Winner - Scott Nicholson signed book!!

The winner of a signed copy of Thank You for the Flowers (as chosen by Random.org) is...............

Charlotte!!!!!

Charlotte has until Saturday, November 11th to contact us at seducedbybooks at gmail dot com.  Otherwise we'll have to choose another winner.  

Congratulations!!    

Veil of Shadows by Shiloh Walker

A rebel army has been established to win back the land from demons-and a ne soldier named Xan has appeared out of nowhere to join them. Beautiful army captain Laisyn Caar is shocked by the powerful, all- consuming desire she feels in his presence, but when she discovers the dark secrets of Xan's agenda, she'll have to determine whether the man she's starting to love is a friend of her people-or a dreaded enemy. (courtesy of Amazon)

Shiloh Walker has done it again.  She has created a futuristic sci-fi paranormal world all in one.  She gives us great battles and steamy sex all wrapped in one book.  Her character development is right on point.  Battling demons since the age of 10 makes for a strong hard skinned woman, add being an army captain and having to secure your position almost daily and you’ve got Laisyn.  Xan, well, let’s say, his got one great set of genes…as well as battle training second to none.  They end up needing each other to complete themselves, but will it be enough?  Syn won’t back down to a good fight, Xan is not going to lose her, but he may have to when she finds out the truth.  This is a continuation of Through the Veil (also reviewed by us) and I was thrilled to see the story continue and pick up with the same intensity.  I’m hoping quickly for book 3.  Witches, demons, psychics, warlords and the sci-fi world are definitely a great combo in this book. 

4 slices 

JAZ PRIMO Interview & Guest visit - Q&A

WELCOME JAZ PRIMO!! - debut author of Sunrise at Sunset

SBB: Thanks for joining us today,we know it comes on the heels of a difficult time for your family, but we are thrilled to have you with us today. So for those of our followers that have not yet heard of you, can you tell us about yourself? 

Jaz: Thanks so much for hosting an interview with me, and thank you for your compassion and kindness regarding my recent loss of a dear family member. It’s certainly an honor and a pleasure to have the opportunity to appear on Seduced by Books! 
It’s true that few people have heard of me since Sunrise at Sunset is my first published work. I’ve been an avid fan of fantasy and science fiction since childhood, and in particular I love vampires! While writing is a hobby and personal passion, my full-time career is in Higher Education, which I’m also passionate about. I can’t think of any place that I would rather work than a college campus. As for my education, I hold a Master of Liberal Studies from the University of Oklahoma, and completed my undergraduate work in information technology. It’s accurate to say that I’m a person of diverse and eclectic interests, including: teaching U.S. History classes at the college where I work, bass fishing, cooking, following college football, reading, and watching films of all types. Oh, and I also love puns! (Often, much to the chagrin of those around me…) *smiling*

SBB: Couple of silly questions for you – what’s your favorite color? What’s your favorite Holiday? From Amy (being the baker that she is) what’s your favorite dessert? Boxers or Briefs? Bitten or the Biter? (No offense, but the world’s gotta know)

Jaz: *Laughing* Those are very good questions, in my opinion. My favorite color is blue, and my favorite holiday is definitely Thanksgiving. It’s the one holiday where the “food is the focus” and you don’t have to stress over extensive decorations or gift-buying. (Can you tell that I’m someone who doesn’t put out the Christmas decorations until AFTER Thanksgiving?) Oh, and I LOVE desserts, so it’s hard to pick just one. However, I have an affinity for all things chocolate: Brownies, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cream pie, German chocolate cake (my favorite cake!), chocolate fudge, etc. So now we go from dessert to underwear? Hmmm…I wonder how many people find those to be related in some way? *chuckling* I’m a briefs guy, myself. Oh, and as for THE question of the day: I’m on Team “Bitten”! *wink*

SBB: Do you have a favorite genre of music? Anything special that’s on your playlist to inspire you to write? 

