I'm blogging...Come Out & Play

Petit Fours & Hot Tamales
TOPIC: Get out of bed and have sex!
Magical Musings
TOPIC: Branding
RomCon
TOPIC: Hooks! How to keep the pages turning.

Meet the Characters of HIGHLAND DRAGON

It's getting so close to release day...October 6th is the official date, but I'm already hearing that HIGHLAND DRAGON has made a landing in various cities across the US. To start the celebration early, I wanted to introduce you to the characters in HIGHLAND DRAGON and a snippet from the book where they are introduced...Enjoy!

And get thee over to my contest page. I'm hosting a week long soirée.
AMAZON B&N BORDERS

http://www.kimberlykillion.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE HERO & HEROINE:
LAIRD CALIN MACLEOD & AKIRA NEISH

The untamed hiss of the next captive pierced through the drone of bidders. Hair black as midnight framed her porcelain face—a face twisted into a ferocious expression of revulsion. Oaths spewed from her mouth in English, French, Gaelic, and another language Calin didn’t recognize. Two sentries in black hooded robes restrained her, and unlike the other women, her hands were bound tightly behind her.

“Christ, that’s Akira,” Kendrick announced in a loud whisper then started for the dais.

“Nay.” Calin placed a firm hand on Kendrick’s chest. “Dinnae draw attention to us or our interest in her.” Calin spoke calmly enough, but his insides were erupting. If the guards dared to strike her, he was fully prepared to start a war.

She lunged at the men confining her to the platform. The woman certainly didn’t lack for spit and fire. She was a fighter. Though relieved he’d found her safe, Calin worried over their initial meeting. Introducing himself to his bride under these circumstances might prove to be an awkward task.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE BEAST: LAIRD BAEN KINNON

Laird Baen Kinnon sat at his trestle table and clutched his throbbing skull. Morning always brought the same damned ache. The same frigid cold. Dawn’s light had already cut through the mist and crawled up the tower wall. Gray light cast a shadow over the young girl cowering in the corner of his solar. He pointed to a satchel atop a three-legged cuttie stool. “Fetch me that poke o’ herbs and come fill my cup with ale, wench.”

The girl shuffled across the moldy floor rushes to do his bidding. She’d spent the night curled up with a few orange cats in front of an empty hearth. Had he not been blind drunk, her pathetic bawling would have kept him up half the night. Luckily, the drink had swiftly overcome him.

Her tear-spiked lashes rose just enough for her to peek at him through dirty, pale hair as she handed him the satchel.

She shivered.

He grinned. Just being in his presence terrified her, and he had yet to touch her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE BROTHER: KENDRICK NEISH
Kendrick’s color turned red, his nostrils flared, and his pose took on the stance of an angered warrior. Calin suspected he would lose this battle just as Kendrick dove at him. Calin held one hand out as a shield, but Kendrick twisted that arm behind him. Within a blink, Kendrick cradled Calin’s head in the crook of his arm, constricting the air in his throat.

“Ye be on Kinnon soil, mon, and it would take verra little to snap your wee neck between my brawny arms.”

His comment was delivered with such force Calin couldn’t help but laugh at the man.

Kendrick leaned to the side to study him. “Are ye addlebrained, mon? Mayhap a wee bit light in the head?” Kendrick released him with a forceful shove into a bed of prickly pine needles.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE MISTRESS: CATRIONA
A woman emerging from the woodland caught Akira's eye. Floating over the lush foliage of the knoll, the woman glowed beneath the fading sun. Beauty and grace surrounded her every step. Flowing pale blonde hair bounced at her waist. A slim figure curved neatly into slender hips under a plain ivory gown. No jewels graced her bodice or her neck, nor did she wear a plaid, but the woman carried herself with the dignity of a noble. As she stepped even closer, Akira was mesmerized by the perfection of her face. High cheekbones pointed to a mouth most men would betray their country for. Then Akira looked into a pair of silver eyes. Not a blemish of color hid in the flecks. Foreboding crawled up her spine. Immediately, Akira felt uncomfortable in her presence.

The woman embraced her in a cold hug. When she spoke, her teeth sparkled. “You must be Calin’s new wife. ’Tis such an honor to finally meet you.”

“I am Akira. And ye are?”

