Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome fellow Oregonian Kaylie Newell to the blog today.

Kaylie, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I live in Southern Oregon with my husband and two little girls.  I was born and raised here, but went to college in Oklahoma, so I’ve spent a significant amount of time in the midwest. We lived in Iowa for a while and my biggest claim to fame about hanging out there is that I got to visit Francesca’s house from Bridges of Madison County (one of my all time favorite movies).  I even got to sit in the clawfoot tub and have my picture taken!  Good times 🙂

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I have.  I can remember writing a short story in seventh grade and reading it in front of the class.  My teacher was so encouraging.  Writing a book was something I always wanted to do.  But it seemed like a far away kind of dream, like saying you want to be a ballet dancer when you grow up.  I wondered if it would really happen.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

Stephen King is my all time favorite writer.  I think he has a magical way of putting words and sentences together.  Not only can he tell a great story, but he tells it in a really beautiful way.  People who don’t read King might be surprised at that.  And how funny he is.  Truly a funny guy.

My favorite romance author is Karen Robards.  She has a wonderful way of combining steam, humor and suspense.  I have an autographed copy of one of her books that I keep on my desk for inspiration.

They’ve both influenced my writing style more than I can say.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?

I have thought about writing in a different genre.  I like mystery and suspense.  I also love chick lit.  But in the end, I just keep coming back to romance.  I love the happy endings, the falling in love (and lust!) and the natural conflict between a man and a woman.  We’re so different, yet drawn together like magnets.  That in and of itself is interesting to me.

What are some of your writing rituals?

I used to be the kind of writer who had to do the same thing every day.  Write in the same place, have my hot chocolate in the same mug, etc.  But lately I’ve been trying to shake it up a little.  I’ve found that writing in different places at different times has taught me to be flexible in my routine.  I have two little girls whom I love dearly, but they’re little time suckers.  In order to be the most productive, I had to adopt that flexibility.  I have to be able to write during swimming lessons or play time at the park.  Some days are more productive than others, but a few hundred words are better than nothing 🙂

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

I’d love to!  Teaching Officer Lonesome is a steamy May/December novella that centers around a police officer with a broken heart.  He’s still reeling from his wife’s death a year ago and wonders if he’ll ever be able to move on.

That all changes when he meets a tough young girl from the other side of the tracks.   Unlike Jack, Hope is very sexually experienced.  While he craves an emotional connection, she wants to teach him how fulfilling lust alone can be.  It’s only during their first night of passion when they discover how much they’ve both been missing.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I think May/December romances are sexy.  And since I used to work in a police department, all my heroes tend to be cops 🙂  As a police clerk, I saw a lot of people come in who were down on their luck.  Who wanted to be better, but just hadn’t caught a break yet.  That’s where I got the idea for Hope’s character.  Jack, of course, is a mixture of all the guys I used to work with.  They’d be thrilled to know that 😉

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

Right now I’m working on my third full length romance.  It’s kind of a Taming of the Shrew type story.  My hero is a cantankerous lieutenant who meets his match in a young clerk who doesn’t take any of his guff.  When he finally lets himself fall for her, sparks fly!

What would you be if you were not an author?

Oh, that’s a good one.  My daughter once said she wanted to be an elephant washer.  That sounds good.  If my books don’t work out, sign me up for the nearest elephant wash!

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I just finished Good Grief by Lolly Winston.  Wow.  If you haven’t read this book, it won’t disappoint.  A very poignant, but surprisingly funny look at life and loss.

I just downloaded A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard, which is supposed to be an extremely powerful, raw book.  I’m looking forward to reading it, but bracing myself that it’ll be tough to get through.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for having me!

Twitter: @KaylieNewell

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KaylieNewell

Blog: http://www.kaylienewell.com

Teaching Officer Lonesome

By Kaylie Newell

Amazon | B&N

A sexy cop with a broken heart is about to be taught a lesson.

Hope Marlow is a twenty-two-year-old seasoned vet when it comes to steamy one-night stands. Hope has had a hard life. From the wrong side of the tracks and abandoned by her mother, she finds herself trying to raise her little sister on a salary that barely pays the bills each month. She’s tough, jaded, but when she’s pulled over one sweltering summer afternoon for not using her turn signal, she meets her match in a sexually inexperienced cop twice her age.

