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  • Spotlight on Zayne Michaels

    Posted on by Karen Comment
         Zayne Michaels

    About Zayne


    Zayne Michaels is a small-town girl who grew up and ran off to the big city. She currently resides in the Midwest where she spends her days dreaming up dark, sexy adventures in between soccer games and the never-ending pile of laundry. 

    Zayne’s fascination with old and discarded treasures has always been a source of inspiration for her tales. From antique clocks to old, dilapidated houses, her imagination turns to the “what ifs” and “what used to bes.” 

    Maybe this love for the abandoned is why she is a firm advocate of second chances, or perhaps she’s just a little crazy. Whatever the reason, Zayne believes everyone chooses their own path, creates their own destiny, and is the author of their own story.


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

    Blood Red: Once Upon a Midnight Moon

    “Declan Collins never wanted to be a vampire. He certainly never wanted to be a pawn in his Maker’s games of cat and mouse. When their hunt for a rare and elusive breed of werewolf leads them straight to Declan’s mate, however, it’s game over.

    Lincoln Chastain never imagined the infamous Red Siren would turn out to be his intended. He can’t deny the attraction between them, but nor can he allow a pretty face to distract him from his quest for retribution.

    Sometimes, things aren’t as black and white as they seem and finding the truth will come with a price. Will the secrets they discover give the mated pair the happy ending they desire? Or will the lies and greed of others destroy them before they’ve even started?”

    As soon as I knew this book was available, I had to go buy it and read it.  I have been looking forward to reading this author since I heard about her, and all I can say is she did not disappoint me.  I can’t say too much of how I feel about the characters without giving too much away.  So, I will say I hated who I did when I believe I was supposed to and loved them when I was supposed to.  I know….cryptic much, but really, I can’t say much of anything unless I give away the ending.  All I can say, is everything has three stories, one you see currently, one they see, and what really happened.  All is not what you think it is, and that is what I liked about  Blood Red.  I give this book ❤❤❤❤.

    This title is available from Amazon.  If you are an Amazon Prime Member, you can get this title free from the Owners’ Lending Library.

    I look forward to Zayne’s next book in October 2013!

    Ciao!

    ~*Karen*~ 

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  • Holiday Kisses Anthology

    Posted on by Karen Comment
    an·thol·o·gy – nown – noun: anthology; plural noun: anthologies – a published collection of poems or other pieces of writing.  

    I always thought I knew what an anthology was, but after reading this last one, it got me wondering if I was right.  Yes I was!!!  One thing I like about anthologies is that you get a small taste of an authors work and it is a fabulous way of “meeting” new authors.  If you know at least one writer that contributes, buy it and read the whole thing.  If at least one other story interests you, then you just found another author to read!  

    So it comes to question, how can you review an anthology since it is many authors and stories?  For me, it is pull I have of knowing more about the people in one of the stories.  I can tell there is more to the story and the only way to truly find out, is to go to that author’s website and find out what series this novella is from and then buy them all!  If I can be interested in more than one, than that adds to the overall “score”  if you will.  

    That being said, here are the blurbs for Holiday Kisses. 
    This Time Next Year by Alison Kent  

    “Brenna Keating is on her way to spend Christmas with her grandmother when treacherous roads and a skittish deer put her car in a ditch. Riding to the rescue—literally—is Dillon Craig, a reclusive doctor who insists she weather the storm in his cabin.    

    Holiday KissesSince returning from Afghanistan where he treated wounded soldiers on the front lines, Dillon’s made it a point to avoid any emotional involvement. But his unexpected guest has him dangerously close to breaking his own rules.  
    Brenna has a plan for her life—until she’s stranded for three days with Dillon. Soon, the chemistry sizzling between them forces her to reexamine her priorities. The man is gorgeous, if taciturn, and a true hero in every sense of the word. No woman in her right mind could resist him, and so Brenna doesn’t—even though she can’t stay…”  


    A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton 
       “With a disastrous marriage behind him, Wyatt Kent has no interest in getting involved with any woman, let alone his ex-wife’s younger sister. But when Calliope Andrews hires him to build an addition onto her daycare center, Wyatt can’t help but notice she’s a desirable woman, as warm and funny as his ex was cold and aloof.  

    Calliope fell hard for Wyatt the first time he walked through the door of her family’s home, and can’t believe her sister let him get away. He’s still the star of all her fantasies, and she’s determined to prove to him she’s nothing like his manipulative ex. Wyatt may be all business, but Calliope sees the way he looks at her when he’s supposed to be working… 

    It’s not long before Wyatt and Calliope are keeping each other warm on cold December nights. But it’s going to take a Christmas miracle for Wyatt to put his trust in love a second time.”  

