Reader’s Edyn

I always felt like I could do something more than just read. Finally, I have found both a creative outlet and a chance to do something meaningful with my reading. This blog was created in appreciation of and tribute to all of the authors who have brought me joy through their books. These reviews are my way of giving back to authors and providing recognition for the hard work that each one completes every day!

Friday, January 27, 2012

ARC Review: The Rogue Pirate's Bride by Shana Galen


Title: The Rogue Pirate’s Bride
Author: Shana Galen
Release Date: April 7, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Category: Historical Romance
Type: Kindle/Paperback








 


Book Blurb:

REVENGE SHOULD BE SWEET, BUT IT MAY COST HIM EVERYTHING

Out to avenge the death of his mentor, Bastien discovers himself astonishingly out of his depth when confronted with a beautiful, daring young woman who is out for his blood...

FORGIVENESS IS UNTHINKABLE BUT IT MAY BE HER ONLY HOPE...

British Admiral's daughter Raeven Russell believes Bastien responsible for her fiancé's death. But once the fiery beauty crosses swords with Bastien, she's not so sure she really wants him to change his wicked ways...

Book Excerpt:

He leaned back, prepared to order Miss Russell to return to her father, carry her all the way, if necessary, when the shot exploded and he felt a hot spray of wooden splinters. Belatedly, he ducked then glanced up at the hole in the wooden door.

If he hadn’t turned back…

If he’d been standing just a fraction to the right…

“What are you doing?”

He felt her hand claw at his shoulder, then she reached past him and pulled the door closed.

“Someone’s shooting at you! Get down!” she cried, falling back against the wall as another lead ball hit the door, sending a shock reverberating through Bastien.

Bastien clenched his fist. El Santo had seen him after all. But Jourdain must be frantic to avoid Bastien if El Santo was willing to kill him so openly.  And that made Bastien all the more eager to bet his hands on the man – on both men. He reached into his coat and pulled out his pistol. A swish of green satin beside him drew his attention in time to see his cabin girl hike her skirts and draw a dagger from a belt strapped to her thigh.

A quite shapely thigh…

He blinked. “Put that away and go back to your father.”

She shook her head and flipped the dagger into throwing position. The move was smooth and practiced, and Bastien would have liked to see if she could throw and how accurately. Judging by her skills with a sword, he had a feeling her aim was deadly.

“Get out of here,” he ordered.

“I don’t think that’s possible.”

“Yes, it is…”

But she was looking over his shoulder, down the corridor through which they’d come. “No, it’s not. I believe that man with the pistol means to block our passage.”

Bastien closed his eyes. Merde.

Dialogue Highlight:

“Would you want me to be happy if our positions were reversed? Say you had been my fiancĂ© and Timothy killed you. Would you want me to share his bed?”

He laughed. “Merde. You have me there. I’d want you to kill him.” He touched her nose with a finger then kissed that same spot with his lips. “But there’s no reason you can’t bed me and then kill me.”

She shook her head. “You know I’m never going to kill you.”

“I know.” He kissed her lightly. “I’ve known it all along, but I didn’t think you’d realized it yet.” He kissed her again, and she found her lips, her body, responding without even meaning to.

“What else do you know?” she whispered, wrapping her arms about him and digging her hands into his thick hair.

“You’re going to make love to me.”

“Have I realized that yet?”

He scooped her into his arms and carried her to the berth. “I think you might have an inkling.”

He head was spinning, and she didn’t know if it was because she had forgotten to eat or because he’d scooped her up so quickly. She suspected it was a bit of both and also because her heart was pounding in her chest. He put her down gently, keeping his hand behind her head, so as soon as she touched the pillow, his mouth was on hers and his body was pressed against hers.

She felt herself responding immediately to his warmth, to his touch, to everything he was she shouldn’t want.

Rogue. Pirate. Seducer.

She pulled him hard against her, buried her face against his neck and licked the swath of bronze skin she’d been eyeing earlier. She could feel his strong muscles and taste sea salt and something indefinable but definitely him, something definitely masculine.

He made a sound low in his throat then pulled back, cupping her face. “Aren’t you even going to make a show of protesting?”

She stared up at him and knew this was what fallen angels looked like. “Protesting?” Did he think she could actually refuse him? She ran a finger along the hard p lanes of his cheeks, down the smooth bridge of his nose.

