Winner Wednesday and Werewolf Reading

Happy Winner Wednesday!

So I have two winners for the Vampire Taxonomy Giveaway....da da duh da....

Daelith and pixie13

Congrats, I hope you enjoy your copy of Vampire Taxonomy!

Onto other things.

I am in a werewolf state of mind. All the books in my reading and next to be read pile are werewolf books right now. I am loving Michele Hauf's Moon Kissed (Silhouette Nocturne) . Severo is so rough around the edges it is endearing. I can't wait to finish this book.

But I keep getting distracted by the anthology Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (getting ready for the 25 Paranormal Days of Christmas Event). The first story by Charlaine Harris really made me want to start reading the Sookie Stackhouse books (yeah, yeah, I know, I just have not got to them yet). Anyway the whole book is full of nothing but werewolf tales set during Christmas. So far this collection is fabulous!

You know, some people don't like short story collections because they don't give enough story to really sink your teeth into. Me personally, I love bite size tidbits I can read in one sitting and feel satisfied because I got my reading fix for the night. Plus I love being introduced to an author's style and voice, like Charlaine Harris. I've only read one other short story by her and her humor is...wickedly awesome. The story in this book actually featured Sookie and made me really, really want to delve into her stories now. I am hoping some of the other authors in this collection will leave me feeling the same way about them.

The book that is next on my to-read list is Wild Instinct by Sarah McCarty the second book in her werewolf Wild series.

I read the first, Running Wild, and wow, hot, hot, hot. There's even one of my quotes on the book jacket, too bad it doesn't say my name, just says Lucrezia Magazine which is where the review appeared (BTW I still review for them, have a new review up of Endangered there). Anyway I am dying to read Wild Instincts, so once these other two are done it is next.

So these furry fantasies are warming my cold nights right now. I love my vampires but on cold nights...a little fur is a real good (and warm) thing. :-p

Judi Fennell Guest Blog and Giveaway

Thanks so much for asking me to come on to talk about the second book in my Mer series. One of the first questions I always get when I tell people I write about mermen and mermaids invariably has to do with how they “do it.” Funny how a story of romance, of myths and legends come to life, of Atlantis and Greek gods, of adventure, betrayal, and treasure, comes down to sex.

Before In Over Her Head was released I used to say, “You'll have to read the book to find out,” but now that it's out, it’s no big deal to say that, in my story, the characters have legs when they make love. Other authors have written about mermaids/men who don't shift to their human form, but in my world they do. At least, when they make love with Humans. With other Mers? Well, I haven’t gone there. Yet. But you never know what’ll happen.

But in Wild Blue Under, the question does come up because Rod and Valerie are racing toward the coast, dodging peregrine dive-bombers, and avoiding the fish falling from the sky from a vindictive albatross, and have to deal with the tag-along Chief of Air Security, a seagull named Livingston, so the last thing they have time for is a night of passion. Well, okay, maybe they do have the time, but there’s the rain and the accident, and, well, I’m not going to give it away. But as they race toward the coast, Rod knows he's going to jump in the ocean with Val and they’ll both get their tails—so when/how do they “do it”?

In the contemporary romances I’ve written, getting two humans in bed realistically and believably within the context of the story can be tough at times. Add in the aspect of my Mers needing to have legs, and it’s one more element to figure into the plot. When/how will they get those legs, how will the other character react (seriously—what would you do if the guy you were all hot and bothered about suddenly got a tail?) With human characters on the run from the bad guys, you can toss them in a safe house, and adrenaline/life-and-death excitement can contribute to “the moment” (not to mention the fact that we all know these two are going to end up together so get them in bed already!). But when you’ve got “other-worldly” beings, it’s one more piece of the puzzle.

