Seduced by Blood SweetBlood #4 AUTHOR: Laurie London PUBLICATION DATE: 07/24/12 ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
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.
REVIEW:
AAAhhh, it is good to be back in the world of the Sweetbloods.
Seduced by Blood is Laurie London’s fourth book in the Sweetbloods series. We finally get to look deeper into the fearless leader Tristan Santiago. *drool*
Santiago, as everyone calls him, is the tough as nails, no feeling, will rip your head off if you don’t do what he says leader of the Pacific Northwest Guardian team. But Santiago hides a very disturbing side of him, something that no one knows, something that if his team finds out they will lose all faith in him.
Roxanne Reynolds, is only in Seattle as a favor to her dear friend Lily. Why else would she be in this god awful cold and rainy place. But what Roxanne doesn’t know is just how very, very, very important she is about to become to the Pacific Northwest Guardians and the very cold, very temperamental, and all around pain in her ass leader of this group.
The Darkbloods are getting too brave, getting too comfortable, and Santiago doesn’t like it one bit. But they always seem to be one step ahead of them. When Santiago sends his team on a mission that almost gets them killed, he has to start to wonder if there is a mole in his group. But how do you find a mole when everyone is afraid of you? Well you go undercover with your new girlfriend right?
Oh how I love the Sweetblood world. I have really enjoyed every one of Laurie’s books. It is hard for me to pick who has been my favorite, all four heroes are yummy. But I really think I like Santiago the best. He is just so darn hard headed. It was great fun to watch him fall. And boy does he fall hard. Roxanne is just, well sweet is not the right word. Roxanne is just kick ass. She can kick your ass without thinking about it. But that is not always her way. She is very gentle and kind, which is exactly what Santiago needs. Oh and someone to push his buttons..
If you have not read any Sweetblood books you really need too. Laurie does a wonderful job of setting up this world. I have truly loved each book. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and can’t wait to see where Laurie takes us next *cough* Mitch *cough*
Only Yours
Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/01/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Man’s best…matchmaker?
Montana Hendrix has found her calling–working with therapy dogs. With a career she loves in a hometown she adores, she’s finally ready to look for her own happily ever after. Could one of her dogs help her find Mr. Right…or maybe Dr. Right?
Surgeon Simon Bradley prefers the sterility of the hospital to the messiness of real life, especially when real life includes an accident-prone mutt and a woman whose kisses make him want what he knows he can’t have. Scarred since childhood, he avoids emotional entanglement by moving from place to place to heal children who need his skillful touch. Can his growing feelings for Montana lead him to find a home in Fool’s Gold, or will he walk away, taking her broken heart with him?
REVIEW:
Another great visit to “The Land of Happy Endings” in the “Fool’s Gold” series by Susan Mallery!
This is the 5th in the series and the second of the Hendrix triplets story. Montana is the most interesting of the triplets, she thinks her sisters are beautiful but finds herself lacking, she sees good in everyone except herself and in this book we find out why. Simon has had a extremely hard life and really has very little emotion when it comes to other people. Montana and Simon make an interesting pair. You really feel that she is the Ying to his Yang because they are so opposite but fit together perfectly.
Simon is not like the other guys Mallery has written about in the series. All of them have been these attractive men inside and out but Simon is scarred from a incident in his childhood both physically and emotionally. He is not the “perfect” man and can be a little rough around the edges. He is not the leading man that you swoon over but there is something about him that draws the reader to him. We have known Montana through the whole series so we feel a connection with her and want her to be happy. It was also enjoyable to catch up with the rest of the town like Pia having the twins and Denise dating.
As with all of Mallery’s books I consumed the pages in a short period of time. I love this series and love the stories Mallery brings to us. Mallery is a treasure chest with each book being another precious gem to admire.
The Claimed
Sin Hunters #2
AUTHOR: Caridad Piñeiro
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Victoria Johnson loves her life. She’s her own boss in a quaint beachside town, and has great friends who keep her grounded. If only they knew who she really is: an heiress to an ancient race who possesses astonishing superhuman powers. It’s Victoria’s duty to restore her clan of Light Hunters to their former glory by choosing the perfect mate. In Christopher Sombrosa, she just may have found him. Strong, smart, and successful, Christopher exudes a powerful energy. Their connection is sensual, irresistible-and forbidden.
A member of the Shadow Hunter clan, Christopher has defied his own father to lead his people away from affliction and violence. Yet he cannot ignore his duty to carry on his ancient bloodline. Stunningly beautiful and brimming with an erotic life force, Victoria is everything Christopher ever hoped for in a mate . . . but as a Light Hunter, she’s his mortal enemy. Together, they could unite their warring tribes. But murderous factions on both sides don’t want peace-and they’ll stop at nothing to keep light and darkness apart forever
REVIEW:
I have to start by saying I think this is a series you need to read in order. I made the mistake of picking up book 2 and reading it first. I will tell you I was a little, okay fine totally confused about the world that Caridad create. Not that the world itself is confusing. I just have a feeling so much happened in book one that I would highly recommend you read The Lost first. Okay with that being said now for my review.
I enjoyed this book. Didn’t love, didn’t hate, really I am on the fence about it. I wanted to badly to love Christopher and Victoria’s characters but for me I just never felt a connection with them. Now Ryan, Christophers slightly uptight second in command I like him and am hoping that his book is next.