Oui – protesting. ‘No, no, monsieur, we shouldn’t,’” he said in a high-pitched voice. “And finally you give in because you are overwhelmed by my caresses.”

“I am overwhelmed by your caresses. But I might be more overwhelmed if we were both wearing less clothing.”

Review:

I am in love with a Pirate and his name is Bastien. *le sigh* Is that not one of the best dialogue highlights you have ever read? I KNOW! It is fabulous! I can see the characters in the scene. Their expressions, their playful banter, their smoldering desire for one another. And I felt this way – this engaged – throughout the book in its entirety. This is my first Shana Galen book. I do own a couple of her books already, but have not had a chance to read them yet. *whispers* I’m thinking I will have to change that monumental mistake right quick. *runs to change reading order*

So Raeven is on a mission for vengeance. She has set out to take the life of the infamous pirate, Captain Cutlass. The Pirate has been implicated as the one responsible for the death of her fiancĂ© when their ships tangled with one another on the high seas. Raised on a ship from a young age, Raeven has a bit of an odd upbringing and consequently she fears little. She knows her abilities, but perhaps isn’t so good at knowing where to draw the line and concede. Nor did she except to get knocked off her socks as soon as she came face to face with Bastien (Captain Cutlass).

Bastien is immediately intrigued by this boy child who has challenged him. Did I mention she meets him in a tavern in disguise? You are intrigued, no? So Raeven’s cover is blown fairly quickly, which only intensifies Bastien’s interest in her. His plans include punishing her by making her serve his as his cabin girl. But he doesn’t know Raeven and she has no such intention of complying with him. She makes her escape, but is immediately planning her next encounter with the murdering … breathtaking … underhanded … lust-inducing … well, you get the idea. She’s a bit conflicted within the emotions Bastien inspires.

I enjoyed getting to know both Raeven and Bastien and I liked that they both were unwilling to admit their love for one another. While they eventually admitted it to themselves, they found it difficult to believe that the other would open up to the possibility of being hurt again and consequently kept their deep feelings buried for a time. The secondary characters were also enjoyable. We did not get to know them very far below the surface, which worked out well because it kept the focus on the main characters. But part of me wished we had something to go on with at least one secondary character so that I could look forward to time spent with Bastien and Raven in the future. Unfortunately I don’t see that happening. I can only hope that Ms. Galen has another adventure on the high seas awaiting us somewhere down the road, if even with different characters. However, I did take note that this book is number 3 in The Sons of the Revolution Series. So, we can all at least look forward to reading about Bastien's family if we have yet to become acquainted with them. And I do assure you, I will be introducing myself very soon.

Prepared to be sucked into a world of danger, intrigue, humor, romance, and the thrill of the high seas. It’s swashbuckling! What does that word even mean? I have no idea, but it is fabulous, is in not? It says so much. I just like saying it. Swashbuckling, swashbuckling swashbuckling. You say it too. It makes you smile. *raises brow* Don’t be acting like I’m all crazy and you have no idea what I am speaking of. You know you agree. *nods* But seriously, readers and lovers of historical romance will love and adore Ms. Galen in no time. She easily rivals the writing of Lindsey, one of my all time favorites, and is without-a-doubt a sure read for me. In other words, when I see Galen, I buy. End of story. So what are you waiting for? Hmmmm? Oh! Appologies. *blushes* I appreciate you finishing up the review first. But I am done now. Hurry up and get your own. This is one you will treasure within your collection. Now go! The adventure awaits …

(advanced copy paperback provided by author for review)

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Follow My Book Blog Friday - 6

**Welcome to the Feature & Follow**





If you are new to the #FF fun, Feature & Follow Friday is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. Feature & Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of course and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it’ll allow us to show off more new blogs!

How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them “hi” in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!
Now to make this #FF interesting we do a FEATURE blogger. If you are interested in becoming a Feature click on the drop down link (on Parajunkee's site) above FEATURES --> Feature and Follow Hop --> and get on the waiting list! It is also required, that if you participate you must follow the hosts (Parajunkee & Alison Can Read) and the two Feature blogs.