Jaz: Oh, I love these two questions! I enjoy many genres of music, but my favorite is alternative rock. Music definitely inspires and fuels my writing, and I rarely write without also playing music to set the mood. For that reason, my iPod is my constant companion. *chuckling* I have completed three novels in the Sunset series, and each one has its own unique soundtrack. In fact, I’m actively gathering my music list together for when I start writing on the fourth installment this winter. This may sound predictable, but the three Twilight movie soundtracks and symphonic scores are very good for fueling my vampire “mood”. However, I have to tip my hat to the compositions of Philip Glass, who is a master of instrumental mood music that’s great for writing vampire novels. The music of Radiohead has been instrumental during all three of the Sunset series novels, and will play an important role in the fourth installment. Some the alternative rock selections that served as the soundtrack for Sunrise at Sunset include: 
Garbage: "Temptation Awaits" and "You Look So Fine"
Gram Rabbit: "Devil's Playground"
Hole: "Malibu" and "Softer, Softest"
Jem: "24" and "Come On Over"
Massive Attack: "Angel" and "Dissolved Girl"
Mogwai: "Autorock" and "Hunted by a Freak"
Poe: "Angry Johnny"
Portishead: "Glory Box" and "Sour Times"
Radiohead - "15 Step" and "Karma Police"

SBB: You’re a very genuine person, something noticed from the first contact with you on Facebook. Have you always wanted to be an author? 

Jaz: Thank you for the compliment; that’s very kind. *shy smile* I have enjoyed creative writing since childhood, and I remember being able to read some short stories to my classmates in elementary school. My teacher, Linda Lachman, was very supportive and encouraging of my creative writing, and I’ll always be grateful to her for that. However, it wasn’t until recently that I considered being an author. It was, and still is, a scary prospect to me. I mean, I’m essentially revealing very personal and creative thoughts and feelings for the world to digest…and summarily embrace or reject. The process certainly isn’t for the faint of heart, and I have a newfound respect for authors and artists.

SBB: What are some of your favorite books and/or authors? 

Jaz: It’s funny that you would ask that, because I recently completed a list on my Facebook page at the request of a good friend regarding the fifteen most influential artists in my life. So, I have some immediate responses to offer for some of my favorite authors and their works. 
+ L.E. Modesitt, Jr’s Magic of Recluse series is perhaps my favorite of all time! Every novel reflects internalized growth and a hopeful sense of development in the main characters. He has a keen and insightful understanding of both genders, and treats them with equal dignity and respect. I would love to meet Mr. Modesitt someday.
+ Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera series is one of my favorites. His characters are engaging and tangible.
+ Lorna Freeman’s Borderlands novels are a heartfelt favorite of mine. The main character, Rabbit, is both endearing and magical in his attempt to fit in while also on a mission of self-discover.
+ Simon R. Green’s Nightside series is always enjoyable to read. I find that I identify with the complexities of the main character, John Taylor.
+ Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse vampire novels are both fun and sexy.
+ And, of course, I’m a big fan of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series.

SBB: (Jenn - Love Sookie "Team Eric") We know from talking with you, vampires have been on your mind for years, did you always know you would go the paranormal genre route?

Jaz: No, not initially. I actually began writing a futuristic, sci-fi novel just prior to starting my masters program, but I never returned to it once I completed my degree. Until starting to write Sunrise at Sunset, I wasn’t sure that I would ever complete a novel-length work of fiction. I found it somewhat humorous and quite ironic that my first completed novel was paranormal and not from the fantasy/sci-fi genres. 

SBB: Well, we'll be waitin on the sci-fi, but let’s talk Sunrise at Sunset – your main character, Katrina, is a strong, sexy vampire, that has been on her own for a while. Are those characteristics that you find in most of your female friends?

Jaz: I’m proud to say that I have a number of female friends who are what I consider to be “strong women”, and Katrina does share some key characteristics. That being said, I don’t know, nor have never known, anyone quite like Katrina Rawlings. Katrina appeared in my mind like a stranger in the night; announcing herself to me in ominous, heart-seizing fashion. Her essence stalked the recesses of my imagination for a number of years, coalescing and refining into near existence, lacking only a corporeal body. Over time, her character was progressively revealed to me in a series of palpable dreams, visions, and epiphanies. Katrina is one of the few characters that I didn’t deliberately contrive, but rather appeared to me in my mind’s eye. That’s a very special event for an author, I think.

SBB: Agreed, finding that main character(s) is so key, and when it comes we can only imagine how great that feels.  We have to ask you (particularly Jenn), PAIGE, she is amazing. She steals the show. Is she representative of any one particular person in real life? 