The day Jack Malone stopped Hope is one he can’t forget. It’s more than the way she looked in the miniskirt and hot pink tank top, it’s her confidence that keeps coming back to haunt him. But Jack is still reeling from his wife’s death a year ago, and Hope represents things he thinks he can’t have with a woman—passion and a new beginning. Plus, there’s the fact that she’s practically half his age.

Hope sees things differently. The age difference doesn’t bother her, but while Jack craves an emotional connection, Hope has no interest in that. She’s an expert at pushing her emotions aside, and she knows that if Jack would let her, she could teach him how fulfilling lust alone can be. With that in mind, she sets out to seduce the sexy cop.

It’s only during their first night of passion that they both discover how much they’ve been missing.

Content Warning: contains sensual sex and some explicit language

 

Excerpt

Before her knees could touch the linoleum, Jack grabbed her and pulled her up again. “I don’t even know you, Hope. And you don’t know me. Don’t you think there’s something off here?”

“No.”

He grunted.

“Well, I don’t,” she said. “You’re a guy. Guys like sex. They understand it. They relate to it. It’s how you operate. Lucky for you, I happen to speak guy.”

The beginnings of a smile touched his lips. “I don’t operate like that. I don’t just sleep with random women. I need more than this.”

More than this. Hope considered herself pretty tough. She was young, but she’d seen a lot. Her father’s abuse, her mother’s abandonment, extreme poverty. She’d seen her fair share. But despite that, hearing those words coming from this man, hurt. A lot. She wasn’t good enough.

She dropped her hands and stepped back. “I see.”

He must have recognized the look on her face, because he immediately reached out again. She pulled away and sat heavily on the couch.

“That’s not what I meant.”

She bit the inside of her cheek, unable to look at him. “I know what you meant. And that’s okay. It really is.”

Liar. It’s not okay. It’s never going to be okay. The steel wall around her heart magically gained another layer as she made a bitter mental note. It’s official. Sexy, older soccer dads who look fantastic in their work uniforms, and who also happen to be handy around the house, are off your list, missy.

Jack bent down and took her hands. When she tried to pull them back, he tightened his grip. “Will you listen to me for a second?”

She stared at the floor as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. When he touched his fingers to her chin, they were warm and calloused, rough and sexy. He raised her head gently until she had no choice but to look him in the face.

“That’s not what I meant,” he said, his voice low. “You’re a beautiful young woman. Any man would be lucky to have you.”

She clamped her teeth together. I will not cry, I will not cry, I will not cry.

“I didn’t mean I need more than this.” Emphasizing the last word, his eyes fell, lingering for a moment on her breasts. “I meant I need more in the form of a relationship.”

“A relationship?” She searched his face for any sign he was joking, but found none. He really was too good to be true. “Seriously?”

“Why’s that so hard to believe?”

“I’ve just never met a guy who actually wanted a relationship before sex.” She smiled a little, but he remained serious.

“I don’t think sex should be a casual thing. I think you should love someone first. Or at least have feelings for them.”

Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, she wondered if she could convince him otherwise. She happened to know sex could be mind-blowing even if you weren’t head over heels in love.

“Can I ask you something?” she said.

He sat back on his heels. “Shoot.”

“How many women have you been with?”

His face colored, even through the thick, dark stubble which prickled his neck and jaw. “That’s none of your business, Hope.”

“I think it’s relevant to the conversation we’re having.”

“I’m not discussing this with you.”

“Maybe you should.”

He was quiet for a minute, and so was she. They stared at each other for a long moment before he spoke again.

“I’m flattered. I really am. But I’m too old for you.”

“You think you’re too old for me. I feel differently.”

He smiled in a way that said he was done talking about it. “I’m too old for you. But I’d like to be friends. Do you think we can manage that?”

Sure. Whatever.

Sticking his hand out to shake, he was suddenly Officer Malone again. The aloof and businesslike cop who had stopped her last week for the blinker thingy.

“Sure,” she said, feeling like a little girl with a hopeless crush. “Friends.”

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Amber Lin to the blog today to chat a little about her new book GIVING IT UP.

