Kristin Anders Interviews about New Authors, Book Blogs and Editing

Click on the above picture to read an interview with me, Kristin Anders, 

by author and editor Rachel Carrington.

We're talking book blogs (and we're naming names), author dos and don'ts, 

bad reviews and romance novel mistakes.

Kristin Anders has six years' paralegal experience 

in the entertainment industry and litigation.

Her work focused on copyright, communicative/persuasive writing, 

legal editing, grammar corrections, writing within word counts and topic specifications.

She has an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies

and occasionally takes university courses to earn her Bachelors.

Kristin interned for Entangled Publishing, 

beta reads for published romance authors, and freelance edits. 

Her resume can be viewed here, and references are given upon request.

If you would like to contact Kristin you can find her 

on Twitter and Facebook.

Suddenly Sexy (by Linda Francis Lee)

Amazon - B&N

Suddenly Sexy rating:  5 out of 5 stars

Book release date: August 31, 2004

How are the sex scenes?

Extremely passionate and hot!

How are the story lines?

Incredibly well written. 

There is fun, humor, angst, sadness, passion and a wonderful depth.  

Sometimes you will be laughing hard and other times cringing.

Would you read it again?

Without a doubt.

Back of the Book

Local girl and News Anchor, Kate Bloom’s ordered world is turned upside down when notorious bad boy and superstar athlete Jesse Chapman comes home. As children they had been great friends, lending strength where there was weakness, and joy where there was angst and sadness. Her neatly organized world is suddenly threatened when he appears very unexpectedly, in all his god-like glory. Seeing him again reminds Kate of all the reasons she harbored a Texas-sized crush on him back when they were kids. But she isn’t a little girl anymore.

After a reporter starts digging into his past, ex-local boy and reluctant hero, Jesse Chapman returns home looking for space. The last thing he needs is a distraction, but that’s just what he gets when he sees his ‘little Katie’. Suddenly the girl next door is not the sweet, demure ‘little girl’ he once knew, but rather a mixture of innocent, seductive and sultry woman. Needless to say, he knows she is off limits, but will his willpower be enough?

Review

How do you write a review for a book when all you want to do is go back to the start and re read it again? 

Suddenly Sexy by Linda Francis Lee is a contemporary romance set in Texas. From the opening email between Kate and her friend and boss Julia, you become immersed in the witty, intelligent and sometimes humiliating world of Kate Bloom, News Anchor at KTEX TV West Texas. For many years, Kate has been playing it safe, both in the workplace and in her social life. Timid and reserved from growing up under the frivolous parenting of her mother, she has created a world, which is risk free, responsible and respectable. She has yet to understand who she really is as she desperately clings to playing life safe.

The antithesis to safe, responsible and respectable is sexy, dark and gorgeous Jesse Chapman. Despite living next door to Kate, his life couldn’t have been more different to hers. Whether it be from grief at losing his mother at age ten, judgement from his elder brother, or from his father’s prolific neglect to father him not befriend him, woo and taint him, Jesse leads a carefree life especially when it comes to women. He maintains his control however, and has not let anyone into his heart. Until, that is, he reunites with Kate.

Through a surprising twist of circumstance, Kate and Jesse are thrust together to not only work through Kate’s career issues, Jesse’s future as a pro-golfer but also his new role as a father. Added to this mix is the undeniable attraction that sizzles between the two former friends. From the moment they meet, sparks fly. Kate is tenacious and strong, but terribly weak when it comes to Jesse. From their first instance of contact, the temperature heats up. At some moments he is like a predator stalking his prey, oozing sex and seduction.  At others, he withdraws leaving Kate breathless, shaking and confused.

Linda Francis Lee has you glued to the words as passion ripped between Kate and Jesse, keeping your pulse racing. There actually weren’t many sex scenes but that doesn’t mean that you won’t be feeling hot and squirmy many times throughout the book.

“She felt pleasure coming from every direction. Hot and intense. She felt carnal and primal. Then his thumb parted her moist center, brushing against her tender nub, and she felt her body shudder. He made her feel wide and wanting at the same time.”

“He licked and sucked, stroking her. She gave in completely, threading her fingers in his hair, he body arching over his head as he trailed his lips along he curves” Phew!

