Review, Top Ten & Giveaway: Werewolves Be Damned by Stacey Kennedy

Werewolves Be Damned
(Magic & Mayhem, #1)
By: Stacey Kennedy
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Published: April 15, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating:


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 Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.

Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.

But when a vampire paints a bull’s-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet.

The book starts out with the slaughtering of Nexi's parents. She's about to be kidnapped when two men wearing leather kilts show up and save her. Turns out that one of them is her biological father. Fast forward a month and Nexi is still grieving her parents and is ready to seek vengeance. Kyden decides to train her as a guardian in an effort to keep her from getting herself killed since she seems to like running off on these harebrained trips to avenge her family's death. However, as they train, people are showing up dead due to otherworldly encounters and it's the guardian's job to stop it.

I liked the world that the author created. There's a council who govern all the otherworldly factions and help keep the mortal clueless. When something happens the werewolves track the parties involved based off of the scent, vampires glamor any witnesses so that they have no recollection of what happened, witches help assist in any way that they can, for instance Haven (Nexi's bond sister) can recreate moments in time so that they can see what took place and the guardians hunt down the offenders and deliver justice. There were a few times where everyone pooled together at a scene of a crime where we could see this intricate dance take place.

I also, of course, enjoyed the romance aspect of the story. Kyden has been interested in Nexi since he rescued her at her family's home but he's held back. He knows Nexi has been raised as a mortal and he tries to adapt the ways she was raised at takes this slow with her. Only she seems to push too much on his protective nature and pretty soon they are establishing a relationship. The romance wasn't overly steamy, but it wasn't a closed door romance either... more like the door was cracked.

I liked the fighting in the story although I wish that it were more graphic. It seemed like everything in the story was pretty tame. The fighting was there but a fight would be in full effect and then Nexi would blink and the person would be on the floor dead. I just felt like the fight scenes were lacking in detail.

One thing I didn't really care for was Nexi's naivety. She's 25 and yet when tasked to walk into a strip club to question a perp, she gets all mortified. Not to mention that a couple of the guys get all grossed out leaving one guy to be a perv and watch the performances taking place. I mean, I'm not saying I frequent strip clubs but if I was a kick-ass guardian who has been to murder scenes, killed people and in order to save someone I knew, had to walk into a strip club, I wouldn't think twice. I would stride in there with my head held high making eye contact with everyone until I found the person I was looking for. 

"Rewind there, Daddy. You said I have magical powers, so what's the big deal? I'll voodoo some shit up, bring out my spidey-senses, and bam."

Stacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones.

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Ten books Stacey wished were made into movies/television shows

Thank you so much for having by today. It’s great to be here. First, let’s start with the no-brainer series for me, which are Keri Arthur’s, Riley Jenson series and Jeaniene Frost’s, Night Huntress series. As we all know, these fabulous authors have a couple of series that are set in the same worlds, like Dark Angels and Night Prince, and I’d go total fangirl if any of their series were made into television shows.

Another series I’d be lining up to get tickets for would have to be Katie Maclister’s, Dragon books. Seeing those smexy dragons on the big screen would be…enjoyable! Besides, I love Katie’s humor, plus mixed with alpha-male goodness and the action, and I just think her dragon books would make great TV!

Now, for the sexier type novels that I would LOVE to see made into movies are Sylvia Day’s, Crossfire novels and Cherise Sinclair’s, Masters of the Shadowlands. Sure, they would make for some seriously sexy movies, but I’d be all over it!

Others series that have my vote are Jennifer L. Armentrout’s, Lux series, and Patricia Briggs’, Mercy Thompson series. And of course, I have to say Nexi & Kyden’s books from the MAGIC & MAYHEM series. I know, it’s a shameless plug of my own books, but what can I say—I’d love to see it happen. What author wouldn’t? That’d be cool stuff!

So, you tell me, what books would you love to see made into a movie?

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Excerpt, Interview & Giveaway: Time Changes Everything by Melinda Dozier

 

Time Changes Everything
By: Melinda Dozier
Release Date: Entranced Publishing
Published: May 13, 2013
Genre: Romance

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Amanda Larson is dedicated to her job and doesn't want to make time for anything else. Until she runs into Jake Edwards. He used to be the cute boy next door; now he's a sexy, big shot lawyer.

Jake Edwards isn't interested in commitment. He's successful, sexy, and single--and that's how he likes it. When he reconnects with Amanda, Jake realizes he might have to rethink his philosophy on the carefree, bachelor lifestyle.

But, is it too late for them? Or can he convince her that he's ready to give her his heart?