Jaz: *Laughing* Many fans adore Paige, actually. She is definitely an endearing character to me now. Originally, I only intended for Paige to be a satellite character in the Sunset series. However, she quickly asserted her presence to me and matured into a foundational character in my series. Much like Katrina, Paige isn’t based on any real person that I have ever met or known. As a general rule, I don’t like to create characters that are based upon people I know, particularly people that are close to me. 

SBB: Can you give us any first revealed for our loyal followers? We’re hoping for a tidbit to hold us over to Book 2. 

Jaz: *Grinning* Book 2 is going to take the four main characters and further develop each of them. Each of the characters are on their own personal “journey” and they mature, change, and develop in various ways throughout the series. They’re like real people to me…just as each of us change with our life experiences and increased knowledge, so do the characters in the Sunset series. Caleb begins to come into his own in the second novel because his experiences and subsequent relationship with Katrina and Paige have contributed to his evolution. Paige experiences some strong feelings for the first time, and has to make sense of them. It is a new phase of life in her tenure as a vampire. You also get to learn more about the mysterious character, Alton, and discover that he’s a vampire with many layers to him...including at least one significant agenda. Katrina continues to reclaim feelings and behaviors that she thought were forever lost, and has to confront a key decision from her past that affects both her and Caleb. Katrina and Caleb also have to play hostess to unexpected house guests following a highly emotional development in their relationship. Oh, and many people will be happy to learn that book #2 is much more action-packed, though in meaningful ways that further develops the characters, as well as a storyline that holds global consequences. My valued and helpful beta readers are very happy with the second novel, I’m proud to say! I hope that you'll like it too! *Smiling*

You heard it here - Can't WAIT to see where Caleb goes, and Paige too!!!!  Thanks so much again for being here Jaz. It’s been a great pleasure to have you. 

For our followers or passerbys, Jaz will be visitng our blog today and checking for your questions in the comments below. Comment with a question and Jaz will answer shortly. 

Blood Trinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love

Supernatural warriors bound by an extraordinary code of honor face an ultimate test of loyalty in the exciting new paranormal thriller from New York Times bestselling authors Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love.Atlanta has become the battlefield between human and demon. All her life, Evalle Kincaid has walked the line between the two. Her origins unknown, she’s on a quest to learn more about her past . . . and her future.When a demon claims a young woman in a terrifying attack and there’s no one else to blame, Evalle comes under suspicion. Now she’s on a deadly quest for her own survival. Through the sordid underground of an alternate Atlanta where nothing is as it seems to the front lines of the city, where her former allies have joined forces to hunt her, Evalle must prove her innocence or pay the ultimate price.But saving herself is the least of her problems if she doesn’t stop the coming apocalypse. The clock is ticking and Atlanta is about to catch fire. . . .(courtesy of Amazon)

Starting a new series for the Kenyon/Love duo is Blood Trinity, book 1 in the new Belador series. 

PACKED with action – from the first page you meet 3 characters that are captive and must trust each other with more than their lives to get free.  Years later, they are still together as a close group.  Evalle is our heroine that fights every day just to stay alive and have her freedom.  She is definitely one tough woman, or whatever she is...  She fights for the elusive VIPER agency hung out by an honor code and the fear she will become their worst nightmare.  While trying to save the world, and herself, she becomes stuck between two men.  We shall call them ‘the soldier’ and ‘the jaguar’ (to avoid spoilers) and they have come to awaken reactions from E that she’s kept buried and never expected.  While romance is eluded to, it’s not the big focus of this book.  THE ACTION IS.  Kenyon and Love have kept you packed full of battles, of course, we are trying to save the world here. 

I’m wondering where the series will go, Kenyon is my favorite author, and her other works where she’s teamed with Love have been well done.  There was so much in this book to set up the series, I really need Book 2.  J Favorite line - "Burn me once, shame on you. Burn me twice...you die."

4 slices 

Laney by Joann I Martin Sowles

What would you give to be with the one you love?

Would you give it all, including your life?

In a small college town in Northern California, Laney Alexander leads a regular, uneventful life–that is, until the charming and alluring Oliver Knight enters her world. Who is this gorgeous and mysterious stranger? Or, rather, what is he?

