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My review of If You Know Her by Shiloh Walker

If You Know Her
By Shiloh Walker
Book 3 in the Ash Trilogy
Feb 28, 2012
PreOrder:
AmazonDescription: http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shilwalk-20&l=ur2&o=1 | B&N | Booksamillion | Indiebound | Book Depository
A SHADOW IN THE WINDOW
Nia Hollister doesn’t scare easily. Come hell or high water, she intends to find her cousin’s killer. She returns to Ash, Kentucky, for answers. What she doesn’t expect is to ache with desire every time she sees Law Reilly. If any man can help her escape the nightmares for a while, it’s him. But can she allow herself to take comfort in those strong arms when a murderer still roams free?
Unknown to Nia, as she quietly slips into Law Reilly’s home, is that she’s being watched—by someone who is waiting for an opportunity to strike.
Timing is everything, though he can’t wait forever. If she’s not frightened, she soon will be. Nia has made a vow to find her cousin’s killer. She should be careful what she wishes for.
Read an Excerpt Here
Learn more about Shiloh Walker here: http://www.shilohwalker.com
My thoughts:
In If You Know Her, Nia is on a mission to find answers to her cousin’s murder.  Even if the man that they said killed her is dead and buried.  Something is still not sitting well with her.  Nia’s gut is telling her that something is still very, very wrong. But what price is Nia willing to pay to get the answers she seeks?
Law has been fantasizing about Nia since the moment he laid eyes on her, even though they didn’t meet under the best of circumstances.   Now she is back, but he has no idea why.  When Law learns why Nia is back, he is willing to do anything in his power to help her, protect her, as long as she promises to stay with him.
This was a disturbingly good book.  If You Know Her is the final book in Shiloh Walker’s Ash trilogy. We finally learn who the killer is and a little about what makes the killer tick. Throughout this whole trilogy I had my guesses of who the killer might be.  Boy was I wrong!!!  When I learned who, I was shocked to say the least.  Why the killer did what the killer did was beyond disturbing.  The lengths the killer goes to, to cover up the crimes is unbelievable. 
I have REALLY enjoyed this whole trilogy, but If You Know Her has to be my favorite out of the three books.  I loved that Law finally gets a small piece of happiness.  That we also get to see the main characters from If You Hear Her and If You See Her and find out how they are doing.  Shiloh did a great job on this whole series.  Shiloh kept me guessing the whole time and completely disturbed me with how the killer went out their business. 
If you love a good romantic suspense story you really need to check out Shiloh Walker’s Ash Trilogy.  
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Guest blogger: Lacey Wolf

Some writers consider their book their babies. And I never really understood how they felt that way, until More Than Useful. Both Amber’s Muse and Fool Me Once were stories I had a pretty easy time crafting.  And of course I was thrilled to share each of them with readers. So when I sat down to write More Than Useful, I expected it to be a breeze. I was wrong. I had a very hard time with Amy and Adam, capturing just the right emotion, and how exactly a person would react to situations. There were times I could only write 500 words before I was stumped and just had to walk away for the day.
For anyone who has read the book and reads dedications, they will notice that I dedicated the book to my dog Cocoa, which probably sounds a bit wacky. Cocoa took walks with me daily, sometimes two times until I got through this story. We would just go out and I would walk until I figured out just where this story needed to go. 
More Than Useful is also the very first story of mine that I had to outline. I have always been a panster, but if I hadn’t made an outline, I never would have finished it. Once I was finished with this one, I felt relieved. And even better, when my publisher read it she loved it and let me know she could see growth in my writing. So, as I look back at the journey of making More Than Useful, I realize maybe it was so tough because I was having growing pains. I was learning to get more in tune with my characters, especially Adam. I really had to understand him in order to write him.
More Than Useful is my baby and I am sending it out in the world. I’ve bitten all my nails down now that it’s released as I hope my readers enjoy this story as much as I did writing.
If you’d like to learn more about me and my books, check would my website: www.laceywolfe.com
To connect with me: Twitter / Facebook / Facebook Fan Page
I also wanted to share that without my reader’s I wouldn’t be here. So I am having a big thank-you giveaway that runs until March 20th. To learn more details, visit my blog HERE.
More Than Useful
Can she settle for just a little fun?
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning Adam stops by Amy’s bakery for one of her delicious muffins…and a little flirting. When he finally asks her out, Amy is thrilled.
Adam informs her from the beginning that he isn’t looking for anything serious. Just a little fun. Amy agrees, even though she isn’t entirely sure that’s what she wants.
She does her best to play it cool, but Adam is sending so many mixed signals he’s confusing her, which she finds incredibly frustrating.
Adam is terrified by the feelings he’s developing for Amy. It would be so much easier if he just backed away from her. Then there’s his sister, who is insisting that Amy is not the right girl for him.
Will Adam be able to figure out what his heart desires before it’s too late and he loses his chance at true happiness?
Content Warning: explicit sex
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EPIC BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!

