Buffy's Ramblings

I recently reviewed Darkness Dawns and absolutely loved it! Dianne Duvall has begun a series that will live right up on the shelf next to my beloved JR Ward series Black Dagger Brotherhood (which says a lot coming from me). With the first two books out and the third in edits, it’s sure to be a fun and sexy ride for a long time to come. Dianne squeezed in some time between deadlines to answer some questions for me, which I greatly appreciate because I may have been a little overzealous in my excitement. She talks about the conception of her Immortal Guardians series, the writing process, and her life working in the film industry as well. You’re in for an intriguing read! How did you come up with the concept for the Immortal Guardians series? My Immortal Guardians arose from two desires. I have always enjoyed vampire romances and wanted to write my own. But I wanted my vampires to be alive. I didn’t want to take the traditional undead route. I knew that many histori...

Recap: Gwen’s just getting back to normal after the vampire drug, Brew, nearly took her life and enjoying life with her boyfriend, Aiden, when the North American Witches Council summons her to their city. As a war between the witches and vampires is imminent, Gwen will find herself the pawn in everyone’s plans. The sexy Angel of Death, Dorian, comes around to help her learn her gift, but will she learn fast enough and be strong enough to fight back when she finds out just what it means to be deceived? Title:   Deceived Series:   Gwen Sparks Book #:  2 Author:   Stephanie Nelson Approximate Book Length:   227 Pages Recommended Reader Age:   18+ Sexual Content:   Moderate Thoughts: The story focuses on the witches and the vampires exclusively this time as a war is brewing between the two races, and pays specific attention to the role Gwen is to play in that war. She struggles to balance her trust issues, boy problems, war training, a...

I have KE Saxon here today to share a little bit about fairies and give us some insight into her fun-filled fairytale.  You can also see my review of one of her other works, A Stranger's Kiss , here .  She writes sweet and sexy reads that are sure to please, so let's welcome her with smiles and cheers =D ****************************** Good morning, Buffy! Good morning readers!  Since Buffy seems to love paranormal romance, I decided to spotlight my sexy, modern fairytale, DIAMONDS AND TOADS, by sharing my top reasons why fairies are the bee’s knees! But first, let me give you a short description of story (which just happens to star a very mischievous fairy): Inspired by the Gordon Laite illustrations in my childhood book, My Little Golden Book of Fairy Tales , and with a nod to the 17 th century author of the fairy tale, Charles Perrault, DIAMONDS AND TOADS is a modern take on the tale of the same name, but with more emphasis on the love story. Crossing genre...

Ok, so I promise I am doing some writing that's not reviews!  However, the point I'm at right now is not very conducive to doing Six Sentence Sundays on a regular basis. First, I am having trouble focusing on Earthbound Angel, mostly because there's death, sadness, and emotional struggles and I don't have the heart to throw myself into it just now.  Second, as I work on book 1 in the Power Surge series (still not sure how comfy I am with that title, what do you think?), I have some work to do before getting too far into the first draft. I need to get inside all the central characters' heads and under their skin so I can make sure I portray them accurately, and I need to refine the world they live in (powers and limitations etc).  So all the background and profile writing isn't really SSS material, you know?  However, I promise to throw up tidbits when I get going on the actual manuscript again and/or when a fun or juicy scene pops into my head :D

Recap: Sarah Bingham thought her biggest problem was dealing with lazy students, but then she rescues a man from certain death at the hands of two sadists, landing her in an age-old battle between vampires and immortals. Roland is the most intriguing man she’s ever met, but there’s something about him that sounds warning bells within her. Roland Warbrook has never known anyone as tempting in his nine centuries of life as Sarah, but getting involved with him would cost her everything and he could never ask that of her. Title:   Darkness Dawns Series:   Immortal Guardians Book #:  1 Author:   Dianne Duvall Approximate Book Length:   345 Pages Recommended Reader Age:   18+ Sexual Content:   Moderate Thoughts: This novel is utterly compelling and truly unique! Dianne Duvall introduces a neat version of vampire lore that is still completely believable, and does so in a simple enough way as to easily understand it all, yet complex enou...

HAPPY RELEASE DAY! The much anticipated sequel in the Sons of Navarus series by Gabrielle Bisset is here!  Below you'll find everything you need to jump on the bandwagon, including a link to my review of book 1, Blood Avenged , which was a big hit, so there's no doubt that Blood Betrayed will be too! I am everything forbidden.  I am vampire. Haunted by betrayal, Saint hides in the human world, giving his heart to no one and finding the only solace from his past in the arms of human women. Now as the Archons begin their takeover of the vampire world, this Son of Navarus has been marked for death.  Summoned to defeat the Archons by the world that shunned him, Saint must face his past and Solenne, the woman he loved and lost a century ago, for only in accepting her will his body and soul finally find salvation. Buy at Amazon          Buy at Barnes & Noble ~EXCERPT~ "Solenne, can you find a woman who doesn't smell like...

