Blog Tour: Turning Up The Heat with Cara Elliott & Lilli Feisty (Interview + Giveaway)

WELCOME TO THE BLOG TOUR:

Both Cara Elliott and Lilli Feisty are new to me authors. Sure I'd heard of them but never read any of their books, until now. And let me tell you, this tour is definitely appropriately named. Whether it's in the bedroom or the kitchen, these authors are turning up the heat level in their books. Today on the blog, they're talking about their latest releases. So let's give them a warm welcome!

HOWDY CARA AND LILLI!!!

MEET CARA:
I started creating books at the age of five, or so my mother tells me. And she has the proof — a neatly penciled story, the pages lavishly illustrated with full color crayon drawings of horses and bound with staples — to back up her claim. I have since moved on from Westerns to writing about Regency England, a time and place that has captured my imagination ever since I opened the covers of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

I have a BA and an MFA in Graphic Design from Yale University and now work as the creative director of a lifestyle sporting magazine, a job which lets me combine my love of the printed word with my love of art. I’m very fortunate in that my work allows me to travel to interesting destinations around the world — however, my favorite spot is London, where the funky antique markets and used book stores offer a wealth of inspiration for my stories.

Where to Find Cara: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook


MEET LILLI:

Lilli Feisty was born in the San Francisco Bay Area. Like a piece of driftwood, she has washed up on nearly every beach between Santa Cruz and the Oregon border.
Because she never attended any particular elementary school for more than a few months at a time, she amused herself during lonely recesses by writing what would nowadays be labeled fanfic featuring Michael Knight and Han Solo. Sometimes in the same story.
She owned an own art gallery for several years, holds a degree in Creative Arts and was just a few units short of her MA when she decided to drop out of school to write smut.
Her first novella was published in March 2007 and she’s been hard at work ever since. Her debut novel, Bound to Please, has been nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Erotic Romance. She currently writes for Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books), Harlequin Spice Briefs and Samhain Publishing.
Ms. Feisty currently resides in Northern Nevada. When she’s not writing you might find her conducting “research” at brothels, staring out windows, or making Martinis.

Where To Find Lilli: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook


Interviews:


Q&A with Cara:

Kati: Who is Cara Elliott? Author? Super woman? World traveler? International woman of mystery?

Cara: Oh, LOL! I wish my life were as exciting as all that! I’m lucky in that I do get to travel for research (a tough job, but somebody has to do it!)  I love visiting historical places, and always discover lots of fascinating sights and stories that inspire my own books. I’m curious and love an adventure . . . so my heroines tend to be a little unconventional.

K: What is your latest book about?
C: It’s all about taking a gamble on love!

K: If you could run away with one of your heroes (with permission from the heroine of course), who would it be and why?
C: Oh, not fair!  Since I get to create them, they are ALL handsome-as-sin, sexy bad boys with hearts of gold. I’m not going to tell them which one I like best—I’ll let them all keep vying to win my heart. Note to heroes—I am very fond of chocolate, champagne, and sapphires. (LOL)

K: Do you have any writing rituals?

C: I get up early in the morning, fix a cup of coffee, sit right down at my computer and get cracking.  I need to be disciplined because I’m not a fast writer and need long stretches of time to work. I wish I could be like some of my writer friends who can dash off a chapter in between running errands. But alas, my mind doesn’t work that way!

K: What can readers expect next?
C: TOO WICKED TO WED is the start of a new series, so there will be two more books, featuring the “Wolfhound’s” sexy, dashing friends. Gryff’s story is next . . . and he, too, encounters an intrepid young lady in a very unexpected place! (Oh Gryff...)