Even though I write paranormal, I like to ground my world-building in as much reality as possible so that it's not such a leap of faith to believe that there’s a whole city under Bermuda, or a whole other world under the sea. So that when you meet Angel when she’s chatting with her father, the High Councilman of Atlantis, you see that she’s just a daughter concerned for her father who just so happens to have a tail and live underwater. That Rod is dealing with having legs so he can fulfill his destiny and claim his throne, and that the birds flying overhead and dropping bombs to stop him from attaining his goal are paid thugs. So that when Rod and Valerie do finally get intimate, you’re not concerned so much about the tail as the feelings they have for each other.

So, how do Rod and Val make love? Do they have tails? Legs? Are they in the water? Out of it? On top of it?

You know, I get a perverse sort of pleasure in saying, “Neener, neener, you have to read the book to find out.”

But I will give you a teaser:

“Valerie.”

Rod’s voice sounded so close. So soft and deep and warm…

“Valerie, open your eyes.”

Something nudged her nose, and she exhaled before blinking into wispy gray dawn.

Yes, very close. His eyes were right there, mossy green with the tiniest lines at the sides as they smiled at her. Hmmm, smiling eyes. So nice to wake up to. “Rod? You’re okay?”

“Okay? That depends on what you mean by okay.” He slid his cheek against hers, and she shivered as his breath tickled the hollow beneath her ear. “How are you?”

“Hmmm?” Her eyes closed and she shifted in his arms, her fingertips feeling the smooth, hard warmth of his chest. “I’m…”

Wait a minute.

Her eyes flew open. “What—? Why are you—? What are we—?”

Oh, God, she was naked all over Rod.

Ohgodohgodohgodohgod… What was wrong with her? Where was her self-respect? Her pride? Her sense of self-preservation?

Her pajamas?

She scrambled off his thigh (oh, man, she had literally been all over him), clambering to get off the bed and cover herself and preserve some semblance of dignity.

One scooch and she landed on her backside on the threadbare carpet, her legs still trapped on the edge of the bed.

So much for dignity.

© Judi Fennell, Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2009

I will tell you that Rod and Val are in a motel room, and if you'd like the chance to act out this scene—and feel fee to take it to its natural conclusion with someone special LOL—enter my contest to win one of two remaining romantic beach getaway weekends. One is at the Atlantis Inn B&B in Ocean City, NJ (www.AtlantisInn.com) and the drawing will be held November 30. The other is at the Hibiscus House B&B in West Palm Beach, FL (www.HibiscusHouse.com), drawing held on February 28, 2010 to celebrate the release of Catch of a Lifetime.

WILD BLUE UNDER—book 2 in the Mer Series—in stores November 2009!

The underwater kingdom is his as soon as he claims his queen…

Rod Tritone has the looks and charm to snag any queen he wants for his Mer kingdom, but unfortunately, it's not up to him. As fate would have it, the one woman destined to rule with him is terrified of water…

She lives in land-locked Kansas and has no idea she's a princess…

Valerie Dumere thinks Rod is gorgeous and irresistible—but why does he keep insisting she has another side to herself that only he can show her?

Somehow, Rod has to prove to her who she really is. But when she finds out the truth, will she ever forgive him?

About the Author

Judi Fennell is an award-winning author. Her romance novels have been finalists in Gather.com's First Chapters and First Chapters Romance contests, as well as the third American Title contest. She spends family vacations at the Jersey Shore, the setting for some of her paranormal romance series. She lives in suburban Philadelphia, PA.

Want to win a free copy of In Over Her Head and Wild Blue Under ?

1 Free Set of Books Up for Grabs

Just leave a comment on this post.

Open to residents of US and Canada.

Get extra entries for reposting and tweeting about this contest.

Please include email address in comments.

Monday Musings: November 9, 2009

(awesome badge thanks to Marta Acosta at Vampire Wire)

So I've been sick all weekend. What a waste because it was so beautiful outside yet I couldn't get past the bed and the sofa to enjoy any of it.

I am still feeling like death warmed over but that's a huge improvement over how I was feeling all weekend.

