Lashell Collins's Blog, page 5

#8Sunday – The Smoking Gun

Greetings fellow Weekend Warriors! It feels funny to be back here after such a long absence. I’ve missed this blog hop. There are lots of reasons for my disappearing act, and they all center around books – the writing of books, the editing of books, the starting a monthly web-based broadcast discussing books. But it’s all good, and I’m just happy to be getting back into the swing of things. I hope to make this hop a regular post here on this blog again. For you non-writers out there (and for the writers reading this who just aren’t aware), Weekend Writing Warriors is the truly cool blog hop where writers of every genre share an 8-10 sentence snippet of their work. It’s a great way to sample new writers and find some new favorites, so be sure to click over and check out the other amazing writers participating.

Today, I’m sharing a snippet from chapter one of my brand new romantic suspense that just released today. It’s called The Smoking Gun, and it is book 6 in my Kelly Family Series. In this snippet, our hero, Detective Storm Kelly, is at the scene of a particularly distasteful crime:

He hated this case. One look at that poor, battered and emotionally broken young woman and Storm Kelly knew that he hated this case with a passion. Never mind the fact that he had spent nearly two months spinning his wheels on this one, on top of his already heavy case load. That wasn’t it. Storm never minded hard work, but what he did mind though was chasing shadows and ghosts, and for some reason, whoever was behind this particular crime spree seemed to have the amazing ability to elude all of his efforts to find them. But even that wasn’t the issue tonight.

No, the problem tonight was that this case had just taken a vile turn that Storm couldn’t stomach. He was all for dispensing a measure of pain along with the pleasure, but there was a huge difference between that and what these dirtbags had done to that girl. His blood boiled as he watched the paramedics finally getting her loaded onto the gurney. Rape made him sick.

Well, that’s it. Heavy opening to jump back in with, I know, but I hope you enjoyed it. As I mentioned, The Smoking Gun is now live, and you can find it, and all of the Kelly Family books, on Amazon, B&N, iBooks, and Kobo. And don’t forget to go check out the other writers at Weekend Writing Warriors!

 