 

In high school, Amanda was someone special. Hell, even before then. Their parents were best friends, which had forced Jake and Amanda together. At first, he’d thought it was a hindrance. Later, when she developed longer legs and a bigger bust, he found himself around her more. After discovering her quirkiness, her love of art and her sense of humor, he actually enjoyed being around her. But he never touched her.

He contemplated running his fingers through her hair like he did his first year of college –– the last time they were alone –– the night he left town and never saw her again.

Did she remember the night he left? Of course she did. Seven years ago, he’d ruined their friendship. He knew Amanda almost as well as he knew himself. Well, he’d known her. Now she was a different woman.

Jake leaned in closer, running his hand down her arm. “Know what I’m thinking?”

Amanda fiddled with her coaster and smiled at him. “I’m not sure I want to know.”

“I’m thinking we should spend a lot more time together.” He reached over and held her chin. “It’s been way too long.”

Amanda licked her lips, and damn it, it actually turned him on. Sweet little Mandy Larson wasn’t so sweet anymore. She was driving him crazy.

She moved closer bridging distance. “Why wait? There’s no time like the present.”

“Exactly.” He drank the last of his beer as the waiter returned with her martini sans olive.

Jake leaned on the table with his elbows, folded his hands together and studied her. “Look at you, drinking a martini, living the life in New York City.” He examined her from head to toe. “A sexy skirt. Tall boots.” He ran a finger down her cheek. “A beautiful face.”

Amanda hiccupped and put down her glass. “Now, wait a minute. I know it’s been a while, but some things never change, including you.” She wagged her finger at him. “No smooth talking with me. Don’t forget I used to know you better than anybody.”

Because his fingers actually ached with the need to touch her again, he reached over and held her hand. “Yeah, but things have changed, Mandy. We’re two different people now, and I can’t wait to get to know who you are now.”

Reading romance has always been at the top of Melinda’s favorite past times. After hectic days of teaching English to middle school students, Melinda finds time to write and read in the evenings. She lives in Guatemala, Central America with her husband, three boys and German Sheppard. She enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her boys once they are grown. Melinda loves reality TV., traveling, blogging and playing Words With Friends.

 Website | Blog | Twitter

Thank you for stopping by today. For those who are not familiar with Time Changes Everything, do you mind telling our readers a little bit about it?
Hello and thank you for having me today! Time Changes Everything is a friends to lovers story. Jake and Amanda have known each other pretty much their whole lives. But when they run into one another in New York City, their teenage crushes turn into something much steamier – and they soon realize time changes everything. 

Release day is one week away, May 13. Don’t miss it!


What inspired you to write this book?
Time Changes Everything is a special book, because it’s my first completed romance novel. I’ve been an avid romance reader since I was a teenager and I’ve had a goal to write and publish one day. Jake and Amanda started to talk to me in my dreams – yes, I know that sounds weird – and basically told me they would drive me crazy until I wrote their story. They wanted their happily ever after and insisted I write it.

Amanda sounds like quite a workaholic. Would you say that you fall under that category as well?
Definitely! I’m a teacher by day and a writer by night – oh and in between I’m a wife and mother which is a whole job itself. Somehow, I juggle it all and I’m very happy. Maybe there is a bit of me in Amanda after all. Amanda is driven and successful. She works hard, but eventually finds time for love.

I noticed that you have another book coming out, would you mind telling us a little bit about it?
Yes! Breaking the Rules will be released in July by Crimson Romance. This book is closer to home since it’s about a klutzy middle school principal who always follows the rules. Hope Robinson is very much like me in that sense. She meets Doctor Colin Calaway, a widower and father of a student, who pushes her to “break the rules” and follow her heart.

You are stopping by Book Sniffers Anonymous after all so I must ask... are you a book sniffer?
I absolutely LOVE books and I’m always sniffing around for the best reads. My faves are from Jill Shalvis and Shannon Stacey.

We always end our reviews with our favorite quote/part from the book and I know with Time Changes Everything being your baby, it will be hard to choose but what is your favorite part or quote?
This is totally not fair. I love it all! I had a lot of fun writing a long-distance sex scene. Sounds intriguing, right? I also love Jake and Amanda’s first kiss – especially since Jake, the non-commitment type, is the one to push for it. Here’s a teeny-weeny teaser:

He scooted her back and put his arms around her, holding onto the counter. “We both feel it. Don’t give me any of that friends crap, Mandy. We’ve grown up. Things change. And I bet you want to kiss me as much as I want to kiss you right now.”