The woman’s smile broadened when she brushed her long blonde locks over her shoulder. “I am the laird’s mistress, Catriona.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE BRAGGART: JAIME MACLEOD
“Aye, M’lady. The name’s Jaime.” He, too, pressed his lips to her knuckles, but didn’t release her hand as Alec had. “I have nay wife, but if ye’ve any sisters as bonnie as ye, I’m sure to be lookin’.”

A blush heated her cheeks beneath Jaime’s flattery. Calin’s kin certainly excelled in the art of wooing. She fell into a trance under the dreamy hue of aqua-blue eyes. Jaime had a hint more blonde streaked through his beard, and she knew he would be strikingly handsome beneath his whiskers. Certainly, he would have no trouble finding a wife with his face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE SISTER: ISOBEL NEISH
Jaime held Akira's sister, Isobel, in his arms, and she looked as irritated as he looked happy.

“Put me down, ye heathen.” Isobel slapped Jaime’s chest while he twirled her into the chamber. “I swear ye are a swine, Jaime MacLeod. The mon tried to kiss me the whole way here.”

Although Isobel spoke to Akira, her stormy eyes never left Jaime’s face. He set her in a high-backed chair.

“Why did ye not ride with Kendrick?” Akira couldn’t contain her smile. Jaime was a devil, and she didn’t have to guess why he was clean-shaven.

“The brute insisted I ride with him.” Isobel’s flame-kissed locks fell in disarray over angry green eyes when she scowled at Jaime standing possessively overtop her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE AUNT & UNCLE: WANDA & KERK
“Ye should be ashamed o’ yourselves.” Calin’s Aunt Wanda rounded the entranceway and seated every man with a piercing gaze. Dark-red fiery tresses framed the ire burning in her cheeks. Calin sensed the wrath she was about to unleash would topple the Devil’s battalion. Though unaware of how long she’d listened to their deliberations, he could only hope she sided with him. He needed an ally.

Wanda filled her lungs with air, glared at Uncle Kerk, and directed her long finger at him. “It galls me to call ye husband. Ye may as weel have branded her a whore. I’ve the mind to take a blade to your bollocks and have Mattie cook them slowly over the spit. Ye’ve nay use for them. Ye have displayed nay courage in the titles ye bear. Nay loyalty to your kinswomen.”

Uncle Kerk’s adam’s apple slid up and down while his eyes rounded. “Darling, ye—”

“Dinnae darling me, ye addleheaded arse. Think ye King James is a force to be reckoned with. Wait till your women hear o’ your decision.” Her eyes narrowed yet further. “Ye are worthless men. Ye think with your cocks and not with your minds. Weel, I hope your cocks keep ye warm at night, for your kinswomen will not.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE ADVERSARY: GORDON MACLEOD
Gordon, who was easily the oldest, wore a surly frown. The skin beneath his eyes weighed heavily downward, which told her laughter didn’t find his face often. He would undoubtedly be the hardest to befriend. She stood before him, matching his scowl. “That is assuming ye have wives. One might think it a difficult task to find a wife when one does not speak.”

Gordon didn’t respond, as she expected, nor did he return her look. Crossing her arms defiantly over her chest, she spoke to Calin, but never once removed her stare from Gordon. “M’laird, when I am your lady wife, will I have the authority to give your men permission to speak?”

“Aye.”

“For the nonce, I’d like ye to give them permission to speak to me.” Akira thought she caught the hint of a smile threatening Gordon’s face, but she doubted he would crack so easily.

“Just because I give them permission does not mean they will exchange pleasantries with ye.”

She spun around to glare at Calin, her long tresses whipped over her shoulder with the sharp action. Pain stabbed her temples. This did nothing to improve her temper. “Then order them to converse with me.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AKIRA'S CONFIDANT & HER WEAKNESS:
AILEEN MACLEOD & ANDREW MACLEOD

Alec, and a woman Akira guessed was Alec’s wife, Aileen, scurried after their children. Red-gold locks fell over her face when Aileen bowed. “A thousand pardons, M’lady. They dinnae know their manners.” Aileen attempted to peel the boy from Akira’s neck.

He wouldn’t let go. Wrinkling his nose, he gave his mother a sour expression and tightened his grasp.

Aileen apologized repeatedly. “Andrew, release M’lady this instant.”

“I cannae, Mammie. I love her.”

That did it.

Akira laughed outright while a blush burned her face to the tips of her ears.