The Todd Kerns Blog

At this point I’m thinking I should just change the focus of this little romance book blog into a blog chronicling my adventures following Todd Kerns around the planet. Reason being, I just got back from a road trip to Calgary, Alberta Canada to watch TK reunite with his old band, Age Of Electric (AOE) and all I can say is … it was epic!So, here’s how it started. About a week or so after I bought tickets to catch another SMKC show coming up in September, Todd posted (completely out of the blue) that AOE would be reuniting for one night only in August while he had a break in his touring schedule with SMKC.I immediately got on Expedia and Cheap Tickets, looking for air fair, but the cheapest I could find were upwards of $800 per person. Having just solidified all of the Romance Writers of America travel expenses that were coming up in July, I knew that price tag was way too steep for the hubs and me to swing right now. But, I wanted to see this concert in the worst way, so I did the only thing I knew how to do … I resorted to sweet-talking the hubs. And let me tell you, there is no shame in my game whatsoever! I pleaded, I pouted, and pretty much bargained my way into an almost impossible road trip from Xenia, OH all the way to Calgary!I know what you’re thinking, and believe me, you’re not the only one. Just about everyone in our family thought I was crazy for seriously wanting to DRIVE so far for a concert — and they definitely thought the hubby was insane for indulging me — but I didn’t give a crap. Todd was performing with his old band (a band I’d only experienced through YouTube and CDs) for the first time in 17 years, and I was going to be there! After all, according to Google, it was only about a 29 hour drive, and with three drivers (we had enlisted the help of my step-son — the former semi-truck driver — to assist with the heavy lifting. What? I told you there was NO shame to my game!), we would be there in no time!I was SO excited when we set out on Thursday morning at 4:30am, and I had the first driving shift. Looooonnnng story short,36 hours later, we arrived at our destination. 36 hours in a car with my husband and my son, listening to them talk about cars and sports and other boring topics of discussion because we could only listen to music when I was driving. Thank God for Nalini Singh (Ah, here comes the romance book reference!) for helping me hang on to my sanity. I escaped into her Psy-changeling world and drowned the boys out during those times.But, we made it, in just a day and a half. Mission accomplished! And we had the entire afternoon and evening to rest up for the concert the next night. We got in line early and snagged a spot right against the stage, I mean we were hugging it, and directly in front of the center mic, which meant Todd would be flipping his beautiful hair right in front of me!Zuckerbaby, the opening band, was pretty awesome, and their lead guitarist, Reed Shimozowa, proved that he is one very underrated musician. Got the night off to a rousing start, and I thoroughly enjoyed them. But the main event was well worth the wait, and well worth the drive.When Age Of Electric finally took the stage, Todd gave me the shock of my life (thus far) when he pointed right at me and then reached down to shake my hand. Whether it was actual facial recognition from the last time I saw him in Chicago with SMKC, or he was simply amused to see me there in my red and black DAMMIT shirt (the only one in the crowd from what I could see), I don’t know, but from that point on, it didn’t matter what the rest of the show was like, it was already the greatest night EVER!!!Luckily for everyone else though, the show was actually amazing. AOE sounded fantastic, like they had been playing together all this time without a 17 year hiatus. It was so great to see the incomparable John Kerns on bass, live and in person. No one plays bass quite like him, that’s for sure! The Dahle brothers looked and sounded awesome. Todd was his usual playful, engaging self, shining in the role of frontman as he always does. The band played all of their hits, including my two personal AOE favorites, “Untitled” and “Unity or Grenadine.” Ryan Dahle KILLED IT on the guitar on the former while TK sang the latter to utter perfection. Beautiful!It was a magical experience for me, no doubt about it. But I have to admit, one of the best parts of the whole trip was on the way home when both my guys said they had a blast and they were glad we had done it.Time spent on the road: approximately 60 hours.Money saved by driving instead of flying: about $900.Family bonding time and shaking Dammit’s hand:Priceless.

The Todd Kerns Blog

At this point I’m thinking I should just change the focus of this little romance book blog into a blog chronicling my adventures following Todd Kerns around the country planet. Reason being, I just got back from a road trip to Calgary, Alberta Canada to watch TK reunite with his old band, Age Of Electric (AOE) and all I can say is … it was epic!

So, here’s how it started. About a week or so after I bought tickets to catch another SMKC show coming up in September, Todd posted (completely out of the blue) that AOE would be reuniting for one night only in August while he had a break in his touring schedule with SMKC.

I immediately got on Expedia and Cheap Tickets, looking for air fair, but the cheapest I could find were upwards of $800 per person. Having just solidified all of the RWA travel expenses that were coming up in July, I knew that price tag was way too steep for the Hubs and me to swing right now. But, I wanted to see this concert in the worst way, so I did the only thing I knew how to do … I resorted to sweet-talking the Hubs. And let me tell you, there is no shame in my game whatsoever! I pleaded, I pouted, and pretty much bargained my way into an almost impossible road trip from Xenia, OH all the way to Calgary!

I know what you’re thinking, and believe me, you’re not the only one. I think just about everyone in our family thought I was crazy for seriously wanting to DRIVE so far for a concert — and they definitely thought the Hubs was insane for indulging me — but I didn’t give a crap. Todd was performing with his old band (a band I’d only experienced through YouTube and CDs) for the first time in 17 years, and I was going to be there! After all, according to Google, it was only about a 29 hour drive, and with three drivers (we had enlisted the help of my step-son — the former semi-truck driver — to assist with the heavy lifting. What? I told you there was NO shame to my game!), we would be there in no time!

I was SO excited when we set out on Thursday morning at 4:30am, and I had the first driving shift. Looooonnnng story short, 36 hours later, we arrived at our destination. 36 hours in a car with my husband and my son, listening to them talk about cars and sports and other boring topics of discussion because we could only listen to music when I was driving. Thank God for Nalini Singh (Ah, here comes the romance book reference!) for helping me hang on to my sanity. I escaped into her Psy-changeling world and drowned the boys out during those times.

