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Interview & Giveaway with RM Sotera

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome RM Sotera to the blog today. 

1.    Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Sure.  By day I’m a high school English teacher.  I have a husband and son that keep me busy, and at night, when the house is quiet I barricade myself in my office to spin my stories.  If I could have one wish – it would be to have a clone of myself so I could be everywhere I need to be! J
2.    Have you always wanted to be an author?
No, I haven’t.  I’ve always been a storyteller, and I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, but my desire to write my stories down came later in life.
3.    Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
I am very eclectic when it comes to favorite writers.  I love the classic writers, Poe, Plath, and Austen.  I also love writers like Anne Rice, Stephen King, and John Grisham.  And then of course, there is Jeannine Frost and Kenyon.
As for influence, they all did in their own way.
4.    How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre? 

I write in three different genres, contemporary, cowboy and urban fantasy.
5.    What are some of your writing rituals?
My rituals are always the same depending on the scene I’m working on.  Music is always involved; however, the type depends on the seriousness of the scene.  Chocolate is another must have.  During erotic scenes…I have to have my wine!
6.    Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Sure.  My latest book, Cassadaga Moon, has quite the history.
How did this book come about:  I go through many different processes when I sit down to write, however, with Cassadaga Moon, I literally stepped into the world of ‘real vampires’, aka, sang and psy.  I began to research the lifestyle or as some say subculture seven years ago.  I was preparing to write my first romance novel, and wanted something different.  I needed a great hook.  I’d always heard about people, who’d believed they were vampiric, however, I thought it was a hoax that is until I started doing my research. I read every book I could get my hands on, specifically those written by Arlene Russo and Katherine Ramsland.  Then I started sniffing around online. The vampire community, specifically the Atlanta Vampire Alliance, helped me in understanding the subculture through several different interviews.  And then I was lucky enough to meet-up with a few sang vampires in the Las Vegas area who helped my understanding even further.  They are a very private group, which is totally understandable, so I let them choose the times and places of our meetings.
 So, I took what I knew about the subculture and decided that I wanted to push the envelope further by bringing the fetish of bloodplay into my story.  I learned through my research that there is a fine line between the two, and that many people confuse vampirism with bloodplay.  They are not the same.  However, many people who are vampires delve into that fetish on occasion.
However, for my story, I wanted my hero to like bloodplay too.  I wanted to up the ante as much as possible.  So with a storyline that encompassed a good Catholic girl and a real vampire with a much darker side, I wrote the book.  After several re-writes I felt it was finished and I was ready to find an agent.  Not so easy.
Stop the press.  I mean I knew that the subject matter of this book was dark, however, I didn’t realize how dark until the rejection letters began to pile up in my office.  And most of them said the same thing, that the material was to dark; to the point I would most likely scare readers.  But, I kept pushing because the story wasn’t about the vampirism (that just happened to be a really kick-ass conflict) it was about the love between a jaded and broken man with a different belief system and a Catholic girl.
So, 350 rejection letters later, Siren Publishing picked up Cassadaga Moon.  They felt the story was intriguing and very unique, and thus they took a chance on the book and my story came to fruition.  Here’s a funny…I’m still getting rejection letters on this book and it’s been published already.  Go figure.
In closing I would like to say:  If you have a story that you truly believe in, don’t stop until it finds a home.  How many well-known authors have been rejected on stories that have turned out to be best-selling books?  Do the research, you will find out that there are a ton of authors out there who just kept believing in their stories and pushing forward.
7.    How did you come with the idea for this story?
Fascination with a taboo world within our own society.
8.    Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Yes, I can.  I’m currently working on the second book in the Stiletto Sanction series, Vegas Moon.  I also have two other works in progress, one is a young adult and the other is another vampire series.
9.    What would you be if you were not an author?
I’m one of the lucky ones that have the dream job I’d want if I were not an author.  Teaching means the world to me, and I’ll never give it up!
10. What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m currently reading The Hunger Games, since I’m teaching it to my juniors.  And I’m reading The Client, the book I’m teaching to my seniors.  As for my own pleasure…I’m waiting patiently for the next Jeannine Frost book.
11. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yes.  I would like to say thanks for this wonderful opportunity to chat.  I appreciate it.  Reading opens doors to wonderful worlds.  I hope my books can do that for others.
All the best.
RM Sotera

