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Thursday, June 30, 2016

Audio Book Lovin' Presents: Catherine Bybee Guest Post & Giveaway



 Books-n-Kisses and I wanted to include Author Catherine Bybee in our Audio Book Lovin because she is AWESOME and I love her her writing style. We were thrilled to have her with us today! 




Years ago, when e-books first truly hit the world, there was a massive noise of opposition and yammering about how e-books weren’t going to go anywhere. Publishers said it was a fad, something that wouldn’t stick, bookstores agreed. 
Well, we all know how that turned out. 

Bring on audio! 
The next big way people receive their media is taking something old and making it new again. I’m going to age myself by saying this, but I remember books being read on the radio when I was a kid. I remember waiting in the car with my mother late at night and the radio voice telling a story. Instead of putting me to sleep, the voice would rise and fall and keep me right on the edge of my seat until the next scene played out. And like any good book, it broke at a part that made us tune in the next night to hear what happens. 

Book radio is still out there, but it isn’t there for everyone. And now that we have the ability to download a book, we have the pleasure of ‘reading’ as we grind through our daily commute, or sit in the back of a car and avoid getting car sick since our noses aren’t stuck in our lap inside the pages of written words. I would imagine, for those who are visually impaired, the vast amount of options they now have to listen to is like winning a book lottery. 

Nearly all of my work is available in audio. For that I’m extremely happy. I ask my publisher of samples of the narrators reading from other books. Do they make the transition from a man’s voice to a woman’s without it sounding like something out of Saturday Night Live?  Narrators are actors without the visual. Their job is extremely hard, especially when we writers toss in accents and people of all different ages, races, and walks of life. I’m grateful for every voice that brings my books to life, and for my readers who love getting their media this way. 

Audio isn’t for everyone. But isn’t in wonderful that we live in a time where we can choose many different forms on how we read or books. 

Happy Listening, 

Catherine 





  Purchase at Amazon | Audible




  Purchase at Amazon | Audible




  Purchase at Amazon | Audible





  Purchase at Amazon | Audible



About The Author



New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating high school, she moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Weekday Brides Series and the Not Quite Series. Bybee lives with her two teenage sons in Southern California.  

You can find Catherine at 




Author's Giveaway





Let us know what you think by leaving a comment!  Oh! Don't forget to enter the






Now, go visit Kelly!!



Audio Book Lovin Presents: Gabra Zackman Interview



Hi Everyone! Books-n-Kisses and I are excited to have triple threat Gabra Zackman with today! She's a narrator, author and actress! I had a blast during our interview and we hope you'll discover a new author and narrator! 




Samples of Books Narrated by Gabra



Purchase at Amazon | Audible



  Purchase at Amazon | Audible 



The Bod Squad by Gabra Zackman




Purchase at Amazon | Audible




Purchase at Amazon | Audible




Purchase at Amazon | Audible 


About Narrator, Author and Actress


Gabra Zackman is a New York City based actress, writer and audiobook narrator. She has performed in regional theaters across the country, several Shakespeare festivals, off Broadway, and also did a stint in the theaters of Denver, Colorado. She has been seen on TV in “Law and Order”, “SVU” and “AMC” as well as a few small film roles.  She was recently seen in Theatre BEDLAM’s off-broadway hit production of Sense and Sensibility.

Gabra has a parallel career in audiobook narration, and has worked in that field for over 10 years, having relationships with studios in the New York area, Denver and all the places she has performed around the country.  After recording over 300 audiobooks, many of them romance, Gabra decided to use her storytelling addiction to write some of her own.  When she lived in Denver for a spell, she hooked up with a friend’s New York literary agent who was looking for romance submissions, and the wheels began to turn.

Though Gabra has written a handful of essays, a screenplay, and a host of blog posts, the Bod Squad Series is her first stab at writing novels.   She writes the stories she wishes she lived: ones filled with romance, intrigue, humor, and wild and witty characters. The inspiration for this series was her love of the romance genre, her admiration for many of the writers whose work she has narrated, and her undying passion for James Bond.  She also based three of the main characters on a few of her best friends.  Gabra moved back to New York a couple of years ago and brought her stories with her.  She now lives in Queens, in the first apartment that has really felt like home, a place that reminds her of her grandmothers.