Author of the Significance , Collide , and Devour series, and having recently announced the title of the first book in a new series, Smash into Me , Shelly Crane is a very busy woman! She was kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions. Below you’ll find a little insight into the mind of an ambitious author who loves what she does! How did you come up with the story line behind your books? Burger wrappers, dreams, road signs, cheesy commercials. Just about anything can spark a vibe of imagination ;) Are you planning to keep going and going, going? Oooooooh yeah. Absolutely. What did you want to be when you were growing up? A cop. You can try to figure that one out..... Who's your favorite author and\or favorite book and why? Love me some Richelle Mead and Kelly Armstrong. Love Quinn Loftis, Georgia Cates, Fisher Amelie, Colleen Hoover, Samantha Young, Amy Bartol.... I could go on for miles. Do you have a cast in mind if your book were ever to become a m...

Recap: Vasilije is a powerful vetted vampire who embraces and enjoys what he is, including making vampires. When one of his own is staked, he takes it personally and utilizes every resource at his disposal, meeting Sasa along the way. She’s beautiful and arouses him like he’s not known in centuries and the attraction almost drives him to distraction from his need for vengeance, but what he learns about the plots behind the killing may tear both of their worlds apart. Title:   Blood Avenged Series:   Sons of Navarus Book #:  1 Author:   Gabrielle Bisset Approximate Book Length:   254 Pages Recommended Reader Age:   18+ Sexual Content:   Explicit Thoughts: Sasa is a girl that would do anything for what little family she’s got left, including bravely entwine herself in the lives of vampires, but will the surprising reward be worth the cost? Vasilije is content with his life, despite the feeling that something’s missing. Somehow Sas...

Recap: Two strangers take solace in each other’s arms on Valentine’s Day, never guessing they’d soon meet again over business. Karen Samuels just wants to build up her graphic design company, leaving men out of the equation completely. David Anderson just wants to fulfill his late wife’s dream of opening a restaurant, and hires a graphic artist to create the perfect logo based on reputation alone. They’re in for quite the surprise and both receive more than they ever expected. Title:   A Stranger's Kiss Series:   N/A Book #:  N/A Author:   KE Saxon Approximate Book Length:   113 Pages Recommended Reader Age:   18+ Sexual Content:   Moderate Thoughts: This story is both sexy and sweet. I fell for both characters, and their struggles with each other are so touching, and even occasionally pretty funny. The story is short, so I don’t want to say too much or I risk giving too much away, but the bottom line is that this is a one nigh...

A passionate author, Lisa Kessler has written a wonderful, emotional paranormal romance novel, Night Walker . She's taken time out of her novel writing and her singing to bring along some of the cast of Night Walker and answer a few questions for me. You're in for a fun little treat! After spending the afternoon in La Jolla at the cove, watching the seals and their pups, Lisa and Buffy make their way further south toward Calisto and Kate’s private beach. The sky is washed in orange, red and purple as the sun dips closer to the horizon. Buffy turns to Lisa. “What can we look forward to in future Night books?” “More abs on my covers!” Lisa laughs and shakes her head. “Next up is the prequel to Night Walker called Night Thief. It actually takes place in Paris in 1840. You’ll get to meet Kane, one of the original four Night Walker gods. He is so delicious! I can’t wait to share the novella with you! And book 2, Night Demon, should be out in the Spring.” Buff...

So, with the release of Diablo tres this week, it sort of took over my days as I struggled to keep up with my reading in the evenings. That being said, I'm being a slacker and not posting an SSS this week, BUT as I put in the effort to find a little balance between my writing, reading, and gaming, you should hopefully get one next week!

Recap: Clara had the perfect life, until her parents were torn from her life. Now living with the Pastor and his family, she’s coping, but noticeably different. However, it isn’t until the new kid, Eli, shows up that her life will truly change, in ways she never could’ve imagined. Title:   Devour Series:   Devour Book #:  1 Author:   Shelly Crane Approximate Book Length:   283 Pages Recommended Reader Age:   16+ Sexual Content:   Mild Thoughts: Another young love story from Shelly Crane, and once again, it’s sweet and romantic. However, this tale has a dark side. Eli is more than he seems, and loving Clara drags her into his world, which is teeming with danger and cruelty. Even Eli’s brother has a mean streak. This book also introduces a new kind of immortal, making for neat concepts and characters. However, even with the romance and excitement, I just didn’t feel the same connection I had with Shelly’s other works, an...

GraveTells is hosting a week long celebration of freedom of press by supporting Indie authors!   Kari  and I have done our best to help out with organizing the event and we're all excited to get it started now, because when July 2nd arrives, DaVinciKittie will have loads of information and support for authors.  It's sure to be a fun week!  Now click below to go check out the details and sign up to participate!

Recap: Calisto Terana lost everything when the woman he loved was brutally murdered two centuries ago, and he goes to desperate measures for redemption. Kate Bradley arrives in San Diego to take care of some family business, but ends up drawn to Calisto in ways she doesn’t understand. Calisto recognizes her for who she is, the reincarnation of his lost love, but will he get his chance to know and love her before a dark watcher from the same brotherhood that took her before claims her again? Title:   Night Walker Series:   Night Book #:  1 Author:   Lisa Kessler Approximate Book Length:   267 Pages Recommended Reader Age:   18+ Sexual Content:   Moderate Thoughts: Whew! This book had me crying at times. Calisto is that ultimate hero that will wait forever for his lover and protect her at all costs. I love how he’s also very much about justice, especially in the form of revenge. Kate is a sweet and strong woman, especially to be...

Author of the The Mystic Wolves and Forget Me Not with more in the works, Belinda Boring is an author, book lover, and devoted friend and wife. Thankfully she was able to spare some time to visit with me, along with her Mystic Wolves friends. You'll find our discussion below. Happy reading! Standing outside the home of Buffy Kennedy, I turn to the small group behind me. “Okay, you all need to be on your best behavior!” I pointed to each of them, my finger jutting for extra emphasis. “I know we can be pretty wild sometimes, but let’s try to show we can be quiet and civilized as well.” Devlin shook his head, and chuckled. “Are you sure you need to be giving us that warning? Aren’t YOU the one that gets a little crazy? Maybe you should wait outside while we go in and dazzle her.” “I agree. I’m the perfect picture of innocence and reverent behavior,” Daniel added, elbowing his best friend, Mason. “You’re the biggest offender!” Darcy laughed, and letting go of Mason’...

From one of the several romance stories I'm working on.  Stacy's just been huffing about how Brian barely knows her, the jeans he's ogling could be hiding plenty, and that she refuses to just be a "good time" to him. He leaned in close to whisper, “Honey, those jeans don’t hide a damn thing, and I have no doubt that you’re perfect when stripped of them.”  He nearly growled the last part.   He leaned back to look at her, and as he did so, she could see the fire in his eyes.  She suddenly felt like it mirrored her own.   Before she could say anything, he spoke again, “But,” he sighed, “you’re right about us not knowing each other that well.  I’d very much like to fix that.”

I recently received my very first out of the blue, unprompted book review and blog tour spotlight request!  I was so excited my husband thought I was a nut.  So anyway, it did make me look at my schedule and next month is going to be freaking crazy, but after that things even out a bit.  I will start a Misc SWAG giveaway on Fridays either in July or September.  I might be moving in August, or at least preparing to, so August is sort of up in the air at the moment.  I am going to try to keep that month fairly light, though still active. That being said, as of about mid September, I have plenty of openings to do more scheduling of interviews/guest posts etc.  With any author spotlight I do, I like to review a book by that author to post the week prior.  So!  That means I'm looking for authors and their books to schedule from September forward.  As long as the book is romance in some form (contemporary, urban fantasy, paranormal, fantasy, YA...

Recap: Captured by the Centrals, Reed is thrown in a cell with a witch they’d abducted weeks prior, only to discover that she’s his mate. He vows to do everything to protect her, but is powerless as the Centrals are taking great care to keep them apart and painfully shackled. It’s a random human man that manages to break them out, and Reed realizes that this random male is also his mate, causing Reed’s inner wolf to demand to protect them both. The obstacles are many, but the consequences of trying to hide from them may cost them everything. Title:   Trinity Bound Series:   Redwood Pack Book #:  3 Author:   Carrie Ann Ryan Approximate Book Length:   223 Pages Recommended Reader Age:   18+ Sexual Content:   Explicit Thoughts: Holy scorch marks Batman! The heat level in this book is blazing. The chemistry between all three characters (Reed, Hannah, and Josh) is tangible and watching them discover and learn each other is both hot ...