Amber, can you please share with us a little about yourself

Thanks so much for having me on Books-n-Kisses, Kelly! I’m Amber Lin, and my erotic romance, Giving It Up, debuted this summer. I married my high school sweetheart, birthed a kid who’s smarter than she is, and spend my nights writing down dirty thoughts. In other words, life is good.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Contrary to most authors I know, nope! I have always loved to read, but I think when I was young I was too awed to even make an attempt. Authors were like gods to me. I would look at books like Ring of Endless Light by Madeline L’Engle or Jane Eyre and know for certain I could never come up with anything that good. These days… my standards are much lower. But also different, because I understand now that the story I have to tell is mine alone. Only my experiences, my dreams and desires, and my imagination were able to produce Giving It Up and that’s the part that still fills me with awe.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I know some people struggle to write sex scenes, maybe because they are so intimate or embarrassing or whatever. For me it was the opposite. The very first piece of fiction I ever wrote was a hardcore sex scene, and the next several after that. When I decided to flesh Giving It Up out into a book, it was a struggle to me to write anything that wasn’t either setup for a sex scene, actual sex, or the aftermath. As you can imagine.. .there’s lots of sex in the book J

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

Giving It Up is an erotic romance that follows a woman’s journey of healing.. and smoking hot sex. Here’s the blurb:

Allie prowls the club for a man who will use her hard and then ditch her. Hey, it’s not rape if she wants it. Instead she finds Colin, who looks tough but treats her tenderly, despite her protests.

He tempts her, but kindness and a few mindblowing orgasms aren’t enough to put her back together again. Allie has no hope for a real relationship. Two years ago her best friend betrayed her in the worst possible way – she’d be stupid to trust a man again. Besides, she has her daughter to think of, the only good thing to have come from that dark night.

But when her rapist returns, threatening her sanity and custody of her daughter, Allie turns to Colin. Under his protection and patient touch, Allie begins to heal and learns to hope. Colin’s no saint, though, and his criminal past draws danger of its own. Allie must fight to protect her child and the man she loves, hoping her newfound power will be enough to save them all.

 “Giving It Up is original, affecting, emotionally draining, but well worth reading if you are brave enough to go along for the ride.”

—Annabel Joseph, author of Comfort Object

“A ballsy departure from romantic conventions. At once gritty and tender, stark and hopeful.”

—Cara McKenna, author of Willing Victim

“Giving It Up is an erotic, compelling story that takes us to the shadowy, lonely places but doesn’t leave us there. Amber Lin shows us that romance isn’t just for the rich and shiny. Love can find its way even into the dark corners of the most damaged hearts.”

—Tiffany Reisz, author of The Siren

“This is a book you MUST read if you like gritty, edgier romance that makes you think as well as turns you on.”

—Cari Quinn, USA Today Bestselling Author

“Dark and edgy…but don’t be fooled. There’s a wonderful love story running through this book. Sharp, intense writing, sexy as hell, and such a cool idea!”

—Charlotte Stein, author of Sheltered

“Every page is chock full of sexy, angsty must-read-moreness.”

—Karla Doyle, author of Game Plan

“Giving It Up is a gritty, real romance that deals in an honest way with what happens to sexuality in the aftermath of rape…. Read it. You won’t be sorry.”

—Ruthie Knox, author of About Last Night

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I read a lot of romance because I love this genre, but one thing I noticed was how innocence was favored in heroines. This makes sense in a historical, due to the social mores of the time, but less so in contemporaries. It seemed that even in contemporary erotic romances, heroines were either virgins, or had only had sex with one or two guys, and they didn’t really enjoy it, etc… until the hero comes along. So my idea was to write the very opposite of that. In the opening scene of Giving It Up, Allie is at a nightclub, looking for a man to have a one-night stand with. Almost immediately we learn that she has done this several times before, so it’s not like this is her first night to go wild or anything like that either. From there, her backstory was built to support her motivation for doing so, and Giving It Up was born J

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

Right now I’m writing Shelly’s book. Allie is the heroine of Giving It Up, and Shelly is her best friend. Shelly also happens to be a high-class escort, so I’m sure you can see the potential for conflict there. Yes, it’s a romance. Yes, it’s erotic. So far I’m loving it and I’m really excited to share it with my readers who already love Shelly.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