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Interview & Giveaway with Bethany Wiggins, author of Stung

Bethany Wiggins has always been an avid reader, but not an avid writer. She failed ninth grade English because she read novels instead of doing her homework. In high school, she sat alone at lunch and read massive hardback fantasy novels (Tad Williams and Robert Jordan anyone?). It wasn't until the end of her senior year that the other students realized she was reading fiction--not the Bible.

Once upon a time, Bethany's sister dared her to start writing an hour a day until she completed a novel. Bethany wrote a seven-hundred page fantasy novel that she wisely let no one read--but it taught her how to write. She is the author of SHIFTING, STUNG (April 2013), and CURED (2014).

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As a reader, we don't know what's going on up front. What made you decide to fill in the reader as events took place instead of filling us in at the beginning?
I didn't want to do a huge info dump in the book (especially at the beginning), and I wanted there to be a lot of questions that kept the reader guessing and, more importantly, turning the pages. That is why I only gave the information piece by piece!

I think that the cover for the book is awesome considering how it ties together with the story. What made you come up with the idea of the bee flu?
I started writing this book at the time the swine flu scare was running rampant through the USA. I watched these crazy people on the news who were swarming the health departments, frantic to the point of violent to get the swine flu vaccine for their kids, and it made me wonder, "What if the government told us there is this huge flu to scare us into taking a vaccine that is really going to harm us?" And that is how the flu in the plot was born!

What would you say was the hardest part of writing Stung?
Making all of it fit together! I had a lot of good ideas floating around, but I couldn't quite figure out how they all connected. The very last chapter I wrote is actually a chapter in the middle of the book, that sort of connects all the dots (the chapter in the alley, with the raiders and the governor). As soon as I had that chapter figured out, it all made sense.

With that little tidbit at the end of the story I have to ask, is there another book in the works?
Yes!!! There is a part two, and it comes out next winter!

You are stopping by Book Sniffers Anonymous after all so I must ask... are you a book sniffer?
I am every once in a while! When I have a few minutes to spare, and am looking for a good book, I will scroll through the Book Sniffers Anonymous blog and see what books they've given good ratings.

We always end our reviews with our favorite quote/part from the book and I know with Stung being your baby, it will be hard to choose but what is your favorite part or quote?
SO hard to choose. There are a lot of favorite parts, but this one sums up the book in a few short lines:

My feet slow as I walk toward a telephone pole. The wires lie spaghetti-twisted on the ground below it, and tacked to the front is a piece of paper at odds with this trashed, forgotten neighborhood. The paper is daffodil-yellow—not sun bleached, or water warped, or wind frayed. I take a closer look.



REWARD

1-4 marks ~ 1 oz. honey.

5-7 marks ~ 2 oz. honey

8-9 marks ~ 3 oz. honey

10 marks ~ 8 oz. honey



To claim reward, marked one must be alive.

Payments made Sundays @ Southgate or Northgate.

No payment for dead body.

Sincerely, Governor Jacoby Soneschen

Stung
By: Bethany Wiggins
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Genre: Distopian YA

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There is no cure for being stung.

Fiona doesn’t remember going to sleep. But when she opens her eyes, she discovers her entire world has been altered—her house is abandoned and broken, and the entire neighborhood is barren and dead. Even stranger is the tattoo on her right hand—a black oval with five marks on either side—that she doesn’t remember getting but somehow knows she must cover at any cost. She’s right.

Those bearing the tattoo have turned into mindless, violent beasts that roam the streets and sewers, preying upon the unbranded while a select few live protected inside a fortress-like wall, their lives devoted to rebuilding society and killing all who bear the mark.

Now Fiona has awakened branded, alone—and on the wrong side of the wall.

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Friday Fun #11 & Giveaway

I'm super excited to be a featured blogger for this weeks Feature & Follow Friday. Feature & Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee’s View and Alison Can Read and is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers.

Question of the week:
Tell us about the most emotional scene you've ever read in a book - and how did you react?

Answer:

Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris is a very emotional book. Yeah, there are books out there that have sad parts in them but Kristina puts the readers on an emotional roller coaster ride the entire time. It doesn't help that the story is based off of the events that happened to the Japanese Americans after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. And that ending, good lord, I didn't know I could bawl my eyes out so hard over a book. The second I was finished reading this book I looked up the relocation camp that the characters go to (Manzanar) and found out it's a 5 hour drive from where I live. I haven't been there yet, but it's definitely on my "must list" of things to do before we move.

When did you start blogging?
I started June 2011.

What is your favorite part of book blogging?