Gabra can often be found traipsing across a stage, rocking the mic for an audiobook recording, or exploring the cafes of Queens, New York, dressed in disguise and looking for the perfect place to write sexy tales of kooky undercover agents. You can learn more about all her many adventures at www.gabrazackman.com.  If you prefer, you can use www.audiobookgoddess.com.  It goes to the same website, but makes you laugh as you type it.  You can also follow her on Twitter @GabraZackman, on Goodreads, on LinkedIn and at her Bod Squad Series Facebook page.  Also check out her current weekly guest blog on www.xoxoafterdark.com  where she posts her thoughts about ABC’s new series, The Bachelorette.

You Can find Gabra at 


Author's Giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Let us know what you think by leaving a comment!  Oh! Don't forget to enter the






Now, go visit Kelly to listen to an interview with Antony Ferguson!!!


Audio Book Lovin Presents: Gabra Zackman Interview



Hi Everyone! Books-n-Kisses and I are excited to have triple threat Gabra Zackman with today! She's a narrator, author and actress! I had a blast during our interview and we hope you'll discover a new author and narrator! 




Samples of Books Narrated by Gabra



Purchase at Amazon | Audible



  Purchase at Amazon | Audible 



The Bod Squad by Gabra Zackman




Purchase at Amazon | Audible




Purchase at Amazon | Audible




Purchase at Amazon | Audible 


About Narrator, Author and Actress


Gabra Zackman is a New York City based actress, writer and audiobook narrator. She has performed in regional theaters across the country, several Shakespeare festivals, off Broadway, and also did a stint in the theaters of Denver, Colorado. She has been seen on TV in “Law and Order”, “SVU” and “AMC” as well as a few small film roles.  She was recently seen in Theatre BEDLAM’s off-broadway hit production of Sense and Sensibility.

Gabra has a parallel career in audiobook narration, and has worked in that field for over 10 years, having relationships with studios in the New York area, Denver and all the places she has performed around the country.  After recording over 300 audiobooks, many of them romance, Gabra decided to use her storytelling addiction to write some of her own.  When she lived in Denver for a spell, she hooked up with a friend’s New York literary agent who was looking for romance submissions, and the wheels began to turn.

Though Gabra has written a handful of essays, a screenplay, and a host of blog posts, the Bod Squad Series is her first stab at writing novels.   She writes the stories she wishes she lived: ones filled with romance, intrigue, humor, and wild and witty characters. The inspiration for this series was her love of the romance genre, her admiration for many of the writers whose work she has narrated, and her undying passion for James Bond.  She also based three of the main characters on a few of her best friends.  Gabra moved back to New York a couple of years ago and brought her stories with her.  She now lives in Queens, in the first apartment that has really felt like home, a place that reminds her of her grandmothers.

Gabra can often be found traipsing across a stage, rocking the mic for an audiobook recording, or exploring the cafes of Queens, New York, dressed in disguise and looking for the perfect place to write sexy tales of kooky undercover agents. You can learn more about all her many adventures at www.gabrazackman.com.  If you prefer, you can use www.audiobookgoddess.com.  It goes to the same website, but makes you laugh as you type it.  You can also follow her on Twitter @GabraZackman, on Goodreads, on LinkedIn and at her Bod Squad Series Facebook page.  Also check out her current weekly guest blog on www.xoxoafterdark.com  where she posts her thoughts about ABC’s new series, The Bachelorette.

You Can find Gabra at 


Author's Giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Let us know what you think by leaving a comment!  Oh! Don't forget to enter the






Now, go visit Kelly to listen to an interview with Antony Ferguson!!!


Audio Book Lovin Presents: Sean Crisden Top 5 Favorite Things About Being An Audio Book Narrator



Books-n-Kisses and I are excited to have Narrator Sean Crisden with us today! I was first introduced to Sean's work via Joanna Wylde's "Reaper's Stand (Reapers Motorcycle Club, Book 4)" and he instantly became one of my favorite narrators. 