You know, in reality I would probably be SO AWKWARD if I met an author I love so I’m not even sure this is something I would aspire to. I recently got back from RWA and I got to meet a lot of great authors there who I really look up to. Hmm, considering people I haven’t yet met, I would say Lisa Kleypas or Laura Kinsale. But again, I’m not sure I could come up with anything more interesting to say than “OH MY GOD YOUR BOOKS I LOVE THEM” I guess I haven’t completely shed my view of authors-as-gods, or in this case, goddesses J

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Write what you love. It’s really impossible to predict trends. If I had followed them when I started writing Giving It Up, I’d have a small town romance lacking any passion whatsoever (because I wasn’t inspired to write one). Instead I pushed forward with my urban setting, with my first-person POV, with my erotic romance dealing with damaged characters, and guess what? A few months before Giving It Up came out, 50 Shades and Sylvia Day’s Bared To You made it big and they share those traits. No one predicted that these things would have been popular. There’s no way to predict the future, all you can ever do is write what you love.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I am really disgustingly happy with my simple life with my husband and kiddo, so I don’t have much of a bucket list. I always wanted to do the tourist thing in Egypt and Greece; unfortunately my husband (and my four year old) don’t share my fascination with ancient cultures, so we’ll see how that pans out.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

It seems like serials are the next big thing. It’s a story broken down into parts and sold at regular intervals, like one a week, until the story is fine. I know that Cara McKenna has a few coming out like that as a sequel to her book Curio. Basically if you haven’t yet read Curio, GO READ IT NOW. And then Beth Kery has a big serial and I’ve always been a fan of hers.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks again for having me, Kelly! If you’re reading this and Giving It Up sounds intriguing, please check out the book trailer because it’s dark and sexy and awesome:

Youtube Link: http://youtu.be/5NQ7NTuzFFI

Want to learn more about Amber?

Find her here:

Author Website: http://authoramberlin.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/authoramberlin

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authoramberlin

 

 Giving It Up

Amazon | Barnes & Noble |  All Romance Ebook

Fictionwise | Goodreads

Allie prowls the club for a man who will use her hard and then ditch her. Hey, it’s not rape if she wants it. Instead she finds Colin, who looks tough but treats her tenderly, despite her protests.

He tempts her, but kindness and a few mindblowing orgasms aren’t enough to put her back together again. Allie has no hope for a real relationship. Two years ago her best friend betrayed her in the worst possible way – she’d be stupid to trust a man again. Besides, she has her daughter to think of, the only good thing to have come from that dark night.

But when her rapist returns, threatening her sanity and custody of her daughter, Allie turns to Colin. Under his protection and patient touch, Allie begins to heal and learns to hope. Colin’s no saint, though, and his criminal past draws danger of its own. Allie must fight to protect her child and the man she loves, hoping her newfound power will be enough to save them all.

EXCERPT

We stripped at the same time, both eager. I wanted to see his body, to witness what he offered me, but it was dark in the room. Then he kissed me back onto the bed, and there was no more time to wonder. The cheap bedspread was rough and cool against my skin. His hands stroked over my breasts and then played gently with my nipples.

My body responded, turning liquid, but something was wrong.

I’d had this problem before. Not everyone wanted to play rough, but I was surprised that I’d misread him. His muscles were hard, the pads of his fingers were calloused. I didn’t know how he could touch me so softly. Everything about him screamed that he could hurt me, so why didn’t he?

I wanted him to have his nasty way with me, but every sweet caress destroyed the illusion. My fantasy was to let him do whatever he wanted with me, but not this.

“Harder,” I said. “I need it harder.”

Instead his hands gentled. The one that had been holding my breast traced the curve around and under.

I groaned in frustration. “What’s wrong?”

He reached down, still breathing heavily, and pressed a finger lightly to my cunt, then stroked upward through the moisture. I gasped, rocking my hips to follow his finger.

“You like this,” he said.

Yes, I liked it. I was undeniably aroused but too aware. I needed the emptiness of being taken. “I like it better rough.”

Colin frowned. My eyes widened at the ferocity of his expression.

In one smooth motion he flipped me onto my stomach. I lost my breath from the surprise and impact. His left hand slid under my body between my legs and cupped me. His right hand fisted in my hair, pulling my head back. His erection throbbed beside my ass in promise. I wanted to beg him to fuck me, but all I could do was gasp. He didn’t need to be told, though, and ground against me, using my hair as a handle.

