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Blog Tour & Interview with J.K. Hogan and Review of Blood in the Valley
Today we have the lovely and very talented J.K. Hogan, author of the Vigilati Series with us! She is celebrating the release of the second installment of the Vigilati Series: Blood in the Valley:
The daughter of a Las Vegas hustler, Raven Sabatier grew up trusting nothing and no one—she doesn’t even trust herself to stay in one place for longer than a minute. When her quest to find out the secrets of her past leads her to the mountains of North Carolina, she’s set on a collision course with the one man she thought she’d never see again.
In Appalachia consulting on an archeological dig, Anthropologist Dr. Drew Deveraux comes face to face with the indomitable beauty who broke into his apartment a year ago, tilting his carefully cultivated world on its axis.
Engaged in a fight with their demons, both imagined and real, the last thing either of them expected to find was love. Together, they must unravel the mystery of Raven’s past and her connection with an ancient race of witches, in order to save their future—and all of the souls hanging in the balance.
I was fortunate enough to be able to interview J.K. and am sharing with you!!!
- What song makes you happy every time you hear it?
Wow, that’s so hard because I am such a music collector. The first one that comes to mind right now is Gold on the Ceiling by The Black Keys (and I also have a cover by Tab Benoit). Ask me again tomorrow and I may have a different answer.
- What movie can you see over and over again without getting sick of it?
Another tough one, because I’m not one to watch movies over and over again. I’d probably have to stick with a classic and say The Princess Bride. Or anything with Robert Downey Jr. in it.
- What is the worst fashion trend you ever bought into?
Poofy bangs. Platform shoes. Satin. Patent leather. You name the badness, I tried it.
- Did you dream of writing when you were a little or did you dream of other thing like being a ballerina (or Wonder Woman, like me)?
When I was a kid, I don’t think I thought too much about the future. I spent most of my time in my imaginary worlds, so I guess it wasn’t too much of a stretch that I became a novelist. The only other thing I can think of was that I wanted to be a cowgirl. I did that for a while before I got married. 
- Do you have any comfort reads?
I’m such a speed reader, I don’t know if I could put it down to particular books. Anything romance, really. Reading in general comforts me. I remember reading Wake Me Up Inside, an m/m paranormal by Cardeno C. while I had really bad morning sickness. That was kind of comforting. J
- What is your writing process?
It starts with an idea, or a character, and then I just sit down and write chronologically. I stop when the story goes cold so it doesn’t feel forced, and once it picks up again in my head, I get back to writing. I write straight through usually, and then I go back to fine tune.
- Revisions: love them or hate them?
Hate, hate, hate. I understand the need for them, and that they make the book better, but they’re so hard. It’s like someone criticizing your children (either yourself or someone else). It can be hard to take.
- Who/what inspires you?
Anyone who’s been able to make a career and support themselves by writing. Oh, an anyone who’s successfully raised a child. Now that I’m a mom, I’m realizing what a difficult and important task that is.
- How much of your day-to-day life goes into your writing?
Not nearly as much as I’d like. That number is ever-changing with the whims of my infant son. I get “mommy time” at night between the time I go to bed and when I actually fall asleep, so that gives me an hour or two.
- Kids in books: yes or no?
Hmm. Good question. Yes, as long as they work in the story and aren’t too much of a distraction from the plot. However, I’m definitely not into the whole heroine gets pregnant angle. It only really works for me in historicals, and I don’t read those much anymore.
- Pets in books: cheesy or sweet?
Pets make everything better! I think they make the characters more real. But again, it has to work with the story rather than distract from it.
- What’s your favorite thing to eat? (recipes welcome!)
Sushi. I love sushi.
- What is the scariest thing about being an author?
The first thing that comes to mind is the inevitable bad review. It has or will happen to everyone. So I guess, critique in general…worrying that your book will flop. I think any creative avenue comes with the same fear.
- What is the most exciting thing about being an author?
Creating something from nothing and having it entertain people. It’s amazing—there’s nothing like it.
- Do you have anything to share with us?
I absolutely love chatting with people about books (mine, or anyone else’s), hot guys, movies, music, whatever. So find me on twitter, FB, tumblr…pretty much all social media. I’m pretty active in social media, so I’ll most likely respond.
THIS OR THAT
- Peanut butter or jelly?
Peanut butter
- Chips or cookies?
Cookies. Can you tell I have a sweet tooth?
- Best talent: dancing or singing?
Singing. I definitely can’t dance.
- Print or eBook?