**Parajunkee's Feature – Book'd Out**

Hi, my name is Shelleyrae of Book’d Out. As a thirty something, married, mother of four I live a quiet life at home in Australia (in amongst moments of sheer chaos) which I love, but with a book in my hand I can be a vampire’s mistress; a detective on the hunt for a serial killer; a damsel in distress or even a teenager again. I have always loved reading but never had anyone to talk to about books with. No one really wanted to listen if a book made me cry or rage or laugh or filled my heart with joy. *insert sob here* So like everyone who has something to say but feels no one is listening, I started a blog. I read an eclectic mix though I prefer urban fantasy, mystery and contemporary fiction, I find it impossible to choose favourites though. I am as happy to read ebooks (on my iPod) as I am print, from backlists to bestsellers, mostly if there is a story to tell I am willing to read it.

**Allison Can Read's Feature – Fiction Fervor**

Once upon a time, there was a teen who loved reading YA books. Day and night, she read and read and read books from all genres of fiction -- fantasy, paranormal, dystopia, science fiction, and more. But she grew weary from having a limited choice of books at her local library. And thus, Fiction Fervor was born. Over one year old, Fiction Fervor is composed of three teens now: Thy (the one who was the most avid reader), Tori (the one who had the most thoughtful reviews), and Linda (the one who was the founder with the biggest dreams yet).

 

**Question**

Q: Which book genre do you avoid at all costs and why?

A: I haven't actually had to avoid a particular genre yet. But if I had to avoid one, I would probably stay away from horror. I am a chicken to the highest degree. Any scary movies I have seen I remember vividly and end up with nightmares years later for no reason. I can't even watch the dumb things without covering my eyes most of the way, so how the heck would I be able to read horror? Doubtful that it would be possible.

 

**Okay ... Rules**

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
  1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
  2. (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
  3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
  4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
  5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
  6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
  7. If you’re new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

JERR January 2012

**JERR January 2012**

I know, I know. Many of your are asking – What the heck is JERR? It is amazing to me that an erotic book review site that has been around 6 or 7 years, and has a huge following is still unknown to so many. So, for those of you who missed it, I will take a moment to explain this thing called JERR that I speak of. 

 Click on the logo to subscribe to JERR

JERR stands for Just Erotic Romance Reviews. Name pretty much says it all. Yes? The following snippet I took directly from the website so that you all can see JERR’s explanation:

Beyond Book Reviews

Just Erotic Romance Reviews is...

“First and foremost a newsletter created by readers for readers just like you. For over six years we have helped readers choose where to spend their hard earned money, by delivering a quality newsletter straight to our readers' mailboxes the first Sunday of every month. Every issue is packed with honest reviews of some of the best Erotic Romance books around.
Contests, articles on a wide variety of Erotic Romance topics and author interviews are all here to entertain and provide information on the fast growing, ever changing world of Erotic Romance.”   (quoted from justeroticromancereviews.com)


That about cover it? Not quite. Let me tell you what I like about JERR. First, let me say that I absolutely love my blog and checking in with the review blogs of fellow bloggers. You never know what new author you may discover, what awesome contest may be running, what terrific friends you may come into contact with … the possibilities are endless. I would never give up on my blog. But here is what attracts me to JERR …

With blogs, you hop around and never know what you may or may not find – unless you are searching for something specific and end up on Google, then get directed to the information you seek. JERR has eliminated much of this frustration. And let’s face it, sometimes looking at review after review can be frustrating. Instead of hoping all over the place, you receive one newsletter - once a month - with multiple reviews to check out - in one spot. Sound good? I think so! There is generally a spotlighted author, a contest, and dozens of reviews to read.

But these are not just any reviews. These are reviews from people like you and me. Some of us have our own blogs, many of us have a “real-life” before reviewing, and all of us abide by JERR’s standard to erotic reviews. If the book does not make the cut, you will not be hearing about it. This is not to say that you will find all glowing reviews. No way! But this is to confirm that you will only read reviews about erotic novels, novellas, anthologies, etc …

So what are you waiting for? Head over to JERR and subscribe! A newsletter once a month packed full of reviews in one spot! What have you got to lose?

Oh … but now you want to know why I am telling you about this? Did you figure it out? You got it! I am a JERR reviewer. And why would I do this when I have my own review blog? Because JERR changes things up for me and gives me variety. I have access to books I can review that I might not have access to otherwise. And I have a change of pace. The reviews are nothing like what I normally produce. Variety is good (for me anyway) – it keeps me on my toes and staves off boredom. 