Without further ado....






See why he's one of my favorites? :)
I went all "Squeeee" not only when he agreed to participate in this year's Audio Book Lovin' but also when I first heard this clip! I'll admit it.... LOVE how he says my name! Overall, I personally LOVED his Top 5! I hope you did too! Below are some sample clips of his work for you to check out!
Let us know your thoughts! 


Samples of Books Narrated by Sean Crisden


  Purchase at Amazon | Audible


  Purchase at Amazon | Audible



About The Narrator


Sean Crisden is a multitalented actor and an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator who has recorded audiobooks in almost every genre, from science fiction to romance. He has also voiced characters in numerous video games, such as the award-winning ShadowGun, and appeared in many commercials and films, including The Last Airbender. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sean now resides in Southern California practicing Wing Chun kung fu and taking epic naps.


You can find Sean at 

Let us know what you think by leaving a comment!  Oh! Don't forget to enter the






Now, go visit Kelly!!



Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Audio Book Lovin' Presents: Sasha Summers Interview




Hi Everyone!  Books-n-Kisses and I are excited to have Author Sasha Summers with us today chatting about her books, what we enjoy about audio books, selecting narrators and lots more! Listen to a sample of her latest release and remember to enter the giveaway!







Check out Sasha's SEDUCING THE BEST MAN narrated by Alexander Cendese






About The Author


Sasha Summers grew up surrounded by books. Her passions have always been storytelling, romance, and travel. Whether it's an easy-on-the-eyes cowboy or a hero of truly mythic proportions, Sasha falls a little in love with each and every one of her heroes. She frequently gets lost with her characters in the worlds she creates; forgetting everyday tasks like laundry and dishes. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and helpful.





You can find Sasha at
Google+


Let us know what you think by leaving a comment!  Oh! Don't forget to enter the





Now, go visit Kelly!!!




Audio Book Lovin Presents: Nelson Hobbs Interview




Hi Everyone! Books-n-Kisses and I are thrilled to have with us today Narrator Nelson Hobbs!


Viviana: Hi Nelson! Thank you so much for joining us today and for being part of Audio Book Lovin!

Nelson: Thanks for having me. I really appreciate it.


Viviana: The first time I heard you narrate was in Reaper's Fall (Reapers Motorcycle Club, Book 5) by Joanna Wylde, loved it and went to find out what else you have narrated. How did you get into narrating Romance or start narrating audio books in general?

Nelson: I have been in and around the audio publishing world for many years. I started as an actor and did a lot of voice acting for radio and television commercials. My first bunch of book that I recorded were romance novels. I had never done that kind of work before so I had no idea what to expect, but it turned out that it was really fun to do. I guess some of those did well and I started getting requested to read more. And I'm still going so that's kind of cool.


Viviana: I’m going to put you into the spot a little bit …. Who is your dream author to narrate for and why?

Nelson: Gosh. Lots of author's to think about. I have gotten to read for some of the best, so I honestly don't know. Maybe Janet Ivanovich, or someone like that? That would be pretty incredible


Viviana: As readers, we listen to the narrator perform the different characters of which all have different voices and tones, and of course, then there is the narrative. What is your process? Do you read the entire book before you start recording it? (i.e. do you highlight, is there a software you use to give you WARNING - HOT BRITISH GUY NEXT LINE or HOT BIKER DUDE ABOUT TO SPEAK… I don’t know....LOL etc.)

Nelson: I always try and do as much research as possible. I usually make a little list of characters and jot a few notes about them (where they are from, what kind of voice etc.) And as I record the book the characters usually come out naturally at the point as we go.


Viviana: When we were discussing this interview and figuring out the details, you’ve been backpacking across Europe, when not bringing stories to life, what kinds of things you enjoy doing?

Nelson: I love adventure. If I am not working, I am running out the door to find my next outdoor excursion. Hiking, backpacking, etc. everywhere, anywhere.


Viviana: Okay, last question …. Are there any upcoming audiobooks that you have in the works and are really excited about?

