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Laura Kaye’s WEST OF WANT Preview & Prize Event

Happy WEST OF WANT Preview & Prizes Event, everyone! Today, April 10, was the original release date for Book 2 in my Hearts of the Anemoi series, West of Want. And then some really cool things happened: my publisher, Entangled Publishing, signed a huge deal with the nation’s biggest book distributor, which means for the first time ever, my books will be shelved in brick-and-mortar bookstores. And then, West of Want received a very nice pre-sales estimate by the booksellers and Barnes and Nobles bought it for all their stores nationwide (and it got bought for airports, too—squee!). The only bad news in this whole scenario was this: the release date got pushed back, by three LONG months! LOL So, I thought I’d celebrate the original release date with a preview of the book and a big contest, and give you a small taste to whet your appetite until the actual release date arrives.
“Laura Kaye’s captivating writing and vibrant world-building will have readers hooked on the gods of the Anemoi. WEST OF WANT is steamy, spellbinding, and a must-read for all romance fantasy fans.”
~Elisabeth Naughton, author of the Eternal Guardians series
Forty sites are celebrating with me today, and there are different posts at those different sites. To see the whole list of participants, click here. Now, without further ado, here’s the book blurb and one of four different never-before-seen excerpts from the book available for you to enjoy:
WEST OF WANT BLURB:
Betrayal is all he’s ever known, but in her, he’ll find a love strong enough to be trusted…

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

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

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

WEST OF WANT EXCERPT:
Restrained power made Zephyros’s hands tremble. At first, he’d wanted to help Ella because he owed it to her. Now, want bloomed into need. When he’d held her soft curves, the strength of her life force soaked into him. Seldom did he have any cause to interact with humans, let alone touch them, but the soft yellow aura that surrounded her body told him this woman was good, pure, true. A rare character, in his experience.
And then she’d said his name. Whispered it, really, but that didn’t keep him from fully enjoying the way her lips wrapped around the sound.
Silently, he summoned the ancient, elemental power, the one that flowed through him, that made him what he was. His palms warmed. Soft white light spilled from between his clasped hands.
Ella’s eyes cut to his glowing hands, went wide. “What? Don’t hurt…” She swallowed thickly. A tear leaked down her temple into her hair.
He met Ella’s barely focused gaze. “Fear not, I promise to hurt you no more.”
Her only answer was a shiver that racked her whole body.
Normally, a healing of this magnitude required sacrifice. It was how the gods worked. Quid pro quo, and all that. But, in this case, Ella’s case, that was hardly appropriate. After all, she wouldn’t need to be healed if he’d kept better control of himself.
Words in his native tongue spilled into the quiet of the room. He parted his hands, held them over her prone form, and let the healing energy cover her. The pale, white glow infused her aura, which absorbed the curative force, distributed small doses of it throughout her body.
Ella sucked in a breath.
“Be well, now,” Zeph whispered.
Pre-order West of Want on Amazon| B&N
So, what d’ya think? Want more Zephyros and Ella? Visit more participating sites to read all the excerpts, meet the characters, see the the West of Want romance trading cards, and enter to win! Thanks for reading! July 10 can’t get here soon enough for me! *grins*
~Laura Kaye
“Using ancient winter mythology as an allegory for grief, Kaye has written a sexy story that packs a powerful emotional punch. NORTH OF NEED is pure winter magic and Kaye’s sparkling talent warms the heart.”
~Stephanie Draven, author of the Mythica series about
multi-award-winning Book 1 in the Anemoi series, North of Need
About Laura Kaye:
Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is a bestselling and award-winning author paranormal and contemporary romance. Hearts in Darknessis the EPIC eBook Award Winner for Best Novella, Forever Freed won the NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011, and North of Need, the first book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, was named GraveTells’ Best Book of 2011 and won their 5-STAR Gold Heart Award, and won Sizzling Hot Read of the Year at Sizzling Hot Books. Laura lives in Marylandwith her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bayevery day.


WEST OF WANT PREVIEW CONTEST!
Event-Wide:
Seven participants who enter through the Rafflecopter form will win gift cards from winners’ choice of Amazon or B&N valued between $15 and $100! Those prize winners will be announced on West of Want’s release day, July 10, 2012. As a special thank you to those who have pre-ordered the print West of Want through Amazon or B&N, you’ll receive extra entries – just enter your order confirmation number on the appropriate Rafflecopter line. Pre-orders are hugely important for an author because they determine how many books bookstores will actually stock and they count toward an author’s first-week sales which is when most authors have their best chance to hit the big bestseller lists. However, pre-orders/purchases are not required to enter. Commenting is the only required entry. Open to international.

2nd Chance to win Giveaway
One commenter from each participating blog site will win a West of Want bookmark and the romance trading cards for North of Need and West of Want. Simply comment to enter to win and be sure to leave your email address. These prizes will be announced soon after May 10. Open to international.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Interview with WJ Craft

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome WJ Craft to the blog today.  To talk about her newest books. 