One of the other terrific elements about the book is the friendship between Kate, Julia and Chloe, three friends since childhood.  Mostly through their humorous and feisty email conversations, you learn that theirs is a rich, deep friendship where all is shared and trusted. 

Suddenly Sexy was so well written, that it was incredibly difficult to put down. The humor was well placed, often unexpected, the sizzling sexual tension brilliant, as was the underlying story so well told, of the need of acceptance and love. A complete package so worth the read. I laughed, cried, smouldered and snorted, and simply can’t wait to read the Sequel!

Learn more about Linda Francis Lee and upcoming titles on her website and Facebook.

This review provided by: Musing Maddie

Published by Ballantine Books

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review.  

The Submissive (by Tara Sue Me)

- Amazon -

The Submissive rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Release Date:  November 16, 2012

"The Submissive" is book one of The Submissive Trilogy

How are the sex scenes?

Definitely not vanilla, so be prepared for some stretching if you’re not accustomed to BDSM. 

Many of the sex scenes are extremely hot!

How are the story lines?

The storylines are intriguing, captivating and believable.

Would you read it again?

Most definitely.

Back of the Book

Abby King has a secret fantasy.

The city of New York knows Nathaniel West as CEO of his father’s corporation, but Abby knows he’s more. He’s also a Dominant and when she hears he’s looking for a new submissive, she decides it’s time to do something about that fantasy.

After one weekend with Nathaniel, Abby knows she needs more.  He can drive her to new heights of pleasure while at the same time nurture her novice submissive spirit. But though he can command her body, her heart isn’t as easily controlled and she finds herself drawn more and more to the man whose collar she wears.

At times she feels she is making progress in thawing his cool demeanor, but then just as quickly, he once more hides behind his carefully constructed wall.  Abby believes their relationship can encompass the best of both worlds, but Nathaniel is driven by a different set of rules, that do not allow for negotiation.

Review

The Submissive by Tara Sue Me is a contemporary novel set in New York City. It is the first book in a Trilogy, and was originally written online, garnering over three million hits. Not surprisingly, its characters and storyline captivated an entire fandom and inspired a multitude of BDSM fiction. The Submissive is part one of three in a sensual journey of acceptance, forgiveness and love.  

Thirty-four-year-old Nathaniel West is a man completely used to submission and compliance, both in the workplace as CEO of West Industries and as a Dominant in his relationships. Despite losing his parents at a young age, he has been surrounded by family and experienced deep love. He was, however, a man damaged by loss and as a result, has kept himself emotionally isolated, hiding behind an impenetrable wall of civility and control. Behind this veneer is a very warm, thoughtful and compassionate man.

Nathaniel epitomized librarian Abby King’s darkest fantasies. Talk, dark and sensuously handsome, he is equal parts stern Master and polite gentlemen, showing incredible restraint in all environments. Courageous and intelligent, she is a bit of a dark horse initially. The author does not give a lot away about what’s ruminating in her mind. Initially, I thought her uninteresting, but as the book progressed, I applauded her spirit, backbone and self-respect. She had an inner beauty and confidence appealing to all those around her, and naturally caught the interest of Nathaniel despite his best intentions to keep her out of his heart.

Their emotional journey together was incredible as was their passion. Despite his aloof exterior, Nathaniel was a decadently, passionate man. As he played the piano, Abby commented, 

“I could have sat forever and watched Nathaniel. It was as if he were making love. His face became a portrait of utter concentration, his fingers were soft and gentle, caressing the keys.” 

It was almost as if his piano was his soul mate–allowing him to express his innermost thoughts without comment or condemnation.  In many ways, Abby’s silence, which initially seemed spineless, was a deep comfort and solace to Nathaniel, something which opened his deeply hidden heart.

A particularly sexy scene involving the Library piano, was masterfully described and extremely drool worthy, as were most of the sex scenes.

“He kissed me gently, right on my clit, and I grabbed the sheets, all coherent thought leaving me. I didn’t care what he did anymore. I just needed him. Needed him badly... He blew on me and went back to kissing. Taking the time, moving slowly, letting me grow used to him. Placing kisses sporadically, soft as whispers. He licked me and I bucked off the bed. Shit. Forget his fingers. His fingers had nothing on his tongue…”  Hmmmm!