Aileen forcefully pulled Andrew off and dropped him to his feet beside her. “Ye can love her from a distance.”

The boy snuggled into his mother’s skirts then gave Akira a tiny wave before sticking his thumb in his mouth. The boy had far too many teeth for such a habit and Akira knew, with nary a doubt, lil’ Andrew was coddled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE SUPPORTER: ELSBETH

Holding her hand, Akira noticed the bloodstains speckling her fingertips from multiple pinpricks. But what intrigued her more, were the faint remnants of bruises on her wrists and forearms, and the yellow tint of an aged bruise alongside her high cheekbones. Why would such a timid woman carry such marks? And especially one with child?

“Elsbeth, do ye stay in the keep or have ye a family?” Akira queried nonchalantly, wanting to know more about her.

“I live outside the bailey with my husband, Ian, and my son.”

“So ye already have one child. Ye and your husband must be excited about the arrival of your second.” Akira knew she’d overstepped her bounds. Elsbeth really wasn’t showing to the degree anyone might notice, but Akira had seen her hand flatten over her stomach at least twice while the woman had dressed her.

Elsbeth caressed her stomach. “I am not very far along. Ian does not yet know.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Of course, there are many more characters;

Lena Kinnon—The BEAST's wife (Akira's mother)
Darach Kinnon—supposed son of Baen Kinnon
Murrdock and Vanora—Kendrick and Akira’s "parents"
Neala—Akira's sister
Riona and Fiona—Akira's sisters
Maggie—Akira's sister
Logan Donald—Maggie's husband
Father Harrald—Man of the cloth of the Isle of Skye
Sister Esa—Nun at Beauly Priory.
Gunnie—Midwife
Brady—Elsbeth's son
Evie and Tara—Akira’s Maids
Alec—Calin's warrior

22 days before Highland Dragon hits the shelves...

I'm starting to get oober excited about this release now that the reviews are literally pouring in. I've gotten an email every day for the past 3 days with a review in it. And here is the best part...the reviewers are LOVING Calin and Akira's story!!!!!

Here's a few snippets (yes, a few...this is a really long review) from Leontine's Book Realm:

Kimberly Killion – Highland Dragon (Historical novel)
Scotland, Highland 1484,
It was a night the young Calin MacLeod would not likely forget as he witnessed the murder of his father. It ignited vengeance in his heart as it spread through his veins and burned in his soul. That night, his bride also took her first breath in this world. Only hours ago her birth promised hope for an alliance between the Kinnon and McLeod clan but with a coldhearted brute of a man that hope washed away with the blood of those who lost their life’s that night.

It sounds like familiar plot doesn’t it? It certainly isn’t something that hasn’t been done oodles of times before but if there is one thing the highlanders understand then it was vengeance. And if there is one thing Kimberly Killion understands, it is the spirit of the Scottish highlanders.

There were two things that I noticed early on. One, how the cast of characters played on my emotions and two, how the clan politics and intrigue fueled the romance to a higher level. The premise of Calin and Akira’s actual story held it all; betrayal, murder and a secret love.

Calin is all highlander brawn mixed with the responsibilities of a Laird and a strong sense of Clan loyalty. A good, honest, virile highlander who wants what is good for his clan and a woman beside him leading it. Akira is definitely a woman who knows what she wants, how she wants it and is smart enough to get it. I loved the mix of faith, fury, intelligence and empathy in Akira. She became the heart of the McLeod clan by just being herself and she conquered the heart of Calin in the same way. Their interaction encompassed an area of emotions, from poised and tender to fiery and passionate, to the pain of grief and loss. Their journey is steeped in emotions and I instantly picked up on them, thoroughly rooting me in the story and the exhilarating journey of the main protagonists. This is largely due to empathetic and well drawn characters but also the easy connecting writing style of Kimberly Killion.

There was an interchange between the romance, the sensuality, intrigue and character development that ran like clockwork. There is nothing overtly complicated in Highland Dragon, the writing style smooth, working with all the elements present to drive towards a conclusion that had me sighing and in tears at the same time. I just had a remarkable good time reading Highland Dragon. There is desire, Highland rogues in abundance, treachery, romance, friendship and loyalty to be found in an authentic Highlander tale that is delivered with a passionate voice for the genre.

What can I say more than Highland Dragon is a read for stormy nights and candle lit rooms to take you away in to another time, another place, and make you feel romance as is should be, the kind that conquers all!