Q&A with Lilli:

Kati: Who is Lilli Feisty? Author? Whedonite? Hopeless romantic? International woman of mystery?
Lilli: Whedonite? I had to look that one up! According to Urban Dictionary a Whedonite is “An enthusiastic follower of the works of Joss Whedon; a fanatical supporter of the 'Whedonverse' - stories and characters created by Whedon.” Busted! I didn’t know I’d fallen into a universe similar to a Trekkie! When did I become such a nerd? Well, I guess I better just admit it. I am a Whedonite. I love anything from Joss Whedon. I’ve seen every episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I can sing the musical episode, One More Time With Feeling, word for word, (lol. Me too.) I might sing duets from Dr. Horrible with my son and I’m obsessed with Nathan Fillion. (Ah yes, Captain Tightpants.) So there’s that… I don’t think I’m very mysterious but I have been called that more than once. But basically I’m just a girl who writes romance novels and has a lot of tattoos. :)

K: What is your latest book about?
L: I don’t know why, but writers often have a heck of a time answering this question! I definitely do. So here’s the blurb:

Things are cooking in the kitchen...and the bedroom.

Restaurant owner Phoebe Mayle thought she had it all under control. Sure, her new chef has a bad-boy reputation - and a chiseled body to match - but she's positive she can whip him into shape.

But from the moment Nick Avalon roars into town in his Hummer, he makes her whole world sizzle. Now Phoebe has lost control of her kitchen, and Nick has taken over her mind and her body. His insatiable appetite for pleasure leaves her breathless with carnal cravings only he can satisfy. Yet can their hunger for each other be a recipe for a love that lasts?

K: What is the difference between erotic and erotica?
L: This is a question of great debate. To me it’s pretty simple. Erotica varies from Erotic Romance because Erotic Romance novels always have a happy ending. For myself, I started out reading erotica but, for the most part, I wanted more romance. That’s about when the subgenre of Erotic Romance popped up. But nowadays, I don’t see a clear line between Erotic Romance and “regular” romance novels. Romance novels are really spicy these days. Larissa Ione, for example, writes some super hot scenes! (Agreed!)

K: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
L: Don’t tell my editor, but I’m a total panster. :) (Secret's safe with me as long as she's not looking here.)

K: What can readers expect next?
L: I’m working on several projects. Let’s just say I rarely write a novel when a secondary character screams at me to write his or her story. :)

Thanks Cara and Lilli for stopping by!!!

TOO WICKED TO WED:

GENRE: Historical
MASS MARKET PAPERBACK: 384 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (October 25,2011)
ISBN: 9780446584579

Irresistible temptation...
Outspoken and independent, Lady Alexa Hendrie is happiest in the quiet of the country, where she is free to run her family's estate as she chooses. But when her brother's recklessness forces her to London, a chance encounter with the ton's most wicked rake---and his searing kiss---awaken a longing for adventure.
Undeniable passion...
A man of many secrets, Connor Linsley, the Earl of Killingworth, uses his rakehell reputation to avoid innocent young ladies and their marriage-minded mothers. Yet even his most shocking behavior can't dissuade Lady Alexa. From the moment her lips press against his, their fates are irrevocably sealed. Together they enter a shadowy world of intrigue, deception, and desire. Consumed by a passion beyond their wildest imaginings, Conor and Alexa must risk all they hold dear for a chance at love. But can they escape the danger that pursues them? Or will their own fiery attraction be their ultimate undoing? (source: back cover)

Where to Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N/Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt | My Review


DELICIOUSLY SINFUL:

GENRE: Contemporary
MASS MARKET PAPERBACK: 352 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (November 22,2011)
ISBN: 9780446571555

Things are cooking in the kitchen... And in the bedroom.
Restaurant owner Phoebe Mayle thought she had it all under control. Sure, her new chef has a bad-boy reputation--and a chiseled body to match--but she's positive she can whip him into shape.
But from the moment Nick Avalon roars into town in his Hummer, he makes her whole world sizzle. Not only has Nick taken over her kitchen, he's taken over her mind and her body. His insatiable appetite for her pleasure leaves her breathless with carnal cravings only he can satisfy. Can their hunger for each other be a recipe for a love that lasts? (source: back cover)

Where To Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Book Page | My Review


GIVEAWAY: Thanks to Grand Central, 3 lucky winners will each get a copy of Deliciously Sinful AND Too Wicked to Wed. How fabulous is that?? Just leave a comment and fill out the rafflecopter form. Giveaway is open to US & Canada readers only. No P.O. Boxes.