The auxiliary cast is fabulous. Felicia, Abby’s best friend is bright, bubbly and staunchly loyal to her, providing some very funny interchanges. Her quick success in winning Nathaniel’s cousin Jackson was a tad fanciful, but that’s what Romance novels are for aren’t they?

If you are looking for a hot, new trilogy, with a look into BDSM and redemption, you will enjoy The Submissive. The characters are alive and believable, the relationships intense yet credible and the plot is plausible. I truly look forward to reading Nathaniel’s story in The Dominant – part two of the Trilogy.

Learn more about Tara Sue Me and upcoming titles on her Facebook and Twitter.

This review provided by: Musing Maddie

Published by Red Publishing Pty Limited (cannot find a website)

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review. 

Enchanting Ella: Turkey or Tofurkey?

I'm a traditionalist.  I love my Holidays.  I love them all.  I don't discriminate.  Unless you tell me you are serving Tofurkey.  Then and only then I may have to comment on your choice of food.  Only because I love the food that is served during the holidays.  So many great traditional choices. 

Ham
Turkey
Stuffing
Green Bean Casserole
Sweet Potato mash with Marshmallows
Mashed Potatoes
Corn
Cranberry salad
Cresent Rolls (my Devil in a red dress)
Gravy
and who could forget Pumpkin Pie! 

How does this all relate to Romance you ask?  I have a love affair with food.  Food is my comfort.  Much like a great read, food can also calm me and take me to places outside of the real world.  Good comfort food.  Yummy delicious, dilectible and delightful FOOD! 

Now that we're all hungry....

I have started a few Holiday Novellas.  I'm enjoying the Holiday theme.  It's nice to have 2 of my favorite things, hot men and Holidays put together in a book. 

Do you enjoy Holiday themed books? 

Most of all, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!  

Follow Enchanting Ella on Twitter and like her Facebook Page.  

Still curious?  Read her bio.

Enchanting Ella: Animal Magnetism & the Single Scene

Ever watch National Geographic and realize that we as humans are not that different from the animal world?  As a single female, you would assume that dating would be easy considering marriage statistics are down indicating more single people live in the world.  Not the case.  As we age, the scene changes and we lose the options we had when we were younger.  The chances of meeting your potential mate become vastly smaller with the dating scene as regional as the animal world.  Herds migrate and the competition is brutal in some locations.  We as humans dress to impress much like a monkey grooms their fur.  From the most violent mating battles to the subtlest courting rituals, we are very similar.   

This might be the very reason that women have now been dubbed cougar, panther or puma.  It’s the human relation to the animal world.  Older women are no longer afraid to search for a younger mate.  More women are single into their later years.  What is it that truly defines an older female as a cougar, panther or puma?  At what age is the man considered a cub to her cougar?  

       

Speaking of Cougars, you very rarely find a Romance novel with the scenario of an older female and a younger male.  Why is that?  Are the writers afraid of the repercussions from their audience?  Because Romance novels are such a great escape from the real world, I’d love to read a fantasy book about an older woman who meets a younger hero.  That’s what fiction is supposed to be all about right?  Fiction authors were meant to fulfill our fantasies and our dreams escaping the realities of life. 

What types of books are your favorite and why?

Follow Enchanting Ella on Twitter and like her Facebook Page.  

Still curious?  Read her bio.

Author Spotlight: Cara Marsi - Ten Reasons You'll Love My Hero Aiden Rourke

I planned to do an article on writing --

how I structure my day, how I come up with ideas 

and characters, etc.

But my hero in Storm of Desire, 

Aiden Rourke, insisted I write about him.

I tried to ignore him, but Aiden can be persistent in 

so many very good ways.

So here it is:

Ten reasons why I love Aiden and why I hope you will too.