I’m an ebook convert. I thought I’d never switch, but the fact that I can carry SO many books with me and never worry about finishing a book and not having another with me…that totally convinced me.
- Pen or pencil?
In general, pen. For writing, laptop.
- Best friends: as many as possible or only need one?
That’s tough for me. I have rather antisocial tendencies, and I don’t really have a best friend…But I think you can never have too many friends as long as you can count on them.
- Notebook or computer?
Computer or iphone.
- Print or cursive?
Cursive. Not that you’d be able to read it, of course.
- Zombies or vampires?
Hmm… For sexy? Vampires. For action, zombies. Love The Walking Dead.
- Angel or Spike?
Well, I was never into Buffy, but I was into Bones, so I have to go with Angel because of David Boreanaz hotness.
**Note from MamaJo – Isn’t she AMAZING? Not only has she given me a new book boyfriend, but she is a woman after my own heart! Do you want to learn even more about her, do you want to know why I have a new book boyfriend? KEEP READING :
J.K. Hogan has been telling stories for as long as she can remember, beginning with writing cast lists and storylines for her toys growing up. When she finally decided to put pen to paper, magic happened. She is greatly inspired by all kinds of music and often creates a “soundtrack” for her stories as she writes them.
J.K. resides in North Carolina, where she was born and raised. A true southern girl at heart, she lives on a farm with her husband and their three horses, one miniature donkey, one cat, and two champion agility dogs.
In addition to writing, she enjoys training and competing in dog sports, spending time with her large southern family, camping, boating and, of course, reading! For more information, please visit www.jkhogan.com.
Where to find J.K Hogan on the web:
Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook / Amazon / Pinterest / Tumblr / Linkedin / Google Plus
Where to buy the books you
wantneed to read now:Fire on the Island (Book 1) :
Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Island-J-K-Hogan/dp/1938404173
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RO8BZM
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fire-on-the-island-jk-hogan/1112102519
MamaJo’s Review: http://mamakittyreviews.com/?p=518
Blood in the Valley (Book 2):
Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Valley-J-K-Hogan/dp/1938404475/
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Valley-Vigilati-Series-ebook/dp/B00CLENQO0/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blood-in-the-valley-jk-hogan/1115206625?ean=9781938404474
My Review of Blood in the Valley:
What I liked loved:
The expansion of the wonderful world J.K Hogan has created, the characters, the action, and the romance .
I have adopted Drew as one of my book boyfriends, he is caring, sweet, vulnerable, damaged, HOT, and most of all: he handled the changes to the world around him (and happening in his life) the way my dream man would.
I have also decided that in my next life, I want to be Raven, she has her own moral code – that you after her upbringing only adds to her charm, she kicks major butt, and she has an amazing capacity for love (even if she won’t admit it to herself!).
We also get to peek in on Isla and Jere, Jere’s mysterious brother, and even his mom (who helped to raise Drew)! (I also really liked Ray)
The romance was wonderful, showing that two flawed, yet strong characters can overcome their fears and strengthen their weaknesses together.
This series features truly strong women who don’t sit back and wait for their men to fix things for them – for me, this is imperative in a Paranormal Romance series that has a female protagonist . You won’t find whiny chits who either want someone to fight their battles or who want to know “why me” with the Vigilati Series. These heroines roll with the punches, get back up, acknowledge their weaknesses, kick some major butt , and love their men.
It is no secret that I love PNR, that being said – I have standards and I tend to set the bar rather high. Blood in the Valley not only reached the bar, but bounded right over it! Nothing is better as a reader of PNR than when the author expands the boundaries and rules of that world and makes it believable. And I have to say that by bringing us into her world as the characters learn the rules, Ms Hogan has made every single broken rule and shattered boundary flow naturally with the story.
*FTC Disclosure – I received an ARC of this book for review.
A Full 5 Meows
Review: The Practice Proposal by Tracy March
Liza Sutherland isn’t looking for love. Not from a charity-auction date she didn’t even bid on and especially not with Nationals first baseman Cole Collins, the guy she obsessed over as an awkward teenager. She won’t get involved with a notorious player, no matter how attractive Cole is.Cole Collins is up for contract renegotiation, but after too many late-night parties, he’ll need some positive publicity before he can make the roster. His agent, Frank, pitches Liza as the perfect prop…only Cole didn’t account for Liza no longer being just a teenager with a crush. She’s gorgeous and smart and he’s instantly hooked.When Frank makes Liza a deal she can’t refuse—a bet she will fall in love with Cole or a cool half mil goes to charity—the game is on. But neither bet on the real feelings that surface. Could a fake fling turn into an official forever?
- Publisher: Entangled: Bliss (March 11, 2013)
- Sold by: Macmillan
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00BQMOGKQ
- FTC Disclosure: Copy provided by NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read with characters that were easy to fall in love with. Liza first met Cole when he was a teenager attending her family’s baseball camp. She crushed on him then and but they’ve lost contact over the years. When her mom bids and wins a date with the now famous baseball player Cole Collins Liza is determined it will only be one date and nothing more. With all the things she’s been through she has no desire to move on, which shouldn’t be a problem given Cole’s player reputation.
Cole has worked hard to make it pro and everything is at risk if he doesn’t get a new contract. When his agent comes to him with a plan to have a “pretend” serious relationship with Liza he’s a little concerned but agrees to go through with it. He doesn’t plan on actually having an interest in Liza.
Lots of baseball talk in this book and considering I’m not into baseball I could have done without all the details. But the story is well written and flows nicely.
Rating: 4 meows
Review: Wolf with Benefits by Shelly Laurenston
There’s nothing like a good-ol’-boy wolf. And ace security expert Ricky Lee Reed serves, protects and seduces with all the right moves…
Sure, Toni Jean-Louis Parker has to be the responsible oldest sister to a crazy-brilliant clan of jackal siblings. But now she’s cutting loose for some hot, sweaty, no-commitments fun—and the sexy, slow-talking, swift-moving predator assigned to keep her family safe is just the right thing to shapeshift her love life into overdrive. Trouble is, he’s starting to get all obsessive wolf on her every time he looks in her direction…
Getting serious about anyone isn’t in Ricky Lee Reed’s plans. Hell, even now he doesn’t really have a plan—outside of catching whomever is threatening this dangerously brilliant family. But the more he sees of Toni, the more he’s howling for her. And whatever it takes to convince her that what they have is everything, well, this wily wolf is down for the sizzling chase…
- File Size: 558 KB
- Print Length: 400 pages
- Publisher: Kensington Books (March 26, 2013)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00ADQHGD0
- FTC Disclosure: My copy provided through Kensington Books via Netgalley for the purpose of an honest review.
All right kids I’m not going to lie, I LOVE THIS SERIES! If you haven’t read The Pride Series: you should hit the nearest book store/library/e-book store and start with The Mane Event! *Note there is also mention of The Magnus Pack and having read them makes that even better when you hit that point in the story.*
Toni is the oldest of 11 kids, that’s right, she has 10 younger siblings! These siblings have been for the most part her whole life. Oh, did I fail to mention that they are all child prodigies? Well, they are, every last one of them and Toni manages their schedules and them. Her mother is a famous violinist, her father is the perfect mate and follows her mother everywhere. Now that the family had invaded Manhattan, Toni finds a job outside her immediate family and the chaos and meddling ensues!
Ricky Lee Reed is a patient, laid back wolf. Coming from the Reed/Smith pack he has to be, but something about Toni fires up his protective instincts. The fact that his pregnant sister and cousin are “hounding” him because his ex is in town gives him just the excuse he needs to ensure he is on the protection detail of the cute little jackal he has been sniffing around – Toni!
Toni and Ricky’s relationship was very sweet, and I really loved how patient he was with EVERYTHING. (I want to go to Siberia with him myself.) I did feel that not enough emphasis was put on Toni coming to terms with being something other than her siblings’ keeper. I felt that she really blossomed in that regard, but she herself never addressed it.
Getting to visit with past and new characters was so much fun. Toni’s younger siblings added humor, mayhem, and just the right amount of cute.
If you’re a fan of humor, with side plots, an ever expanding world, and all around GREAT characters, this book series is for you!
Review: Lush by Lauren Dane
USA Today bestselling author Lauren Dane delivers a second serving of sexy in her new Delicious novel, in which taste and temptation make up a sweet recipe…
Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She has everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is overpowering—and she isn’t about to deny herself.
Damien is used to a hard and fast life. He and two of his brothers started a band when they were fresh out of high school—then they hit the big time and stayed there. He’s also a legendary madman on the stage and in the bedroom. But when he meets Mary, something clicks, and the bad boy starts thinking he may have finally found something good.
What begins as a series of fleeting trysts soon gets much more complicated. Damien can’t figure out why Mary doesn’t want more from him. And before long, it’s Damien who wants more from Mary. But it turns out Mary is no stranger to celebrity news, and he’s got a very big job ahead of him: proving that he’s worth more than a one-night stand…
- Publisher: Berkley Trade; 1 edition (April 2, 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0425256081
- ISBN-13: 978-0425256084
- FTC Disclosure: Received my copy via NetGalley for the purposes of an honest review.
This is the very first Lauren Dane book I’ve ever read and I was pretty impressed. First of all, when I requested it from Net Galley I didn’t realize it was number 3 in a series. It didn’t matter; Lauren did a really good job of making this book independent.
Mary is such a down to earth person, a caterer who is just getting her business going. (By the way I probably gained 10 pounds while reading this book…Mary’s food sounded SOO good.) Damien is a famous musician, well known for his wild and crazy nights. Not only will Damien have to prove he’s capable of more than a one night stand but will Mary be able to deal with the media and the damning pictures and phone calls that comes along with dating a celebrity. Her thoughts are, “I think he’s a drummer in a rock band who drinks a lot, parties a lot, has a lot of women and shows up in the tabloids on a regular basis. I don’t even really follow the celebrity news and I know these things. I just have no desire for that. At all…”, “Anyway, I’m not going to marry him, for heaven’s sake. I’m going to fuck him and let him make me laugh and enjoy his company. I’m not stupid.” But when Damien comes around saying things like “There’s only one woman I want in my bed. One. You. Mary Whaley, curly- haired goddess of the kitchen. Dirty talking, horny, cock hungry, beautiful, beautiful woman. Mine.” Who could resist? Certainly not me…
Totally loved this book. The only thing that’s keeping me from giving this a 5 is a few repetitive comments in the beginning of the book. I got tired of hearing things like this…”Not that he was complaining or anything…”, “Like she’d complain…”, “You’ll hear no arguments from me.”, “She had no complaints about that part. Not at all…”, “As if she’d say no?” “Not that she had any complaints…” That’s really the only complaint I have. 
I’m looking forward to reading more from Lauren Dane.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 meows
Review: Rush by Maya Banks
Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking…
When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.
Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.
As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.
- Paperback: 416 pages
- Publisher: Berkley Trade; 1 edition (February 5, 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0425267040
- ISBN-13: 978-0425267042
- FTC Disclosure: Purchased by me
When I first started reading Rush I was a little disappointed at how much like Fifty Shades of Gray it seemed to be….average girl, millionaire guy who wants her as a submissive, him getting upset with her for going out partying and not calling him to come get her and constantly telling her to eat up. However, I found this book a hundred times better; better writing, more believable, hotter sex!
What intrigued me about this book was Mia’s prior relationship with Gabe. He’s her brothers’ best friend and should be off limits. They both want each other secretly but if they act on it how will Jace (Mia’s brother) act? After all, Gabe wants complete submission from Mia and Jace knows exactly how demanding Gabe can be with his women.
Ok, contract? I can never say never, but I feel that if I was ever asked to sign a contract it would be a deal breaker. However, Mia knows that Gabe would never do anything to hurt her. After he explains his reason for having a contract, I get it. I still don’t think it would ever fly for me…but I get it. And I like that there’s no safe word, “no” should ALWAYS work.
I absolutely LOVE the characters in this book. Maya did an excellent job with these two. I felt connected to them both within minutes. I love the way they bicker exactly like two people who have known each other for ever. Despite the awkwardness in the beginning of this kind of relationship, I truly felt that these were two people who were completely comfortable with each other. Their dialogue made me laugh out loud at times. (I love that in a book)
The SEX was HOT, especially in the office…Wow!
I’m giving Rush a 5 because even though it did have some similarities to Fifty Shades of Gray, it blew that out of the water!
Kudos to Maya Banks…looking forward to Fever!
New Things from Jessie Lane! New Cover and an Excerpt
Hello, all!
I’m taking a break from my self-imposed Hell schooling to give you all some updates from one of my new favorite authors, Jessie Lane! (If you need a reminder of how I gushed over their latest release, Big Bad Bite, just click this link.)
Well, it seems that the author has released a new cover for their book, Big Bad Bite, along with cleaning up the novel for some quirks that passed the first run.
Here’s their new cover!
Check out what else they have to say about the re-release:
We’re excited to announce that Big Bad Bite had a makeover! Inside and out! We have a sexy new cover featuring our favorite Wolf, Adam, AND Big Bad Bite was sent off and edited by the amazing girls at C&D Editing.
Some might wonder, “Has the story changed?”
The answer to that would be yes and no. No, because the story line is still the same. Yes, because it no longer has those pesky grammatical errors, info dumps were cut down, inconsistencies were caught, and best of all, a tiny scene was added! Overall, it’s a better story, but still has a kick ass, snarky heroine Jenna, and the snarly, but lovable, Adam who wants her.
So, if you haven’t picked up your copy of Big Bad Bite yet, then go get it today!
Big Bad Bite Info:
Goodreads page: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14741876-big-bad-bite
Website Page: http://jessielanesite.blogspot.com/p/big-bad-bite-series.html
Buy links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Big-Bad-Bite-ebook/dp/B00B6TPAX6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360274623&sr=1-1
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/big-bad-bite-jessie-lane/1114253911?ean=2940015946420
All Romance/Omni Lit: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bigbadbite-1046911-139.html
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/270552
Jessie Lane’s next book, a contemporary romance titled Secret Maneuvers, will be released in May, so look out for their interview on Mama Kitty Reviews.
And as a special treat, here’s an excerpt from Big Bad Bite:
Hanging up with Kent, Jenna looks over to her Uncle. “We’ve got at least an hour to waste. How about you explain this Pack Master thing to me.”
Uncle Owen cocks his head to the side, considering her, and then asks, “What is it that you want to know about being Pack Master?”
“What is a Pack Master? What does you being the Pack Master mean and how did you become it? Is it because my father was the Pack Master and you’re related to him?”
A smug smile crosses his face. “There is one Pack Master for almost every continent. A Pack Master is the top Alpha Wolf for that continent and runs the entire area as his territory. So, for example, Adam is the Alpha of North Carolina, his job is to promote peace, make sure all of the wolves in his area are taken care of, and dispense discipline as well as justice if it’s needed. Him being Alpha is a position he earned by being the strongest wolf in the state and having the willingness to fight and kill any other wolf that wishes to challenge him to prove it. Although strong Alpha genetics do run in a family, it does not guarantee you an Alpha position if you’re related to one. I am not Pack Master because your father was and I’m his brother. Your father was the Pack Master because he was the biggest, baddest Wolf in this country. When he was killed I had to publically stake my claim in the title with anyone else who wanted the position, and then we were paired off in fights in front of anyone of our kind who wanted to watch, to the death. Like MacLeod in the Highlander, there could be only one. I inherited the Pack Master title because I’m the biggest, baddest motherfucker in the United States and I’m willing to kill anyone who challenges me mercilessly to prove it.”
Jenna blinks back at her Uncle in a small state of shock. “So you’re telling me that you became Pack Master because of your willingness to be a killer?”
He shakes his head. “No, I’m telling you that I’m Pack Master because I have a number of qualities that allow me to lead our people. Intelligence, strength, and when needed, a head for politics. I also have to be willing to kill anyone stupid enough to challenge me for the position. It’s out of necessity I assure you, not pleasure. Thankfully, the majority of my wolves are smart enough to know they wouldn’t stand a chance against me.”
“So what are you, like the wolf shifter version of the Terminator? Unstoppable and un-killable?”
His smug grin expands and turns into something that resembles a deadly shark like smile. “No, you could say I’m more like the Borg. Everyone will assimilate and resistance is futile.”
Jenna snorts. She should have known that she would be related to lethal geeks. God forbid she actually be related to anybody with any normal tendencies. That might be asking any higher powers for more than they can handle.
Review: Rush by Maya Banks
Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking…
When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.
Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.
As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.
- File Size: 638 KB
- Print Length: 416 pages
- Publisher: Berkley (February 5, 2013)
- Sold by: Penguin Publishing
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00AI5APLQ
- FTC Disclosure: Book given for the purpose of an honest review.
I honestly have mixed feelings about this book. I really wanted to love it, because MK loves Maya Banks, and I know that she has superb taste in romances. (duh.) But I have to say, I just wasn’t that into it.
It’s not you, book, it’s me.
Really, I did start to like the characters in the novel, although the story line is improbable, but I guess that the problem is my hang-up. It’s another spin on 50 Shades, although the novel is hyperaware of its proximity to that damn book. Gabe makes it a point to mention that his kink isn’t related to some childhood trauma. He is just really into bondage. Okay, that’s perfectly fine—no judgment here.
The fact is, the storyline is weak and the ending is rushed. Plot-wise, it fails to hit the mark, BUT the characters are good and are what makes the story. So, if you’re looking for something on par with 50 Shades, with a great love story, then look no further.
3.5 Meows out of 5
Interview and Giveaway: Lynne Silver and her latest release, Conquered Match!
It’s release day for Lynne Silver! In honor of this, Lynne has stopped by MKR for a little interview time and to giveaway a digital copy of book two of the Coded for Love series, Conquered Match! In case you missed it, I’ve been waiting anxiously for book two since I went to bibliomaniac heaven read Heated Match (click the hyperlink to check out the 5-star review), and I’m so excited to have Lynne with us. Read through and don’t forget to comment for a chance to win a free copy of Lynne’s latest release, Conquered Match!
Book two in the Coded for Love Series.
When genetically enhanced soldier Ryan Lopez learns his beloved wife Thea has betrayed his team by going to the news media and spilling Program secrets, he takes responsibility for her punishment the only way he knows how—seducing her until she’s begging for release. But the more he takes control of her body, the more he tests both their limits, and realizes he’s never fully understood his wife’s dark desires. It will take every bit of Ryan’s enhanced strength to prove to them both that the woman he loves is also his conquered match.
Conquered Match: January 11, 2013 from Ellora’s Cave
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
By day, Lynne Silver lives the suburban soccer mom life; volunteering with the PTA, doing laundry and working. By night she enters the sensuous world of alpha males and passionate heroines.
She calls the nation’s capital home and lives in an old fixer-upper with her husband and their two sons. When not writing romance, she reads it. Lots of it. Over and over and over again, preferably with a bag of M&Ms in hand. She is represented by literary agent, Jessica Alvarez of Bookends LLC http://bookends-inc.com/index.htm
Sorry for using the generic bio, but I suck at talking about myself. If I didn’t use the bio my critique partners wrote for me, I would say something like this:
I am female. I have 2 kids and a husband. I write books. They have sex. Well, the books don’t have sex, that would be weird. The characters have sex.
See what I mean?
2. Did you dream of writing when you were a little girl or did you dream of other things like being a ballerina (or an astronaut, like I did)?
I wanted to be Aileen Quinn, the actress who played Annie in the movie. I went around belting out Tomorrow, convinced someone would hear my talent, slap a red curly wig on my head and ship me off to Hollywood. I didn’t want to be an actress, only Annie.
3. Were you always interested in writing romance or did you start out interested in something else?
When I decided to write with the intent of getting published, it was all about romance. Before that, I wrote press releases for a technology company. (Fiction of a different sort)
4. What is the first book that you can remember making an impact on you? Why did it make such an impact?
In kindergarten, my teacher gave a star sticker on a sentence strip each time you read a book. My stars left the strip and went all the way around the room. Obviously books influenced me hugely. But the first romance book was Judy Blume’s Forever. It was the first book I ever read with sex in it. And I. Was. Hooked. I’d had NO idea an author could do that. I was 13.
5. What is your writing process?
I put my kids on the school bus at 7:50, grab a bite of breakfast, and am at my computer by 8:30 with my fingerless gloves and Snuggie on. Before starting any book, I do serious character outlines. We’re talking pages. I want to know everything about them so I can make sure they react in character. I don’t do extensive plotting, but I do have a bare bones outline, hitting the major turning points.
6. How do you approach revising?
With lots of valium and Advil. No seriously, I usually have to sit on a book for a little while if I know it needs extensive revisions. Then I read it out loud marking notes in a notebook.
7. What authors inspire you?
Judy Blume, Kresley Cole, JR Ward, Kristan Higgins
8. What are your top 5 comfort reads?
Catch of the Day (Kristan Higgins), Kiss of a Demon King (Kresley Cole) and anything by Maud Hart Lovelace in the Betsy Tacy series.
9. How much of what you do in your day-to-day life goes into your writing?
Hmmm.. Nada. Sorry.
10. Much of the plot of Heated Match is tied into the science of this world that you’ve created, but the romance is just as prominent. How do you balance the romance of the story with the science?
This one’s easy. The last science class I took was nearly 20 years ago. Romance is easier to write about! Plus, I write what I like to read. I love sci-fi, but I want a heavy dose of romance. I know some readers have asked some science questions about the features and logistics behind my soldiers. I’m thinking of adding some fun stuff to my website answering a lot of these questions. I don’t want my books getting weighted down with genetics lessons. (I was an American Lit major, I’m NOT the one to teach them)
11. What was the first scene that you wrote in Heated Match?
Heated Match started as a futuristic sci fi erotica. It was the first thing I wrote. Ever. And it sucked. I mean it sucked donkey balls. So I rewrote it as a contemporary romantic suspense. Paulson the geneticist wasn’t in it. A fifteen year old terrorist bent on revenge was. It still sucked. So I rewrote it again and again. I couldn’t begin to tell you which scene was first. Luckily, Books 2, 3, & 4 (yes, 4. Xander’s book) came much more easily. (well, I’m only on 11K into Xander’s but it’s going ok so far)
12. Describe your latest book in 140 characters or less.
Wife betrays her genetically enhanced soldier of a husband. He retaliates the only way he can…in the bedroom.
13. What do you love most about writing?
I love the freedom of setting my own schedule, and since I have attention issues, I love that I always have a new project. If I get bored of one thing, I can revise another or brainstorm a new thing.
14. What do you hate most about writing?
Typing- my hands hurt at the end of the day. Apparently I have a speech impediment, because Dragon Dictation did not work for me. At. All.
15. What are you reading right now?
I’m on vacay right now, so here’s what I downloaded onto my Kindle:
At Last comes Love, Mary Balogh
A Lady by Midnight, Tessa Dare
Breathe, Kristen Ashley,
Leave me Breathless, Cherrie Lynn
Tart, Lauren Dane
Zone One, Colson Whitehead
Cosmic, Frank Cottrell Bryce (This is the middle grade bedtime reading for my sons, but we’re all loving it)
16. Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Thank you so much for having me on Mama Kitty! Oh, and everyone should sign up for my quarterly newsletter at www.lynnesilver.com There be prizes!
THIS OR THAT
1. Peanut butter or jelly? Nutella
2. Chips or cookies? Sour cream & onion potato chips.
3. Best talent: music or art? Art
4. Print or eBook? Both
5. Pen or pencil? Extra fine tip gel pen
6. Best friends: as many as possible or only need one? One or two besties
7. Notebook or computer? computer
8. Print or cursive? Typed
9. Zombies or vampires? I’m so over both. But Colson Whitehead’s Zone One about Zombies, was really good.
10. Angel or Spike? Spike!
About the Author:
By day, Lynne Silver lives the suburban soccer mom life; volunteering with the PTA, doing laundry and working. By night she enters the sensuous world of alpha males and passionate heroines.
She calls the nation’s capital home and lives in an old fixer-upper with her husband and their two sons. When not writing romance, she reads it. Lots of it. Over and over and over again, preferably with a bag of M&Ms in hand. She is represented by literary agent, Jessica Alvarez of Bookends LLC http://bookends-inc.com/index.htm
Fun Facts about Lynne:
- She has no sense of direction and could get lost on her way from the kitchen to the bathroom.
- She grew up in Miami and is a huge Hurricanes fan. (The football team, not the natural disaster.)
- Speaking of natural disasters…she lived through Hurricane Andrew, though her car and much of her house did not. To this day she is scared of storms and windy days.
- Lynne eats a lot of sushi and considers herself a bit of a connoisseur. She and her husband considered writing a sushi guide at one time.
Question to win a free download of Conquered Match:
Create your physical dream of a genetically enhanced soldier! Is he tall? Blond? Muscular, Sinewy?
Review of “Wrapped up with Tinsel” by Kanata Pierre
Good Morning Everyone!
I hope all had a Merry Christmas, or whatever you celebrate, and have not quite lost your passion for the Christmas holiday, as I have just read a very cute short story about Santa. And an elf. And a candy cane.
Fifty years ago, “Nick” vowed never to be alone on Christmas Night again after Mrs. Claus left him. He dieted, shaved, and dyed his hair and, with his charm and appeal, made his way through the naughty list. Now, Nick finds himself alone on Christmas Night, Ms. “I-Starred-in-Three-Movies-Last-Year” cancelling their date at the last moment.
Tinsel, Nick’s assistant elf, struggles to find Santa a date and ignores calls from his unfaithful gift wrapper of an ex, prompting Nick to invite Tinsel to an impromptu Christmas dinner. Amidst burgers and merlot, they enjoy each other’s company and begin to wonder if there’s more to their relationship than boss and subordinate.
I really liked the twist up on the orginal story of Santa – what happens when he gets divorced and lives in a New York penthouse complete with a personal assistant? I loved the banter between Nick and Tinsel, there was a honest feel for their relationship. Did I just say that about an elf and Santa? Yes, I did. This short story still managed to have a scene that made me giggle though.
Tinsel hit off his cell and slipped it into his pocket effortlessly. “I spoke with Jack. He said he’ll keep the frost on New York until the end of March, though if you want an early spring, he’ll speak with the groundhog. I remembered how much you detest dealing with that furry beast.”
Nick smirked. “How much I detest dealing with the ‘furry beast,’ or how much you detested dealing with the ‘furry beast’?”