Meeting all the new and awesome people to be honest. I would have never in a million years have thought that I would be able to talk with authors. I'm not going to lie, a big perk is getting to read books for free, especially ones that haven't come out yet but for me it's awesome to walk through a book store and say "Oh, she's really sweet." "He's hilarious! By far one of the coolest people out there." and then the occasional "That author's such a bitch. They're the one I was telling you about that blew up at that chick over her review."

What type of books do you mainly blog about?

I'm a romance junkie, which is funny since I used to make fun of those Fabio book covers when I was younger. Okay... so maybe I still do. I tend to find romance in all stories, for example, Han Solo & Princess Leia, Peter Parker & Mary Jane and Simba & Nala. So thankfully, I can read a wide variety of books and as long as there is a potential love interest, I'm all in. However, I always give authors of all genres a chance to spread the news about their books on my site. So even though I may review YA, NA, PNR, UF etc... you will still see some other genres pop up. After all, I feel like my "job" is to share books and even though they may not be books that I'd generally read, it doesn't mean that someone else out there wouldn't be interested in them.

What is your favorite book(s)?

My favorite series is hands down, Vampire Academy. The ironic part about that though is that I fought my friend when she urged me to read it. I really didn't want to read yet another vampire book. She persisted, bought the book for my birthday and not even halfway through the book I was ordering the rest of the series online.

What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of book blogging?

I suppose I could say that it saved my sanity. My husband's in the Marine Corp, so we move around quite a bit and it's not easy forging new friendships in a new area every couple of years. So for a while there, I was on the verge of making friends with the mailman just so that I had someone to talk to. Now, between my day job at the National Park where I talk all day to visitors and then coming home and typing up reviews/posts and chatting with everyone online, I'm officially all talked out by the end of the day. And as it turns out, even though I am not inviting the mailman in for tea and cookies, both he and the UPS man know me by name and flag me down if I drive by them when they have packages on their truck for me. I guess I order too much stuff online :-P

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Cover Reveal, Interview & Giveaway: Broken Gates by D.T. Dyllin

Broken Gates
(P.J. Stone Gates Trilogy, #2)
By: D.T. Dyllin
Publisher: Dragonfairy Press
Release date: May 24, 3013
Genre: New Adult/Paranormal Romance

Goodreads

P.J. Stone is a Seer who saw too little, too late.

In the past, her biggest worries were boys and school—but war has a way of changing things. Now, the alien Riders are trying to overrun the world. As the last of their kind, P.J. and her friends must find a way to save humanity before there’s nothing left to save.

After choosing a mate, P.J. hoped she'd have time to enjoy her love life. But with everything changing so quickly and major secrets revealed, who knows what the future will bring?

Welcome back to Book Sniffers Anonymous! I'm so excited to share the latest cover of the P.J. Stone Gates Trilogy.
Hello! *waves* I never get tired of visiting my favorite Book Sniffer on her blog, even though you're really not anonymous. lol

I was wondering, do you get a say in what your covers look like?
Actually yes , I do. One of the many reason why I love Dragonfairy . Although I think the cover artist Lindsay Tiry might not agree with me having a say being a great thing. I kind of drove her nuts with this cover. I emailed her constantly with my ideas and tweaks. "Can you maybe put more glass on the eye? Can you make it more sparkly? Hmmm...maybe use different stock eye? That shade of purple is a bit 'off' can you make it more violet and less indigo, but only on the side..." But I also help out. I found all the model stock images for both covers, and the dragon stock image for the Broken Gates cover. Don't worry, I already have "notes" for the third cover.

What made you want to do eyes for the covers?
I'm big into symbology. Hello...P.J. is a Seer. lol

I noticed that there's a different leading man on the Hidden Gates cover than on Broken Gates.
Is one Khol and the other Bryn? And who's the blonde chick?
I'm giving clues about the content of the book with the models. I don't want to say too much for that reason, but I will say the chick does not have blonde hair, but white hair. For more info. you're just going to have to read the book.



There are so many SciFi elements that blend together in this story, between the seer's world, dragons, aliens and then you mixed in the steamy romance on top of it all. How on earth did you come up with this trilogy?
I've talked about this several times on different blogs before, but I dreamt about P.J. and her world. I know a ton of author's say that but I get most of my coolest ideas that way. Some of the added elements that got tossed in there came to me from various places...like my dragon tattoo. *shrugs* Besides that...well...I have a crazy imagination but really I just wanted to write something I would enjoy.