I would like to apologize to all my contest winners because I have not mailed out your prizes yet due to my kids then me getting sick.

I will try to make it to the post office today.

Most of the weekend is a blur of fuzzy headedness. I kept trying to do things but would end up dizzy or just staring blankly into space. I finally gave up.

So not much to talk about as far as the weekend goes.

However I do have a few announcements to get out before I forget them.

My Halloween story "A Halloween to Remember" will be published through Excessica Publishing in September 2010.

I have three stories to be published January 18, 2010 in the BetterSex.com Fiction contest when the links are up I'll be sending you all over there to read the stories and vote on your favorite

And last but not least in personal news, I have a very steamy story up at Mainstream Erotica this month along with my regular book and product reviews.

Drop by and read them for free, Mainstream Erotica is now a free site. My story is Naughty Little Forest Nymph.

While you are there please also check out my review of the new Natural Astroglide and my book review of Cathryn Fox's Instinctive

And my porn movie review of Dark Angels 2: Bloodline (yes this is a vampire flick)

So onto Fang-tastic News:

Judi Fennell will be guest blogging with us tomorrow, Tuesday Nov 10 and Jean Roberta will be with us on Thursday Nov 12 and Friday I have a fun Friday the 13th Giveaway, Lenore Noogies by Roman Dirge.

And please spread the word I am still looking for authors to join me for my 25 Paranormal Days of Christmas event here at Fang-tastic Books and 25 Naughty Days of Christmas Event at Roxanne's Realm.

Anyone interested please contact me at eroticroxanne @ yahoo. com

Today is the Last Day to Enter the Under the Mistletoe Writing Contest

Today is the dealine to enter the Under the Mistletoe Writing Contest sponsored by NightOwlRomance.com.

I just entered my kiss scene. I'm not sure when it will be live but once voting starts I hope you'll all drop by and read it.

Want details on how to enter?

* Free To Enter - 400 Word Max - Romance Novel Kiss Scene - those submissions that are over 400 words will be cut down to meet our requirements*

* There Is Only Space For Up To 50 Entries.

*1 Entry Only Per Person. If we have less than 20 entries we will just do one round of voting.

* Published and Aspiring Authors Can Enter

* Entrants Need To Promote The Contest To Readers & We Will Promote The Contest As Well

* First Round Voting Will Start 11/12/2009 and end 11/30/2009 (The top 10 Entries will go onto the finals)- Readers Will Vote.

* The Finals will start 12/3/2009 and end 12/20/2009- Readers Will Vote.There will be 3 Main Prizes!!!

* First Place - ($50 Cash or $70 in NOR Promotion Credit)

* Second Place - ($30 Cash or $50 in NOR Promotion Credit)

* Third Place - ($20 Cash or $30 in NOR Promotion Credit)

* Cash paid out by check

* You need to be 18 or older to enter.

* Entries Must Be In By 11/08/2009. When we hit 50 no more will be added.

To enter visit http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/contests/authorcontests.aspx

Free Book Friday Vampire Taxonomy by Meredith Woerner

Now that millions have read and seen Twilight, where do they turn for vampire advice?

This wry, witty, fully illustrated, and bloody essential guide. Vampires are all around-books, movies, TV, comics- infiltrating our culture like never before. But what happens if one should run into a real vamp on the street?

Vampire Taxonomy is the best defense against a fatal encounter in the dark.

For the reader's protection, Meredith Woerner reveals the truth about:

•Sunlight sensitivity-Do vamps venture out in the day or stick solely to the evening hours?

•Physiology-When ready to feed, do they change appearance or simply lure with the seductive flash of a fang?

•Dress-Are they decked out in leather with aspirations of becoming the first vampire rock stars or do they cling to Gothic robes and ruffled collars?

•Diet-Are they waging a never-ending struggle against the temptation of human blood or do they view the world as their personal blood buffet?