Website: www.rmsotera.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/rmsotera
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rmsotera
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/R.M.-Sotera/e/B004QSY9AO
Siren Bookstrand Author Page: http://www.bookstrand.com/r-m-sotera
Vice President – Las Vegas Romance Writers: http://lasvegasrwa.org/
Double D Ranch Tales Blogspot: http://doubledranchtales.blogspot.com/
RomCon Author 2012 –http://romconinc.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27&Itemid=90
Want a chance to win an E-copy of Cassadaga Moon?  Please fill out the Rafflecopter from below 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Interview & Giveaway with Jessica E Subject


Books-n-Kisses is excited to have Jessica Subject on the blog today to chat about her newest release. 

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.


      

     


1.      Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Thank you so much, Kelly, for having me on your blog again. It’s always a pleasure to visit. Besides being an author, and a reader, I’m also a wife and a mother of two. I live in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, which is reflected in the settings of many of my books, especially The Zurian Child. Although I do have a contemporary romance published, and a paranormal romance coming soon, I mostly write science fiction romance, specifically alien romance. Because everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after…
2.      Have you always wanted to be an author?
Although I’ve been writing various stories and producing newsletters most of my life, I didn’t write with the hopes of publication until three years ago. It’s hard to believe it took me this long to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. LOL
3.      Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?
I don’t have a typical writing day. LOL I have another at home job which keeps me pretty busy, so I fit in writing time while I can. Some days I have more luck than others.
4.      Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
The most challenging is remembering all of my bad habits while I’m writing so that I can leave them out and save editing time later. I know some authors worry about that later, but I guess I’m a bit anal that way.
The rewarding part comes in three stages: the contract, the cover, and release day. But hearing that a reader enjoyed your story is the best of all.
5.      Can you please tell us about your latest book?
Sure. The Zurian Child is an alien romance novel, which takes place here on Earth, though it begins on another planet. It is the first book in the Mark of the Stars series. Here’s the blurb:
Lindsay Beckett longed to be reunited with her first love, Quinn Montgomery, until she learns the secret that sent him fleeing from her in the first place. He’s an alien, a Hemera, and she’s half-Hemera herself. As if that wasn’t enough to ruin her dreams of a perfect life, when their child is born, they discover she fulfills a prophesy told twenty light years away and many years ago. Lindsay wants to ignore it, until her husband is murdered and suddenly believing becomes a matter of survival.
Lindsay and her young daughter are forced to rely on another Hemera, her husband’s partner and best friend, Bryce Beuermann as more and more of the Hemera are slaughtered. Bryce will do anything to help his best friend’s widow—including suppressing his own deep feelings for her. But he must prove they can trust him, even pretending he doesn’t want her with all his heart.
6.      How did you come with the idea for this story?
Honestly, it started out as a superhero story for my 5 year old (at the time) daughter, but quickly morphed into something else. Thought nighttime and day dreams, and long showers (a great place to plot out a book) I worked out the story. But it is definitely not a story my daughter can read yet.
7.      Can you share with us your current work in progress?
Sure, I’m actually working on book two of the series, All Grown Up. In it, Katrina (The Zurian Child) is an adult. With a sexy military fire fighter—whom she’s had a crush on since she was a teenager—after her, she has a hard time focusing on her destiny.
8.      Who are some of your favorite authors?
Oh, gosh. I always feel like I’m excluding someone, but here are some of them: DL Jackson, Rebecca Royce, Lorna Suzuki, Zee Monodee, Gini Koch, Liz Crowe, JD Robb, Beth Revis…
9.      Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
I think they all have. I can’t read for the sake of reading anymore. Instead, I enjoy a story, and pick out the aspects which made me enjoy the story. Then I try to incorporate them into my own writing.
10.  What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Um, you know there are over 200 books in my TBR pile, right? LOL I have at least one book from most of the above mentioned authors, and many more in various genres. I have a bunch of YA dystopian that I really want to get started on though, including Divergent, Under the Never Sky, Truth, and Ashes, Ashes. Plus, Flight For Control by Karlene Petitt who shared her knowledge of the airline industry with me for a story out on submission.
11.  Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you again for hosting me today, Kelly! And thank you to everyone who stops by to read the interview!
Links:
Website/Blog: http://jessicasubject.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jsubject
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-E-Subject-author/205759796126370
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4959083.Jessica_E_Subject
Google +: https://plus.google.com/100079570422204018357/posts
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/jessicasubject
THE ZURIAN CHILD BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment with your email address for your chance to WIN a $25 AllRomanceEbook/OmniLit Gift Certificate. Be sure to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://sizzlingpr.com/2012/03/13/the-zurian-child-by-jessica-e-subject-tour/
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Spotlight Feature & Giveaway: Forbidden Magic by Jennifer Lyon

Forbidden Magic
E-novella 4.5 in the Wing Slayer Hunters Series
AUTHOR: Jennifer Lyon
PUBLICATION DATE:   04/15/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wing Slayer Hunter, Ram Virtos, must find his soul mirror witch and convince her to mate with him before his Thunderbird tattoo kills him. But while that witch might be able to save Ram’s life, it is the mysterious Ginny Stone who inflames his passion.

Ginny has been deeply fascinated by Ram for months, but dared not act on it or she’d be torn from her mortal life on earth and thrust into her dreaded destiny as a half-breed angel. But when her beloved brother’s soul is at stake, she must do the one thing she both fears and desires…

Take Ram to her bed.


Excerpted from Forbidden Magic by Jennifer Lyon. Copyright © 2012 by Jennifer Apodaca.
The setting for excerpt: Ram and Ginny alone in the Axel of Evil Nightclub after closing.
Excerpt
He lifted her and settled her on the counter that ran beneath the bar. “You want to know what it’s really like to be kissed by trouble? Think hard before you answer.”
She put her hands on his shoulders. “I want to know what it’s like to be kissed by you. Really kissed.”
The contact blazed through his t-shirt right to his skin. Oh hell yeah. Ram slid his hands down her hips. Full and round, he savored the feel. Then he drew his palms down the tops of her thighs.
She shivered. More heat colored her skin, making her eyes nearly shimmer in contrast. She caught a deep breath. Her breasts strained against her shirt. Her scent filled his nose and throat.
This was what Ram loved, learning the sensuality of a woman as he held himself in rigid control. It was so fucking hot to get a woman’s trust to follow his orders and unleash as much pleasure as she could take.
But with Ginny?
Explosive.
Ram fought hard for control. For her. He’d show her a kiss that would sear her dreams. Fuck the warning flares going off deep in the jungles of his mind.
He wrapped his hands around her knees and pressed her legs open.
Wide.
Her fingers dug into his shoulders as she obeyed.
Ram stepped in. Tight. He gave her no escape. He wanted to fill her vision, fill her senses. “You’re going to kiss me again. A real kiss, Ginny.”
She tilted her head back, staring at him. “A dangerous kiss.”
“It’ll be wet, Ginny.” He leaned closer, until he knew she’d feel his words as well as hear them. “I’m going to take command of your mouth. All of it.”
Her eyes glazed. And her mouth, Christ. Her pink tongue darted out, sweeping over her lips then disappearing. “Exactly what I’ve dreamed of.”
Damn she was killing him. He lifted his hands, cupping her face. Then he brushed his lips over hers. Pure heat blazed through Ram. He gave her a second and then he angled her head back and touched his tongue to hers.
She tasted so damned good. So fresh and bright, like clean water in the desert. Ram flexed his thighs and fought to keep control of the kiss.
Of her.
Of the wild blazing lust snapping between them. Sliding an arm around her waist, he pushed her back until she lay on his arm and he consumed her. Tasted all of Ginny, learned every little shiver.
Felt her nipples tighten and bud against his chest.
Then he felt her slide her tongue into his mouth, at first tentative, but growing bolder.
And bolder. She reached up, burying her fingers into his hair, throwing herself into the kiss.
Damn, he wanted to strip off her clothes and keep tasting her.
Soul mirror! The words screamed in his mind.
He ripped his mouth from hers, lifting her upright. “Shit.” He reached out, grabbed the beer she’d opened for him, and drained half of it in a couple swallows.
It did nothing to cool his raging desire for her.
He drained the rest of the beer. Set it down, then looked over at her sitting to his left.
She met his gaze. “That was a hell of a kiss. Is it always like that for you? Are you that good?” Wonder tinged her tone, while desire thickened her voice.
Tearing his gaze from her swollen lips, he answered. “No. Never like that.” He wouldn’t lie to her. And he wanted the truth in return. “You’re a virgin.”
With her hands braced on the counter where she sat, she closed her eyes, dropping her head. “Yes, and I need to stay that way.”



GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!! 
The wonderful Jennifer Lyon has given me 3 wonderful prizes to share with you.  For a chance to win please fill out the Rafflecopter form below. 




a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Tri-Destiny Spotlight

Tri Destiny Publishing – http://www.tridestinypublishing.com  –  A publishing company with a new concept: Help new authors hone their writing skills, build a better author platform to reach fans, and provide authors with the best resources possible in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.  We pride ourselves on giving authors the personalized attention they deserve, start to finish.  We believe in collaborative processes, from cover art to editing, working together to build the best book possible.  In an industry-first partnership with Autography, LLC, we provide authors a platform from which to personalize and sign their eBooks in the same way they sign their print copies. 
Tri Destiny Publishing has no “formula” or “mold” and we encourage thinking outside the bounds of the ordinary subjects and styles.  We have a continuous open call for submissions from authors who write what they love, not what we tell them to write; guidelines can be found on our website.   


SIzzlin’ Books – http://www.sizzlinbooks.com – Tri Destiny Publishing’s spicy romance line.  Unlike the mainstream romances offered through Tri Destiny Publishing’s website, Sizzlin’ Books offers readers a wider range of subjects (paranormal, supernatural, BDSM, ménages, LGBT, and anything else our authors can imagine) with varying heat levels.  We provide a “Sizzle Scale” so, as always, our readers know exactly what to expect when they buy from the Sizzlin’ Books line.    
Much like Tri Destiny, Sizzlin’ Books has a very open policy on submissions and content.  Our guidelines can be found on our website.  We encourage all authors who are unsure if their manuscript would be a good fit for the Sizzlin’ Books line to send a query letter to us.  
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Interview with Cassandra Carr

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back the wonderful Cassandra Carr to the blog to talk about her new releases and upcoming releases. 



Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself
I’m a multi-published author with Loose Id, Siren, Ellora’s Cave, and Sybarite Seductions. I have only been writing since 2008 *dodges rotten tomatoes* and it appears I’m prolific, since Collision, my latest release, was the seventh in a little over a year of being published. I live in the Western New York area with my hubby, Inspiration, and daughter, Too Cute for Words. I’m a Sabres fanatic and hang out on Twitter far too much.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
No. I had no thought to being writing as a profession until my mother, Cynthia Racette, (who is an author – her debut came out in late March!), told me I should fictionalize a fan fiction story I was writing. Unfortunately, that book did NOT turn into 50 Shades of Grey.
I was in Corporate America for about 15 years. Most of that time was spent doing various things in marketing and public relations. But then I got laid off and couldn’t find another full-time position. Then we decided to have a baby. And, well, the rest is history!
Q3) What is your most interesting writing quirk?
Oh geez. I’m going to sound like the most boring writer ever. I really don’t have a lot of quirks. I don’t have much choice about when I work or where – it all depends on when I can get childcare. When my daughter is gone I need to hunker down and get the words on the page.
Q4) Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
My last two releases are both book 2’s in my different series. On March 7thSiren released Cold As Ice, Buffalo Intimidators book 2. The Buffalo Intimidators series revolves around a hockey team that coincidentally (well, actually, not all coincidentally or I wouldn’t have a series!) has permanent ménage relationships. Book 1 of that series is Head Games, published last November.
On April 4th Ellora’s Cave released Collision, Buckin’ Bull Riders book 2. The Buckin’ Bull Riders series tells the stories of various bull riders on the professional tour. The first book of that series, Impact, published in February of 2012.
Q5) How did you come with the idea for this story?
For Cold As Ice, I wanted to use an entire forward line. Doing one of the first book featuring the captain made sense, so I started to work around those two things to develop the story.
For Collision, it’s kind of a funny story. I actually wrote Collision before Impact, but sold Impact first, so the order of the books got reversed and I had to make some changes to reflect that. I decided to write about bull riders after stumbling upon a professional bull riders (PBR) event one day. It was on the same channel as many hockey games. 😉 I had also read some great stories from people like Lorelei James and Cat Johnson.
Q6)  Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’m currently writing two books – book 3 in the Buckin’ Bull Rider series, Momentum, is with my critique partners currently. One just got back to me and said it was her favorite so far so I’m pretty pumped about that! I’m also working in an 85k story to give to my agent to try to sell to a NY publisher. That’s a five-book series featuring IT geek heroes. I married an IT geek and I highly recommend them!
Q7)  Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
LOL – I already had my fangirl moment last year at the Romance Writers of America national conference. I adore Maya Banks and I met her there. The first time I met her that week she was really sweet, and then I saw her at another signing a few days later and made a joke about how I really wasn’t stalking her. I think that freaked her out. *blushing*
So see? Authors do really dumb fangirl stuff too!
Q8)  What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Write. If you’re going to do it, don’t take ten years to write your first book. Write the silly thing. Then polish it to within an inch of its life. Then, and only then, should you submit.
A note: if you sell that book it took you five or ten years to write, your publisher is not going to be amused if it takes another five or ten years to get another one written.
Q9)  Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
I’d love to spend about a month trolling around Europe with my husband. I’ve been to Italy and he’s been to France, but there’s so much to see!  And people are always flabbergasted when I say I don’t want to bring my daughter. She’s three. Even if she was older I’d like to take the time with my hubby and reconnect.
Q10)  What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
*snort* My TBR list is, no joke, well over 200 books. Despite that, I can’t WAIT for the next book in Maya Banks’ Sweet series, Sweet Addiction. The hero is a guy I’ve loved as a minor character in some of the other books and I’m so excited to read his story.
Q11) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just that I’ve got a big 2012 unfolding and if readers want to keep in touch with what’s happening, they can check out my website at http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com. I also have a FB fan page at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandraCarr. And if you want to witness my Twitter addiction, you can do it at http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr. If you follow me be sure to tell how you found my name. At this point I don’t auto-follow but am always happy to connect with readers!



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Guest Blogger: LW Herndon (giveaway)

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to let LW Herndon take over the blog today… 
Thank you for having me on your blog, Kelly.
One of the things I enjoy most about writing is research. It’s a necessity and temptation all rolled into one. And while a reader might wonder what there is to research about urban fantasy, I can state for a fact, there’s plenty. Almost nothing exists in print, movies or television that doesn’t originate from history or mythology. Star Wars, Star Trek, and the tales of werewolves and vampires can all find their roots in the philosophy and mythologies of China, Greece, and many other countries. The names are slightly changed and the histories mutated, but the ideas come from existing information sources.
So when I decided to use demon clans as the backdrop for the Thaddeus Kane novels, I read about demons across a variety of cultures and religions. The world as Kane knows it holds demons from ancient clans spanning back to the creation of man. Similar to human beings, these demons evolved in many forms, from the mischievous, to the downright evil, to mild-mannered live-and-let-live varieties.
With stories from Christian and Jewish demonology, European, Chinese, Japanese, and even Sumerian mythology, there is wonderful lore and details available. Enough to be a real distraction from actual writing. But with a little bit from here and there, and a twist of something different, it evolved into a framework for the demons who become Kane’s allies and enemies.
Here’s an example of an interesting demonic character that I ran across in my search. Buer: listed as a Great President of Hell. Bearing an auspicious title, he’s charged with ‘teaching Natural and Moral Philosophy, Logic, and the virtues of all herbs and plants.” Not exactly the role I had expected to see from the Commander in Chief of Hell. With the head of a lion and five goat legs he would also be difficult to camouflage. I didn’t pattern any of my demon hierarchy after Buer, but who knows, there are Thaddeus Kane tales left to tell. Perhaps Buer will show up one day. I’m fairly certain he’ll never make a romantic lead, but I could see him as a good side-kick (no pun intended) or turncoat ally.
What demons or creatures of the night do you find most surprising in the stories you read? Which ones stick in your memory long after you’ve read the story?
~LW Herndon
My name is Thaddeus Kane. I exist in Los Angeles, the city known for the hustle of Hollywood, an average 266 days a year of sunshine, and smog.
That’s not my L.A. I operate under the mantle of the city as a troubleshooter for the demon clan who saved my life. Not a bad job if I can stay alive, but I have my limits. I refuse to risk innocents, which causes me problems. That one line I won’t cross for anyone. Loyalties—I have them. I’m pretty sure none of my associates would approve of my particular choices.
Human sorcerers are murdering my clan to harness superpowers and I’m the only one capable of finding the evil. A tough assignment, made harder by my secret alliance with a rival demoness to save prophetic teenagers from the same horrible fate. I’m all they’ve got.
LW Herndon is a pseudonym for the author of the Thaddeus Kane urban fantasy novels and the Declan Other Realm young adult urban fantasy tales. More information on LW Herndon and future books can be found at the website http://www.lwherndon.com and blog http://demonssorcerersandmore.com/lwherndonblog
Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