Don’t Miss the “Indulge in Our Favorite Authors” Epic Book Giveaway Contest!
If you haven’t already heard, five romance authors are holding an epic book giveaway contest of *their* five favorite romance authors’ books. But they’re not just giving away a few books—they’re giving away complete, SIGNED backlists of the following authors:
Julia Quinn (sponsored by Shana Galen)
Lisa Kleypas (sponsored by Elise Rome)
Julie Garwood (sponsored by Heather Snow)
Elizabeth Hoyt (sponsored by Lila DiPasqua)
Cynthia Eden (sponsored by Vanessa Kelly)
Yes, it’s an epic contest, and it’s being held on Facebook right now. All you have to do is visit the Facebook pages of Shana Galen, Lila DiPasqua, Vanessa Kelly, Heather Snow, and Elise Rome, and enter the favorite book (the hint is given on the contest tab) for each of these authors.
At the end of February the contest will be over—so hurry!—and five lucky winners will win a backlist of one of the amazing authors mentioned above. Elise has said that Lisa is even signing her books after the winner is chosen for her backlist, so if you win Lisa Kleypas’ books, they’ll be personally made out to you. Also, the five authors are giving away books of their own, too.
Good luck to everyone who enters, and don’t forget to tell your friends!
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Guest blogger: Shadonna Richards

TOP 5 Romantic Ways to Propose
Hi, everyone!
I’m Shadonna, author of An Unexpected Bride, a romantic comedy about Emma Wiggins who is about to marry her heart-stopping, gorgeous boss, CEO Evan Fletcher in seven days. Only he doesn’t know about it yet!
Since An Unexpected Bride centers around the theme of love and companionship, I thought I’d compile a list some of the most romantic ways a guy could propose to his special girl. Check this list out (it’s in no particular order):
  1. While she’s asleep, he could slip the ring on her finger. In the morning, she would wake up to the sweet scent of roses and champagne and the surprise on her ring finger.
  2. He could create a romantic message or proposal and somehow secretly upload it to her iPod. That would bring music to her ears for sure.
  3. For beach lovers there’s nothing more romantic than having it spelled out in the sand. He could head down there before her and craft his proposal and later take a snapshot on his Smartphone for her to always remember.
  4. Hmm, as a chocolate lover I love this idea: He could order her favorite pastry and when it arrives at her table the words written in chocolate “Will you marry me (her name)?” could be written in beautiful italics. Of course he would have to arrange this beforehand with the chef.
  5. And I love this idea: He could create a blog such as www.I-love-you-(her name).blogspot.com for her and declare his love for her for the world to see and of course that special proposal will be included as the icing on the cyber cake.
Hope you enjoyed the list as much as I enjoyed compiling it. I thought I’d also leave you with a synopsis of An Unexpected Bride. Enjoy.
Desperate to fulfill her ailing grandfather’s last wish to see her settle down and get married, Emma Wiggins, a 30-year-old, career-focused executive tells him a little white lie on his deathbed that she is in fact engaged–to her boss, deliciously handsome and emotionally unavailable, Evan Fletcher.
The situation takes an unexpected turn when her grandfather’s condition improves slightly and to her shock, he goes ahead and arranges a wedding ceremony at his hospital bedside before he passes on. Now, all Emma has to do is convince unsuspecting, commitment-phobic Evan to tie the knot with her in seven days. Can love blossom in the most unlikely situation?
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Interview with Samara King


Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Samara King to the blog today.  We are looking forward to learning a little more about Samara and her stories In the Public Eye, The Panty Affair, & Flirting with Danger
Samara: Hello there, thanks for having me today!

Q1) Please tell us a little about yourself:
Samara: Well I’m a romance author, that savors the sensual side of storytelling, along with light paranormals and suspense. J

Q2)  Tell us a typical writing day for you:
Samara:  It depends on the day. Some days I write in the AM with a cup of coffee, other days it’s snippets of time in the evenings.

Q3) Have you always wanted to be an author or what made you become an author?
Samara: I started writing when I was in the 8th grade, I didn’t realize then that that was what I wanted to do, until I became engrossed in the magic of creating characters and I was hooked every since.

Q4) Tell us a little about your stories and what the readers can expect?
Samara: Readers can expect steamy reads, from novellas to novels. Heroes and heroines that are realistic and have passionate personalities and shadows of their pasts to overcome.

Q5) How do you come up with the ideas for these stories?
Samara: My ideas come from reading magazine articles, tv, people watching, movies and just from my overactive imagination.