But, we made it, in just a day and a half. Mission accomplished! And we had the entire afternoon and evening to rest up for the concert the next night.

We got in line early and snagged a spot right against the stage, I mean we were hugging it, and directly in front of the center mic, which meant Todd would be flipping his beautiful hair right in front of me!

Zuckerbaby, the opening band, was pretty awesome, and their lead guitarist, Reed Shimozowa, proved that he is one very underrated musician. Got the night off to a rousing start, and I thoroughly enjoyed them. But the main event was well worth the wait, and well worth the drive.

When Age Of Electric finally took the stage, Todd gave me the shock of my life (thus far) when he pointed right at me and then reached down to shake my hand. Whether it was actual facial recognition from the last time I saw him in Chicago with SMKC, or he was simply amused to see me there in my red and black DAMMIT shirt (the only one in the crowd from what I could see), I don’t know, but from that point on, it didn’t matter what the rest of the show was like, it was already the greatest night EVER!!!

 Luckily for everyone else though, the show was actually amazing. AOE sounded fantastic, like they had been playing together all this time without a 17 year hiatus. It was so great to see the incomparable John Kerns on bass, live and in person. No one plays bass quite like him, that’s for sure! The Dahle brothers looked and sounded awesome. Todd was his usual playful, engaging self, shining in the role of frontman as he always does. The band played all of their hits, including my two personal AOE favorites, “Untitled” and “Unity or Grenadine.” Ryan Dahle KILLED IT on the guitar on the former while TK sang the latter to utter perfection. Beautiful!

  

It was a magical experience for me, no doubt about it. But I have to admit, one of the best parts of the whole trip was on the way home when both my guys said they had a blast and they were glad we had done it.

Time spent on the road: approximately 60 hours.

Money saved by driving instead of flying: about $900.

Family bonding time and shaking Dammit’s hand: Priceless.

Cover Reveal – Alpha Shifter Seductions

If you subscribe to my monthly Newsletter then you’ve probably already heard about the upcoming box set I’m participating in called Alpha Shifter Seductions. Well, today I’m thrilled to finally be able to show you the beautiful cover. Look at this!

 

 

Isn’t it stunning! I just love the dragon wings; almost makes me want to write a dragon shifter story. There’s also an awesome giveaway attached to the release of this set, and you can enter the Rafflecopter HERE!

I’m very excited to be included in this set with so many amazing authors. The release date for this one is set for September 29th, and there is still time for you to sign up for the ARC review list! Here is the blurb for the set, along with the link to be included for the ARCs.

Alpha Shifter Seductions features your favorite NYT, USA Today, International Bestselling and Award Winning Authors bringing you a scorching ***ALL NEW*** book collection of never-before-seen page turners filled to bursting with seductive shifters.

These hot Alphas will seduce you as you follow dragons, wolves, big cats, and other shifters behind closed doors and between the sheets toward that happily ever after every romantic at heart secretly craves. Find out what pleasures these Alphas can offer when the temperatures shift!

And here’s a teaser and a blurb from my story in the boxed set, The Claiming.

 

Xander Salvador knows he’s destined to be Alpha of the Woods Canyon Pack. He’s felt it in his soul his entire life, even through the taunting and ridicule he’s suffered over the disgrace of how his parents died. But the Claiming is drawing near. The ancient, and some say barbaric practice, where the strong and worthy males battle for the right to be Big Dog often ends in death. And in order to join the battle and step into his destiny, Xander must first claim the heart of his chosen mate, Antonia Montgomery.