And here is the other part of why I am telling you this information. My reviews are the property of JERR. Perfectly understandable considering I write to their requirements and they provide me with the book I review. But I cannot post my reviews on my blog. And so … once a month I will be posting on my blog – in this similar fashion, the link to the reviews I completed via JERR. Want the review faster? Subscribe to JERR. The newsletter comes out about two weeks before the reviews are loaded onto the website. *nods*

I hope you will all look into JERR. It really is a spectacular idea. And you can search the site for many reviews. Looking for thoughts on a book you are considering? Look it up on JERR. It just might be there. I am sure there is much more I could talk your ear – err … eyes .. off with *grins* but I will let you be for now. Below are the reviews I completed for JERR for the January 2012 issue. Just click on the picture to read my thoughts and see my ratings. And above all, enjoy! 






Interview: Inara Scott


Welcome back! We have another exciting day for you here on the blog. A few months ago I had the pleasure to read and review a "new-to-me" author. Her name was Inara Scott and I was completely blown away by the fabulous cover of her debut adult novel Radiant Desire. I am a bit of a cover whore, and this one sunk its claws into and would not let go. By luck and the kindness of Ms. Scott, I was offered a copy of the book to review. I am so happy that I was given this opportunity. I absolutely loved the book. And turns out, it is the first in a series. A series, by the way, that am very much looking forward to reading more of. You can view my review by clicking below the cover.


Buy Radiant Desire here in Kindle or Paperback

**EXCERPT**

“Handmaid Kaia, step forth!”

Kaia paused, startled to hear the queen call her by name. This was not part of the usual ceremony. But then again, Zafira honored tradition when she pleased and disregarded it when it did not suit her. Kaia threw back her shoulders, forced her wings to arc gracefully across her back, and ensured her gentle smile was perfectly intact before stepping up to the dais. Her heart thumped. Had she done something wrong? Somehow displeased Zafira?

She lowered her head gracefully. “My queen.”

“Kaia, you know the vow of my Handmaids.”

Kaia nodded, her lips automatically forming her response after decades of practice. “My queen, as your Handmaid I vow never to lose control, and never to yield to the wishes of men.”

Zafira swirled her staff in a circle, leaving behind a translucent, sparkling image of a man’s face. He was as handsome as the satyrs at Zafira’s side, with a tumble of blond hair falling over his forehead, cerulean blue eyes, and dark, tanned skin. His white teeth flashed in a smile that was equal parts humor and unspoken menace.

“This man, Garrett Jameson, is the man you will capture next,” Zafira said. “You will bring him to his knees as only a Handmaid can. Introduce him to pleasure and the greatest desire he has ever known, and then leave him alone and wanting.”

Kaia hid her surprise behind a deep curtsy and swirl of her wings. Zafira had never sent her after a particular human before.

“Yes, my queen.” She paused, knowing she should keep her mouth shut but unable to prevent the question from leaving her lips. “May I ask why?”

Zafira frowned, and Kaia froze, terrified she had angered the mercurial queen. A moment later, Zafira’s icy features softened and she began to chuckle. The sound danced through the hall like music, as beautiful as everything else about the queen—and just as dangerous.

“Because it will amuse me,” Zafira said, her laugh tinkling through the hall. “I have some interest in this particular man. I will enjoy seeing him brought low.”

Kaia nodded, feeling a lump in her throat. “It will be done.”

Zafira motioned for Kaia to return to her place beside the other Handmaids. “See that it is, Kaia,” she said in a quiet voice. “See that it is.”

Chapter Two

Kaia shot a glance at the thin gold band around her wrist. Quarter to ten; he should be here soon. Somewhere behind her a band started to play. The music was soft and rhythmic, a saxophone and bass guitar, the smooth crawl of a rute across a snare drum. In the week that she’d been haunting this club, Kaia had come to appreciate the live jazz music featured each night. Of course, no mortal could approach the perfection of the music that filled the halls of Faeria. Still, of all the sounds humans created, she’d found jazz most appropriate to seduction.

Seduction.

Kaia shook her head. She’d been sent to the human world to complete a very simple task. Thus far, she had experienced nothing but defeat. Though the boggles had given her the location of Garrett Jameson’s favorite nightclub, the coffee shop he frequented, and his office, she hadn’t even managed to talk to him. Every time she saw him he was surrounded by other men in dark suits, or he was talking on his cell phone, or reading thick sheafs of papers with very small print. She had tried bumping into him on the street, but he’d done little more than apologize and stride away, not affording her more than a moment’s glance. She had seen him here, at the Blue Hour. He had sat in a booth in the back of the room while watchful bouncers steered her away if she tried to get too close.