Other Stops on the Tour:

November 7: The Book Girl Renee's Reads My Book Addiction and More! Bodice Ripper Novels SOS Aloha Rex Robot Reviews Just Another New Blog Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks Cuzin Logic	November 8: Smexy Books Paranormal & Romantic Suspense Reviews
November 9: Thoughts In Progress Hanging with Bells	November 10: Fiction Vixen Seductive Musings My Book Views Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf Reading Between the Wines
November 11: So Many Precious Books, So Little Time	November 12: Broken Teepee
November 13: The Fiction Enthusiast Sarah's Blog of Fun	November 14:  Drey's Library
November 16: The Epic Rat Book Obsessed	November 17: Love To Read for Fun Romancing Rakes
November 18: Books Like Breathing The Reading Reviewer Starting Fresh One Book Shy of a Full Shelf Bea's Book Nook

A HUGE thank you to Alana Levinson and Jihan Antoine at Grand Central for providing the ARC review copies and the books for the winners. Also, a HUGE thank you to Cara and Lilli for taking the time to stop by the blog and talk about their latest releases.

Review: Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt

SCANDALOUS DESIRES by Elizabeth Hoyt
FORMAT: Paperback
GENRE: Historical Romance
MASS MARKET PAPERBACK: 383 pages
PUBLISHER: Grand Central Publishing (October 18,2011)
ISBN: 9780446558938

CAN A PIRATE LEARN...River pirate "Charming" Mickey O'Connor has lifted himself from the depths of the slums to be king of St. Giles. Anything he want he gets---with one exception. Silence Hollingbrook has been haunting his dreams ever since she spent a single night in his bed.
THAT THE ONLY TRUE TREASURE...Once Silence was willing to sacrifice anything to save the man she loved. Now a widow, she's finally found peace when Charming Mickey come storming back into her life with an offer she can't refuse. But this time she won't be the only one paying the price for his sins.
LIES IN A WOMAN'S HEART?When his past comes back to torment him, Mickey must keep Silence safe from a merciless enemy, while wrestling with the delicious hold this widow has on his heart. And in the face of mounting danger, both will have to surrender to something even more terrifying...true love. (source: back cover)

Where To Find Elizabeth: Author Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Where To Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt | Lady Pirates | The Making of a Cover (you don't want to miss this) | Clever John (the fairytale in the book)

Go and Buy it NOW!

Other Books in Series(click on covers for more):




REVIEW and Video:

Tell me that you don't want to read this book after watching the video above. Yeah. That's what I thought. I hear your mouse clicking on to your favorite bookstore. *grins*

Um, where can I get my own river pirate? Elizabeth Hoyt has done it once again, keeping me guessing and on my toes at each and every turn. I might have looked like a crazy person to anyone looking in the window: laughing maniacally, gasping loudly, clutching my chest, crying, squeaking and yelling. And finally having that AHA! moment while jumping up and down as to what I have been trying to figure out for the past 2 books. Yeah, I sometimes immerse myself a little too much into my reading. Is it weird that I kept hearing the theme to Pirates of the Caribbean during the action sequences? I think I may need to see a doctor about this.

Backstory: Silence's husband William was accused of stealing cargo. She goes to Mickey, pleading that he give back that stolen cargo so William doesn't get arrested. He in turn tells her she must spend a night with him and she agrees. The next morning, although nothing happened between the two, Mickey tells her to muss her hair, unbutton her dress and walk down the street as if she had had a tumble in his bed. Her family, especially William doesn't believe nothing happened and since then, she's been tolerated by her family. Her husband dies at sea.