Toni doesn’t have time for love. She’s driven to take the reins of her ailing father’s company and prove that she can keep it on top. Her eccentric aunt’s tales of werewolves and bizarre mating rituals have no bearing on her life. Until she’s bitten by a wolf one night and her safe, structured world begins to spiral out of control. Now, strange things are happening to her body. And the mysterious, sexy man who always seems to be watching has her wondering if her aunt’s wild tales could be true.

Don’t miss Alpha Shifter Seductions and its twelve scorching tales of fated mates and shifter love. And don’t forget to enter that Rafflecopter contest!  I’ll update with links to the other authors’ cover reveal blog posts as they go live so you can visit their pages for more info. Here you go:

Gina Kincade

 

Let’s Talk About Books, Baby!

 So, it’s been a while since I last checked in here, huh? I am so bad about blogging  on a regular basis, and I guess it’s because I’m always busy working on another book, or doing other upcoming book-related things. I have no excuse, I am a terrible blogger, period. But I wanted to post this blog today because I realized that I have something to tell you that I should have shared here weeks ago. In fact, months ago! I’m talking about Book Chat.

What’s Book Chat, you ask? Well, believe it or not, I have teamed up with my writing bestie, Tracie Puckett, and created a monthly broadcast show that’s all about romance and books and writing. It’s really cool and really fun because on alternating months we either talk about some aspect of the writing craft, or we sit down and talk with a guest author about their books! (That’s my favorite part). We even keep you updated on which authors we’ll be interviewing next so that you can read their book before the show or even send us in your questions for that author! We laugh so much, we bring you reading recommendations, and even uncover hidden genres of romance that you may never have heard of before (Toaster erotica? What?)

I know what you’re thinking. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate being on camera and I don’t like to talk much. In fact, I’m the quiet, mysterious one who can usually be found sitting back people-watching, not the bright bubbly one who loves to talk and share and talk. But it turns out that it’s all good because Tracie’s got that bright bubbly thing covered. I mean, she is all over it!

So, here are the details you need to stay up to date on Book Chat. You can find us at http://www.tracieandlashell.com where we always have a schedule that’s at least three to four months out so that you always know what’s coming up. We broadcast live on the last Friday of the month at 8:00 pm EST. and there’s an archive page where you can go and watch all of our previous shows. You can also find us here on Facebook.

 

 

Let's Talk About Books, Baby!

So, it’s been a while since I last checked in here, huh? I am so bad about blogging  on a regular basis, and I guess it’s because I’m always busy working on another book, or doing other upcoming book-related things. I have no excuse, I am a terrible blogger, period. But I wanted to post this blog today because I realized that I have something to tell you that I should have shared here weeks ago. In fact, months ago! I’m talking about Book Chat.What’s Book Chat, you ask? Well, believe it or not, I have teamed up with my writing bestie,Tracie Puckett, and created a monthly broadcast show that’s all about romance and books and writing. It’s really cool and really fun because on alternating months we either talk about some aspect of the writing craft, or we sit down and talk with a guest author about their books! (That’s my favorite part). We even keep you updated on which authors we’ll be interviewing next so that you can read their book before the show or even send us in your questions for that author! We laugh so much, we bring you reading recommendations, and even uncover hidden genres of romance that you may never have heard of before (Toaster erotica? What?)I know what you’re thinking. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate being on camera and I don’t like to talk much. In fact, I’m the quiet, mysterious one who can usually be found sitting back people-watching, not the bright bubbly one who loves to talk and share and talk. But it turns out that it’s all good because Tracie’s got that bright bubbly thing covered. I mean, she is all over it!So, here are the details you need to stay up to date on Book Chat. You can find us attracieandlashell.comwhere we always have a schedule that’s at least three to four months out so that you always know what’s coming up. We broadcast live on the last Friday of the month at 8:00 pm EST. and there’s an archive page where you can go and watch all of our previous shows. You can also find us here on Facebook.

That’s My Jam!