That small pain on my scalp was perfection, sharp and sweet. Numbness spread through me, as did relief.

The pain dimmed. My arousal did too, but that was okay. I was only vaguely aware of him continuing to work my body from behind.

I went somewhere else in my mind. I’d stay that way all night.

At least that’s what usually happened.

 

Giveaway Time: 

GIVEAWAY

Amber Lin is giving away a Kindle Fire along with 10 erotic books, as well as either a custom erotic story or a 30-page critique of a romance manuscript. There are many ways to enter, for both those who have and haven’t yet read Giving It Up.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have Monique O’Connor James on the blog today to chat about her newest book “Becoming Jolie” 

Monique, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I’m the mom of two beautiful children who married my high school sweetheart.  I work full time in insurance, but I love to write!  Currently, all of my stories are YA and Adult Paranormal fiction/romance.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

For as long as I can remember!

What is your most interesting writing quirk? 

I think it’s pretty odd that sometimes I have to write long-hand and then go back and type it.  It really is a mood thing, because other times I can type straight on the computer.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

Becoming Jolie is about a small, fictional town in Louisiana were several children have gone missing.  The town’s people are haunted by the ghosts of their children and Jolie thinks they are all crazy.   However, she’s pulled into Follett’s story via her dreams and ties to the place she didn’t know existed.  Throw in a love triangle and the story is really creepy and exciting!

How did you come with the idea for this story?

In 2010, I decided I was going to participate in NANOWRIMO for the first time.  (National Novel writing month in November).  On October 31, I was still looking for something to write about.  I read a blog about a playground in Alabama called The Dead Children’s Playground.  It inspired me to create a town haunted by the ghosts of their missing children.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?  

I have another book available July 5^th called, The Watchers.  It is the follow up to my novel The Keepers about fallen angels in New Orleans.    I’m also working on the first novel in a series about Witches called Magia Rising!

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

You know, it’s more important to me to meet the indie authors out there and hear their success stories than it is to meet someone who has already made it.   I think the people who are out there really pushing their work and never giving up are the most fascinating.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Don’t quit!  There will always be people out there who want to rain on your parade because they can’t step outside of their comfort zone.  Just remember you don’t need anyone’s permission to make things happen.  When you fall, get up and start over again!  There are lots of people out there going through the same thing that will hold you up!

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.  

I’d like to sky dive.  Of course, I couldn’t tell my dad until after it was done.  I do wonder if I could go through with it once I was up there!

Twitter:               mjames13

WordPress:         www.moniquejames.wordpress.com

Website:             www.moniqueoconnorjames.com

Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=511255176

Author Page:      https://www.facebook.com/Moniqueoconnorjamesauthor

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Misa Buckley to the blog today.  

Misa, can you please share with us a little about yourself
I’m a closer-to-40-than-I-like housewife, married to a Land Rover obsessed husband and mum to five children. I write to stay sane, though as a sci fi geek, that’s probably relative *grins*

Have you always wanted to be an author?
No. Growing up I wanted to be a cat, a vet, an astronaut and an artist by turns. I did office work after leaving school and hated it. It was only after my first child that I discovered the internet and then fanfic. The rest, as they say, is history.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
I read Austin and Carroll as a child (Pride & Prejudice is still a favourite) and of course the sci fi/fantasy masters such as Tolkien, Adams and Pratchett. I think every book I read bears some influence on me. Right now I’m loving everything by Lori Gallagher Witt, Gini Koch and Kevin Hearne.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
Paranormal was a step outside my usual sci fi, so yeah I like playing with genre. I prefer weird, which is why I call myself a “speculative romance” author, and I also like to blend genres. Officially, ELEANOR’S HEART is a Historical Paranormal Romance with Steampunk elements.

What are some of your writing rituals?
I have to check my email and Twitter before writing. I usually check Tumblr as well, just in case there’s been some eyecandy posted. I’m terribly shallow 😀 

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

ELEANOR’S HEART is the book I always swore I’d never write. Vampires were overdone, or so I thought. I was very reluctant to jump on that bandwagon, even after the idea struck.

