Book Monster Reviews

She's baaack - The Fabu Gena Showalter

2012-03-01T22:29:00.002-05:00

Gena Showalter Interview Intro:

Hello everyone! Book Monster Reviews and LITERAL ADDICTION are incredibly honored to have the beautiful and talented Gena Showalter back with us today, and we are VERY excited to help her celebrate and promote her latest release —“The Darkest Seduction”, the latest LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD book.

Gena is a New York Times and national bestselling author of more than thirty novels in a wide range of genres that started writing at the age of 27. Her fiction has appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazines as well as on MTV, and has been nominated for the prestigious RITA, as well as the National Reader’s Choice Award.

She has always believed in love… An avid romance reader, she decided to try her hand at a story of her own, and is now the author of a multitude of white-hot paranormal romances, sexy contemporary novels, and thrilling young adult titles.

Gena’s wildly sensual page-turners have a mix of humor, danger, and wickedly hot sex – a combination that is sure to enthrall! After all, she is universally known to be “made of awesome” and “a star on the rise” and we couldn’t agree more! 

Gena’s library of literary excellence consists of an amazing array of titles and series. We highly suggest you check out her ENTIRE backlist HERE.

For the sake of this Event, we’ll be talking about Gena’s newest LORDS OF THE UNDERWOLD installment, as well as her new, upcoming series - ANGELS OF THE DARK - which we hope to have her back to promote properly in June.

Gena’s LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD consists of these titles:

”The Darkest Fire”
“The Darkest Night”
“The Darkest Kiss”
“The Darkest Pleasure”
“The Darkest Prison”
“The Darkest Whisper”
“The Darkest Passion”
“The Darkest Lie”
“The Darkest Secret”
“The Darkest Surrender”
“The Darkest Seduction” [just released 2/28/12]

Her ANGELS OF THE DARK series, which is coming on June 26, 2012, is a dark, seductive read featuring angels poised at the brink of destruction.

For those of you new to Gena’s work, we really do suggest that you bump her titles to the top of your TBR lists ASAP and go do some synopses reading now to find the best order for you to indulge. For today though, we’ll give you the synopses for “The Darkest Seduction” and “Wicked Nights” to peak your interests a bit…

“The Darkest Seduction”

LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD series, #9:

Possessed by the demon of Promiscuity, immortal warrior Paris is irresistibly seductive-but his potent allure comes at a terrible price. Every night he must bed someone new, or weaken and die. And the woman he craves above all others is the one woman he’d thought was forever beyond his reach…until now.

Newly possessed by the demon of Wrath, Sienna Blackstone is racked by a ruthless need to punish those around her. Yet in Paris’s arms, the vulnerable beauty finds soul-searing passion and incredible peace. Until a blood feud between ancient enemies heats up.

Will the battle against gods, angels and creatures of the night bind them eternally-or tear them apart?

“Wicked Nights”

ANGELS OF THE DARK series, #1:

Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed too dangerous, too ruthless, and if he isn’t careful, he’ll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred . . . until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he’s never before known.

Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation—or her ultimate damnation?

It bears mentioning that Gena also has a NEW Young Adult series in the works called ALICE IN ZOMBIELAND. The first book in the series is due out in September of 2012 and looks to be an amazing read. It’s about a teenage girl who loses her family in a crash, and wakes up to a world of zombies and zombie slaying, as well as a bad boy who could save or destroy her.

We know… It’s too much! It’s not enough! So, how about we just get to the Interview and talk to Gena about “The Darkest Seduction” and find out how she’s feeling about her new series as well shall we!?

Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION: Hi Gena! We’re so happy to have you back today to help celebrate and promote Paris’s book! Thank you so much once again for taking time out of your busy schedule to spend some time with us and our readers.

GENA: Thank you so much for having me.

Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION: We’ve had you on a few times already and have asked most of our good ice breaker questions so we’ll stick mostly to questions directly related to the new releases if that’s O.K with you.

Q1): This one isn’t release related, but we have to ask… You said you would choose Lothaire over anyone for a free pass date (as you told us back in September). So… 1) Have you read the book yet and what did you think? And 2) Did Kresley take any ‘behind-the-scenes’ pics of Paul as Lothaire for you while they were on the road (she kind of hinted she might have at the Tampa FL signing)? 

GENA: I think Kresley Cole is one of the most talented, dedicated, brilliant, witty, gorgeous--and did I mention talented? and gorgeous?--writers I’ve ever come across. She puts the reader inside the book as the characters and world come to life. And I did indeed get behind-the-scene Lothaire pics . . . but I’ll never share (or I’ll never get behind-the-scene pics again and momma want more)

Q2): How are you feeling now that Paris’s book is finally ready for consumption?

GENA: I’ve noticed many differences in my writing lately, and I can see the beginning seeds of those changes in Paris’s book. Part of me is beyond excited for the book to hit stores and to hear from readers, but I’m also highly aware readers have been waiting for Paris’s book and that they have certain expectations. Wait. What am I doing? Talking myself into worrying? No way. I’m excited. All of me is excited <g>

Q3): What were some of the challenges (research, literary, psychological, logistical, etc) in bringing “The Darkest Seduction” to life?

GENA: The biggest challenges were of my own making. Paris played such a big role in the other Lords of the Underworld books, and so much had happened in his life—after losing the only woman capable of breaking his curse, he went from the life of the party to a drug addicted Debbie Downer (just sayin’)—but I had to stay the course, even though that meant wringing myself out emotionally to portray him honestly. Because yeah, all that darkness had to be dealt with and I was the one who had to do it. What I learned? Most men need a woman’s help--even fictional men.

Q4): Did you encounter any surprises while writing/editing/releasing “The Darkest Seduction”?
GENA: Many surprises. In fact, the book you will read is not the book I originally envisioned writing—and not the book I began to write. I wrote the first hundred pages, but could go no further and trashed them. I wrote another hundred pages, could go no further and trashed them again—I repeated this process four times, using different heroines and situations. Finally, I let Paris take over. That’s the book you will read. It’s not the one I wanted for him, but it’s the one he wanted for himself.

Q5): We know it’s never totally clear who will step up and demand that their story be told next, but do you have a better idea now whom might be next? ;-)

GENA: Actually . . . no. I’m sorry! I’m trying not to think about it right now. I think I’ll be writing the second book in the Angels of the Dark series next, and I’m working on Last Kiss Goodnight right now, the first book in the Alien Huntress spin-off, as well as a novella I’m writing with PC Cast (After Moonrise), so I’m trying to focus on those characters and those situations.

Q6): Last time we had you for a solo Event, you weren’t able to spill any details about the LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD spin-off. Can you tell us about it now?

GENA: Zacharel will be leading an army of warriors who have broken all the rules and are in danger of being kicked from the heavens. And when they mess up, Zacharel is the one who’s punished. There’s a stint in an insane asylum, lots of danger, action, sizzle, battles between good and evil (Go Team Good!), and world travel—in the arms of a winged warrior.

Q7): The cover of “The Darkest Seduction” is absolutely gorgeous! Who did the art, and how much input did you have?

GENA: I had very little input on the cover (or for any of my covers, for that matter.) Well, except for prayer <g> I can accomplish a lot that way (just wait till you see the Alice in Zombieland cover!) But I think the female on the cover of Wicked Nights is one of the most stunning women I’ve ever seen (and she kind of reminds me of the gorgeous Marjorie Liu.)

Q8): Are you getting excited to unleash ANGELS OF THE DARK onto the world?

GENA: I am. Some of Zacharel’s warriors make the Lords of the Underworld look like sticks of cotton candy <--true story. But that’s good right? Cotton candy is tasty!

Q9): What about ALICE IN ZOMBIELAND? We know Cole is kind of your crush… are you excited to see how he’s received by readers?

GENA: I am SO excited to release this series. I just saw the cover concepts for books 1 and 2 and, oh, I am beyond amazed! I think these are my favorite covers ever. And if readers like a bad boy that you aren’t quite sure where he falls on the good or bad scale—is he or isn’t he—and if readers like the idea of a young William, well, they will enjoy Cole

Q10): Is there anything else that you want to make sure and let us and our readers know about while we have you here today?

GENA: Lots of secrets are revealed in the upcoming books—The Darkest Seduction and Wicked Nights--and lots of new things ahead with the release of Alice in Zombieland September 25^th and a duology with the amazing PC Cast in November and. . . oh, oh, the Otherworld Assassin series! Like I said, this is a spin-off from the Alien Huntress books, and debuts this December with Last Kiss Goodnight. I originally meant to write Dallas’s story, but it fizzled out, I had no one else standing up demanding a story, and boom, the idea for LKG appeared. I am BEYOND excited for this book! It features a new black ops section of the Alien Investigation and Removal, with grittier situations, richer emotions, and, I’m just gonna say it, sexier heroes. Plus, I am so in love with the heroine.

Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION: Gena, thank you so much again for spending time with us. It’s always such a pleasure! We’re really excited to talk to you later tonight in the Live chat and we would absolutely love to have you back in June to promote “Wicked Nights” if you’d be interested.

GENA: Thank you so much for having me! We’ll definitely have to do something for Wicked Nights!

If you want to keep up with GENA, you can find her in these places online:

Website: http://members.genashowalter.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gena-Showalter-Official-Fan-Page/208156686265

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/genashowalter

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/48192.Gena_Showalter

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CONTEST:
GENA is graciously offering up a signed copy of “The Darkest Seduction” to a winner from Book Monster Reviews and another winner over at the LITERAL ADDICTION Website.

TO ENTER:

Make sure you are a member of the Book Monster Blog (by clicking on the “JOIN THIS SITE” button at the top left hand corner of blog page), and then post a comment on the interview with your email address.

*Any comments without an email address will NOT be entered into drawing.

Guset Post & Return Appearance with Jessa Slade

2012-03-01T00:29:00.002-05:00

Happy Thursday Monsters and Addicts. Today we have the awesome Jessa Slade taking over the reigns at Book Monster and LITERAL ADDICTION.

Before Jessa takes over we wanted to make sure ya'll are aquainted with her, so we posted her bio and some info about her MARKED SOUL series below. Enjoy the post and make sure to check out the series. Its made of awesomeness!!

AND - DON'T FORGET: Jessa will be chatting with us LIVE over in the LITERAL ADDICTION Chatroom from 8:00 - 9:00pm EST (7 - 8pm CT and 5 - 6pm MDT & PDT) and we hope ya'll can drop by to say hello.

Despite a grade school career aptitude test that indicated farming would be her best bet, Jessa always knew she wanted to be a writer. Her early works include “MY POMES,” a poetry chapbook rampant with unicorns and misspellings, and a torrid teen cowboy romance which her editor-mother asked her to revise and resubmit, changing the love scene to “soul mates.”

After close to a million final draft words and nearly triple digit rejections, she sold her first novel, an urban fantasy romance, thanks to the 2007 Rose City Romance Writers’ Golden Rose writing contest. She still pinches herself daily.

She lives in the Pacific Northwest where the potential for up to 120 days in a row of measurable precipitation keeps her at her computer (well, that and the chains). Like many writers, she lives often in her head and appreciates interaction with people whose dialogue she doesn’t have to make up and revise for clarity.

