Anna Zaires

Guest Post and Giveaway by Anna Zaires...

I’ve always loved bad boys. Well, at least in books. And I’m not talking about pierced, tattooed, hard-partying rock stars – though, of course, those are sexy too. No, I have to admit that I like my heroes smart and sophisticated . . . and just a little bit evil.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if the girl ended up with the villain, not the hero? Have you ever wished for a happily-ever-after for that guy who’s supposed to be bad, but who’s really the one you fantasize about?

Well, I have. Pretty much every time there’s an interesting and attractive villain in a story, I secretly end up rooting for him to win. From the first time Damon appeared in Vampire Diaries, I thought Elena should be with him instead of the much nicer – and much more boring – Stefan. Damon accepts what he is; he doesn’t whine or wish that things were different. Yes, he does callous things and kills people all the time (okay, that last part – so not cool), but he’s also fiercely protective of Elena and would do anything for her. And that’s what makes him so sexy – the contrast between his evil side and the feelings he develops for Elena.

So when I sat down to write my first book this summer, I wrote a fantasy I’ve had for a long time. The hero of my book is far from perfect. In fact, in most other books, he would be the villain.

His name is Korum, and he is one of the most powerful Krinar on Earth.

Five years in the future, the Krinar rule us. They are an ancient race from another galaxy, and they are responsible for planting the seeds of life on Earth. They are beautiful, dangerous, and immortal – and they can be brutal if opposed. When they took over our planet, we didn’t put up a fight. We couldn’t; our technology is far too primitive compared to theirs. So now we are completely at their mercy.

How would you feel if you met a Krinar in the park, like Mia Stalis did? And what if that Krinar decided that he wanted you and didn’t give you much choice in the matter? Would you sleep with the enemy? Would you give in to his demands? Would you fall in love with him knowing that he was responsible for the subjugation of your species?

Hmm, not very easy questions to answer. I knew what I would do, but Mia? That’s a different story. She had a mind of her own.

And thus, the premise for Close Liaisons was born. I had a blast writing the story! My husband helped with the scientific aspects of the book (there really is a four-hundred-year-old clam, look it up!), as well as with the overall plot and a bunch of other things.

And now, the story continues in Close Obsession, the second book in the series. It will be released February 23rd. If you’re intrigued, here’s a Close Obsession teaser for you:

Entering the living room, Mia saw Korum sitting on the couch with his eyes closed. Surprised, she stopped and stared at him. Was he sleeping? Hesitant to disturb him, she just stood there, using this rare opportunity to study her alien lover with his guard down.

With his eyes closed, the bronzed perfection of his face was even more striking. High cheekbones blended synergistically with a strong nose and a firm jaw, forming a face that was as masculine as it was beautiful. His eyebrows were dark and thick, slanting straight above his eyes, and his eyelashes looked incredibly long, spread out like dark fans above his cheeks. His hair had grown in the month that she’d known him – he’d probably been too busy chasing after the Keiths to get a haircut, Mia thought wryly – and it was starting to brush against his ears.

As though sensing her gaze on him, he opened his eyes and smiled when he saw her standing there. “Come here,” he murmured, patting the couch next to him. “How are you feeling?”

Mia blushed slightly. “I’m fine,” she told him.

He just continued looking at her with a mysterious expression on his face, almost as if studying her for some reason. Feeling a little uncertain about where they stood after yesterday’s conversation, Mia cautiously approached him. Even though she’d spent most of last night writhing in pleasure in his arms, there was still so much unresolved between them. Pausing a couple of feet away, she asked, “Were you sleeping just now? I’m sorry to interrupt if you were . . .”

“Sleeping? No.” He looked surprised by her assumption. “I was just taking care of some business.”

“Virtually?” Mia guessed, and Korum nodded, patting the couch again.

Mia came closer, and he reached out with his hand, pulling her onto his lap. Burying his hand in the dark mass of curls, he tilted her head toward him and kissed her, his mouth hot and demanding, his tongue stroking hers until she forgot everything but the incredible sensations he was provoking in her. Barely able to breathe, Mia moaned, melting helplessly against him, her loins filling with liquid heat despite the fact that she should be wrung out after the excesses of last night.

Apparently satisfied with her response, Korum raised his head and looked down at her with a half-smile, releasing her hair but still holding her tightly in his arms. “You see, Mia,” he said softly, “if really doesn’t matter what labels are placed on our relationship. It doesn’t change anything between us.”

Close Obsession 

The Krinar Chronicles: Volume 2

By Anna Zaires

Genre: Paranormal/SciFi Romance

Publisher: Mozaika Publications

The cover designer is Luna Oliveira

Description:

The highly anticipated sequel to Close Liaisons . . .

