 The only tangible benefit Dare Landis has of finally claiming the title of Marquis of Raynsforth will be that the current marquis has finally gone to the Devil where he belongs. Until then, Lord Landis will continue to enjoy life on his own terms… as a heartless rake who’s beholden to no one. Nivea Horsham knows there’s more to Dare than he reveals to the world. She’s loved him since her older brother brought his ridiculously handsome friend home from school all those years ago. But getting him to notice her has proven to be an impossible endeavor. Can Nivea shatter Dare’s carefully crafted facade and show him how to love? Author - Alleigh Burrows Alleigh Burrows loves romance novels. For years she tore through anything she could find—mainly regency romances, but would never pass up a hot Navy SEAL, an overbearing Scotsman, or shape shifting feline. Reviews...* (T)he author has a real talent for weaving an entertaining tale that tugs at the heartstrings and takes you away to the fantasy of romance. Kilts and Swords * A wonderfully romantic, sweetly emotional historical romance, Dare to Love was a brilliant read that I absolutely loved. I expected a standard rake/wallflower romance going into it, but it turned out to be more than that and I really enjoyed it. 5-star Goodreads review * I found this book to be absolutely charming! Descriptive writing, sexy scenes, and all the other components I expect in a good historical romance read. For me, Ms. Burrows lands herself next to names like Hannah Howell, Eliza Knight, and Paula Quinn. Congrats on a wonderfully engaging story that once started, I was unable to put down. Now its three in the morning, and I'm still smiling! * I generally don't write reviews but I had to for this novel as I loved it so much. It was beautifully written and had a wonderful ebb and flow to the story. 
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One Step Ahead  Rescuing a lost little girl in a red coat wandering a cold, Irish beach plunges bond mates Stanzie Newcastle and Liam Murphy deep into the dark heart of the Pack’s Great Council. Chessa’s ability to dream the future is a commodity every Great Councilor covets. Preventing her psychic enslavement to one who would use her abilities to obtain personal power becomes Stanzie’s newest task as Advisor to Councilor Jason Allerton. Only nothing is ever easy—the little girl is not the only Dreamer in the Pack. Stanzie’s pregnant cousin, Faith, also possesses this valuable talent. An unlikely alliance seems the only way to keep both Dreamers safe and out of the clutches of ruthless Councilor Celine Ducharme. With her family threatened and everything at stake for the Great Pack’s future, can Stanzie trust her allies to guide them through the treacherous labyrinth of Pack politics? Excerpt Kurt took a deep breath and stared at the cots as if they haunted him. “Lalya had a dream about Chessa before she even got pregnant. Dreamed of a little girl with black braids and a pink backpack. ‘Maybe we’re on a trip,’ she said. ‘Our daughter’s sleeping in a cot in a room filled with cribs. There’s a green rug. Kurt, you’re sleeping in another cot beside her. I wonder where my cot is?’” Kurt scrubbed at his eyes as if to erase the memory. “She was sure it was a dream of the future, and since she wasn’t even pregnant yet, I knew I’d have to wait years to find out why there were only two cots. I’ve known why for five years, but this room is still a shock. The only thing I had left to anticipate. The one thing that still kept Layla a little bit alive was waiting for this room.” He sighed. “I should have known it wasn’t just a random dream, that it meant something momentous. Her dreams were like that. Once she was bonded to Ducharme, her dreams lost that haphazard quality. They all meant something. And they were tied to Ducharme’s fortunes.” His mouth twisted. My heart hurt for him. I waited for him to tell me what he’d originally wanted to tell me. This room had shocked Kurt, but I knew he would get back on track soon. He was a fighter and focused. “Before Layla killed herself, we shifted one last time together.” Kurt sat on the edge of his cot, running his hand across the blue-and-white comforter, his expression trapped somewhere between awe and desolation. “We left Chessa with Minerva, Layla’s mother, and went home to our little house on the edge of Lake Comet. It was summer, and the oak tree in the back yard was full of birds. A cicada was singing as we stripped off our clothes and shifted by the dock. She could feel one of her irrational periods coming on. She’d get this ringing in her ears. It would be soft at first, buzzing in and out, but eventually drowning out everything, and she’d slip into this catatonic state, just listening to the buzz. She said the cicada sounded a lot like what she heard inside her head. Every time I hear them now, I think of her face, slack and expressionless, and her sitting in a dark corner, listening to that song, following it deeper and deeper into the twisted labyrinth of her mind. She knew one day she’d be stuck there. She would never find her way out, and she didn’t want me to feel chained to her side. She didn’t think I’d leave her and take Chessa to safety if I knew she was sitting somewhere, locked inside her own head, and she was right. I wouldn’t have. “You know there are some of us in the Great Pack, who never go outside our bonds. There’s no one for us but our bond mate. I was like that with her, and Murphy’s like that with you, isn’t he?” “Yeah,” I whispered. “And his bond mate before me.” “Just like I’d be if I ever—” Kurt bit off the end of his sentence, rage twisting his handsome features. “You miss your wolf, don’t you?” I blurted before I could call the words back. This whole conversation was roundabout, but it all came to down to his wolf. Mark’s assumption that Kurt was going to form a triad with Murphy and me had set Kurt’s mind spinning. “We ran for three hours that afternoon.” Kurt didn’t directly acknowledge me, but I saw the raw longing in his expression. “Layla’s wolf led the way. She always did. My wolf was content to follow her. He would have followed her anywhere. He didn’t know he was going to lose her—that she was going to a place he couldn’t. We leaped into the water, sending glittering sheets of it flying up toward the blue sky, then breaking apart into