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.

W...W...W...(19)

W...W...W...Wednesdays is a weekly meme MizB of Should Be Reading. 

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

So, here's my answers:

*Click on the covers to read excerpts/learn more.*

• What are you currently reading?

A Winter Scandal by Candace Camp. Another holiday themed book. A baby left in a manger discovered by the vicar's spinster sister and a brooch with the insignia of the new lord in town... So far it's hilarious. The banter is witty, the heroine tells it like it is (hmm, seems like I'm reading books with outspoken heroines these days) and the hero is in denial.

Avenger's Angel by Heather Killough-Walden. Grabbed this off of Netgalley and it surprised me. I'm all about the different mythologies of angels, demons, vampires and all things supernatural. This series looks quite promising and can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the archangels and their soulmates.

• What did you recently finish reading?

Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt. Oh sweet Jaysus! This book was total rollercoaster ride of emotions. I laughed myself silly, cried, gasped, jumped, squeaked and danced. I even heard the Pirates of the Caribbean theme playing during the action scenes. I totally immersed myself in this book. And you can read my review. Oh, river pirates FTW!

Too Wicked To Wed by Cara Elliott. Hello newest favorite heroine! Outspoken, dressing like a man, winning half the ownership of a gaming hell, getting shot at in the dark, kissing the most notorious rake in London. Isn't there anything this woman can't do? Read my review.

• What do you think you’ll read next?

Sweet Magik by Penny Watson. I'm getting into the holiday spirit a little early. I haven't read the first book in the series but let me tell you, the blurb and of course the cover caught my attention. And it doesn't hurt that it's about the Klaus brothers. Yes, Santa's sons.

And anything else I've got for review. 





PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!

ARC Review: Too Wicked to Wed by Cara Elliott

TOO WICKED THE WED by Cara Elliott
FORMAT: ARC
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 Find Cara: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook
Where to Buy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N/Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt

I loved it.

REVIEW:

Holy carp! Lady Alexa Hendrie is my favorite heroine of the week. She's got fire running through her veins, isn't afraid to tell it like it is and can hold her own against the scariest (to most, except his nearest and dearest) rake in all of London, Connor Linsley, the Earl of Killingworth.

Connor Linsley, typical man that he is, tends to push others away when they get close. He's guarded and protected his heart (sorry Casey from The Bachelor for stealing your catchphrase) for so long, he doesn't know how to let his barriers down until a hellion and a proper lady at that, storms into his gaming hell to find her brother.

Their first kiss sparks something inside both of them. Of course, Connor was trying to teach her a lesson but he might have gotten schooled a little. Alexa doesn't understand her reaction to Connor's kiss and tries to push thoughts of him away.

Connor gets robbed, not only at the gaming tables but all the money in the safe. He is short of funds so his friend Gryff loans him the money. In turn, Connor writes an note making Gryff half owner of The Wolf's Lair. And thus the adventure begins... Alexa goes out, dressed like a man, with her cousin, back to Connor's gaming hell. She's got a knack for cards and wins quite a bit of blunt. Gryff is playing at her table and totally soused. He wants to win back what he's lost and the only thing he's got left is the note. Alexa, with Lady Luck on her side, wins the hand. She's not part owner of The Wolf's Lair.

Between Connor getting shot, Alexa insisting on taking him to Linsley Close to recover, pretending like they're newlyweds and trying to discover who wants to kill Connor, the sparks fly. Their chemistry is explosive, their passion sizzles off the pages and their banter is off the charts hilarious. Alexa isn't afraid to stand up to Connor who is absolutely taken aback by her fiery spirit. With the help of Gryff and Cam, Connor tracks down the person trying to kill him. Alexa tries not to fall in love with her faux husband yet in the end yields to her feelings. It takes Alexa being kidnapped for Connor to realize she's the one (pfft. Typical man!).

FAVORITE QUOTE: "She was an inexperienced young lady and he was a world-weary rake. Despite his many faults, he had never preyed on innocents.
And yet...
Just how innocent could she be? She had dared to disguise herself as a man, she had dared gamble with rakish gamesters. What other rules had she flaunted? What other risks had she taken? He was still sure she hadn't much experience in being kissed. But that didn't necessarily mean she hadn't much experience with men." (***quote subject to change in finished copy***)

OVERALL: To borrow a phrase from Connor, Ye God! What an excitingly fast paced start to a series. The Lords of Midnight (Connor, Gryff and Cam) are deliciously wicked, charming and play off each other like the Three Stooges (only a jillion times more good looking). From the moment Alexa storms into the gaming hell Connor owns, to Linsley Close in the country, back to the rumor filled ballrooms of London, there's a spark waiting to be ignited at every turn, at every touch, at every look and at every word exchanged between the two. Action, adventure, a shot in the dark, a passionate love story, betrayal and kissing (lots of kissing). I am looking forward to what Ms. Elliott has next in store for us aka Gryff's story.