As Laney’s sophomore year of college begins, so does an unbelievable adventure–including a love she didn’t know she longed for. She soon learns that Oliver is not ordinary, nor is the rest of his family, including a sister who openly hates her and a brother who will stop at nothing for revenge. As she fights for her life, and Oliver’s love, Laney discovers that the fictional world of vampires isn’t so fictional after all. Nobody is safe, especially Laney, Oliver’s most important priority, and he will stop at nothing to protect her. With her mortality at risk, and a commitment revealed that she, without a doubt, knows she wants, Laney’s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn…

Joann I Martin Sowles brings us Laney –

Must Read Young Adult - - Yep I said it!!

I love what this new author has done with this book.  Laney is the first in the Brookhaven Vampire Series.  We have been set up for this series to keep us anxiously awaiting the next!!!

Sowles has given us a story that starts right out and gets you interested.  I definitely wanted to know Oliver…young and fresh romance wrapped in with action and plot.  We’re set up that I can see many twists and turns left to come.   We still have so much to go with this story.  Sowles comments on another top YA that you’ll have to read to find out about…

Laney and Oliver share a hot connection.  As a young college student, Laney is new to relationships, Oliver is an ‘old pro’.  The references and comments in this book were straight from my time.  I felt like this book is meant for the 25-35+ crowd.  I related to Oliver although at some points he went a little old fashioned for my *coughs* crazy tastes.  We end with a great cliffhanger.  I can’t wait for the opportunity to read the next one!!!  Could not put this one down!

5 Slices

Deadly Promises Anthology - Kenyon,Love,Griffin,Gerard

THESE HEROES ARE 100 PERCENT RAW, DANGEROUS, AND . . . UNDENIABLY SEXY.

New York Times bestselling authors Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dianna Love, and Cindy Gerard and rising romance star Laura Griffin mix seduction and suspense in three irresistible romantic adventures. From sultry international jungles to the rugged terrain of the American Southwest, join the larger-than-life, scorching-hot alpha heroes of the Bureau of American Defense, Black Ops, Inc., and the U.S. Navy SEALs for all the pulse-pounding, heart-racing, toe-curling excitement. They’re cool under pressure, steamy under the sheets, and when the enemy strikes, there’s not a lethal mission these gorgeous men can’t handle. . . . 

Just Bad Enough Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love

Leave No Trace Cindy Gerard
Unstoppable Laura Griffin (courtesy of Amazon)

I read this book to keep up with the B.A.D series from Kenyon/Love – I have plans to circle back for Gerard and Griffin, but my TBR pile has been growing.  I have read the entire BAD Series and for a FBI Thriller Romance it’s top notch. 

I was beyond pleased with this short from the series.  It could definitely stand alone and get you sucked into read the rest of the series. 

As usual the heat is up at the right level and the action and story line keep you going.  I can’t complain.  Our main couple are beyond lovable.  You instantly connect with CeCe and can’t wait to see where the story is leading…

 4 Slices

Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich

Life in Marblehead has had a pleasant predictability, until Diesel arrives. Rumor has it that a collection of priceless ancient relics representing the Seven Deadly Sins have made their way to Boston’s North Shore. Partnered with pastry chef Lizzie Tucker, Diesel bullies and charms his way through historic Salem to track them down—and his criminal mastermind cousin Gerewulf Grimorie. The black-haired, black-hearted Wulf is on the hunt for the relic representing gluttony. Caught in a race against time, Diesel and Lizzie soon find out that more isn’t always better, as they battle Wulf and the first of the deadly sins. (courtesy of Amazon)

I expected a little more from this book.  I LOVE the Stephanie Plum series.  Diesel had been introduced in our Plum in between books.  I did end up liking where the book went, but wanted a little more with the humor and plot.  I will patiently await the 2^nd Unmentionable book in this new series.  Evanovich has kept me involved in her series as well, I just felt a few things were a little off base.

I love the way Evanovich ends this one.  She is known to leave you guessing, and in the first pages of the next book you learn what really happened!  Diesel is his tough, sexy self.  Lizzy has a bit to learn in the new world of unmentionables.  Good humor and an interesting mystery!