More praise for HIGHLAND DRAGON!

Another review just came in and, once again, I'm blushing and overjoyed and honored. After receiving so much praise for my debut book, HER ONE DESIRE, I prayed it wasn't a fluke. And now I'm seeing that HIGHLAND DRAGON is being received in much the same light. Whew!

Here's a snippet of a very long review posted by Laurel at The Mystic Castle:

"Engaging and exciting, HIGHLAND DRAGON captures your attention right from the first page. With a well thought out plot and two very complex and strong characters, this book leaves the reader breathless in anticipation of what's to come. Kimberly Killion is quickly becoming a master of all things medieval as she dares to be original with her characters incorporating a true description of what life was like without the constant glamorization and glossing over of a brutal truth and era."
—Laurel Letherby, The Mystic Castle READ THE FULL REVIEW...

5/5 STARS for HIGHLAND DRAGON

The reviews for Highland Dragon are starting to trickle in and I can't tell you how thrilled I am that this book is receiving praise. Highland Dragon is the book of my heart and most likely always will be, and I'm so very happy Calin and Akira gave this reviewer so much to boast about.
Enough from me...I'll let the reviewer tell you about it:

5 STARS - LOVED IT! COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN (if I could give it 10 stars you bet your bippy I would!)

[Laird Calin MacLeod], oh I so adore him, although a brute he is a brute with a heart, and his soul belongs to Akira as he defends his love and his clan to find a peace inside his heart from all the vengeance and hatred that has been living inside him for eighteen years. You want to root for him throughout every page! They are both cunning and cleaver, fiercely loyal, insecure with their emotions at times and yet both Calin and Akira have this magnetic power by the grace of Kimberly Killion's words to time-warp you back to 1502 and experience their struggle for love and peace, as well as their grief at times. I was truly enthralled and taken away!
—Book Junkie READ THE FULL REVIEW...

OMG! I'm finished...

Those are the words every author loves to say, but how long do you bask in the glory of "OMG! I'm finished"?

Well, I've been basking in it for about a half-day and I'm already looking at the calendar wondering when I can finish another one. Really, that's bad. I need to let my creative juices replenish the well that is bone dry. I need to play a little. Visit a few blogs. Socialize on my networking communities. Prepare for conference. Well, really what I need to do is get ready for the launch of my next book, but that's an entirely different blog...

I should probably go back through it. Right? I should consider writing an epilogue. Right? At what point can I let them go and accept that my characters really are living their HEA? This feeling of closure isn't comfortable to me right now. I don't want to let go. I like them. I like where they ended up and I want to stay and play a while. Let's face it, we went through Hell to get to the HEA, why can't we play there awhile?

As you can see from the brevity of this post...I'm all out of words...

So help me out here...At what point do you start brainstorming another book? Or are you one of those authors who has stacks of ideas filed away in your head?

Romance Authors Around the Clock

To help spread the word about my Summer Sizzler contest RomanceNovelTV is helping us celebrate with a new guest author every 45 minutes from 9 am to 7 pm (EST) starting with me. The schedule is below and it includes tons of great new historical authors, including two RITA nominees as well as an RT nominee. Hope you can stop by...

9:00 Kimberly Killion
9:45 Delilah Marvelle
10:30 Diana Cosby
11:15 Sarah Parr
12 Kit Donner
12:45 Kris Kennedy
1:30 Carrie Lofty
2:15 Anthea Laswon
3:00 Alix Rickloff
3:45 Elaine Levine
4:30 Allegra Gray
5:15 Christie Kelley
6:00 Vanessa Kelly
6:45 Pearl Wolf

SUMMER SIZZLER Contest

Welcome to June and what I consider the beginning of summer or at least it's the beginning of my next contest, and it is Giiiiii-NORMOUS!

I'm featuring a basket of "New to You Authors" which will include 16 of my ZEBRA sisters' autographed books + a $25 B&N giftcard.

Don't delay, go HERE to sign up for the giveaway.
The winner of the SUMMER SIZZLER will be announced on September 1.

HOLT Medallion

HER ONE DESIRE made it into the top five in the Best First Book category of the HOLT Medallion contest!!!

The HOLT Medallion is presented annually by Virginia Chapter of RWA® as a mark of excellence in published romantic fiction. Winners will be announced June 13th.