Jessa is the creator of Urban Fantasy Romance series the MARKED SOULS, which currently has 3 books in the series, Book #1 - "Seduced by Shadows", Book #2 - "Forged in Shadows" and Book #3 - "Vowed in Shadows".The fourth book in the series, "Darkness Undone" is scheduled to release on March 6, 2012.

Now that you are more familair with Jessa and her books, I'm going to let Jessa take over now. Show her some BMR and L.A. love and don't forget to leave questions in the comment section for her so she can answer them throughout the day.

JESSA SLADE

Many writers talk about how their stories unspool in their heads like movies. They say all they have to do is transcribe the images. And then presumably wait for Hollywood to come buy the rights and turn the words back into pictures.

Must be nice. I am NOT one of those writers. My stories tend to come to me in word form, much as I pass them to you. Maybe that’s why one of my favorite passages from the Bible is (loosely translated) “In the beginning was the Word.”

Okay, yes, I’m being a little grandiose, what with comparing myself to God and all, but I am the creator of my little storyworld. And in the beginning of my world is the words.

But I also respect the power of images. I know the allure of a bold hero cover. (Looking at you, Sid!) I’m a part-time photographer in my day job and snap a photo here and there for fun, so I know images have their place. Still, I didn’t make much use of imagery until I started watching the special features on movie DVDs. I especially enjoyed the extras on The Lord of the Rings movies. Wow, the thought and love that went into those movies. And don’t get me revved up about The Hobbit or we’ll be here all day. But I was really intrigued by the storyboarding. And I thought maybe I should get Peter Jackson’s work started for him, so when he comes calling for the Marked Souls novels as his next epic masterpiece, I’ll be ready for him. Or Joss Whedon, whoever gets to me first.

So the next time someone suggested making a collage for a story, I didn’t sneer. Instead, I got out my scissors and glue. Now I make a collage for every story. I used to use a big sheet of poster board, but those get hard to store without finding little pieces of sticky magazine words stuck to the dog like a walking canine kidnapping billboard. I’ve switched to manila file folders. The folders are small, portable, and fold neatly away when I’m done with them.

But this time, I got halfway done with my collage when I heard about Pinterest. I love being able to mix words and images in my magazine cut’n’paste collages, but Pinterest is a cool tool in its own right. The ability to tag back to original content so I can keep track of visuals that inspired me is spectacular. Also, way less glue sniffing involved.

Here is my Pinterest “board” and relevant “pins” for DARKNESS UNDONE:

You can see it live at http://pinterest.com/jessaslade/darkness-undone/

As you might notice, I still manage to find a way to sneak the words in. A picture might be worth a thousand words, but the right picture can inspire one hundred thousand words!

How about you? Do you like having images to go with your words? What do you think about “enhanced ebooks” with pictures, sounds, and scratch-and-sniff? (Okay, I made up that last part, but give it another few years and I’m sure we’ll have that too.) Or do you prefer to read books the way God intended: in black and white?

The MARKED SOULS series

* * *

The war between good and evil has raged for millennia,

and as a powerful new enemy ascends,

the Marked Souls are pushed to the ragged edge…

"Darkness Undone"
Book 4 in THE MARKED SOULS series
Coming March 6, 2012

Sidney Westerbrook has always studied darkness and damnation from a sensible distance. Now, to earn his place as a league Bookkeeper, he must discover why Chicago is such a battleground of soul-linked warriors. But the research becomes personal when he finds himself over his head and under attack — and at the mercy of a waif with demon-lit eyes and a deep yearning in her heart.

Alyce Carver has been alone longer than she can remember, battered by the living nightmares that haunt her city. Cornered by yet another gang of demons, she unwittingly joins forces with a handsome scholar who can salvage her past, and she in turn may be the key to his investigations. But she won’t let him go until he shows her everything she’s been missing.

What begins as an experiment in possession becomes a trial by desire so powerful it threatens both their lives, even as it binds their souls.

“Slade’s plot packs plenty of action…in a group of forceful personalities.”

– Publishers Weekly

“[A] fish-out-of-water story that keeps a rapid pace, delivering a strong plot, enjoyable characters and a stunning world.”

–RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

Read Chapter 1 of DARKNESS UNDONE and find links to favorite bookstores at:

http://jessaslade.wordpress.com/excerpts/book-4-of-the-marked-souls/

Read the first chapters of all the Marked Souls novels at http://jessaslade.com/

You can find Jessa online at:

http://twitter.com/JessaSlade

http://www.facebook.com/JessaSlade

http://www.goodreads.com/JessaSlade

http://pinterest.com/Jessaslade

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CONTEST:

Leave a comment for your chance to win a signed copy of DARKNESS UNDONE, a set of Marked Souls Romance Trading Cards, a music download card with the album containing the Marked Souls theme song, and a pair of earrings inspired by the storyworld.

And everyone who stops by today can download a free copy of my science fiction romance novella, “Enslaved By Starlight,” in the HOTTER ON THE EDGE anthology. Just go to http://tinyurl.com/hotter4free and use coupon code UW37U, or download at Amazon, BN.com and other ebook retailers for 99¢. Thank you for reading!

TO ENTER:

*Any comments without an email address will NOT be entered into drawing.

Don't forget to drop by the LITERAL ADDICTION website (http://www.literaladdiction.com/) and follow the directions and links to enter their contest for an extra chance to win!!!

GUEST POST

Q&A Interview and Contest with Kathryne Kennedy

2012-02-29T00:30:00.000-05:00

Kathryne Kennedy Interview Intro

Hey there Book Monsters and Literal Addicts! Book Monster Reviews and LITERAL ADDICTION are very pleased to welcome author Kathryne Kennedy to our sites today.

Kathryne is the creator of THE RELICS OF MERLIN and THE ELVEN LORDS series. Kathryne has a great bio on her website so we borrowed it and posted it below so you can learn some more about her.

I'm a college grad and business owner, and have published nearly a dozen short stories in the SFF/Romance genre, receiving Honorable Mention twice in the 'Writers of the Future' contest (read more on the Awards page). Being an Air Force brat, I traveled a great deal, and over the years I've lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S. I currently live in Arizona with my husband, two sons, and the rest of my wonderful family.

I'm addicted to reading, chocolate, and shopping (in that order). I have two chihuahuas named Precious and Baggins (think Lord of the Rings) who I'm rather goofy about, so I included a couple of pictures of them below.

Some of my favorite authors include: Andre Norton, Patricia McKillip, Robin Hobb, Dave Duncan, Mary Brown, Emily Bronte, Jane Austen, Jude Deveraux, Johanna Lindsey, Barbara Michaels, Anne McCaffrey, Donna MacQuigg...the list goes on!

A few books that I continue to read over and over are "Saving Grace" by Julie Garwood, "The Hob's Bargain" by Patricia Briggs, "The Hero and the Crown" by Robin McKinley, "Soulstring" by Midori Snyder, "Sorcery and Cecelia" by Wrede & Stevermer, and "The Shape-Changer's Wife" by Sharon Shinn. Such awesome stories!

A proud member of the Romance Writers of America, I belong to the Desert Rose and the Valley of the Sun chapters.

Today we are helping Kathryne promote her newest release in THE ELVEN LORDS series. The series currently consists of three books, "The Fire Lord's Lover", "The Lady Of The Storm" and "The Lord of Illusion", which was just released on February 7, 2012. In case you're not yet familiar with the series, here's a look at all three books in THE ELVEN LORDS series…..

"The Fire Lord's Lover"

THE ELVEN LORDS - Book 1

If his powers are discovered, his father will destroy him...

In a magical land ruled by ruthless Elven Lords, the Fire Lord's son Dominic Raikes plays a deadly game to conceal his growing might from his malevolent father, until his arranged bride awakens in him passions he thought he had buried forever.

Unless his bride kills him first...

Lady Cassandra has been raised in outward purity and innocence, while secretly being trained as an assassin. Her mission is to bring down the Elven Lord and his champion son. But when she gets to court she discovers that nothing is what it seems, least of all the man she married...

Then Dominic and Cassandra together discover an unspeakable evil, one that threatens the destruction of the magical realm they would give their souls to save...

"The Lady Of The Storm"

THE ELVEN LORDS - Book 2

Giles is bound to protect her...

In a kingdom viciously ruled by warlike elven lords, village blacksmith Giles Beaumont reluctantly swears to protect the half-elf, half-human Cecily Sutton, never dreaming that he will fall under her enchanting spell.

But duty soon turns to desire...

When Cecily's father disappears, Cecily and Giles set out to find him. But, as their journey unfolds, duty is quickly replaced by desire--and the search for Cecily's father leads to a magical destiny that could end the rule of the elven lords forever ...

"The Lord Of Illusion"

THE ELVEN LORDS - Book 3

He'll do anything to save her...

Rebel Lord Drystan Hawkes dreams of fighting for England's freedom. He gets his chance when he finds a clue to opening the magic portal to Elfhame, and he must race to find the slave girl who holds the key to the mystery. But even as Drystan rescues Camille Ashton from Dreamhame Palace, it becomes unclear exactly who is saving whom.

For the fate of humankind lies with Camille...

Enslaved for years in a realm where illusion and glamour reign, Camille has learned to trust nothing and no one. But she's truly spellbound when she meets Drystan--a man different from any she's ever known, and the force of their passion may yet be strong enough to banish the Elven Lords from this world forever.

They sound great don't they!? Before you run off to buy them, let's get to the interview so we can learn more about Kathryne and the series…..

Kathryne Kennedy Interview

Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION: Hi Kathryne! Welcome to Book Monster and LITERAL ADDICTION. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to drop by and spend some time with us! We’re so happy to have you with us today!

Kathryne: It’s great to be here! Thank you so much for hosting me on your incredible blog!

Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION: We like to start out by getting to know our guest authors a little bit better.

Q1): Can you tell us 3 things about yourself that we can't find out easily on the internet, in your bio, etc?

Kathryne: I think I haven’t mentioned that my favorite television show is Castle. If you’ve seen it, you can probably guess why. My favorite movie is Sense and Sensibility, with Emma Thompson. It is such an outstanding representation of the characters in that era. And if you take the movie, The Duchess, and mix it up with The Lord of the Rings, you have an idea of what the Elven Lords series is like.

2) What are some of your hobbies/interests, or things that you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

Kathryne: I love shopping, and occasionally going to the casino with my sisters and nieces. I like the penny slots. :}

3) What are 3 things that never fail to make you smile?

Kathryne: My dogs, who manage to do at least one cute thing a day. My son, who has a witty sense of humor. And I have a little nephew who is so adorable he never fails to make me smile.

4) Do you have any writing quirks or something you must have with you to start the daily writing process?

Kathryne: My surroundings have to be tidy. I need an organized space in order to focus on my work.

5) What are the easiest parts and the hardest parts of writing for you?

Kathryne: The easiest parts are the love scenes. The hardest is juggling the fantasy plot with the development of the love story, and keeping everything straight in my head.

6) We know this is a hard question but, who are some of your favorite authors and series?

Kathryne: It is difficult because I have so many. As far as a series goes, off the top of my head it would be Robin Hobb and her Tawny Man series. And recently, Gail Carriger and The Parasol Protectorate series.

7) What are some of your favorite TV shows and movies?

Kathryne: We are of like minds…I answered that above. :}

8) What was one of the most surprising things you learned over the course of your career so far?

Kathryne: That my books would mean so very much to some very amazing people.

9) Do you have a personal favorite amongst all of the books you have written? Maybe one that has extra sentimental value, etc?

Kathryne: My favorite book is always the one I just finished writing, because I’m still so caught up in the characters, so it would have to be Everlasting Enchantment, the fourth new book in my Relics of Merlin series.

10) If you can spend the day with any one of your characters, who would it be and what would you do?

Kathryne: It would have to be with Grimor’ee, the golden dragon in The Lord of Illusion, and I would be riding on his back while he danced with the stars.

11) For those that are not yet familiar with the series, can you please tell us what THE ELVEN LORDS series is all about?

Kathryne: It’s about seven mad Elven Lords who broke the barrier between their world and England, dividing the land into seven realms, and enslaving the English people to fight their war games. It’s about their half-breed children, who find the strength to reclaim their freedom with the help of true love.

12) What's coming up next in THE ELVEN LORDS series?

Kathryne: I’m currently involved with developing a new series, so it may be a little while before I come back to the Elven world.

13) Can you tell us a little about THE RELICS OF MERLIN series? Will there be more books in this series?

Kathryne: The Relics of Merlin is about the descendants of the great wizard--who inherited his power of magic--and the quest for his thirteen enchanted relics. It takes place in a magical Victorian London where titles are based on the inheritance of power. In the new book, Everlasting Enchantment, a were-panther steals one of Merlin’s relics, a moonstone bracelet enspelled with a cursed knight, and the only way to free herself is to make love to him.

14) Do you have any other upcoming projects planned outside of the above mentioned series that you can share with us?

Kathryne: I am working on a new series that involves four Regency sisters who are cursed with fractured magic from a sorcerous world that eclipses their own.

15) While we have you here, is there anything specific you would like to say to your readers?

Kathryne: I sincerely appreciate every letter or email I receive from you.

Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION: Thank you so much Kathryne for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down and talk to us. We would love to have you back again in the future when you're ready to promote your next book.

Kathryne: Thank you so much for having me! It’s been a pleasure. And I look forward to the next time.

If you would like to find out more about Kathryne you can visit her WEBSITE or you can follow her on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or the FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.

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CONTEST:

Kathryne is graciously giving away a copy of "The Lord of Illusion" to a winner from Book Monster and another winner over at the LITERAL ADDICTION website.

TO ENTER:

*Any comments without an email address will NOT be entered into drawing.

Don't forget to drop by the LITERAL ADDICTION website (http://www.literaladdiction.com/) and follow the directions and links to enter their contest for an extra chance to win!!!

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Return Appearance with Christina Henry

2012-02-27T23:27:00.005-05:00

Christina Henry Interview Intro:

Hello everyone! LITERAL ADDICTION and Book Monster Reviews are proud to welcome Christina Henry back to our sites today.

Christina is the author of the MADELINE BLACK series, which currently consists of 3 books: “Black Wings”, “Black Night”, and “Black Howl”, which was just released TODAY, and which we’re going to help Christina promote and celebrate!

Christina is a Columbia College Chicago graduate, and still resides in Chicago with her husband and son. When she’s not writing, Christina loves long distance running, watching zombie, samurai, and/or foreign movies with subtitles, and reading just about anything.

Christina summed up how the 2 main characters of the MADELINE BLACK series came to be very nicely in a Blog post. We’d like to share bits of that with you here to remind lovers of MADELINE BLACK why they love it, and introduce new readers to the stars by way of the authors own words, not just a synopsis on the back cover:

From On the importance of a sidekick by Christina Henry:

“When I first started writing Black Wings, I had only the vague idea that I wanted to write a book about the Grim Reaper. Then I heard Maddy’s voice in my head, and the gigantic, brooding male reaper I’d been envisioning became a short, slightly overweight female with a huge attitude.

I love to write dialogue, so I wanted to have someone around that Maddy could converse with on a regular bases. Thus Beezle, the tiny gargoyle with the mighty appetite, was born.

He loves popcorn, and chocolate and pretty much anything that’s been deep-fried. He acts like a know-it-all, which is fairly justified since Beezle is like an encyclopedia of things that go bump in the night. He knows every creature, every court, and every set of magical laws and spells. His job is to be a home guardian, and make sure that nothing creepy sneaks up on Maddy’s house, but mostly he spends a lot of time eavesdropping on Maddy’s conversations and demanding fat-and-sugar laden pastries…”

In “Black Wings”, Book 1, we meet Maddy, a reaper whose job escorting souls into the afterlife leaves her little time for socializing. Then, devishly handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro comes to lease the empty apartment in Maddy’s building. All is fine and well, until demons start to appear on the front lawn and Maddy realizes that there may just be more to her new tenant than what she sees.

In “Black Night”, Book 2, we continue to follow Maddy as she escorts the souls of people who have died to the great beyond, but not everyone is happy to see her! It’s the nature of the trade, and if obstinate dead people were ALL she had to worry about, she could live with that. Unfortunately, she’s being stalked by bad guys both inside and outside of her family, and when the 2 most important beings in her life-her bodyguard Gabriel and her doughnut-loving gargoyle, Beezle-disappear, she’s not sure she can take much more. As Lucifer’s granddaughter though, she’s expected to handle delicate negotiations with beings from other realms regardless of what might be going on in her own life.

In “Black Howl”, Book #3, Maddy is finding that some of the spirits of Chicago aren’t quite ready to cross over, and something is really wrong with Chicago’s dead. Ghosts walk the street, and Maddy’s boss wants her to find out ‘why’. While work is bad enough, Maddy has a whole slew of personal problems too – since Gabriel was assigned as her thrall, their relationship has been hurting. The only thing that could make things worse is if her sleazy ex-fiance Nathaniel were still in the picture…

For those of you wanting an action packed series with an array of supe group characters ranging from loveable to loathed, MADELINE BLACK is definitely for you and should be bumped to the top of your TBR pronto!

Us MADELINE BLACK groupies have no problem remembering why we love Maddy, Beezle & the gang so much, but there’s always room on our fan bandwagon for more! With that said, let’s get to the interview to see what Christina’s been up to since we last spoke with her, find out some more about the new release, and share the MADELINE BLACK love.

Christina Henry Interview

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: Hi Christina! Welcome back and happy release day! We’re very happy to have you back with us and hope we can turn even more readers on to your wonderful series!

Christina: Thank you so much! I’m always happy to visit with you guys J

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: We asked you most of our good staple ice breaker questions the last time we hosted you, but we have a few more…

Q1): If you were told the world was going to end tomorrow, what would you do in your last 24 hrs?

Christina: Honestly, I used to think these kinds of questions were fun, but then I had a kid and it’s hard to think about your kid’s last 24 hours. So can I take the fifth? Sorry! (You don’t have to publish this one if you don’t want to)

Q2): We asked you last time what 3 things were that always make you smile. What are 3 things that never fail to piss you off?

Christina: People who stop in the middle of the aisle at the grocery store, people who can’t decide what to order at a restaurant, people who wait for a parking spot just because it’s close to the door in a parking lot that still has spaces left elsewhere.

Q3): If you could spend the day with anyone from the cast of MADELINE BLACK, who would you want to spend the day with and what would you want to do?

Christina: I think Beezle and I would have a good time touring the bakeries and chocolate shops in Chicago. First stop: Eli’s Cheesecake Factory!!

Q4): We discussed your love of eclectic movies the last time we had you with us. What was the last great movie you saw?

Christina: It’s a tie – on video, I saw DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME, a bizarre Chinese fantasy-mystery that I really loved. At the theater I loved TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY. Gary Oldman has been a longtime favorite of mine.

Q5): We didn’t ask you this last time… Was there any specific inspiration behind the creation of the MADELINE BLACK series?

Christina: I had wanted to write a book about the Grim Reaper, and originally I’d considered a Gabriel-type character as the hero. Maddy and Beezle kind of muscled their way in and convinced me it was Maddy’s story instead.

Q6): Was surprises have you encountered so far with regards to the books, your fans, etc?

Christina: I have to say that I was really surprised by the number of people who liked Nathaniel. I didn’t think very much of him at first, but as the series has gone on he’s gotten more interesting to me.

Q7): Is the plan still to write 6 books in the series, or has that changed since the last time we talked?

Christina: Right now there are still going to be six books. There may be more story to tell after that, but nothing has been finalized yet. I’m working on book #5 right now.

Q8): Do you have a title and/or expected timeframe for Book #4 yet?

Christina: The fourth book is called BLACK LAMENT, and it’s set to be published on 10/30/2012.

Q9): What can we expect as the series continues to progress?

Christina: After BLACK HOWL, the scope of the series really widens. Maddy’s choices are getting harder, and it’s becoming more difficult for her to see the line between black and white. I think it’s interesting when characters walk on the edge of darkness.

Q10): What are you most proud of about the series so far?

Christina: That there is such a passionate fan base for these characters. It’s really rewarding to hear from readers who love Maddy’s story.

Q11): What have been some of the challenges in bringing MADELINE BLACK to life?

Christina: The biggest challenge is the one that most authors have – time! I have a five-year-old and I squeeze all of my writing-related activities into the hours when he’s at school. When I’m trying to promote one book, edit another and write a new one all at once that stretch of time can get a little crazy.

Q12): Do you have anything else in the works outside of MADELINE BLACK that you can/want to share with us?

Christina: Right now I’m supposed to hand in two more BLACK WINGS books this year, so while I have some ideas for other stories I don’t have time to work on them right now!

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: Christina, thank you so much for being with us again today! It’s ALWAYS a pleasure. We love MADELINE BLACK, can’t wait to talk with you some more about the series and “Black Howl” in the live chat later tonight, and would LOVE to have you back for Book #4 if you’re interested. Maybe Maddy and Beezle would let us interview them for that Event?? J

Christina: That sounds great! I’m always happy to come back. Thank you so much!

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CONTEST:

Christina is graciously offering up a copy of BLACK HOWL (Courtesy of Ace/Roc books) to a U.S Resident winner from Book Monster Reviews and another US Resident winner over at the LITERAL ADDICTION Website.

*If you are International, you will get an eBook copy of BLACK HOWL.

TO ENTER:

*Any comments without an email address will NOT be entered into drawing.

Don't forget to drop by the LITERAL ADDICTION website (http://www.literaladdiction.com/) and follow the directions and links to enter their contest for an extra chance to win!!!

Q&A Interview and Contest with Joan Swan

2012-02-26T23:21:00.000-05:00

Joan Swan Interview Intro:

Hello everyone! LITERAL ADDICTION and Book Monster Reviews are very happy to welcome Joan Swan to our sites today!

Joan was never a star English student or a Literature buff. She does, however, have a creative soul and an active imagination, and because of that, writing came pretty naturally.

She writes for entertainment and escape, the same reasons she loves getting lost in a good book, and she writes what she loves to read - romantic suspense.

Joan’s books are full of real-life language, steamy sex, violence and mystery. She does dabble in the lighter side of the paranormal as well.

When Joan’s not writing, she works as a sonographer at UCSF Medical Center, a location with an intensity that makes her slightly insane, though that works well with the writer in her. It also gives her tons of access to character material.

She’s been married for twenty two years to her own personal hero, a veteran firefighter. The two live on the gorgeous central coast of California with their two beautiful daughters.

Joan’s first book, “Fever”, Book #1 of the PHOENIX RISING series, is coming out in Feb with the 2^nd, “Blaze”, following in Oct.

For those of you that have not yet heard about Joan’s PHOENIX RISING series, we thought we’d give you the blurbs.

“Fever”

PHOENIX RISING Book #1:

Dr. Alyssa Foster will admit to a bad boy fetish…

But when she finds herself face to face with a convicted murderer with a ripped body, a determination for freedom and an eye on her as his get out of jail free card, Alyssa knows she’s in deep trouble…. Not just because Teague Creek is a prisoner desperate for freedom, but because his every touch makes her desperate for more.

A man with a life sentence has nothing to lose…

Teague Creek has one shot at freedom, but his plan to escape with a hostage develops a fatal flaw: Alyssa. On the run from both the law and deadly undercover operatives who know of his strange abilities, he needs to avoid trouble, but every heated kiss tells him the fire between them could be just as devastating as the flames that changed him forever.

“Blaze”

PHOENIX RISING Book #2:

Coming in October 2012

The hotter they come, the harder they fall…

With a man like him, every mission becomes personal…

Ever since FBI agent Keira O’Shay started tracking a young boy named Mateo, she’s felt a connection even her empathic abilities can’t explain. She needs to save Mateo from the cult leader holding him hostage. Nothing can interfere with that—not even the reappearance of Luke Ransom, the hot-as-hell fire captain she’s regretted walking out on for three long years.

Losing Keira left Luke vulnerable—in every way. When they were together, the powers each possesses were mysteriously enhanced. But it’s the sexy, surprising woman beneath the tough exterior that Luke’s really missed. Even if she betrayed him utterly. And even if agreeing to help her uncover a government conspiracy means watching his life and his heart go up in flames again…

How fantastic do those sound!!? Make sure you get them preordered! For now though, let’s get to the interview and learn some more about Joan and the series.

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: Hi Joan! We’re very happy to have you here today and are thrilled to let the world know about “Fever” and the PHOENIX RISING series. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us.

JOAN: Thanks so much for having me! Great to be here and finally “meet” you J

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: We always start by getting to know our guest author a little bit better.

Q1): Can you tell us 3 things about yourself that we couldn’t find out easily on the Internet?

JOAN:

· I swear a lot. At work (with my coworkers, not with patients J), on IM with my CP, when I’m talking to myself…and in my novels—worse in first drafts; I cut out a lot in revision.

· I have a negative streak that I’m constantly curbing. I believe whole-heartedly in the power of positive thinking; I’ve seen the benefits first hand. But I’ve got a naturally negative tendency. So I’m constantly in a battle between the two. Rarely, do I let that negative side show outside a selected few (poor, poor CP. She knows the truth about me.) And I think my positivity is finally starting to win out!!

· I get super snarky (and rather hilarious) after 11pm. Have no idea why. Wish I could channel that into regular daylight hours – it would work well in a romantic comedy.

Q2): What are 3 things that always make you smile?

JOAN:

· The sight of my pup waiting for me when I drive up to the house.

· Curling up to take an afternoon nap on my day off.

· Driving home from work on Sunday afternoon (my Friday).

Q3): If you could spend the day with any of your characters, who would you want it to be and what would you want to do?

JOAN: Would have to be the crew of Phoenix Rising. I love these guys (and gals!). I’ve done a few character interviews and they’ve been so much fun I don’t want to stop. I’d like to just kick back at Teague and Alyssa’s house in Truckee, with Mitch’s military body guards keeping watch and the hunky heroes bar-b-quing for us while the kids run around and everyone snipes at each other. All I would do is laugh.

Ah, crap. Is it a bad thing when you’d rather hang with your fictional characters than the, you know, real people in your life?

*flipping through Rolodex for asylum’s phone number*

Q4): What are some of your hobbies and/or things that you enjoy doing when you’re not writing or taking care of other author business?

JOAN: It’s been so long since I’ve done anything else, it’s hard to remember. I have a demanding day job and since I sold Fever two years ago, I’ve been dedicated to developing an online presence, so if I’m not working or writing or doing those other authorly things…I’m…sleeping.

Once upon a time I loved to knit, scrapbook, bake, walk, garden, go to the gym, take in movies and go to the beach.

Oh, shoot, now you’re going to make me start missing them!! *sniffle*

Q5): How has the road to “Fever”s release been for you? What surprises, roadblocks, etc have you experienced?

JOAN: I won’t lie, the road has been long. I know authors are supposed to say it’s been great and exciting and it’s been that too. But I sold two years ago. That’s a really long time to wait and plan for a book to come out.

The last month has been particularly grueling – but that’s my own fault. I’m an overachiever and I don’t know when to pull back. I get great ideas, throw myself into implementing them, then find myself caught in the momentum. It’s something I need to work on.

On one hand, all great success comes with struggle. On the other, I’ll be of no benefit to anyone in an asylum. (Except, my muse…I get great stories in there…<<<See, one of those great ideas that could cause all sorts of problems!)

Surprise wise, in the last month or so, I’ve been thrilled with the great reviews. I thought readers would like it; I hoped readers would like it, but I was still super nervous. So the across the board enthusiasm for Fever has to be, by far, the absolute best part of the release so far.

Q6): We know this is a tough question, but who are a few of your personal favorite authors, and what are a couple titles in your TBR pile/list right now?

JOAN: Personally I’m a sort of eclectic reader. I love thrillers, mainstream suspense and romantic suspense and even though I’ll love one or two books by a certain author, it’s rare that I love them all. Some authors I enjoy are Karin Slaughter and her Georgia series, Darynda Jones, Janet Evanovich, Dean Koontz, Ted Dekker, Suzanne Brockmann, Elisabeth Naughton, Gena Showalter, Tess Gerritsen…

Q7): What are the best and worst parts of writing for you?

JOAN: Best parts are when my characters surprise me—because that means I’ve developed them to a point that makes them three dimensional, when various plot lines dovetail perfectly, when my writing takes a turn for the better and I can see myself growing as an author.

Worst parts are the constant insecurity and self doubt, the anxiety. As I come up to release day and have struggled with a couple of negative reviews, I’m finding that opening oneself up to that criticism is harder than I anticipated as well. 1 harsh critique stays with me well beyond 20 raving reviews.

Q8): What is a typical writing day like for you? Do you have a routine that you follow? Are there specific things that you have to have with you to get the creative juices flowing, etc?

JOAN: I write every morning. Not crazy 4am morning, but on days I work, I do get up at 530 so I can write for at least an hour before I go in. And 5 or 6 out of my 7 days, I work at McDonalds. The other days my husband takes me to breakfast.

Generally, I write better when I’m out of the house. The phone, the bills, the laundry…it’s so distracting and angst-making for me. I like to find a booth at a fast food place where I can get free soda refills or a Starbucks where I can dominate a big leather chair, pop in earphone and ignore the world.

I also get a lot more done when my internet is off, though I can rarely get myself to do that.

Q9): What type of scenes (dialogue, action, sex, etc) do you enjoy writing the most and why?

JOAN: It’s a love-hate relationship. The scenes I like to write most are scenes with the most emotion, the most angst; the scenes that generally create a turning point for a character’s internal landscape. Those can happen anywhere—action, sex, etc. But they are also the hardest and most anxiety producing to write.

Q10): Can you tell us a little bit more about “Fever” and the PHOENIX RISING series in your own words?

JOAN: I like to say Fever is an escape gone wrong in epic proportions. At one point in the story Alyssa says to Teague, “In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m getting tired of this whole escape-gone-wrong thing.”

Fever starts out with a desperate man taking desperate action. And, off course, everything goes wrong. At the point when you think it can’t get any worse…it always does.

Q11): How many books do you have planned for the series?

JOAN: 7. There are 7 members in the hazmat firefighting team involved in the military warehouse explosion which spurs the Phoenix Rising series.

Two of the books, Blaze, book 2 and Inferno, Book 3, involve both hero and heroine that were on the team. That would make five books total in the series if I stopped with the team, but two other characters have risen to hero status during prior books and are demanding a story of their own. One is Mitch, a secondary character in Fever and the other is Cash, a secondary character in Blaze.

Who knows what characters will steal my heart as we move forward through the series!

Q12): What can we expect as the series progresses?

JOAN: You can expect fantastic fun stuff and some cool twists you hadn’t expected!

While in Fever, the reader gets their first glimpse of the conspiracy, in Blaze, they’ll get to meet the entire team when the enemy forces them to engage or accept defeat.

Because their personal safety and basic freedoms are at stake, this team will never lay down and die.

Q13): Do you have an idea of when “Inferno” might be coming out?

JOAN: The proposal for Inferno is with Kensington now and I hope to hear soon. Fingers crossed it will be mid 2013.

Q14): What’s next for Joan Swan? What do you have going on in the next couple months that your readers might be interested in?

JOAN: Of course, Blaze releases in October 2012, and I LOVE that book!

Prior to that, I have an Indie release coming up in April. This romantic suspense finalled in the RWA Golden Heart twice, and I’ve spent several months revising the novel to my current writing standards. This is another story that I love, featuring driven characters who are working against impossible forces.

INTIMATE ENEMIES

She is on a quest for answers; answers that could just get her killed.

Six months after the mysterious yacht explosion that killed Cassie Christo’s mother and stepbrother, authorities still have no answers to the cause. Searching for closure, Cassie returns to her childhood home on the Pacific Coast of Baja, Mexico, where she launches her own investigation into the accident. She never expected to find an adversary in the man who had once touched her heart with kindness in her darkest moment.

Rio’s been fantasizing about reconnecting with Cassie for months. But not here and sure as hell not now. As an undercover agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he’s working the biggest sting operation in all of northern Mexico, and he definitely doesn’t have time for the wild attraction he feels for Cassie.

Not only is his cover on the line, so is his heart. Because as the end of a yearlong operation draws closer, Rio knows if he tells Cassie the truth about who and what he is, it won’t only jeopardize his mission, it may result in him losing her forever. And if he doesn’t, his lies and deception could get them both killed.

Q15): Is there anything special that you’d like to say to your readers while we have you here today?

JOAN:

First: Thank you – for your enthusiasm and for your willingness to risk your time and money on my writing.

Second: I strive to write deep, which means I never throw something in for the sake of sensationalism. If you are the type of reader who thrives on uncovering hidden meaning and subtle connections, you will find that in my work when you look beneath the surface. If you’re the kind of reader who wants a fulfilling read without having to work at it, you’ll find that in my novels as well.

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: Joan, thank you so much again for being with us today. We’re very happy to help you promote the PHOENIX RISING series. We’d love to have you back to promote “Blaze” when it releases in October.

JOAN: Can’t wait!! Blaze is a very special book for me, so I’ll enjoy telling readers about it! Thanks so much for introducing me to your readers!

If you want to keep up with Joan, you can find her here:

Website: http://www.joanswan.com/index.htm

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joan-Swan/120027341414640

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/joanswan

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3029840.Joan_Swan

*******************************************************************

CONTEST:

Joan is graciously offering up a copy of FEVER (either eBook or paperback - we are not sure which one) to a winner from LITERAL ADDICTION and a winner from Book Monster Reviews.

TO ENTER:

*Any comments without an email address will NOT be entered into drawing.

Don't forget to drop by the LITERAL ADDICTION website (http://www.literaladdiction.com/) and follow the directions and links to enter their contest for an extra chance to win!!!

Q&A Interview and Contest with Cheryl Brooks

2012-02-26T12:40:00.001-05:00

Cheryl Brooks Interview Intro:

Hello everyone! LITERAL ADDICTION and Book Monster Reviews are very happy to welcome Cheryl Brooks to our sites today!

She has a great bio on her website, and we thought we’d borrow it for her Event:

“A native of Louisville, KY, I graduated from the Kentucky Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1976 and then went on to earn a BSN from Indiana University in 1989. Horse crazy from the time I knew what a horse was, my family moved to rural Indiana in 1989. Since then, I've managed to accumulate a number of animal friends, but am currently holding at two horses, four cats, and two crazy little dogs, Bugsy and Peaches! I have been married to the same wonderful man (aka Budley) for more than thirty years, and we have two grown sons, Mike & Sam. I've been working full-time as a critical care nurse for more than thirty years, and while this has been an exciting and rewarding career, I have recently cut back to part-time to allow more time for my writing.

As a writer, I find that any fantasy you have can come true if you simply write it down. I've been keeping my friends entertained with my books for a number of years, and self-published a book in 2006, If You Could Read My Mind, writing as Samantha R. Michaels. Slave was the first of my books to be published with Sourcebooks Casablanca, and has since been followed by Warrior, Rogue, Outcast, Fugitive, Hero, and Virgin. Stud is the current release, to be followed by Wildcat in February 2013. In June, 2011, I self-published an ebook titled Sex, Love, and a Purple Bikini.

I'm a member of the Romance Writers of America and the local Indiana chapter. I’ve recently written a series of erotic short story anthologies along with some of my INRWA friends which are published by Siren. We call ourselves The Sextet and we've had so much fun with this, it ought to be illegal! I have another novella in the works with Siren titled Small, Medium, & Large; A Toy Story, which is due to be released in April 2012.

My other interests include cooking, gardening, singing and guitar playing. I'm still hurt that The Eagles got back together without me!”

As you can tell, Cheryl has a wonderful personality and it comes through in her work. As mentioned, she is the proud creator of the CAT STAR CHRONICLES, which currently has 8 installments:

1. Slave

2. Warrior

3. Rogue

4. Outcast

5. Fugitive

6. Hero

7. Virgin

8. Stud (Just released 2/7/12!)

As Cheryl also mentioned in her bio, she is also one of the amazing authors behind the SEXTET ANTHOLOGIES. There are five volumes of those currently available – “Sharing”, “Dirty Dancing”, “Occupational Hazards”, “Entanglements” and “Mistletoe and Menage”.

For those of you not yet familiar with Cheryl’s work, we thought we’d give you the synopses for the CAT STAR CHRONICLES books to pique your interests a bit.

“Slave”

CAT STAR CHRONICLES Book #1:

"I found him in the slave market on Orpheseus Prime, and even on such a god-forsaken planet as that one, their treatment of him seemed extreme."

He may be the last of a species whose sexual talents were the envy of the galaxy.

Cat is an enslaved warrior from a race with a feline gene that gives him awesome beauty, fearsome strength, and sensuality and sexual prowess unmatched by any other males in the universe. Even filthy, chained, and beaten, he gives off an aura of power and virility and his feline gene gives him a special aura.

Jacinth is an intergalactic trader on a rescue mission and she needs a man she can trust with her life.

She has spent years pursuing her kidnapped sister from planet to planet. Now her quest leads her to a place where all the women are slaves. "Jack" needs a slave of her own-one who can masquerade as her master.

Enmeshed in a tangle of deception, lust, and love, they must elude a race of violent killers and together forge a bond stronger than any chains.

“Warrior”

CAT STAR CHRONICLES Book #2:

"He came to me in the dead of winter, his body burning with fever."

Even near death, his sensuality is amazing...

Leo arrives on Tisana's doorstep a beaten slave from a near-extinct race with feline genes. As soon as Leo recovers his strength, he'll use his extraordinary sexual talents to bewitch Tisana and make a bolt for freedom...

She has only one chance to tame him...

Tisana, whose healing powers are legendary, already knows Leo's the one who can help her fulfill her destiny... she can't let him get away now. Forced together on a dangerous journey, Tisana must reveal all of her powers, and Leo must give all of himself to gain his freedom...

“Rogue”

CAT STAR CHRONICLES Book #3:

He crawled toward me on his hands and knees like a tiger stalking his prey.

No woman has ever tamed him before...

Enslaved for years, Tychar belongs to the Queen of Darconia. His feline gene gives him remarkable sexual powers and every female on the planet is in love with him. Then, the Queen gives him to Kyra...

Does she even stand a chance?

Or will she be just another one of his conquests? Why would he choose the modest piano teacher? Yet the two are drawn to each other with a powerful, magnetic attraction unlike any he's felt before... Then the palace is attacked in a coup, and Tychar has to choose between freedom and love...

“Outcast”

CAT STAR CHRONICLES Book #4:

Sold into slavery when his planet was destroyed, Lynx was enslaved in a harem. He is a favorite due to his feline gene, which gives him remarkable sexual powers, but after ten years, Lynx is exhausted.

Thrown out without a penny, Lynx is bitter and anti-female. He emigrates to a new planet but can only find a job with a female rancher.

Bonnie's boyfriend has left with all their money and she needs help with the ranch. Lynx is cynical, but honest, and though he has made it clear that he wants no part of a romantic relationship, Bonnie can't resist him. She finds out about his impotence and becomes determined not to let such a beautiful and sensual young man go to waste...

“Fugitive”

CAT STAR CHRONICLES Book #5:

When a Zetithian fugitive meets a beautiful Earth woman, their passion may cost them both their lives...

Manx is a Zetithian fugitive with a feline gene that gives him remarkable sexual powers. He has been in hiding in the remote jungles of Barada Seven ever since being marked for extermination by the violent Nedwuts.

Artist Drusilla arrives on Barada Seven, enticed only by the promise of finding a nature paradise there. But she discovers a wildlife she wasn't expecting when she encounters Manx. Reckless with desire for the beautiful Earth woman, Manx risks his life to win her as his mate.

It's only a matter of time until the Nedwuts find them, but it will take all of Manx and Drusilla's passion, skill, and ingenuity to survive.

“Hero”

CAT STAR CHRONICLES Book #6:

He is the sexiest, most irksome man she's ever encountered...

Micayla is the last Zetithian female left in the universe. She doesn't know what's normal for her species, but she knows when she sees Trag that all she wants to do is bite him...

He has searched all over the galaxy for a woman like her...

Trag has sworn he'll never marry unless he can find a Zetithian female. But now that he's finally found Micayla, she may be more of a challenge than even he's able to take on...

“Virgin”

CAT STAR CHRONICLES Book #7:

HE'S NEVER MET ANYONE WHO MADE HIM PURR...

Starship pilot Dax Vandilorsk never encountered a woman he wanted badly enough.

Until he met Ava Karon...

AND HE'LL NEVER GIVE HIS BODY WITHOUT GIVING HIS HEART...

Dax is happy to take Ava back to her home planet, until he finds out she's returning to an old boyfriend...

As their journey together turns into a quest neither expected, Ava would give herself to Dax in a heartbeat. Except he doesn't know the first thing about seducing a woman...

“Stud”

CAT STAR CHRONICLES Book #8:

Just released 2/7/12!

THEY'RE GALAXIES APART...

Even for a Zetithian, Tarq Zulveidinoe's sexual prowess is legendary. Believing it's all he's good for, Tarq sets out to perpetuate his threatened species by offering his services to women across the galaxy...

BUT ONE FORCE CAN BRING THEM TOGETHER...

Lucinda Force is the sensitive dark horse in a self-absorbed family, repeatedly told that no man will ever want such a plain woman. Lucy longs for romance, but is resigned to her loveless lot in life--until Tarq walks through the door of her father's restaurant on Talus Five...

They sound fabulous right!!? They are, and they’re available everywhere, and while we know you probably want to get over to your favorite bookseller to download and/or order them now, give us a bit more time so we can tell you some more about Cheryl and her work.

Cheryl Brooks Interview

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: Hi Cheryl! We’re so happy to have you here today. Congrats on the recent release of “Stud” as well as the success of your entire backlist. We’re honored to help you promote and celebrate!

CHERYL: It’s a pleasure to be here at Literal Addiction. Thanks so much for inviting me!

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: We always like to start out by getting to know our guest authors a little bit better.

Q1): Can you tell us 3 things about yourself that we couldn’t find out easily on the Internet?

CHERYL: LOL! Reading your copy of my bio made me realize that I needed to update my website, which I did before completing this interview. I also updated the information posted above. But that doesn’t answer your question, does it? Hmm… Right now I’m sitting here at my desk with cold feet, an empty stomach, and an empty teacup. You probably won’t find that on the internet. No, wait… Now you can…

Q2): What are 3 things that always make you smile?

CHERYL: Beautiful flowers, laughing children, and a hunk with a friendly grin.

Q3): You told us a little bit about your hobbies and/or things that you enjoy doing when you’re not writing or taking care of other author business in your bio. Can you elaborate on that a little bit? What would an ideal, enjoyable free day entail for you?

CHERYL: I used to spend hours with my horses, now I only see them briefly twice a day when I feed them and clean the barn. I haven’t ridden either of them in several years, and they miss all the attention. As soon as the weather warms up, I plan to give them both baths and haircuts and make them shine!

Q4): What’s your favorite inspirational quote?

CHERYL: Actually, there are two. The first is a line from Mary Stewart’s Merlin Trilogy:

“The gods only go with you if you put yourself in their path—and that takes courage.”

The second is a quote from Woody Allen. “Eighty percent of success is showing up.”

Taken together, you can see the similarities between the two. If you never try, you will never succeed.

Q5): What are some of your favorite TV shows and movies?

CHERYL: I have very little time to watch TV anymore, but I grew up watching Star Trek, and Star Wars was a great inspiration to me. I’ve enjoyed lots of movies over the years—The Indiana Jones series, the Pirates of the Caribbean series, etc—but my favorite movie of all time is Moonstruck.

Q6): With Fantasy and Romance being such popular genres these days, what made you choose them, and what about it fascinates you personally?

CHERYL: I enjoy writing sci-fi because there are no limits to where my imagination can take me. I’ve always been a hopeless romantic, although you’d never guess it if you met me in person. Oddly enough, I’ve actually written more contemporary romances than paranormal/fantasy, but way back when I first became enamored with Mr. Spock, I decided that what the world needed was a super-hot sci-fi romance with an alien hero. Is it any wonder, then, that I gave my Zetithians Mr. Spock’s pointed ears and slanted eyebrows?

Q7): What is a typical writing day like for you? Do you have a routine that you follow? Are there specific things that you have to have with you to get the creative juices flowing? Do you have any interesting writing quirks, etc?

CHERYL: Not really. I simply sit down at my computer and start writing. The influences of my life experiences are already integrated into my thoughts, and they flow from me without too much coercion. Sometimes, I get blocked, but the cure for that is to keep writing. It can be random thoughts or gibberish, as long as something is being written. Eventually, the block is lifted, and I can keep going.

Q8): Was there any specific inspiration behind the creation of the CAT STAR CHRONICLES?

CHERYL: Again, if I had to credit anything, it would be Star Wars and Star Trek, although my Zetithians are much more emotional than Spock! Aside from that, the fact that I’ve always had cats around probably contributed to their feline characteristics, but their sexual prowess comes from my horses!

Q9): How many books do you have planned for the series?

CHERYL: Currently the series is slated to end with book nine, Wildcat, which is due for release in February 2013.

Q10): What can we expect as the series progresses?

CHERYL: As of this moment, the series is finished, although if asked, I could continue the series beyond book nine. The potential for spinoffs and second generation stories is there, plus, there’s a character in book nine by the name of Onca who is crying out for his own book. However, that is entirely up to my publisher.

Q11): What about the SEXTET ANTHOLOGIES? How did you all collaborate on the idea for that and get it going? How many Volumes are planned?

CHERYL: We came up with the idea while attending the annual general meeting of the RWA in Orlando. The meeting didn’t last the allotted time, and we got to talking and later finalized our partnership over a pitcher of sangria at Cat Cora’s restaurant. Unfortunately, no further volumes are planned, however we may get together and write another volume at some point. Our Siren publisher feels that going solo would enable us each to develop our own brand, plus, we’d earn more in royalties since they wouldn’t be split six ways!

Q12): What were some of the challenges (research, literary, psychological, logistical, etc) in bringing the CAT STAR CHRONICLES to life?

CHERYL: Most of the series came straight out of my head, but I have done some research, particularly in the writing of Stud. For other books, I’ve researched everything from various climates to how to grow avocados. The biggest challenge was in hanging on to my sanity while essentially working two full-time jobs!

Q13): What about the series are you the most proud of?

CHERYL: The fact that my writing has improved over the course of it. When I wrote Slave, I was a completely untrained, seat of the pants kind of writer. Since joining RWA and the Indiana chapter, I’ve learned so much from the various speakers, plus, my critique partners Sandy James and Nancy Reinhardt and the members of the Sextet have given me invaluable lessons in the writing craft.

Q14): Is there a question you thought it would be great to be asked in an interview but have never been asked? How would you answer that question?

CHERYL: Question: Hey, Cheryl. Have you ever met any of your cover models?

Answer: No, I haven’t. Darn it…

Q15): Is there anything special you would to say to your readers while we have you here today?

CHERYL: Every reader and every book purchased is important to me. The fact that so many people took a chance on a debut author is very gratifying, and I’m very pleased to have maintained a following throughout the series. I love you all!

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: Thank you so much again for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us today. We’d absolutely love to have you back to promote your next release if you’re interested. Maybe we could even plan a promo Event and Live group chat with the authors of the SEXTET ANTHOLOGIES sometime!?

CHERYL: I’d be happy to come back for the release of Wildcat. Don’t know if we could get the entire Sextet together or not, but stranger things have happened!

If you would like to keep up with Cheryl, you can find her online here:

Website: http://cherylbrooksonline.com/index.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1352231168

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

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/752898.Cheryl_Brooks

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CONTEST:

Cheryl is graciously offering up a signed copy of STUD to a winner from Book Monster Reviews and another winner over on the LITERAL ADDICTION website.

TO ENTER:

Make sure you are a member of the Book Monster Blog (by clicking on the “JOIN THIS SITE” button at the top left hand corner of blog page), and then post a comment on the interview with your email address.

*Any comments without an email address will NOT be entered into drawing.

Don't forget to drop by the LITERAL ADDICTION website (http://www.literaladdiction.com/) and follow the directions and links to enter their contest for an extra chance to win!!!

WINNERS ANNOUNCED

2012-02-25T16:38:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday Everyone! Here's the lastest round of winners.

Anya Bast Contest.........Winged Wolfy

Laura Wright Contest..........Merisha28

DB Reynolds Contest.........Elaing8

Selena Blake Contest..........Latishajean

Wenona Hulsey Contest..........Sandy

Gracen Miller Contest........Amy (Gracen should have already contacted you)

Allison Pang Contest..........Ivy

Morgan Kearns Contest............Shrouded Heart

Shannon K Butcher Contest.......Carries

CONGRATS to all the winners. I sent out emails so please make sure you reply to the email.

Thank you to all the members of Book Monster for participating in the events.

Biana D'Arc Returns to Book Monster

2012-02-25T01:13:00.005-05:00

Bianca D’Arc Interview Intro:

Hello everyone! Book Monster Reviews and LITERAL ADDICTION are very proud to welcome Bianca D’Arc back to our sites today.

Bianca is way more than just an author! She is a former chemist with more letters behind her name than we could ever hope to have, a martial arts enthusiast, and an artist. We’re not talking about being an artist just with her pen and computer, though that can’t be disputed! We actually meant with a paint brush and a guitar, since those are 2 of her hobbies when she’s not creating fantastical worlds for us to get lost in. Outside of that, she’s an avid bargain hunter and LOVES to shop!

Her background in science has come in handy in her writing, as she enjoys mixing her real-world knowledge of science with her vast imaginary world library. She writes in many genres and mixed genres, but concentrates most of her work in the paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy and futuristic realms with some contemporary and urban fantasy thrown in for the heck of it. As fans, we can honestly say that we wouldn’t want it any other way!

Bianca’s series include: RESONANCE MATES, VAMPIRE TALES (BROTHERHOOD OF BLOOD), DRAGON KNIGHTS (DAUGHTERS OF THE DRAGON & SONS OF DRACONIA), TALES OF THE WERE, JIT’SUKU CHRONICLES, STRING OF FATE, GUARDIANS OF THE DARK and her most recent series, STARLORDS. She also has single books out categorized under series for future expansion: GEMINI PROJECT, GONE COUNTRY and GIFT OF THE ANCIENTS.

The most recent release into Bianca’s library of literary excellence is the latest TALES OF THE WERE installment, “The Purrfect Stranger”, and we’re here today to help Bianca promote and celebrate!

For those of you not yet familiar with Bianca’s work, we highly recommend everything that she’s written and suggest that you would check it all out HERE. For today though, let’s focus on the TALES OF THE WERE series and her new release, “The Purrfect Stranger”. If you haven’t read TALES OF THE WERE yet, here are the synopses of the books to catch you up:

“Lords of the Were”

TALES OF THE WERE Book #1:

An ancient evil is stalking the twin alpha rulers of the were folk and the half-were woman who is destined to be their mate if she lives long enough.

First in the Tales of the Were.

Fulfilling her mother’s dying wish, Allie climbs a wooded hill just before midnight on Samhain. All Hallows Eve. At the top, she finds an overgrown, magical stone circle, and her destiny. Waiting for her there are twin alpha werewolves who will be her sworn protectors, her mentors and the loves of her life. If she lives long enough.

Overprotective is just one word to describe Rafe and Tim. Sexy is most definitely another. But their newfound love and all their skills both mundane and magical will be tested by an ancient evil. A hostile human mage and a misguided vampire hunt them, servants to secret plans of the ancient Venifucus, a society dedicated to destroying women like Allie.

They will earn unlikely allies, including a half-fey knight imprisoned Underhill for centuries. But will it be enough to battle the evil that stalks them? Will Allies men be strong enough to let her aid them in her own defense? Only together can were, fey and vampire defeat this latest threat and learn that love does truly conquer all.

Warning, this title contains explicit sex and ménage a trois.

“Inferno”

TALES OF THE WERE Book #2:

A forbidden union forged in love and tempered in hellfire.

One last task and Megan will be free of the debt of honor owed by her family. Spying on Dante, a powerful vampire with questionable friends, sounds simple enough. But her mission is complicated by the fact she's got something every vampire wants--tangy, powerful, werewolf blood.

It's easy to capture his attention. The hard part will be getting out with her heart and soul intact. Not to mention her life, thanks to a crazed bomber.

Dante isn't the kind to forgive or forget easily, especially the grudge he holds against werewolves. Still, he is instantly drawn to the injured lone wolf in his care. When he and his friend Duncan treat her wounds, they discover something that marks her as much more than she seems.

That mark is a neon sign warning to be careful, but Dante can't help himself. He wants her and nothing will stand in his way. Not her species. Not his. Not the strange woman who keeps trying to kill him.

Not even the magical poison in Megan's blood?

“The Puurfect Stranger”

TALES OF THE WERE Book #3:

A blind date turns magical when a werecougar and a witch bridge the chasm between their very separate worlds.

Valerie Faber comes from a long line of mages of incredible power. Clan Faber is so skilled, they teach other mages how to use their abilities. All, except for Valerie. What little power she does have seems to be in the realm of housepets and familiars. Not very useful to a Clan used to epic abilities.

Keith is a werecougar with a mixed heritage that makes him a little different from the rest of his Clan. He's overcome it all to become the local Alpha, but he hasn't yet found the woman who can make him purr in human form.

A blind date brings them together, though rarely do shifters mix with mages. After a tempestuous night together, Keith is hot on Valerie's trail - with the help of her feline friends and a little interference from a well-meaning family member. He'll do anything to keep Valerie in his life, including stalking her in Clan Faber's magical fortress.

Now that us Bianca D’Arc groupies remember why we loved TALES OF THE WERE so much and have been dying for this new release, and new readers are clamoring to find all of them from their favorite bookseller ASAP, let’s get to the interview to see what Bianca’s been up to since we last spoke and find out some more about TALES OF THE WERE and “The Puurfect Stranger”.

Bianca D’Arc Interview

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: Hi Bianca! Welcome back! We’re very happy to have you back with us and hope we can turn even more readers on to your wonderful work!

Bianca: Thanks so much! I really enjoyed being here the last time and I’m sure we’ll rock the joint again today! J

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: We asked you most of our good staple ice breaker questions the last time we hosted you, but we have a few more…

Q1): If you were told the world was going to end tomorrow, what would you do in your last 24 hrs?

Bianca: I think I’d probably put on my favorite music, eat my favorite food and hang with my favorite people. I’d try to enjoy all the things that make life worth living one last time.

Q2): We asked you last time what 3 things were that always make you smile. What are 3 things that never fail to piss you off?

Bianca: Stupid people. Bad drivers. And stupid people who are bad drivers. LOL.

Q3): If you could spend the day with any of your characters from any of your series, whom would you want to spend the day with and what would you want to do?

Bianca: Drake from FireDrake. I think I’d like to play guitar with him and learn some of the songs he’s written. (Drake is a master bard, knight and spymaster.) Then later - and this is pre-supposing the day together comes before I wrote his book and he gets committed to his wife because I don’t play with cheaters – I think we could have some real fun. *wink, wink*

Q4): What are some of the things that you enjoy doing when you’re not writing or taking care of other author business?

Bianca: I’ve been doing a lot of home improvement type stuff lately. Painting, refinishing cabinets and doors, etc. I don’t always “enjoy” it, but I do like the end product. Making a room or a house look like new is very satisfying.

Q5): Was there any specific inspiration behind the creation of the TALES OF THE WERE series?

Bianca: I wanted to write a paranormal, but I didn’t want to do the same old vampire story. Werewolves were kind of new back then. By that, I mean that very few people were writing them as romantic heroes. So I figured I’d give it a shot. Thus was born Lords of the Were and a whole new avenue for my paranormal stories. Since then, I’ve written big cat shifters, bear shifters, dragon shifters… lots of different kinds of shifters, fey, mages and the like.

Q6): Do you have an idea of how many books you have planned for the series?

Bianca: Not really. I see ALL of my paranormals as sort of connected and therefore I can’t really say when or if I’ll find an end to the series. There is a background conflict running through all the books – that of the “good” shifters against the evil Venificus (an ancient organization working to bring back an evil fey sorceress to rule the world). I do plan to bring that war to a head at some point. Maybe even have a few battles and skirmishes before the good side triumphs over the bad guys. I guess if/when I end that battle, the series will end, but I sort of see the Venifucus as an ongoing threat since there are many branches of their organization in all parts of the world.

Q7): We know you probably get asked this a lot, but are you any closer to knowing when we’ll get the OTHER Redstone’s story? ;-)

Bianca: You mean Matt from Sweeter Than Wine, don’t you? Hmm. Well, to answer that, you need to know some background info. Way back, even before I was first published in 2006, I’d written most of a book I called Cougar’s Mate (working title). That’s the story of Grif Redstone – the Alpha of the werecougar Clan and head of Redstone Construction. When I wanted to put a cougar shifter into Sweeter Than Wine, I looked around and decided to create a younger brother named Matt, even though that first book had never been finished or published. Matt caught on more than I ever anticipated and people are always asking me when he’s getting his own story. What I really want to do is finish up Cougar’s Mate and get it published somewhere before I tackle Matt’s story. That project is coming closer. I need to finish a new dragon book and a few other things (Harry’s book, etc…) before I can jump on that idea, but I definitely want to do it. Meanwhile, The Purrfect Stranger features a Redstone cousin as its hero.

Q8): What surprises have you encountered so far with regards to the books, your fans, etc?

Bianca: Like I said, I never anticipated Matt Redstone would become such a heartthrob! LOL. I get asked about him a lot. If I’d known, I probably would have planned this out a little better.

Q9): What were some of the challenges in bringing TALES OF THE WERE to life?

Bianca: Writing werewolves was a challenge for me at first. See – and this is a big admission – I’m not really a dog person. There. I said it. I don’t like dogs. Sorry, dog lovers! I do like wolves, though. I’m fascinated by them in the wild, but I don’t think I’d ever work up the nerve to get out of the car if I went to a wolf sanctuary or something like that. They’re scary! Which is good when you want your hero to be scary to everyone – except his heroine, of course. ;-) It all worked out, but I thought long and hard before I decided to write werewolves. I try to concentrate on their inner conflict about being half man-half wolf. Some writers like to focus on the pack hierarchy and animal characteristics, and I do acknowledge that stuff, but I don’t focus on it. I like to see their human side more than their canine side, if that makes any sense.

Q10): You’re always so busy! What do you have in the works right now outside of ‘The Puurfect Stranger”s release that your fans and even new readers can look forward to?

Bianca: I’m finishing a new dragon book. I don’t have a title for it yet, but I think it’ll probably be out toward the end of the year. After that, I promised myself I’d go back and finish Harry’s story – titled Harry’s Sacrifice – which is the last of the Resonance Mates series. (There will be a spin-off trilogy at some point, so Resonance Mates fans, don’t despair!) Then I want to tackle the second Star Lords story – Talent For Trouble – which is the first mate Darak’s story. These are all partially written. They just need finishing. I have a lot of those kinds of things sitting on my hard drive. I want to go back and finish things and get them into the pipeline for publication, so that’s my goal for the coming year. I guess I need to add Cougar’s Mate to that “To Do” list now that we’ve discussed it here. Thanks for the reminder! LOL

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: Bianca, thank you so much for being with us again! It’s always a pleasure, we love having you, and we’re very excited to talk with you more in the Live chat later today. We can’t wait to dig into “The Puurfect Stranger” and are really excited about your upcoming releases as well. We would LOVE to have you back for “Wolf Hills”, the next BROTHERHOOD OF BLOOD novel in April if you’re interested. Maybe we can even convince some of the characters to come out and chat with us a bit?? J

Bianca: Definitely! I’d love to visit again and I think you’ll like playing with Jason Moore, the Alpha of the werewolf pack in Wolf Hills, and his mate, Detective Sally Decker. I look forward to being with you all again. You guys are great! Thanks for having me! J

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CONTEST:

Bianca is graciously offering up an ebook copy of The Purrfect Stranger to a winner from Book Monster Reviews and another winner over at the LITERAL ADDICTION website.

TO ENTER:

*Any comments without an email address will NOT be entered into drawing.

Don't forget to drop by the LITERAL ADDICTION website (http://www.literaladdiction.com/) and follow the directions and links to enter their contest for an extra chance to win!!!

Q&A Interview and Contest with Lisa Kessler

2012-02-23T22:08:00.000-05:00

Lisa Kessler Interview Intro:

Hello everyone! LITERAL ADDICTION and Book Monster Reviews are very happy to welcome Lisa Kessler to our sites today!

Lisa has always loved to make up stories. Her first published work was “The Wonders of Unicorn Creek” in 6^th Grade. The 9 page epic was published by her tiny elementary school.

Since then she’s published short stories in anthologies like: “Dead Souls”, “Ladies of Horror 2009”, “Hell Hath No Fury”, and magazines like: Sinisteria, Horrorfind, Twilight Times, The Writers Hood, Savage Night, The Murder Hole, Behold, and Shadowkeepzine.

Her story, “Immortal Beloved” was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award, and her story “The Third King” won 2^nd place in Behold’s short story contest.

She has since signed on with Entangled Publishing to release her entire NIGHT series, the first book of which was just released in August.

She also just recently released an eBook short story, “Across The Veil”. You can find that HERE.

When Lisa’s not writing she sings. She’s a professional vocalist with the Sand Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies. In 2009 she released her first Christmas CD, The Magic of Christmas. Her version of Christmas Vacation was one of the most added songs on Adult Contemporary radio for the holiday season.

She’s married to another writer, and they live with their two teens in sunny San Diego, California.

For those of you not yet familiar with Lisa’s work, we thought we’d give you the synopsis of “Night Walker”:

“Night Walker”

The NIGHT series Book #1:

He gave up his soul for a second chance to love her...

Two and a half centuries ago, Calisto Terana lost everything when a zealous priest murdered the woman he loved. Now, desperate for another chance to love her, he wants redemption for the mistake that cost her life.

She's haunted by dreams of her own death...

After catching her fiance with another woman, Kate Bradley returns to San Diego to clear her head. The last thing she needs is romance, but after meeting Calisto she's drawn to him in ways she doesn't understand.

They've waited in the shadows for centuries...

Calisto has no doubt Kate is the reincarnation of his lost love, but the Fraternidad Del Fuego Santo has a new watcher with dark ambitions of his own. As old enemies reemerge and a new threat arises, the betrayal that enslaved Calisto to the night might destroy the only woman he's ever loved again.

It sounds incredible doesn’t it!? And did you see that cover?? Anyway, let’s get to the Interview and find out more about this remarkable author and her books.

Lisa Kessler Interview

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: Hi Lisa! We’re very happy to have you here today and to introduce some new readers to your work.

LISA: Thanks so much for having me! I’m really excited to be here…

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: We always like to start out by getting to know our guest authors a little bit better.

Q1): Can you tell us 3 things about yourself that we couldn’t find out easily on the Internet?

LISA: Hmmm… 1) I hate pairing socks! I used to have a “clean sock bucket” and my poor kids had to search for pairs! LOL 2) I chew gum while I write and depending on how the writing is going it might be a LOT of gum! I also chomp it like a cow. It helps me think!  My poor hubby! 3) I cry every time I hear Pavarotti sing Nessun Dorma… Shew!

Q2): Besides singing, what are some of your hobbies and/or things that you enjoy doing when you’re not writing or taking care of other author business?

LISA: Disneyland! I’m an annual passholder so whenever I get the tiniest break, I pencil in a day at the park. It’s a two hour drive, but SO worth it! 

Q3): What are 3 things that always make you smile?

LISA: 1) My Boston Terrier, Yodette. 2) Disneyland 3) Babies laughing

Q4): Do you have a particular favorite ‘feel good’ song?

LISA: Eye of the Tiger! And Gonna Fly Now from Rocky…

Q5): We know that this is a hard question, but who are some of your favorite authors, and what are a couple titles in your TBR pile/list right now?

LISA: Super hard question! LOL Kelley Armstrong, Patricia Briggs, Angie Fox, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, the list goes on and on! Well my Kindle has 10 pages of books to be read in it. The next book I’m dying to read the day it comes out is Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready! It’s the final book in her Shade trilogy… If you haven’t read Shade and Shift yet, hurry… Such an amazing series!

Q6): Was there any specific inspiration behind the creation of the NIGHT series?

LISA: I wanted to write a vampire book, but I wanted to set it on the west coast. I started researching San Diego history and eventually found myself touring Mayan ruins! LOL As the mythology all started to come together in my head, I created my own immortals, the Night Walkers.

Q7): How many books do you have planned for the series?

LISA: Right now there are 3 novels and a prequel novella

Q8): What can we expect as the series progresses?

LISA: The stakes for the world and the Night Walker race are raised with each book, but as each immortal falls in love during the series, I hope the readers will too.

Q9): Do you have anything else in the works outside of the NIGHT series that you’d like to share with us?

LISA: I also have a werewolf and jaguar shifter series, The Moon Series, that I’ve been working on and shopping for a publishing home. The wolves are hot and the books have lots of passion. I have the first 2 novels completed and the third in progress. There will be 8 books in the series total.

Q10): Is there anything special you’d like to say to your readers while we have you here today?

LISA: I just found out that Barnes & Noble will be carrying Night Walker in mass-market paperback beginning in May!!! This never would have happened without everyone’s support and reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you SO much for embracing Calisto and Night Walker!

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: Lisa, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us today. We’d love to have you back to promote “Night Demon” if you’re interested, and maybe even add on a Live chat so we can chat with you a bit more!?

Coming Feb. 2013

LISA: Oh I would love that!!! But with the re-release of Night Walker in mass-market paperback, all my release dates have shifted, so the next release will be the prequel novella, Night Thief in September. This one is a historical paranormal that takes place in Paris in 1840. I can’t wait for everyone to meet Kane, one of the original immortal Night Walkers!!

Night Demon will now be released in February of 2013 in mass-market paperback… YAY!

If you want to keep up with Lisa, you can find her here:

Website: http://www.lisa-kessler.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NightSeries

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

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023842.Lisa_Kessler

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CONTEST:

Lisa is graciously offering up an eBook copy of Night Walker to a winner from Book Monster Reviews and another winner over at the LITERAL ADDICTION website.

TO ENTER:

*Any comments without an email address will NOT be entered into drawing.

Q&A Interview and Contest with Shea MacLeod

2012-02-23T20:02:00.006-05:00

Hello everyone! LITERAL ADDICTION and Book Monster Reviews are very happy to have Shea MacLeod with us today!

Shea has a cute bio on her website, so we thought we’d borrow it for her Event:

“Shéa MacLeod has dreamed of writing novels since before she could hold a crayon. She totally blames her mother.

Her love affair with books, words and stories began at a very young age when her mom would load her and her brothers into the red Radio Flyer wagon and haul the down to the local library. For Shéa, the library was a magical place, each book opening up a new world. Her favorite poem as a child was 'Jabberwocky', and Her favorite authors were Agatha Christie and Edgar Allan Poe. Which probably explains a lot.

After living in Portland, Oregon most of her life, she now makes her home in an Edwardian town house in London just a stone's throw from the local cemetery. Which also explains a lot. Fortunately, the neighbors are quiet.

Her first novel, KISSED BY DARKNESS, a fast paced urban fantasy novel with a kick-ass heroine, is due out at the end of May 2011. It's also the first book in the SUNWALKER SAGA. Now she's hard at work on book two of the series while simultaneously writing two further novels (not part of the saga). Yeah, she can multitask like that!”

Shea is the proud creator of the SUNWALKER SAGA and DRAGON WARS series.
The SUNWALKER SAGA has 3 installments – “Kissed by Darkness”, “Kissed by Fire”, and “Kissed by Smoke”. The last, “Kissed by Smoke”, was just released on December 20, 2011.

Shea’s DRAGON WARS series only has 1 release right now; “Dragon Warrior” which was just released on October 20, 2011, but there is another installment due to be released next month.

For those of you new to Shea and her work, we thought we’d give you the synopses of the books to get you up to speed and peak your interests.

SUNWALKER SAGA

“Kissed by Darkness”

SUNWALKER SAGA Book #1:

Danger is always on the menu for Morgan Bailey, a sexy and street-smart bounty hunter, who prowls the dark underworld of Portland, Oregon hunting creatures of the night. Morgan's never met a vampire she couldn't dust or a demon she couldn't kill until she's hired to destroy a new kind of mystical threat: the Sunwalker.

A powerful immortal once believed myth, the Sunwalker carries with him an ancient secret which, if left unchecked, will destroy Morgan's world. Pursued by a passionate Templar Knight and the target of the local vampire clans, an ancient power is awakened within her, unlike anything she's ever known. Morgan must uncover the truth behind her mission and about herself, before the Darkness lurking inside swallows her whole.

“Kissed by Fire”

SUNWALKER SAGA Book #2:

Vampire Hunter Morgan Bailey’s life is about to take a turn for the weird. As if Sunwalkers,a Templar Knight, and an ancient Atlantean artifact weren’t enough.

When a MI8 analyst is brutally murdered, Morgan is called to London to investigate. She stumbles across a conspiracy involving an extinct supernatural race. Dragons. But the dragons may not be as extinct as everyone thought.

The Darkness grows inside her. A new power rages out of control. She is stalked through the streets of London by the vampire who murdered her.

Morgan must hunt her own killer. She must uncover the truth. Or humanity will be plunged into a war it can never hope to win.

“Kissed by Smoke”

SUNWALKER SAGA Book #3:

Morgan Bailey is looking forward to a nice, quiet birthday. Fate has other plans.

A psychotic sidhe is on the loose: A fairy so powerful, not even a Hunter can stop him. But with the help of the Fairy Queen, Morgan is determined to try. She soon finds herself crashing a steampunk party, hunting down rednecks, having tea with a genie king, and battling Mongolian Death Worms.

Unfortunately there is more to the sidhe’s plans than meets the eye and his endgame spells disaster not just for his own people, but for human kind as well.

DRAGON WARS

“Dragon Warrior”

DRAGON WARS Book #1:

A man without a past.
A woman without a future.
A world destroyed by monsters.
All that’s left is hope.In Rain Mauri’s post-apocalyptic world there are no shades of gray when it comes to survival. Until she meets a Dragon Warrior and discovers nothing is as simple as it seems.

Together, Rain and the Dragon Warrior must uncover the truth behind the nightmare their world has become. Their quest will put them in the crosshairs of a ruthless enemy, but with her determination and his skill, they might just save their race from destruction. If they can save each other first.

Do we have you all on Amazon and Barnes & Noble downloading? Good!! Take a break for a minute though and join us as we learn a bit more about the author behind these 2 great series …

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LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: Hi Shea! We’re very happy to have you here today, and are excited to introduce some new readers to your wonderful work.

SHEA: Thanks so much for having me!

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: We always start by finding out more about our guest author.

Q1): Can you tell us 3 things about yourself that we couldn’t find out easily on the Internet?

SHEA: Let’s see …

1. As I kid I played soccer for one year. We were quite possibly the worst team ever. We never won a single game.

2. I’m absolutely addicted to Brazilian coxinhas. I could eat them every day.

3. I love the rain but hate the snow. Seriously, if I wanted snow, I’d move to Alaska.

Q2): Did qnyone or anything special inspire you to become an author?

SHEA: I’ve always loved stories, both reading and telling. I blame my mother, as you know. Lol Agatha Christie was most definitely my biggest inspiration when it came to writing. She still inspires me.

Q3): What are 3 things that always make you smile?

SHEA:

1. My soul-sister, Sheena. She makes me laugh every day. We’re two total screwballs with the same twisted sense of humor. Even when we’re crying we can find something to laugh about.

2. A good piece of music. I can’t NOT boogie. Even in the middle of a grocery store.

3. Chocolate. Well, you asked. ;-)

Q4): What are some of your hobbies or things that you enjoy doing when you’re not writing or taking care of other author business?

SHEA: I love dancing and I love learning new dances. From salsa to samba to belly dance, I’ve tried them all. Next up is jive! I’m also a trained massage therapist and a Level 2 Reiki practioner, so while I don’t get paid for it anymore, I do help out friends and family in need. Baking is my thing. It relaxes me. There’s nothing quite like pulling a fresh (from scratch) baked cake out of the oven. YUM!

Q5): We know this is a hard one, but who are some of your favorite authors, and what are a few titles in your TBR pile right now?

SHEA: Hoo boy! The never ending TBR pile. Lol Okay let’s start with favorite authors. In no particular order:

Agatha Christie
James Rollins
Gail Carriger
Stephen King
Jack Wallen
Meljean Brook
Norah Wilson
Nalini Singh
Justin Cronin
Janet Evanovich
Alyssa Day
Joss Ware/Colleen Gleason
And I probably missed quite a few.
In my TBR pile (aka my Kindle) I’ve got:
Diary of a Mad Fat Girl by Stephanie McAfee
The Skeleton Key by James Rollins
Vampire Blues by Stephany Simmons
Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh
Nightfall by Norah Wilson
And that’s just for starters!

Q6): What’s a typical work day like for you? Do you have a writing routine or things you absolutely cannot go through your day without?

SHEA: I definitely can’t get through the day without coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! As for routine, I generally write in the mornings and then work on blog posts and marketing and other author type things in the afternoons. I do this five days a week at least (sometimes more) and view it like a regular job. Just with more flexibility. And I can write in my pajamas. J

Q7): Was there any specific inspiration behind the creation of the SUNWALKER SAGA?

SHEA: It started several years ago with this hideous job I had in Portland. There were so many days I just wished something would happen so I wouldn’t have to go to work. One day I just suddenly got this image of a woman who arrives at work to find the place on fire and a demon laughing its butt off at the chaos. Of course no one else could see the demon but this young woman and she suddenly realizes there is more to the world than what ordinary people think.
This particular scene never made it into any of the books (and indeed, doesn’t exist even in the back story), but a few years later the woman morphed into Morgan Bailey and the story took on a life of its own.

Q8): What about the DRAGON WARS series? What made you want to tell that particular tale?

SHEA: I love post-apocalyptic tales. Heck, apocalyptic tales of any kind. My all-time favorite book is The Stand by Stephen King. On top of that I just have this thing for dragons and I admit to having really enjoyed Reign of Fire. I know, terrible movie, but I couldn’t help myself. And there was so much eye candy!

But I digress.
I loved the idea of dragons having caused and apocalypse and I wanted to know what that would look like, what life would be like, for the survivors. Human nature being what it is I also knew it wouldn’t just be about the dragons. It would be about a lot more than that. And it was. A lot more.

Q9): How many books do you have planned for each series?

SHEA: Sunwalker Saga will have six books. Dragon Wars was originally planned as a trilogy, but it’s taken a turn (as these things do) for the longer. There is definitely a fourth book in the works, and quite possibly more than that. At this point I don’t see Dragon Wars ending any time soon.

Q9): What can we expect as each of the series progress?

SHEA: In the Sunwalker Saga, we will find out more about Morgan’s relationship with the Fairy Queen, the reason behind her father’s death, and just what Alister Jones has up his very dirty sleeve. A few old enemies will return, and several new creatures will make their appearance. There will also be a culmination of Morgan’s powers resulting in … well, I can’t tell you that. ;-)

In Dragon Wars, the battle between the Marines and the civilians will come to a head. The dead will rise, new romances will be unveiled, and evil will lurk in unexpected places.
And that’s all I’m going to say about that. J

Q11): Are there any deeper meanings in either of the series that you’re hoping your readers grasp?

SHEA: Thing is, I write to entertain. There’s really no deeper meaning. I just want to share a good story that takes people somewhere magical for just a little while. If there was something I would want people (women especially) to take from Morgan and Rain, it would be to learn to love and accept yourself as you are. Never let anyone try to convince you that you are less than. And that you’re stronger than you think.

12): What were some of the challenges in bringing the SUNWALKER SAGA to life?

SHEA: I think the most challenging thing was finding the story. I’ve never been the type of writer who could force a story into being and Morgan was a stubborn one. But when she was ready, it just flowed.
The second most challenging thing was once the story was written, nobody wanted to represent it. I couldn’t find an agent to save my life, and publishers weren’t accepting anything that wasn’t represented. So, I decided to take a gamble and publish it myself. That challenge REALLY paid off. Agents may not have wanted Morgan, but readers sure do!

Q13): Is there a question that you thought it would be cool to be asked in an interview but have never been asked? How would you answer that question?

SHEA: LOL! I have been asked so many weird things in interviews from what I’d do if I got abducted by aliens (adventure, baby!) to what superpower I’d want (teleportation). I honestly can’t think of anything.

Q14): Do you have anything else in the works that you want to/can share with us today – signings, contests, additional releases, new projects, etc?

SHEA: Dragon Lord, Book 2 of Dragon Wars will be out in March. I’m loving this one and I can’t WAIT until it’s out there. There’s something so exciting about pushing that “publish” button. J

In addition, I’m working on a new series called Omicron ZX. It’s a sci-fi romance murder mystery series. Think Jessica Fletcher in space. Only younger and with a super hot male side kick. And instead of a bicycle, she’s got a star ship!

Q15): Is there anything special you want to say to your readers while we have you here today?

SHEA: I just want to say a great big THANK YOU to everyone who has bought and read my books, as well as to all of you who have taken the time to join me today. I cannot tell you how much your support is appreciated!

LITERAL ADDICTION/Book Monster Reviews: Shea, thank you so much for being with us today! We’re very happy to help you promote the SUNWALKER SAGA and DRAGON WARS series and are hoping we introduced some new readers to your great work. We’d love to have you back for your next release if you’d be interested

SHEA: Thanks so much, ladies, and I’ll be happy to drop in again sometime.

If you want to keep up with Shea online, she can be found here:

Her Website http://sheamacleod.blogspot.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sh%C3%A9a-MacLeod/139997056073174

GoodReads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4998597.Sh_a_MacLeod

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CONTEST:

Shea is graciously offering up one copy of Kissed by Darkness and one copy of Dragon Warrior to a winner from Book Monster Reviews and a winner over at the LITERAL ADDICTION website.

TO ENTER:

*Any comments without an email address will NOT be entered into drawing.

Don't forget to drop by the LITERAL ADDICTION website (http://www.literaladdiction.com/) and follow the directions and links to enter their contest for an extra chance to win!!!