Q6)  What is your current work in progress?
Samara: Working on a rewrite of a upcoming mystery novel, Mama Has a Brand New Bag and the launch title for SK MINIS’ sub series, Blush titled Grapevine.

Q7) Who are some of your favorite authors?
Samara: Brenda Jackson, Debra Webb, Beverly Jenkins and tons of others.

Books-n-Kisses: Samara, thank you for taking the time to stop by the blog today to chat about yourself and your books. 
Samara: Thank you for allowing me to visit Books-n-Kisses. Please be sure to stop by my website at: http://samaraking.com or sign up for my newsletter, SK MINI Notes J Happy reading!
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Book Features:Steaming & Slack Tide by Vanessa Barger


Vanessa’s Bio:
I am a Young Adult author who teaches high schoolers all about technology education (and yearbook!) in rural Virginia along the Chesapeake Bay. I am the owner slave to one cat, Molly, who looks a little like a cow when she gets a haircut, and write in my free time. I am actively involved in the YA Fiction Fanatics critique group, which is dedicated to helping its members produce the best MG and YA novels they can write. I’m also a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators).
I’ve currently finished six manuscripts, and I’m working on several more. I love writing, and my goal is to be able to do this full time someday – or at least as a published author enjoy it as a second job. I’m always open to talking with readers (because I’m one of those too!) about not just my books, but books in general. I also love long walks on the beach discussing Shakespeare while sipping large fruity drinks with little umbrellas.
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Steaming
At a time when most girls are worried about prom dresses, Lorelei Stamper is worried about losing her skin — literally. Receiving a sealskin from her Aunt, her world is changed. Not only is she a selkie, but she holds the key to breaking a curse affecting all selkie.
Now monsters are stalking her, forcing her to decide if she will end the curse before she even really understands what’s happening. When Declan, one of two bodyguards sent to protect her, wakes her sleeping heart, she must try to balance love, surviving her senior year, and deciding whether she wants to be human or not. No matter what she chooses, the fact remains that breaking the curse demands blood. Hers.
Excerpt:
Clockwork earrings highlighted the graceful curve of her neck. Red satin swirled around a tiny figure wrapped in a black suede corset. Dark eyes swept the room with only a hint of apprehension. Thick jet hair winked with stones as the angel turned toward me.
I nearly swallowed my tongue.
“Cornelius Latimer! What the devil is wrong with you?” My best friend, Anthony DeSalvo, frowned and followed my gaze. “Bloody hell.”
“That didn’t come from Hell,” I whispered. Around the crowded, gas-lit ballroom, other men stopped mid-sentence and faced the angel gracing the entryway. I was not the only man enthralled. The world paused and the throbbing pulse of distant steam engines mimicked my heartbeat.
Anthony snorted and tossed back his punch. “A pretty face that will be forgotten in a week.” He studied me, one eyebrow cocked at my lack of attention. He hooted with laughter. “Finally, one of the sacrificial virgins has caught your eye!”
I elbowed him. “I don’t mock you about your conquests.”
He chortled, straightening his silk waistcoat. “That’s because I have so many. This, this, is a special occasion.”
He remained silent a few more moments. I assumed he watched as she moved through the crowd like Moses. I spared him a glance, noting the intense stare he sent in her direction. Unreasonable jealousy clouded my senses. Just when I opened my mouth to comment, he pulled a large coin from his waistcoat pocket.
“I’ll flip you for her.” His tone turned serious.
That got my full attention. A strange gleam lit Anthony’s eye, one I had never seen before. “What?”
“You heard me. Even if she is your first crush, every man out there will be after her. At least if we’re both pursuing her, we’ll double our collective chances. But when we catch her, who will keep her?”
Slack Tide:
My name is Cornelius Latimer, and I have fallen in love.
The object of my affection isn’t tall and blonde with all the right curves.  It isn’t even human.  My love belches steam and breathes fire.  My world runs on steam and hard metal, and I am a master of both.  My Uncle, Rufus Harrison, has funded my expeditions.  He’s gifted me with a lab containing all the parts and space I could possibly need.  For weeks I have been toiling over my journals, crafting my biggest and best creation yet.  It’s heady, this feeling of power.  But I made a fatal error.  I told a friend about my machine.  And now someone who should not know, does.  I should tear everything apart, but I can’t.
Love does strange things to people.
Excerpt:
Dear Lorelei,
This is a family heirloom. It’s sealskin from your great-great grandmother. Whatever you do, don’t lose it. Always keep it hidden, and above all else, never put it on.
Someday I’ll tell you the story behind it. Until then, keep it safe.
Love,
Aunt Celeste
I snorted and put the note aside. Sealskin? Why on earth would anyone wear it anyway? Wasn’t that illegal?
I peeled away the paper, revealing a soft, mottled brown pelt. As I brushed the short hair, a tingle moved up my hands, flowed over my body, as if I’d walked through a field of static electricity. The scent of the sea intensified, and I had the uncanny urge to pick up the skin and rub my face on it. It was like being handed a piece of a dream I couldn’t quite remember. But I knew I liked it.
“What did Celeste send this time? Something—” my mother, Miranda Stamper, stood, mouth hanging open, unable to finish her sentence. She stared at the skin like it was a snake, poised to strike.
“It’s sealskin. I don’t get it. Her gifts are usually weird, but this really tops all.” The nonchalance in my voice sounded strained, even to me. I offered the article to my mother, though I didn’t want to. My arms shook with the effort of ignoring the urge to cradle it to my chest.
“Put that back in the box, Lorelei. Never take it out again.”
My mother trembled, her eyes never leaving the fur in my arms. She looked fearful and backed up a step, brushing a hand over her eyes. Her voice shook. “I said, put it away.”
Shoving it back into the box, I couldn’t resist dragging my fingers over the skin one last time as I closed the flaps. As soon as it was out of sight, the compulsion to touch it lessened, but didn’t leave. I could still feel it, thudding like a strong bass beat in my chest.
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Happy Release Day Laurie London!!!!!!