For the giveaway:A $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour as well as to the host with the most comments. Additionally, two random drawn winners will receive the 2nd Thaddeus Kane ebook, on its release date, Fall 2012.

Readers can follow the dates and locations for the Mark of Kane Sizzling PR Book Tour @ http://sizzlingpr.com/2012/04/02/the-mark-of-kane-by-lw-herndon/
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Sterling is on Sale!!!

The Storm that is Sterling is on sale.  
For a short period of time you can get book 2 in Lisa Renee Jones Zodius Series.  Go download!!! 

Order Here:  Amazon

The Storm that is Sterling 
by Lisa Renee Jones

Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

November 2011 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1402251599 (ISBN13: 9781402251597)
Zodius Series #2

Sterling Jeter, Renegade Super Soldier, is fearless, powerful, and wildly unpredictable. His life-threatening mission is to save the beautiful, brilliant astrobiologist Rebecca Burns from ruthless villain Adam Rain. But their immutable mutual attraction threatens to put them in the path of death… or worse…



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Kelly’s (ARC) Review of Undone by Lila PDiPasqua

TITLE: Undone
#4 in the Fiery Tales series
AUTHOR: Lila DiPasqua

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Inspired by the tale of Rapunzel, Lila DiPasqua offers a new steamy, emotionally charged historical romance in the acclaimed Fiery Tales Series . . . Rescuing this beauty from the ‘tower’ is only the beginning . . .

Maintaining her ruse as a commoner, and trusting no one has kept Angelica safe. But a chance encounter with a handsome stranger lands her right where danger lies. Now, this sinfully handsome man with arresting blue eyes and a polished manner thinks he’s saved her life, when in fact he’s placed her in great peril. She’s intent on keeping him and everyone else at arm’s length. Yet, the smoldering attraction between them is difficult to deny. And impossible to ignore . . .

As commander of a number of privateer ships, Simon Boulenger dresses and speaks like an aristocrat, and has obtained wealth. But he is still not a noble. Or an officer in the King’s Navy. His lifelong dream to elevate himself from his station of birth and attain a respectable place in society is dead. Worse, he’s ensnared in a deadly scheme, and must get out. But how is he to stay focused on his dangerous mission when the mysterious beauty has him utterly intrigued? He can’t afford the distraction any more than he can resist the carnal hunger she stirs. Simon soon discovers that she’s not only a passionate soul mate, but a woman born into privilege. A woman he can never have. But they’re in too deep. Their hearts are at risk . . . as well as their lives.


REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly             NUMBER OF STARS: 5 Stars

REVIEW:
In Undone we get to learn more about Simon Boulenger, who we meet in A Midnight Dance (book 3).  Simon’s only goal in life has been to become an aristocrat, by any means possible.  
Simon has battled his way from poverty and certain death to become an officer in the King’s navy.  Oh and Simon is a very, very naughty boy.  Why you ask?  Well you will just have to read the book 🙂  But after so long of doing anything it takes to move up in this unforgiving world, Simon is starting to rethink his goals.  After the death of a good friend he doesn’t know that being an aristocrat is worth it any more.  He starts to question his goals, who he is, where he is going and what he wants.  At that very moment fate steps in and literally knocks him to the ground in the form of a very beautifully plain woman.  Life for Simon will never be the same from this moment on.  

