Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have Catherine Bybee on the blog today to chat about her newest book. Highland Shifter. Book number 4 in her MacCoinnich Time Traveler series.
Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself
I’m five nine, brunette with blue eyes…oh, that isn’t what you want to know? LOL – I’m a 40 something on her second career raising two sons in California with my husband of eighteen years.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Yes and no. My day job for years was an ER nurse, which I loved. Life happens and things change and I was able to commit many hours into my passion of writing. I never thought I’d be an author until I wrote the words The End on my first manuscript.
Q3) Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
I start everyday on email…no shock there. I have to set a timer and remind myself to stay off line while I’m working on a new manuscript. Like many others, I’m distracted by the net. I’ll work till lunch, which might sound like a lot of time, but by the time I’m home from dropping of kids and the couple of days a week that I go to the gym, breaking at lunch might mean I’ve managed an hour of writing time. I’ll get in a few more before the kid pick up, and a couple in the evening if I’m lucky.
Q4) Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
Currently it’s getting my butt in the chair and getting words on a page. I’m so very busy with promotion and other aspects of writing that I’m having a hard time finding balance. I’m sure I will find it again, it’s just taking more time than I’d like. The most rewarding part is hearing from satisfied readers.
Q5) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Highland Shifter is the 4th book in a time travel series, however, it is a stand-alone title that begins the next three books about the MacCoinnich’s. This book is a long time in coming for fans of the series, they’ve waited over a year between books.
Q6) How did you come with the idea for this story?
I wanted to see if I could take a teenage character from an earlier book that my readers fell in love with and make him the hero. I knew when I first introduced Simon as a teenager in the second book that he would have his own title. Highland Shifter is his story.
Q7) Can you share with us your current work in progress?
I’m working on Married by Monday, a second book in my Weekday Bride Series. This is a follow up contemporary romance to my New York TimesBestseller, Wife by Wednesday.
Q8) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I have Dying Wish, the latest in Shannon K. Butcher’s series downloaded in my nook and I look forward to a few hours of read time.
Q11) Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’m happy to give away a digital copy of Highland Shifter to one of your guests today. Just answer one question… Kilts, Yea or Nay?
I love hearing from my readers and spend way too much time on facebook and twitter, so please follow the links and add me so we can chat. Thanks Books & Kisses for having me here today.
Want to learn more about Catherine? You can find her here
New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Catherine Bybee has been addicted to romance since her teens. After spending a decade of her life working as an RN in urban emergency rooms, Catherine is now dedicated to writing happily-ever-afters for the world to love. Catherine is married and raising two sons in Southern California.
She loves hearing from her readers so feel free to visit her at:
BOOK SYNOPSIS: After fifteen years of marriage, Jessica Meyers’s sex life is, well, a little predictable. Her handsome husband turns her on, but missionary style once or twice a week? It just can’t compare to the hot new world she discovers in the pages of erotic romances. Her fantasies fuel the fire of her desire, adding a new spark to her and Alex’s lovemaking. But Jess is afraid to tell her husband what she really wants in bed—and her secrets start coming between them.
State trooper Alex Meyers is a master at uncovering the truth—except when it comes to his sweet, shy wife. She’s clearly keeping something from him. An affair? She wants out? When he finally confronts Jess, he’s shocked to learn she wants to turn her forbidden fantasies into nightly realities. But when he takes her to a unique B and B—Bondage and Breakfast—catering to couples and multiples, Alex is about to find out just how far he’ll go. REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly Wise NUMBER OF STARS: 4 Stars REVIEW: How do you tell your spouse you want to go from vanilla sex to light BDSM? And when you get up the nerve to tell him what will he do about it? That is the main focus of this book. Jessica started having fantasies after reading erotica and begins to feel guilty when she stays having forbidden fantasies while having sex with her husband Alex. Alex knows something is going on but doesn’t understand what it is. Finally Jessica is left with no choice but to tell Alex what is in her mind and then showing him too. And once Alex knows could it be some of the same ideas strike his fancy too? This is a very quick read. Only about 80 pages. It is well worth the read. If you are unsure if you should share your fantasies read this book and know that you are not the only one no matter what your fantasies are. And if you have fantasies of light BDSM and do not know how to tell your significant other then download this book, hand it over and after the book has been read smile and say “What do you want to try first?”
TITLE: A Taste For A Mate AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan PUBLICATION DATE: 02/01/12 ORDER LINKS: AMAZON | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS: Jasper Jamenson’s only responsibility to being the Beta of the Redwood Pack, second son of the Alpha, is to protect the Pack from themselves and the human world. After a century of selfless service, his brother’s new found mating forced him into taking a good look into his life. He isn’t sure he wants a mate, but fate may have other ideas.