A box of Jackson’s…. YUM!!!!

Thanks, Kelly, for inviting me to Books-n-Kisses! It’s a very special day for me and I’m excited to share it with you. Today’s the day my third book, TEMPTED BY BLOOD, book 3 in the Sweetblood series, comes out in print (Mar 1 for digital). Well, technically, it’s my fourth book, if you count the Christmas anthology, CHRISTMAS WITH A VAMPIRE. Or wait, the fifth, if you count the e-novella, HIDDEN BY BLOOD. This last year has been a serious whirlwind for a new author like me. It was just over 12 months ago that my first book hit store shelves.

TEMPTED BY BLOOD is Jackson and Arianna’s story. If you’ve read the first two books, you’ve met Jackson before. He’s the charmer, the playboy. Having dated a hairdresser once, he likes to change the highlights in his hair as often as he changes women.

Here’s what Arianna thinks of Jackson the first time she sees him:
She snapped her head up just in time to see another man emerge from the shadows.
Ten feet away.
The overhead streetlight illuminated bronze hair that reached to his chin, the top portion held back away from his face by a small ponytail. He was big—much bigger than the other two men. At well over six feet tall, he had linebacker shoulders underneath his leather coat and a formidable presence that seemed to suck the oxygen from the air.
His gaze burned into her before he made a noise that sounded like a growl. He covered the distance between them in two commanding steps.
She wanted to pinch her eyes shut, block out the nightmare, but for some reason, she didn’t. Up this close, she noticed that his hair was streaked with green-and-blue highlights. She was vaguely disturbed that she noticed this innocuous detail about him when the thing that should be first and foremost on her mind was that he’d stepped from the shadows.

He can be crude (from Lily’s point of view in BONDED BY BLOOD):
He pulled out a triangular sandwich half from somewhere. Wearing a black Extreme Couture ball cap, a ripped gym T-shirt, and a pair of black sweatpants rolled down at the waist, he adjusted his crotch and sauntered over. Streaks of pale gold and light brown highlights mingled with his hair, which curled onto his shoulders. For a gym rat, he sure spent a lot of time on it. When he turned, a flash of color on his arm caught her attention.
“Nice ink,” Lily said.
Jackson’s muscular biceps were the size of a human male’s quads and one sported a colorful new snake design that began on his forearm, wrapped around the inside of his elbow and ended with the head strategically placed on the largest part of his guns. Hell, he was looking pretty fine. Too bad he had the attention span of a gnat when it came to anything that didn’t involve sex.
Yet, he can be very caring and protective (from EMBRACED BY BLOOD):
Despite the loud music, he imagined hearing the girl’s sobs wafting up through the hole, and it stabbed at his heart. She was a teenager, just a kid (she’s Arianna’s cousin, Krystal). No one deserved to be treated like this. This girl’s luck was about to get much worse if they didn’t act fast.
Lily’s team was in place. Was Gibby’s?
When he shifted his weight to ask Tambra, his boot dislodged a tiny smattering of dust. The breath caught in his throat as he helplessly watched it float down into the room.
Shit.
If one of the Darkbloods saw—
The girl looked up, her wide eyes searching, and her gaze locked onto his.
His stomach tightened as if he’d just been punched, a roaring sound filled his head.
Although the eyes were much different, the emotion behind them was the same, reminding him of his little sister many years ago, when she pleaded silently for him to save her too.
That was it. Enough with the waiting.
He put a finger to his lips. Shhhh. I’m coming, he mouthed.
She sucked in her lower lip and nodded slightly.
Just like Betsy, she was putting her trust in him. This time, he wouldn’t fail her.
I hope you enjoy reading Jackson and Arianna’s story as much as I enjoyed writing about them. He surprised me many times and I’ll just leave it at that. When you read it, I think you’ll know what I’m talking about. J Right, Kelly?