Mickey O'Connor is a homewrecking river pirate with a gasp worthy secret. Silence Hollingbrook is totally devoted to Mary Darling, left on her doorstep for safekeeping, and her work at the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children until "Charming" Mickey charges back into her life. Silence hasn't forgiven Mickey for breaking up her marriage.

Mickey's enemy, the Vicar of Whitechapel, is out to get those associated with him, meaning his daughter Mary Darling and Silence. Mickey kidnaps Mary Darling and tells Silence the only way she can be with Mary is to stay at his palace. Since that night with Silence, he can't forget her and seems to have developed a slight obsession with her. He wants to possess her body and soul but is unwilling to give anything in return except endless nights of pleasure in his bed.

Silence agrees to stay with Mickey but tries to assert her independence by going against everything he wants her to do, starting with not going down to supper with him and his men. Mickey tries to starve her so she will come down for supper but his crew turns against him and smuggle food to Silence.

As the days go on, Silence begins to see a different side of Mickey. He's not just the ruthless river pirate but also a broken boy, forced to grow up at a young age without the love of his mother. Silence soon realizes that Charming Mickey has a hold on her. She sees him softening towards Mary Darling and thinks that there may be a future for them. A real future, if only he'll give up his pirating and make money legally. Mickey can't due to his fear of losing it all. He's worked so hard to build his empire, from a poverty stricken boy to a man who has more than what he knows to do with. The Vicar of Whitechapel is closing in and Mickey must make a decision that could change all their lives.

Gah! There's just so much more I want to say but I don't want to spoil it for you. So many things revealed, I thought I was going to die of shock. *sigh* River pirates FTW!

FAVORITE QUOTE: "He treasured her, treasured her tears, treasured her love for others. Her heart might even be big enough to fill that empty space in his own chest. Perhaps she could be his heart as well."

OVERALL:  Gah! I am totally floored. Utterly stunned. In typical Elizabeth Hoyt fashion, this book gripped me from the first page until the last. Another fantastic read. My love for Elizabeth Hoyt knows no bounds and this book has made me fall in love with her latest series a little more, in a non-Edward Cullen creepy kind of way. The third book in the series and one step closer to the reveal of the Ghost of St. Giles. Once again, Ms. Hoyt has ensnared, captivated and enthralled me, weaving a wonderful story of love, heartbreak, redemption and forgiveness encased in a fast paced, adrenaline pumping, heart thumping, gut wrenching, tear inducing, gasp worthy plot twists of a read. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series thanks to the titillating morsel of an excerpt at the end of the book. Is it Summer 2012 yet???


***review copy provided by Brianne Beers of Grand Central Publishing***

Review: Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione
Format: Paperback
Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (April 1, 2011)

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.

Buy it here: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Nook | Book Depository

Author's Site: Larissa Ione | Read an Excerpt

Go and buy it NOW!

Book Trailer and Review(May contain spoilers and strong language. Continue at your own risk):

This is the first book of Larissa Ione's I've ever read and all I can say is: Unholy mother of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, this book was AMAZEBALLS! This is a spin off of her Demonica series, which I've never read. But I must say that this book is able to stand alone without you going WTF? Sure, there are quite a few minor characters that pop up from the Demonica series, but I was still able to understand what was going on. 