Willow Delton is a skinny, bakery owner – the type most women love to hate. Being without family, she finds herself alone to the Greek god with green eyes who saunters into her bakery every morning. Her desire to follow him, to be with him, overrides every rational sense she possessed.
Jasper and Willow are drawn together, despite every nuisance that works against them. But evil beyond even Jasper’s supernatural compensation will make war against him, by going after the only thing in his eternal life he desires – Willow. Is Willow’s heart enough to overcome Jasper’s soul to save her life? A fight he cannot win, but to save her life – he must. REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly Wise NUMBER OF STARS: 4 Stars REVIEW: This is the second in the Redwood Pack series. Carrie Ann Ryan is really coming into her own with this series. I finished the first book which was only about 50 pages and while really good it missed a lot of background (but it was still 4 stars). But this book is longer (about 130) and delves into the background of the family, werewolves and has a storyline beyond meeting a mate. I could explain what happens but really the synopsis does pretty good already. However what it doesn’t say is that in this book we meet The Centrals, another wolf pack, who want to kill the Redwood pack and seem to want to use Willow to lure the family in. Willow is a strong woman who wants to be loved and have a family and she is willing to do anything to make that happen with Jasper. The interesting thing about Jasper is he is not the “perfect” guy… he messes up – boy can that boy mess things up! But the reader never doubt his love for Willow. I enjoyed reading this book more than the first (see my review on “An Alpha’s Path”) not because the first wasn’t good – it really is good – but it is a short story and this one was so much more intense and had a paranormal suspense feel about it. There was no suspense in the first one. Now after reading this book I wish Ryan would go back and add more to her first book because I think it could be so much more. And I can not wait to read the third one “Trinity Bound” because “A Taste For A Mate” leaves you with a cliffhanger!
BOOK SYNOPSIS: After two years in a war zone, werewolf Felicia Serna has finally returned to find another pack has taken over her territory…and the new second-in-command is the very man who haunts her fantasies.
Alaric has wanted Felicia from the moment he laid eyes on her, and now he’s ready to claim her. When a threatening shifter begins stalking them, he’s determined to protect her…even if it means putting his seduction on hold. But even in the heat of danger, their red-hot passion cannot be denied
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly NUMBER OF STARS: 3.5 Stars Protector’s Mate is Katie Reus’ follow up book to Destined Mates. While this is not a series, both books are set in the same world. In Proctor’s Mate we get to know Alaric, who is Knox’s (from Destined Mate) second in command, better. Alaric has waited patiently for the woman who will become his mate. But when someone trys to kill her Alaric will do everything he can to protect her. Alaric is a total bad-ass type of guy. But he is also very sweet and loving towards Felicia. While Felicia is unsure and stubborn, but learns very quickly not everyone dislikes her as she was lead to believe for so long. I enjoyed this story. It was a little short, but that is what happens with a novella. I would love for Katie to for a follow up story on these two. Huge thank you to Katie for allowing me to read and review this book for her.
TITLE: In The Flesh AUTHOR: Portia Da Costa PUBLICATION DATE: 03/27/12 ORDER LINKS: AMAZON | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS: Society already believes she’s a scarlet woman.
Why not become one?
Posing nude to appease her now ex-fiancé perhaps wasn’t the most prudent idea Beatrice Weatherly has ever had. With the photographs scrutinized up and down the ton and her brother running them into debt, Beatrice’s hopes of making a respectable marriage are dashed.
After one glance at Beatrice’s infamous racy cabinet cards, wealthy, powerful Edward Ellsworth Ritchie is soon obsessed with Beatrice’s voluptuous figure. His indecent proposal—one month of hedonistic servitude in exchange for enough money to pay her brother’s debts—is one she can hardly refuse.
Determined not to let the rogue best her, Beatrice sets out for the infamous House of Madame Chamfleur to learn how to appease Edward’s well-known appetite. Soon the couple is playing out exquisite fantasies…and feeling emotion that goes deeper than flesh. But Edward harbors a shocking secret, and Beatrice must decide if she’s prepared to give up everything for a man who can offer her nothing, but who means everything.
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly Wise NUMBER OF STARS: 3 Stars
REVIEW: While I could explain the premise of the book in my own words I really do not think I need to since the synopsis is very clear. This book falls under erotica with the era of historical romance. This is the 5th in the “The Ladies Sewing Club” series. But it stands alone and need not be read in order.
The story is interesting. And even if it was just set as a historical and not erotica it would be interesting. Beatrice has overcome a lot of scandal and figures why not enjoy being a scarlet woman if she is going to have the title anyway yet she is naive in the act of it. Ritchie has become obsessed with her and wants her in his bed. But it is not just about Beatrice and Edward but a number of secondary characters each with their own erotic scenes. While the story is good, the thing about this book is the author seems desperate to try to use “big” words. Words that even in their own sentences sound out of place. Yes, of course, some words are from that era and while we know what they mean they are no longer part of our daily vocabulary but it is almost like the author had a thesaurus next to her to see what words she could come up with. It is extremely distracting from the story. And the overuse of the word f*** is distracting as well. Once again I understand there are times the word can be used but really it becomes vulgar and unneeded. If you can get past that then you can enjoy the book for the story alone but it can be difficult at times.
Sick of wrongful-death lawsuits every time a full moon comes around?
Call the Underworld Detection Agency.
As a human immune to magic, Sophie Lawson can help everyone from banshee to zombie transition into normal, everyday San Francisco life. With a handsome werewolf as her UDA boss and a fashionista vampire for a roommate, Sophie knows everything there is to know about the undead, the unseen, and the uncanny. . .
Until a rash of gruesome murders has demons and mortals running for cover, and Sophie finds herself playing sidekick to detective Parker Hayes. Dodging raging bloodsuckers, bad-tempered fairies, and love-struck trolls is one thing. But when Sophie discovers Parker isn’t what he seems, she’s got only one chance to figure out whom to trust. Because an evil hiding in plain sight is closing in. . .and about to make one wisecracking human its means to ultimate power. . .
Sophie Lawson is a human immune to magic, which comes in handy for helping paranormal beings transition into everyday life. But fallen angel Alex Grace and his search for the Vessel of Souls is one curse she never saw coming. Suddenly an unexplainable string of killings and destruction has even San Francisco’s demons fearing for their immortal lives. And Sophie isn’t about to trust Alex’s all-too-vulnerable charm or his secret agenda. Now their hunt is revealing dangerous secrets about Sophie’s past, and malevolent power hellishly close to turning one irreverent human into the ultimate supernatural weapon.
She’s the new head of the Underworld Detection Agency’s strangest division. What a nightmare…
Being a human immune to magic helped Sophie Lawson get promoted. It’s also made her a major, very reluctant player in a game that stretches beyond even the Underworld. Having handsome buttoned-down Englishman Will as her new guardian is one tempting blessing, especially since sexy fallen angel Alex is mysteriously MIA lately. But as a frightening number of demons start disappearing around the city, Sophie suspects that an Armageddon-level prophecy is about to become everyone’s nightmare. And her investigation is testing her bravery — and Will’s unexpected vulnerability — in ways neither could predict. Now Sophie and Will are fast running out of time as an unstoppable evil prepares to lay waste to demons and humans alike…
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Gabi Stevens to the blog today to chat about her upcoming book Wishful Thinking.
Q1) Gabi, can you please share with us a little about yourself
Hmmm, how to make this interesting? After growing up in Southern California, attending boarding school in Colorado, college in New York, California, Germany, and Illinois, I live in New Mexico with my husband of mumbelty-some years. I have three incredible daughters, two dogs (boy, will my kids love being in the same sentence with the dogs), and dreams bigger than my house can contain. I love language and languages—I’m fluent in three and know Latin—and spent seven years teaching middle schoolers the joys of literature. I play all kinds of games from computer to board to volleyball, love to read, hate to cook (although I’m the default chef in the family), and, of course, I write books.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
No. When I was a kid I thought I wanted to be an actress, but my temperament wasn’t suited to that life. I studied literature instead, and when I had my children, I realized I needed to do something for myself to keep my brain from liquefying. I grabbed a pen (yes, a pen) and a notebook and wrote down one of those many stories whirling around in my head. And I realized I’d found what I was meant to do.
Q3) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
It’s long list, but I won’t bore you with the entire thing: Mark Twain, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Agatha Christie—seriously, each of these authors inspire me to do better; they were so brilliant in so many ways. In the romance genre: Teresa Medeiros, Eloisa James, Jill Barnett, Jennifer Crusie, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Lori Wilde and Jodi Thomas. Other writers: Christopher Moore, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Malcolm Gladwell.
Q4) How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
I’ve read romance since I was sixteen. My mother handed me my first romance novels. She didn’t (and still doesn’t) like them and wondered if I might be interested. Well, they became my go-to reads. And I’ve always loved paranormal stories. From the time I was a kid and read the Oz books, I’ve loved stories with magic and the supernatural. I became a big science fiction fan in high school, and when Harry Potter came out, well, I read them before my kids. But I have written in a different genre. My first published novels were historicals (under a different name—I’m hoping to get the rights back and re-release them electronically. I have one out now under the name Gabi Anderson.) However, paranormals are truly my first love.
Q5) What are some of your writing rituals?
I don’t think I have many. I love to chew gum furiously and loudly (which is why I work in a room alone) when the juices are flowing (uh, sorry about the choice of the word “juices”), I sometimes listen to music, sometimes I write on paper instead of the computer. Mostly what I do is pay attention to the movie in my head and write down what I see and hear. Can you tell I don’t do much plotting? Makes for a messy rough draft, but I love revision, so that’s good for me.
Q6) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
WISHFUL THINKING is the third book in my trilogy about fairy godmothers, but they’re not the ones you remember from Disney. Their role is more one of protection, although they do also grant wishes. In Wishful Thinking, free-spirit Stormy Jones-Smythe lives in a loving community of artists, but when she is chosen as the third fairy godmother, the Arcani world forces its boundaries and expectations on her. The first two godmothers have gone rogue, and the Council assigns her a full time guard to prevent her from doing the same. Luckily even a rigid and strict bodyguard can’t contain her exuberance.
Hunter Merrick doesn’t appreciate the babysitting job he’s been given, especially when Stormy proves as chaotic as her name implies. But a threat forces Hunter to choose which side deserves his loyalty and both choices have dire consequences.
And if Stormy can defeat the greatest enemy the Arcani have seen since the time of Merlin, maybe she can rescue a bit of happiness for herself too. If she survives.
Q7) How did you come with the idea for this story?
I have always loved the Grimm fairy tales. I even studied them in college. So when the time came for me to write a paranormal novel, I wanted something new and different. Fairy godmothers were just the right subject. The number three is one of the magic numbers in the fairy tales (as are seven and twelve), so I knew I wanted three stories about three women. And one of my favorite themes is doing the right thing no matter the cost. And there you have my plot. Okay, it wasn’t quite that easy, and I didn’t write to the theme, I just told the story, but that’s the major theme that came out of the story.
Q8) Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Right now my agent is pitching a series about a town filled with people who have special abilities, and currently I’m working on a historical paranormal, combining my two favorite genres of romance. And lately, in the back of my mind I have two very different stories brewing. I’m waiting for them to ripen before I write them.
Q9) What would you be if you were not an author?
Definitely a teacher. I taught for seven years and left the profession a year ago. I loved dealing with the kids, showing them how to think, write, and yes, read (they all thought they knew how—silly children). I did love it, but I was a writer first. And I’ll spare you my rant about the education system in general.
Q10) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I don’t have much of a TBR pile because I read too fast, but I’m looking forward to the book following A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore, and Jill Barnett’s return to historicals (I believe this fall).
Q11) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Real life is so serious. We all have issues or problems or obstacles that we have to face (And lets not even talk about the political atmosphere in this election year). I hope my books provide an escape from all that. I want my books to bring laughter, a few tears maybe, and cheers at the end. I can think of no nobler goal than bringing joy to people.
Thank you so much for having me here at Books-n-Kisses. Now I have a question for you readers:
What was the last book that made you sigh with complete satisfaction at the end? (Hey, I’m always looking for new things to read myself) Please leave the title in your comments, and one responder (and yes, I’m willing to ship international) will win a copy of The Wish List or As You Wish, winner’s choice.
Books-n-Kisses is please to have Jacquie Johnson on the blog today. We are looking forward to getting to know Jacquie better and learning about her news release Angel on Fire.
Can you please share with us a little about yourself
My name is Jacquie Johnson and I am a jack of all trades. By day, I am a wife, mother, teacher to my homeschooled twins, cook, chauffeur and caregiver for my three elderly grandparents. But at night, when the house is quiet, I turn into a writer. I write mostly romantic suspense and young adult but am not willing to pigeon hole myself yet. Who knows what the muse might drum up?
I graduated from Harvard and Indiana University School of Law. I have lived on both coasts and currently reside in Northwest Indiana.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
My first foray into writing occurred when I was in elementary school and I entered the local short story writing contest. Although I didn’t win, the judges commented on my active imagination. While the other kids wrote about sports and playing at the park, my story involved a female orphan living in Victorian England who was run over by a carriage. Obviously, I was heavily influenced by what I was reading myself, (Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights). I stopped writing fiction after high school, setting what I thought were childhood dreams aside to focus on college, law school and a legal career. Needless to say, I continued to draft essays, research papers and eventually legal briefs. My aspiration to write a novel returned a few years after I stopped practicing law to homeschool my daughters. I missed writing and realized that this was my chance to let my imagination run free and write what I wanted.
What is your most interesting writing quirk?
Sorry, I can’t share just one.
First, I research – a lot. Yesterday when I checked seventeen books on viruses, bioterrorism and cults, the librarian looked a little nervous. On the other hand, when I entered my first gun shop to learn more about guns for Angel on Fire, I was the nervous one.
Second, I always write the beginning of my novel and then the ending before tackling the middle. I know. It sounds weird but once I can see the ending I’m afraid I will lose it if I don’t write it down right away.
Finally, my creativity goes into overdrive just before I go to sleep. For some reason, 20 more minutes frequently turns into an hour or more.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Angel on Fire is the story of Angela McKenzie, an FBI analyst, seeking to understand her father’s unexpected death. I’ve included the blurb, which describes the story better than any restatement.
All Angela wants is to understand why her father, security specialist Mac McKenzie, dropped dead on a sidewalk in Boston. Instead, she is thrust into the midst of an international conspiracy when she discovers that her father was working on a classified project for the government at the time of his death. Now, the FBI, a terrorist and a killer have her in their sights.
Former Navy SEAL turned undercover operative, Chase Romero thinks his boss is overreacting when he orders Chase to small town America to protect Angela. But he changes his mind when her home is burglarized and “accidents” begin to happen. The real question becomes, how can he keep her safe if he keeps tripping over his own heart?
After shooting an intruder, Angela flees the scene, and the FBI issues a warrant for her arrest. On the run for her life and her freedom, she places her trust in Chase. As they travel from small town New England, to the nation’s capital, to the shores of Lake Michigan, the trail – and their attraction – grows hotter. Together, they team up to prevent a global financial market meltdown and face a killer who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the project Mac protected with his life.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
I take a lot of my ideas from current events. The software in Angel on Fire is the product of a what-if game my mind played after the flash crash of the stock market in 2010. I also had an idea for a character similar someone I know. She’s very book smart but highly emotional and lacks real world experience in many ways. So I put the two together and came up with the plot for Angel on Fire.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Which one? I have about six novels at various stages. My next release will most likely be Dilemma, another romantic suspense. It’s the story of Alexis Winters, a fresh from law school litigator, who has just started a new career and life in Chicago. As she learns that practicing law is about more than trust and justice, the young labor and employment litigator struggles to balance her ethical obligations to her client with her own values. When childhood friend turned investigative journalist Ryder Prescott insists that her client is involved in wrongdoing and that he needs her help to prove it, Alexis is trapped between a desire to help her childhood love, do the right thing and protect her career. Alexis walks a fine line to find out how far is too far and when rules are meant to be broken while she and Ryder grow closer in spite of the history between them.
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
I can only pick one? That’s so unfair. I’d have to say William Shakespeare first because his works are still so applicable today. My second choice is Tom Clancy. I love his books, especially his Jack Ryan novels.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
The best way to learn how to write is to actually put pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard and write. Then ask for feedback. It also helps to read. Read fiction. Read non-fiction. Read books on writing. Just read.
Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
I want to attend a summer Olympics in a foreign country. I want a chance to see the best in the world do what they do best. Gymnastics, swimming, and basketball are high on the event list.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m waiting to read Victims by Jonathan Kellerman’s and Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb until I finish the first draft of Sean and Emily’s story, the next in the Angel Investigations series. They’re my incentive to work faster.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you so much for having me here. It’s been a pleasure sharing my book and a little bit about myself with you.
All Angela wants is to understand why her father, security specialist Mac McKenzie, dropped dead on a sidewalk in Boston. Instead, she is thrust into the midst of an international conspiracy when she discovers that her father was working on a classified project at the time of his death. Now, the FBI, a terrorist and a killer have her in their sights.
Former Navy SEAL turned undercover operative, Chase Romero thinks his boss is overreacting when he orders Chase to small town America to protect Angela. But he changes his mind when her home is burglarized and “accidents” begin to happen. The real question becomes, how can he keep her safe if he keeps tripping over his own heart?
After shooting an intruder, Angela flees the scene, and the FBI issues a warrant for her arrest. On the run for her life and her freedom, she places her trust in Chase. As they travel from New England, to the nation’s capital, to the shores of Lake Michigan, the trail – and their attraction – grow hotter. Together, they team up to prevent a global financial market meltdown and face a killer who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the project Mac protected with his life.
Want a chance to win a e-copy of Angel on Fire? Please fill out the Rafflecopter below. Please note this giveaway is a quick one. You only have until Sunday to enter….. Good Luck!!
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Lisa Sanchez to the blog today to chat about her newest release Cursing Athena.
1.Can you please share with us a little about yourself-
Lisa: You bet! I’m a stay-at-home mom to three daughters, all of whom participate in All Star Cheerleading. When I’m not lost in a great book, I love movies, reality television, shopping, and spending time with friends.
2.Have you always wanted to be an author?
Lisa: Yes. I’ve always had a creative side, and spent much of my childhood and early teen years writing short stories in my spare time.
3.What is your most interesting writing quirk?
Lisa: Hmm… I’m not sure I have any writing quirks at the moment. Wait… I take that back. Quiet. I require a quiet house to write. This is a new thing for me. I used to be able to write anywhere, at any time regardless of what was going on around me. Nowadays, I need quiet to concentrate, which can be really frustrating as there’s always something going on in my house. I’ve learned to make the most out of the little quiet time I have, and write whenever I can.
4.Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Lisa: I’d love to! Cursing Athena is the first installment in my new Order Of Seven series which features a band of supernatural warriors appointed by the goddess Athena to police and rid the earth of demons and underworld dirtbags.
5.How did you come with the idea for this story?
Lisa: I wrote this story about two years ago while taking a break from one of my other works. I asked my critique partner to give me three random elements that needed to be incorporated into a story (a lion, red heels, the phrase “abra-cadabra”), and about two weeks later I had the first draft for what is now Cursing Athena.
6.Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Lisa: Sure thing! I’m currently knee-deep into the second book in the Order Of Seven series, tentatively titled, Hell On Heels. This installment revolves around Lynx, a brother who’s been thrust back into the thick of things after being out of the fold for the past thirty years. He’s a tortured soul (my favorite kind of guy to write and read about) who suffers from a particularly gut-wrenching curse which forces him to kill his reincarnated life mate each time she returns.
7.Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
Lisa: J.R. Ward. She’s a genius when it comes to writing Alpha males, and I’m in awe of her. She’s my fav!
8.What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing? Stick with it. Perseverance is key.
9.Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
Lisa: Heh heh… I want to go to Europe. Specifically Britain, Ireland and Scotland. My mama’s a Campbell and I’ve got Irish blood on my daddy’s side. I’d love to visit the land of my heritage.
10.What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Lisa: Oh, good Lord! Lol! My tbr pile is a mile deep! The book I’m most excited to read is Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward. Tohr has always been a favorite character of mine, and I can’t wait to see him get his happy ending.
11.Is there anything else you would like to add?
Lisa: I’m just so honored to be here today. Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog.
For Danika, the only thing worse than going commando while wearing a fugly, silver bodysuit, was dealing with her deadbeat, ex-husband James. Catcalls, unwanted groping and lecherous stares weren’t really her cup of tea either, but she’d endure all of it and more if her new job serving cocktails at Masquerade meant ridding herself of his mountain of debt. It was just a job, after all, and what choice did she have with James’ creditors breathing down her neck? What she didn’t bargain for, however, was falling heels-over-head in lust with a two-hundred-plus pound, shape-shifting immortal from Ancient Greece.
On a mission to take down a parasitic demon, Ty doesn’t have time for distraction. Not even when that distraction could prove to be his possible lifemate in the form of sweet, innocent, yet sexy-as-hell Danika. But when the leech he’s hunting goes after the cocktail waitress, all bets are off. Unable to resist her siren call any longer, Ty surrenders himself to Danika, body and soul, treating them both to a night they’ll never forget.
Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have Hannah Jayne on the blog today to chat about her up coming book Under Suspicion.
Welcome Hannah…. Lets get started.
Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area where there is no such thing as the “paranormal” – because there is no normal! have two neurotic cats, am obsessed with anything from Modcloth.com, and could happily eat my weight in chocolate chip cookies daily. Donuts are my kryptonite, I think happy hour should be an all day thing, and I like to believe that I can dance like the girls on Dance Moms, even though I can barely walk down the hall without stumbling.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Since the 2nd grade. I absolutely remember that moment, too. My teacher said we had to write 3 pages. I wrote 12 – wrote right through recess and my teacher just let me. I dedicated my 1st book to her.
Q3) Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
My typical writing day is always changing! Generally though, I’m up at 7, I commute to the living room, and I write until about 9. Then I’m off to the gym for a few hours, I take a lunch break, and I’m back at it from about 2-5. It sounds like I’m seriously disciplined, but an unfortunately huge chunk of my day is usually sucked up by lurking on Facebook or window-shopping on Modcloth. The only thing I need while writing is for my cats not to sit on my laptop… but they always do.
Q4) Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
The challenge is to stick with it and keep going – regardless of the number of rejection letters, bad reviews, or pointless story lines you wrack up. Learn something from everything and keep on truckin’. The most rewarding part for me is when I get a fan letter that says “your book made me laugh out loud!”
Q5) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
In UNDER SUSPICION, Sophie Lawson’s demon clients start disappearing one by one. When a fast talking author comes to town touting his non-fiction tome Werewolves, Vampires, and Other Things that Don’t Exist, Sophie grows incredibly suspicious and takes up the case, while Nina falls in love and decides to become the next great vampire romance author.
Q6) How did you come with the idea for this story?
I do a lot of research and come upon a heck of a lot of books that “prove” that vampires, werewolves, Sasquatch, whatever, can’t exist. I just knew that would be incredibly offensive to the Underworld Detection Agency staff!
Q7) Can you share with us your current work in progress?
I’m just over halfway through book 4 – and let me tell you – readers are in for a lot of surprises and a lot of action with this one! Sophie is breaking out of her “meek” mold and, let’s just say, her aim is getting way better!
Book 1
Q8) Who are some of your favorite authors?
I’m currently in love with Kimberly Derting, who writes the Body Finder series, and I would read Jen Lancaster’s shopping lists, I love her writing so much. Anna Maxted is one of my all-time favorites and I’ll pick up Lois Duncan books over and over again.
Q9) Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
Absolutely! I obsessively read (and still read!) chick lit, and I think I have a very chick lit style!
Q10) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
OMG – I refuse to let myself read Chevy Steven’s Never Knowing until I finish the four books I’m currently in the middle of, but I’m dying too! I read her Still Missing in one sitting!
Book 2
Q11) Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would just like to thank you, Kelly, for letting me pop in here, and thank all my readers for their awesome fan letters and reviews – it really means so much to me! And I’m very excited to meet some new fans! You can find me at www.hannah-jayne.com
I hope everyone keeps reading and enjoying the Underworld Detection Agency books!
Also, I would love to offer an autographed copy of Under Suspicion and an Underworld Survival pack to a lucky Books-n-Kisses reader! Since all the Underworld Detection Agency books are set in San Francisco, how about this trivia question: What is the name of the windiest street in San Francisco (and possibly the world!)?
To enter please fill out the Rafflecopter form below and answer Hannah’s questions.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Sandra Sookoo to the blog today to talk about her new book Come Hither.
Sandra is a writer of romantic fiction. Her portfolio includes historical, contemporary, sci-fi and paranormal romances in full-length books as well as shorts and novellas. No matter if the heat level is scorching or sweet, she loves to blend genres and often times will add humor as well.
When not immersed in creating new worlds and interesting characters, Sandra likes to read, bake and travel. Her favorite place to spend vacation hours is Walt Disney World. It’s where dreams come true and the soul can play. When she’s not writing, she’s keeping things interesting at the Believing is Seeing blog or spending time with her husband.
You can write to Sandra at sandrasookoo@yahoo.com, visit her website or look her up on Facebook and Twitter.
Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself
I’m an almost 40 gal who loves to write, bake and anything Disney. I’m an avid zoo fan and make it a point to visit the local zoos anywhere I happen to travel. I believe in a happily ever after for everyone, no matter what.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Pretty much. I knew by the age of ten I either wanted to be a writer or a cake decorator. Since my skill at cake decorating stinks at an epic level, I guess writing’s my path!
Q3) Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
Usually I write Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesdays are reserved for catching up on promo stuff and the weekends I try really hard to spend with my husband without working. Stuff I like to have while writing: ice cold water, gummi bears (the ones in the gold package) and if I’m working at home, the Food Network on in the background. If I’m working at a coffee shop, I like to listen to Disney music.
Q4) Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
The most rewarding is when folks tell me how much they like my stories, characters, etc. The most challenging part is when a plot point isn’t working, bad reviews, negativity, etc. In those instances, I just grit my teeth and keep moving forward. It’ll be better the next day.
Q5) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
My latest release is called COME HITHER, and it’s my modern day take on the Red Riding Hood tale as part of Liquid Silvers Silver Slipper line. I fondly and tongue in cheek refer to the story as a “trouser ripper” since my heroine is the more dominate one in the relationship, not to mention she’s a wolf.
Q6) How did you come with the idea for this story?
I’m a sucker for fairy tales anyway, and this is my third remake in the Silver Slippers line, but there’s always been something about Red Riding Hood that I found fascinating. So, I decided to put my own spin on it and my own twist. The results were funny and very sexy.
Q7) Can you share with us your current work in progress?
Sure! At the time of writing this interview, I’m working on a dark, action-filled sci-fi romance. Also on the horizon is finishing a contemporary short and starting an emotional historical piece.
Q8) Who are some of your favorite authors?
Oh wow, that’s a huge question! I love reading in all different genres, but I love to concentrate on mysteries, so in that genre I like Donna Andrews, Kate Collins or Laura Childs. I also like thrillers by Michael Crichton or Robin Cook, etc.
Q9) Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
Not really. Since a lot of my reading falls outside what I write, I don’t think so. Of course, I do have a couple of favorites in the romance genre, but there again, the inspiration is in the fact they’re out there writing, the same as me. That in itself is inspiration.
Q10) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
There are two new Tea Shop mysteries by Laura Childs I’m desperate to buy, and I’m woefully behind on Donna Andrews’s series. Not to mention I’d love to catch up on Elizabeth Boyle’s historicals that are mocking me from my bookshelf LOL None of these are on my Kindle so it makes reading a bit difficult when I’m on the go.
Q11) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks for taking the time to come out and read about my life. I hope you’ll pick up a copy of COME HITHER. There may or may not be a scene inside where someone uses a raw chicken as a defensive weapon…
Heroes don’t wear capes and heroines sometimes have fur. This ain’t your grandma’s fairytale.
Riley Hanson has fate by the balls. She’s a kick-ass wolf-shifter who’s not afraid to tell people off, especially if they try to suggest how to live her life. She lives with her grandma in the Wisconsin woods, hoping to keep the worst of humanity away.
Carson Hoode, the guy every woman wants to talk to but not date, drives a truck for Red Riders Express. Six months off a divorce, the only thing he’s got going for him is a perfect delivery record, except a heavy October downpour and a muddy road threaten it. As he tries to finish his route on foot, he slips and wrenches his knee. The business end of Riley’s rifle closes out his day.
The fur and pheromones fly as Riley and Carson battle their attraction while eluding a back woods hunter intent on bagging more than local wildlife.They’ll need a healthy dose of fairytale magic to survive—too bad there’s no such thing.Now, if only Grandma would give them some privacy because someone’s getting laid at the end.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to host Leia Shaw on the blog today.
1.Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Well, I have 6 tattoos, I’m addicted to diet pepsi, I love being outside, I have two kids, a husband, and a dog who feels like a third kid, and I write paranormal romance.
2.Have you always wanted to be an author?
Yes, but I didn’t always know it. I think I knew it better as a child than an adult and I resisted for a long time thinking I wasn’t good enough. But in actuality, it’s one of the only things I’m good at. Bored as a stay-at-home mom, I started using nap times to play around with different fantasy story ideas in my head. It was kind of a stress reliever too. Something to take me away from diapers and sippy cups. A couple years later and I haven’t looked back.
3.Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
In my genre I’d have to say Kresley Cole is my favorite author and biggest influence. A Hunger Like No Other was the first romance book I ever read. So, yeah, the fact that I started writing my own after that says a lot.
4.How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
I felt most drawn to paranormal romance because I’ve always had a thing for dark stories and fantasy. I’m like a little kid whose eyes light up about magic and superpowers and vampires and bad guys. But the woman in me loves a good love story. So a combination of both seemed most fitting. I did write a contemporary erotic novel with steampunk erotic author Cari Silverwood. We’re planning to write another. Normally I’m not attracted to contemporary but the first had a lot of comedy in it and as long as I can keep doing that then I don’t mind. It’s fun to write physical humor. I can’t do it too much with paranormal because all of the characters are super coordinated. Lol.
5.What are some of your writing rituals?
Locking the door.
6.Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Shadows of Destiny in a 3 book series with the fourth coming out in June. Each book can be read as a stand-alone or out of order, but some of the characters repeat. The stories are character driven – a man and a woman fall in love despite obstacles in their way. And they do it with a sword in hand fighting nasty beasts and aren’t afraid to get a little dirty. Destiny Unchained is my latest release. It’s a darker story than my other books. Natalia is a vampire assassin who shut down her emotions a long time ago. Cristian is a passionate, warm alpha of a werewolf pack. Both species hate each other but they’re forced to team up to hunt down a sadistic serial killer stalking the northwest wilderness. This book has a lot of dark humor, some sadness, but the message is one of my favorites. It’s all about forgiveness.
7.How did you come with the idea for this story?
The idea for my first book came to me in a dream. The rest of the series tumbled from it as I started writing. I get inspired by movies, music, other great books. Honestly, the initial idea for a story is the easy part.
8.Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Destiny Bewitched is book 4. It features a witch, Samantha, who travels to the Underworld to rescue her younger sister. She meets a demon, Geo, and strikes a deal to get his help saving her sister. I’m excited for this book because it’s very high fantasy. It even features a supernatural version of the gladiator games. It was so much fun to write! But it still has what my readers expect in my books – steamy sex scenes, romance, an alpha hero, and lots and lots of snark!
9.What would you be if you were not an author?
Well my dream job would be a stand-up comedian. I love to make people laugh. And you’ll do a lot of that reading my books.
10.What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Anything by Kresley Cole (I really want Lanthe’s story). The rest of the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews too.
Would you like a chance to win e-copy Destiny Unchained?