In Lenkarda – the main Krinar colony on Earth – Mia is completely at Korum's mercy. With no way to leave and no idea how to operate even the most basic Krinar technology, she has no choice but to trust the K who brought her there – the lover whom she had betrayed.

Will he keep his promise to bring her home, or is she destined to be his prisoner forever? Can a human become a part of Krinar society? Does Korum love her, or does he only wish to possess her? 

WARNING: This book contains strong sexual content and explicit language and is not suitable for readers under 18.

Book Description:

A dark and edgy romance that will appeal to fans of erotic and turbulent relationships . . .

In the near future, the Krinar rule the Earth. An advanced race from another galaxy, they are still a mystery to us - and we are completely at their mercy.

Shy and innocent, Mia Stalis is a college student in New York City who has led a very normal life. Like most people, she's never had any interactions with the invaders - until one fateful day in the park changes everything. Having caught Korum's eye, she must now contend with a powerful, dangerously seductive Krinar who wants to possess her and will stop at nothing to make her his own.

How far would you go to regain your freedom? How much would you sacrifice to help your people? What choice will you make when you begin to fall for your enemy?

WARNING: This book contains strong sexual content and explicit language and is not suitable for readers under 18.


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Author Bio:

Anna Zaires fell in love with books at the age of five, when her grandmother taught her to read. She wrote her first story shortly thereafter. Since then, she has always lived partially in a fantasy world where the only limits were those of her imagination. Currently residing in New York City, Anna is happily married to the man of her dreams and closely collaborates with him in the writing of the Krinar Chronicles.

You can learn more about the Krinar Chronicles and get news on upcoming releases at:

Website: http://www.annazaires.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.annazaires
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaZaires



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Jade Hart

An Interview with Jade Hart and review of Ocean Kills

Come join me in welcoming Jade Hart to Cloey's Book Reviews and Other Stuff. I am so happy to share her book Ocean Kills with you and am very happy to have Ms hart here to share her writing process with us today.

Cloey: When did you become interested in writing? 

Jade: I was homeschooled in Hong Kong and part of my lessons were daily creative writing lessons. They were my favourite part. Plus, I was a terrible book-worm. I was grounded many times for reading at the table. It was a no brainer that I’d end up writing for my career.

Cloey: What inspired you to write Ocean Kills?

Jade: I’ve always liked darker books. And wanted to create a character who was heavily flawed, and survived a past that might have broken so others. Ocean and her vigilante ways are slightly different to normal heroines, and Callan – the love interest – really grew on me until he became just as important as Ocean.

Cloey: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Jade: Not sure about a message, Just good versa evil and lots of areas of gray. For instance, Ocean kills a man involved in a sex ring in South Africa. He’s a bad man and ruined many girls lives, but killing is wrong too. When does it become okay for one bad act to be acceptable? 

Cloey: Who was your favorite character and who was your least favorite character to develop and why? 

Jade: My favorite character was Ocean, but Callan is a very very close second. Love those two. I also adore Maurice, Ocean’s adoptive father. He is a very dear man. The least favourite character was Atsu Bazeer – the sex trafficking overlord. Writing him wasn’t fun.

Cloey: What did you enjoy most about writing Ocean Kills?

Jade: I loved getting into different headspaces. Ocean Kills is told in alternate POV’s and it was refreshing writing from Callan’s mind after being in Ocean’s seeing as she deals with a lot of issues.

Cloey: What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing the story to life?

Jade: The main challenge was researching the sex industry. Finding out what happened to women captured and making sure my facts were correct. It was hard to read about the truth of what happens to innocent girls and women.

Cloey: What are you working on now?

Jade: I’m currently working on Ocean Slays (book two of Ocean Breeze) and Coffee and Cockpits. A NA Contemp Romance about a flight attendant who likes the copilot and the engineer and can’t decide who to have, and ends up having both. It’s fun and quirky. (Can be found on Goodreads).

Cloey: What do you like to read in your free time?

Jade: I read a lot of self-published work and love how many awesome titles are coming from people who did it all themselves. I also like to read series. I’ve just finished reading the Faefever seires by Karen Marie Moning.

Cloey: Share with us something about yourself that we wouldn't see in your bio or on any other blogs (this can be anything from the type of music you like, your favorite color, or even your favorite meal - share whatever you want your fans to know about you).

Jade: Umm, something no one else knows… that’s hard! Oh I know, a lot of my work is based on facts from my own life. For example, a lot of the hotels, restaurants, locations in Ocean Kills are based on real life places. The sushi restaurant at the beginning is mirror image to the one I ate at in Kings Cross. And Callan’s apartment in Bondi Beach is my old apartment when I lived there. I find it adds authenticity if I’ve been, seen, heard and smelt.

Thanks so much for having me.


A Sexy New Adult Urban Fantasy that takes place in exotic locations, follows a kick-ass heroine, and a swoon-worthy hero. Warning - contains sex


Excerpt: Thanks so much

Chapter One:

Ocean

My name is Ocean Breeze. Yep. Ocean freakin' Breeze. It was my mom's attempt at some posh-sounding name. She was inspired by—get this—a bottle of toilet air-freshener. My heart squeezed at the thought of the cookie-scented woman with hugs as warm as sunshine.

The sound of my Nikes pummeling the pavement chased away my thoughts, and the slapping of rubber against asphalt was similar to the slap the last prostitute-abusing john gave me. Stinking bastard. No one raises a hand to Ocean Breeze without losing an appendage. Or more, as the case may be.

I swiped my hands on my red vinyl miniskirt. It wasn't exactly an attractive outfit—Nikes with a miniskirt? But I'd learned the hard way. Running in heels never worked. Ever. The sleazy men who paid for sex didn't care what was on my feet, only what was between them.

I jumped and jived through the crowd. It was two in the morning, and the streets of Kings Cross, Sydney, were a hive of activity. Drunken students hauled themselves from karaoke clubs. Rich business men back-slapped each other for the lap dance from the uni-student, who pocketed their tips to pay for her law degree. This place was full of clichés and smut.

And I loved it.

I could disappear here. I was a nobody. Even boasting a pair of ruby lips and a figure that could've graced the center fold of Playboy, I didn’t stand out. Beauty was coveted in the Cross, and plastic surgery was the salvation if nature didn’t do the work.

So why was I running?

I just killed a guy. That's why.

I bolted past the three-story-sized Coca-Cola advertisement, blazing red and white, and disappeared into an alley full of meth-heads and crack whores. I leaped over comatose figures, sprinting toward the city center. Keep running. Get far away.

The night was heavy with muggy heat, unusual for this time of year, and sweat made my miniskirt slide against my thighs.

Kings Cross embraced sin and naughtiness—the suburb encouraged unleashed pleasure and endless partying. It also encouraged rapists and murderers who lurked in the shadows. . . waiting.

A flash of blue and red lights.

Sirens.

Fuck! I pirouetted and charged down another alley, passing a gay club blasting Kylie Minogue. Ugh.

“You! Stop!”

Yeah, no chance of that, fat douche. I flipped him the bird and kept running. He jumped back in his cruiser and gave chase. Lazy bastard. Too many kebabs and doughnuts for that slob. He wouldn't catch me. No one ever caught me.

My ruby lips curved. I loved the chase. I loved the kill. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. I didn’t enjoy murdering someone, but I did enjoy the knowledge that he’d never hurt another. My cut throat actions saved other would-be victims. Plus, that john deserved it.

Memories overtook my vision. Heavy breath on my cheek, rancid smell as he slobbered on my neck. Then warm, oozing blood as my weapon of convenience—a long skinny oyster knife—buried deep in the man's groin. Ridding him of a vital piece of his anatomy and draining his body of crimson. One moment alive, the next—not. Then rushed practicality: Dispose of my surgical gloves. Wipe the corpse with antiseptic wipes. Remove the man's DNA, fingerprints, and blood from my body.

Adrenaline spiked, dousing my already overloaded system. My heart thudded as fast as the bass at a techno club. The pavement flickered and I stumbled.

No, not now! My vision danced like a mirage. I no longer had control of my body.

Sirens were closer, screeching in my ears. Keep moving, Ocean! For freakin' sake, move!

No amount of yelling could stop the migraine from consuming me. I screamed and clutched my temples, slamming to the concrete. The sidewalk danced under my phantasm goggles, no longer acting like rock and tar, but candy floss and gossamer. I'm going. I'm going. . .

Cold claws grasped my bare shoulders. “You're coming with us.”

Ocean Kills 
Ocean Breeze Series Book One

Jade Hart

Genre: new adult sexy urban fantasy

Number of pages: 344
Word Count: 97,000 

Goodreads










Book Description:

Around the world, murderers and rapists pick off the innocent. Killing loved ones, separating families, and ruining lives.

As an eight-year-old girl, Ocean witnessed her family’s massacre and something altered inside her. Twisting her genetic code… unlocking an ability to teleport.

Ocean Breeze was never destined to be normal, especially being named after air-freshener. She’s a shadow, a ghost—a dark savior of the innocent. Armed with a switchblade in her bra, and a box-cutter in her pocket, she hunts the filth of the world.

Callan Bliss is a Sydney Police Officer whose skill set is far above a normal cop. All his fellow officers see is a hard-worker who loves to catch perpetrators and surf, but that’s because they don’t know his past. When Callan arrests a suspicious looking prostitute, coming face to face with a self-confessed vigilante, his secrets aren’t that easy to keep silent anymore.

Ocean hates the police with a passion, and has no intention of being held captive by a cop, even if he is sexy as hell. Teleporting from under his nose, Ocean hunts her next target—a man responsible for the largest sex ring in South Africa—and he’s about to die. But she doesn’t count on Callan giving chase, nor the body-quaking lust which consumes them. However, Ocean's dark hobbies take precedence over what her heart wants—her thirst for murdering is killing her too, and not even Callan can save her.

Author Bio:

Jade Hart is a self-confessed book worm who is happiest glued to a lap-top with an eternal battery life, and typing up stories running rampant in her head.

Her three favorite things are:

1. Unlimited books on an Ebook Reader
2. Cracking the sugar on a creme brulee
3. Travelling

She writes New Adult 'smexy' fiction.

www.dreamwritepublish.blogspot.com

www.falling4fiction.blogspot.com

Twitter: @jadehart8

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

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6544592.Jade_Hart

Ocean Breeze and Callen Bliss are two of a kind. Both like fighting the bad guys, don't have a problem if the criminal dies, and never follow procedures. When they met they had an instant attraction but because of the circumstances of their introductions it was too weird for Ocean to pursue any type of relationship with Callen so the chase begins.

The thing that kept me turning the pages was my desire to see how they were going to get together. It is a romance novel so I already knew they were going to get together but both of them were very powerful in their particular skill sets. They would make an awesome partnership but as a couple well, I needed to see how the story was going to end. Ms. Hart kept the story interesting and created two badass characters that kept the story going and the ending was excellent. I would recommend adding this book to your library for a quick and entertaining read.

Anna Zaires

Anna Zaires stopped by to discuss her novel entitled Close Liaisons which is an urban fantasy, romance novel with an science fiction flavor. I loved this book and you can check out my full review here.

Aliens from the planet Krina came to Earth to stop us from polluting and abusing our planet and decided to share it with us, riiiiight. They gave us technology, cleaned up our diets, and stopped our mistreatment of the planet. And five years after the invasion Mia Stalis a NYU student was in the wrong park at the wrong time studying for her finals. She never met a Krinar or knew much about them until now. Korum, from the planet Krina, visited the park, saw Mia, wanted to meet her, and a whole lot more. That was the last normal day in Mia's life. 

Check out what Anna has to say about writing Close Liaisons:

Cloey: When did you become interested in writing?

Anna: When I was a child, I really enjoyed writing stories about all kinds of things – tree leaves, animals, people. Then, as a teenager, I discovered romance novels, and I absolutely fell in love with them (pun intended :)). For many years, I was so consumed with reading that writing became something I did only occasionally, and I almost forgot how much I'd enjoyed it once. It was only this year that I came back to my childhood hobby, and I became obsessed with writing again – with Close Liaisons as the result. My husband and I actually worked together on the story; he helped me with the plot and many of the more interesting scientific elements, and he was also my original editor and beta reader. So it's really a collaborative effort.

Cloey: What inspired you to write Close Liaisons?

Anna: It was a fantasy I've had ever since I was a teenager. I've always been fascinated by both aliens and vampires, and I've had the Krinar living in my imagination for the better part of the last two decades. I kept reading science fiction and paranormal romance in the hopes that someone will write my fantasy for me, but no one really did. So I finally decided that if I wanted to read about the Krinar, I could just write about them myself – and my husband encouraged me to do a full-length novel. I'm basically my own target audience :). 

Cloey: Who was your favorite character and who was your least favorite character and why?

Anna: Well, as an author, I don't really write characters that I dislike :). Mia is the one that I can most relate to; she's a nice, normal, intelligent girl who is very close to her family. Korum is much more morally ambiguous. He's both the hero and the villain of the story, and there were definitely times when I wanted to tell him to be nicer to Mia – but he has a mind of his own! My husband hates him, by the way. 

Cloey: What did you enjoy most about writing Close Liaisons?

Anna: LOL, coming up with the sex scenes? No, but seriously, I loved everything about the writing process. I would get absolutely captivated by the chemistry between Korum and Mia; their interactions were probably my favorite scenes to write. 

Cloey: If you received a movie deal who would you like to see play Korum?

Anna: Hmm, that's a toughie. I honestly can't think of any actors who could do him justice. Maybe Ian Somerhalder from Vampire Diaries if he were taller, buffer, and had a darker tan?

Cloey: Niiiice - we can't make him taller but maybe we can get him to a gym, have him drink some protein shakes and maybe workout in the sun, oh yeah he could work :)

Cloey: What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing the story to life?

Anna: Well, sleep was – and still is – a major challenge for me. I used to be able to sleep 10-12 hours on the weekends to catch up after a long work week, but now I can't sleep more than 6-7 hours a night because I'm so excited to be writing or doing something book-related. Of course, all the publication logistics can be very stressful, especially for a first-time author, but my husband has been a tremendous help in this area as well.

Cloey: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in Close Liaisons?

Anna: No, I'm very happy with how the book came out. It's basically my fantasy come to life on paper.

Cloey: What are you working on now?

Anna: I'm writing Close Obsession, the second volume in the Krinar Chronicles series. My husband and I are also brainstorming ideas for other books, including at least three more set in the Krinar universe, one fantasy/science fiction novel (where he's going to be the main author), and possibly some contemporary romances further out.

Cloey: What do you like to read in your free time?

Anna: I love reading romance novels, particularly of the paranormal variety. My favorite authors are Linda Howard, Karen Marie Moning, Lisa Kleypas, and Lara Adrian – I own all of their books.

Cloey: Share with us something about yourself that we wouldn't see in your bio or on any other blogs (this can be anything from the type of music you like, your favorite color, or even your favorite meal - share whatever you want your fans to know about you)

Anna: I'm a health nut, so I adhere pretty closely to a plant-based diet – similar to the one I described in the book as mandated by the Krinar :).

Cloey: So, that explains why the meals that Korum cooked looked so tasty. I was hungry after reading some of them, hahaha.

Thank you so much for stopping by and discussing Close Liaisons with us. I enjoyed your book and would like to share it with other readers who will feel the same way about it.

If you would like more information about Anna Zaires check out her bio:

Anna Zaires fell in love with books at the age of five, when her grandmother taught her to read. She wrote her first story shortly thereafter. Since then, she has always lived partially in a fantasy world where the only limits were those of her imagination. Currently residing in New York City, Anna is happily married to the man of her dreams and closely collaborates with him in the writing of the Krinar Chronicles. 

Check out her website at: www.annazaires.com

Buy the book on amazon:

Jeffe Kennedy

Interview with Jeffe Kennedy

Hunting the SirenBook Two in the Blood Currency Series

By Jeffe Kennedy

A vampire queen grown powerful with age, Imogen has protected her band of nightriders through the centuries. When refugee vampires from earthquake-shattered Europe seek shelter and sustenance, she’s honor-bound to feed them, by any means necessary. When her lieutenants dump the vengeful human man Kasar at her feet, Imogen succumbs to his masculine vitality and her overwhelming hunger for his blood—and his body.

Kasar has survived the breaking of the world, only to discover the vampire queen has slaughtered his sister and her unborn child. With the last of his bloodline dead, only his desire for vengeance keeps Kasar alive. He imagines he can pretend to succumb to Imogen’s seduction—not that he has much of a choice, chained as he is to the foot of her bed—and bide his time until he has an opportunity to kill her. The passion he finds in her arms is unexpected, and impossible to resist. But this haven of desire and satiation could easily destroy them both.

Feeding the Vampire

Book One in the Blood Currency Series

By Jeffe Kennedy

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

ASIN: B005HBYPGW

Through good luck and healthy cowardice, Misty has survived the earthquakes that have torn the world apart, but has no skills to speak of. Or so she thinks. She does have blood, and someone must feed the vampire who has offered his protection and strength in exchange for sustenance.

Feeding Ivan is a priority, and Misty finally serves a purpose. But when she awakens tied to his bed, an unwilling gift to Ivan from the townspeople, she discovers he has hungers other than blood.

Hungers he expects her to satisfy in the most carnal manner. Under his seductive persuasion Misty discovers she has the power to sustain Ivan in all ways, while experiencing unspeakable pleasure herself.

Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Ellora’s Cave, ARe

Rogue’s Pawn 

Covenant of Thorns Series

by Jeffe Kennedy

 
978-14268-9406-0

Carina Press

July 16, 2012

This is no fairy tale…

Haunted by nightmares of a black dog, sick to death of my mind-numbing career and heart-numbing fiancé, I impulsively walked out of my life—and fell into Faerie. Terrified, fascinated, I discover I possess a power I can’t control: my wishes come true. After an all-too-real attack by the animal from my dreams, I wake to find myself the captive of the seductive and ruthless fae lord Rogue. In return for my rescue, he demands an extravagant price—my firstborn child, which he intends to sire himself…

With no hope of escaping this world, I must learn to harness my magic and build a new life despite the perils—including my own inexplicable and debilitating desire for Rogue. I swear I will never submit to his demands, no matter what erotic torment he subjects me to…

Amazon, Barnes and Noble

About the Author:

Jeffe Kennedy took the crooked road to writing, stopping off at neurobiology, religious studies and environmental consulting before her creative writing began appearing in places like Redbook, Puerto del Sol, Wyoming Wildlife, Under the Sun and Aeon. An erotic novella, Petals and Thorns, came out under her pen name of Jennifer Paris in 2010, heralding yet another branch of her path, into erotica and romantic fantasy fiction. Since then, an erotic short, Feeding the Vampire, and another erotic novella, Sapphire, have hit the shelves.

Jeffe lives in Santa Fe, with two Maine coon cats, a border collie, plentiful free-range lizards and frequently serves as a guinea pig for an acupuncturist-in-training. Find her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Author.Jeffe.Kennedy and Twitter (@jeffekennedy) or visit her at her website http://jeffekennedy.com/.

Cloey: When did you become interested in writing?


Jeffe: I was a pretty typical kid and teen in that I wrote sentimental stories and really bad poetry. I recall one poem had an opening line that went “the silken dew-drop child…” But I never took a serious interest in writing because I believed that science was more important, more valid. I was partway through getting my PhD in neurophysiology when I realized that I didn’t want to have the life of a research scientist. When I examined my heart to discover what kind of life I *did* want to have, I was surprised to discover that “writer” was the answer.


Cloey: What inspired you to write Rogue’s Pawn?


Jeffe: I woke up one rainy weekend morning from a dream about my heroine. I sat down in my robe and wrote about her for four hours straight.


Cloey: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?


Jeffe: I’m not much for messages, because I think an agenda will derail a good story faster than anything else. If I had to pick something? “Be careful what you wish for.” ;-)


Cloey: Who was your favorite character and who was your least favorite character to develop and why?


Jeffe: Rogue is likely my favorite character, just because he’s always so interesting to me. I don’t think I have any least favorite characters. If they’re not interesting to me, I give them the boot.


Cloey: What did you enjoy most about writing Rogue’s Pawn?


Jeffe: Finding out what happens next! :-D


Cloey: What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing the story to life?


Jeffe: Well, I had to learn how to write a novel. Up until that book, I’d always written short – essays, short stories, that kind of thing – and I usually wrote them in one sitting, from beginning to end. With a novel, that’s simply not feasible. So, I learned how to hold a longer story in my head and work on it incrementally – it was like developing a whole new set of muscles. Then I had to do several major revisions.


Cloey: What are you working on now?


Jeffe: I’m very excited about this new project I’m just digging into. I’m working with Kensington Books to develop an e-serial. The story will be a sexy updating of Phantom of the Opera, told in six installments.


Cloey: What do you like to read in your free time?


Jeffe: I read pretty much everything except mystery/thriller. Right now I’m reading A Galactic Holiday, an anthology of sci-fi romances and Graham Joyce’s Some Kind of Fairy Tale.


Cloey: Share with us something about yourself that we wouldn't see in your bio or on any other blogs (this can be anything from the type of music you like, your favorite color, or even your favorite meal - share whatever you want your fans to know about you)


Jeffe: Last night my hubs took me out to dinner to celebrate a new book deal and I had this amazing seafood cannelloni baked with a pink sauce and cheese. It was out-of-this-world delicious. I want to eat it for every meal now.

Want more of Jeffe Kennedy?

December 23 Promo
www.christina-mcknight.blogspot.com

December 30 Interview and review (Rogue’s Pawn)
Happy Tails and Tales
http://magluvsya03.wordpress.com

January 5 Promo (Blood Currency)
Happy Tails and Tales
http://magluvsya03.wordpress.com

January 7 Promo
Book Lovin' Mamas –
http://www.booklovinmamas.blogspot.com

January 10 Guest blog
GraveTells.com

January 11 Interview
www.vividumas.wordpress.com

January 15 Guest Post
Guest Post - humorous, unique maybe some of her characters arguing about their new years resolutions.

Fangs, Wands & Fairydust
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/

January 22 Guest blog
Tynga's Reviews
http://www.tyngasreviews.com

Isis Rushdan

Guest Blog Post from Isis Rushdan and Review

Thank you for having me on, Cloey. I’m so happy to be here today to discuss the upcoming release of my debut novel, Kindred of the Fallen, and a little bit about my writing process.

My favorite muse by far is music. It’s definitely one of my greatest sources for inspiration. Whether it’s instrumental or vocal, music is my medium of choice to instantly transport me to one of my imagined worlds. Finding the right song to listen to while I write specific scenes can be tough, but when I do, passages unfold in such a fluid way I can visualize everything.

I use it to tap into the emotions I need the reader to feel and to breathe life into the words I put on the page. Then I go back through to clean up and revise.

Although Kindred of the Fallen is a paranormal romance, there’s butt-kicking action and a high concept storyline that I hope will appeal to fans of urban fantasy. In order to nail the action sequences, music was crucial.

Rob Dougan’s “Furious Angels” was one song I listened to on repeat over and over. Dougan’s voice, the poetic lyrics and haunting electronic beat fueled my creative mojo as I wrote two scenes.

The first was a major event in which something tragic happens. It’s not the biggest fight scene, but it is a critical turning point in the story.

The process can be intense as with the scene mentioned above. I was in the writer’s zone, completely immersed in the world, and bawled as I tossed my characters into a dark, heartbreaking place. When my editor told me the scene made her cry, I was thrilled I had been able to connect on such a level.

“Furious Angels” filled my heart and ears as I also wrote the climax. There simply wasn’t a better musical choice and it gave me the adrenaline rush I needed.

I hope readers are able to feel every emotion I wanted to convey, and enjoy the journey of Serenity and Cyrus.

Kindred of the Fallen EXCERPT

Cyrus stroked Serenity’s arm, his heart tight as a fist and throbbing. His pool of energy gushed and swelled inside of him. Exhilarating jolts, unlike anything he’d ever felt, set his skin aflame. His nerve endings tingled like bare wires.

He’d watched her for the last ten days from a distance, waiting for the perfect opportunity to meet her. After his reckless disaster earlier in her office, he needed this to go the way he’d planned. For more than two hundred years, he had imagined this, when he’d finally meet his kabashem, the other half of his soul. If he ever found her, his mission was clear.

Claim her at any cost and put an end to the curse.

“My house outside the city offers a spectacular view. It’s the perfect place to appreciate the stars. And I promise you’ll enjoy a meal you’ll never forget.”

Was he being too forward? His impulsive, less aggressive tactic at her studio had backfired.

Sweat slicked his palms and his pulse raced. Ten days should have been long enough to prepare. What was wrong with him? He’d never been nervous going into battle, not even the first time he held a sword ready to kill. But having her within reach threw him off kilter worse than taking a fist to the head.

“I can’t have dinner with you,” she said in a solemn voice that wavered.

“We both have to eat. Why not do it together?”

She raised her left hand with the ring facing him. “I’m engaged.”

“Happily?”

Her eyes grew wide for a moment.

“You’re used to getting what you want, aren’t you?” Her gaze slipped from his face. “Women probably throw themselves at you all the time, tossing away their morals along with their panties, eager to get into your bed. I hate to disappoint you twice in one day, but I’m not that type of woman.”

He sucked in a breath, smooth and slow. “You’re right, I am used to getting what I want, but you’re wrong about the women. Casual sex is for the undisciplined, and none of the pursuits in my life are casual.” He leaned closer. “I didn’t mean to offend you with my invitation. I admire your moral compass. Means you’ll never get lost.”

She rolled her eyes and snickered.

Time for uncensored honesty. “Forgive my forwardness, but I sensed a connection between us and thought you had as well.”

She met his gaze.

“The kind of connection one can’t deny or ignore,” he continued. “The kind that happens once in a lifetime. The kind for which rules are meant to be broken.”

KINDRED OF THE FALLEN



Kindred Chronicles Book One


Isis Rushdan
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Date of Publication: January 8, 2013
ISBN: 9781619212893
ASIN: B009R89AF2
Number of pages: 444
Cover Artist: Kanaxa

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Book Description:

Serenity’s soul-reading ability lets her easily create custom tattoos. Everything else in her life is a struggle, from trying to make it work with her best friend, Evan, to nightmares and visions that make her question her sanity.

Then she meets a man who sharpens her craving for something more.

Cyrus has been preparing to claim her as his Blessed mate—the other half of a split soul that, once reunited, is his only chance to break the curse that plagues his people.