When I first came across P.J's story it was a self-published book but it's recently been published through Dragonfairy Press. What's it like making the switch?
In a nutshell, it's nice to not feel completely alone, you know just you and your book against the world. I like having a "team". But Dragonfairy Press is a super cool place to be published with, they let me have a lot more freedom than a lot of publishers would. Although I have had to make compromises on some things. Over all, I think we work well together because they're just as obsessed with some of the details as I am. And sometimes when I'm floundering they give me a push in the right direction. I have nothing but good things to report about signing with Dragonfairy. I got very lucky. 

For those who've read Hidden Gates, can you give our readers a hint or sneak peek of what happens in Broken Gates? I know you can't reveal anything huge but maybe just a little juicy detail that we get to look forward to?
Ummm...this is a toughie. Hmmm...Jenna changes her hair color? No? Not enough? How about...don't get comfortable with any of the relationships from Hidden Gates, because things are always changing in P.J.'s world. That's it. That's all you're getting. Muahahahaha! (That's my evil laugh.)

Thanks again for stopping by. I can't wait until Broken Gates comes out.
Thanks again for having me and for being a part of the cover reveal! Now go sniff some more books! :) 

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Book Sniffers Anonymous Gets Interviewed by Fiction Candy + Giveaways

I was interviewed by Liz over at Fictional Candy! Which is pretty awesome since I've been a follower of her blog for a long time. Her and I like about the same types of books except she also enjoys reading horror. Oh and before I forget to mention, there's a chance to win a $5 gift card for B&N or Amazon and a swag pack containing signed stuff (*hint* not all of it is just bookmarks). So make sure to head on over to Fictional Candy, show Liz some love and enter the giveaways!

Interview & Giveaway: Tigris Eden author of Enslaved in Shadows

There is really not much to say... I love to write, read, and listen to music. My attempt at a music career sadly ended at the Apollo one warm night in May! LOL (Side note: I was not booed just outdone by two munchkins rapping to Biggy Smalls but they were good!)

Military brat extraordinaire; have traveled to a lot of interesting places.

The very first time I put pen to paper in story fashion, was in 6th grade. It was called The Case of the Missing Pepperoni.

It was a cute mystery where all the ingredients and shop appliances came to life when the store owner closed up for the evening

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Thank you for stopping by Book Sniffers Anonymous today. For those who are not familiar with your books, do you mind telling our readers a little bit about the Shadow Unit series?
Thanks for having me on your blog today. The Shadow Unit series is a paranormal romance series about things that go bump in the night/and or day and fall for their heroine. It’s a group of 9 men, who are of very much macho alpha men who think their stuff don’t stink. Bring in the females/heroines that put up with their crap, (coughs) high handedness, and that’s basically what you have. There is a lot of action and some steamy romance, as well as some happy endings, eventually, all while trying to find out about the notorious Red Sun Organization.


With Enslaved in Shadows containing supernatural beings, what would be the one supernatural being that you wish really existed and why?
Oh I wish there were really truly werewolves! Why, because they are so hot and sexy. You just want to tame the wild beast within…


I noticed that you write a lot of romance. Would you say that's your favorite genre to read?
My favorite genre is actually Horror. I’ve read a lot of Stephen King, and I enjoy the craziness that he puts his readers through. It’s a totally mind melt.


How did the characters come to you? Did you dream of them, see a picture of someone and it took on a personality of its own or are the characters inspired by people in your life?
Honestly it was a song from Maroon 5 that got the story going, Secret. And well some of the male personalities are a lot like my LL… But for some reason I tend to stay towards dark hair males. Draven doesn’t look like one particular person, but a combination. Eyelashes off of one guy, hair from another and so on. I think Draven was actually composed from about 5 different pictures. I wonder how that would really look standing in front of me? LOL


You are stopping by Book Sniffers Anonymous after all so I must ask... are you a book sniffer?
Do you mean, do I smell books? Wow, no one, and I mean no one has ever asked me that before. Actually a book has smelled. I once was mailed a book from someone that well, let’s just say they smoked… A lot, and not your reg smokes either. That’s all I can say about that. That book smelled and smelled, and I’m sure if I was to grab the book now, it may still smell. LOL So yes, I’ve sniffed a book.


We always end our reviews with our favorite quote/part from the book and I know with Enslaved in Shadows being your baby, it will be hard to choose but what is your favorite part or quote?
Oh that’s easy. I love Draven and Royce, I truly do, but the one that I love the most is Dietrich. He’s my kind of guy in every way possible. So here is my quote from D. “Fuck,” Dietrich breathed. “I’m a bad motherfucker, and I mean I’m pretty fucked up in the head sometimes, but I want some of what the twins got going between them. That shit right there, was beast.” -Dietrich Johnson”

Enslaved in Shadows
(Shadow Unit, #1)
Publisher: Kat's Kreative Ideas
Published: Jan. 28, 2013
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance

Goodreads | Amazon

A man's Past leads to his Future......