Angelica has been in hiding herself away for many, many years and she has no intention of ever being found.  She is content where she is, it might not be ideal but it is better then ever going back home.  But when Angelica finds herself tangled in a mess of arms and legs with a very large and incredibly handsome man, she has no idea the twist her life just took.

Lila DiPasqua is a wickedly talented author.  I have loved every story of her’s that I have read.  Undone left me totally undone, but in a very, very good way.  Lila does a great job of having two main characters who are stubborn to a fault, beyond a fault really.  Who both are hiding secrets that they are ashamed of.  Each fears the truth will send the other running.  But the journey that these two go on will show them that truth, trust and love can conquer all.  

I will say that Simon & Angelica drove me nuts, they made me laugh, they made me cry on multiple occasions, but in the end like any good fiery tale there was a happy ending.  

I loved Undone and so can’t wait to see what Lila has in store for us next with Three Reckless Wishes (book 5 in the Fiery Tale series), Luc’s book.

HUGE thank you for Lila for the great honor of letting me read your story and for listening to my feedback.  Love you girl!!!

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Release Day Tuesday 4.17.12

Happy Release Day Tuesday.  
I am sure there are many, many more release today.  
If you have more please share I will add to the list!!! 
♥, Books-n-Kisses

Happy Reading

 

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Interview with Casea Major

Book-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome to Casea Major to the blog. 



1.    Can you please share with us a little about yourself
I am a stay-at-home mom with two school-aged children and one preschooler.  I was born and raised in Texas and am a die-hard Cowboys fan. I love reading well-written emotional stories. I enjoy writing them too.
2.    Have you always wanted to be an author?
I always enjoyed writing but not until a year ago did I understand I could actually finish a story.
3.    What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I write most of my stories out of order, usually writing the last chapter well before the preceding chapters.
4.    Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
My current release is a sexy 1Night Stand story that I came up with watching football one Sunday afternoon. I wondered what catalyst would make someone venture out into a sexual realm they’d never tried. Voila! Night with a Dom was born.
5.    Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’m writing a sexy short erotic story which will be part of a series of  stories a anti-hero.

6.    Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
The Apostle Paul because he wrote the largest percentage of the greatest book ever written

7.    What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Find a good critique group and critique, read and write as much as you possibly can.

8.    Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
I would love to do a river boat cruise down the Danube. That is a dream. 
Thanks for having me, Kelly! It’s been a pleasure.

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Spotlight Feature: Truly, Madly, Deeply, You by Cecilia Roberts

Book Title:  Truly, Madly, Deeply, You
Author: Cecilia Robert
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Publisher: InkSpell Publishing
Publication Date: March 21st  2012
Format: eBook, Kindle
Book Synopsis:
Four days before Valentine’s Day, Liese Hansfeld is determined to shut the door to her house, as well as her heart, for her annual four days of mourning her one true love. Little does she know her best friend Freytag Meier is just as determined to keep her from her ritual. He’s ready to pick the lock to her apartment door and camp in her living room if that’s what it takes.
What Freytag isn’t prepared for is the surge of deep-rooted emotions he feels for Liese, but two things stand in his way: the grief and guilt she still clutches close to her heart, and a man who threatens to snatch Liese from under Frey’s watchful eye. Frey is determined to distract her into forgetting her pain. But is that enough to ease her grief, or help her see he can be more than her best friend?
Book Excerpt
“You all right, Li?”
She nodded as her eyes swept the room, then back at him. “Really, Frey, you didn’t have to do all that. I was going to clean after the four days.”
He  shrugged. “No worries, sweetheart. What are friends for?” He smiled and beckoned her to him with his free hand. She followed the delicious smell of food more than she obeyed him, and stood beside him. He smiled at her, and pulled her into one arm hug and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Feeling better?”
She nodded, peeking inside the pot. “Yes, I am,” she said, hoping her voice came out cheerful. She didn’t want to have him worried. “Smells good. What’s this?”
“Healthy food.” He turned his attention to the pot of whatever delicious concoction he was cooking and continued stirring.
Liese glanced around for something to do while he went about preparing the meal.  She frowned, as her gaze zeroed in on the sofa.
“Er, Frey, what’s that?”
He glanced up from the pot, and followed her pointing finger. “Oh, that. My overnight bag,” he said nonchalantly. “Didn’t I tell you I’m staying here for those four days? No? Well, I am.” He turned, unconcerned, and continued stirring, dipped two fingers inside the array of bottles of spices in front of him, pinched small amounts and sprinkled dashes into the pot. He repeated the action a few more times before he grunted in satisfaction.
She glared at his back, watching the rise and fall of the muscles there. “No, you’re not.” She glanced up, then poked his arm with her finger to make her point. “You can’t do this to me, Frey. Another time, but not these four precious days. I need to be alone.”
Frey tilted his head slightly, his midnight blue eyes gentle and kind as they’d always been. “Sorry, I’m not leaving. Get used to the idea, Li. Besides, I have five votes from your mom and dad. We voted who should come over and stay with you. I won.” He grinned, and turned away to stir what she now saw was red sauce. The scent of mint filled the air, and her stomach grumbled.
She ignored it and twisted out from under his arm. He snatched her back and held her snug and tight against the length of his body. She leaned into his soothing touch, savouring the comfort of his fingers as they caressed up and down her arm. Her body began to relax. “If I needed you, I’d have called you and asked—”
“Eat, and then if you want to talk later, we’ll talk.” Frey pecked her on the forehead once again, then brought his hand to her face and tucked a few strands of her wayward curls behind her ear. He let her go. “Now sit over there like a good girl.”
She grunted in frustration and stalked away, well, as much as her weakened body would allow her to stalk without losing her pride. She plopped down on the sofa. “You’re no better than my parents.”
He chuckled. “You bet I’m not. I’m worse.”
 Author Bio
Cecilia Robert enjoys the play and weave of words that make up a good story. She enjoys creating fantastical worlds and getting lost in them. She often meets a prince, a princess, a pirate, ordinary and badass boy or girl who take her through the wonderful world of dreaming and fantasy.
 She doesn’t have particular leanings to any kind of story as long as it captures her attention She reads and enjoys urban/dark fantasy romance,  paranormal, contemporary, sci-fi, mystery or horror as much as her children’s school books.
 Some nights, you can find her reading Puss in Boots for her daughter, or trying to understand how to read Manga comics from her son.
Important Links
Author Website:
http://cecereadandwrite.blogspot.com/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/CeCeMR
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/CeciliaMRobert
Publisher Website:
http://inkspellpublishing.com
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13358709-truly-madly-deeply-you
Pre-order:
http://www.inkspellpublishing.com/4/post/2012/01/truly-madly-deeply-you.html
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Kelly’s (ARC) review of Darkness Seduced by Stephanie Rowe

Darkness Seduced
#2 The Order of the Blade Series
AUTHOR: Stephanie Rowe
PUBLICATION DATE:   04/15/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

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

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


REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly           
4 1/2 Stars

Stephanie sucked me back into the world of The Order of the Blade.  Amazingly enough I enjoyed book 1 just a little better then book 2.  Although I still really enjoyed Darkness Seduced.  

Gideon is the tough as nails, has no feelings, totally impossible to kill warrior that everyone fears and all the other warriors look up too.  So when Gideon is asked to go save Lily from her prison, he treats this like any other mission.  Get in, save the innocent, kill some rogues, and get out. Gideon has the best plans that is until he see Lily being attached by a rogue Calydon.  In that moment everything about this mission changed.

Lily has been held captive for the last two years by a monster.  He has abused her in everyway possible.  But now days have passed and he has not returned from his latest battle.  Lily hopes that he is dead, but that also means death for her as she is locked in the basement of his house.
All Lily knows is that she needs to find a way out.  She has not survived this long to die now. Plus she know if she stays a greater evil will be coming for her.  What Lily doesn’t know yet is that her savior is waiting for her on the other side of the door to freedom, she just has to get to that door.

I enjoyed Gideon & Lily’s story, they are a great couple.  Both never back down from a challenge. Both are fiercely protective and determined to save the people around them.  But both will have to learn to trust, love and forgive before they can move forward

Darkness Seduced has a great set up for the next installment in The Order of the Blade series Darkness Surrendered coming out May 15.  

Huge thank you to Stephanie Rowe for letting me read Darkness Seduced.