10. He’s a hunk--thick dark hair, deep blue eyes, and a dimple in his cheek when he smiles.

9. Tall, with a muscular, sculpted body to die for.

                              8.  He’s a great lover.  

7. He loves his parents and siblings and feels connected to the place where he grew up.

6. He likes cats. Who doesn’t love a man who loves cats?

5. He’s smart and big-hearted.

4.  He’s loved Samantha for years, even after she ran away, wounding his ego and his heart.

3.  He’s understanding and kind.

2.  He knows what he wants from life.

and the Number One Reason I Love Aiden Rourke:

1. He’ll do anything and sacrifice anything to make Samantha happy.   

I hope you’ve enjoyed this and I hope you’ll read “Storm of Desire” to see if Aiden gets his heart’s desire.  Below is a hot excerpt to warm you on a cold day, or to heat you even more on a scorching day:

With a groan, he crushed her mouth in an urgent kiss. She parted her lips, welcoming his possession, as she slid down on the sofa, Aiden moving to lie on top of her. Slipping her arms around his neck, Sam kissed him with all the pent-up sexual frustration she’d been afraid to release.“Sam,” he whispered against her lips. He nibbled on the corners of her mouth and trailed hot, hungry kisses along her jaw line.She squirmed beneath him, her hips seeking his erection. Moaning under his touch, the storm inside her drowned out the storm outside.“Keep still, baby,” he muttered. “You keep moving like that, it’ll be over before it starts. We’ve got all night.”He slipped his hand under her sweater and cupped one breast, massaging her through the thin lace of her bra. Uttering tiny cries, she wound her fingers in his hair. It was as silky as it looked, as silky as she remembered.“Your breasts--so beautiful,” he murmured. He continued caressing and massaging until she bucked under him, nearly crazed with wanting him. 

“Easy, sweetheart.” He grabbed the edge of her sweater and slipped it over her head. Then he tenderly and expertly removed the skimpy red bra and threw it on the floor.Her nipples puckered and her juices flowed, wetting her panties. She was so ready for him. He took one breast in his large hand, rolling the peaked nipple between his fingers. “Beautiful.”Still cupping her breast, he captured the other nipple in his mouth, sucking, licking until she was a puddled mass of need.“Aiden,” she breathed.He kept up his relentless worship of her breasts, his talented hands and mouth working their sensual magic, taking her higher and higher, closer to the peak. It had been so long. She felt her climax building, a flame burning out of control. Purring her pleasure, she twisted her fingers into the soft fabric of the sofa.Her climax rolled over her in fiery waves, and she moaned his name until she finally lay still beneath him. 

Aiden held her close and kissed her hair. “Liked that, did you?”“Yes,” she croaked. “Oh, yes.”“You’re so responsive.” His soft breath whispered against her neck. “I remember how I made you come just touching your breasts.”His mention of that other night hit her with the force of the sleet outside. Humiliation and guilt reared up. She pushed against him and struggled to sit.He released her and she quickly stood, then bent to pick up her discarded clothing, holding the sweater over her nakedness.He stared up at her, the desire in his eyes slowly replaced by confusion. “Sam, what’s wrong?”She stared at him for long moments, her body on fire. She didn’t know what she felt for him. Lust? Love? Or was he just a convenience, someone to take her mind off her problems? Until she knew, she had to resist Aiden’s pull. For his sake.

I hope you enjoyed this excerpt.

Read excerpts for this book and my other books at www.caramarsi.com 

Thank you, Ravishing Romanes, for having me today.

Buy Links for “Storm of Desire:”

Amazon

  Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Smashwords 

 iTunes Apple Store

I love to hear from readers, contact me on my website or follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

           Thank you, Cara Marsi 

Storm of Desire by Cara Marsi

Amazon - B&N

Storm of Desire  rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Release date April 12, 2012

How are the sex scenes?
The sex scenes were plentiful, delicious and passionate.

How are the story lines?
The story lines are predictable with a few twists and turns plus a 

touch of mystery to unravel about Sam’s lamentable past.

Would you read it again?
Probably not, although it was short, sweet and sexy.

Summary

Independent and serious corporate attorney Samantha Greco has fled to her hometown of Richmond, to find some space, peace and solitude. The house of her childhood did not hold memories of comfort and warmth, but memories and sadness and betrayal. Currently at a fork in her career, she’s given herself a weekend to decide which path her future will take.  The man from her past, Aiden Rourke, a passionate and sexy hunk, was once desperately in love with the young, carefree and bubbly Sam. His future is in Fenwick Island, yet his heart is Sam’s, and has been for many years. Despite the fact that they had shared one steamy night together, causing Sam to run, and Aiden to become disappointed in rejection, their unexpected reunion due to Mother Nature’s pummelling storm, ignites a storm of their own; one of passion and desire, but also confusion.