shiny droplets that splashed back down into the lake. We left muddy paw prints on the shore, and we ran until my wolf couldn’t breathe and flopped into the grass, panting. Her wolf stopped because mine did, but I often wonder how much longer we could have gone on if my wolf hadn’t run out of breath. “What if we’d stayed wolf? Would the madness have taken over in that form? It was something we hadn’t considered. Something I thought of only after it was too late. Could we have taken Chessa into the forest with us, raised her as a feral, wild child?” Kurt bowed his head. I sat beside him on the cot, shoulder brushing his. I wanted to hug him, but I didn’t know if he’d let me. Kurt leaned into me for a moment, but before he spoke again, he sat straight so we wouldn’t touch. “Before we shifted, we put the gun in the boat. Under a seat cushion. It was a small boat, seated four. I was always screwing around fixing the outboard engine. “We didn’t even bother to dress. I got onboard first and held out my hand to her. She smiled at me and said, “Kurt, are you going to let me fall in again?’” He gave a short, hopeless bark of laughter. “She never let me live that one time down. The lake was choppy that day, and the boat dipped at just the wrong moment so I lost my grip on her hand. Cold too. Autumn. She sputtered at me for an hour after I fished her out and wrapped a blanket around her. Then I asked her to bond with me and she forgot to be mad.” I smiled, even though I wanted more to cry. From the sounds of her, I would have liked Layla. “But that day, when the gun was under the cushion, the lake was calm and flat as glass. She took her seat in the bow and I started the engine. For once the damn thing started first time. I drove us into the middle of the lake, so she could look back at our little house and screened-in porch in back. I moved to sit beside her and took her left hand, while she held the gun to her head with her right one. “‘Keep Chessa safe, Kurt,’ she said. ‘I love you both.’ Then she pulled the trigger.” Tears spurted down my cheeks. I tried to choke them back, but it was no use. Kurt sat ramrod stiff beside me staring at the window. “That’s going to be your cousin’s fate if I don’t take my daughter and leave. Now. Before Angelique gets here.” Kurt had kept phenomenal control of himself as he told Layla’s story, but he’d had years to come to grips with it. However, I was a mess and pressed my palms to my eyes, bent over, weeping. “At the dinner table, for one moment I pictured it, Stanzie. Me and you, and that idiot, Murphy.” He laughed a little. “Bond mates. Chessa safe. You could be her mother. Then I looked at that poor pregnant Alpha cousin of yours and thought of Layla. I can’t do it. Sometimes I think we should have brought Chessa on that boat with us and ended it together. My wolf could have gone with Layla’s, and Chessa would never have had to run.” “You really think you could have put a bullet through your own daughter’s head?” Scott’s voice startled me, and I stared as he walked into the room. How long had he been lurking in the stairwell, eavesdropping on us? Intent on the conversation, I hadn’t even heard him come back inside. Had Kurt?” I stole a look at his profile. He was still staring at the window across the room and not me or Scott. He hadn’t jerked a muscle at Scott’s voice, so I wondered if he had heard Scott and deliberately kept talking. “No,” Kurt answered. “I took the only option I had.” He swiveled his head in Scott’s direction. Scott smelled like snow and his cheeks were flushed with cold. He still had on his parka, but no boots. His socks were gray. “Just like you need to take your best option and make Faith bond with Allerton. Tell me to take Chessa and get the hell out of your territory.” “I can’t do that,” Scott said. “She’s just a little girl. She was helping the grandmothers wash the dishes when I came in. Chattering away like a little magpie. She’s starved for companionship. She needs a pack. You want to take that away from her? Make her go back out into the cold?” “She has me for companionship.” Kurt’s jaw tightened. “It’s not enough anymore, and you know that. She’s going to be a teen in a few years and what are you going to do then? You miss your wolf; she’ll ache to meet hers.” Scott’s fists were clenched by his side. “I’ve watched someone ache to meet his wolf. I can’t do that to somebody else.” “You’re being a fool, Alpha. Chessa’s not your pack. You don’t have any obligation to protect her.” Kurt’s voice was flat and dangerous. “You brought her here. She’s under my protection whether you like it or not.” “Bullshit. She’s my daughter. Your pack means nothing to me or to her.” “Well, we think you matter to us.” Scott rested his forehead against the doorjamb. “There has got to be a way out of this for both Chessa and Faith.” “No,” said Kurt. “If you don’t let us go now, Chessa bonds with Allerton. Faith gets Celine Ducharme. And you get to raise your children alone.” “Goddamn it,” Scott swore. “Stanzie, you and I make good partners. Between us we can figure this shit out, right?” “I’m scared, Scott,” I said. “You don’t know Celine Ducharme. I do. I hate that woman. She’s relentless. I don’t want Chessa to leave, but I don’t know what the hell to do.” “Not yet.” Scott smiled at me, but terror lurked in his gray eyes. “We’ll do this, partner. Between us we’ll save them both. I swear. As Alpha of Mayflower, I vow to do this thing.” Kurt pressed his lips tightly together at the traditional words. An Alpha never vowed lightly. “So be it,” he said. “I’ll help if I can. All I’m good at anymore is running away, but I can fight when cornered. I’m cracked, but I’m not broken.” “I think you’re one of the strongest bastards I’ve ever met,” Scott said grimly. “So we’re a team. And we’re going to win.” The Author - Amy Lee Burgess  Amy Lee Burgess never met a supernatural creature she didn’t love. Incensed by the injustice of the monster always dying in the end in all the books and movies she watched growing up, Amy wrote her own stories. Giving happy endings to vampires, wolf shifters, gargoyles, and witches has become her passion. When her two bossy dachshunds allow her, Amy writes from her Houston living room by trance music and candlelight. She welcomes email from her readers – especially if they want to talk about creatures who live in the shadows.