Ok, so it’s no secret that I’m currently obsessed with one Mr. Todd “Dammit” Kerns, incredibly talented bass player of my most very favorite band – Slash ft. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators (SMKC to those in the know). But the fascinating thing about TK is that he is not just a pretty face with a bass. No, no, no. You see, Mr. Kerns is also sort of amazing with nothing but a guitar and his voice. This is a live clip of TK performing one of my favorite songs from his solo record. The album is Borrowing Trouble and the song is “You Can Always Go Home.” And that’s my jam!

Hot Rockstars & Sexy Cops

Between the two, I had a very good start to my week! As most of you might know by now, I spent Monday evening in Chicago, rocking out with my favorite band ~ Slash ft. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators (SMKC to those in the know), and Oh. My. God … it was AWESOME!!!This isn’t the first time I’ve seen SMKC live. I saw them last summer when they were touring with rock powerhouse, Aerosmith, which I thoroughly enjoyed. But Monday night, there was just a different kind of energy to the whole performance. The difference, I think, was the venue. Last year, I saw them at Riverbend in Cincinnati, which is sort of an outdoor arena-type place. Lots more people, not bad seats, but not as close as I wanted either. This time, however, the setting was a small venue, sort of intimate, and the hubs and I were able to get right up close to the stage. Made all the difference in the world!As usual, the boys sounded tight, killing it on each and every song. They did a total of seven tracks off the new album during this show, about six or seven GNR songs, and sprinkled in a few songs from Slash’s solo CD and Velvet Revolver. All in all, a pretty well-rounded set that any long-time Slash fan, like me, would appreciate. They did not, however, perform the one song from the new album that I was hoping for (30 Years to Life), but they did do one of my very favorite songs from the last album that I love hearing live (Standing in the Sun), so I was happy.Now for the truly important information ~ my heated crush on bassist, Todd “Dammit” Kerns, remains solidly intact, largely due to the fact that he showed himself to be such a genuinely nice guy. The hubs and I took up a position just to the left of center stage because we knew that would be directly in front of TK’s mic, and I was not disappointed. At the start of the show, Todd came to the edge of the stage and knelt down to shake a few hands and greet the fans. He caught sight of my “Dammit” t-shirt and his eyes lit up as he pointed directly at me and smiled. I was so caught off guard and shocked (classic star-struck, tongue-tied fan moment) that all I could do was give him a big cheesy smile and wave. He was maybe six or eight feet in front of me, kneeling down right at my eye level, and actually engaging with me! He waved back and held my gaze for what seemed like a long moment, and had my brain actually been working, it would have made the greatest picture EVER! I have kicked myself a million times already, but I will have that memory with me always.At the end of the show, after the encore number was finished and the confetti was falling from the sky, the guys spent some time tossing out several guitar picks to the crowd. Todd once again made my night by engaging with me a second time. Kneeling at the edge of the stage once more, he smiled at me and made three attempts to toss one of his signature bass picks to me. The first one went right over my head. The second one was snatched up by the teenaged guitar nerd who had been standing next to me the whole evening. But you know what they say ~ third times the charm ~ and I have been clutching onto my magical Todd Kerns bass pic ever since, and trying to figure out some creative way to turn it into a piece of jewelry. SO infatuated with that sexy beast of a man!But speaking of amazing men, let me just say that I have the sweetest, most wonderful husband on the planet. Not only did he endure a myriad of obstacles and frustrations (I’ll spare you the painful details) in order to get me to the venue early enough to get that close to the stage in the first place, but he also spent the entire concert taking awesome pictures of Todd Kerns (and the rest of the Conspirators) for me to drool over. He even badged and intimidated a couple of drunk attendees who were threatening to become obnoxious belligerent jerks, and removed them from our area.What can I say? Hot rockstars and sexy cops … that’s my thing. If either one of them just happened to be a werewolf too, I’d probably die! Here are a few pics from our night.

Hot Rockstars and Sexy Cops!

Between the two, I had a very good start to my week! As most of you might know by now, I spent Monday evening in Chicago, rocking out with my favorite band ~ Slash ft. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators (SMKC to those in the know), and Oh. My. God … it was AWESOME!!!