Nelson: I am currently narrating Heart Strike, by M.L. Buchman. I'm pretty excited about this one.


Viviana: Nelson, THANK YOU again for taking the time between recording and your vacation to be with us today! Truly appreciate it!

Nelson: Thanks for having me. This was great.




Please take a few minutes and listen to the audio sample of Nelson's work! Let us know what you think in the comments and remember to enter the giveaway!












About The Narrator


Nelson Hobbs was born and raised on an exotic private island. He eventually inherited this estate and spends his time drinking copious amounts of wine and reading books. Nelson has spent time on the silver-screen and performed in countless off-Broadway productions. He is classically trained as a singer and actor. Narrating audio books is one of his loves. He has narrated hundreds of books.

When not acting or working on books he spends time traveling as much as possible. He is an avid backpacker and hiker. From hiking in the Sequoias to backing across Europe, his sense of adventure keeps him healthy.


You can find Nelson at
Audible
Tantor


Let us know what you think by leaving a comment!  Oh! Don't forget to enter the





Now, go visit Kelly to listen to an interview with Antony Ferguson!!!




Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Audio Book Lovin' Presents: Taria Reed Interview




Hi Everyone! When Books-n-Kisses and I discuss Audio Books, we get excited over new releases or what a narrator will be reading our next favorite book! We thought it would be fun to bring someone else into the conversation about ALL THINGS AUDIOBOOK.  Meet Taria Reed, photographer, graphic designer, book cover artist and LOVER of Audiobooks! One of the many things I love about Taria is her honest and frankness about everything!! This makes for a great interview! :) 





Curious about some of the narrators we mentioned?
Thought you might be...  check out these samples! 





























About Taria


My name is Taria (Maria with a T) Reed. I'm a trained photographer specializing in children and family portraits.

In early 2011 I felt the need to expand creatively. I started photographing adults for stock websites. In my mind I was shooting for book covers. I'm a romance audio book junkie so I love looking at all the beautiful covers. I've always used Photoshop to edit my portraits but I wanted to go further. I started devouring any and all artistic tutorials. I would practice for hours and turn photos into covers or art. I was approached by a few self-published authors who asked me to create covers for their e-books and I jumped at the opportunities to learn even more.

After some time I started stalking publishing houses to see the covers they were putting out. I worked hard until I felt what I could do was up to snuff. Once I was comfortable with my skills I started emailing publishing houses with cover artist inquiries. I got a great response to my sample work and immediately began gaining Indie and publisher clients. Being a photographer professionally I quickly married my love of photography and my growing love for cover design. I became known for shooting my own images for my covers. In August 2013 I opened up my own stock house called "The Reed Files". It's been a wild ride but I love what I do and can't imagine doing anything else for a living.


You can find Taria at 





Let us know what you think by leaving a comment!  Oh! Don't forget to enter the






Now, go visit Kelly to listen to an interview with Antony Ferguson!!!



Audio Book Lovin Presents: Jessica Clare Interview





Hi Everyone! Books-n-Kisses and I are extremely excited to have you be a part of our Audio Book Lovin’ Series! 


Jessica: Hi there! Thanks for having me. I’m excited to be here. ☺

Viviana: Jessica, what do you love/like about audio books?

Jessica: I really love that ‘forces’ you to hear every single word. As a reader, sometimes I get in a hurry and I skim. But when I listen to audio, I hear every single word that the author intended and to me, it feels like a different experience. I love it! Also hearing a guy with a sexy voice deliver his lines helps. ;)


Viviana: Share with us about the beginning of your venture into Audiobooks. What made you decide to take a chance on this platform and go that route?

Jessica: Most of my books have been purchased by either Tantor or Audible. They take control of things, give me a high quality narrator, and I sit back and let them take care of it! As for audio, the reason I went this direction is because my husband is a massive audio devotee. He would much rather have a story read to him than read it on paper. He’s turned me on to audio, as well!


Viviana: What involvement do you have in getting your novels turned into audiobooks? 

Jessica: Most of it happens behind the scenes, but I get a say in some of the narrative choices. I honestly try to stay out of things for my own books, because I get ‘stuck’ on the words. If I listen to the book, I want to rewrite entire swaths of it and that isn’t conducive to things. All I hear is what I did wrong, so I listen long enough to make sure the narrator has captured things how I want them to be read, and then I bail out!


Viviana: What was the process like, to find the perfect narrator for your books? (Note: if you were not part of selecting the narrator, we can skip this one :) )

Jessica: I don’t like to bounce around for narration. All of my billionaires have been done by the fabulous Jillian Macie, and she’s perfect because she’s got that snappy, quick voice. For my young adult fantasy, The Scarecrow King, I went through some of my YA audiobooks. I was blown away by Cassandra Morris’s performance in Kelley Armstrong’s Darkest Powers trilogy, so I asked Audible to please ‘get me someone like Cassandra Morris’. They did me one better AND THEY GOT ME CASSANDRA MORRIS. I squeed for days!

I’ve also released my own audio books on ACX (the self-publishing arm). For those, I put my books up for auditions. I thought I’d get maybe five. I got over a hundred! It was so daunting, because they were all really fantastic, but I went with Hollis McCarthy (who is also a stage actor) because she did such a fabulous job with capturing the characters. I loved that she had a different ‘voice’ for each character and no one sounded the same.


Viviana: Has the performance of the narrators changed the way you see or hear your characters?

Jessica: Not really! Mostly because I’m all “Oh god, why did I pick that word!!” and so then I can’t listen any further. Authors really are our own worst enemies.


Viviana: What’s next for you? 

Jessica: I am currently writing DIRTY MONEY, an over-the-top, super sexy billionaire romance. It’s a little more ‘in your face’ than the Billionaires and Bridesmaids and I’m kind of loving it!


Viviana: When you’re not writing… what do you do for fun? 

Jessica: Nap? I do feel like I’m always writing lately, thanks to deadlines! But when this book gets turned in, I’m going to sit down with a few pints of ice cream and mainline Orange is the New Black season 4!


Viviana:  For anyone who has not listened to an audiobook before.  What would you tell them to try to convince them to listen?

Jessica: I would say to listen to samples! Find narrators that you enjoy listening to and shop their backlist. Also, you can change the speed that someone is reading to you on several apps, so if you find the narration too slow, speed it up! But otherwise, give it a shot. Audio is awesome to listen to in the car, or at night when you don’t want to wake your hubby up with your Kindle light.

In addition, try different kinds of books with audio! Sometimes a book feels too ‘dry’ to be an easy read, but it’s an entirely different experience on audio. I wasn’t all that interested in ‘The Help’ but the audio was fantastic. Ditto the Amelia Peabody mystery series. I found them super dry to read text-wise, but they were a joy to listen to in audio.

Viviana: Thank you Jessica, for hanging out with us today!! 

Jessica: Thank you so much for having me! Audio on, people!!


We hope you enjoyed the interview! Please check out the audio clips below and check out the awesome giveaways! 


Purchase at Amazon | Audible | Tantor



Purchase at Amazon | Audible | Tantor


About The Author


Jessica Clare is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author who writes under three different names. As Jill Myles, she writes a little bit of everything, from sexy, comedic urban fantasy to zombie fairy tales. As Jessica Clare, she writes erotic contemporary romance.
She also has a third pen name (because why stop at two?). As Jessica Sims, she writes fun, sexy shifter paranormals. She lives in Texas with her husband, cats, and too many dust-bunnies. Jill spends her time writing, reading, writing, playing video games, and doing even more writing.



You can find Jessica at

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Audible
Tantor



Let us know what you think by leaving a comment!  Oh! Don't forget to enter the giveaways!

Author's Giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway










Now, go visit Kelly!!!


Audio Book Lovin' Present: 1001 Dark Nights Feature






We are thrilled to feature 1001 Dark Nights!
Curious about an author or series?
These novella provide the readers with a taste that is oh so yummy! 

To learn more about all the 1001 Dark Nights books and what's coming next, please visit their website!


Tempted by Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novella - 1001 Dark Nights Audible – by Lara Adrian Narrated by Hillary Huber

Blurb: 
Once, they lived in secret alongside mankind. Now, emerged from the shadows, the Breed faces enemies on both sides - human and vampire alike. No one knows that better than Lazaro Archer, one of the eldest, most powerful of his kind. His beloved Breedmate and family massacred by a madman 20 years ago, Lazaro refuses to open his heart again.

Sworn to his duty as the leader of the Order's command center in Italy, the last thing the hardened warrior wants is to be tasked with the rescue and safekeeping of an innocent woman in need of his protection. But when a covert mission takes a deadly wrong turn, Lazaro finds himself in the unlikely role of hero with a familiar, intriguing beauty he should not desire but cannot resist.

Melena Walsh has never forgotten the dashing Breed male who saved her life as a child. But the chivalrous hero of her past is in hard contrast to the embittered, dangerous man on whom her safety now depends. And with an unwanted - yet undeniable - desire igniting between them, Melena fears that Lazaro's protection may come at the price of her heart....

Available for purchase at 




Forever Wicked Audible by Shayla Black
Narrated by Christian Fox 

Blurb:
They had nothing in common but a desperate passion....

Billionaire Jason Denning lived life fast and hard in a world where anything could be bought and sold, even affection. But all that changed when he met "Greta", a beautiful stranger ready to explore her hidden desires. From a blue-collar family, Gia Angelotti wore a badge, fought for right - and opened herself utterly to love him. Blindsided and falling hard, Jason does the first impulsive thing of his life and hustles her to the altar. Until a second chance proves that forever could be theirs. Then tragedy rips Jason's new bride from his arms and out of his life.

When he finds Gia again, he gives her a choice: spend the three weeks before their first anniversary with him or forfeit the money she receives from their marriage. Reluctantly, she agrees to once again put herself at his mercy and return to his bed. But having her right where he wants her is dangerous for Jason's peace of mind. No matter how hard he tries, he finds himself falling for her again. Will he learn to trust that their love is real before Gia leaves again for good?

Available for purchase at 


Monday, June 27, 2016

Audio Book Lovin' Presents: Nicole Poole Interview




Hi Everyone! Books-n-Kisses and I are thrilled to have Narrator Nicole Poole with us today! I was honored to interview with Nicole! I had a blast and loved every minute of it! We hope you enjoy it as well! 






Audio Book Lovin' 2015 - Nicole Poole's Interview

During our interview we discussed a little bit about her father, the Artist O.Gail Poole.
Please visit the website to see all the beautiful and thought provoking art work!




Poole Self Portrait ca 1974

"Nicole in a Derby" 14" x 17" Oil on Masonite





Check out what's coming next for Nicole! 



Risk
(A Mageri World Novel)
By Dannika Dark

Blurb:
Simon Hunt is a masterful Mage when it comes to knives, solving puzzles, and women. But when a Mageri Councilman asks for a personal favor, his skills are put to the test. He reluctantly accepts the impossible job of training a young Learner who is beyond anyone’s help. She’s beautiful, cunning, and disabled. If he succeeds, he’ll receive a hefty paycheck. But if he fails, more is at stake than merely his reputation.

A compelling tale about two lost souls with dark secrets and the unique connection they share. Simon is her last hope… and perhaps she is his.

What happens when a game of chance becomes a fight for survival?



Pre-order Available at 

   

Release Date
August 16, 2016




Samples of Nicole's Work

2016 Audie Awards finalist
Purchase at Amazon | Audible | Tantor 



Purchase at Amazon | Audible | Tantor 


Purchase at Amazon | Audible | Tantor 





About The Narrator

Nicole Poole is a classically trained actor with equal passions for literature and improvisation. She has toured with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and has spent the past fifteen years working as a spoken word artist with the Walter Thompson Orchestra and Parisian orchestras SPOUMJ and Anitya. Nicole is honored to have been recognized for her narration by AudioFile Earphones Awards, Publisher's Weekly Listen-Up Awards, and as a finalist for two Audie Awards.

You can find Nicole at              










Now, go visit Kelly!!!