Agent Stone of the Shadow Unit's job is simple, most days. Work in the Shadows, police his own Kind.

When an unwanted assignment turns out to be his darkest fantasy from the past, Draven can't help but be conflicted by the memories of the past and his responsibilities in the future. But his decision has been made.

The Heart of a woman is Tested........

Jes can't let the tall dark agent back into her life.
How can she trust any man after what she's endured. Years of abuse have broken her down and she doesn't have room for more. The man she turns to for help hasn't abused her physically but he's tormented her emotionally. A past betrayal left her scarred, but also brought her life.

Can she accept him into her heart and trust him again?

One will survive and adapt, the other will realize hearts can be mended even if it’s a bit too late.

The road to forgiveness sometimes only brings more pain. Unexpected events set their lives on two separate tracks leading to one outcome. Lives will be changed and an emotional battle to save their souls will leave them both trapped and enslaved in their need for one another.

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Character Interview & Giveaway: Hauk & Jolie from How Beauty Saved The Beast

Today we have Hauk and Jolie from the Tales of the Underlight series joining us to talk about what they've been up to since we last saw them in How Beauty Met the Beast.

How Beauty Saved the Beast
(Tales of the Underlight, #2)
By: Jax Garren
Publisher: Carina Press
Release Date: Feb. 11, 2013
Genre: Urban Fantasy

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Jolie Benoit left her old life behind to become an agent of the Underlight. Training under Sergeant Wesley Haukon, she’s honing her combat skills, all the while coping with the intense sexual attraction she feels for Hauk. She keeps their friendship casual, but when his high school sweetheart transfers into their division, Jolie finds herself grappling with jealousy.

The Underlight gave Hauk a purpose, but he can’t escape his past completely. The physical and emotional scars from the fire that killed seven fellow Army Rangers will mark him forever. Jolie sends his protective instincts into overdrive, but he’s convinced he’ll never be worthy of her love.

Hauk is determined to keep Jolie from harm. But when the Order of Ananke ambushes them with a new weapon that neutralizes Hauk, making him vulnerable, it’s Jolie who must tap into her hidden strengths to rescue him—or risk losing him forever…

What was it like to meet for the first time face to face post sheet scene? Not when Jolie knew you as Hauk but when she realized you were the same man from behind the sheet.

Hauk: Heh, you don’t start with the easy questions, do you? If I’m honest it was pretty damn cool. We were about to dance, which I don’t do much of and she’s, well, she’s a dancer. So I was sh—wait, can I use that word here?—I was crapping bricks. Then she accidentally said my name, and I knew she knew. It was like the balance changed or something. I don’t blame her for not wanting it to have been me that day. Hey, what woman looks at this [gestures to self] and says, “Yes. I want that”? None. But she knew, and she was okay with that. But then that’s Jolie. She’s…nothing fazes her. She’s fine with me the way I am.

Jolie: You know, it was a bit of a relief. I mean, I think my face matched my hair for a moment, but that was more because I’d been such a brat about it, unwilling to admit it was him. Hauk’s a great guy. And that’s so not like me to have done something like that—both because he was a stranger and then afterward with the not fessing up. The post-show rush had me really caught up, and I can’t explain it, there was something about his voice… By the time it accidentally came out that I knew it was him, I wasn’t embarrassed about what we’d done, I was embarrassed because I’d not copped to it already. I owed him that admission. So, yeah, it was actually a relief to have that out there. Yes. We did this crazy thing together. And it was awesome.



I don't mean to pry but I'm curious how the relationship is between the two of you now that Jolie has joined the Underlight.

Jolie: Hauk has been giving me self-defense classes in the morning, and he is a seriously awesome teacher.
Hauk: She’s a natural. You should see the woman move.
Jolie: You know it! But after what happened with those thugs, I wanted to be better prepared, in case it happened again. And so I asked Hauk for some lessons. Crazy boy here won’t let me pay for them even though we meet up nearly every morning—
Hauk: [grins] Sue me. I like working out with the hot girl.
Jolie: [laughs] Well, I’m still offering back pay whenever you realize you should have been taking it all along. [pokes him in the side.]
[He jumps, startled. Stares at her finger, unused to being poked. Smiles.]
Jolie: But now that I’m in the Underlight, I’m going to start going on missions.
Hauk: [frowns] Jolie, I told you—
Jolie: The Thing has already approved my participation, so I’ll be starting soon. And that training will come in handy.
Hauk: Fan-fu—I mean, flippin’—tastic.
Jolie: I’ll go on missions with you or without you. Pick.
Hauk: Fine. I’ve got one next week that we could use a driver for.
Jolie: A driver? I’m not wait-in-the-car girl.
Hauk: It’s your first mission. You don’t need to throw yourself in the middle of danger.
Jolie: Fine. For the first one. But only if you agree to teach me something funky in training.
Hauk: Funky?
Jolie: Yeah. Like a spin-y kick or something. I’ve been blocking and jabbing and break-holding for two months. I want something with hang time.
Hauk: [grins again] That I can do.