Kaia found her failure utterly infuriating, particularly when faced with Garrett Jameson’s uncanny perfection. As far as she could tell, her target lacked any visible flaw, with only the unruly lock of hair that fell across his forehead betraying the perfection of his square jaw and arresting eyes. His suits were exquisitely tailored, his voice smooth and deep. Sometimes, Kaia could scarcely believe he was human. Yet he had no interest in catching the eye of a beautiful stranger, even one practically glowing with faerie magic.

Every day that she failed to achieve her task brought with it a fresh wave of panic. At first, it seemed laughable—a man resisting her attempt at seduction? Impossible! As the days passed with no sign of progress, Kaia’s worry began to mount. Zafira had given her a direct command. She had to succeed. Zafira would show no mercy to a Handmaid who could not meet her expectations.

She had vowed that tonight would be different. She’d finally caught a break while following Garrett in line for his morning coffee, when she’d overheard him agreeing to meet someone named Ted here at ten. Arriving early, she’d positioned herself at a table near the entrance to the club. At around 9:30, the bartender called a man with curly red hair and soft hazel eyes Ted.

She’d shamelessly eavesdropped on Ted’s cell phone call a few minutes later. It started with him asking someone named Rachel where she was, and quickly devolved to begging and pleading for her to come to the club. She’d heard “my love,” “the wedding,” and “whatever you want,” followed by a deluge of words from the other end. After a few minutes, he slapped the phone closed. His face was mournful, his eyes drooping at the corners like a sad Irish setter.

He was needy, and if there was one thing Kaia understood, it was needy men.

She had introduced herself a few minutes later. She tried not to turn on so much charm that she’d scare him away, but there wasn’t much she could do about her appearance. She’d found a tissue-thin silk dress at the hotel boutique that morning, and it draped across every one of her curves like a gleaming, silky spider web. The hazy light from dim strobes and tiny votives danced across her skin, leaving behind a perfect golden glow. Men from every side of the crowded bar were watching her, earning dirty looks from their female companions. Kaia deliberately shielded the red-haired man across the table from some of her heat. She wanted to seduce his friend, not him.
Yet her efforts were seemingly unnecessary. Ted didn’t even glance at her perfectly positioned cleavage. All he wanted to do was talk about his fiancĂ©e, Rachel.

“I asked her out the first time we met,” he said dreamily, staring into space. “I knew from the start we had something special. It took only one date before I fell in love.”

“So what happened?” Kaia stole a sideways look toward the door, hoping Garrett would arrive soon. Anticipation licked down her spine. Tonight, they would meet. He couldn’t avoid it if she was talking to his friend.

And when his eyes finally met hers, she would unleash all the power of faerie on him.

He didn’t stand a chance.

“I don’t know,” Ted said miserably. “She’s nervous about the wedding, I suppose. It’s a big step. Anyone would be scared. But we love each other, we really do. She’s perfect. The perfect woman.” He launched into a litany of Rachel’s angelic qualities.

Kaia masked her irritation with a patient smile.

He shook his head. “I’m sorry. Look, I should let you go. I have a friend coming in a few minutes. I didn’t mean to drag you down this way. I’m sure you could find someone much more interesting to talk to.”

Kaia’s heart skipped at his not-so-subtle attempt to get rid of her. She needed to stay with Ted. He represented her only chance to get close to Garrett. “Please, I could really use the company. I’m just in town for a night.” She shook her hair and let a hint of faerie magic trickle to him. “The last thing I need is some oaf trying to hit on me. I’d much rather hear more about Rachel.”

Ted’s mouth dropped open and for a moment he stared at her, transfixed. As soon as Kaia let off on the flow of magic, he sank back into his memory of Rachel. “Well, she’s the most beautiful woman in the world. I mean, not beautiful like you, but beautiful in her way. Some people think she’s bossy, but truly, she’s the kindest person you’ll ever meet. You can see it in her eyes. She just opened up a flower shop. Rachel’s Roses.” He sighed. “Everyone told her how hard it would be to open her own store, but she made it happen. She’s amazing.”

“So what’s the problem?” Kaia asked, her gaze sliding briefly to the door. “Why is she having second thoughts?”