This isn’t the first time I’ve seen SMKC live. I saw them last summer when they were touring with rock powerhouse, Aerosmith, which I thoroughly enjoyed. But Monday night, there was just a different kind of energy to the whole performance. The difference, I think, was the venue. Last year, I saw them at Riverbend in Cincinnati, which is sort of an outdoor arena-type place. Lots more people, not bad seats, but not as close as I wanted either. This time, however, the setting was a small venue, sort of intimate, and the hubs and I were able to get right up close to the stage. Made all the difference in the world!

As usual, the boys sounded tight, killing it on each and every song. They did a total of seven tracks off the new album during this show, about six or seven GNR songs, and sprinkled in a few songs from Slash’s solo CD and Velvet Revolver. All in all, a pretty well-rounded set that any long-time Slash fan, like me, would appreciate. They did not, however, perform the one song from the new album that I was hoping for (30 Years to Life), but they did do one of my very favorite songs from the last album that I love hearing live (Standing in the Sun), so I was happy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now for the truly important information ~ my heated crush on bassist, Todd “Dammit” Kerns, remains solidly intact, largely due to the fact that he showed himself to be such a genuinely nice guy. The hubs and I took up a position just to the left of center stage because we knew that would be directly in front of TK’s mic, and I was not disappointed. At the start of the show, Todd came to the edge of the stage and knelt down to shake a few hands and greet the fans. He caught sight of my “Dammit” t-shirt and his eyes lit up as he pointed directly at me and smiled. I was so caught off guard and shocked (classic star-struck, tongue-tied fan moment) that all I could do was give him a big cheesy smile and wave. He was maybe six or eight feet in front of me, kneeling down right at my eye level, and actually engaging with me! He waved back and held my gaze for what seemed like a long moment, and had my brain actually been working, it would have made the greatest picture EVER! I have kicked myself a million times already, but I will have that memory with me always.

At the end of the show, after the encore number was finished and the confetti was falling from the sky, the guys spent some time tossing out several guitar picks to the crowd. Todd once again made my night by engaging with me a second time. Kneeling at the edge of the stage once more, he smiled at me and made three attempts to toss one of his signature bass picks to me. The first one went right over my head. The second one was snatched up by the teenaged guitar nerd who had been standing next to me the whole evening. But you know what they say ~ third times the charm ~ and I have been clutching onto my magical Todd Kerns bass pic ever since, and trying to figure out some creative way to turn it into a piece of jewelry. SO infatuated with that sexy beast of a man!

But speaking of amazing men, let me just say that I have the sweetest, most wonderful husband on the planet. Not only did he endure a myriad of obstacles and frustrations (I’ll spare you the painful details) in order to get me to the venue early enough to get that close to the stage in the first place, but he also spent the entire concert taking awesome pictures of Todd Kerns (and the rest of the Conspirators) for me to drool over. He even badged and intimidated a couple of drunk attendees who were threatening to become obnoxious belligerent jerks, and removed them from our area.

What can I say? Hot rockstars and sexy cops … that’s my thing. If either one of them just happened to be a werewolf too, I’d probably die! Here are a few pics from our night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That’s My Jam!

 Have you ever been so excited you just simply couldn’t stand yourself? Well, that’s me right about now. Why, you ask? Well, because in exactly two days, I will be front and center watching my most very favorite band do what they do best. That’s right. Come Monday night, Slash and the boys will be playing just for me! Slash, killing that axe solely for my enjoyment. Myles Kennedy, stretching those beautiful vocal chords of his just to please me. Frank playing his heart out, and Fitzy, beating on those skins just to make me smile. Todd “Dammit” Kerns making love to that sexy bass just to turn me on! (Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me?) I CANNOT FREAKING WAIT!!! Here’s a clip of them performing one of my favorite songs from the new album, World on Fire, that I really hope they do Monday night. The song is called “30 Years to Life,” and that’s my jam!