Christopher and Victoria have a rough road ahead of them. Never before have Shadow and Light joined forces. But there seems to be so much and so many people standing in their way. But love and destiny will not be denied. Once joined nothing will stop them from trying to make the world of the Hunters better.
Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine
by Jayne Fresina
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/05/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“Wanted: one husband, not too particular. Small dowry, several books, sundry furnishings, and elderly aunt included. Idlers, time-wasters, and gentlemen with other attachments need not apply.”
Scarred in a childhood accident, Sophia Valentine doesn’t expect any takers on her ad for a husband in the Farmer’s Gazette, until the mysterious Lazarus Kane shows up at her door. To Sophia, he is an exciting, enigmatic stranger. But Lazarus has known Sophia for years and has come a long way to find her. Things are about to get complicated for the mischievous Miss Valentine.
REVIEW:
This books has the potential to be a good book but it is just too long (about 100 pages too long) with a lot of sentiments repeated over and over. And honestly you really do not end up caring much for the two main characters. Sophie at first seems childlike climbing in trees, sneaking books, running away, etc but in the first chapter she is almost 30 years old. The synopsis says she was scarred in a childhood accident but in fact it was 10 years before the story begins so she was 19 years old in the preface. And I really didn’t understand why Sophie was not jumping at the chance to marry Lazarus since she was unhappy in her family home.
The story does get better about halfway through. More of the history of these characters comes out and it actually seems as if you see Sophie grow up. When there is more action and less of the beginning dialogue you can enjoy the book more. While I still never fell in love with these characters I did like them and wanted to know what happened to them by the end.
Just Say Yes
AUTHOR: Phillipa Ashley
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lucy Gibson is stunned when her famous reality TV-star boyfriend proposes to her on live television. Although flattered, she rejects his proposal and escapes to a secluded cottage owned by the handsome Josh Standring. Although he may not capture the hearts of millions of viewers, he captures the one heart that matters-and amidst the chaos of proposals, paparazzi, and passion, Josh and Lucy discover that when you know you have found The One, it is so easy to just say yes.
REVIEW:
This book was “ok” for me nothing more. It never seems to click with the characters Lucy/Nick or Lucy/Josh. The first eight chapters is a look back on what caused the break up from Lucy’s reality TV-star that caused all of England to turn against her. And honestly I think the reader can tell in the first chapter that Nick is just not an all around good guy. I even wondered if he was bi-polar at one point. Then the next few chapters are about Lucy pinning over her ex. Really there was nothing to pine over. Then she heads away to get away from the paparazzi and meets Josh but he is already in a relationship. Which I as the reader really do not enjoy. While I can appreciate that characters have a history of past romances I really do not enjoy one of the leads to be a homewrecker (even if they are just dating). And towards the end it seems that Josh just all of a sudden has a change of heart about Lucy, before that he had been less than enamored with her. And after the change of heart he is head over heels.
This book was previously released in 2008. This book is written by an English author so there are a lot of phrases and words that are not commonly used in America. Maybe it was the fact that the writing was off because of the different countries but it was a hard book for me to enjoy. That being said I can see how others may enjoy it so do not miss the chance to read it if you enjoy books set in modern day London.
Death Some people will do anything to avoid it. Even trade their immortal souls for endless existence. Wraiths Secretly, inexorably, they are infiltrating our world, sucking the essence out of unsuspecting victims with their hideous parody of a kiss. Segue Adam Thorne founded the Institute to study and destroy his monster of a brother, but the key to its success is held in the pale, slender hand of a woman on the run. There is something hauntingly different about Talia O’Brien, her unknowing sensuality, her uncanny way of slipping into Shadow. Twilight This is the place between life and what comes after – a dark forest of fantasy, filled with beauty, peril, mystery. And Talia is about to open the door.
Shadow Fall (Shadow #2)
Custo Santovari is a fallen hero, a man who sacrificed himself for his best friend, an angel who’s earned himself a well-deserved place in Heaven. But he risks it all to rescue a woman from soul-sucking wraiths. Sacrifice — Custo Santovari accepted pain, blood, even death, to save his best friend. But a man with all his sins just isn’t cut out to be an angel. — Mystery — One moment he’s fleeing Heaven; the next, he’s waking up stark naked in Manhattan. In the middle of a war. Called there by a woman who’s desperately afraid of the dark. Shadow It gathers around Annabella as she performs, filled with fantastic images of another world, bringing both a golden hero and a nightmare lover. Wolf He pursues her relentlessly, twisting her desires even as she gives herself to the man she loves. Because each of us has a wild side, and Annabella is about to unleash the beast
Shadow Touch (Shadow #2.5)
MAGIC It is bleeding into our world, bringing with it banshees, wraiths, fae from the twisting forests of Twilight. But Elllie’s problem is a very different kind of phenomenon… SHADOW It ought to be attached to her; instead it has a life of its own. And her dark mirror image is a wild thing, willfully seducing the very man Ellie hoped could help. SCIENCE Cam has devoted his career to exploring the boundaries between this world and the Hereafter. But nothing could prepare him for the mischief and mayhem of a soul split in two. SURRENDER Who will give in first: the man struggling to unite two halves of one fascinating female; the shadow fighting for freedom to experience the thrill of every emotion; or the woman who is about to discover her own deepest desires?