“She does a lot of weddings, and they don’t always go well. She doesn’t want to turn into Bridezilla or get too worked up about the whole thing. She said she wanted to elope, but I couldn’t do it. A couple of weeks ago she started saying maybe we should wait, maybe we went too fast. Her parents had a messy divorce, and I think she’s scared to get married. I don’t know how to convince her to trust me.”

Kaia wanted to believe Ted loved his fiancĂ©e. Unfortunately, she had a long history of watching men like him pledge their devotion to unsuspecting wives and girlfriends minutes before they succumbed to Kaia’s charms. They used every excuse in the book to justify their unfaithfulness, but it came down to one thing: men were treacherous, dangerous creatures.

Kaia and the others used faerie magic to entice the men, but the magic wasn’t irresistible. It simply took willpower. Willpower most men weren’t interested in exercising.

She started to say something soothing and understanding, but the words caught in her throat when a tall figure appeared at the doorway.

Garrett Jameson had finally arrived.
 

Awesomesauce set up, no? I was drawn it fast! After I read the book. I decided that I had to Have Ms. Scott on the blog so that I could tell you all about her and, of course, allow her some time to tell you all about herself. I hope you enjoy reading about Ms. Scott with as much enthusiasm as I had creating the interview questions. So without any further delay, may I please introduce:

**INARA SCOTT**


**BIO**

Inara was born in the winter wonderland of Buffalo, NY. She promptly commenced complaining about being cold, and didn’t stop until she moved to Durham, NC, to attend college at Duke University. After graduating with a degree in History and Women’s Studies, Inara wandered around the country teaching outdoor education and writing bad poetry. She eventually obtained a Master’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies from the State University of New York at Cortland, where she wrote her thesis on the effects of wilderness programs on the body image of female participants. 

Given Inara’s love of argument, it was really only a matter of time before she ended up in law school. The mossy forests and volcanic beauty of Oregon led her to Lewis and Clark Law School and Portland, where she finally decided to settle down. Inara rediscovered her love of writing fiction while trapped in a hotel for a hearing in Anchorage, Alaska. It took another five years for Inara to screw up the courage to quit her lawyer job and devote herself to writing and teaching. Today, Inara writes anything and everything, including children’s books, young adult fiction, and adult romance. She also does frequent school visits, and loves teaching writing to students of all ages. Her debut novel, DELCROIX ACADEMY: THE CANDIDATES, published in 2010 by Disney-Hyperion Books for Children, was a 2010 Oregon Spirit Book Award Honor Book. THE CANDIDATES will be released in March of 2011 in paperback under the title THE TALENTS. A follow-up, THE MARKED, will be released in April of 2011. Inara’s first adult romance, RADIANT DESIRE, released in October 2011 from Entangled Publishing.

**INTERVIEW**

Tell us a little about your new release Radiant Desire.

Kaia Verde is one of the four Faerie Handmaids of Zafira, Queen of the Fey. To redress an ancient wrong done to Zafira by a human king, the Handmaids make sport of mortal men, seducing and humiliating them. When Kaia sets out to seduce Garrett Jameson, but ends up being the one surrendering to pleasure, Zafira is furious. Kaia's punishment is simple: make Garrett fall in love with her by the summer solstice, then break his heart, or face eternity without her wings—or her soul. To make the task harder, Zafira tells Kaia she cannot use her faerie magic or charm to lure Garrett into her bed.

Was there something in particular that gave you the idea for this book (series)?

Actually, it was my daughter’s Barbie faeries! I was playing with her in the bath with her Barbies, and thought, boy, this faerie would make a great character in a romance novel! (And now you know how strange and sick my mind is!)

LOL – Well, your mind created an exciting world so I guess you aren’t doing too bad. What about Garrett and Kaia made you want to pair them together?

Good question! I try to match up my characters’ weaknesses to make sure they are properly tormented in my novels. ;-) Garrett has been badly hurt in the past, so trust is really his Achilles heel. He’s terrified to trust and be hurt again -- so naturally, I had to pair him with someone who he can never really find out the truth about. He’s got to trust her, if he’s going to love her.

*snort* Properly tormented? I like it! One of the supporting characters in Radiant Desire is Portia, the matriarch of Garrett’s family with a drive to succeed in anything and everything. The reader is allowed a bit of a glimpse into the force that has molded Portia into the woman she has become. Any chance we will find out more about her story?

Right now, I’m not planning to make Portia a returning character, but maybe someday I’ll write a little novella about her. She is a fascinating character!

Fascinating indeed … Do you have any future plans for the other Handmaids?

Yes, absolutely! I want them all to find love, though I’m not entirely sure which species they will find it with...

Species? Sounds intriguing. So how do you keep in contact with your readers?

Oh, everything. But I love Twitter best. Send me an @ message and I’m sure to reply. I don’t check Facebook nearly as often.


Radiant Desire is you first book for adults. You have also written books for teens. Can you tell us about those books?

I write a series for Disney called The Talents, which is being released in March and April of 2012. (The first book in the series was previously released as The Candidates). It’s a mysterious boarding school, kids with superpowers, kind of book. ;-)

Do you have any special quirks, superstitions, or habits when writing?

It’s not pretty, but when I’m spending a lot of time on the computer, I tend to bite my fingers a lot! So you always know when I’m writing, because my nails are a MESS. ;-)

How do you celebrate when you finish a novel?

I kiss my husband, and then reintroduce myself to my children. I tend to get absorbed at the very end of the book. It gets like a rollercoaster, and it’s hard to jump off. Sometimes it takes a few days to reintegrate myself into the family.

What are you reading now?

I love Regency romance, and I’m on a bit of a Mary Balogh kick right now. I can read her books over and over. They are so delicious.

What is your favorite thing about Radiant Desire?

I’m a really optimistic person in my heart, and I think people are capable of amazing acts of love that are truly beautiful. That’s kind of the message of Radiant Desire, and I really enjoy sharing that with people.

That is awesome. Any advice you’d like to share for aspiring writers?

Don’t say you don’t have time. If you want to write, write. Make it a priority. It doesn’t have to be a lot: I started writing The Candidates on a “100 words a day” plan.

Great advice! How about a few quick random questions …
Salty or Sweet?

Sweet and salty. I have many vices.

*grins* Alcoholic or Non-alcoholic?

Non. I get headaches when I drink.

How unfair! Caffeine or Decaf?

Caffine!

I agree. What is your favorite drink?

Coffee, of course!

I approve of coffee. *nods* What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving. I love to eat.

Ha! Me too! It is the perfect excuse to gorge, yes? LOL So Inara mentioned a bit about her upcoming YA series the Delacroix Academy. Book 1 releases in March of this year and book 2 follows the next month. I have obtained a copy of book 2 for review and will post it as soon as I can. Until then, here is a bit of information to whet your appetite …


**BOOK 1**
**THE TALENTS**

Pre-order here

Dancia Lewis doesn’t seem all that special. And that’s not just because of her average grades or less-than-glamorous wardrobe. In fact, Dancia’s mediocrity is a calculated cover for her secret: whenever she sees a person threatening someone she cares about, things just . . . happen. Cars skid. Structures collapse. Usually someone gets hurt.

When recruiters from the prestigious Delcroix Academy show up in her living room to offer her a full scholarship, Dancia suspects the recruiters know more about her “talent” than they're letting on. Once she arrives at the mysterious school, Dancia worries that her days of living under the radar are over. Even the hottest guy on campus treats her like she’s one-of-a-kind.

And then there’s her elusive new friend, Jack, who thinks Delcroix is hiding a dangerous secret. Dancia doesn’t know who to trust. A battle is brewing behind the gates of the Academy, and Dancia may have no choice but to pick sides … even if it means finally stepping out of the shadows.

 **BOOK 2**
**THE MARKED**

Pre-order here

All of her life, Dancia Lewis has wanted to use her powers for good. And now that she’s learned the truth about Delcroix Academy—and herself—she may just get the chance. But being part of Delcroix’s top secret Program isn’t anything like Dancia expected.  She has to ask herself: what happens to the Talented kids who refuse to pledge their loyalty to the Program? And why did her friend Jack run away rather than join? Dancia’s adorable boyfriend Cam insists they need the help of every Talented student to defend Delcroix from dangerous enemies outside their gates. But Dancia has to wonder: what if Delcroix’s most frightening enemies come from within?  

I hope you have enjoyed getting to know a little about this multi-talented author. Please take a moment to ask her a question, or respond to her question. We welcome your thoughts and interactions.

**Inara’s Question**
I’m always looking for new books -- can you recommend something to me that you read recently and loved?

*waves* Thanks for stopping by everyone!