But my vampires are different to the norm. The story revolves around Eleanor, a poor young woman forced to steal in order to buy the drug that gives her a little ease from the pain of cancer. When she steals an ancient relic, she tips herself into a species war… and the arms of Jefferson Park, Vampire.

How did you come with the idea for this story?
I was watching Sanctuary. There was a line about vampires not being affected by sun or garlic other than resulting in “tanned vampires with bad breath” that stuck with me. I was intrigued by the idea of vampires inventing fiction to misdirect hunters and so began to create my own version. 

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’m in the throes of finishing an erotic sci fi, then I’ll be working on a weird western. I also have a novel-length space opera, another erotic sci fi and a future Earth/dystopian on the cards. My writing schedule is full until May 2013! 

What would you be if you were not an author?
I have absolutely no idea. I can’t imagine not writing. 

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I have a huge TBR pile! I can’t think of anything outstanding, though I want to read Revis’ Across the Universe. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I can be found on my website – misabuckley.com – and on Twitter, where I *love* to chat about anything and everything (though my favourite subject is Stargate/Ba’al) – @MisaBuckley

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Nana Malone to the blog today.
Nana, can you please share with us a little about yourself

Oh I’m just your average Ghanaian/American girl who lives in sunny San Diego with an American husband who thinks my family is crazy.  My Big Fat Greek Wedding has nothing on us.  In my infinite spare time, I chase around my two year old trying to tame her wild mane of hair, try and corral my spunky Scottie and occasionally let my hubby pamper me.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Nope. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an MTV VJ

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I write in chunks of fifteen minutes. 500 words a chunk.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

Forsaken Protector is a continuation of the Protectors Series.

The enemy of her enemy is her friend.

Almost one year after escaping Gentech Facilities, Symone Jackson lives in the shadows with her nightmares. Thanks to horrible genetics experiments at the hand of Peter Reeser, her mere touch is lethal. It may be safer to stay in the darkness, but despite the monster she has become, she wants to be the hero…and only one man can help her.

Garrett Hunter thought he was one of the good guys, but on routine surveillance of a suspected terrorist, he discovers the awful truth…he’s not the only super human around. When Peter Reeser gave him the opportunity to beat a debilitating illness he jumped at the chance. But his decision to save the enemy—Symone Jackson—will endanger the only family he has.

The way to salvation is with Garrett’s help. Can Symone overcome her mistrust and stop living in the shadows? Or will her nightmares become reality?

How did you come with the idea for this story?

When I started thinking about doing a superhero romance, it was back when Heroes was on.  I kept thinking about all the places they could have gone with that story and didn’t.  Then when I started watching Alphas, I kept thinking about ways to evolve the superhero lexicon.  I wanted something that was believable for the modern world.  Like this could happen to you or your neighbors best friend.  But I also wanted it to be dark and explore the darker side of what happens when you have all this power and no one to relate to.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I’m currently working on the next books in both my series. Sultry in Stilettos, then right after that I’m moving on to Wounded Protector.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

JR Ward.  Her voice is phenomenal.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Write a good book.  Then when you think you’re done.  Edit it till it shines.  Then hand it to someone who will gut it.  Your mom won’t tell you the truth. Then re-write it again until it’s perfect.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

To make it to Tahiti.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I’m waiting for JR Ward’s next in the Fallen Angels series

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just thank you for having me! For readers who want to reach out, you can find me here:

Website: www.nanamalone.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nanamalonewriter

Twitter: www.twitter.com/nanamalone

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4341612.Nana_Malone

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Elaina Lee to the blog today. Elaina can you please share with us a little about yourself

Hello!  My name is Elaina Lee.  I’m a mother, a wire, an author and a cover artist.  J  I live in Alabama in the tiny remote city.  In my spare time I try to find creative ways to feed us since we’re no longer near any sort of restaurants.  It’s proving to be a challenge.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Actually no.  I started writing at a young age as a way to get pictures out of my head.  I enjoyed it and just considered it something I did for fun.  It wasn’t until I actually finished a book that I realized I wanted my hobby to go somewhere.

Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?  

I sadly no longer have a typical writing day.  If I have time to write after designing covers all day, I’ll sit down and peck out as many sentences as I can before my life interrupts or inspiration runs dry.  I usually need to listen to music, but that isn’t always possible, so I do the best I can!