Booksellers Best Awards

Her One Desire
is a finalist in both the Historical and
Best First Book categories of the
BOOKSELLERS BEST AWARD
Showcasing the shining excellence of published
authors in novel-length romantic fiction.

Sponsored by the Greater Detroit Chapter of RWA®

**********************************
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE FINALISTS!

The Greater Detroit RWA wishes to congratulate the finalists in the 2009 Booksellers Best Award Contest. The winners will be announced at the RWA National Conference Wednesday, July 15th at 8:00 p.m. in the Delaware Room of the Wardman Mariott.
Patti Shenberger/BBA Chair

In no particular order…
* up for Best First Book

Long Contemporary
On My Terms – Shirley Hailstock
A Perfect Stranger – Terry McLaughlin
The Ranchers Surprise Marriage – Susan Crosby
The Wedding Heiress – Pamela Ford
Last Night’s Kiss – Shirley Hailstock

Paranormal/Time Travel/Futuristic
Gone With The Witch – Annette Blair
The House on Tradd Street – Karen White
A Match Made In Hell – Terri Garey
The Bleeding Dusk – Colleen Gleason
All I Want For Christmas – Kerrelyn Sparks

Short Historical
Maverick Wild – Stacey Kayne
To Taste Temptation – Elizabeth Hoyt
The Dragon Earl – Jade Lee
What A Pirate Desires – Michelle Beattie *
The Naked Gentleman – Sally MacKenzie

Inspirational
Leaving November – Deborah Raney
Courting Miss Adelaide – Janet Dean *
Anathema – Colleen Coble
Bayou Judgement – Robin Caroll
Lonestar Sanctuary – Colleen Coble

Erotic
She’s On Top – Susan Lyons
Unleashed – Lori Borrill
The Art of Desire – Cherie Feather
Lyon, The Lords of Satyr – Elizabeth Amber
Raine, The Lords of Satyr – Elizabeth Amber

Romantic Suspense
Thread of Fear – Laura Griffin
Trust Me – Brenda Novak
Silent Guardian – Mallory Kane
Wyoming Manhunt – Ann Voss Peterson
Phantom in the Night – Diana Love Snell

Long Historical
Mistress of Pleasure – Delilah Marvelle *
The Legacy – TJ Bennett *
His Woman – Diana Cosby
Shadow Rider – Kathryn Dennis
Her One Desire – Kimberly Killion *

Single Title
The Memory of Water – Karen White
Tall Tales and Wedding Veils – Jane Graves
Sweet Talk – Susan Mallery
Hot – Julia Harper
Once Smitten, Twice Shy – Lori Wilde

Short Contemporary
The Cowboy and the Angel – Marin Thomas
The Surgeon Boss’s Bride – Melanie Milburne
Their Secret Child – Mary J Forbes
Do Not Disturb Until Christmas – Charlene Sands
Once Upon A Christmas – Holly Jacobs

Traditional
Christmas Wishes, Mistletoe Kisses – Fiona Harper
Her Millionaire, His Miracle - Myrna Mackenzie
The Italian’s Cinderella Bride – Lucy Gordon
Newlyweds of Convenience – Jessica Hart
The Convenient Groom – Denise Hunter

National Readers Choice Awards

This month just keeps getting better and better. I received word today that HER ONE DESIRE is a finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards for Best Historical!!!!!!!

Go here to view a list of the finalists.

28 hours of awesome chaos

What does it feel like to be nominated for a RITA?

Do you remember the feeling you got when you were a kid and someone bigger than you picked you up and spun you around by your arms? Well, that's what it feels like. Only I've been spinning for 28 hours. :) I have so many supporters. Within the last 28 hours I have received over 300 emails and wanted to share a few bits and pieces...

• OMG, I am just jumping up and down for you, girl! Way to go on your RITA nomination for "Her One Desire." WOWOWWOWOWOWOWOW!!!! I am thrilled for you!!!
• Woo Hoo for you! I bet you almost peed your pants when you found out. I'm so excited for you.
• Happy dancing for you! Good luck, hon!!!
  
• Now breathe and decide what you're going to wear
• Wow. Fabulous. Couldn't happen to a nicer person. And no, I'm not flattering you ... I really mean it!
  
• Squeee!"
• This is so. flipping cool!!!!!!!! I can't wait to cheer you hoarse in D.C.!!!
  