I love connecting with readers! Come find me online here:
www.LaurieLondonBooks.com
www.facebook.com/LaurieLondonAuthor
www.twitter.com/LaurieBLondon
www.LaurieLondon.blogspot.com
and my newest obsession, Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/LaurieLondon

Tempted by Blood
AMAZON | Kindle | B&N | Nook 
Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two Vampire coalitions: Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors….
He might be known for his effortless charm, but Guardian Jackson Foss is hiding a terrible secret. For months, he has battled the emergence of his dark nature—deadly urges that threaten to consume him. And those cravings only intensify when he meets Arianna Wells, the human he’s been assigned to protect.
 Smart and perceptive, Arianna doesn’t seem like a dangerous temptress. Yet she awakens in Jackson an unstoppable need that, if left unchecked, will brand him a traitor…a crime punishable by death.
 But soon their bond may be Arianna’s only hope. For stalking her in the shadows is a merciless enemy—one who will stop at nothing to claim her completely….


I’m giving away a signed copy of TEMPTED BY BLOOD to one lucky commenter in the US or Canada. Good luck! And thanks again, Kelly, for having me on today.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Interview with Liz Crowe

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have the wonderful Liz Crowe on the blog today to chat about her new series. 
       Q1) Can you please share with us a little about yourself
I own a brewery and a beer bar. I write sexy books set in breweries, real estate offices, far flung countries, and on the soccer pitch. I have 3 teenagers (1 at college), 2 poodles, 1 hardly home executive spouse.  I adore watching English Premiereship and Spanish La Liga soccer, college football and basketball and hate to cook. I can bore you cross eyed with my deep knowledge of all aspects of craft beer including brewing it, selling it and maintaining market share.  I’ve lived in Japan, Turkey and England, had my passport stolen in Spain and been arrested by the Turkish Gendarme.  I like to read and write romance with an edge of “real” and usually avoid regency and sweet romance but am a sucker for a great Young adult dystopia (reading “Knife of Never Letting Go” right now and loving it!)

Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Nope. Wanted to be a doctor but hit organic chem…wanted to own my own business though, so I guess I got that twice between “the brewery” and “the author.”

Q3) Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?
My typical day involves 90% beer work as I handle all aspects of sales, marketing and distributor relations and have to manage a bar staff, sales staff and my own pretty visible “Beer Wench” on line presence. I write at night, usually or, if I get the odd day clear of appointments have been known to marathon through and do 40k plus words.  I’m in the strange position of loving my “day job” as much as my writing one!
I have to have lots of coffee early, at least one bagel with cream cheese, loud music and alcohol later (beer for writing, red wine for editing, bourbon for galleys).

Q4) Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
Challenging: being heard above all the fray of ever increasing published writers.
Rewarding: cover art day

Q5) Can you please tell us about your latest books?
Floor Time, The Realtors Book One has been a long project of my deepest heart. I’m lucky in that Tri Destiny Publishing saw potential in the series and has given me all I need to make it happen including amazing editing, top notch cover art, incredible promotional support and provided a platform to bring Jack and Sara’s epic story to reality.

Q6) How did you come with the idea for this story?
I sold real estate my self for many years. I found myself in way too many situations where the “what if?” overwhelmed my overactive imagination.  Many of the hottest scenes in the series are in settings pretty unique to Realtors.

Q7) Can you share with us your current work in progress?
Sure, it’s got soccer dudes in it.  I like to jump into non-traditional areas of erotic romance. I write stories set in breweries, real estate offices, uncommon locales like Istanbul, Turkey and on the soccer pitch. 
Man On is an m/m coming of age kinda cougar story that is the first of what promises to be a VERY hot series about an expansion MLS team.

Q8) Who are some of your favorite authors?
I am all over the place with this.  I have to confess I’m not a huge “traditional romance” fan at all. I cut my erotic romance teeth on whatshername with the time travel history lady and the dude in the kilt and the cave people ones (oh yeah, “the pleasures”), have enjoyed Suny’s Monere (Mona Lisa) stories a lot and of course have been sucked into the BDB JR Ward thing to a certain extent. 
But I also love authors like King, Franzen, Tyler, Atwood, Kingsolver.

Q9) Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style? 
Probably only Stephen King in that I think he writes some of the most realistic dialogue I’ve ever read and I try VERY hard to keep it real on the dialogue side.

Q10) What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Well, yeah. ‘TOHR’S STORY” whatever the “lover” name it is from Ms. Ward. (I don’t live under a ROCK for crying out loud) and I have King’s alternative history thing about Kennedy queued up AND there is a new YA story about teenagers with cancer by John Green I can’t wait to read.
www.brewingpasslon.com
www.lizcrowe.com
www.a2beerwench.com (beer stuff)
www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor
www.twitter.com/beerwencha2
I have a “Street Team” of savvy marketers  as well.  You can join up by going to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LizCroweStreetTeam/
It’s my attempt to get a little closer to my readers and less into the generic facebook promo mode. Check it out!
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Review of Time Slice by Kerry Downing


Time Slice
By Kerry Downing
Amazon  | B&N | Kindle  |Nook  | Smashwords
Ordinary People. Extraordinary Adventures. Science Fiction with Heart.
Newly retired workaholic Roy Washburn is not ready for a life of leisure. On a trip to the mall with his wife, he finds a small metal cylinder with odd markings. One nudge of the cylinder’s triangle-shaped pointer and Roy finds himself embarking on an exciting new adventure in the Time Stream.
There he meets The Traveler, a tall, gangly being who shows Roy how to use the cylinder to visit other civilizations that co-exist on “his” Earth, each occupying a different, thin Time Slice. The Traveler solicits Roy’s help in recovering an object invented by his murdered father and beyond his own reach. Roy is his last hope.
At first it seems that the Traveler’s wish might be easily granted. But after Roy’s wife Emily becomes ill and his daughter’s long-held resentments rise to the surface, he can no longer “travel” at a moment’s notice. He also discovers the very real physical and mental risks involved in roaming the Time Stream.
Despite the dangers, Roy is determined to help the Traveler. But he can’t do it alone. Fortunately he has a loving wife and a core group of loyal friends. But first he must convince them–and his daughter–that he isn’t crazy …
My thoughts:
This was a hard book for me to review.  I am not an overly huge sci-fi fan.  So I struggled with whether I liked or disliked this book.  I think I came to the conclusion that it was just okay for me.    I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the story at times really didn’t keep my attention.   I will chalk this all up to the fact that I am not a sci-fi fan.   I think the idea behind the story was good.  The characters all had their moments that I enjoyed them.  But in the end it was just okay for me.
If you love Sci-fi I would recommend you checking out Kerry’s book.  If you are not, well I won’t say don’t read it because everyone has their own opinion.   I would tell you please read the other reviews of the people that loved this book and decide for yourself. 
Kerry Downing’s Bio:
Kerry Downing set out to become a meteorologist, but was hooked by the world of computers instead, becoming a systems analyst and programmer. Astronomy and science fiction are his passions. He’s been gazing at the stars at all hours of the night since the age of 10, when he received his first telescope. As for science fiction, Arthur C. Clarke and his brand of “it really seems as if it could happen” has always been his favorite. In the 90s, Kerry found the third love of his life: his wife, Lucy. They live in St. Louis, Missouri, with their five children. Time Slice is Kerry’s second science-fiction novel. His self-published, debut work is The Collective.
Author Website | Author Twitter | Author Blog  |
Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook | Time Slice Blog Tour Site
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Guest blogger Jennifer Probst


The Lust Factor by Jennifer Probst
Spotlight: Catch Me – Decadent Publishing
A big thanks to Books-n-Kisses for hosting me today! I’d like to talk about the erotic romance, and some of the particular challenges of the genre.

I’ve heard many critics of various novels state the hero and heroine of the book fall into bed too quickly to be believed. Definitely a valid point. However, when writing toward the erotic genre in the shorter category, authors need to get these two characters to the bed pretty fast, or there will only be time for one short sex scene and the happily ever after.

I found this to be a particular challenge in the erotic genre in novella formats. The trick? Throw your characters into lust…but give them enough layers and connection to build toward love.
Here are some quick steps to help writers achieve the goal to satisfy readers with both emotion and hot sex.

1. Get a concept: My new novella, Catch Me, is the first in the series of Decadents 1NS. The premise revolves around the mysterious Madame Eve who owns the One Night Stand company and brings characters together for the night. It’s safe, consensual, and exciting. With that theme, the reader is already set up to expect sex in one night – it’s just up to me to spin it with enough emotion and conflict to seem real.
By setting up the terms ahead of time for the reader, expectations are already in place, which makes it a bit easier to get these two to the sack.

2. Ramp up the conflict: Why shouldn’t they want each other? Characters need to have deep seated reservations about extending their initial sexual romp…that’s what makes the journey interesting. Throw in a brutal past, a conflicting career, a revenge plot, anything to allow the reader to enjoy the initial lovemaking but plant a seed of doubt if the characters will be able to work it out. That’s a good story.