Tinsel returned the teasing grin. “Considering I make some of your most important decisions, sir, I assure you, you detest dealing with the furry beast.”
Nick nodded and once more gazed out at the cityscape. “Good to know.”
Clearly Tinsel is the only real glue in this new Nick’s life, but he has been there for 500 years, so losing Mrs. Claus 50 years ago was just a blip on their time together. This season though…Santa is looking at Tinsel with a new light and liking what he sees. Very cute story, with a rendition of “Up on the Housetop” I will never forget, along with a use of a candy cane I was very impressed with.
Quick, cute read with a nice little twist on tradition. Oh, and the last few sentences cracked me up.
*I received this book from Torquere Press, Inc. for review.
3 1/2 (I still can’t bring myself to cut those cute cats in half.)
Review of Small Town Siren by Sophie Oak
Small Town Sire (Texas Sirens #1) by Sophie Oak
Jack Barnes and Sam Fleetwood have been best friends since they met in foster care. They share a business as cattle ranchers and a house. All they need now is a woman to share. The men are sure they’ve found that woman when Abigail Moore returns to Willow Fork, TX.
Abby left her hometown twenty years before under a cloud of scandal. She’s raised a daughter, forged a new life for herself, and is ready for the next phase when she meets the handsome cowboys. They’re a dream come true; Jack is the sexy Dom, and Sam the playful lover. It’s everything she’s ever fantasized about. There’s only one problem. She’s still not welcome in Willow Fork, and someone is willing to kill to keep her away
When I started this book I walked into it blind. I seriously picked the book from the title, and nothing more. I have never read Sophie Oak, and I had no clue this was going to be a menage book (yes, I really didn’t even see the cover!). As soon as I started reading, I got sucked in though, because the story was written very well.
Abby Moore is an outcast to the extreme in her hometown of Willow Fork. As a teenager she was a little wild, and got blamed for a tragic accident that she wasn’t the cause of. Run out-of-town and pregnant to boot, Abby pulled herself up by her bootstraps and moved on with her life as best she could. Twenty years later, she returns to help her mother and finds the world might have moved on, but in small town Texas, people have long memories and are better at holding grudges than accepting change. She has no idea the change about to come into her own world though, and it’s coming in the form of two hot cowboys.
Jack Barnes and Sam Fleetwood are the best of friends, cattle ranchers and looking for a woman. For them to share. When they run into Abby, she consumes their thoughts and they put a plan into motion. Wooing Abby is a sensitive thing, and the dating is going to make Sam go crazy. Jack, the level-headed left brain, is always in control. In response to Sam’s rushing, I really liked what Jack said.
“No, Sam. You asked me to give this a chance, and I’m giving it the best chance I can. She’s not a one night stand,” Jack said firmly. “She’s nervous now. We need to set this on the right footing. We need to let her know we’re going to treat her like a lady. Let’s ask her out to the ranch. We’ll have a nice meal and show her around. She’ll see how serious we can be.”
Sam looked disappointed, but he rarely argued. “All right. I’ll follow your lead, but damn, Jack, don’t take too long. I’m likely to die of sexual frustration.”
The dating was funny, due to misconceptions and assumptions, mostly on Abby’s part. From the asking of the date (I laughed out loud at this point) to the “time for a new plan” (that had me rolling) I was easily caught up in the world of Abby/Jack/Sam. Things don’t go that easy though – I mean how does a woman with a grown child decide to become the meat in that kind of manwich? Abby makes the choice, but it seems like it’s not only her past that will haunt them. All three have baggage, and we all know it’s easier to carry when there are strong hearts there to help with it. What could be better than two cowboys and a trauma nurse to mend a trio of broken hearts?
What I liked: Two major things:
1) The relationship between the boys. They we perfectly matched and to quote the book “Sometimes it felt like they were two halves of a whole person—Jack the serious half, while Sam was all about the light.”
2) The drama from the past. I really loved the Ruby Echols, and the parts written from her point of view were extremely well done.
What I didn’t like: Well, it’s small and nit-picky-ish, but right at the start of the book Abby is introduced as Abby Moore, then just a few pages later, she is called Abby Barnes. It made me double take and go back to reread to make sure I had got her name right to start with. I told you it was nit-picky.
Overall I really enjoyed the ride this book gave, and I liked the way it was written. For those of you interested, it is a menage book, contains some mild BDSM, detailed sex scenes and some very sexy cowboys.
3 1/2 Meows
(that cat was too cute to cut in half)
