner as distractingly appealing as Spencer. But as their plan—and their chemistry—shifts into high gear, Arizona may discover there’s an even greater risk in surrendering her heart to a hero

REVIEW:
Loved this story.   This was my first Lori Foster book and I am hooked.  I am going to have to go back and read the first 3 books in this series.  But I will say that A Perfect Storm easily reads as a stand alone book.  At no time did I feel lost or not know what was going on.

Spencer.  Spencer is yummy with a capital Y-U-M-M-Y!!!!!  He is a total man, all rough and tough.  But Spencer is so caring and generous that you can’t help but fall in love with him.  Spencer has great instincts and is more then willing to help someone in need.  So when he wakes up with Arizona in his room, he know that things are about to change.

Arizona has had a very rough life.  But instead of becoming a wallflower after everything she has been through she has come out the other side stronger and more determined.   But even Arizona knows when she needs back up.  That is why she broke into Spencer’s house, sat there watching him sleep just waiting for him to wake up.

These two were great fun to read.  Spencer is so patient, loving but could and will kick butt when need.  Arizona maybe tough on the outside but inside she still fights her demons.  With Spencer, Arizona starts to feel things she can’t understand, but she wants too.  While Spencer thinks he is the one trying to heal Arizona, he doesn’t realize that he is healing too.  But will it all be too late?  Arizona is a wild card and unpredictable.
If you have read any of Lori Foster’s books you will love A Perfect Storm.  🙂

4 Hearts

REVIEWED BY: Kelly

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Ursula’s review of Truth & Seduction by Melody Snow Monroe

Truth and Seduction
AUTHOR: Melody Snow Monroe
PUBLICATION DATE: Available now
ORDER LINKS:  Siren-Bookstrand | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sexy television investigative reporter Jessie McCallister has returned to Intrigue, Wyoming, after eleven years and wants it all—her career and her two high school dream men, hunky newspaper mogul Cody Callen and hot arson investigator Shane McKee. After she watches these brave men save a young boy from a burning building, she knows these heroes are still the ones for her.

As the three of them investigate the fire and share information, they connect on an emotional and sexual level. However, after Jessie agrees not to expose the possible identity of the arsonist because it may harm the station’s bottom line, Cody and Shane’s rock-solid belief in telling the truth forces them to set her free. What does she have to do to win back their respect and love?

REVIEW:
This is book 2 in The Callens and we get to meet Cody Callen and his best friend Shane McKee.  I enjoyed revisiting this series. In this installment, Jessie has just come home to Intrigue after losing her job at a metropolitan news station.  The character of Jessie is an honest and strong one and when confronted with the dishonesty of her station she moves back home. She manages to find a job at a local station and there runs into the same problems. Her dilemma over reporting the truth vs. losing her job is a very real one that could be experienced by any one.  She wants to tell the truth and she wants to keep her job. There is no way she can do both.

Meanwhile, she has run into her two school crushes, but she does not have fond memories of them. In their past she felt that she wasn’t rich enough or good enough for them.  It is difficult to deal with high school dramas, even for the most well adjusted and Ms. Monroe shows how this affects how an adult deals with things in the present. I think we all have those traumas that have followed us into adulthood and she does a good job of showing this. Luckily, they are all mature and manage to overcome this small obstacle.
As they all begin to fall in love Jessie’s job begins to get in the way. I found myself wanting to strangle those men several times. I understand that they are both honest to a fault and want the woman they love to be the same, but they were so unyielding.  Or so it seemed. I may have not liked their methods, but I finally understood what they were trying to do and ultimately Jessie proved strong enough to stand up for her convictions.  Finally, they all got their HEA.  Ms. Monroe has a knack for illustrating emotions and making the reader “feel”.

The next book in the series is Secret Temptation and it released on 4-23-12. I can’t wait to read it!

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Ursula

 

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Order of the Blade Series by Stephanie Rowe

Darkness Awakened
Order of the Blade: Primal Heat Trilogy #1
by Stephanie Rowe

Amazon | B&N

The Calydons are a race of ancient immortals cursed with a dark side. Each Calydon is destined to meet his soul mate, to be so drawn to her that he is unable to resist bonding with her through the rituals of his race…

…but their destiny is to destroy each other and all they care about the moment their bond is complete.

Quinn Masters will stop at nothing to rescue his rogue teammate. To save his blood brother and ensure his brand of justice triumphs, Quinn will break every rule of his kind and partner with the sensuous, courageous woman destined to be his ultimate destruction.