Sealed in Sin (The Vessel Trilogy, book 2)  SEALED IN SIN THE VESSEL TRILOGY, BOOK 2 GENRE: URBAN FANTASY/PARANORMAL ROMANCE PUBLISHER: SAMHAIN PUBLISHING RELEASE DATE: APRIL 21, 2015 Sin can look an awful lot like heaven. One demon prince may be festering in the bowels of the soul eater Cocytus, but Genevieve’s troubles are far from over. Prince Bamal, demon lord of New York City, still wants her. But this time, he wants her alive, to control her inherent power as a Vessel of Light. With Jude Delacroix off searching for the prophecy, Thomas—a guardian angel with sea-green eyes and an aura of winter woods—steps into the gap, offering her the power to protect herself. Yet she hesitates, for the transfer of that power comes through a kiss. While Gen’s love for Jude is true, Thomas stirs a desire where there should be none. Thomas also knows Jude’s darkest secret and plans to use it, if necessary, to win Gen for his own. While her Vessel power grows and more demon spawn creep from every dark corner of the world, one thing is certain—the Great War between the angels and demons is quickly approaching. And Gen is in a race against time to awaken her full power before the storm breaks. Warning: Contains a demon hunter with dark secrets, a sexy angel with ulterior motives, and demonic creatures running amok. Bound in Black (The Vessel Trilogy, book 3)  BOUND IN BLACK THE VESSEL TRILOGY, BOOK 2 GENRE: URBAN FANTASY/PARANORMAL ROMANCE PUBLISHER: SAMHAIN PUBLISHING RELEASE DATE: JULY 21, 2015 In the belly of the beast, strategy is useless. Genevieve Drake is on a dangerous mission to find the soul collector, Lethe, and enter the deepest, darkest level of the underworld. No one has ever returned alive from the belly of a soul collector, but she will let nothing stop her from going after the precious treasure Lethe stole from her. As she is tested against demon spawn and foul creatures of the underworld, each triumph strengthens her Vessel power—and drags her closer to a breaking point that could forever doom her to the abyss. Meanwhile, with the full prophecy hurtling toward completion, the Dominus Daemonum strategize for the day Gen will battle Prince Bamal’s Vessel to the death, when the Great War between heaven and hell will begin. But Bamal has a secret weapon. When he reveals it—and Thomas reveals his own hidden agenda—Gen may not have the strength to resist the temptation to fall into darkness, forsaking the fate of the world for her broken heart. Warning: Contains malicious demons, sinister spawn, and a vengeful heroine with plans to send them all back to burning hell. The author - Juliette Cross Juliette calls lush, moss-laden Louisiana home where the landscape curls into her imagination, creating mystical settings for her stories. She has a B.A. in creative writing from Louisiana State University, a M.Ed. in gifted education, and was privileged to study under the award-winning author Ernest J. Gaines in grad school. Her love of mythology, legends, and art serve as constant inspiration for her works. From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance—brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.
Exposed To Passion (Five Senses Series Book #3) |
| Gemma's favorite desk accessories for many years were a circular wooden token, better known as a 'round tuit,' and a slip of paper from a fortune cookie proclaiming her a lover of words; some day she'd write a book. All it took was a transfer to the United Kingdom, the lovely English springtime, and a huge dose of homesickness to write her first novel. Once it was completed and sent off with a kiss, even the rejections addressed to 'Dear Author' were gratifying. After returning to America, she spent a number of years as a copywriter, dedicating her skills to making insurance and the agents who sell them sound sexy. Eventually, her full-time job as a writer interfered with her desire to be a writer full-time and she left the world of financial products behind to pursue an avocation as a romance author. |  |
Also By Gemma Brocato:
Cooking Up Love
Hearts In Harmony
Cooking Up Love
Hearts In Harmony
Rafflecopter Giveaway!
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One Digital Copy of Exposed To Passion, One Leather Brighton London Flat Pouch, Assorted Picture Frames, $25 Amazon Gift Card, $15 Starbucks Gift Card. For one US Winner only. Prize package valued at $185.00
One Digital Copy of Exposed To Passion, One Leather Brighton London Flat Pouch, Assorted Picture Frames, $25 Amazon Gift Card, $15 Starbucks Gift Card. For one US Winner only. Prize package valued at $185.00
The Construction of a heroine...
Creating a heroine is tricky, and for a while I struggled with the heroine of In the Dark. It seems like there's a lot of pressure to produce a strong, fully capable woman. While I enjoy those type of characters, and have written several, dropping that kind of woman into my hero's life would not make him a better man in the end. So, who was she? The only vision I had of her was this perfectly normal woman with long, dark hair and a slinky black turtleneck. The two specific details did not make a heroine. She was still a mystery...as most woman are, right? I needed to know why she ended up in Paris and how she would react to the hero, and to being thrown into a city of vampires. To understand those intricacies of her thought process, I needed to know her name.
Finding Faith Names have meanings, social stigmas, expectations. A huge part of your personality is your name. You know those people that hate their names and choose another? They don't do it to disrespect their parents, but because their name doesn't fit them. When you hear the name Vivian it portrays a vivacious woman. Can you picture Vivien Leigh in Gone With The Wind? True, not everyone fits the expectation, but it's that instant impression of a name that is so important when there is no physical person standing before you, only a description from a book floating around in your head. The heroine of In the Dark? She has no choice but to trust the hero, and because of their unique situation, he must also put a great deal of trust in her. Blind trust is having faith. The true heroine of In the Dark? Faith. |  |
Faith is Everything
Faith is her hero's match, his other half. Sure, she has a stubborn streak and insists on wearing the turtleneck he hates, but her patience allows her to step back and process her circumstances realistically. She's been thrown into a unique culture, and because she has a perceptive understanding of the hero, she trusts him to guide her through what must now become her new life in an underground city of vampires. In return, the hero trusts Faith not to run away, as it could endanger the entire city.
Faith is not simply the heroine, she's the reader's window into this fantastic vampire city. If not for her human perspective, you might not easily acclimate to a society of vampires.
Faith is not simply the heroine, she's the reader's window into this fantastic vampire city. If not for her human perspective, you might not easily acclimate to a society of vampires.
Please welcome Indiana author, Kyra Jacobs. I have read Armed With Steele and Flirting With Fire, and jumped at the chance to share her book and ask her some questions that, to be honest, I want to know.
Flirting With Fire
 | Look, touch, but don’t fall in love. Massage therapist Liz Williams lives by one rule: never date a client. A rule she’s never had trouble following until she lays hands on fireman playboy Torrunn MacKay. Trouble is, Liz’s sexy new client is dating her arch-rival at work…and has a strange habit of appearing just before the fire alarm sounds. Firefighter Torrunn MacKay has got it made: killer job, downtown condo with a view, and hot blonde girlfriend with no more desire to tie the knot than he has. But the surprise attraction he feels toward his new masseuse is threatening to change all that. And what’s with the string of fires that seem to follow her everywhere? Can Liz mind her table manners and keep Torrunn at arms’ length? Will Torrunn put his commitment fears aside to keep Liz safe? More than hearts will be in jeopardy when the two start Flirting with Fire. CONTENT WARNING: Beware of darkened rooms, delicious firefighters, and desperate pyromaniacs. |
Kyra Jacobs answers some tough questions!
When you write the beginning, do you know the end?
Great question! I always think I do…then my characters drag me down a variety of paths during story development. Sometimes we end up where I thought we would, other times we end up in an even better place.
Do you have any writing quirks?
I need quiet to write. Some people can tune noise out, or type to music, but not me. Which is probably why I do most of my writing before/after the kids are in bed. ;-)
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?
As I was writing Flirting With Fire, I discovered that my main character Liz and I share a personality flaw: we’re both what I call “relational liars”—sometimes we hold back our true feelings to keep the peace. It’s a trait both Liz and I are now working to overcome…
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have four completed manuscripts. Two published romantic suspense books, one YA novel “simmering” until I can get back to it, and one contemporary romance that I’m shopping to find a publishing home for now. (In fact, you can read the first chapter of that one here: http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/manuscripts-sytycw-2014/a-change-of-plans/ ). I’ve also got two other books in the works at the moment.
My favorite? Now that’s a tough question. They each hold a special place in my heart. But I think my favorite completed novel so far is the one I’m shopping around now. It’s the first time I’ve written in 3rd person him/her, and I had a blast getting into Brent Masterson’s head.
Fly that geek flag high! What is it you're currently obsessing over in the book, tv show, or movie world?
Oh, wow, tough question. Hmm. Well, as far as TV goes, my hubby and I have gotten sucked into the Game of Thrones series on HBO. It’s terribly addictive, even though I sit with my hands over my eyes through more and more of it as the seasons go on. LOL Book and movie-wise, though, I’m going through a Cassandra Clare and the Mortal Instruments phase. I devoured those books, and love how she seems to effortlessly paint the imagery of her worlds. I’ve moved on to the Infernal Devices prequel series now, and look forward to whatever her next series will be.