One moment, armed militants are firing questions Serenity cannot answer. The next, she is safe in Cyrus’s arms…and learning she isn’t even human. She is Kindred, blessed with preternatural powers, cursed to suffer the twin horrors of the blood rage and the dark veil.

Their union is the greatest hope for redemption in a thousand years, but not all Kindred want to be saved. A dark secret could snuff out their lives before love has a chance to unite them…and redeem the Kindred for all time.

Greater the love…sweeter the pleasure…higher the price that must be paid.

About the Author:

Isis Rushdan was born and raised in New York City. She has a B.A. in psychology from The Ohio State University. Wanderlust has taken her across the globe and has kept her moving every three years. Fortunately, she is blessed with a husband who shares her passion for travel, movies and fantastic food. Prior to following her bliss as a writer, she had a bright career as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force. She currently resides in sunny Florida, where she hopes to finally establish roots, with her husband, son and canine kiddies.

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I felt like Ms. Rushdan had me right there watching the scenes from the sidelines while the story unfolded. And there weren't too many new words to learn about the Kindred which left more time for my imagination to flow with the story. I say this over and over and will say it again, I do not like reading books that keeps me locked into the glossary just to keep up and Ms. Rushdan spaced out the new words perfectly.

The history of the Kindred had a little mythology twist which was awesome because it connected with my love of Egyptology. I also liked the concept of Serenity working in a tattoo shop and would have liked to read a bit more about her Soul Art, I thought it was very cool. Ms. Rushdan created likable characters too and I liked all of them even the bad guys. Just wait until you read about Artemis she's a hot one eyed women on a mission to hurt somebody - a major badass. Serenity is a strong female who is self centered but loves Cyrus. And Cyrus would move the world for her if he could. If you like love stories with a kick you will like this one.

I recommend this book. The sex scenes are hot but not over done, you will find action, betrayal, love, and the world of the Kindred all wrapped up in an entertaining story. I would read another one of Isis Rushdan's books any day.



More of the tour. Be sure to visit the following blogs for giveaways and more from Isis Rushdan:

December 19 Promo
ReaWrite
www.books.4ish.net

December 20 Guest blog
Carly Fall - Where Fantasy Meets Romance
http://www.carlyfall.com/

December 21 Interview
Preternatura
http://suzanne-johnson.blogspot.com/

December 22 Promo
Krystal's Enchanting Reads ...
http://enchantingreads7.blogspot.com/

December 27 Guest blog
Blooding Book Reviews
http://frankieblooding.wordpress.com/
Topic: What are Next Year's Goals?

December 28 Interview and review
Hooked In a Book
http://hookedinabook.blogspot.com/

December 29 Spotlight
Monique Morgan
moniquemorgan.com

December 31 Interview and review
Crazy Four Books
http://www.crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com

January 2 Guest blog
www.christina-mcknight.blogspot.com

January 3 Promo
Victoria Danann
http://victoriadanann.me

January 4 Guest blog
Book Addict
http://karlacc-bookaddict.blogspot.mx/

January 5 Guest blog
Monique Morgan
moniquemorgan.com

January 7-11 Interview
http://www.kaydeeroyal.blogspot.com

January 9 Promo and review
Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books
http://concisebookreviewsbymichelle.blogspot.com/

January 9 Interview (review later)
Keeping Up With The Rheinlander's
http://mnmrheinlander.com

January 9 Review
Bornean Bookworm Reads
http://borneanbookworm.blogspot.com/

January 10 Guest blog
http://readersedyn.blogspot.com/

January 10 Guest blog
Reading Between the Wines
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/

January 11 Interview
MarshaAMoore.blogspot.com

January 11 Guest blog
www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com

Release Day Blitz January 8

Character Interview or Interview
Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews
http://lauriethoughts-reviews.blogspot.com

A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books
http://bibliophilesthoughtsonbooks.blogspot.com/

Books books the magical fruit
Http://booksbooksthemagicalfruit.blogspot.com

Book Liaison
http://www.bookliaison.com

Blooding Book Reviews
http://frankieblooding.wordpress.com/

Sapphyria's Book Reviews
saphsbookblog.blogspot.com

Keeping Up With The Rheinlander's
http://mnmrheinlander.com

The Romance Writers Reads
www.theromancewritersreads.com

Krystal's Enchanting Reads ...
http://enchantingreads7.blogspot.com/

Delphina Reads Too Much
www.delphinareadstoomuch.com

The Solitary Bookworm
thesolitarybookworm.com

Andi’s Book Reviews
http://andisbookreviews.blogspot.com

Hooked In a Book
http://hookedinabook.blogspot.com/

Vivi Dumas
www.vividumas.wordpress.com