    It’s Not Christmas Without You by HelenKay Dimon  

    “Carrie Anders officially broke up with Austin Thomas when she accepted a dream job in the city. Unofficially, she misses him and is tempted to sneak back to her West Virginia hometown to see him. That’s why this year, she’s not going home for the holidays. Her heart can’t take any more mornings after where nothing has changed–and Austin has made it clear he’s not interested in relocating.  

    Austin’s been waiting for Carrie to realize she can’t live without him. But when he hears she’s not coming home for Christmas, he decides to take action. If Carrie won’t come to the country, he’s going to bring a piece of the country to Carrie – in the form of a Christmas tree lot just minutes from her apartment. He’s certain daily meetings will entice her to come home with him, this time for good.  Their attraction is as hot as ever, but with such contrary Christmas wishes, can either of them get what they really want this year?”  

    Mistletoe and Margaritas by Shannon Stacey  

    “Claire Rutledge still believes in love, despite losing her husband. So, after two years, she’s not surprised by the steamy dreams telling her it might be time to start moving on. But she didn’t expect her friend Justin to have the starring role.  

    Justin McCormick has loved Claire since the moment he first saw her, but his best friend got there first. Now that Claire is ready to move on with her life, Justin is finding it harder than ever to hide his true feelings. And when they both get caught up in the holiday spirits at a party, their simmering mutual attraction boils over into a night neither of them can forget…”

    I admit, I bought this anthology because I love Jaci Burton.  I had already read A Rare Gift as part of her Kent Brothers Series, but I figured, if Harlequin put these authors together, they did so for a reason.  I thoroughly enjoyed the other three novellas.  They are a small taste of what these authors write, and like a piece of my mom’s lasagna, I want more!  I will definitely looking up these other authors to read their other books.  I give this anthology ❤❤❤❤ one for each author!

    This Anthology is due out, in Print, in November 2013 by Harlequin.  Pre-Order at Amazon  Pre-Order at Barnes & Noble

    Ciao!  ~*Karen*~

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  • Two Times as Hot by Cat Johnson

    Posted on by Karen Comment

    Two Times as Hot is Cat Johnson‘s second book in her Oklahoma Nights Series.  

    Here is the  blurb for the book:


    “After her sister snags a hot Oklahoma cowboy, Emma Hart figures it’s her turn to saddle up. And with two country boys pursuing her at once, she’s in for a wild ride…

    Lieutenant Colonel Logan Hunt can’t deny the heat between him and Emma is fierce. But Logan isn’t looking for anything serious…just a chance to blow off some steam. So why is he crazy jealous when he sees pro bull rider Jace Mills trying to charm Emma into bed?”

    I fell in love with Logan Hunt in Cat’s first book One Night with A Cowboy.  You can tell from the beginning that he is one of the good guys.   Almost 40 and married only to his military career, Logan falls in love at first sight with Emma.   Emma is the big sister who is her sister’s biggest fan attending her wedding looking for one man, only to be gobsmacked by the sight of another.  I was routing for Logan through the whole book.  

    I won’t give away what happens, but I love happy endings and this book delivers.  I laughed, I teared up and I cheered.  I give this book ♥♥♥♥♥

    The Oklahoma Nights Series reading order is as follows:  1.  One Night with a Cowboy  2.  Two Times as Hot and 3.   Three Weeks with a Bull Rider (Pre-Order at Amazon)

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  • Unconventional in Atlanta Anthology

    Posted on by Karen Comment

    Unconventional In Atlanta Anthology

    Unconventional In Atlanta Anthology (Unconventional Anthologies #2) by Carol Lynne, Amber Kell, T.A. Chase, Jambrea Jo Jones,  Stephani Hecht, & Devon Rhodes


    ‘Seeing Him‘ by Carol Lynne

    Physical and emotional scars drove Jonah to a life in the shadows, but Trevor is determined to draw him out of the dark and into his arms.

    After spending months in a military rehabilitation hospital, Jonah returns from active duty only to find himself homeless. Jonah retreats to life in the shadows to hide his facial scars. He takes up residence in the parking garage of The Melia Hotel where he watches a striking black man come and go from his work inside the hotel. What Jonah doesn’t know is that General Manager Trevor Sharp is also watching him.

    Trevor spends his days and most of his evenings at the Melia, working hard to prove he is the best man for the job. Unfortunately, between his hours and past heartbreaks, he doesn’t have much time for love. When a handsome man comes out of nowhere to save him from an abusive ex, Trevor makes it his mission to find out who the man is.

    Trevor eventually builds a friendship with Jonah and works to draw him out of the shadows and into his arms, but will he stay there?


    ‘Blown Away’ by Amber Kell

    Sometimes love finds you before you think you’re ready.