What drew your focus to men in uniform?
That’s a good question, because I really don’t know. I must have some deep-buried, secret attraction to them or something. Heck, who doesn’t? ;-) Seriously, though, when my first novel (Armed With Steele) featured a local patrolman, it was truly more out of convenience to the story than anything. I needed a way for the main character, Jessica Hartley, to get to the bottom of a near-fatal accident her best friend was in. In the early drafts, I had so much fun writing the scenes between Jessica and patrolman Nate Steele that I adjusted the story to fit them better.
Then when I began toying with the next book, I knew Liz Williams was going to be a massage therapist. And I loved the image of something imminent disrupting one of her sessions, and her client having to scramble naked off the table. And what better an excuse than a fire alarm going off? So, again, a matter of convenience for fireman Torrunn MacKay’s profession.
Now that I’ve written those two stories, though, I do find myself drooling over our local men in uniform a little more often than I used to. Perhaps the books “opened my eyes” to all I was missing. ;-)
Ok, so a policeman, a fireman, and...what's next?
Would you believe a sewer worker? At least, that’s what the story might lead you to believe…
Thanks so much for having me over for a visit today, Jen!
~Kyra Jacobs
Great question! I always think I do…then my characters drag me down a variety of paths during story development. Sometimes we end up where I thought we would, other times we end up in an even better place.
Do you have any writing quirks?
I need quiet to write. Some people can tune noise out, or type to music, but not me. Which is probably why I do most of my writing before/after the kids are in bed. ;-)
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?
As I was writing Flirting With Fire, I discovered that my main character Liz and I share a personality flaw: we’re both what I call “relational liars”—sometimes we hold back our true feelings to keep the peace. It’s a trait both Liz and I are now working to overcome…
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have four completed manuscripts. Two published romantic suspense books, one YA novel “simmering” until I can get back to it, and one contemporary romance that I’m shopping to find a publishing home for now. (In fact, you can read the first chapter of that one here: http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/manuscripts-sytycw-2014/a-change-of-plans/ ). I’ve also got two other books in the works at the moment.
My favorite? Now that’s a tough question. They each hold a special place in my heart. But I think my favorite completed novel so far is the one I’m shopping around now. It’s the first time I’ve written in 3rd person him/her, and I had a blast getting into Brent Masterson’s head.
Fly that geek flag high! What is it you're currently obsessing over in the book, tv show, or movie world?
Oh, wow, tough question. Hmm. Well, as far as TV goes, my hubby and I have gotten sucked into the Game of Thrones series on HBO. It’s terribly addictive, even though I sit with my hands over my eyes through more and more of it as the seasons go on. LOL Book and movie-wise, though, I’m going through a Cassandra Clare and the Mortal Instruments phase. I devoured those books, and love how she seems to effortlessly paint the imagery of her worlds. I’ve moved on to the Infernal Devices prequel series now, and look forward to whatever her next series will be.
What drew your focus to men in uniform?
That’s a good question, because I really don’t know. I must have some deep-buried, secret attraction to them or something. Heck, who doesn’t? ;-) Seriously, though, when my first novel (Armed With Steele) featured a local patrolman, it was truly more out of convenience to the story than anything. I needed a way for the main character, Jessica Hartley, to get to the bottom of a near-fatal accident her best friend was in. In the early drafts, I had so much fun writing the scenes between Jessica and patrolman Nate Steele that I adjusted the story to fit them better.
Then when I began toying with the next book, I knew Liz Williams was going to be a massage therapist. And I loved the image of something imminent disrupting one of her sessions, and her client having to scramble naked off the table. And what better an excuse than a fire alarm going off? So, again, a matter of convenience for fireman Torrunn MacKay’s profession.
Now that I’ve written those two stories, though, I do find myself drooling over our local men in uniform a little more often than I used to. Perhaps the books “opened my eyes” to all I was missing. ;-)
Ok, so a policeman, a fireman, and...what's next?
Would you believe a sewer worker? At least, that’s what the story might lead you to believe…
Thanks so much for having me over for a visit today, Jen!
~Kyra Jacobs
All about Kyra Jacobs and where to find her!
| Kyra Jacobs is an extroverted introvert who writes of love and mystery in the Midwest. When this Hoosier native is not pounding out scenes for her next book, she's likely outside, elbow-deep in snapdragons or spending quality time with her sports-loving family. Kyra also loves golf, Guitar Hero, and thinking through plot twists while out on a good run. Be sure to stop by her website www.KyraJacobs.wordpress.com for links to connect with her on social media. Kyra lives in northern Indiana with her husband and two children. |  |
A vampire hero?
The vampire is a creature people have claimed to see in various forms in several countries and throughout history as early as the 16th century. The Transylvanian vampire is said to have eyebrows that meet. The Bulgarian vampire has only one nostril, and the Mexican vampire a fleshless skull. The Russian vampire has a purple face. The Brazilian type had plush covered feet. Supposedly, many could turn into bats or wolves. How can I shape a hero from these vastly different descriptions? Easy. He could be or do anything I could dream up. The possibilities were endless.
The vampire is a creature people have claimed to see in various forms in several countries and throughout history as early as the 16th century. The Transylvanian vampire is said to have eyebrows that meet. The Bulgarian vampire has only one nostril, and the Mexican vampire a fleshless skull. The Russian vampire has a purple face. The Brazilian type had plush covered feet. Supposedly, many could turn into bats or wolves. How can I shape a hero from these vastly different descriptions? Easy. He could be or do anything I could dream up. The possibilities were endless.
My Take?
Somewhere in the myth is an ounce of truth. Most vampire stories have two core similarities: the creatures only leave their haunts at night and they feast on human blood. Keeping the foundation, the history of this species began to take form. These vampires hide from a world that doesn't understand them, and the sun which could easily destroy them. They live in Balinese, an underground city of vampires. The hero of In the Dark? A knight in shining armor. Okay, no armor, but he does have a sword. And a gun.
Somewhere in the myth is an ounce of truth. Most vampire stories have two core similarities: the creatures only leave their haunts at night and they feast on human blood. Keeping the foundation, the history of this species began to take form. These vampires hide from a world that doesn't understand them, and the sun which could easily destroy them. They live in Balinese, an underground city of vampires. The hero of In the Dark? A knight in shining armor. Okay, no armor, but he does have a sword. And a gun.
Soren
Combine a vampire and a knight, and you get Soren Rayner. He's a Guardian, and a protector of his people. A good guy with a clear sense of right and wrong... according to his culture, not yours. Soren doesn't make mistakes. Mistakes cost lives, and that is not a path he's willing to go down again. But when a human woman cries out for help, his years of rigid training and his dedication to helping those in need, led him right into one giant mistake. She recognized him as vampire, leaving him with only two options. Keep her or kill her.
P.S. Yes, I know. Don't hate. I was a teen in the era of Buffy. He's the first image that comes to mind when I think vampire and cop all in one. It simply can't be helped, and I'm not complaining.
Jen Colly
Combine a vampire and a knight, and you get Soren Rayner. He's a Guardian, and a protector of his people. A good guy with a clear sense of right and wrong... according to his culture, not yours. Soren doesn't make mistakes. Mistakes cost lives, and that is not a path he's willing to go down again. But when a human woman cries out for help, his years of rigid training and his dedication to helping those in need, led him right into one giant mistake. She recognized him as vampire, leaving him with only two options. Keep her or kill her.
P.S. Yes, I know. Don't hate. I was a teen in the era of Buffy. He's the first image that comes to mind when I think vampire and cop all in one. It simply can't be helped, and I'm not complaining.
Jen Colly
Which cities? Below what?
I see I've got some explaining to do, so let's talk vampires. What if vampires are real? Not were real in the past, but are real today. I certainly haven't seen any. So where are they? Simple. They live out of sight, in underground cities. Several such cities are scattered throughout Europe, but France holds the largest population with two cities in the north, one in Paris, and another farther south. The chateau to the left marks the entrance to Balinese, the largest vampire city in Europe.
I see I've got some explaining to do, so let's talk vampires. What if vampires are real? Not were real in the past, but are real today. I certainly haven't seen any. So where are they? Simple. They live out of sight, in underground cities. Several such cities are scattered throughout Europe, but France holds the largest population with two cities in the north, one in Paris, and another farther south. The chateau to the left marks the entrance to Balinese, the largest vampire city in Europe.
Easy to find, right?
Perhaps. The old chateau sits in the countryside of northern France. A road passes by a good distance away, clipping the edge of the forest to its south. To the average eye, the chateau seems abandoned, which is just as well. Unless you're a vampire, you'll never get inside. The gate is guarded. Now, should you be a vampire, you're welcome inside. The dank corridors beneath the ground level are further degraded than the chateau above. Crumbling walls, debris covered floors, and low arches stretch on and on. These are the perimeter corridors, designed to deter any unwanted guests. Ready to turn back yet?
Perhaps. The old chateau sits in the countryside of northern France. A road passes by a good distance away, clipping the edge of the forest to its south. To the average eye, the chateau seems abandoned, which is just as well. Unless you're a vampire, you'll never get inside. The gate is guarded. Now, should you be a vampire, you're welcome inside. The dank corridors beneath the ground level are further degraded than the chateau above. Crumbling walls, debris covered floors, and low arches stretch on and on. These are the perimeter corridors, designed to deter any unwanted guests. Ready to turn back yet?
Balinese.
The interior heart of the city? A palace fit for a king. Originally built in the early 16th century, Balinese has grown immensely over the years. To your left is the foyer outside of the dining hall, a shining example of their intentions to stay right where they are, in the city they love. Balinese is a fully functioning society, not much different from the humans above. Each vampire city has its own stable government, and laws specific to that city's particular needs. Laws are enforced by Guardians. Should you, as a human, enter one of these cities on your own accord, the last sight you'll see is a Guardian's sword in your chest. You've been warned.