***review copy provided by Jihan Antoine at Hatchette Books***

W...W...W...(18)

W...W...W...Wednesdays is a weekly meme MizB of Should Be Reading. 

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

So, here's my answers:

*Click on the covers to read excerpts/learn more.*

• What are you currently reading?

Too Wicked to Wed by Cara Elliott. Oh my. This is intriguing. I just started reading it and let me tell you, that heroine has got spunk and isn't afraid to speak her mind. Totally refreshing. No simpering miss here.

• What did you recently finish reading?

All About Seduction by Katy Madison. This first half of the book turned me off but by 62% of the galley, I finally came to amend my feelings. The anticipation and the build up towards the relationship that both the hero and heroine deserved paid off. It just didn't seem right and very icky that the elderly husband of the heroine tried to force her into having extramarital relations to conceive a child to carry on the family name and business. I still shudder at the thought of what she had to go through during her marriage. Review coming soon.

A Vampire for Christmas by Laurie London, Michele Hauf, Caridad Pineiro and Alexis Morgan. What a great way to start the Joyathon season. Christmas came early this year, in the form of 4 deliciously angsty fanged men. I'm slightly partial to Christmas themed historicals and this was my first Christmas themed paranormal. On top of that, it was an anthology. It's like 4 pieces of sinfully decadent peppermint bark. Read my review here.

A Novel Seduction by Gwyn Cready. Take one snobbish book critic who sees romance books as a waste of time, a boss who makes her write an ode the genre, an ex boyfriend as the model for the accompanying article photos and you've got a hilarious, snarky sounding read. I'll be hosting Ms. Cready on the blog later this month. You can read my review here.

Deliciously Sinful by Lilli Feisty. Read this in one sitting. This is my first Lilli Feisty book and it's HOT! Take a small town girl, a Hollywood chef, plop said chef into small town, add a whisk, chocolate pudding and oranges, and you've got a recipe for some hot loving. I will never look at the food mentioned in this book the same way. Ever again. Look out for my review later this month.

Bound in Lingerie by Gina Gordon. This was the first book that just didn't do much for me. I do like my erotic books and there were definitely erotic elements in this novella but I just couldn't get into it. Read my review here.

Then Came You by Vanessa Devereaux. This was a sweet story about a cowboy and the woman he's been pining for the last 2 years. I liked it, but it just didn't leave me breathless. And I will never look at juice the same way ever again.



• What do you think you’ll read next?

A Winter Scandal by Candace Camp. Ah, tis the season for holiday themed romance. A baby left in the manger, a woman bent on having the father claim the child and the said father denying it. Sounds like a recipe for a season of miracles and love. And maybe a bit of a laugh. My first Candace Camp book.







PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!

Teaser Tuesday (19)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here's my teaser:

***click on the cover to read an excerpt***

"Don't think about the hot , brandy-spiced taste of his lustful lips. Don't think about the hard, steel-chiseled press of his sculpted muscles."
~page 40, Too Wicked To Wed by Cara Elliott (***quote subject to change in finished copy***)

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Outspoken and independent, Lady Alexa Bingham enjoys the heady freedom of making all her own decisions, even though the challenges of overseeing her family's country estate are daunting. But when a chance encounter with London's most notorious rake awakens a secret longing for adventure, she accepts her aunt's invitation for a Season in Town . . . only to find that breaking the rules of the ton has serious consequences.

The Earl of Killingworth uses his rakehell reputation to hide the fact that poverty has forced him to work for a living. As the owner of a gambling den and brothel, Connor has no time for glittering ballrooms or innocent young ladies. But after a reckless wager leaves him with a new business partner, he is forced to take a risky gamble...Will the cards fall in their favor? Alexa and Connor begin to play a dangerous game of intrigue and deception as they seek to outwit a cunning adversary who wants to put them permanently out of business. But if they are not careful, it is the flames of their own fiery attraction that may destroy them. (source)


PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesday post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!