Shadowman (Shadow #3)
GHOSTS They haunt the halls of the Segue Institute, terrifying the living, refusing to cross over. But one soul is driven by a very different force. LOVE It survives even death. And Kathleen O’Brien swore she would return to those she was forced to leave too soon. SHADOWMAN He broke every rule to have her in life; now he will defy the angels to find her in death. THE GATE Forging it is his single hope of being reunited with his beloved, but through it an abomination enters the world. Leaving a trail of blood and violence, the devil hunts her too. Pursued through realms of bright fantasy and dark reality, Kathleen is about to be taken. . .
Shadow Play (Shadow #3.5)
Shadow The world is growing dark with it as mysteries from antiquity and legend creep into our time, bringing a new world of danger, beauty and… Magic Dr. Cam Kalamos has dedicated his life to studying its strange properties, but nothing is more intriguing than a woman whose soul is split in half, one part under her control, one part bent on… Seduction How can he resist the lure of a lover with no inhibitions and an insatiable desire to possess him? Both Ellie and her shadow want Cam, but there is an innocent child to be rescued from the forest and the strange fae creatures of… Twilight Love, loyalty, betrayal—which will rule? As Ellie sends her other self into the darkness, there is only one certainty: Trusting in shadows is a dangerous game
Book one in the Shadow Kissed Series
Fire Kissed
Fae Fire It is Kaye Brand’s power to wield. But outcast from her kind, she’s been selling herself to the highest bidder—money for her survival in exchange for a magic glimpse into the flames of the future. Angel Ice One of the angelic Order, Jack Bastian has no use for a female like Kaye, as provocative and unexpected as her blazing beauty. Yet he has no choice but to hire her to uncover the secrets of his sworn enemy and her former fiancé, Ferrol Grey. Magekind War is inevitable between the defenders of the Order and the mage Houses who threaten to engulf the world in Shadow. For Jack, mage-born Kaye is off limits, no matter how hot the impossible attraction between them. But in the coming darkness, beset by danger and desire, everything is about to change..
Damián: If you think I’m going to need reinforcements, how about a Dos Equis?
Kelly: Oh don’t look so nervous. I talked to Kally and know you don’t like to get too personal, especially when it comes to Savi. Besides, it’s me. I have been with you guys from the beginning. So just relax, I got ya *wink, wink*
Damián: Yes, Princesa Masters Brat Kelly, you truly have been there since before Masters at Arms was even published. And thanks for helping to organize Kally’s Street Brats, too. I know the team has been very helpful to her in getting the word out about her books.
Kelly: So tell me how are things going, since Savi and Marisol came back into your life?
Damián: Family has always been very important to me, but I never thought I’d have one of my own—not like this. Granted, we have a lot of things to work out yet, but having Marisol call me Daddy, and having Savi put her trust in me, are among two of the things I cherish most in this world.
Kelly: How surprised where you to find out Marisol is yours?
Damián: I think it was pretty obvious to everyone but me, but I took to it pretty quickly actually. Anyone would be proud to claim Marisol as his daughter.
Kelly: How do you think you are doing at being a dad?
Damián: (Laughs) Maybe you should ask Marisol that question, but we seem to have hit it off, once her mama trusted me to spend time with her. Heck, even before that. The first night, while we were waiting for Savi at the clinic, the kid showed me she can build a mean castle with Legos. Just wish she didn’t expect me to climb up the tower to rescue the princess. Anyway, when Marisol baked me a birthday cake and told me to make a wish…(clears throat)…well, it was pretty clear what I wished for. That was just about the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me.
Kelly: What is your biggest fear about being a dad?
Damián: Not being able to protect my little girl. Savi and I both have learned first-hand that there is evil in the world and trying to keep it away from the innocents like Marisol isn’t always easy. But we’re both committed to doing all we can to ensure Marisol doesn’t get hurt. Not that we can protect her from everything.
Kelly: How is Boots?
Damián: Into everything and, with my allergies, he’s helping to keep Benadryl in business. He’s also about the clumsiest kitten I’ve ever laid eyes on, always knocking things off shelves or whatever he’s climbing on. I hope he outgrows that soon. But he makes my two girls happy, so he’s definitely going to be a permanent fixture in the household.
Kelly: I know you don’t kiss & tell, but how is Savi doing? Getting better I hope?
Damián: Thanks for asking. I’ve never known a woman as strong as she is. She’s been to hell and back and, as I learn more and more about what’s happened in her past, I just thank God she returned to me and that I can help take some of the burden off her shoulders. Knowing that she trusted me enough to come to me when she needed help protecting Marisol means a lot to me.
Kelly: What do you think Savi’s greatest strength is?
Damián: Resilience. No matter how many times she gets knocked down, she gets back up again. She’s also got some mean moves of her own for when she needs to do the knocking down, which I discovered recently.
Savi, giving up just a little control
Kelly: Interesting. How are things going at Masters at Arms Club?
Damián: There will be some changings coming up in who lives at the club and we’re bringing in some new Doms to form a Board of Directors, to help share the responsibilities. Other than that, we continue to strive for a nice, safe place for us kinksters to come together with like-minded people in the BDSM community to share what we love to do, learn new techniques, and just unwind.