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Seeing my characters come to life and knowing they’ll eventually be read and hopefully enjoyed by readers is the most rewarding part.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

A Very Southern Affair is a southern romantic comedy about a northern man arriving in the south and hoping to make a change to a city that doesn’t really want changing….

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I’m from Oregon and moving here was a huge culture shock.  I couldn’t resist writing a romantic comedy revolving around some of the issues/situations that I have personally dealt with or witnessed.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

Sure!  I am working on the sequel to A Very Southern Affair.  The heroine is Hollee’s best friend Estelle, who has found herself in quite a Dilemma.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Iris Johansen is my absolute favorite author.  But I never miss books by Sarah Balance, Stephanie Taylor or Jerri Drennen.

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style? 

No, it’s actually a fear I have, another author influencing my writing style.  A style is as unique as a voice, and I’d hate to copy or imitate anyone’s unique way of storytelling!

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I so rarely have time to read right now!  I haven’t gone on the hunt for a new book in a long time.  I have a few I’d like to check out that I’ve recently done covers for.  Marie Hall’s Kingdom Series is something I’m really excited to check out.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for having me!

WESBITE – www.elainalee.com

BLOG – www.elaina-lee.blogpsot.com

FACEBOOK – www.facebook.com/elainaleeauthor

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome first time guest Stephanie J Grace to the blog. 

Can you please share with us a little about yourself

My name is Stephanie J Grace. I write inspirational and sweet romance. I’m a mother of three beautiful children. I enjoy knitting and yarn crafts and I adore finding love in all aspects of life.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Nope. For years I thought I wanted to go into politics. I’m glad I didn’t do that! Writing has been a joy for me and I love my job.

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?

Well, first thing I get my kiddos breakfast and check my emails while they eat. Next is getting them dressed and to school. I try to get some writing done in the morning if possible, but usually end up doing promotional type things if I can sit and work. I usually hit writing hard around nap time. I don’t need anything special to write, just my laptop. If I held to rituals or anything but complete flexibility, I’d never get anything written.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most rewarding part of writing is when I go through when it’s complete and find a few lines that make my heart jump. I love when my readers enjoy my work, but there’s joy in finding passages that make me melt.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

My latest book is Felines and Flowers. It’s an inspirational springtime story about Warren and Wendy—two youth pastors busy in their lives. At one point, Warren was Wendy’s youth pastor and helped inspire her to keep youth ministry in her life. When she returns home after college, she takes a job as youth coordinator at her church and finds herself seeing Warren often. There are no sparks, no wild moment, but there’s something growing between them that makes them spend more and more time together. Warren has issues with their age difference and his doubt leads him to choices that hurt Wendy. They have a chance for love, but might need a little extra help to find it.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I originally wrote Felines and Flowers for a springtime story call. I fell in love with the pastors, who remind me of people in my life, past and present. I included many things I love in this story, which makes it very special to me.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

At the moment I’m working on a change of life sort of story about an older woman looking back at her decades old marriage through new eyes thanks to a change in faith. Love comes at all ages and times and sometimes its old love getting a breath of fresh air that’s truly inspiring.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

On the inspirational side of life I adore CS Lewis. He’s my go-to when I’m craving some serious thinking.

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style? 

I think some have definitely made me rethink the standards of telling a story. I enjoy paranormal stories and from them I’ve learned the unexpected can be a great thing and that humanity, for wanting a shot of excitement, also wants to see the humanness in situations.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I can’t wait to tear into my Harry Potter books for the summer. I try to reread the entire series every few years. I’m also going to pick up the Hunger Games series and the Black Dagger Brotherhood books. Ah, why is the list so long and summer so short??

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks so much for having me! I love visiting and meeting readers and other authors.

Find Stephanie online at www.stephaniebeck.net and feel free to contact her at stephaniebeckauthor@gmail.com

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During high school, Warren was just Wendy’s youth pastor. All grown up and shepherding over her own flock of church kids, Wendy Miller turns to her old friend for help. Not that Warren is that old. In fact, the two have a lot more in common than Wendy would have ever thought.

After the death of his wife, Warren was sure he was finished with relationships. Wendy changes that forgone conclusion with her bright spirit and zest for life. Lining up their desires when they’re at very different points in their lives proves a challenge that might take a little divine intervention, or at least help from friends.