Haunted by a brutal past, Illusionist Grace Matthews will risk everything to save her kidnapped sister, including putting her life in the sinfully capable hands of an immortal warrior whose ravaging kisses and intense passion propel her ruthlessly toward a fateful destiny she can’t afford to believe in.

Darkness Seduced

Order of the Blade: Primal Heat Trilogy #2
by Stephanie Rowe

Amazon | B&N

Immortal warrior Gideon Roarke made an oath five hundred years ago to the woman who died for him. The ancient Calydon is ruthless in his quest to honor that promise, even if it means risking everything by teaming up with the one woman who will either destroy him, or finally bring redemption to his blackened, hardened soul.

After escaping from a two-year imprisonment at the hands of a madman, the only thing Lily Davenport wants is to go home and reclaim her life. Unfortunately for Lily, standing between her and that goal is a sensual, demanding protector whose dangerous seduction threatens to claim her life…and her soul

Darkness Surrendered

Order of the Blade: Primal Heat Trilogy #3
by Stephanie Rowe

Amazon | B&N 

Six hundred years ago, Elijah Ross was tortured into insanity and thrust into a mental hell that no living creature has ever survived…except him. Now, that same evil is back, and Elijah is all that stands between it and the destruction of all of humanity, but each step he takes drags him further back into the nightmare that once consumed him. Elijah’s only chance is Ana Matthews, whose sensual kisses and passionate fire thrust hope and light into his blackened heart and fragmented mind, but her deadly past could be the final trigger for his descent into irretrievable madness and the destruction of his soul…and humanity

Forever in Darkness
Order of the Blade: Primal Heat Trilogy
by Stephanie Rowe

Cursed to die for a choice his ancestor made, Ian Fitzgerald has spent six hundred years fighting the curse and trying to restore honor to his family’s name. But his time to die has finally come, and his doom is in the guise of the one woman he cannot walk away from: his soul mate. Or is she really who she seems? Light and darkness, shadows and death, reality and illusions swirl around Ian as the curse hauls him relentlessly toward his own demise. Desperate to survive, Ian fights ruthlessly to uncover the truth about the sensual, desperate female who has died in his arms already…twice. Can she save him, or will she be the final key to the destruction of everything he has fought to protect?

**FOREVER IN DARKNESS is a short novella approximately 60 pages (18,000 words) in length. It is a precursor for the Ian’s full-length novel, DARKNESS ARISEN, coming late 2012.**

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Interview & giveaway with Joanne Kenrick

  • Can you please share with us a little about yourself

I would love to. For the benefit of those who don’t know already, I’m British; Welsh, to be precise. I’ve moved around a lot! One might think I have gypsy blood. In fact, I’m convinced of it…after all, that two year itch is relentless! And writing is a great vocation to have as an accidental traveler. I get to use all those wonderful locations in my stories, and my office is wherever I want it to be. Psst. I’m mad about vampires, too.

  • Have you always wanted to be an author?

I’ve never really knew what I wanted to do for a career, just that I enjoying ‘creating’ things. I always felt writing found me. On reflection, though, I can see the aspirations of writing romance had always been there. I think we can blame Anne of Green Gables for this. Yes. I am sure of that.

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

It used to be that I’d sit on a sofa with my Macbook on my knee while writing away with some movie or Netflix season playing in the background. That was so until my Mac let me down. Three times actually. I got sick of having it reinstalled so I got my dear husband to set up a desktop computer in my office. You know, where I should be writing. Now, I race around and get house type jobs done before disappearing into my office. I check emails, play a little Zombie verses Plants on my Kindle Fire, then get stuck into whatever project I’ve got on the go. Maybe Tetris or Bejeweled will come out if I get stuck on a scene and need a blank mind to ‘think’. I’ll stay in that office right up til the kids get home from school. Or, at the moment, since it’s the summer break, until around about four.

  • Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

I find it difficult to ask reviewers to read my work…it spins through my head that the reviewer must have tons to read, and that they would never want to add another book to their pile. Yes. I heart reviewers. That is one tough and often thankless job. But let me say this… most of us authors really do appreciate all that you do to help get the word out about books you love!

Most rewarding is getting an acceptance! I think it always will be. Submitting work never gets any easier, or at least it doesn’t for me.