Jolie, what are your thoughts on the Underlight? What's it been like since you joined? 

Jolie: It’s amazing. I’ve never been around people so…authentic before. Everyone down there says what they actually mean. It’s weird and a little unsetling, but cool. There’s still some tension with me being the daughter of the almighty Reginald Benoit and all, but I’ll win them over. Eventually. But I love the work that they do. That we do now.



So, Wesley of the Divine Tongue, has the nickname caught on yet with your friends?

Hauk: Nobody, uh, knows about that one. Please keep it that way.
Jolie: Aww… I think it’d catch on like crazy-pants.
Hauk: And crazy pants should never catch on.



Hauk, I know that you can sense danger when something’s currently or going to happen. Has your pain-dar been going off lately?

Hauk: It’s gone off on a couple of missions. Saved my skin last week. Or, at least, probably saved me from a blackout. But nothing out of the ordinary.



Jolie, when Hauk first met you, you were debuting at a burlesque club, do you miss it?

Jolie: Oh, I’m still dancing with Pussy Will-Oh! Catrina, our troupe manager, is in the Underlight, so she’s totally down with my dual membership. We do a bi-monthly spot at the old electric company if you want to come see us. [elbows Hauk] If you’re feeling cheap, you can sneak up to the catwalk above the audience floor where this moocher watches all the shows for free.
Hauk: And a delightful show it is. Although I’m still waiting for Red Hots here to do spinning tassels, but so far she hasn’t gone there. *cough*chicken*cough*
Jolie: That’s Mercy’s specialty. I’d hate to show her up. She might get miffed. [pauses] And yes, I’m kidding, for those who don’t know me.



Alright guys it was fun having you here to chat with us. Do you have any parting words for your readers?

Jolie: I’m looking forward to more adventures with Hauk. If you want to follow along, I recommend starting at the beginning, How Beauty Met the Beast. 

Jax Garren is descended from Valkyries and Vikings (she’s part Swedish) but was raised a small town girl in the Texas Hill Country. She graduated from The University of Texas with a degree in English and a minor in Latin then found her own Happily Ever After with a handsome engineer who is saving the world through clean energy technology. Jax loves meeting new people, so if you see her out and about say hello! She's always happy to raise a glass with her readers (or anyone else) to toast courage, adventure and love.

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Jolie and Hauk are giving one lucky reader a chance to win an ebook of choice from the Tales of Underlight series.

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Interview & Giveaway with Addison Fox, author of Tempting Acquisitions

Today we have Addison Fox stopping by to answer some questions about her books. Addison is the author of the Sons of Zodiac series, the Alaskan Nights series and her latest book that just came out this month, Tempting Acquisitions.

Addison Fox can’t remember a time when words weren’t part of her life. An avid reader, her love of the written word started at the tender age of one with The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear (a poem she could recite by heart to any family member who would listen.) Dr. Seuss, C.S. Lewis, Judy Blume and a host of others quickly followed until she discovered THE CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR by Jean M. Auel while writing a paper at the library in the seventh grade. Although not a classic romance, Ayla and Jondalar’s love story moved her firmly into the romance section and she hasn’t looked back!

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Thank you for stopping by Book Sniffers Anonymous to chat with us today.
Thanks so much for having me!!


Before we get to the good stuff, would you mind telling our readers a little bit about your new book, Tempting Acquisitions?
Keira McBride, CEO of McBride Media, is at the top of her game. She and her two sisters, Camryn and Mayson, have restored their family’s failing magazine empire into a bright, vibrant enterprise for the 21st century. And sexy corporate raider, Nathan Cooper, is looking to take them over and break up the company.

Nathan’s carrying a lot of baggage of his own, particularly growing up as the illegitimate son of media mogul West Harrison. Nathan sees a business opportunity in McBride Media, but once he gets into the fight, it’s his animosity toward his father – and proving he can play in this field – that keep him stubbornly moving forward.


With the increase of billionaire romances coming out lately, what do you think sets Keira and Nathan apart from the rest?
For me, the story is really about becoming who you’re meant to be and finding the person who celebrates that in you.