• That is fantastic. Truly. (and I am so frickin' jealous and you so suck right now).
• Woo-hoo! Woo-hoo! Woo-hoo! Yes, I'm living vicariously through you right now, LOL. I was thrilled to see your name/title listed.

Thank you all for being great cheerleaders. :)

A Storybook Moment Valentine Kisses Contest

To celebrate the day of romance, the Mystic Castle is sponsoring a Valentine's Day contest...

All you have to do to enter is watch a Storybook Moment - Valentine Kisses and count how many times the word KISS (not including variations, ie: kisses) appears in the video. All the quotes were provided by our authors from their current/upcoming releases. Then fill out the entry form below and you will be eligible to win a gorgeous red velvet heart shaped box of Godiva chocolates (value $40.00) and other goodies from authors on The Historical Romance Society and The Mystic Realm.

In addition one runner up winner will win a smaller heart shaped box of Godiva chocolates (value 15.00) and goodies from the authors.

Finally one winner will be awarded a Society Author Promo Pack containing, booklets, bookmarks, posters and other goodies.

Good Luck and Happy Valentine's Day!

Contest is open from February 1st to February 28th
2009 Limited to one entry per person
No Purchase Necessary

Enter the contest

Kiss Off Competition

HER ONE DESIRE is up for "Smooch of the Month" at SingleTitles.com. If you are out and about surfing, and want to cast your vote, click HERE. The "Kiss Off Competition" is based on a scene in the book where the hero and heroine share a kiss. If you haven't read my debut book, you can get a sample of Broc and Lizzy's passion, along with the other entries in the competition HERE.

(Voting ends January 15th.)

HER ONE DESIRE nominated for 2008 Best Debut Novel...

Santa came early!!! I just received word that HER ONE DESIRE was nominated for Best Debut Novel of 2008 over at Romance Novel TV. I am so honored to be among such a talented group of authors. If you would like to cast your vote on which books you enjoyed the most, just click HERE. (Voting ends Dec. 29th)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here is the list of nominees:

Historical Romance
Broken Wing by Judith James
Duchess by Night by Eloisa James
Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran
Like No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long
Master of Surrender by Karin Tabke
Rogue and the Rival by Maya Rodale
Seduce Me At Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas
The Bride Price by Anne Mallory
The Edge of Desire by Stephanie Laurens
The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne
To Sin With A Stranger by Kathryn Caskie

Contemporary Romance
A Little Less Talk and A Lot More Action by LuAnn McLane
Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas
Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy
Just the Sexiest Man by Julie James
Sweet Talk, Susan Mallery
Taking the Heat by Kathryn Shay

Paranormal Romance:
Dark Needs on Night’s Edge by Kresley Cole
Demon Night by Meljean Brook
Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh
Into the Flame by Christina Dodd
Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward
Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
When Twilight Burns by Colleen Gleason

Urban Fantasy
Before I Wake by Kathryn Smith
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
Night Life by Caitlin Kitteredge
One Foot In the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Romantic Suspense
All Through the Night by Suzanne Brockmann
Death Angel by Linda Howard
Loose and Easy by Tara Janzen
Pitch Black by Susan Crandall
Show No Mercy by Cindy Gerard
Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain
Trial by Fire by Jo Davis

Erotic Romance/Erotica
Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy
Forbidden Fruit by Eden Bradley
My Prerogative by Sasha White
Wicked Burn by Beth Kery

Debut Novel
Broken Wing by Judith James
Dark Nest by Leanna Renee Hieber
Grimspace by Ann Aguirre
Her One Desire by Kimberly Killion
Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James
Marked by Moonlight by Sharie Kohler
The Bride Hunt Ball by Olivia Parker
The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran
The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne
Trial by Fire by Jo Davis

Book of the Year
Before I Wake by Kathryn Smith
Blue Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas.
Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward.
Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas
The Spymaster’s Lady by JoAnne Bourne
Trial by Fire by Jo Davis

Sneak Peek

My editor sent me the back cover blurb for Highland Dragon.

***********************************************
A desire that defies all limits…and a love that was meant to be…

Scotland 1484. Akira Kinnon has been raised as a peasant, her belly often empty and her family subject to the cruel whims of her clan's laird. To the clan’s children, the horned shaped birthmark she bears means she is a witch. But she is neither peasant nor witch—and now the man who knows the truth has returned to claim her for his own.