    Chris Garland’s love for glasswork encompasses his life. Between school and working as a concierge at The Melia Hotel, he doesn’t have time for anything else. However, when he sees the handsome stranger sitting in the hotel lobby, he can’t resist introducing himself.

    Leo Abbott lost the love of his life two years ago and has yet to recover. Flying to Atlanta for his cousin’s wedding, he couldn’t help but think of his dead lover. When the hotel’s concierge checks on him in the lobby and introduces himself, Leo feels the first stirrings of attraction. Passions he thought long buried flare back to life.

    Will two men from separate walks of life be able to find a common ground where they can be together?


    ‘His Last Client’ by T.A. Chase

    What happens when an occasional prostitute meets a client he can’t help but fall in love with?

    Gib Schultz works as a bartender at The Melia Hotel in downtown Atlanta. When Gib needs some extra cash, he sells his body occasionally. It’s not the best job in the world, but it keeps a roof over his head. When one of his regular clients asks him for a favour, Gib isn’t sure about the guy he’s supposed to meet. Yet at double his normal price, he’s willing to risk it. Within minutes, he discovers he’s risking more than just his body, he’s risking his heart.

    Edwin Masters is back in the States after spending several months reporting in war-torn countries around the world. He’s looking for a night or two of fun, and when he meets Gib, he’s sure it’ll be a great time. Then after spending time with Gib, he realises there’s more to the guy than he thought, and his heart tells him it might be time to take a risk on loving someone.

    They’re both risking their hearts, and together, they have to decide if the reward is worth the risk.


    ‘Where Tomorrow Shines’ by Jambrea Jo Jones

    Be All You Can Be?

    Kasey Adams will show Quinn Nelson just what kind of man he is. After a couple of dates it’s been radio silence and Kasey wants to know why. He’s ready to settle down with just one guy and start his life.

    Quinn is tired. He just wants to do his job and go home at the end of the day with an ice cold beer and something on the TV. He doesn’t have time for a happy shiny kid who wants to change the world.

    Can Kasey convince Quinn they are meant to be?


    ‘Slippery When Wet’ by Stephani Hecht

    When opposites attract, the passion ignites like nobody ever imagined.  Ever since Reno started working as the head coordinator for the kids’ centre at the hotel, he’d been harbouring a not-so-secret crush on a lifeguard named Bruce. When he finally has a chance to talk to Bruce and Bruce doesn’t even know Reno’s name, Reno is crushed.

    Heartbroken, Reno is forced to admit that beauty is only skin deep and that Bruce is a jerk.

    Bruce finds himself intrigued by the shy, yet cute Reno. He decides that he is going to pursue the man. But Bruce has the reputation as a man-eater. Will his reputation ruin any chance he has with Reno? Or will he be able to convince Reno that he really does care for him?


    ‘Out of Service‘ by Devon Rhodes

    Being the problem-solver of the hotel is Esteban’s role, but when he breaks his rules to help a guest, things get complicated. Especially for his heart…

    Esteban Parks is used to being the go-to-guy at the Melia. As the front desk manager, he’s in a position to see everything that goes on—front and back of the house. Nothing fazes him, until he’s confronted with an appealing guest and instinctively goes into rescue mode.

    Jayden Yates has travelled to Atlanta with one goal in mind—to be himself for just a little while. His family and community already make his life miserable and he hasn’t even come out yet. So he impulsively spends part of his savings to come to GayRomLit.

    When he finds out that a simple mistake might derail his whole adventure before it even begins, he literally falls at the feet of the most handsome man he’s ever seen. Esteban offers him more than help—there’s an instant spark between them.

    But can two men from such different backgrounds and stages of life find any common ground? Or will it be just a holiday romance for the memory books?

    Ok, this Anthology is written by some of my all time favorite m/m authors.  I could not pass up this book.  Each story is focused around the staff of a hotel that is hosting GayRomLit Convetion.  A Bartender, Youth Counselor, Housekeeping, General Manager and Front Desk Manager all find love during this four day convention and I love how they all show up in each other’s story.  Like I always say, it is like a soap opera.  My only complaint was that all the stories were much to short, but that is an anthology for you.  If you are not familiar with these particular authors, but would like to sample how they write, then pick up this book!  I give it  ❤❤❤❤❤ 

    On another note, I gained two pounds this week.  After a vacation, they say it is expected, but I just can’t seem to get back into things.  Hopefully when my son, gets back to school, I can get back to basics and lose weight.