In the series, Keira and her sisters have worked incredibly hard to rebuild their family’s empire and the work has cemented even further their bonds as sisters. Their company has also allowed all of them to work through some personal demons – the loss of their mother, the emotional abandonment of their father – so while it’s business, it’s got a deeply personal overtone.

While Keira’s not looking to deny love coming into her life, she does realize that the right man is going to be someone who accepts what she’s built and worked for and the company that has become a part of her. So imagine her surprise when she falls for the one man who wants to take it away!


I noticed that you write a paranormal romance series called Sons of the Zodiac as well. Where did the idea come from to write a series about the warriors of zodiac?
The Sons of the Zodiac is near and dear to my heart. Not only is it the first series I sold, but I just love, love, love writing about alpha males and their hard fall into love!

The series was what I love to think of as an “idea gift.” I was sitting on the couch one night, watching TV and not even thinking about plotting or writing at all. Out of the blue, this idea came to me….astrology + warriors. I immediately went to Google and started looking up astrology and very quickly realized just how much of Greek mythology is embedded in Western astrology. As soon as I had those two things my imagination pretty much took off.

My premise is that each of my warriors is a different sign and imbued with the powers and traits of that sign. They were created by the goddess of justice, Themis, in an agreement with Zeus, to keep humans safe.


Between your Alaskan Nights series, Sons of the Zodiac series and now Boardrooms & Billboards series, what's next for you?
I tend to think in series, likely because that’s what I most love to read. For me, I always see my characters as part of a bigger family, whether that’s by blood, by circumstance or by friendship.

I have some new series ideas for Entangled that I’m working up for my editor that I’m really excited about. I’m also writing a series for Harlequin Romantic Suspense called the “House of Steele.” Again, it’s a family series - two brothers and two sisters have created a high-end security firm, the House of Steele, and each is called to various on-the-job adventures. I wanted to write a sexy caper - think “The Thomas Crown Affair” meets “Leverage.” The first book is called THE PARIS ASSIGNMENT and it’ll be out in July.


You are stopping by Book Sniffers Anonymous after all so I must ask... are you a book sniffer?
Oh yes!! I LOVE the smell of a new book!!!


We always end our reviews with our favorite quote/part from the book and I know with Temping Acquisitions being your new baby, it will be hard to choose but what is your favorite part or quote from the story?
There’s a scene before they make love that I really enjoyed writing. Keira’s been fighting her attraction to Nathan but knows she has feelings for him. For his part, Nathan (mistakenly!!) thinks he can separate business from pleasure and compartmentalize them in his mind.

It was important to me to truly acknowledge the conflict between them here in this scene. Sexual attraction is a powerful thing, but it has significant impact to both of their professional lives.

***

Desire pounded heavy in his veins as Nathan waited for Keira’s answer. He hadn’t had to ask a woman into his bed since he was a teenager, and it wasn’t until that moment that he realized how spoiled he’d been by that. Of course, the stakes had never been higher.

“You really believe that? You honestly can stand there and tell me you think you can separate the work from what’s between us?” She stared up at him. “Just put all of it into compartments?”

“Yes, I can.”

She shook her head at that. “And tomorrow morning, when the heat has passed. What then?”

He couldn’t stop the grin that spread across his features at her words. “Baby, it’s going to take a hell of a lot more than one night to cool the fire between us.”

Although the comment had sparked to life as a tease, as he spoke the words, he knew there was more to it. He wanted this woman with a ferocity that caught him off guard, even as it tempted him in ways he’d never felt before. This insatiable desire scared him, he admitted to himself. He’d never been a man to allow his wants to interfere with his ability to think, but he’d done damn little thinking in the last week.

Her dark gaze continued to drink him in while heavy chords of desire pounded through his overwrought body. And then that gaze dropped to the ground as whispered words floated toward him. “I like you too much to have regrets.” 

 

Tempting Acquisitions
(Boardrooms & Billionaires, #1)
Publisher: Entangled
Published: Jan. 7, 2013
Genre: Romance

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CEO Keira McBride has put more than a decade of blood, sweat, and tears into restoring her family’s magazine empire and knows she can handle any business challenge thrown her way…until sexy billionaire and corporate raider Nathan Cooper makes a play for her legacy.

Nathan’s not accustomed to losing and neither is Keira. When an all-consuming attraction threatens to devour them both, Nathan makes it clear he wants to move their relationship out of the boardroom and into the bedroom. Keira knows it’s going to be the negotiation of her life and the stakes have never been higher. This time, her heart is on the line…

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