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

*rubs hands together* yeay! Estella is excited you asked that question. Yes, my characters come to live in my head. I know that makes me crazy. But writer sounds so much better. And more sane. My latest release is All The Pretty Faces, Tales from the Coffin book two. Book three actually releases in a month or so. And book four comes out just in time for a Bonfire Night special! I totally heart this series. The books are a story within a story. So first you get Estella and Lucy’s little introduction and conclusion, and in between that you get a tale one of them is sharing. Think Tales from the Crypt (only much sexier) or Red Shoe Diaries (but snarky). During Estella and Lucy’s section, they talk to you as if you are in the room with them…well, you are…and it’s you they are telling a story to. They’re pretty bad-ass! Estella is Dracula’s one and only rejected bride, and boy does she harp on it. Lucy Rotterdayne (Lucy Rot) is a zombie and Estella’s sometimes-faithful lacky and lover. Between them, they tell some pretty smutty tales. And their story unfolds more and more in each book, so I’d recommend reading the series in order so you get the bigger picture and their romance story. Although they can be read as stand alones.

In All The Pretty Faces, book two, Estella tells a story about three TV ghost hunters who experience things going bump in the night. WARNING uber hot and smexy cover alert!!

Here’s the blurb:

Estella is on edge. Why? The Bone Cruncher wants to collect his debt early. What’s a girl to do? Get her zombie lover to do her dirty work for her of course, while she entertains you with tea and a ghost hunter sandwich….
MidNight, a paranormal magazine show, transformed Lindsay from a jittery legal assistant into an almost famous TV presenter. Ghost hunting was the last job Lindsay ever expected to see herself doing, or loving. Best of all, the show had helped her face fears; the dark, and her own shadow. If only she could conquerWalker, too, her long time just-good-friends buddy.

When her co-host Debra puts an offer of a threesome on the table after a live filming at York Castle Prison, Lindsay takes it into careful consideration. A menage withWalkerand her nemesis will complete her confidence trip. But when things start going bump in the night, will three be a crowd?

 The series so far…

 1. Strange and Beautiful

2. All The Pretty Faces. OUT NOW

3. Bittersweet Symphony. COMING THIS AUTUMN

4. Treacle and Treason. COMING THIS WINTER

BUYLINKS

AMAZON  |  NOOK

I AUTOGRAPH your kindle books here.

  • How did you come with the idea for this story?

The series itself came from one idea for a character…Estella. And that idea came from listening to music. She’d been in my head for quite some time before finally making it to the pages of a book. Ever since I first heard Emily Autumn, this idea has been taking shape. So for a few years now. Back when I was writing my very first to be published book, When A Mullo Loves A Woman.

  • Can you share with us your current work in progress?

I just finished edits on Shamrocked, Irish Kisses book two, and have begun writing Threesome Sweetness for the series. I’m super loving the Irish books…more so than I ever imagined I would, being the total fangbanger that I am. Me? Write straight up contemporaries? But it works. Well! Many more on the way!

  • Who are some of your favorite authors?

This is always changing for me. But the Smutketeer gang always remain a solid favorite. I just recently discovered how awesome Anne Rainey is (the Blackwater Series RAWKS) and I’m uber psyched for Ciar Cullen’s Fish out of Water to be released. Her Mayan series was the final jump into fiction writing for me. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up!! Oh, and they were the first ever stories I brought for my first eReader.

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

When I set out to write When A Mullo Loves A Woman, I wanted to write something similar to Virginia Andrews. Hence the younger heroine. But once I got started, my own voice became very apparent. Miss. Andrews sure inspired me to write fiction, as did Ciar Cullen. But I’m not so sure their influence can be spotted in my work…you tell me?

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

Oh lordy. My Kindle Fire is jam-packed with books I’ve brought and not had a chance to read yet. I’ve been way to busy writing. But I promised myself I would make time to read this summer…and I’m looking forward to reading more of Anne Rainey’s work. But also I am simply DYING to read A.E. Rought’s Broken. But it doesn’t come out for ages yet. Arghhhh. By the way, Rought’s Slade and Kally is one of my all time favorite stories. Very romantic. I can totally see it being a Lifetime movie.

  • Is there anything else you would like to add?

How about details on my upcoming release?

Shamrocked is set for release late July / early August. And for those who have read my bestseller, Sweet Irish Kiss, I think you’ll be pleased to hear it’s Devlin’s story…

Devlin Kinney is focused on his Irish Rock band, Shamrocked. Between that and tending bar at Bell’s Irish Pub, he’s rushed off his feet. Still, he’s envious of Shaun who found his perfect woman through Madame Eve’s exclusive agency, 1Night Stand. Pushed for time, he follows his friend’s lead and hopes to be matched with a woman ballsy enough to share in his fetish for things that go buzzzz.
At the event of the year for soap stars, Elizabeth Grant meets Devlin and mistakes him for her soon-to-be The EastEnd co-star. Before she has a chance to confess she’s not his 1Night Stand as he seems to think, the silver-tongued smooth dancer proves irresistible. He seems perfect…for one night of pleasure. She’s ready to play the role of her life!