    Ciao!  ~*Karen*~

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  • Spotlight on Skye Dragon

    Posted on by Karen Comment

    Born to write legends in manlove, Skye is a full time writer living in a ivory tower. Though no dragons currently occupy the space, three werecats, a irritatingly chipper parakeet, and a very understanding partner in crime provide endless entertainment. You can  usually find her curled up in the den, watching bad reality TV,  and dreaming up her next set of heroes. She welcomes comments and questions from her readers on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SkyeDragen or just shoot her an email at [email protected].
    LEGENDS OF AVALON: DRAGON TAMER

    EXCERPT

    Aden seized one of the knights. Tjaden’s eyebrows furrowed. He clearly couldn’t see the error that had allowed Aden to claim his piece. He hadn’t deliberately sacrificed the knight, though he could have if he’d been paying more attention to the games.

    Aden licked his lips in a reptilian fashion. “Remove your tunic,” he commanded. Surprise flickered in his expression before the defiance built in Tjaden’s gaze. Aden’s eyes narrowed and smoke rose from his nostrils in a darkening cloud. “As per our agreement. You owe me a boon for claiming a higher piece.”

    A muscle in Tjaden’s jaw ticked, but he obeyed, unbuckling the belt at his waist before drawing his tunic over his head and then folding it neatly into a pile next to him. Aden was again struck by the human’s beauty. He was quite intriguing. The idea of keeping Tjaden as a servant appealed more and more as the game wore on.

    Their game resumed, and it wasn’t long before Tjaden sat naked in front of their match, his clothing in the same neat pile that he’d started. His arrogance was fading in slow degrees with every advancement Aden made.

    “Och,” Tjaden murmured under his breath. “You’ve quite a wicked mind, dragon.”

    “And you quite a wicked body, human. We’re both paying for my curiosity.” The idea of distracting Tjaden had backfired. Aden was the one distracted by Tjaden’s naked flesh.

    The first board was almost empty by the time Aden gave a slow, triumphant smile. “Checkmate.” A string of curses exited the human’s mouth that would’ve made a sailor proud. “Regretting your choice of game yet, boy?”

    “Tjaden,” the boy said in a steady voice. “Tjaden or Moore, whichever you prefer. But I’m not a boy or a lad or anything resembling a bairn. I’m a man.”

    Yes, yes you are. He wasn’t normally so intrigued by human nakedness. “Fine.Tjaden then.”

    Their game resumed with two chess boards remaining. Then something surprising happened. Aden started to lose.

    He frowned, studying the boards closely. He couldn’t figure out where the traps were, but he was certain they were there. Without intending to, he’d fallen into the mindset that Tjaden’s human inferiority would also make him an inferior chess player. Like poker, chess required a bit of bluff. I’m going to lose. Everything in him rebelled at the thought, but he could say with a reasonable degree of certainty that he’d been set up nice and proper. The little sneak had let him win the previous match on purpose.

    He gritted his teeth, unwilling to let Tjaden know he understood his strategy. Maybe there was time to correct the boards…

    “Checkmate,” Tjaden said, smiling softly.

    His eyes zeroed back on the board he’d been ignoring while he tried to correct the third board. A low growl issued from his throat before he could resist it. He abhorred being bested by a human, even a handsome one. “Tricky, tricky, Tjaden Moore. I won’t underestimate you again.”
    “You’ve already lost, wee dragon, and you know it.” The human sounded downright giddy as he spoke.

    “The game has not concluded as of yet,” Aden reminded. However, the human was correct. He was going to lose. Sighing heavily, he pouted. It wasn’t the most dignified way to conduct himself, but it was the only way he could resist the urge to lash out in frustration.

    When Tjaden called checkmate for the final time, Aden was unsurprised. It’s only one day. One day as a human being. I don’t remember it being too terrible of an existence. He comforted himself with the knowledge.

    “Per our agreement, Aden Canicus, I command you to assume human form,” Tjaden said, staring up into Aden’s eyes.
    BEHIND THE SCENES
    Q: What can we expect from you in the future?
    A: Definitely more Legends from Avalon, a new series called Sidhe Bound, a Steampunk novella called Clockwork Romance, and a full-length novel called Twisted Roses where all the fun legends from Legends of Avalon and Sidhe Bound come from.
    Q: What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?
    A: Leave reviews, spread the links, and let people know what you thought of my piece.
    Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
    A: I’ve wanted to be a writer since I could hold up a pencil in elementary school
    Q: How long does it take you to write a book?
    A: It really depends on the book and how well the words are flowing. Sometimes, it goes really fast and I can finish a piece in a couple days. Other times I will be working on a piece half that length and it will take four times as long.
    Q: Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
    A: I am a little bit of a research nerd so I tend to do a lot of it. Sometimes a little piece of history or an odd fact will strike me and that will inspire a whole slew of new ideas.
    Q: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
    A: When I’m not writing I like to park my butt on the couch and watch TV. Right now I’m really into Under the Dome and Grimm.
    Q: What do you think makes a good story?
    A: A good story will take the readers on a journey. Even if it is a story purely for entertainment, the story should pull them along and immerse them in whatever situation your character is in.



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