Jen Colly
Welcome…well, me. What better way to get to know me than to let you ask me the questions?
I recently gave a shout out to my facebook crew, and they’re looking for some answers. Here goes…
When did you first realize that writing was what you wanted to do? (From Brenda C.)
I’d honestly finished In the Dark just for myself, but when my hubby encouraged me to submit my story, I was hooked.
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book? (From Amy K.)
It’s difficult because I don’t see them as anyone other than who they are. The closest for Faith would probably be Michelle Monaghan, so long as she portrays a sweet, strong, grown woman. Soren? Well, he’s a vampire, and he’s also his species version of a cop. How could he be anyone other than David Boreanaz?
Were you good at English? (from Amy K.)
Not at all! I got decent grades, but had no interest in the subject, and therefore never put forth a true effort.
How much research do you do? (From Amy K.)
I did do some research to know where vampire lore was the most saturated, but other than that, not much. The world my characters live in, for the most part, is within an underground city. It’s all in my head, and impossible to research.
I recently gave a shout out to my facebook crew, and they’re looking for some answers. Here goes…
When did you first realize that writing was what you wanted to do? (From Brenda C.)
I’d honestly finished In the Dark just for myself, but when my hubby encouraged me to submit my story, I was hooked.
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book? (From Amy K.)
It’s difficult because I don’t see them as anyone other than who they are. The closest for Faith would probably be Michelle Monaghan, so long as she portrays a sweet, strong, grown woman. Soren? Well, he’s a vampire, and he’s also his species version of a cop. How could he be anyone other than David Boreanaz?
Were you good at English? (from Amy K.)
Not at all! I got decent grades, but had no interest in the subject, and therefore never put forth a true effort.
How much research do you do? (From Amy K.)
I did do some research to know where vampire lore was the most saturated, but other than that, not much. The world my characters live in, for the most part, is within an underground city. It’s all in my head, and impossible to research.
Did someone or something inspire you to write? (From Brenda C.)
I was part of an online book club and someone started a thread called ‘pick a picture and write a scene’. I had no interest in participating because, well, I didn’t write. At all. With some gentle prodding, my book club friends encouraged me to give it a shot.
So Ms. Colly, how did you get the idea for your books? (From Sigrun O.)
The initial idea for this series was a complete accident. I’d picked my picture (same picture from the above question), and wanted badly to write about a pirate. I love pirates, but I couldn’t get a word out, until I realized the guy in the picture was not a pirate. He was a vampire. Once I’d figured that out, the story snowballed. From there, the many people that my vampire came in contact with all had their own path, and wanted their voices heard.
Do you worry people who read your books in decades to come won't understand your references to movies or shows ? (from Amy K.)
I hadn’t thought about it before. I did reference Peaches & Cream Barbie, and for those old enough to remember, they get an insta-image. Yes, I just gave away my age. Generations to come will recognize Barbie, but not the specific reference. Further down the road? Who knows? I don't usually understand the references thrown around today!
What do you think of 'book trailers'? (From Amy K.)
The concept is good, and I understand the marketing aspect, but I haven’t seen a good book trailer yet. If you’ve watched a decent one, send it my way. Seriously.
I was part of an online book club and someone started a thread called ‘pick a picture and write a scene’. I had no interest in participating because, well, I didn’t write. At all. With some gentle prodding, my book club friends encouraged me to give it a shot.
So Ms. Colly, how did you get the idea for your books? (From Sigrun O.)
The initial idea for this series was a complete accident. I’d picked my picture (same picture from the above question), and wanted badly to write about a pirate. I love pirates, but I couldn’t get a word out, until I realized the guy in the picture was not a pirate. He was a vampire. Once I’d figured that out, the story snowballed. From there, the many people that my vampire came in contact with all had their own path, and wanted their voices heard.
Do you worry people who read your books in decades to come won't understand your references to movies or shows ? (from Amy K.)
I hadn’t thought about it before. I did reference Peaches & Cream Barbie, and for those old enough to remember, they get an insta-image. Yes, I just gave away my age. Generations to come will recognize Barbie, but not the specific reference. Further down the road? Who knows? I don't usually understand the references thrown around today!
What do you think of 'book trailers'? (From Amy K.)
The concept is good, and I understand the marketing aspect, but I haven’t seen a good book trailer yet. If you’ve watched a decent one, send it my way. Seriously.
What was your first romance novel? Did it change you as a reader? (From Jenn B)
Wow, that’s digging back some years. I don’t remember the exact first one, only that mom hid a handful of Zebra romances under the bed. The only one I remember impacting me was The Pirate’s Captive by Dana Ransom. A pirate with a secret identity plotting revenge on the fiancé of the woman he loves? That is my kind of story. After that, I was always waiting for other books to live up to the complexity of this story. It made me a picky reader.
Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser? (From Jenn B.)