TOP 13 REASONS TO READ THIS BOOK:

1. It's the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse like you've never seen them before. As in, this is not your Bible's version of the events leading towards the beginning of the end of the world. Your minister WOULD NOT approve. 
2. Fuck. There's just so many ways to say this word. So many words to pair it with. And in this book, all variations are explored and shared. If you're squeamish about strong language, this book is not for you.
3. It is action packed! While reading the fight scenes, I kept seeing it a la 300. You know, all the blood slowly spilling and arcing all over the place. One problem, the Horsemen are not wearing skimpy pieces of cloth to cover their 'down there' parts. They're in full battle armor. Think of the fight scenes as 300 meets Troy. 
4. Ares. This is his book. He is a complete full on, in your face, I-will-fuck-you-up-if-you-so-much-as-breathe-the-wrong-way alpha. He had a human family who he saw killed and his wife tortured in front of him. This really messed him up. His agimortus is held by an Unfallen angel. If it breaks, all hell will break loose. Literally. If his seal breaks, he'll become War. 
5. Cara. She is the heroine. And she is one badass babe. One day she's living a normal life and the next, her house is invaded by military looking guys hellbent on finding out why she's harboring a hellhound. Ares' Seal is transferred to her, which in turn starts draining her life force. But with a little help from a hellhound's kiss, she is hanging on for dear life. 
6. The smexing. Hot, sexy, blush inducing, panty dropping, 'down there' parts tingling, all sorts of hotness. I may or may not have had to put the book down a few times to cool off. Oh, and word of caution, there's smexing while Aunt Flow is in town. Yeah, you heard me. If you don't know what that means, google it.
7. Thanatos. He needs to get laid. Like seriously. But then again, he'd better not since Armageddon would be upon the Earth before you could say "I'm coming!" Yeah, his Seal is his virginity. Kinda sucks right? If his Seal breaks, he'll become Death.
8. Limos. She's the Horsewoman of the Apocalypse. Also, she's Satan's bride. Yipes! She is your ultimate girlie girl: dresses, fruity drinks, flip flops and floral print. When you piss her off, she'll crush your ribs with her thighs. Her Seal is a small ivory bowl. If a Horseman drinks from it, it's the end of the world as we know it. She would become Famine.
9. The love story. Ares has not been with a human woman for centuries. Until Cara. She turns his life upside down and sideways when she becomes the unfortunate human to carry his Seal. He lets his guard and armor down, figuratively and literally, when he's near her. They talk. They laugh. They fight. They sex it up. They realize she doesn't have much time left since she's a human carrying the Seal. They distance themselves from each other. They can't stay away. They sex it up. They realize they're in love. Did I mention that they sex it up? 
10. Pestilence aka Reseph. He's the bad brother of the Horsemen. Yup. His Seal got broken and now he's ready to bring on the end of the world using any means. All he has to do is break one of his siblings' Seals and the others will turn. I am waiting for the day that he will get his comeuppance by a woman. Hopefully human. 
11. "Spelunking had to be the dumbest word in the English language." That is all. I just wanted to share this quote because I couldn't stop laughing for a good solid minute after reading it. 
12. Angels and Demons. Like you've never seen them before. And not Dan Brown's Angels and Demons.
13. "War is hell."-William Tecumseh Sherman. "Sherman was my bitch."- War And now the fight for the world begins. 

Favorite Quote: "Short version: Our mother was a succubus demon, our father was an angel. With the exception of Limos, we were raised on Earth as humans until we learned the truth. We didn't take it very well, and our actions led to mass human casualties. As punishment, we were cursed to be the keepers of the Seals of Armageddon. And with that honor came side-effects, hints of what we will be once our Seals break."

Overall: Oh.My.God. I must get myself to the nearest bookstore and buy Larissa Ione's backlist. Like now! From the first page until the last, I got sucked into this world full of battles, tons of testosterone, fiery and feisty females, Unfallen angels worshiping a succubus, super secret demon fight squads, and hot Horsemen trying to keep the world from the brink of Armageddon. Oh yeah, and the world will end if another Horseman's Seal breaks. If Revelations was this EPIC, I think I would have paid more attention in church.(Blasphemous, I know. But come on! You would've too.) Ms. Ione, you are my new favorite paranormal author. Where have you all my romance book reading life? I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Why must we wait until December? I know what I'm putting on my Christmas wishlist.

***This book was bought at Barnes and Noble.***