Review

Reading Storm of Desire was enjoyable. From the very outset, you realised that there was unresolved, sexual tension between Sam and Aiden. A history of mis-communication. Due to severe weather, the pair was stranded in her mother’s house for the weekend. Both were wary of each other, both mindful of their one night of incredible lovemaking and of the five years of distance as consequence. Neither were aware of their much deeper attraction to each other that had been forming over the years at High School and beyond.

Predictably, as the storm ravaged outside, Sam sought solace in Aiden’s welcoming and trustworthy arms. As they enjoyed each other physically, no promises were made, no assurances of a future together given; yet a tender re-kindling of their previous friendship was made. Aiden had always thought Sam beautiful and wanted her to trust him and open up her caged heart. The feelings Aiden evoked in Sam and the passion she felt for him, terrified her.

The book has everything you require in a light Romance. Gorgeous, loveable and “hot” hero; sweet, yet troubled heroine and sizzling sex to keep you happy.

In their first lovemaking we read

“He seared her with his kisses, weaving a scorching path down her stomach to lave her belly button. Sam tangled her fingers in his thick hair and gyrated her hips, her core ablaze….His tongue found her bud. At the electrifying sensation, Sam clutched the sheets, wild crazed with the feel of his power. Aiden’s tongue darted in and out again and again until she was a writhing mass of need.”

 Phew !

If you enjoy books with sensuous lovemaking, believable characters and interesting storyline with an HEA, you will enjoy Storm of Desire. The length of the book did not allow much time for character development, nor did it offer much more than a quick frolic into the land of romance. That was ok. It was only over one weekend. I would have enjoyed a few more chapters to see what happened next, so was disappointed when it ended fairly abruptly. However, I would recommend this book to my friends as a quick, enjoyable read.

Learn more about Cara Marsi on her website or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

This review provided by:

Published by Carolyn Matkowsky

Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this review.  

ARC received via the author.

The Bull Rider's Brother (by Lynn Cahoon)

Amazon - B&N

The Bull Rider's Brother rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Release Date:  June 28, 2012

How are the sex scenes? 

Romantic. There wasn’t an abundance of sex scenes - just one night where they got together. 

Nothing that would embarrass you when discussing the book. 

How are the story lines? 

Romantic with some angst mixed in. I thought the back story could have been discussed in more detail to help with the character development. Maybe have more detailed flash back scenes? 

Would you read it again? 

Probably not. 

Summary

The Bull Rider’s Brother tells the story of Lizzie Hudson, a single mother living in a rodeo town. Her first love, James Sullivan comes back into town with his bull riding brother Jesse. Lizzie and James broke up right after high school because James chose to follow Jesse in the rodeo circuit, an act meant to protect his brother from making mistakes in life. James returns to town hoping to make things right with Lizzie after six years of being gone without communication.

Review 

The Bull Rider’s Brother by Lynn Cahoon is a contemporary western romance set in modern day Shawnee, Texas. (Though the author never mentioned it was Texas.)

This story is a decent read. There is just enough angst to keep you interested and enough mystery in how the characters hide a secret that everyone seems to know except James. The character development could use more details. I wasn't hooked immediately until 1/4 of the story was over. I found myself being angry with Lizzie for holding her secret from James. The diner scene where he poured out his heart without any response from her was a little frustrating. However after she finally admits her reason for holding back her feelings (and why she’s keeping a secret) it’s easier to understand.

The details regarding the previous time they spent away from each other wasn’t enough. More flashback memories in the beginning (when she first sees James again) might have added to the character development. Adding more memories might have made the reader feel more of the emotion behind their relationship. It was difficult believing Lizzie wanted James to be part of her life but didn’t know how to do it after so long. After the third chapter, I started to see more within her emotions and began liking her character.

The story picks up and becomes more interesting once you understand the reason behind why Lizzie and James separated. I did enjoy the book once the characters explained their past actions and a secret was revealed. I think at least one more love scene might have added to the believability of the love connection between the characters. For me, there’s not enough potential romantic moments or love scenes.

I would have like to have seen more “almost” moments with touching or even kissing before it goes too far.

Overall the book has a decent story and gave me my happily ever after.

For more information about Lyn Cahoon and her upcoming titles please visit her webpage, Facebook or Twitter.

Review provided by:

Blogger and Reviewer

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Published by Crimson Romance

Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this review

ARC received from the author