1.    Can you please share with us a little about yourself
WJ:  I’m a very sensual person, both in terms of erotic feelings and the five (or maybe six?) senses. I think it’s important to put as many of the senses in writing as possible, so that the reader can experience them too. I wish that sensuality was valued more than violence in our society. I’m also probably older than you might guess, and would be surprising to meet in person. I consider myself an intellectual hermaphrodite.
2.    Have you always wanted to be an author?
WJ: Yes! I’ve enjoyed mainstream sci-fi for many years, and erotica too, especially pin-up art. Now that the internet has made it possible for regular people to get published, I’m thrilled to be out there with the rest of us rejects. LOL The traditional publishing racket is so out of touch with everything at this point, and I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.
3.    Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
WJ: I enjoy Robert Heinlein and Ray Bradbury very much, especially Bradbury’s short stories. He could take pretty much anything and turn it into a creepy short. I love short stories because sometimes all you want is a little snapshot into a situation, like an episode of the Twilight Zone. So I guess I should include Rod Serling among my influences too! In terms of erotica, definitely Dragonfly, who I first encountered on the internet way back in 1996. Some amazingly kinky sci-fi shorts there, and she’s releasing her stuff on Amazon now! I’m very tickled about that.
4.    How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
WJ: I just went ahead and did it! I knew that if others could be successful at it, so could I, because I feel the quality of my writing is just as good, if not better, than most erotica out there. I am going to be doing another collection of what I call “light horror” shorts in the near future. More about that below.
5.    What are some of your writing rituals?
WJ:  Caffeine is essential. After I wake up, I like to surf my bookmarked adult sites to get me in the mood, then I decide if I’m going to finish a project or start a new one. I’m a lot like Neil Gaiman that way, in that I usually have a few things brewing at the same time. If I have only one thing, it quickly seems boring and like something I don’t want to work on. If I have several, I can flip through them and see what I’m most in the mood for that day.
6.    Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
WJ:  My first short story collection is called Chicks In Charge, because every story has the woman benefiting or on top in some way. It’s all sci-fi and fantasy erotica, with something for everyone. If you don’t like one story, you’re sure to love another after a few pages. They’re all quite different.
7.    How did you come with the idea for this story?
WJ:  I’ve had a lot of story ideas rolling around, and I enjoy brainstorming them. I have pages and pages of story ideas, including outlines for three novels. Not enough hours in the day!
8.    Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
WJ: I’ve just started work on a “light horror” short story collection that I’ve been wanting to do for a while. By “light,” I mean that there’s no zombies, minimal blood, and nothing that will keep you up all night and freak you out for a month. It’s mostly psychologically creepy as opposed to brains and guts everywhere. There will be body parts removed, but only because they deserve it.
9.    What would you be if you were not an author?
WJ:  I’d love to be a sex therapist, helping people have a healthy and loving relationship with the pleasurable parts of their bodies.
10. What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
WJ:  I happen to know that Volume 3 of Dragonfly’s short stories is in the works, I’m dying to see that! A few other titles that look interesting are “Schmidt Steps Back,” “Religion for Atheists,” and the new Avengers movie. Note, I am not an atheist, I’m more of a Pagan or Agnostic, I haven’t decided really. I’m not particularly religious. Unless you count two hours of watching hot men and women in skin-tight clothing on a giant movie screen a religious experience. I know that kind of thing moves me in mysterious ways…
11. Is there anything else you would like to add?
WJ:  I’m helping to work on a new sci-fi erotica publishing collective called Deepest Regions Publishing (http://deepestregions.blogspot.com/) with Dragonfly, which I am very excited about! It’s new, and we’re both really busy working on new projects, so the blog is kind of… not as up to date as it should be, but I’m hoping to get on that in the next week or two. I also have a Twitter (https://twitter.com/WJCraft) where people can tweet with me. Come say hello!

An Erotic Short Story Collection

Over 20,000 words of intriguing and playful delights where women come out on top in a variety of ways!

Chainsaw Chicks of Chinese Camp: Are the legends true? Are four amazons lying in wait in this tiny rural town for their perfect boy toys to come along and play with them?

Zap: While researching a possible preventative for epileptic seizures, a scientist stumbles onto a very interesting use for her new app.

Take Me To Your Leader: In this 1940s retro tale, a military translator gets up close and personal with some newly-landed alien emissaries.

The Gnome World Order: Find out what really goes on underneath those seemingly innocent pointed red hats.

Little Shoppe of Enchantments: Augustus Pound takes a wrong turn with some rather questionable results. This version includes the longer alternate ending, not available anywhere else!

Cowboy: They seemed like ordinary women in the greasy spoon in town, but they had plans for Jack Barnes and his equipment.

Rosa Erotica: Lyrical and touching. A 500-word ode to the spirit of the rose goddess and a warrior’s epiphany.

Website / Twitter

Excerpt
The Zap App
The next day, she made a few alterations to her application, reversed
a few things, and then waited for Richard to make his morning
appearance. She didn’t have long to wait.

“Good morning,” he said, right behind her ear.

“Good morning, Richard,” said Veronica, then she tapped the button.

Instantly the sound of coffee splashing all over the floor met her
ears, and she turned to see her nemesis staggering backwards until he
crashed into the cubicle wall, which threatened to topple into the
next space over. His eyes were partly rolled up into his head and he
was moaning and gasping, his twitching body slowly sinking
horizontally onto a filing cabinet. With a grin that was triumphant,
surprised and slightly sadistic, she tapped the button again to see
what would happen when she turned the app off.

A noticeable wet stain at the front of a medium-sized pants tent
caught her attention. Had the poor man wet himself?

“Ohgod,” was all he could manage for at least five minutes as he
recovered. Veronica began to wonder if she should call a medic, and
coworkers started to crowd in her doorway to see what the hell had
happened.

“It’s all right,” she reassured them. “Still working on that epilepsy
app. Must have reversed something.”

“That was… that was…” Richard spit out, trying to regain the gift
of language. “Fucking incredible…”

Confused, Veronica stared at him.

“What?”

“Incredi… mind-blowing. Best orgasm ever…”

Now that, she hadn’t expected. But something about it sounded vaguely
familiar. She turned her back on her human lab rat as the embarrassed
coworkers made themselves useful elsewhere. A quick search on
“epilepsy” and “orgasm” brought up research on the phenomenon known as
the “orgasmic aura,” a state of spontaneous climax that some epilepsy
victims experienced at the onset of a seizure. She could hear Richard
slowly collecting himself behind her.

“Again,” he finally moaned.

“Fuck off.”

“Do it again!” His hand gripped her shoulder and she turned, finding
herself face-to-face with a pair of desperate, lust-filled eyes. His
other hand shot out and gripped her throat. Unable to cry out for
help, she did the only thing she could think of to incapacitate the
madman – she hit the button again.

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Interview with David & Beka from Lynn Rush’s Wasteland

BnK:  Hi David & Beka, Thank you so very much for stopping by Books-n-Kisses to talk about your story.  I know you are both very busy.  Shall we begin?
David/Beka:“We’re glad to be here! This is a quaint coffee shop, I’ve not been here before. And this is very exciting, because this is our first interview together.” Beka winks at David.
“I just hope the demon activity stays to a minimum. Keep an eye out, Beka.”

Bnk:  David, can you tell my followers a little about yourself?
“My name is David Sadler. I look as if I am about twenty-six or so, but I am around four hundred years old. I’ve been locked away in sensory deprivation for nearly a quarter millennia, and even now, I’m still trying to adjust to all the changes.” David holds up a tall Mocha Latte. “Ordering a cup of coffee should not be this difficult. Thankfully my Beka knows much.”

BnK: Beka, same questions.
 “Hi! I’m Rebeka Abbott, but most everyone calls me Beka. I’m a Guardian who was charged with protecting the young girl David was assigned to procure by his Master.” She pats David’s knee. “But things have a way of working out. . .”

BnK:  How do you feel about Lynn telling your story?
“Oh, I’ll answer this one.” Beka raises her hand and David nods his consent. “I was surprised Lynn wrote it from David’s point of view to tell you the truth. Most novels I’ve read are written from the woman’s point of view, or at least both the woman and man’s point of view.” Beka grins. “But I think she did well by David.”

BnK:  Do you think that Lynn kept the story true?  Did she leave out anything important?
“Like Beka mentioned, Lynn did right by me,” David says. “It was such a struggle for me those first hours out of sensory deprivation, and she captured that.” He rests his arm around Beka’s shoulders and tugs her close. “And the struggles this little temptress caused me during my search for young Jessica.”
Beka nods. “Lynn got the main points. Except the fact that on David’s plane ride to Arizona, he watched Nickelodeon to learn the culture—and that he liked it.” Beka laughs.
A subtle growl emanates from David, yet the corner of his mouth curves up in a half-smile.

BnK: David, tell us about that first time you saw Beka. 
“She was dancing at her club. I’ll never forget that dress she was wearing. I was immediately entranced by her beauty. Even thought another quarter millennia would be worth it just to be near her.”

BnK:  Beka, Can you tell us what it was about David that made you know he was the one?
“Even though he was big and scary, flashing his claws and fangs, I sensed his determination.” Beka caresses his knee. “Dedication to hold onto what was left of his humanity. Despite deprivation for so long, he resisted my advances. I respected him for that.” Her grin widens. “And it doesn’t hurt that he’s sexy as sin, either.”

BnK:  Can you tell us a little about your journey to get to where we are now?
“You’ll have to buy the book,” they both say in unison.
Beka laughs and says, “It was a journey filled with heartache, temptation, and many battles. Both battles against demons and the ones within ourselves, but it was well worth it.” She twines her fingers with David’s.

BnK:  What is up next for you guys?
Beka looks to David, but he nods for her to answer. “He’s not much of a talker, is he?”
“Okay, I will answer.” David sits up and clears his throat. “I know the journey for us is just beginning. With Wasteland, Lynn has only begun to tell about the struggles between the demons and the Guardians. But for now, I will enjoy my Beka as long as I can.”

BnK:  Is there anything you want the readers to know before I let you go?
“I know I speak for Lynn when I say Thank You for your support for Wasteland.” David dips his head. “We are honored you are enjoying our story. She tells us there are over 100 five-star reviews between something called Goodreads and Amazon.”
Beka shakes her head. “He’s really resisting the technology.”
“That is what I have you for.” David grins at Beka.

Bnk: David, Beka, Thank you again so very much for sitting down and talking with me. I enjoyed your story and enjoyed learning more about you.

David/Beka:
“It was our pleasure.” Beka straightens in her seat. “But we had better go, I’m getting a . . . sense.”
“At least they waited until the end of the interview.” David stands and reaches for Beka. “Thank you, Kelly, for the coffee.”
To learn more about Lynn Rush, check her out here: 

Wasteland

AUTHOR: Lynn Rush
PUBLICATION DATE:   01/01/12

ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Salvation comes with a price. . .

Bound by the blood contract his human mother signed four centuries ago, half-demon, David Sadler, must obey his demonic Master’s order to capture fifteen-year-old Jessica Hanks. But as he learns more about her, he realizes she may be the key to freedom from his dark enslavement.

The only obstacle-Jessica’s distractingly beautiful Guardian, Rebeka Abbott. He must not give in to their steamy chemistry, or he will lose his humanity. But fresh off a quarter millennia of sensory deprivation as punishment for not retrieving his last target, he may not be able to resist temptation long enough to save what’s left of his human soul. 

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My review of Hunted by Rebecca Zanetti

Hunted 
By Rebecca Zanetti
Release date 4/24/2011
Pre-Order
Excerpt of Hunted

Ready or Not

Moira Dunne is a witch–the quantum physics kind.  Time and space are her playthings.  Which might explain why her one-night stand from a hundred years ago has turned up to “claim” her–and request her family’s assistance with the war he’s brewing.  But the more she learns about Connlan Kayrs, the more she comes to think this is normal behavior for him…

There’s Nowhere to Hide

When Conn and Moira tumbled on the moonlit grass, Conn hadn’t meant to mark her for his mate for all time.  She was only twenty!  But it wasn’t easy to wait for her.  It was even harder to forget her.  So when he finally returns for his wicked-hot witch, he’s ready to let the sparks fly.  Even if he burns up in flames…


My Thoughts: 
Patience.  That is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Connlan Kayrs.    But of course he is fierce, strong, loyal and willing to do anything for his family.  But Patience is what sticks out to me the most.  Why do you ask… Conn give his mate 100 years, YES 100 years to grow, not only in age, but in maturity and power.  But Conn is tired of waiting for her and now has come to claim his mate.   Nothing and no one will stand in his way, not even his mate. 
Moria’s time has just run out.  Conn is coming for her, but she still thinks she needs more time.  She is not ready to be someone’s mate, especially someone who she thinks doesn’t really want her.  Someone who so easily turned his back on her, someone who can possibly hurt her more than anyone other.  But Moria’s time has run out and Conn is here for her.  
I so loved this story.  I love the world that Rebecca has created in this series.  I love all the different types of characters, the complexity of it all.  I am so in love with Conn & Moria.   
Conn and Moria is a force to be wrecken’ with.  Both are fiercely strong loyal warriors, stubborn to a fault, but above all else are willing to sacrifice themselves to save others.  But their greatest battle my just be each other. 
If you have read Fate & Claimed.  Hunted will not disappoint.  There is a lots of action, lots of emotion and even some mile high sex *wiggles eyebrows* 
If you have not started Rebecca’s Dark Protector’s series.  I would HIGHLY recommend you get started.  Want to see the whole series?  Click HERE… 


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My review of Wasteland by Lynn Rush

TITLE: Wasteland
AUTHOR: Lynn Rush
PUBLICATION DATE:   01/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Salvation comes with a price. . .