3. Keep it fresh. Why do I want to watch two of your characters have sex right away if there’s no payoff for me? Sure, I love the lust at first sight, but once you close the door to the bedroom, surprise me. Whether it be toys, dirty talk, humor, BDSM – give me something to talk about. Or not. Of course, please don’t think you can’t throw in some nice, sweet vanilla sex. But then I’m going to expect some deep POV and emotion that will knock me out.

Readers may expect lust to bring two characters together, but a writer’s job it to up the ante and make sure that initial encounter is ripe with conflict, deep emotion, and heat.
Check out my new series with the Steele Brothers and let me know if I’ve succeeded! 

Catch Me
Release: February 17, 2012 from Decadent Publishing
Rick Steele has avoided women since he caught his fiancée cheating, but when he’s talked into spending a one night stand through Madame Eve, he’s not prepared for his emotional and physical reaction to his date. For the first time, he wants more than one night..but he needs to catch her first…
Tara Denton escaped a brutal past and needs one night with a stranger to break down her sexual and emotional limitations. On the brink of recovering her strength and independence, she wants nothing to do with a relationship. But Rick Steele does more than rock her body…he rocks her heart. Tara has to make a choice, and she’s not ready to get caught…
Sex, Lies and Contracts
Release: February 1, 2012 from Red Sage Publishing
An unbreakable contract. A stunning lie. And lots of mind blowing, take-no prisoners sex…
Julianna needs to marry a man with money to save her family estate.
Jack needs to marry a woman who will love him for himself, and not for his wealth and title.
 When Jack disguises himself a gardener, and promises to show Julianna the dark world of pleasure she never experienced, he’s convinced his heart is safe. But when his cousin comes to town, disguised as the perfect husband for Julianna and intent on stealing Jack’s legacy, he ignites a chain reaction that will change them forever. Can love and truth triumph?
The Marriage Bargain 
Releasing March 1, 2012 from Entangled Publishing
Alexandria Maria McKenzie casts a love spell for a man to help save her childhood home, but she never planned on her best friend’s older brother.  He offers her a bargain: marry him for one year and he will meet her price.  A marriage in name only with certain rules: no emotion, no attachments, no sex.  The terms should be easy to follow since he is the man who broke her heart years ago.  Or are they?
Nicholas Ryan doesn’t believe in marriage or family, but he needs a wife in order to inherit DreamScape Enterprises.  He looks for a suitable candidate, but never planned on his sister’s childhood friend.  She is everything he usually avoids in a woman: too impulsive, too emotional, too demanding.  Of course, he intends to avoid any real entanglements and stick strictly to business.  Or can he?
The stakes are high, but neither bargained for love…
Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.
She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons, one 4 and one 6, keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.
Her first contemporary romance, Heart of Steel, was re-launched in e-book form. Her publications with Red Sage include “Masquerade” Secrets Volume 11,  The Tantric Principle, and her February 1st release, Sex, Lies and Contracts. She has also written a children’s book, Buffy and the Carrot, co-written with her twelve year old niece, along with a short story, “A Life Worth Living.” Her newest series include Catch Me, the first in The Steele Brothers series with Decadent, and The Marriage Bargain, her new Marriage to a Billionaire series with Entangled. All of her books are available at her website or Amazon.
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Spotlight Feature of Falling in Danger by Kaylie Newell

Falling in Danger

A journalist stumbles onto the story of a lifetime. And finds herself falling in danger…
When young, naïve reporter Jessica Brady is kidnapped and held for ransom by the head of an illegal dog fighting organization, undercover police officer Ian Cole realizes he’s got his hands full. He’s on the verge of busting the ring when he’s assigned to babysit her, which isn’t an easy feat. She’s neurotic, feisty, and also happens to be scared to death of dogs. Now he has to figure out a way to get them both out alive.
Jessica has no idea the thug she’s becoming attracted to is actually a cop, but it’s clear he’s not like the rest of the men in the organization. Particularly Albert Mancini, the disturbed only son of the ring boss, who has an appetite for alcohol and women. Especially Jessica.
When Ian’s cover is blown, he’s forced to bust the ring early. Weeks later, Jessica can’t stop thinking about the experience that has changed her forever. She wonders about the tall, sexy detective who saved her life. And the mobster’s prize-winning pit bull, Bruta.
An idea for a story is born. What if these dogs were given a second chance at life?
As Jessica digs deeper into their troubled world, she ends up falling for the police officer who rescued them. And discovers layers of her heart she never knew existed.
But when Albert escapes from jail, her happiness turns to terror. He hasn’t forgotten about the detective who put him behind bars. Or the beautiful young woman whose every move has become his obsession.