Kelly: Are you still happy that Adam talked you into being a part of the club?
Damián: If Dad hadn’t pulled me in when he did, I don’t think I’d be here today. To think that I would have missed out on the opportunity of finding Savannah…Savi…again, or never gotten to know my daughter. (Shakes head) PTSD fucks up your mind and I had convinced myself back then there wasn’t any way I’d ever get back to normal. But Dad, Marc, the folks at the Wounded Warrior Project, and others taught me that I’m wounded, not crippled or broken. Sorry if I got sidetracked, but for me, the Masters at Arms was the anchor I very much needed in my life at a dark time—and I’m not just talking about the building, but the people who make it up. It continues to be an important part of who I am. When I’m there, I can get involved in scenes that help keep me grounded and focused. I’m also the resident sadist. Even though I’m not a natural-born one, I’m often called on by Doms and Masters at the club to plan and execute sadomasochism scenes that will help their submissives achieve a goal or give them what they need, whether it’s screaming, crying, endorphin release, raging, or whatever they need to experience.
Kelly: Tell me what is the biggest misconception about BDSM clubs?
Damián: That they’re filled with abusers and sex addicts. . If you were walking down the street, you wouldn’t be able to pick out someone who belongs to a BDSM club. We’re just ordinary people—mechanics, nurses, businesspeople, firefighters, teachers, homemakers, you name it. And no one is more vigilant about exposing the abusers in the community than those of us who are active in a local club.
BDSM isn’t about abuse at all. A lot of subs, in particular, with abusive backgrounds have found solace and healing in clubs. It’s not always about sex either. My relationship with Savi started out mainly as my being her Top and helping her release pent-up emotions she’d kept a tight leash on for many years. While I’ve been attracted to her since the first day I saw her in the hotel where I worked before I joined the Marines, I knew she wasn’t ready for a sexual relationship when she returned to me. We needed to work on redirecting a lot of the negative messages still rattling around in her head from things her abusers had tried to make her believe about herself. So, for us, SM is the way we’re able to help each other and connect on a very emotional level. Someday I hope it leads to more, of course.
Kelly: What would you tell someone who was thinking about getting into this lifestyle, but scared all at the same time?
Damián: (Grins) Well, be careful who you admit your fear to, because a Dom likes nothing more than to know his sub is a little afraid of him. Seriously, though, you need to do your homework. First off, find out if there’s a club in your area where you can talk with others who are in the lifestyle. Most hold public events called munches that give people a chance to meet and greet. A good place to find out about your local scene is to check out fetlife.com, an online community for kinksters. You just might want to avoid looking at the photos at first, though, if you’re squeamish. But there are some good forums there to help you get to know more about the community and the lifestyle and people, for the most part, are eager to help newcomers understand and learn about the lifestyle. Just don’t go meeting strangers without taking the same safety precautions you would if going on a date with someone you met online. There are some real nutjobs out there. Most aren’t like the Doms and subs you meet in Romance novels.
Kelly: I know you have been around for the last three stories Kally has written. How do you feel about her telling your and Savi’s story?
Damián: I just wish she’d hurry up and finish it so I can see how it ends. (Laughs) Actually, you know Kally. “The end” never means the end. But from what I understand, I’m going to make out better at the end of this one than Marc is.
Kelly: Did she keep the story true? Or did she leave things out? Was there anything you wanted her to add that she would not?
Damián: If anyone tries to keep things out of these stories, it’s Marc, Adam, and me. Kally is all about baring our souls for the world to see. Well, you can imagine how well that goes over with a bunch of Marines who have built walls around themselves to keep themselves safe and their secrets hidden. She’s also tenacious. Picking on my buddy again, but she knew there was something going on with Marc that he hadn’t revealed to her when she was writing Nobody’s Angel. Well, she’s quite the reporter (she has degree in journalism, you know), and a few weeks ago she uncovered the beginnings of a story from Marc’s past that’s a shocker for him and has really caused some problems in his life. He’s still reeling from the news, as anyone might be, and has to figure out what it means for him, not to mention his relationship with Angelina. But I’m sure he’ll, as Kally’s readers like to say, “get his head out of his ass” eventually.
Kelly: It is always good to have you here. Anything else you want to share before I turn you loose?
Damián: I can’t think of anything. Just be watching for announcements on Facebook, Twitter, and in her newsletter for when Nobody’s Perfect is available to be downloaded and read. It’ll definitely be this month, but no earlier than June 26 it looks like. (Holds his hands up) Hey, don’t look at me. Marc’s the one who derailed this book. Kally says I’m the easiest of the three to work with. (Grins) Hmmm. But there’s still time. I wonder what havoc I might be able to wreak in the next few days.
Kelly: Master D, don’t you dare! We’ve been waiting since last summer for Savi’s and your happy ending.
Damián: Well, for you, princesa brat, I’ll try to behave.
I can’t wait to read Nobody’s Perfect. Here is a quick look at Damián & Savi’s book.
Nobody’s Perfect
Masters at Arms #4
Savannah Gentry, now Savi Baker, escaped the torture and degradation forced upon her by a sadistic father for eleven years and has made a safe life for herself and her daughter. When her father threatens her peace of mind—and her daughter’s safety—Savi runs to Damián Orlando for protection. Their one day together eight years earlier changed both their lives and resulted in a secret she can no longer hide. But being with Damián reawakens feelings she wants buried—and stirs up an onslaught of disturbing flashbacks that leave her shaken to the core with little hope of ever being a sexual being again.
Damián has his own dragons to fight, but has never forgotten the one perfect day he spent with Savannah in a cave at the beach. He will go to the ends of the earth to protect Savi and her daughter, but can never be the whole man she deserves after a firefight in Iraq. Besides, the trauma of war and resulting PTSD has led him to find his place as the Masters at Arms Club’s favorite sadist. Savi needs someone gentle and loving, not the broken man he has become. But he sees that the lifestyle he’s come to embrace also can help Savi regain control of her life and sexuality. How can he not help redirect her negative thoughts and actions if she needs him?
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Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome S.J. McMillian to the blog today to talk about her new book City of the Gods.
1. Can you please share with us a little about yourself?
I live in southwest Missouri with my supportive husband and my three fun loving kids. Along with being a wife and mother, I have a full time job as an administrative assistant during the work week. I enjoy reading, exercising, eating junk food, watching movies & TV, singing loudly, and dancing terribly.
2. Have you always wanted to be an author?
I didn’t even consider becoming an author until I finished The Descendant a couple years ago. I remember when I was younger I wanted to be a teacher, but as I grew older I changed my mind several times. For a while I wanted to be an FBI agent, which changed into wanting to be a photo-journalist. The photo-journalist didn’t work out because even though I wanted to write, I didn’t want to write about news. Well that, and the fact that I suck at photography.
3. Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
My favorite writers include Katie McAlister, Michele Bardsley, Lynsay Sands, & Christine Feehan. Any and all of these amazing writers influenced my writing. All these women write strong characters that I always end up falling in love with. Not to mention, they all have an element of humor in them which is another thing I love about their books. I want to have those strong believable characters in my stories. I want the reader to love my characters and stories just as much as I love these ladies stories.
4. How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
As you can see from my list of favorite authors, I have an affinity for paranormal romance. I’m just not real comfortable writing the steamy love scenes you often get in those. Urban fantasy is a nice blend of paranormal, horror, and romance. I can put a bit of romance into the story without having to write that full on steamy love scene, but still put just enough gore in the story to make you cringe, but not puke.
Once I finish the City of the Gods trilogy, I do have a story in mind that rides the line between paranormal and urban fantasy. I also have plans for a ghost story and a humorous fiction series. One day I will venture out of my comfortable urban fantasy world, but it will be a few years from now.
5. What are some of your writing rituals?
I usually have to have some kind of music playing as background noise and I always have to have something to drink handy. Those are the only things that are a must for me while writing. Anything else would be a distraction.
6. Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
The title of my current release is City of the Gods: The Descendant. It’s about Katalina, a girl who is a descendant of an ancient civilization. Unknown to her, she has been appointed by the Gods to save humanity from annihilation by an evil priest. Three of the original citizens of the civilization are given the mission to train and protect Katalina until she is ready to defeat the evil.
Katalina’s life has been a constant struggle since the loss of her parents when she was younger. She doubts her ability to save the human race, when she can barely protect herself. It’s up to her friends, who have survived for many centuries, to convince her that she does indeed have what it takes to accept the mantle of Redeemer.
7. How did you come up with idea for this story?
This story has been in the making for over ten years. At the time I was reading lots of paranormal romances. I wanted to write a story of my own. The earliest version of this story had vampires, werewolves, and witches running amuck throughout it. Then came that little phenomenon Twilight, and then Vampire Dairies hot on its heels. I didn’t want to write something that was like everything else out there. I wanted to give the reader something different. One day while researching I came across the city of Teotihuacan in Mexico. I was intrigued by its limited history. I consumed all the information I could find on the city, short of traveling there myself. I took out the vampires and werewolves, and created something unique. It came out better than I could have possibly hoped for.
8. Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’m currently working on the second book for the City of the Gods trilogy. I’m hoping to have it completed by the end of June. The only things I can tell you about the book without spoiling the story is that it takes off where The Descendant ends, and centers more on another character.
9. What would you be if you were not an author?
A poet or artist. I can’t draw worth a crap, but I would still have that need to express my creativity. As an author, I’m able to express that side of me.
10. What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m so far behind on my reading. On my nightstand right now is Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Yep that’s right, the 2nd book in the Hunger Games trilogy. I was also told by a good friend of mine to read Shades of Grey. There are probably many others out there that I would read if I had the time.
11. Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to thank your readers for taking the time to stop by and read my babbling. I also love hearing from readers and fellow authors. You can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcmillansj, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mcmillansj, or come by my website at www.mcmillansj.com.
Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Let’s see…Southern girl by birth, Midwesterner by fate, world traveler and semi-professional ex-pat American by luck I own a microbrewery, handle guys who brew and sell beer daily including my own Tap Room staff. I love my day job. But I also love to write.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
Not really, no. I wanted to be a veterinarian for a lot of years, then toyed with med school until I hit organic chemistry and my essential missing math gene made me pick up my minor in English as a major. I’ve worked my entire life in sales, public relations and some non-profit fundraising and wrote everything from press releases to ad copy. Spent 8 fairly lucrative years as a licensed real estate agent, and now, I own a brewery. But I never thought I’d do that either!
What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I can flesh out an entire plot in my head and actually have to do that before I sit and write at the keyboard.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
The 2 books that have released this month from Decadent book end the trilogy of stories I wrote for their popular 1NightStand series earlier this year. The Diplomat’s Daughter is the prequel and tells the “forbidden love” story of the Deniz parents—she the daughter of the American Consul General, he the son of servants.
Flower Passage: Tarkan’s Story is the final novella of the series and brings back a very popular but short lived character from the early trilogy.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
I wrote Turkish Delights (the 1st of the trilogy for the 1NightStand series) and quickly concocted the other 2. Each one of about one of the siblings in the Deniz family (see: Diplomat’s Daughter for their parents’ fairly romantic story). When I decided to have one of the family members die in a terrorist attack I sort of knew all along that there would be “more” to that story but not until the family had more or less moved on or at least come to terms with the tragedy of his death.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Sure! What writer doesn’t want to go on (and on…and on) about their projects? I have an entire series as a spin off to my popular Stewart Realty series coming soon and am in the middle of hard edits for a brewery-based romance coming from Ellora’s Cave later this year. I am also going off in a slightly different direction and coming up with a slightly more mainstream/less erotic second chances story about a woman who spent years as an ex-pat trailing spouse and the collapse and re-assembly of her marriage.
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
Margaret Atwood—she is my hero. Barring that John Irving, same reason.
Also, Orhan Pamuk, Pulitzer prize winning, Turkish author.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Don’t ever submit anything without a very hard round of critique. It wastes your time and the publishers and costs you credibility.
Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
I want to spend a month in Germany visiting all the famous breweries for like, 2 months. And write a book about starting my brewery business. I’ve saved all the pretty hilarious chains of emails I have shared with my 2 biz partners, our brewer, and now my Bar manager.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I cannot wait to start John Irving’s new book In One Person.
Want to learn more about Liz and her books? You can find her here
Julie Miller has returned to her home in Clearwater, Wyoming after discovering she is pregnant. All she wants is her mother to comfort her after her boyfriend told her to either have an abortion or leave. The only problem is, when she gets to her mother’s house, she doesn’t find her mom—she finds a half-naked man cooking breakfast. Mark Thomas has moved to Clearwater to escape his past. He needs a fresh start to try and forget the things that haunt him, and Clearwater seems like the perfect place. As if it isn’t bad enough that Julie doesn’t find her mother, a blizzard buries the town, and she is snowed in with Mark. Leaving them no choice, they begin a friendship while trying to resist the attraction they feel for one another. Once the snow melts, Julie is free to leave. Will she choose to start a life in Clearwater or run back to New York? Meanwhile, Mark struggles to let go of his past and, if he does, is Julie his future?
The sun shined brightly through the windows. Julie wished now she had noticed the blinds were open last night. Pulling the sheets over her face, she closed her eyes for a few more minutes as she tried to wake up.
Finally, after battling with herself, she climbed out of the bed. She put her jeans back on and then pulled her hair up in a ponytail. A sudden urge to use the restroom took over, and she rushed toward the bathroom. This was something new—no bladder control. She didn’t expect to already have to pee so much.
She quickly brushed her teeth then made sure everything was tidy as though she hadn’t been there. Grabbing her suitcase, she left the room. She expected to find Chloe up front, but she was nowhere to be seen. So she stopped by the front desk and scribbled a note, thanking Chloe for the stay and saying they would talk soon. After all, she was going to need someone during this process. As young girls, she and Chloe had always gotten along.
Outside, the sun was bright. There was a chill to the air, however. The few clouds in the sky were thick and fluffy. She bet there would be a light snow shower before the day was over. In fact, she was surprised to not see any snow on the ground yet. It would be anytime now.
The drive to her mother’s house was short. She lived on the older side of town, and it was unchanged except that the trees had gotten taller.
Julie was excited to see her mom. It had been almost a year since she’d seen her. Julie had flown her out last Christmas to visit her in New York City. She’d taken her mother everywhere, showing her every tourist spot there was to see. Her mother had loved it and said it had always been a dream of hers to travel. Julie hoped one day her mother would get to. Her father had died about ten years ago, and her mother had never remarried. She had a few close friends, though, and maybe one day they would all get together and travel.
But for now, Julie needed her mom. She couldn’t wait to have her mother embrace her and hold her tight, telling her it would all work out.
She pulled up to the house. It looked the same. A small ranch-style home painted a light blue color. It was time for a fresh coat of paint, that was sure. Perhaps she could get someone out here in the spring to spruce the place up. Her mother’s car wasn’t in its usual spot but instead pulled over near the picket fence. A pick-up truck sat where the car was usually parked. Maybe something was wrong with the vehicle, and she was borrowing the truck.
Climbing out of the car, Julie could smell bacon. A smiled crossed her face. Her mom was cooking breakfast. Shutting the car door quickly, she went up the front steps two at a time. As she turned the doorknob, she found it locked. Groaning, she dug through her purse until she found the key to the house and let herself in.
Loud music blared through the house. It was set to a local country station. This was so unlike her mother. In fact, as Julie looked around the living room and saw how untidy it was, she wondered if she was in the right house.
Following the smell of food, she stepped into the kitchen. Julie froze. A half-naked man stood at the stove, flipping pancakes. It was as if he sensed he was no longer alone. He turned, and Julie thought she was going to faint.
“Hi,” the man said.
“Who the hell are you, and where is my mother?” Julie demanded.
Books-n-Kisses is please to let Autumn Jordon take over the blog for the day. She is going to be chatting about her new book His Witness to Evil.
Autumn Jordon is a quiet nut with a reputation for finding trouble. She lives with her husband, who supplies her with support and tons of laughs, along the Appalachian Trail in northeast Pennsylvania. Crafting stories has always been part of her life. While in fourth grade, her first novel, A Night To Remember, sold three copies: to her best friend, teacher and mother.
When AJ’s not writing or blogging here, she enjoys her family, her dogs and cat, her friends, great books, gardening, walking the trails and traveling with her own hero. Her favorite destinations, so far, are Vermont and Arizona.
No matter what Autumn is doing, she’s busy dreaming up ideas to put the characters of her romantic thrillers in grave danger.
The floor is yours Autumn…
I love reading romantic suspense and if you’re reading this, it’s a given you do too. Awesome! We’re kindred spirits.
Want to know why I love writing romantic suspense? Yes, because I love to read the genre, silly, but seriously, I love writing romantic suspense because of the research. When an idea comes to me, I can’t wait to start to digging into a topic and finding the most intriguing facts. Sometimes data or comments by industry professionals lead me to other fascinating subjects. At times, the story idea I started out to write about is left by the wayside because my research has uncovered a more interesting subject. (Imagine a wicked laugh and me wringing my hands together here —BAWAWA)
In my new release, HIS WITNESS TO EVIL, (available at Amazon & B&N btw) the idea came from an occurrence at my work. I worked as a corp. secretary, who wore many hats, for a mid-size trucking company. No. The company name remains undisclosed for obvious reasons. I knew tractor-trailers were heisted. I had to deal with the law enforcement officers in a few states and insurance companies. I also knew the U.S. treasury transported U.S. currency by tractor-trailers, well because… Not saying more. I started to think what if units carrying currency were targeted. Hmmm I my muse took over.
Now, since I worked within the transportation industry, the research for that facet of the book was at my fingertips. But when I thought about who would be targeting the tractor-trailers and how they would know which of the many vehicles to heist, I started researching the U.S. Treasury, organized crime and law enforcement jurisdictions. From my research came an idea, but of course I had to check the scenario out to see if it was plausible. Enter the FBI. I interviewed a director of the agency and learned not only was my idea plausible but had indeed, in part, occurred. BINGO!
You really want to know what the FBI confirmed, don’t you? Well you’ll have read His Witness To Evil. It’s available on Amazon
Mr. FBI man really was nice and was kind enough to share some of his personal and family life with me. I think talking to him, helped me develop a great heroin John Dolton. In fact, a reviewer for RT stated: John Dolton is the best character; his background and the sorrow he lives with make a good subplot. Readers will wish they were the ones offering him a shoulder to cry on.
You can see why I love research. One note before I share an excerpt of HIS WITNESS TO EVIL. The wide-world web has made it so easy to find answers to almost anything. I’ll caution you however, to double check your research findings with several different sources, because, as you know, you can’t believe everything you read on the net.
Suddenly, a hand slapped across her mouth and a strong arm circled her waist, lifting her off her feet. Her nostrils flared against the ridge of skin as she fought to suck in air and the scent of the man dragging her away.
A car whizzed by but didn’t stop. The street ahead was deserted except for two elderly women waiting for a bus and a couple standing on the corner. They had their backs to her. They didn’t see her.
She searched wildly for anyone who would come to her rescue. There was no one.
The street disappeared and red brick imprisoned her and her attacker on both sides as the man carried her deeper into the deserted alley. Foul smelling dumpsters, broken crates and cardboard boxes limp from the downpour on Saturday night filled the alley.
While her toes fought to touch the ground, her fingernails dug into tan skin. She struggled helplessly to free herself.
“Owww. Will you stop clawing me?” The deep tone heated her ear.
“John,” she mumbled against his hand. She twisted and strained to look back. Relief washed through her.
“Quiet.” He deposited her into a deep doorway.
Her purse slipped from her shoulder and dropped to the ground as she spun on her heel. Without thought, she flung her arms around his neck. His hard chest crushed her breasts. “I was so scared. I didn’t want to leave you and Zohara. I’m so glad you’re alive.”
“Me too,” he whispered into her ear.
She pulled back. His smile was faint, but it was there. Her hands trailed down his arms and found the bandage. “Your arm.”
“It’s nothing. A cut.”
“I shouldn’t have left you and—”
“You did the right thing, Steph. Where are the kids?”
“They’re safe.”
He looked at her warily, probably wondering where she could hide them and feel safe about doing so.
She squared her shoulders. “No one saw us. I wasn’t going to bring them until I knew it was safe. Whoever is looking for us could spot us faster if we were together, so I left them at the library with Susan. No one will look for them there. And if something happens to me…” Stephanie swallowed hard, fear rippling through her. “Well, Susan knows my mother. She’d call her.”
At the sound of a door opening, John glanced around the doorway’s edge. He pushed her into the corner, shielding her with his body.
With her nose pressed against his chest, she drew in a mixture of his musk scent and blood.
The sound of someone throwing trash into the dumpster mingled with the throb of her heart. Protected by John, she closed her eyes and waited.
“Damn,” he said.
Stephanie’s head snapped up. “What do you mean, damn?”
“Shh.” John’s hands found her hips and pulled her even closer—hip to hip. The butt of his gun poked her ribs. No protective vests shielded her from the feel of him.
His burning gaze told her of his plan only a moment before his lips, full and hot, crushed hers.
His hands trailed down her backside, lifting her against his hard body. She ran her hands up his strong arms. The world reeled away, leaving her and John alone, enjoying the warm comfort of each other as their bodies molded together.
“Hey! Hey, buddy. What are you doing there?” A man called from a short distance.
John pulled back. Instantly the air between them cooled and Stephanie shivered, wanting more of him.
“Calm down, Mac. The lady and I are on a coffee break. Right, babe?”
Dazed, her gaze locked with his. She knew what he wanted from her.
“Miss?” The stocky man wearing a bloody butcher’s apron glanced at her purse before his hard glare landed on John. The man’s burly arms hosted clamped fists and his stance changed. He was ready to pounce on John at her word.
“Leave us alone. We’ve only got ten minutes.” Stephanie slowly laced her arms around John’s neck and flashed a wicked smile at the man. She went up on her toes and buried her face in John’s neck and nibbled away, enjoying the salty taste of him.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome first time visitor Kristine Grayson to the blog. We are chatting about her newest book Thoroughly Kissed.
1. Have you always wanted to be an author? As long as I can remember, I wanted to write. My mother kept my first book, which I wrote (and, sadly, illustrated) at seven. It was about a pony. I was such a girl.
2. Who are some of your favorite writers? Currently, I’m enjoying Julia Quinn, Mary Jo Putney, and Mary Balogh. I also like Laura Griffin’s Tracers series. And in urban fantasy, Ilona Andrews, P.N. Elrod, and a host of others.
3. Who do you feel has influenced your writing? Well, that’s tougher. I reread F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca every year, but what I write is nothing like their works. I have a hunch my influences for these books are the 1930s & 1940s screwball comedies. I love Bringing Up Baby, The Philadelphia Story, His Gal Friday, and all of those witty romantic films.
4. How did you get into writing this specific genre? Accidentally. Under my real name, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, I published a short story called “The Strangeness of the Day,” and my husband, writer Dean Wesley Smith, told me that it was really a novel. I wrote the novel, which became Utterly Charming, and decided to publish it as a romance under a different name for commercial reasons. It’s been a fun ride ever since.
5. Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre? I do write in a different genre. In fact, I write under different names in almost every genre. Kris Nelscott for mystery, Kristine Dexter for romantic suspense, Kris DeLake for futuristic romance, Kristine Kathryn Rusch for pretty much everything else, including nonfiction. I’ve been nominated for everything from the RT Book Reviews reviewer’s choice award to the Edgar award, and I’ve won the Hugo award and the Herodotus Award for Best Historical Mystery among other awards. Plus my short stories have ended up in (at last count) 18 years best collections.
6. What are some of your writing rituals? Tea. Cats. Cats. Tea.
7. Can you please tell us about your latest book? Thoroughly Kissed follows Sleeping Beauty ten years after she woke up in our world. She’d been asleep for 1,000 years. She’s managed to thrive by learning everything, ending up as a history professor of the Dark Ages (which she lived). Now she’s come into her magic without training and she needs help. Unfortunately, her mentor can’t travel to her, so she has to go to him. And she can’t fly or take public transportation because her magic is out of control and she might kill someone. Through a series of mishaps, she ends up traveling with her handsome boss and—well—you can figure out the rest.
8. How did you come up with the idea for this story? Sleeping Beauty was a side character in Utterly Charming—back when she woke up. And I couldn’t stop thinking about her, wondering what happened next. I finally had to write the story to answer that question for myself.
9. Can you share your current work in progress? I’m working on the next book in the Assassins Guild series that I write as Kris DeLake. These are futuristic romances set in the far future. I just finished the latest Grayson novel, Charming Blue, which has (of all people) Bluebeard as my hero. (He’s horribly misunderstood.)
10. What would you be if you were not an author? Hopeless.
Seriously, a composer, probably. Something in the arts.
11. What is in your TBR pile that you are dying to start or an upcoming release that you can’t wait for? I’m waiting for the next Michael Connolly mystery and the upcoming Jeffrey Deaver Kathryn Dance novel. Tonight, I’m going to start Julia Quinn’s latest, A Night Like This. The book arrived today; I can hardly wait to finish work so I can read.
12. Is there anything you’d like to add?
Just a thank you for asking me to participate in the blog.
Seduced by Blood
Only Yours
The Claimed
Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine
Just Say Yes
Shadow Bound (Shadow #1)
Shadow Touch (Shadow #2.5)
Shadow Play (Shadow #3.5)
Damián: It’s good to be back.
Nobody’s Perfect
1. Can you please share with us a little about yourself?
Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
Finding Home
Autumn Jordon is a quiet nut with a reputation for finding trouble. She lives with her husband, who supplies her with support and tons of laughs, along the Appalachian Trail in northeast Pennsylvania. Crafting stories has always been part of her life. While in fourth grade, her first novel, A Night To Remember, sold three copies: to her best friend, teacher and mother. 
In my new release, 