Will his Irish charm and toys be enough to hold onto his leading lady, or will his heart be shamrocked into next week?

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/joannekenrick

TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/joannekenrick

WEBSITE: www.joannekenrick.com

GIVEAWAY TIME:

Joanne is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card.  This is a tour wide giveaway.

*Sponsored by Joanne*

If you want to enter please fill out the Google Doc below.

Good Luck

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHRsSFJUd1p6aVFHVk02OENTaUJJOFE6MQ

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Interview with the Guys from Laurie London’s Sweetblood Series. I am quizzing them on Laurie.

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Tristan Santiago, Dominic Serrano, Alfonso Serrano,  Jackson Foss and the wonderful Laurie London to the blog today.   Today’s interview is going to be a little different.  While we still are going to learn a little more about each of these wonderful Vampires.  I want to see how well they know Laurie.

BnK: Are you guys ready? 

Santiago: Do we have a choice? *looks angry* *rubs black tattoos on his neck*

Dom: *glances at watch* Sure.

Alfonso: *nods head*

Jackson: You bet.

BnK: Laurie?  You look a little nervous. 

Laurie: I’m just not sure what they’re going to say.

BnK: Don’t worry Laurie you know won’t put anything on the blog to embarrassing.  *winks at the boys*

Jackson: We promise to be good.

Laurie: Like I believe that, coming from you.

Bnk:  First let’s start by everyone tell my followers a little about yourselves.  Who wants to go first?  Dom?  Since your book was the beginning of all this?

Dom: Sure, that makes sense.

Santiago: But I outrank all of you sorry asses. I’ll go first.

Dom: But my book came out before yours did.  

Santiago: I should’ve been first. *glares at Laurie* I’m the damn Region Commander.

Alfonso: *steps in front of Laurie* *levels a hard stare at Santiago* You need to calm the hell down.

Dom: *holds hands up*  Laurie lives in the Seattle area. Not British Columbia where the region headquarters are located. You’re lucky she even decided to write about you. You were such an asshole in my book.

Santigo: I was not.

Alfonso: Mine too.

Santiago: Do I need to remind both of you that I’m your superior?

Dom: *clears throat* *looks at BnK* I’m married to Mackenzie, the most beautiful woman in the world. She’s the best thing that ever happened to me. I still wonder what I did to deserve her. Remember what happened at the wedding that predicted we’d have a child? At the time, I was so stunned I could hardly believe it. But it was true. Mackenzie blessed me with a beautiful son, Migel, whom I adore more than life itself.

Bnk:  Who wants to go next?

Alfonso: *looks at Santiago*

Santiago: Whatever. *waves a hand* *chews on a toothpick* Go for it.

Alfonso: I don’t want to get into my past, but let’s just say that when Lily came back into my life, I wasn’t in a very good place. Not to mention that my own brother wanted to kill me.

Dom: I thought we agreed not to discuss that anymore, A. What’s in the past is over. We’ve both healed and moved on.

Alfonso: Yes, but readers who haven’t read the first two books might be surprised to learn that we were once mortal enemies, especially considering how close we are now.

Dom: *shrugs* Lily is an amazing woman to have brought the two of us back together.

Alfonso: She sure is.

Bnk: Okay Jackson about a little about you?

Jackson: *pulls up shirt and shows off abs* What can I say? Who wouldn’t want a piece of this?

Santiago: Oh, for chrissake! If Arianna hears you say that, she’s going to cut you off till your balls go blue.

Jackson: Hey, I can’t help that she fell for my good looks.

Dom: Everyone fell for your good looks. Before you met Arianna, if I couldn’t find you, all I had to do was check out the private rooms at the Pink Salon.

Jackson: What can I say? I was a man-whore.

BnK:  And last but not least your fearless leader.

Santiago: What do you want to know about me? I can’t give away too much because my book isn’t out for a few more days yet.

Alfonso: But you can tell something, can’t you?

Santiago: Fine. Some crazy shit happens and shakes up everything in the region. Thankfully, Roxy’s there and helps me sort through the crap that SHE *glares at Laurie* put us through.

Jackson: You sure changed your tune. When you first met Roxy, you wanted nothing to do with her.

Santiago: If I recall correctly, it was YOUR idea that we masquerade as lovers so that she could investigate what was going in the Seattle office without anyone knowing her true motives.

Jackson: And what a brilliant idea it was.

Santiago: *nods head* I’ll give you that.

BnK:  Laurie anything important you want to add about these four that they left out?

Laurie: Just that I love them all and that I appreciate them for sharing their stories with me.

BnK:  Okay is everyone ready for this How Well Do You Know Laurie London Quiz?

Santiago: Yes.

Dom: Sure.

Alfonso: *nods head*

Jackson: Absolutely.

Laurie: *frowns nervously* Okay.

Bnk: Then let’s begin:

1st questions:  Where does Laurie live?

Santiago: In the wrong place.

Dom: *rolls eyes* She lives near Seattle.

Santiago: But that’s not British Columbia.

Alfonso: Um, Bellevue?

Jackson: I know, but I’m not telling.

Bnk: Why?

Jackson: *pulls a sandwich from pocket and takes bite* Because I don’t want her to think I’m stalking her or anything.

Question #2:  What is one of Laurie’s favorite things to do in her free time?

Santiago: Ride her horse.

Dom: Cook.

Alfonso: Listen to music.

Jackson: Read.

Question #3:  How did Laurie come to find out about vampires?

Santiago: She shouldn’t have found out about us in the first place. *glares at Dom*

Dom: I was hurt. I couldn’t help it.

Alfonso: I think she’s always been intrigued by things that live in the shadows.

Jackson: Especially when they’re hot.

Question #4:  Who was the first person (in the Sweetblood world) to talk to Laurie?

Santiago: That’s easy. *juts chin toward Dom* Him.

Dom: That would be me, yes.

Alfonso: Dom

Jackson: Dom

Question #5:  Is Laurie sweet?

Santiago: I don’t know. She was really mean to me, so I’m not in the position to say right now.

Dom: *coughs into hand* Baby.

Santiago: What did you say?

Dom: Yes, Laurie is sweet.

Alfonso: I like her.

Jackson: I’d have done her before I met Arianna.

Laurie: *spits coffee on keyboard* Jackson!

Dom: Jacks, you slept with anyone, so that’s not saying much. No offense, Laurie.

Laurie: None taken.

Question #6:  What is Laurie’s favorite TV show?

Santiago: The Dog Whisperer?

Dom: True Blood?

Alfonso: She doesn’t watch much TV.

Jackson: Sons of Anarchy, because the main guy reminds her of me.

Question #7:  What is the one thing Laurie has to have while she writes?

Santiago: Her dog nearby?

Dom: Coffee?

Alfonso: Music?

Jackson: A picture of me?

Question #8:  What is Laurie’s favorite dessert?

Santiago: Something chocolate?

Dom: That’s easy, because one of her favorites is mentioned it in my book.

Alfonso: And you’re not going to tell us?

Dom: Didn’t you read it, dear brother?

Alfonso: Um…

Jackson: Anything with whipped cream.

Question #9:  What is something that you know about Laurie that she would not share about herself?

Santiago: Even though we curse a lot, she hardly ever swears.

Dom: She has kids, Santiago, so she has to set a good example. Unlike you.

Jackson: *laughs* Santiago, you’re the worst! You can curse in three languages, right?

Santiago: Like you’re a saint?

Alfonso: Getting back to the question, she’s going through a bathroom remodel right now. Since I built our house myself, I really wish I could help her.

Jackson: She has sex toys in her nightstand.

Laurie: Jackson! I do not. Don’t you be spreading false rumors about me.

Jackson: Just kidding. But seriously, do you think I’d care if you did or not? I mean…considering—

Dom: This is a PG13 site, Jackson. People will have to read your book to hear about your little fetishes.

Laurie: Thank you, Dom.

Dom: My pleasure.

Question #10:  Is Laurie easy to work with or a slave driver?

Santiago: She put me through a lot of shit. And I mean, a lot!

Dom: Yes, but would you have wanted it to be all rainbows and ponies? For me, it was hard, but I’m very grateful.

Jackson: *about to take another bite of sandwich but stops* Santiago, you’re a brony?

Santiago: I don’t even know what the fuck that is. No.

Alfonso: It was tough, I’m not going to lie, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Jackson: Yeah, me too.

Question #11:  Last question.  Are you all happy that Laurie told your stories?

Santiago: I don’t know. Ask me later when the shock of everything that happens in my book wears off.

Dom: Tell me about it! Your book sucked.

Santiago: Jesus Christ, Dom. Don’t give out any spoilers.

Alfonso: Yes, very.

Jackson: Absolutely.

BnK:  Thanks guys for taking time to sit down with me and chat about Laurie.  She looks a little embarrassed that we are making a big deal about her.  But I personally think she is pretty special.  Is there anything you would like to add before you take off?

Santiago: Just that I’m glad my time in the spotlight is over. I’m spent.

Dom: But it’s not over. She usually brings us back in other books.

Santiago: Yeah, but it’s just for cameo roles.

Alfonso: Cameo? If it weren’t for me and Jackson, you’d have never come up with that brilliant idea for you and Roxy to pretend to be lovers. And look where that led you.

Santiago: True

Jackson: Who IS she writing about in the next book?

Dom: I don’t know. She won’t tell us, though I have my ideas.

BnK:  Laurie thanks for being such a good sport.  Is there anything that you would like to add?

Laurie: Thanks so much, Kelly, for having me and the guys on today! It’s been very…enlightening.

BnK:  Well that was fun… How about I make it more fun and giveaway a copy of Santiago’s book so you can see just how mean or sweet Laurie really is….   To enter please just fill out the rafflecopter form below. Oh and don’t miss the other stops on the tour. 

 

 Seduced by Blood

Sweetblood Series #4

 Release date July 24, 2012

 E-books released August 1, 2012

 Order Links

 Amazon | B&N | Powells | Books-a-Million | Indie Bound

 

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two vampire coalitions: Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors… Hot-blooded and hard-edged, Tristan Santiago has an uncanny ability to see beneath the surface-a power that serves him well as the Guardians’ region commander. But when a deadly plot against his fellow vampires is uncovered, he must turn to the one woman he can’t read: the beautiful yet mysterious Roxanne Reynolds, whose sensual presence soothes his tormented memories. Roxy had put love before duty once before, with devastating results. But to root out a dangerous traitor in their midst, she must put her faith in Santiago, the one man skilled enough to break through her defenses. Posing as lovers, Santiago and Roxy work side by side-and discover a powerful craving that threatens to consume them both.

 

A little about Laurie:

A graduate of Western Washington University with a BA in Business Administration and a former tester/programmer for a Fortune 500 company, Laurie London now writes from her home near Seattle where she lives with her husband and two children.

Her debut book, BONDED BY BLOOD, A Sweetblood Novel, came out February 2011 from HQN Books. It was followed by HIDDEN BY BLOOD, an e-novella June 2011; EMBRACED BY BLOOD July 2011; “Enchanted By Blood,” a novella in the anthology A VAMPIRE FOR CHRISTMAS Oct 2011; TEMPTED BY BLOODMarch 2012; and SEDUCED BY BLOOD August 2012.

Her writing has won and been a finalist in several prestigious contests including the Beacon, the Emerald City Opener, the Marlene, and the Orange Rose.

She is a member of Romance Writers of America®, Greater Seattle Area RWA, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.  

When not writing, she can be found running, reading, or riding and showing her horse. Someday she hopes to qualify for the Quarter Horse World Show – that is, if her horse doesn’t get hurt again.

 Find Laurie here

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Good Reads

Seduced by Blood Tour

Seducedtourlarger-2

July 9th All things Urban Fantasy

July 10th Hanging with Bells

July 11th Ramblings of a Chaotic Mind

July 12th Sizzling Hot Book Reviews

July 13th Paranormal Cravings

July 16th Reading between the Wines

July 17th Book Monster Reviews & Literal Addictions

July 18th Romance Book Craze Blog

July 19th Books-n-Kisses

July 20th United by Books

July 21st The Qwillery

 

Giveaway Details:

 1 copy of Seduced by Blood and a set of Trading Cards (US/Canada winner). 

or to international winner would receive an E-BOOK of Seduced by Blood (Amazon or B&N)

 

GRAND PRIZE :

One winner of the whole tour will get a complete set of the Sweetblood Series, along with a set of Trading Cards and a custom made book thong by Mandy from Shiny Stupid Designs. {US/Canada Only}

 

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Interview & Giveaway with Rosa Sophia

Can you please share with us a little about yourself:

I’m a Jane of all Trades.  When I listen to other authors talk about how they went to school for writing, or majored in Literature, I often wonder what it was like for them.  I can’t focus on one interest.  I love to travel, and I am currently living in North Palm Beach, Florida.  Instead of going to school for writing, I went to school for automotive.  I taught a writing workshop for a short time, worked for various magazines, and now I edit for three small publishers.  Eventually, I plan to attain as many certifications in the automotive field as possible, and open my own repair shop.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

When I was little, I knew that I would be an author.  I spent hours and hours reading books in my grandmother’s old house, and I quickly decided that I would be published by the time I was twenty.  It happened!

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

When I write, I need to have coffee.  As long as I’m awake enough, the words spill onto the page and it’s hard to stop.  When I get a full day of writing, I usually drink a lot of coffee, eat very little, and break up the day with a nice walk or a run.  Walking or running almost always inspires me.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Lately, the most challenging part of writing is finding the time to write.  I’m a full-time automotive student, I work at a library, and I have my own small editing business.  The most rewarding part of writing is finishing something.  Being able to type the very last line in a book is very fulfilling!

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

Check Out Time is a Mystery novel set in Witchfire, Pennsylvania.  Don’t look on a map for that one—I made it up.  It’s about an hour or so from Scranton.  Check Out Time has elements of suspense, and romance, and follows the story of a young woman who is trying to adjust to a new life in a strange town.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Check Out Time was initially inspired by my father.  Dad and I hadn’t seen each other in fifteen years, and we were reunited in 2008.  We became very close, and I decided that I wanted to make him a character in one of my stories.  My main character, Naomi, is reunited with her father after the tragic death of her mother.  Dad was a grease monkey; naturally, Naomi’s father, Roy, owns the best repair shop in Witchfire.  Naomi is a self-taught mechanic.  I only wish that my dad could see his character in this book.  Dad passed away prematurely, at the age of 56, on February 17, 2012.  I miss him very much, and this book is the result of my love for my dad.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

I am working on a few things.  One of my projects is the sequel to Check Out Time, entitled At the Turn of a Wrench.  Set primarily at Roy’s repair shop, it follows Naomi and her father as they attempt to salvage the family business.  Another book that I am working on is called Crossing Roads in the Rain.  This one is a rather unusual ghost story set in Riviera Beach, Florida, and chronicles the discoveries of a young woman as she delves into a mystery that has its roots in the horrific hurricane of 1928.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

I have a lot of favorite authors.  Terry Pratchett, J.W. Coffey, Jeff Markowitz, and many others.  Most of my favorite authors are those that I know personally, or work with.  Yes, I am biased!

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

I grew up reading a lot of British authors, especially P.G. Wodehouse, so I often find myself spelling words the British way.  Piers Anthony influenced my early writings, and so did Terry Pratchett.

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

I am not generally attracted to new books, unless they are published by small houses.  I like to support “the little guy.”  My To Read Pile is mostly full of old classics that I would like to read or re-read.  Currently, I would like to find time to finish Jane Eyre.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for having me! I hope that everyone will enjoy Check Out Time.  I am especially excited about this one.  I would also love it if you would come visit me on my website!

Website: http://www.rosasophia.com/

Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/authorrosasophia

Professional Editing & Writing by Rosa Sophia: http://www.facebook.com/Editing.by.Rosa.Sophia

Amazon | B&N

Blurb from the back of the book: Naomi Vogler blames herself for her mother’s tragic death, continually reliving the accident in her nightmares.  When she reconnects with her estranged father, he invites her to live with him in a little town called Witchfire.  A simple job stocking shelves overnight at a local grocery store seems a perfect distraction.  But when the manager of the store is found dead in the boiler room, Naomi’s boring job becomes something much more complicated.  No matter how she looks at it, one thing is certain: retail is murder.

 

Giveaway:

Rosa is give away one or more digital copies of Check Out Time.

To enter please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

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Interview & Giveaway with Laura Kaye

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back the wonderful Laura Kaye to the blog.

We always love having Laura on the blog.  Today we are chatting about her newest release West of Want.

 

Can you please share with us a little about yourself

I write paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance and am celebrating the release of my eighth book, West of Want, book 2 in my Greek-mythology-based Hearts of the Anemoi series. I’m also a wife, mom of two young girls (ages 8 and 6), college history professor, Marylander, and total vampire addict.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes and no. From the time I knew I was going to be a college history professor, I knew writing and publishing would be a part of my life, and I’ve since published two non-fiction books in history. But it wasn’t until four years ago that I dreamed of being published in fiction. I had a head injury that, once it started to heal, left me with the desire to pursue various creative outlets, writing most specifically.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? And you explain the difference?

I’m a total pantser, that means I write by the seat of my pants. I almost never plot out a story before I write and I don’t write outlines. Plotters, on the other hand, nail down everything about the major plot points, sometimes all the way to the specifics of what happens in particular scenes, before they begin writing.

 What is your most interesting writing quirk?

Hmm…I don’t know if I have any! I’m pretty easy going when it comes to writing. I can write just about anywhere. I don’t need quiet or music or any particular setting. Maybe this: if I write when I’m especially tired my brain apparently stops working without my realizing it, because the next day when I reread what I’ve written, I’ll find all kinds of totally random words. Like, I’ll have meant to write “her” and it’ll say “hope” or something that bears no relationship at all! LOL

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

I’d love to! West of Want is the second book in my Hearts of the Anemoi series which is based on the mythology of the Anemoi, wind gods the Greeks associated with the seasons and the weather. The book tells the story of Zephyros Martius, Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring. Here’s the blurb:

Betrayal is all he’s ever known, but in her, he’ll find a love strong enough to be trusted…

When Marcella Raines’ twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Though she’s gravely injured–and still emotionally damaged from her recent divorce–Ella fights to survive.

Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn’t protected him from betrayal and loss. Worse, he’s sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph’s heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt forces him to save her.

Ella is drawn to the vulnerability Zeph hides beneath his otherworldly masculinity and ancient blue eyes. And her honesty, empathy, and unique, calming influence leave Zeph wanting…everything. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want–a love that can be trusted.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

When writing book 1, North of Need, I came upon the mythology of the Anemoi to explain hero Owen’s background as a snow god (he’s the son and destined heir of Boreas, Supreme God of the North Wind and Winter). And that set off the idea for a series, since there were four cardinal Anemoi who were brothers in the mythology. West of Want’s particular story arose from the mythology in that Zephyros was a god that suffered repeated lost love, competition for love, etc.

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

I’m currently writing the follow-up story to my recent contemporary romance release, Her Forbidden Hero. This new book will tell the story of Brady Scott, brother of the heroine in HFH. It’s tentatively slated for a early fall release.

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

Oh, man, it’s hard to pick just one! And either of the two who come immediately to mind would probably make me quake in my boots (I’m such a freaking introvert when it comes to meeting strangers…). It would be a tie between Stephen King, who has been my life-long favorite author, and J.R. Ward, who is my current favorite author. I got to see Ward up close at April’s Romantic Times Convention when I landed second row seats in her No Holds Barred Q&A session! That was awesome!

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

Write, write, write. Keep writing. Keep practicing. Keep improving your craft. Because you can’t revise or sell what you haven’t written. And just because the first book doesn’t sell (true for a lot of authors) doesn’t mean the next one won’t. The number one quality an author needs is perseverance!

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Ooh! Let’s see…I would love to live in London. Or travel to Russia. Or see the Northern Lights. All on the bucket list for sure!

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

I still haven’t read Tohr’s book, Lover Reborn! Partly that’s because I keep telling myself I have to wait until I get the current project done, but then I have to dive right into the next thing so I haven’t had time. And partly that’s because I know the Black Dagger Brotherhood series is starting to wind down, and I just don’t want it to end!

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

Maybe Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie or Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture. I really appreciated their views on important life lessons learned.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

I love the summer. You can be outdoors, you don’t have to wear layers, there are always festivals and carnivals to attend, and it’s just the time of year I anticipate for the rest of the time!

Who is your Celebrity crush?  And what would you do if you ever meet them?

Oh, gawd. For a long time it was *mumbles* (Robert Pattinson). And, I don’t know what I’d do if I met him, especially since I know how overwhelmed he is by all the fan love. I think my bigger celeb crush is probably Alex O’Loughlin, and I’ve heard he’s very open to meeting fans, so I’d totally ask for a hug and a picture! LOL

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just thank you thank you to all the readers for giving my books a try and bringing my characters to life! I couldn’t do what I love without you! And thanks to Books-n-Kisses for hosting me again!

Oh, and GIVEAWAY!: All right, fess up! Who is YOUR celebrity crush? One commenter who leaves their email address will win a West of Want ebook and swag pack! Open to international! Good luck!

Don’t miss the West of Want in the Wild (thru 8/24) giveaway event, too!

 

Buy Laura’s Books

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To Enter for a chance to win Laura’s WoW Swag Pack.  Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

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Praise for West of Want:

“Laura Kaye’s captivating writing and vibrant world-building will have readers hooked on the gods of the Anemoi. WEST OF WANT is steamy, spellbinding, and a must-read for all romance fantasy fans.” ~Elisabeth Naughton, author of the Eternal Guardians series

“Sexy, emotional stories, powerful, evocative writing, a vivid and unique vision, and enough magic and mysticism to keep the most demanding reader satisfied, Laura Kaye delivers it all.  I love this series!”  ~Maggie Shayne, NY Times Bestselling Author

 

About Laura Kaye:

Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is the bestselling and award-winning author of over a half-dozen books in paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with all things paranormal. A published non-fiction author, Laura’s work as an historian and training as an archaeologist help her create vivid and accurate portrayals of other times and places. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.