FALLING IN DANGER EXCERPT
“This way.” Fitz pulled her down another hallway until they reached a door at the end. She limped along, her arm rigid in his hand.
“What are you planning on doing to me?”
Fitz eyed her as he opened the door. “Come on.”
Jessica leaned to the side, looking directly down an obscure flight of stairs which led God knew where. “Down there?”
He didn’t answer, but tugged on her arm, taking the first step down.
She locked her knees in place, her one useless Jimmy Choo sliding maddeningly on the tile. “I’m not going down there.”
“Yes, you are.”
“No, I’m not.” Her voice cracked.
“Yes. You are.”
She yanked, but it was no use. He held tight.
Full-fledged alarm finally lit her up like a firecracker. She kicked and clawed, while strange noises escaped her throat. She was vaguely aware of an arm wrapping around her waist, even as she arched away, bucking like something wild.
“Stop it,” he hissed. “You’re only going to make it worse, do you understand me?”
In reply, she turned and sunk her teeth into his shoulder.
“Shiiiit!”
He snatched her up, this time not seeming to care if he hurt her in the process. Again, she was slung over his shoulder as he made his way down the staircase. She twisted around, desperately trying to get a look at what was waiting at the bottom. Her heart slammed in her chest, and she couldn’t catch her breath. Being upside down wasn’t helping. Where was a paper bag when you needed one?
Fitz slowed and reached over to switch on a light at the base of the staircase, never easing his grip off the back of her legs. A weak, yellow glow overtook the room, and she looked up, shoving her hair out of her eyes.
It was sparsely furnished, and dim. She peered into every corner, trying to make out the details. The tangy, sweet smell of marijuana made her nose wrinkle, as well as something else she couldn’t quite put her finger on. Something vaguely familiar…and unsettling.
“If I put you down, are you going to be a good girl?”
She gritted her teeth, and mumbled.
“All right then.” With that, he leaned over and deposited her into a heap on the floor.
Glaring up at him, she scrambled to her feet, too overcome with fear to stay where she was.
She looked around again, stepping closer to Fitz, not knowing what should scare her more; him, or whatever was in the room with her.
Then she heard the unmistakable sound of a chain dragging in the corner. She whipped around and took a step backward, bumping into the wall of a man behind her. She flinched at the feel of his skin on hers, but couldn’t move away.
“What was that?” Her voice was no more than a squeaky exhale of air.
“That?” He took her arm and pulled her away from the shadows she gaped at. “That was Bruta.”
For Kaylie Newell, storytelling is in the blood.  Growing up the daughter of two gifted writers, she knew eventually she’d want to follow in their footsteps.  While she’s written short stories her whole life, it wasn’t until after her kids were born that she decided to shoot for the moon and write her first romance novel.  She hasn’t looked back since!
Kaylie lives in Southern Oregon with her husband, two little girls, an elderly Chihuahua mix, and two indifferent cats.
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My review of Changeling Dawn by Dani Harper

Changeling Dawn
by Dani Harper

RUN

Shadow and moonlight merge beneath her bare feet, the forest floor
blurring as she flees the dogs and torches. Werewolf, monster — those are
the names given her kind by the humans who hate them.

HUNT

Kenzie Macleod has spent her whole life hiding what she is, and she’s not
about to open up to any man, even one as powerfully attractive as wildlife
expert Josh Talarkoteen. But legend says that a Changeling cannot escape
the call of her true mate, even in the wilderness of backcountry Alaska.

MATE

An isolated archeological site, a terrified Changeling cub, a secretive
research center — as Kenzie and Josh face the ultimate betrayal, his
obsidian eyes promise untold pleasure and hint at dark secrets of his own.

My thoughts:
Kenzie went through a terrible trauma as a child and has never fully recovered.  She has now dedicated her life to prevent this from happening to anyone else.  But in turn she has isolated herself from everyone but her family.  Kenzie is a loner and wants to keep it that way.  But fate has other plans.
Josh has suffered his own trauma in his life too.  But unlike Kenzie, Josh has tried to face his fears and is willing to move forward.  A chance meeting on the side of the road will change everything for these two.
Both are running from the ghosts that are chasing them.  But when an innocent girl becomes involved both Kenzie and Josh have to face their fears in order to save her. 
I loved Kenzie and Josh.  Poor Kenzie has no idea the changes that are coming her way and BOY does she fight them.   Kenzie and Josh banter so much it is was really fun to read.  Both are stubborn, determined and absolutely perfect for each other.
This was my first book by Dani Harper and even thought it was book three of the series, I didn’t feel that I was missing anything from the previous books.  Changeling Dawn can be read as a stand-alone book.  But I would recommend reading the first to books.  I know I am going to go back and read Changeling Moon and Changeling Dream. 
If you have not picked up any of the Changeling books I would highly recommend you get started on this series.