For those who don’t know the terms, plotter is exactly what you'd expect. An author creates an outline and basically follows the directions. A pantser is someone who writes by the seat of their pants, starting at the beginning and going straight on through to the end. Whatever happens happens. I’ve found over the years that I’m neither. I’m more of a quilter. When I dig into a story with the intent to finish, I already have over a dozen awesome quilt squares, or scenes. I read through them all, place them in sequence order, then sew them together as I fill in the gaps. I rarely have a beginning or an end planned out when I kick things off. Weird, right?
Any tattooed, badass women? (from Amy K.)
A couple heroines down the road do have tattoos. Baddass women? Only a few. In the world I’ve created, women do not take part in any sword swinging, gun toting, or law enforcement in general. I have to gradually introduce you to the ground-breakers so you can watch their world change. ;)
Ladies, you had some great questions! Thanks so much for participating.
Jen Colly
I recently took the time to interview an avid reader. Why, you ask? Because perspective is a beautiful thing.
What draws you to a book? Spiffy cover? Back of the book blurb? Certain genre?
When I look for books online, I hunt for reviews of a 4+ star. I do look for certain genres like adventure, paranormal, or romance. Typically, if I'm in the mood for a certain type of reading material, I search it out.
Is there a genre you'd like to see more of?
More sci-fi romances, please! I love science fiction and it seems like there are a few steampunk books that are just okay but not really well done. Fluff romance, flirting, and sex are a given, but I'd like to see more with technology and wit.
Biggest heroine pet peeve?
The woman that, even if she's a virgin, claims to be oblivious to everything. Come on. You can still be a virgin and know how sex works, especially in modern stories. How can one live under a rock for so long and be in your mid twenties?
Hero pet peeve?
Men do not always have to be ripped with muscles. Men can be so attractive intellectually that it's more of a turn on than rock hard abs. A man with a regular build and intense intelligence would be nice.
Do you have an all time favorite hero?
I really do. Wulfgar of Normandy. He's a favorite because he didn't understand women right away. He had to learn her. Had to ask help for how to woo her. He was humble enough to realize he didn't know everything. They grew together.
What draws you to a book? Spiffy cover? Back of the book blurb? Certain genre?
When I look for books online, I hunt for reviews of a 4+ star. I do look for certain genres like adventure, paranormal, or romance. Typically, if I'm in the mood for a certain type of reading material, I search it out.
Is there a genre you'd like to see more of?
More sci-fi romances, please! I love science fiction and it seems like there are a few steampunk books that are just okay but not really well done. Fluff romance, flirting, and sex are a given, but I'd like to see more with technology and wit.
Biggest heroine pet peeve?
The woman that, even if she's a virgin, claims to be oblivious to everything. Come on. You can still be a virgin and know how sex works, especially in modern stories. How can one live under a rock for so long and be in your mid twenties?
Hero pet peeve?
Men do not always have to be ripped with muscles. Men can be so attractive intellectually that it's more of a turn on than rock hard abs. A man with a regular build and intense intelligence would be nice.
Do you have an all time favorite hero?
I really do. Wulfgar of Normandy. He's a favorite because he didn't understand women right away. He had to learn her. Had to ask help for how to woo her. He was humble enough to realize he didn't know everything. They grew together.
All time favorite heroine?
Jane Eyre, but close calls are Hester Prynne, Hermione Granger, Eowyn, Janie Crawford, and Lisbeth Salander.
What's that book you can read again and again, and still fall in love with the story?
On the Decay of the Art of Lying by Mark Twain.
Loving the techno kindle/nook, or crave those pages in your hand?
Both. The e-readers are great for me because I’m a mother of three. Sometimes I just don't have hands for holding and flipping pages. I turn the 'text-to-speech' on so the book gets read to me as i cook or clean or do dishes. For pure relaxation and for books I want added to my personal library, I want pages. I want pages wrapped in beautiful bindings.
Fly that geek flag high! What is it you're currently obsessing over in the book, tv show, or movie world?
Can't put down Crime and Punishment right now. Movie world would be Austenland. I could watch that over and over again and still laugh! My current TV show addiction is Continuum. Time traveling female cop. How much better can it get? :)
Your reading diversity in genres, old and new, is so awesome to see! Thanks Amy K. for visiting us today.
Jane Eyre, but close calls are Hester Prynne, Hermione Granger, Eowyn, Janie Crawford, and Lisbeth Salander.
What's that book you can read again and again, and still fall in love with the story?
On the Decay of the Art of Lying by Mark Twain.
Loving the techno kindle/nook, or crave those pages in your hand?
Both. The e-readers are great for me because I’m a mother of three. Sometimes I just don't have hands for holding and flipping pages. I turn the 'text-to-speech' on so the book gets read to me as i cook or clean or do dishes. For pure relaxation and for books I want added to my personal library, I want pages. I want pages wrapped in beautiful bindings.
Fly that geek flag high! What is it you're currently obsessing over in the book, tv show, or movie world?
Can't put down Crime and Punishment right now. Movie world would be Austenland. I could watch that over and over again and still laugh! My current TV show addiction is Continuum. Time traveling female cop. How much better can it get? :)
Your reading diversity in genres, old and new, is so awesome to see! Thanks Amy K. for visiting us today.
Author
Jen Colly is the author of the paranormal romance series: The Cities Below.
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