Bound by the blood contract his human mother signed four centuries ago, half-demon, David Sadler, must obey his demonic Master’s order to capture fifteen-year-old Jessica Hanks. But as he learns more about her, he realizes she may be the key to freedom from his dark enslavement.

The only obstacle-Jessica’s distractingly beautiful Guardian, Rebeka Abbott. He must not give in to their steamy chemistry, or he will lose his humanity. But fresh off a quarter millennia of sensory deprivation as punishment for not retrieving his last target, he may not be able to resist temptation long enough to save what’s left of his human soul.



REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly            
NUMBER OF STARS: 4  Stars

REVIEW:
There has always been a battle between good and evil.  But what do you do when that battle is inside yourself?  That is that very battle that David Sadler has been fighting since before his birth.  But now is David’s time to shine, if only he has faith.

I really enjoyed this story.  It was a great twist on the good vs. evil, light vs. dark and what happens when dark becomes light.  The main characters David & Beka are both very strong, determined and courageous characters who are great at their jobs, whether they want to be or not.  But when they pair up they will be unstoppable.  

I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.  

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Flying Frog Fairy’s review of The Royal Talisman by Tracey Cooper-Posey

TITLE: The Royal Talisman
AUTHOR: Tracey Cooper-Posey
PUBLICATION DATE:   01/01/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N


BOOK SYNOPSIS:

It is 1884 and France is at war with China. Stuart Sutherland-Bruce returns to England after a posting in China as a member of the English diplomatic corps. He meets the astonishingly beautiful Bian, an exotic woman who turns his life upside down with the power of his desire for her. As she continues to astonish him at every turn with the unexpectedness of her life and her responses to him, he falls deeply in love with her.
But Bian did not wander into Stuart’s life accidentally. She has orders to become intimate with him and prove he has been giving English secrets to the Chinese. Yet as she works her spell on Stuart, she learns he does not seem to be the traitor her British superiors assure her he is.
Bian is caught in a trap: If she reveals to Stuart her real — and shocking — identity, she will lose the man she loves. If she honours Stuart’s highest values and does her duty, then Stuart will be tried for espionage and hanged.




REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Flying Frog Fairy            
NUMBER OF STARS: 3 Stars

REVIEW:

I have to say, when I first started this book, I wasn’t sure I would like it. The character of Stuart seemed a little to wimpy for my tastes. I was hoping he would have a little more backbone. Instead he seemed to fall under the spell of Bian immediately.  And not in a cute way, but in almost an obsessive way.  But that is just me so I continued on.  All in all this book was interesting.  I was a little disappointed because I hoped the author would go into more historical detail.  However, this was really more of a novella and so there wasn’t really room for details.  Then there was the whole is he a spy or not.  It got a little convoluted and confusing and that took away some of the enjoyment.  Confusion aside, the relationship between Bian and Stuart was passionate and I found myself rooting for them. Once the story was concentrating on them, I could get into it. And there was some definitely steamy scenes.  Then we were back to the spy question.  I predicted early on how it would end and I was right. So I guess you could say the story had a satisfying, if predictable conclusion.
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Kimberly’s review of Wicked Road to Hell by Juliana Stone

TITLE: Wicked Road to Hell
Book 1: A League of Guardian Series
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE:   4/24/2012
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With the legions of the underworld gathering and chaos close at hand, Sorcerer Declan O’Hara’s deadly skills will be tested. But nothing will sway him from his duty, not even her…

Rescued from eternal darkness, vampire Ana DeLacrux owes her life to a mysterious stranger who asks for only one thing—her absolute allegiance. She serves this master without question until Declan, the one man who can make her forget her vow, returns. His magic is stronger, darker…more compelling than ever. His blood awakens a hunger she must resist, or risk deadly consequences.

As Ana and Declan join forces, the streets of New Orleans become a dangerous place for both humans and the otherworld. And the most dangerous place of all is a road Declan’s traveled before…the wicked road to hell.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY:  Kimberly               
NUMBER OF STARS: 3 Stars

REVIEW:
Declan is a sorcerer who has been forced to work for the Seraphim and has been told to pick up a man and deliver him to the Seraphim_. However when he gets there he is in for a couple surprises. One the “man” he was sent to pick up is actually a teenager and two he is protected by Ana, the lost vampire love of Declan. Also the teen is the fifth in the Seventh Mark. These are a group of seven who will grow and turn to either the light or dark and could possibly start an Apocalypse. When Declan decides to protect the teen instead of bringing him in and he brings in others to protect the teen they go looking for Samael, demon lord, who is looking for someone himself… The Teenager.

Ana is a tough vampire and not only feels that taking care of the teen is a order she must obey but her maternal instincts have come out and she sees what she will never have in the boy. Declan is a strong sorcerer but he lost his heart to Ana and where she is concerned nothing else matters.

This is the 1st in the League of Guardians series. There is everything in this book, sorcerers, vampires, shape-shifters, ghouls, etc. It is what every paranormal reader would enjoy but in all honesty I thought this was the first book by this author and was surprised there had even been other series’ by Juliana Stone. It is written a little rough and simplistic but that being said I wanted to know how it ended. I wanted to get back to reading it when I could. If you are not into these type of books this will not be one that would persuade you to change your mind. But certainly one you should pick up if you are into paranormal books.

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Flying Frog Fairy’s review of Second Chance by Debbie Gould

TITLE: Second Chance
AUTHOR: Debbie Gould
PUBLICATION DATE:   01/23/12
ORDER LINKS:  BN | Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colin Beckett, US Air Force special ops, lost his wife in childbirth while off on a mission. Two years later, he’s still trying to come to grips with the guilt that tortures him. And to complicate matters, he finds himself undeniably attracted to his wife’s sister, Emily. Struggling with his desire, he tells himself he doesn’t deserve a second chance with such an amazing woman.

Emily wants Colin in her life and her bed. Enlisting the help of Colin’s teammates and Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand dating service, she plans to prove to Colin he can have everything he lost once again.

Will their one night lead to the happy ending she longs for or the loneliness he thinks he deserves?



REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Flying Frog Fairy            
NUMBER OF STARS: 4

REVIEW:
I love the premise for the 1Night Stand series from Decadent Publishing.  Each is a short story about a 1Night Stand through a company of the same name. So following this formula, Ms. Gould has crafted a sweet story about a second chance for love with an alpha Special Ops man and the sister in law who is raising his child. Of course they also have the chance to have a really hot love scene. They have to overcome odds most people would not be able to get past. She really drew me into the story and I found myself rooting for the H/H and loving the lengths a friend would go to help them find happiness. Even in such a short story the emotion conveyed made it a wonderful read. The conflict and resolution did not seem hurried and I was pleased with the HEA ending. I definitely recommend this book.

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Spotlight Feature of The Memory of Roses by Blair McDowell


The Memory of Roses
  
The Greek island of Corfu unearths the enduring love stories of two generations of the
McQuaid family. First, renowned archaeologist Ian McQuaid meets the love of his life while
recuperating from an illness contracted during a dig in Crete. Even though he is married, his wife had not been a passionate partner for many years, and the appearance of the stunning Maria Calbrese was a miracle sent to him at the lowest point in his life.
Then a generation later, Ian’s daughter Brit travels to Corfu after his death. He left Brit a note
disclosing that he owned a villa on Corfu, and that when he was there he had fallen in love with a
woman named Maria while still married to Brit’s mother. He asked Brit to deliver a package to Maria, who he thought lived somewhere in Venice. Determined to fulfill her father’s requests and return quickly to the US, Brit’s plan is soon derailed. She meets archaeologist Dr. Andreas Leandros who looks like the Greek gods of ancient times, and her own damaged heart begins to come alive.
What does the mysterious package contain, and how will Brit find Maria as requested by her
father? Will finding her change Brit’s life? Will she manage to preserve her bond with Andreas, or will she return to the US to live out her life without him?
Excerpt:
It was on June eleventh that he met her. He had gone to Adriatika for his evening meal. It was a
week night and he had lingered over his late afternoon swim. By the time he arrived, the few other diners were well into their meals.
“What have you for me tonight, my friend?” he asked.
“Ah! You are in luck. We have Rabbit Steffado and I’ve kept a portion back for you.”
Ian settled into his chair at his regular table and opened his book. He’d long had the habit of
reading in restaurants until his food arrived. It kept him from feeling lonely.
He heard a commotion at the door and glanced up from his book to see a stunning young woman in conversation with Yiannis.
“Of course you are not too late, Signorina,” Yiannis was saying as he showed her to a table. “We
always look forward to your return in June. Did you have a pleasant journey from Venice?”
“Pleasant enough, Yiannis. I hope you have some of your Rabbit Steffado for me tonight. I’ve been looking forward to it for months.”
“Alas, I am afraid the last portion was just ordered by someone else,” he said, nodding in the
general direction of Ian’s table. “But I have a very nice fish if you’re interested.”
“Hmm. I’ll think about it. Meanwhile, if you could bring me a pitcher of your good house wine…”
“Of course.”
Ian went back to reading his book. Suddenly he sensed that he wasn’t alone. He looked up to see
the woman who’d just entered the restaurant standing at his table, a brimming pitcher of wine in her hand. She was tall and full breasted, her long ebony hair swung loosely to her shoulders and her eyes were dark and lively. Her face could have come from a Botticelli painting, beautifully oval, classically Italian. She wore a low necked blouse that seemed to fall off one shoulder and a full skirt that emphasized her small waist.
He realized with a shock that she was speaking to him in English and that he hadn’t heard a word
she had said.
“I beg your pardon?”
“I said I assume you speak English since you’re reading a book in that language. If you’d rather, we could speak in Italian. My Greek is a bit primitive.”
Confused, Ian managed to stutter, “English will be fine.”
“Good. I have a proposition for you.” She smiled.
Ian thought whatever it is the answer is yes. He merely nodded.
“You,” she resumed accusingly, “you have ordered the last portion of Rabbit Steffado. I’ve been
looking forward to Rabbit Steffado for months. I propose that we should enjoy that rabbit together. There is always enough for two in Yiannis’ portions. Meanwhile we can order some of Catarina’s eggplant and a salad to start and,” here she held up the pitcher, “I already have the wine.” She waited expectantly.
Ian threw back his head and laughed for the first time in months. “Please,” he said, getting up
quickly and pulling out a chair for her, “Be my guest. I’m Ian McQuaid.”
Over the eggplant she told him she was from Venice and that her name was Maria. “I always spend six weeks here at this time of the year. And this is my favorite restaurant on Corfu. I always came here on my first night back.”
They worked their way through the appetizers laughing and chatting about their experiences on
Corfu as if they were old friends.
The rabbit arrived at the table, steaming and aromatic in its rich sauce. Maria ladled it on to their
plates. “So what brings you to Corfu?”
Ian somehow didn’t want to admit his recent illness to this young woman who was the picture of
health and vitality. “I was working on Crete and I decided to take some time off. A friend suggested Corfu.”
“What do you do on Crete?”
“I’m an archaeologist. My special area is Bronze-Age societies, the Minoans in particular. Knossos, on Crete, is one of the best preserved Minoan sites in the world. I’ve been working there off and on for some years.”
“You’re an American aren’t you? Your accent isn’t British.”
“Yes. I’m a professor at Stanford University in California. But I spend half of every year in Greece.”
They continued to chat and laugh their way through the rest of meal.
Ian could hardly take his eyes off of her. She was so utterly alive. Her mobile face telegraphed her every thought and mood. When she laughed at his stories her whole face lit up. When she was serious,her eyes held the reflective calm of a mountain lake. He found her utterly entrancing. By the time they’d finished dessert he was wondering how he could prolong the evening, how he could arrange to see her again.
Then he reminded himself that he was still married, that he’d no right to become involved with
this young vibrant creature sitting at his table. And that surely she would have no interest in him, a middle-aged man graying at the temples and many years her senior. Regretfully, when Catarina began closing the shutters, he moved to pay the bill. “Please allow me,” he said. “You’ve given me so much pleasure tonight.”
She nodded and rose to leave.
Outside the restaurant, she paused confused, and looked around. “Where’s your car?”
“Actually, I don’t have one. I haven’t found much need for one here. I walk everyplace. The house I’m renting is just up the hill a mile or so.”
“Please let me drive you home,” she said. “I insist. It is small payment for that lovely dinner.”
Ten minutes longer with her, Ian thought. Ten minutes more of her lovely voice and beautiful
face. “Of course,” he responded.
She drove efficiently and competently. He watched the shadows and light fall on her face as she
navigated the curves of the narrow, winding country road.
“Turn here,” he instructed as they reached the open gates to the property. She came to a stop at
the circle in front of the villa. The fountain was splashing, its dolphins alive in the moonlight.
“What a beautiful spot.” She said. They sat in silence for a moment, neither quite willing to end the evening.
“You could come in for a brandy,” he suggested.
They got as far as the front door. Later they could neither of them remember who moved first.
They were in each other’s arms, tearing at their clothing, stumbling up the steps toward the bedroom. Frustrated with their slow progress Ian swept her up into his arms and carried her to his bed, covering her with his body. They made love wordlessly, frantically, as if their very lives depended on their being together in this way at this moment.
When the storm had passed, Ian tried to speak. “I had no right to do this,” he said. “I’m married.”
“Of course you are,” she replied. “No man as attractive as you could be single. Not at your age. I
came to you willingly, I asked for no commitment. We have here and now. We have tonight. Let’s not ask for more.”
He buried his face in her fragrant hair.



Blair McDowell wrote her first short story when she was eleven and hasn’t stopped writing
since. After many years producing non-fiction professional books in her field, Blair decided to
exercise her rich imagination and write novels of mystery and romance set in places she knows and loves, peopled with characters drawn from her experiences in those locales.
One of her favorite places in the world is Greece, the setting for ‘The Memory of Roses’, Blair McDowell’s latest novel. While in Greece Blair was inspired by the ancient culture, friendly people and the picturesque settings, and the plot for the ‘Memory of Roses’ was born.
Blair has a home on a remote island in the Caribbean where the local lore of the ‘Jumbie’ (‘the dead who walk’) formed the basis for her novel ‘Delighting In Your Company’.
The setting for Blair McDowell’s book, ‘Sonata’, is the spectacular city of Vancouver with its
vibrant multicultural population and its rich musical life. In ‘Sonata’, Blair McDowell’s love of
music comes into play, and is intricately woven into this story of mystery and romance.
Blair is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Romance Writers of America (Greater
Vancouver Chapter), and the Romance Writers of America (Women’s Fiction).
Website/ Facebook
Buy Links: Amazon/ Nook/ All Romance / Ebookstrand


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Interview & Giveaway with the Wonderfully Talented Gini Koch

Hi Gini, I am SUPER EXCITED to have you back on the blog to talk about your newest release Alien Diplomacy book 5 in your Alien series. 


Gini: Awesome to be back! Thanks so much for having me!

BnK:  Gini, for the folks that don’t know you can you please share a little about yourself with my followers.
Gini: I write the Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series for DAW Books. I live in Hell’s Orientation Area (aka Phoenix, Arizona) with my husband, 3 dogs (the Canine Death Squad) and 3 cats (the Killer Kitties), and one very spoiled daughter. Who admits to being spoiled, but wants me to tell you that she’s not as spoiled as the pets. And she’s probably right.
book 1

BnK:  Can you tell us about your Alien Series. 

Gini: It’s the best series ever written and a deal at twice the price! (Hey, you can not blame a girl for trying.)
The Alien series follows the exploits of Katherine “Kitty” Katt, who first discovers that the Roswell rumors are true, but with a twist — the aliens are here to help us and, as a side benefit, they’re all gorgeous. Kitty first gets involved helping save the world from parasitic superbeings. As the series progresses, Kitty gets deeper into Centaurion Division, and discovers that there’s a lot more evil out there to fight, and a wide variety of conspiracies to prevent and disrupt, with dangers both internal and extremely external to guard against.
BnK:  How did you come up with the idea for this series?
Gini: I had a dream. I get at least 50% of my ideas from my dreams. This dream was dark, noir-ish, and scary. So I thought I’d write a dark, short, noir-ish horror story. Instead, Kitty’s voice and personality inserted itself, so by page 3 I realized it would be neither dark, nor short, nor horror. Martini breezed onto the page, charmed Kitty and me, and the rest is, as they say, history.
BnK:  Do you see a little of yourself in Kitty? 
Gini: Oh, of course. However, I see a little bit of myself in every character I write. Including the villains. Perhaps especially the villains. (Be afraid. Be very afraid.) I am the God, they are my creations, they all have me in them somewhere.
book 5
BnK: I know we have talked about this before, but for those who don’t know. Can you tell us how many books you have planned in this series
Gini: Well, right now I’m contracted through Book 8, so Alien vs. Alien will release December 4, 2012, Alien in the House will release April 2013, and Alien Collective will release December 2013. I’m mapped out, as much as I map, through Book 12. And right now I can “see” through Book 16. So, basically, DAW says that as long as people are buying the books, they’ll be glad to publish the books.
BnK: I know you live totally spoiler free, but can you give us a little something about Alien Diplomacy?   Please.. just a little tease.  How about a quote or your favorite line.
Gini: Sure. I live spoiler free, but not teaser free. ;-D
In Alien Diplomacy, everyone’s dealing with a lot of change, and most of them aren’t dealing with it all that well, Kitty in particular. We see the return of some of my personal favorite supporting characters from an earlier book, and they affect things in a big, big way. And, for those who’ve been wondering when, if ever, they’d get an answer about what’s going on in Paraguay, that answer begins in earnest in this book.
BnK: Do you think Jeff & Chuckie will ever get along?
Gini: Define “getting along”. LOL Seriously, though, yeah, they will. Just not saying when.
BnK:  Speaking of Chuckie, I know he says only Kitty can call him that.  But I have proof that he said I can call him Chuckie — >> See
Gini: Well, he’s okay with readers and fans calling him Chuckie. Just no one in the books, other than Kitty (and Kimmy) can call him that.
BnK: Oh back to my question.  Will, uummm Chuckie ever get over Kitty?  Maybe find a new love interest?  
Gini: *cough*
BnK: *looks at Gini* What would that be spoilers??
Gini: Yes, we call that a spoiler where I come from. But yes, Chuckie will have a normal life progression just like everyone else.
BnK:  How is the rest of the Team dealing with all the changes they have been thrown over the last year?
Gini: Well, that’s pretty much Alien Diplomacy’s main theme — how do you handle being moved into jobs you don’t want, weren’t thinking you were ready to move to, that turn out to be completely different than expected, or a combination thereof? Every character in the book is experiencing major change in some way, so they’re all dealing, and not everyone’s dealing with it well. But then, that’s the fun, isn’t it? If everyone handled all things perfectly, why would we want to read about it?
BnK: You know how much I love Christopher.  How is he doing?   Any chance we will ever get a story for just him? Maybe just a short… *drops to knees* PPPPLLLEEEAAASSEEEE!!!
book 2

Gini: I know I should never say never, but it’s really unlikely. I get this question a lot, in regards to Christopher, Reader, Chuckie, a variety of other characters, and I don’t always answer it fully. But because it’s you…

#1 – This series is told in first person, from Kitty’s point of view. If I’d wanted to write other POVs, um, I’d have written this in 3rdperson. LOL
#2 – Y’all have NO idea how hard it is to write a short story, do you? I’m a natural novelist. I do indeed write short stories, novelettes, and novellas (I refer you to what I have up at Musa — see answer to a question below — as well as other shorts published in a variety of anthologies). But they are HARD to do. HARD. So, when y’all ask for “just a little story”, what you’re asking me to do is to stop writing the next novel in the series, and to AGONIZE over something that, let’s be honest, is a throwaway.
I love all my fans dearly, but, seriously, ask yourselves this: What do you really want more? A short story about a couple supporting characters, or the next novel in the series? Because you can’t have both right now. (Oh, and my publisher votes for “next book in series”, and DAW has the deciding vote. ;-D)
#3 – This relates to #1. If I’d wanted to write things from Christopher’s POV, I’d have already done it. One of the things I enjoy about writing first person POV is that the reader can ONLY know what the POV character knows, sees, and experiences. Some readers may catch on to what’s going on FASTER than the POV character (which is, after all, part of the fun), but we don’t KNOW what’s going on in other characters’ minds. I enjoy that. I don’t really want to have to tell it all from another character’s POV. And, when I try, well, we usually end up with an entirely different book for an entirely new series, which is nice and all, but not what you’re asking for.
Can this answer change? Sure. Will it change any time soon. Magic 8-Ball says “unlikely”.
BTW, I do have a couple of characters I’m more than willing to do something with “outside” of the series. But not saying who and not doing anything with it right now. Because deadlines say I don’t have time to play.
book 3

BnK:  Can you tell us what you have coming up next for Kitty and the Crew?

Gini: Well, in Alien vs. Alien, we have the return of some characters no one ever wanted to see again, as well as the culmination of the Paraguay situation, along with a whole lot of scary stuff going on. But I’d have to say Alien vs. Alien is all about the birds.
Bnk:  Gini, I know you write under a multitude of pen names.  Can you share with us a little about what your other pseudonyms?  What they are, what they write.  What is coming up next for them? 
Gini: Sure! My pen names include (but are not limited to) Anita Ensal, Jemma Chase, A.E. Stanton, and J.C. Koch — all of which have releases up at Musa Publishing (http://www.musapublishing.com/). As G.J. Koch I have a new series coming from Night Shade Books, Alexander Outland: Space Pirate, which releases June 5, 2012 ( http://www.nightshadebooks.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=240)
Alexander Outland: Space Pirate is science fiction set in the far future, with a lot of humor, action and romance. I think if you like Kitty & Company, you’re gonna love the Outland and his crew.
book 4

Pop Quiz:

Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi:Neither. I don’t drink Diet drinks, ever. I can taste fake sugar in anything and everything and I HATE the taste of fake sugar. It’s REAL Coca-Cola all the way, baby.
Rolling Stones or Aerosmith:Really? You have to ASK? Aerosmith, always and forever.
Pizza or Burgers: Both, with extra cheese
Bath or Shower: Shower at home, bath at nice hotels
Sun or Snow: I live in Phoenix, Arizona. SUN, baby. Sun.
Boxers or Briefs: Thong or commando
Christopher or Jeff: Both, and Chuckie, Reader, Gower and Buchanan, too (oh, look…a teaser…)
Ebook or Paper: Whatever the reader wants (for me, personally, it’s paper)
Romance Movie or Action Movie: Action
Batman or Superman: Wolverine
Bnk:  Gini, thank you as always for being FABOUOLUS!!  I love having you on the blog and love your Alien series.  I can’t wait to see where you take Kitty and the crew next.  
Gini: Taking them to infinity and beyond, and to a really good designer. (Oh, look…another teaser…)
Bnk:  Gini, would you like to do a giveaway?   
Gini: Sure, I’d love to give away any book from my backlist (Touched by an Alien, Alien Tango, Alien in the Family, or Alien Proliferation), signed and personalized. And yes, open internationally.
BnK:  Okay to be entered for a chance to win one of Gini’s back list book.  Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  

Gini Koch lives in Hell’s Orientation Area (aka Phoenix, AZ), works her butt off (sadly, not literally) by day, and writes by night with the rest of the beautiful people. She writes the fast, fresh and funny Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series for DAW Books, listens to rock music 24/7 (particularly, but not limited to, Aerosmith), and is a proud comics geek-girl willing to discuss at any time why Wolverine is the best superhero ever (even if Deadpool does get all the best lines). She also speaks frequently on what it takes to become a successful author and other aspects of writing and the publishing business. 

Her interests include seeing how often she can ask, “So, have I told you about this plot twist yet?” of her husband before he goes insane, going to rock concerts with her daughter, and training her pets to ‘bring it’. Gini started writing to have an excuse to stay up late playing on the computer while listening to music and mooning over pictures of Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. 

Now she’s expanded her thinking — she moons over a wide variety of hunks in order to keep the visual creative juices flowing. So to speak. 

Contact: gini@ginikoch.com 





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Interview & Giveaway with JD Tyler

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to welcome JD Tyler back to the blog today.

JD, Welcome to Books-n-Kisses. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down and talk with me about SAVAGE AWAKENING and what’s next for the Alpha Pack.  
JD: Hi, Kelly! Thanks for inviting me back for a visit today!

Kelly: Do you need anything before we begin? Margarita?
JD: You know, even though it’s early, I’ll take you up on that! It’s that kind of day. J

Kelly: Shall we begin?
JD: I’m ready when you are! Be gentle with me…

Q1) Can you share your Top 5 Guilty Pleasures?
JD: Just 5? I’d love to! Let’s see…
1) Reading! Now there’s a surprise. J
2) I love going to concerts, mostly classic rock! My must-see shows include Bon Jovi and Aerosmith. I scored really great tickets for myself, my rock guitarist son, and daughter to see Aerosmith in Dallas on July 28th, and we can’t wait!  
3) One hour-massages and pedicures are a special kind of heaven for me!
4) I enjoy traveling to see friends who live out of state, especially my critique partner and fellow author Tracy Garrett, who lives in Missouri at Lake of the Ozarks. Spending a week with her on the lake is pure bliss.
5) Meeting friends for long lunches which result in copious amounts of alcohol and getting absolutely no writing done!

Q2) Tell me and readers who may have missed it before a little about your 3 pseudonyms? I mean 3… WOW!!!
JD: In addition to writing paranormal as JD Tyler, I write contemporary/romantic suspense as Jo Davis, and paranormal erotica as Jo Carlisle. Honestly, it’s not as hard as it sounds writing-wise. I work on one book at a time, and all of my focus is on that story and those characters at the moment.

Q3) Let’s talk books… Please Describe SAVAGE AWAKENING briefly for our readers.
JD: Aric Savage is the snarky redheaded wolf shifter who was taken prisoner by Orson Chappell’s evil minions at the end of PRIMAL LAW. Aric is suffering brutal experiments in the name of creating a breed of super-shifter soldiers and is losing hope for a rescue. Along comes liberation in the form of his team…and a gorgeous LAPD cop named Rowan Chase, who has joined the team in hopes of finding her missing brother and Alpha Pack member, Micah. She finds a lot more than she bargained for…

Q4) Tell us a little more about Aric. *wiggles eyebrows*
JD: Aric is a wisecracking smartass with a bit of a temper, and loves to harass the guys. He’s a Firestarter/Telekentic, so he torch stuff, or move it at will. He’s got a big heart under his prickly surface, and he’s about to meet his match in one tough, streetwise LAPD cop…

Q5) It looks like BLACK MOON is up next, which is Book 3 in your Alpha Pack series. Would you like to share a little with us?
JD: BLACK MOON is the full-length book featuring our Sorcerer/black panther/Necromancer Kalen Black and Dr. Mackenzie Grant, the lady who’ll eventually be his Bondmate. Kalen’s mind is slowly being taken over by a lethal enemy who wants to harness his power. Mac and the team will have to either save Kalen or execute him…before he destroys them all. The book releases on December 4 and promises to be explosive!

Q6)  A birdie told me that you just sold books 4 and 5 of the Alpha Pack series to your publisher! Congrats! Care to tell us a bit about those?
JD: Thank you! I’m thrilled to be able to continue with the series! Book 4 is tentatively titled HUNTER’S MOON, and all I’m saying right now is that it’s a “Predator” story… the scariest monster of all is the one you can’t see…

Q7) SQUEE!! That sounds so exciting! Do you have any idea who will get Book 5 after Ryon?
JD: Thanks, I hope readers love Ryon as much as I do. J I do know who gets Book 5, but I want to keep the suspense going a little longer. (evil grin)

Q8) It was tough for you to pick a favorite pack member before. Do you have one now?  If so, who & why?
JD: Yes, it’s still so hard to pick a favorite among these guys! They’re all sexy and loveable in their own way, and they’re all different, appealing to a woman’s various tastes in men. But Kalen is my favorite right now. He’s magnetic and so different, with his kohl-rimmed jade eyes, black nail polish and black rock-star hair. But he’s also very deeply hurt, lost and damaged, having been thrown out of his home at age 14 to survive on the streets. Mac is going to have to be a special woman to get through to him, and show him how to love.

Q9) Can you tell Us what you are currently working on and what’s next?
JD: Right now I’m working on BLACK MOON, which is due to my editor soon. Then I’ll be working on Book 1 of my new series SUGARLAND BLUE, being written as Jo Davis,  which is a spinoff of my FIREFIGHTERS OF STATION FIVE series and stars the Sugarland Police Dept. Book 1 (title TBA) is Detective Shane Ford’s story, and I’m so happy to get started! My readers have been requesting his book for some time and I can’t wait.

Kelly:  Again a HUGE thank you to JD for stopping by my blog and share with us her newest book.
JD: Thank you again for inviting me back!

Kelly:  JD, What do you say we give the readers a chance to win SAVAGE AWAKENING?
JD: Sounds great! I’m giving a signed copy, so good luck, readers!
If you would like to win a copy of Savage Awakening please fill out the Rafflecopter form below

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