Calin MacLeod has kept Akira's secrets and to avenge his father, the sensual young laird must marry her. He is more than a match for the fiery nature of the woman he adores. Yet the passion they share—and truths that can no longer remain hidden—could rip all of Scotland apart...

“Fascinating…well-crafted romance. The appeal of Killion's characters comes from their honor, intelligence and humanity.” –Romantic Times, 4-star review
***********************************************

I can hardly wait to see what they do with the cover!

Canned Laughter with Renee Bernard

Well, here's something I haven't done before.

Click the button below to listen to a 15 minute interview
with Renee Bernard hosted by Circle of Seven Productions on blogtalkradio.com.

What if?

Have you ever played the 'What if?' game? I have and do everytime I'm brainstorming a new book, which is where I'm at now...

My debut book, HER ONE DESIRE, which came out in July from Kensington/Zebra books, is the story of a Scottish spy and his quest to protect the executioner’s daughter.

Those last two words were the only words I needed to sell that book: executioner’s daughter. Where did I get the idea, you ask?...

While in the midst of brainstorming ideas for my next book, I found myself searching for inspiration. I looked in the mirror and thought if I keep staring I would be able to find something in my brain to trigger an idea. Unfortunately, my reflection hollered, “What the hell are you looking at?”

I didn’t find what I was looking for there so I went outside and looked at the fields of corn, the gravel driveway, a blade of grass. Nothin’. So I looked up and said, “Give me an idea, pleeeeease.”

Yes, I was asking for the supreme being of all creation to take time out of His busy day and give me an idea for my next book. That was selfish when you think about it. I mean, He has more important things to do, right? So, I thought long and hard and what did I come up with? Lunch. Yep. Lunch. So I fixed myself a little southern fired something and flipped on the TV. A documentary was on about the lives and families of the executioner. It was really quite fascinating. So then I started playing that game…you know the one…the ‘What if?’ game.

What if I wrote a story about the executioner? Oh, he started out as my villain, then I mixed it up a little and he became the hero. It still wasn’t right, so I said the word’s that practically wrote HER ONE DESIRE for itself…What if the heroine was the executioner’s daughter. And there is was. An idea was born.

You know how long it takes the Road Runner to sneak up on Wile E. Coyote? Well, that’s how long it took me to google a few keywords: executioner, occupation, medieval, torture … This went on and on, and before I knew it I had educated myself on every form of torture between hung, drawn, and quartered to peine forte et dure (Pressing to death)

Curiosity leads me to ask, ‘What if?’ So, as I sit here trying to develop my next story idea, I’m also curious to know how other writers develop ideas. Do you play the ‘What if?’ game? Do you get on your knees and pray for inspiration? Does whiskey help? Please, do tell…

Fresh Fiction Review of HER ONE DESIRE

HER ONE DESIRE is a luscious historical romance with incredible characters and a great story overall. If you like sexy, to die for heroes, Kimberly Killion has written the ultimate one with Broderick. His devotion to his friends, family and that of Lizabeth is very sweet. Poor Lizabeth is a woman with the weight of the world on her shoulders during a time where a lady like herself has no options. She is very brave, loving and filled with such optimism. And don't be surprised if you find yourself laughing at the initial interactions both she and Broderick have. Their bantering back and forth is worth the read alone.

Lord Hollister is a nasty piece of work who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. And there are some great secondary characters that also breathe life into this story. Kimberly Killion also has a great knack for combining historical reality with fiction. For a romance that has thrills and some wonderful love scenes between Broderick and Lizabeth, HER ONE DESIRE is a great historical romance that you will not want to miss.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REVIEW...

http://www.kimberlykillion.com/

I'm being 'pimped' at romancenovel.tv!
Join me on Wednesday, July 23rd where I will be discussing "FEARS" and giving away an autographed copy of HER ONE DESIRE.

* * * * * * * * * *

What is your one desire?

Tell me at SingleTitles.com and win one of 5 copies of HER ONE DESIRE. To enter this contest, simply leave a comment regarding YOUR ONE DESIRE. Five winners will be chosen randomly.
The contest runs from July 21 to July 31 so enter today. Please only one entry per person.

* * * * * * * * * *

Sign up now for my August contest where I will be giving away a
“Summer Reading Pack”

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE