It is that time again…. Here are a few of the books that are new today…
Hope you find something good to read.
If you have any release day books you want to see featured please let me know.
Interview & Giveaway with Tigris Eden
Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have Tigris Eden on the blog today with her new novel Enslaved (released yesterday). I got to read this book early and let me tell you it is GOOD!!! So let’s learn a little more about Tigris
Can you please share with us a little about yourself
There really isn’t much to tell, I am a boring book nerd who loves to read write and listen to music. On occasion I make people laugh. 🙂
Have you always wanted to be an author?
I can honestly say yes… I’ve been writing for a very long time.
What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I like to write in the buff… JOKING JOKING! Seriously I don’t really have a quirk I just write when the mood hits me… Which is almost every day! Maybe that could be a quirk?
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
My latest book is about a werewolf and a human who have a one night stand and then by unfortunate means end of running end to each other five years later. Of course there are bad men after her and he wants her but she’s not sure about him and oh yeah there is the issue of her secret. One night in a steamy jungle can do a lot to a girl’s brain!
How did you come with the idea for this story?
Was listening to Maroon 5’s Secret in the car one day and thought a one night stand would be awesome. Originally it was going to be contemporary but then werewolf getting it on sounded so much better. 🙂
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I am actually working on Burned in Shadows while piecing together two other series ideas. Burned is the sequel to Enslaved and it’s going to be a wild ride of emotions a bit of drama and closure for two particular people. Oh and another surprise. LOL
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
Earnest Hemingway… I have never said that before until this interview. And I promise I wasn’t trying to be brainy. If you had asked me a month ago it would have been Shayla Black and not that I don’t want to meet her face to face. It’s just I was reading A Moveable Feast, his memoirs in Paris, and well he is a description junkie… And I love the way he describes things. But he’s gone so we will get back to Shay… Shayla Black is amazing! I just want to have one sit down, one lunch and pick her brain. I would ask her what I’ve always wanted to ask her face to face just to see the expression on her face and see what answers I get. WHAT FREAKING SEX CLUB ARE YOU GOING TO IN DALLAS TO GET YOUR INFORMAITON! LOL! Her research is phenom! It’s like she’s really been to the clubs… I mean seriously! She has to be a freakin member or something! LOL She writes great ROMANCE! Love HER!
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Never stop no matter what! There is always room for improvement! And if you get taken to school on one of your books, take notes, don’t be afraid to dig deeper into the reason why someone didn’t like your story. Just take the notes. When schools out, go play. 🙂
Can you share with us something off your bucket list?
I want to sail the Bermuda Triangle when I’m like 89 years old. I want to charter a yacht and leave and see if A) What’s on the other side, will I be greeted by Aliens or worse the gateway to some unspeakable time warp machine that will take me back to my younger years. Or B) Gain the secret of life! I know it sounds wacky and strange but you never know I could either come back… Or I could die either way I would have lived a full life. And that in itself will be my reward. (Thinks to self) I hope I don’t drown though, that would be a horrible way to go.!
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I have a long list in my TBR pile.. But I am dying for Reseph’s Book and dying for Karin Tabke’s last installment of Blood Moon Rising Trilogy! Luca Raffa you are hot! Werewolf Sandwiching is in!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I can’t think of anything else at all… Thanks Kelly for having me on your blog! You rock on all kinds of level of awesomeness! I am so glad you enjoyed Enslaved, and I promise I will take the anxiety down a couple notches for you. J
Want to learn more about Tirgis? You can check out my review of Enslaved HERE. But you can find Tigris here
Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
And to sweeten the pot I am going to be giving away an e-book of Enslaved to one lucky person. To enter please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
Guest blog with Zack Greene from Liz Borino’s new novella Action
Zack Greene from Liz Borino’s new novella Action has taken over the blog. To talk about being a SUB. He is also sharing an excerpt from his new book.
*Warning: Light BDSM, D/s relationship, spanking, and hot m/m sex*
Sub
Hey there! Zack Greene here! I’m one of the protagonists of Liz Borino’s newest release, Action. Liz asked me to write a blog post because she’s busy editing…something, probably. Could also be writing. Okay! You got me. I stopped listening after she gave my instructions. The woman just has a habit of going on and on. Exasperating.
Anyway, she asked me to talk about what it’s like to be the submissive partner in a Dom/sub (D/s) relationship. But I can’t. Don’t leave, please! She’ll kill me. Then, the series would end. And that would be sad. I only know what it’s like to be submissive in my relationship with Steve. In a word? It’s incredible. A little more than three years ago, I was an actor on the brink of losing my career because, after escaping my cult-like Mormon family, I took advantage of everything I missed out on growing up. I’m often grateful I was too drunk or strung out to remember how I filled those nights, but more so they didn’t cause permanent damage. Following my release from the hospital, my agent, Vic, sent me on an audition for the pilot of Ben’s Life.
My reputation preceded me, though, and I was almost dismissed by all but one of the directors. Steve. He saw beyond my cockiness, and shattered it, with just a change in the tone of his voice. Two days later, he called, with no information regarding auditions. I was only disappointed until I realized he wanted a date. But he didn’t ask. No, he told me—using the same no nonsense tone from the audition—we’d be going to dinner at an out of the way restaurant. Dinner turned into the night…which became the weekend. His confidence slashed through my armor, straight to my heart. I had never seen someone who could be so gentle and forceful at the same time. At that point, the only word I had for it was fucking hot. Two words. I know.
Steve took care of everything when we were together, including me. I’ll be honest it wasn’t easy at first. I was completely independent since leaving my family seven years prior, so to have someone else telling me what to do, produced some resistance, to say the least. A few weeks into our relationship, Steve showed me exactly how he’d handle my resistance. I thought he was only joking when he threatened to put me over his knee. Nope. I don’t even remember what my first spanking was for, probably something to do with my attitude, usually the culprit. More surprising than the spanking itself? My reaction. I was so aroused by the end of the ten swats, I released all over his legs. The hot white fluid must have carried my ego with it. Because I had no trace of the bad attitude left.
Too confused to be embarrassed, I knelt next to him on the bed—hot red ass made sitting out of the question—to try and make sense of the emotions coursing through my body. But he wouldn’t say anything yet. Instead, Steve laid me on the bed and soothed the sting with aloe and kisses. I’d never felt so loved. I wanted to hold onto the feeling forever. So far, I have.
Steve and I have a formal contract, which lays out exactly what we expect of each other. Limits. Consequences. Punishments. Rewards. I wear a collar. It’s all very basic insofar as the BDSM community goes. So, that’s why I can’t talk about what it’s like to be a ‘sub.’ All I know is the relationship I have with Steve. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Action
Blurb:
When the bright lights and flashing cameras of Hollywood capture your every move, how can you fulfill your deepest desires? For Zack Greene, a formerly out-of-control actor, and Steve Michaels, the director who unearthed the heart of the man beneath the ego, it’s a constant struggle.
In public, Steve and Zack are the picture of professional partners. However, behind closed doors, their partnership is taken to a new level. They engage in a carefully constructed Dom/sub relationship that not only brings them pleasure, but keeps Zack from slipping back into his wild ways.
Their delicate balance is thrown askew when a producer on the show threatens to expose their lifestyle, while taking advantage of Zack in a moment of vulnerability. Will Steve be able to ease the pain and save the love they share? Or will they come apart when they need each other most?
*Warning: Light BDSM, D/s relationship, spanking, and hot m/m sex*
Excerpt
“Where you going, love?” Steve asked the next morning without opening his eyes when Zack pulled away.
“Nowhere.” Zack knelt next to him, pulled away the blanket, and slid down Steve’s boxers. He lay face down on the bed now completely exposed to the morning chill. Zack reacted to his shiver by closing the window and getting back on the bed. “You know, I woke up a bit ago and realized I’ve been kind of selfish these past few days. This whole situation has been affecting you as much as it has me.” He used both hands to massage the back of Steve’s head and moved slowly down his neck.
Steve let out a breath as Zack kneaded the tension from his body with warm, strong hands. “You’re not selfish. You’ve been hurt.”
Zack brushed a finger against his lips. “Shh, let me make you feel good, please.”
If said another way, Steve could have seen it as a command, but really, why would he argue? Zack was so talented, Steve had no reason to resist when he spread his legs apart. He alternated between his palm and fist over the knots on Steve’s back. When Zack touched his ass, he said, “Hold on a sec.”
“You okay?”
Steve kissed him after making an adjustment. “It’s the morning. Got a biological issue.”
Zack reached between his legs and stroked his low hanging hardness and sac. “I don’t see an issue.”
“Zack…” he gasped, very close to losing control. He was brought even closer as Zack simultaneously kissed his shoulder blades and worked his butt with his hands.
“What? Want me to stop?”
His voice, so sultry and seductive, caused a deep growl in Steve’s throat. “No, I want you to realize you could end up on your back very easily.”
“Promise or threat?” Zack kissed in a zig-zag pattern to the small of his back, and up again, all the while releasing tightness from his lower body.
When the only tension left on the back side of his body was that of growing hunger, he flipped over to find Zack wearing nothing but his collar and a grin. Steve brought him down on the bed and pressed their lips together. “Sometimes, I think you forget who’s in charge here.”
“Then, you better show me.”
“Put your hands behind your head and don’t take them down until I give you permission.” Zack pinned them under his head and Steve took a second to admire him. His well-built chest heaved already. Steve ran his fingers down his chest and abs. He dipped his tongue in the crevices between the muscles. He relished Zack’s unique taste, musk and remaining spices from dinner. “Very nice, my love.” The desire increased. Steve spread Zack’s legs and lavished kisses on his thighs and abs, everywhere except the member begging for attention.
“Steve…please.”
“Oh no, you have quite a while.” The resulting whimper made Steve grow painfully harder. Quite a while? What was Steve thinking? He didn’t want to wait a while. He wanted to bury himself far within the sexy man sprawled out in front of him. He rubbed his own cock. “Zack, I want you to watch me stroke myself.”
Zack turned his head and focused on Steve’s hand moving up and down his shaft with varying degrees of speed. Since it only took one hand to accomplish, Steve reached over and did the same for Zack. He spread the pre-cum over his head and used it as lubricant for his hand. “Oh my god, I’m going to come,” Zack said.
“You keep saying that, love, but you won’t until I tell you. Besides, that’s not how you ask.” Steve leaned up and kissed Zack, extracting his bottom lip from between his teeth. “I love you.”
“Mmm, love you. Fuck,” he answered breathlessly as Steve teased.
“I’m not sure if I should warn you about language or punish you for giving orders.”
“Never orders. I promise.”
Steve studied Zack’s hands, firmly under his head, the veins of control in his neck, and decided he wasn’t trying to overpower the situation. He lifted Zack’s knees to his chest and lubed his hole. Steve said, “I’m going to fuck you now. Any objections?”
“No, please…”
“No…what? You don’t want me in you, thrusting against your sweet spot, making you wither in ecstasy?” he questioned, even as he slicked himself.
“Christ, Steve, I’m begging you.”
“Okay, love, grab the headboard for leverage.” He gripped the wood so hard his knuckles turned white. Steve entered him fast and deep. Zack met his hips as much as he could under the circumstances. But Steve took charge. He tilted his body up so he repeatedly hit the pleasure spot. “Come for me, love.”
Like turning on a faucet, the white cream gushed out and hit Steve in the face as he leaned down to kiss Zack. The smell and feel of the orgasm erased his own barriers and he collapsed next to his partner.
Interview with LJ Garland & Debbie Gould
Books-n-Kisses is please to welcome the wonderful team of LJ Garland & Debbie Gould to that blog today to chat about their new book Sins of the Mind
DEBBIE: Thanks for inviting us, I’m excited.
LJ: Yes, thanks so much for having us today!
Can you please share with us a little about yourself
LJ: Though born and raised in the south, I’ve lived on both the east and west coasts. I love traveling, and the latest adventures I’ve added to my Bucket List: Machu Pichu and Australia’s Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. Someday, I hope to get to those places! I’ve been married to my best friend for over twenty years, spend my time home schooling three rambunctious boys, editing in the epub industry, and writing stories that I hopes catches readers’ imaginations as much as the characters and plotlines captivate me. In my spare time (what there is of it LOL), I have tons of hobbies, including building archery equipment from scratch and creating stained glass. I have a passion for anything that goes Boom! …from fireworks to high-powered combat rifles…it’s all good. My hubby and I are both rated helicopter pilots and spent our 10th anniversary flying cross-country from east to west coast…an adventure I highly recommend.
DEBBIE: Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, at the age of two my mother and I moved to New Jersey, spending many happy years on my grandparents’ horse farm. You’ll sometimes find this setting as a backdrop in my stories. As a teenager, my mother and I found a new home in Vermont, which is where I currently reside. With a daughter in the Air Force (along with my six-year-old grandson), and two sons working for the family Well Drilling business, I now shuffle my time between a full time job as a nurse and my writing career. About seven years ago, while looking at over three hundred treasured books lining the shelves, I realized there was a multitude of stories of my own clamoring for release. Since then, I’ve seriously persevered in keeping the keyboard in constant motion.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
DEBBIE: First I wanted to be a Marine Biologist, then I wanted to join the Navy and be a chef on one of their boats, but I ended up being a nurse, then writing came along.
LJ: Well, I wanted to be the President of the United States until I was twelve. Then I smartened up! lol After that I wanted to be an actress. Did that for a while then moved to teaching college and that led to home schooling my three boys… Wow, I’m old!
Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
LJ: Uh, a typical day? Do we have any typical writing days??
DEBBIE: No routine here. I keep telling her we need a routine, but she’s too busy drinking coffee all day.
LJ: Hey, it works, and we get the stories finished. Hmm…my mug’s empty. Back in a sec.
DEBBIE: See what I mean?
Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
DEBBIE: Getting positive reactions from the readers would be the most rewarding. I’d say the most challenging would be coming up with a unique story they will enjoy.
LJ: Yeah. And I would add that first page. You always want to grab the reader and ensure they keep going. And reader tastes vary widely. Pretty daunting task, that.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Our latest release is the first book from the Red River series. It’s a romantic suspense from Decadent Publishing called Sins of the Mind.
BLURB: Seven years ago, Abby Montgomery survived a brutal attack. Now she is ready to put her pain in the past and move on with her life. The problem is, one by one the men in her life are being viciously murdered. The detective assigned to the case, Ethan Parker, has demons of his own to hide. As the danger gets closer to Abby, so does Ethan. But can they get past his secrets before the killer gets to them? Sometimes the sins of the mind are more depraved than the sins of the heart.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
LJ: Well, as I recall, we were both on the same Internet forum. We’d known each other for…what? Two years, Deb?
Debbie: Yup, about that. We had been brainstorming a plot in one of the books I was writing (still unfinished, lol) and I showed her the first chapter of another story that had been screaming in my brain at me. She liked it, and I asked her if she wanted to co-write it.
LJ: That’s right! And I was excited because the story was interesting. Romance and murder, what’s not to like? So, we started brainstorming ideas and things got pretty intense and…what’s the word I’m looking for?
DEBBIE: Twisted?
LJ: Yes. That’s a great descriptor. But we both loved it and voilà, Sins of the Mind!
Can you share with us your current work in progress?
DEBBIE: We’re working on the next book in the Red River Series. Yup more murder, mayhem, and romance, lol.
LJ: Yep, we’ll be torturing the next characters even more than the first. Though, I think Sins of the Mind had several unexpected twists…and the characters got banged up pretty good.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
DEBBIE: Suzanne Brockmann, Stephen King, Tami Hoag, Cindy Gerard, Kat Martin, Lori Foster…oh the list goes on and on.
LJ: LOL I know! There are so many! Anne McCaffrey – her stories are so creative, yet easy to visualize. Her detailed worlds and series are inspirational, not to mention fun to read! Henry Beam Piper – his Little Fuzzy series is creative and memorable for sure! Orson Scott Card – Ender’s Game and all that came after was amazing. And he also did a nice twist on ‘What you think is true, might not be.’ Stephen King – because he didn’t write horror just for the sake of writing horror, there was a deep, psychological aspect that caused the blood to run cold. Dean Koontz – because his style of writing drew me. The way he wove his earlier stories was unusual, never in a straight line, which left me wondering how these diverse characters would ever collide. Suzanne Brockmann – for her high-action stories and her hero’s perspective. Robert Jordan – for his epic stories. Thomas Harris – psychologically terrifying.
Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
LJ: Absolutely! I think if I look at the list above, I can see bits of them all in my stories. Wow, talk about multiple personalities. lol
DEBBIE: Ditto, lol. I grew up on King, so sometimes my stories tend to be a tad dark.
LJ: Right there with you, Deb. Probably why we like writing together so much!
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
DEBBIE: Lori Foster’s A Perfect Storm and Christine Feehan’s Spirit Bound
LJ: Suzanne Collin’s Mockingjay and Linnea Sinclair’s Shades of Dark.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We can be tracked down at http://www.garland-and-gould.blogspot.com/ where we blog, chat about stuff, and interview other authors. –
L.J. can be caught at www.lj-garland.com and emailed at mail@lj-garland.com You can also tweet her at @LJ_Garland1 –
Debbie can be found at http://www.authordebbiegould.com/ and emailed at mountecho2006@yahoo.com. – We love hearing from people who have enjoyed our stories!
And you can find Sins of the Mind here!
LJ: Thank you so much for having us here today! We had an awesome time!
DEBBIE: Yes, thank you!
Spotlight Feature of The Fame Shame Game by Eiko La Boria
The Fame Shame Game:
The Debut
A fictionalized erotic parody inspired by life in the Hollywood fast lane!
“In the sex war, thoughtlessness is the weapon of the male, vindictiveness of the female”
The Unquiet Grave, Palinurus (1944)
The restless spirits of Hollywood are creating their usual brand of mischief when they take special notice of new arrival, aspiring movie star, Lana De Luna, who has a face and body created for sex and an overpowering voice in her head that beckons her to take no prisoners–in vain, she tries to subdue the voice as it urges her to have but one goal, make it to the top of Hollywood by any means necessary–instead she falls in love with the callous and handsome rake, Morton Cay, who reduces her to shambles, thrusting Lana to finally heed the echoing almighty voice and transform into the most ruthless player in the game–looming souls laud her new ambition–bringing Morton Cay and all of her detractors to their grimy knees!
Amazon / E Book / Createspace / Soundtrack
About The Author
Eiko La Boria was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico. She was named after the character, Eiko Tanaka, in director Sydney Pollack’s film, The Yakuza. She is a relative of the beloved Puerto Rican poet, Juan Boria. She studied screenwriting under Academy Award nominee, Professor Jamal Joseph, of Columbia University. She is of Cuban, Spanish, and Moroccan descent and The Fame Shame Game: The Debut is her debut novel.
Excerpt
This is an illustrated book. Below is a link to an online excerpt so readers can see pictures and the story.
Kelly’s review of Enslaved by Tigris Eden
Enslaved
AUTHOR: Tigris Eden
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/18/12
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When an unwanted assignment turns out to be his darkest fantasy from the past, Draven can’t help but be conflicted by the memories of the past and his responsibilities in the future. But his decision has been made.
Jes can’t let the tall dark agent back into her life.
How can she trust any man after what she’s endured. Years of abuse have broken her down and she doesn’t have room for more. The man she turns to for help hasn’t abused her physically but he’s tormented her emotionally. A past betrayal left her scarred, but also brought her life.
Can she accept him into her heart and trust him again?
One will survive and adapt, the other will realize hearts can be mended even if it’s a bit too late.
The road to forgiveness sometimes only brings more pain. Unexpected events set their lives on two separate tracks leading to one outcome. Lives will be changed and an emotional battle to save their souls will leave them both trapped and enslaved in their need for one another
REVIEW:
Where do I start with this book.. Oh how I want to tell you about the ending, but that just would not be fair. Not fair at all. But Oh MAN!! OH, Oh *covers mouth*… Okay lets start at the beginning.
Enslaved is Tirgis Eden’s debut novel and let me tell you I think she knocked it out of the park. This book has a little bit of everything. You have love, lust, trust, betrayal, failure and hope. And oh man I really wish I could tell you all the sordid little deals. But again that is really not fair. I will tell you that this book left me dying, DYING I tell you for the next book in this series.
Let me tell you how hard it is to write this review without giving away spoilers. And I try really hard not to give spoilers. So I would just say if you are looking for a new author, a new series, a new hero & heroine to fall in love with you really need to pick up a copy of Enslaved. Oh and the band of side characters SO MUCH potential.
Oh and the ending? Nope not going to tell you…. Yes, because I am evil like that. 🙂
REVIEWED BY: Kelly
Kelly’s review of Darkness Surrendered by Stephanie Rowe
Darkness Surrendered
Order of the Blade: Primal Heat Trilogy #3
AUTHOR:Stephanie Rowe
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/15/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS: 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.
REVIEW:
WOWZA!!!!!! This book was like a rolling stone down a very steep cliff, it keeps gaining speed until you finally think you hit rock bottom when fates steps in and stops you dead in your tracks. Darkness Surrendered picks up where we left off in Darkness Seduced with Elijah still lost under a pile of rubble and his sheva and The Order trying to find him.
This was a gripping way to end the original trilogy of The Order of the Blade. The whole time I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know Stephanie was going to make everything okay between Elijah & Ana. And let me tell you she put me through the emotional ringer with these two. Just when I think it can’t get any worse it does. Let me tell you how much I hate an author that is good at writing the bad guys. When a bad guys is written good you almost want to root for him.
So my only fault with this book is that I think Ezekiel gets off way too easy. You will know what I mean when you read the book. I was a little pisses at the events at the very end of the book, but like every good author Stephanie gave me a happily ever after, well that is until sheva destiny comes back for them. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Thank you Stephanie for the optionity to read and review your book. 🙂
REVIEWED BY: Kelly NUMBER OF STARS: 4 Stars
Kelly’s review of Goddess in the Middle by Stephanie Julian
Goddess in the Middle
AUTHOR: Stephanie Julian
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/03/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Amity, the Goddess of Health, works as a medical aesthetist, using her remaing goddess powers to help people heal their spirits. Her profession soon brings two masculine Etruscan werewolves, Remy and Rom, into her life. The two werewolves have been searching for a woman powerful enough to handle both of them, but they’ve never met a woman strong enough…until they meet Amity. Together they must use the power generated by their love to kill a vicious demon and keep him locked away forever, or risk losing everything.
REVIEW:
Another great Forgotten Goddess book by Stephanie Julian. I really have enjoyed this series and this story didn’t let me down.
Amity, has lived her life healing people. As a Goddess of Health that is what she is suppose to do. While healing is rewarding something is missing in her life. Love. A chance trip to the local watering hole will forever change Amity’s life in the form of two very hot werewolves.
Remy (Yummy) and Rom (yum) are cousins who have had to fight all their life just to stay alive. They are out for revenge. They are looking for the demon that killed their families. When they find the object of the demon’s desire, they start to follow her just on the odd chance that they will get a chance to kill the demon. What they never planned on was the attraction to the saucy brunette sitting across the bar from them.
This book is STEAMY!!!! I mean how can you go wrong with a Goddess and two very hot Werewolfs. I will say that I like Remy very much. Remy is loving, tender and very caring. Rom on the other hand I had a harder time liking. Rom is stiff, demanding and always thinking. But the three of them together are amazing…
If you have never read a Forgotten Goddess book. You really need too. I would highly suggest this series. I totally love Stephanie and this series.
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly
Kimberly’s review of Heat Rises by Alice Gaines
HEAT RISES
AUTHOR: Alice Gaines
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/12/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS: Snowbound in a cabin . . . able to live out all her fantasies . . . Laura Barber has dreamt of doing unspeakably delicious things with Ethan Gould for years. Now, stuck in a mountain cabin, she just might get her shot. Ethan offers her the chance to live out each and every one of those desires. They may be rivals in the business world, but in the bedroom they’re a perfect match. Knowing they have only a few days, Laura shakes off all her inhibitions. Every secret need, every lust-filled thought . . . it’s all fair game.
REVIEW: This is a short story of erotica. It is about 65 reading pages and a very good story. The characters were enjoyable and while the storyline at first was a little short of context when the couple really had an interesting time stuck in the cabin. The thing about this story was it is a pretty common erotica fantasy story, stuck in a cabin with the man of your dreams. But what I enjoyed was the way the characters were written. They were given very interesting personalities and a interesting background of knowing each other before. And while I did enjoy the story the erotica of the story was not very imaginative but still very well written. If you enjoy erotica then I think you will enjoy this book. It has all the highlights of a sexual daydream.
REVIEWED BY: Kimberly
Kelly’s review of When Darkness Hungers by JK Beck
When Darkness Hungers
AUTHOR: JK Beck
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/24/12
ORDER LINKS: AMAZON | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FBI agent Alexis Martin knows that vampires exist—because one of them killed her sister. Assigned to investigate a series of bizarre homicides in Los Angeles, Alexis believes the murders are the work of rogue vampires—perhaps even the monster responsible for her sister’s death. Now she finally has a chance for retribution. Even better, Alexis receives unexpected help from a sexy stranger as hungry for rogue blood as she is.
Serge is a centuries-old bad boy who stays off the grid—keeping his secrets, his hunger, and his heart safe from exposure. A new breed of vampire that feeds off other shadowers, Serge finds sweet torture in Alexis’s arms. Loving her is a chance to be free from the hiding, the loneliness, the secrecy. But the truth about what he is, and what he’s done, may banish him to the dark confines of his own private hell—and destroy the beginnings of their love.
REVIEW:
I am not sure where to start on this review. I loved the first three books of JK Beck’s Shadow Keeper’s series. But When Darkness Hungers didn’t suck me into the world again the way that I would have like it to. Now don’t get me wrong. It is still a good book, but I would have to say my least favorite of the series so far. I had a hard time connecting with Alexis and Serge. I am not sure why but I did. The story line was a little too slow for me. I have read over a few other reviews and everyone seems to LOVE this book, but for me it was just okay… If you are a fan of JK Beck’s Shadow Keepers you will want to read, I am sure you will be happy. I will say that I am still looking forward to the next two books in this series.
REVIEWED BY: Kelly
Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin Series
Spider’s Nemesis (Elemental Assassin #0.4)
Online Fiction Read HERE
1st Edition, 6 pages
This short story spans a period of many years, beginning before Gin was born and ending during the events of Tangled Threads. It is told from the point of view of Mab Monroe and shows how the Fire elemental grew up, including her first meeting with Eira Snow, Gin’s mother.
Poison (Elemental Assassin #0.5)
Online Fiction Read HERE
1st Edition, 6 pages
This short story takes place when Gin is a teenager and is told from the point of view of Finnegan Lane, Gin’s foster brother.
Web of Deceit (Elemental Assassin #0.6)
Online Fiction Read HERE
1st Edition, 10 pages
This short story takes place when Gin is a teenager. It’s told from the point of view of Fletcher Lane, Gin’s assassin mentor, and focuses on Gin’s first solo job as the assassin the Spider. 1st Edition, 10 pages
Spider’s Bargain (Elemental Assassin #0.7)
Online Fiction Read HERE
1st Edition, 9 pages
This short story takes place before the events of Spider’s Bite, the first book in the Elemental Assassin series. In “Spider’s Bargain,” Gin Blanco takes on a corrupt cop, but only one of them will be left standing in the end.
Spider’s Bite (Elemental Assassin #1)
My name is Gin, and I kill people. They call me the Spider. I’m the most feared assassin in the South when I’m not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don’t use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride. Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I’m out for revenge. And I’ll exterminate anyone who gets in my way good or bad. I may look hot, but I’m still one of the bad guys. Which is why I’m in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I’m battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction…especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.
Web of Death (Elemental Assassin #1.5)
Online Fiction Read HERE
1st Edition, 8 pages
This short story takes place after the events of Spider’s Bite but before the beginning of Web of Lies. In “Web of Death,” Gin Blanco’s retirement is interrupted by some unwanted guests.
Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin #2)
Curiosity is definitely going to get me dead one of these days. Probably real soon.
I’m Gin Blanco. You might know me as the Spider, the most feared assassin in the South. I’m retired now, but trouble still has a way of finding me. Like the other day when two punks tried to rob my barbecue joint, the Pork Pit. Then there was the barrage of gunfire on the restaurant. Only, for once, those kill shots weren’t aimed at me. They were meant for Violet Fox. Ever since I agreed to help Violet and her grandfather protect their property from an evil coal-mining tycoon, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m really retired.
So is Detective Donovan Caine. The only honest cop in ashland is having a real hard time reconciling his attraction to me with his Boy Scount mentality. And I can barely keep my hands off his sexy body. What can I say? I’m a Stone elemental — with a little Ice magic thrown in — but my heart isn’t made of solid rock. Luckily, Gin Blanco always gets her man … dead or alive.
Wasted (Elemental Assassin #2.5)
Online Fiction Read HERE
1st Edition, 12 pages
This short story takes place in between the events of Web of Lies andVenom. One day, a beautiful woman walks into the bank where Finn works, and trouble soon follows.
Venom (Elemental Assassin #3)
What kind of assassin works pro bono? It’s hard to be a badass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most. To the public, I’m Gin Blanco, owner of Ashland’s best barbecue joint. To my friends, I’m the Spider, retired assassin. I still do favors on the side. Like ridding a vampire friend of her oversized stalker—Mab’s right-hand goon who almost got me dead with his massive fists. At least irresistible Owen Grayson is on my side. The man knows too much about me, but I’ll take my chances. Then there’s Detective Bria Coolidge, one of Ashland’s finest. Until recently, I thought my baby sister was dead. She probably thinks the same about me. Little does she know, I’m a cold-blooded killer . . . who is about to save her life
Tangled Dreams (Elemental Assassin #3.5)
Online Fiction Read HERE
1st Edition, 10 pages
This short story takes place in between the events of Venom and Tangled Threads. It’s told from the points of view of Jo-Jo Deveraux and her sister, Sophia Deveraux. When a carjacker follows an injured Gin back to Jo-Jo’s beauty salon, Jo-Jo and Sophia join forced to eliminate the threat.
Tangled Schemes (Elemental Assassin #3.6)
Online Fiction Read HERE
1st Edition, 15 pages
This short story spans a period of time starting from the last chapter ofSpider’s Bite and ending right before the beginning of Tangled Threads. It’s told from Detective Bria Coolidge’s point of view and shows her search for her long-lost sister Genevieve Snow. What Bria doesn’t know is what she’s going to do about the fact that Genevieve also happens to be the assassin the Spider.
Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin #4)
I’d rather face a dozen lethal assassins any night than deal with something as tricky, convoluted, and fragile as my feelings. But here I am. Gin Blanco, the semi-retired assassin known as the Spider. Hovering outside sexy businessman Owen Grayson’s front door like a nervous teenage girl. One thing I like about Owen: he doesn’t shy away from my past—or my present. And right now I have a bull’s-eye on my forehead. Cold-blooded Fire elemental Mab Monroe has hired one of the smartest assassins in the business to trap me. Elektra LaFleur is skilled and efficient, with deadly electrical elemental magic as potent as my own Ice and Stone powers. Which means there’s a fifty-fifty chance one of us won’t survive this battle. I intend to kill LaFleur—or die trying—because Mab wants the assassin to take out my baby sister, Detective Bria Coolidge, too. The only problem is, Bria has no idea I’m her long-lost sibling . . . or that I’m the murderer she’s been chasing through Ashland for weeks. And what Bria doesn’t know just might get us both dead. . . both dead. . .
Spider’s Revenge(Elemental Assassin #5)
Old habits die hard. And I plan on murdering someone before the night is through. Killing used to be my regular gig, after all. Gin Blanco, aka the Spider, assassin-for-hire. And I was very good at it. Now, I’m ready to make the one hit that truly matters: Mab Monroe, the dangerous Fire elemental who murdered my family when I was thirteen. Oh, I don’t think t Old habits die hard. And I plan on murdering someone before the night is through. Killing used to be my regular gig, after all. Gin Blanco, aka the Spider, assassin-for-hire. And I was very good at it. Now, I’m ready to make the one hit that truly matters: Mab Monroe, the dangerous Fire elemental who murdered my family when I was thirteen. Oh, I don’t think the mission will be easy, but turns out it’s a bit more problematic than expected. The bitch knows I’m coming for her. So now I’m up against the army of lethal bounty hunters she hired to track me down. She also put a price on my baby sister’s head. Keeping Bria safe is my first priority. Taking Mab out is a close second. Good thing I’ve got my powerful Stone and Ice magic — and my irresistible lover Owen Grayson — to watch my back. This battle has been years in the making, and there’s a chance I won’t survive. But if I’m going down, then Mab’s coming with me…no matter what I have to do to make that happen.
Thread of Death (Elemental Assassin #5.5)
Gin Blanco, aka the assassin the Spider, might have finally killed her nemesis, Mab Monroe, but that doesn’t mean that it’s smooth sailing. Gin goes to Mab’s funeral to say her goodbyes and runs into some of Ashland’s most notorious underworld power players, including Jonah McAllister and Phillip Kincaid. McAllister wants her dead, and Kincaid has his own murky motives when it comes to the Spider, and Gin once again finds herself fighting for her life. Only this time, she might wind up in the cemetery right next to Mab.
By a Thread (Elemental Assassin #6)
When killing people is your job, there’s no such thing as a vacation. Then again, how often does an assassin live long enough to enjoy her retirement? In this line of work, you either get lucky or you get dead. And since I destroyed my nemesis Mab Monroe a few weeks ago, all of Ashland’s lowlifes are gunning to make a name for themselves by taking out the lethal Spider—me, Gin Blanco. So I’m leaving behind my beloved barbecue joint and heading south with my baby sister, Bria, to cool my heels in a swanky beach town. Call it a weekend of fun in the sun. But when a powerful vampire with deadly elemental magic threatens an old friend of Bria’s, it looks like I’ll have to dig my silverstone knives out of my suitcase after all. Complicating matters further is the reappearance of Detective Donovan Caine, my old lover. But Donovan is the least of my problems. Because this time, the danger is hot on my trail, and not even my elemental Ice and Stone magic may be enough to save me from getting buried in the sand—permanently.
Widow’s Web (Elemental Assassin #7)
I used to murder people for money, but these days it’s more of a survival technique. Once an assassin, always an assassin. So much for being plain old Gin Blanco. With every lowlife in Ashland gunning for me, I don’t need another problem, but a new one has come to town. Salina might seem like a sweet Southern belle, but she’s really a dangerous enemy whose water elemental magic can go head-to-head with my own Ice and Stone power. Salina also has an intimate history with my lover, Owen Grayson, and now that she’s back in town, she thinks he’s hers for the taking. Salina’s playing a mysterious game that involves a shady local casino owner with a surprising connection to Owen. But they call me the Spider for a reason. I’m going to untangle her deadly scheme, even if it leaves my love affair hanging by a thread.
Interview & Giveaway with Stacey Kennedy
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome the wonderful Stacey Kennedy to the blog today. We are chatting about life, her zoo and her new books… So please make yourself at home and welcome Stacey.
Can you please share with us a little about yourself?
I live in Ontario, Canada with my husband who gave me my happily ever after. We have two small children who keep me on my toes and can always make me smile. But we also have basically a zoo at our house with one dog, three cats and two guinea pigs. I love the outdoors, curling up with the latest flick and simply enjoying life.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
I never thought I’d be author—had big dreams for years—but looking back at my life I can see little hints that I should’ve realized it a lot soon than I did.
My journey as a writer all began as a way to keep my brain alive since being a stay at home mom can be a little let’s say―numbing. It was an escape from screaming kids, dirty diapers and plain old mom duty. It started as a hobby, but as the stories progressed it became a passion, especially when it comes down to the juicy bits. Every mom needs a good thrill! Now with my kiddos in school, I have more time to indulge and get lost in another world for a little while.
Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
I always need coffee! I cannot write a single word without it. My day is pretty simple. I send the kids off to school, then I sit down and get as much done in the hours that I’m alone because once they’re home it becomes all about them!
Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
Most challenging is edits. I loathe them! I really wish I could write a perfect story the first time around, but that…for me…is impossible. But on the flipside, the most rewarding part is seeing the story pretty and polished.
I really do have a love/hate relationship with edits.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
My latest release is DEMONICALLY TEMPTED, the second book in the Frostbite series. Its Tess’ continuing adventure from the first book in the series, SUPERNATURALLY KISSED. It was a blast to write…and I’m gearing up to start the third book in the series, MYSTICALLY BOUND, which will release Fall 2012.
Tess Jennings, now a member of the Memphis Police Department, is on her first cold case. The suspected suicide of Lizbeth Knapp ten years ago isn’t a theory her family accepts—they believe she was murdered.
But the case is only one of Tess’s worries. Ghosts are talking, and word of her abilities rapidly spreads. A dark ghost is terrifying the spirits of Memphis, and she must force the entity to cross over.
Tess doesn’t have to do this alone. Not only does she have her ghost-lover, Kipp McGowen, but the department has brought in a medium. Dane Wolfe might answer all her questions, but he also brings a world of trouble. Will Tess finally have all she’s ever wanted, or will everything she’s vowed to protect be ripped away?
How did you come with the idea for this story?
To be honest, I can’t remember where the idea for this series came from. I know that I was working on another project at the time and this story hit me like a ton of bricks. And ever since, it’s been a whirlwind as I’ve written each story. It’s very addictive. Tess is a fun character to write and she just flows right out of me!
Can you share with us your current work in progress?
My current work in progress is a paranormal romance called BITE ME, I’M YOURS. It was intended to be a serious action-packed story, but instead turned out to be really funny. The heroine, Kiya is probably the funniest character I’ve ever written. Needless to say, I’m enjoying every step of the way on this new book.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Top favorites—Keri McArthur, Katie MacAlister, and Jeaniene Frost. But I have many authors that are always on my auto-buy list.
Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
I’m sure they have to some degree. If it wasn’t for reading their stories and falling in love with the genre, then I doubt I’d be where I am today.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m dying to read the next Dark Angels book by Keri Arthur, and the next dragon book by Katie MacAlister. But most of all I’m eager to read Jeaniene Frost’s, Once Burned. Vlad is one of my all-time favorite hero’s, so I cannot wait to read his story!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just a big thank you as always to everyone who has been so supportive along the way! *big kiss*
Want to learn more about Stacey or her books? Check her out here:
Website | Blog | Facebook |Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page
Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart-squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and they even give you a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll also find fast-paced action, life-threatening moments and a big bad villain who needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance eBooks bestseller lists. Stacey welcomes comments from readers. You can find her at www.staceykennedy.com.
GIVEAWAY
Stacey is doing a readers choice of ebook as a giveaway.