Want to win a copy of Vampire Taxonomy?

I have two copies up for grabs, US shipping only please. Just leave a comment with your email address to be entered. Get extra entries for linking to this contest elsewhere.

Author Meredith Woerner started her search for vampires while pulling night shifts as a "copy kid" at the New York Post. Combining her supernatural know-how with a pulp pop awareness, she now writes daily about all the things that go bump in the night at Gawker's sci-fi blog, io9.com.

Caridad Pineiro and Her New Book: Sins of the Flesh

At this time of year, we’re all busying delighting in things that go bump in the night. Vampires, ghosts and other monsters knock on our doors or fill our television screens and we love being scared! Monsters are scary after all and horror stories are loaded with frightening things to raise our hackles and send shivers down our spines.

The best part of it – we know it’s all make-believe and that no matter what, we’ll be safe.
It’s why we love paranormals.

But what if the paranormal becomes something that’s not make-believe? What if that scary thing that goes bump in the night is possible? What if humans become scarier than monsters?
I had fun with those possibilities in my latest novel, SINS OF THE FLESH, when I decided to explore paranormal things that could actually be real.

I’m sure you’ve been hearing a lot in the press and on television about genetically modified organisms. Some of them are in our grocery stores in the form of tomatoes that ripen earlier or corn that lasts longer. What would happen if someone decided to genetically modify a human to give them desirable traits? Someone stronger, faster or in this case, able to change skin tones.
A little unrealistic?

Did you know that scientists have genetically engineered a number of different animals so that they have glowing skin? Cats, mice and even fish that you can buy at your local department store that all have been modified so that they glow under certain light. If you drop by my blog, you can see a video of a glow in the dark cat (http://www.caridad.com/2009/09/30/science-fact-and-fiction-in-sins-of-the-flesh/).

What about scientists and what they should and shouldn’t do? Think about Dr. Frankenstein and his monster. Totally fiction when Mary Shelley wrote FRANKENSTEIN but advances in science now allow transplants of all kinds, from complete faces to necessary organs, a la Dr. Frankenstein.

I guess that’s one of the things I love best about the paranormal genre – it’s so flexible. From the safety of monsters like vampires and werewolves to the slightly scarier possibility of real life monsters created by humans, the paranormal genre lets writers explore all those different facets in new and interesting ways. Ways that keep our hearts racing and the pages turning.

I hope you’ll keep checking out what’s happening with paranormals and all the fascinating facets the genre is bringing to the fiction world.

Sins of the Flesh Blurb:

Caterina Shaw’s days are numbered. Her only chance for survival is a highly experimental gene treatment – a risk she willingly takes. But now Caterina barely recognizes herself. She has new, terrifying powers, an exotic, arresting body — and she’s been accused of a savage murder, sending her on the run.

Mick Carrera is a mercenary and an expert at capturing elusive, clever prey. Yet the woman he’s hunting down is far from the vicious killer he’s been told to expect: Caterina is wounded, vulnerable, and a startling mystery of medical science. Even more, she’s a beautiful woman whose innocent sensuality tempts Mick to show her exactly how thrilling pleasure can be. The heat that builds between them is irresistible, but surrendering to it could kill them both . . . for a dangerous group is plotting its next move using Caterina as its deadly pawn.

Want to Know More?

Read an Excerpt here: http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2009/10/20/sins-of-the-flesh-virtual-book-tour-november-09/

For Behind the Scenes blogs where readers can find out about the places where the book is set, you can go to: http://www.caridad.com/books/paranormal/sins-of-the-flesh/

Want to Win a Copy ?

Leave a comment on this post for your chance to win a

copy of Sins of the Flesh.

US shipping only please.

Winner Wednesday: November 4, 2009

Not much to announce today just wrapping up a few loose ends and announcing my Write at Home Mom winner of a pdf copy of Eternal Desire: Mitz.

Mary Donev's winner was Deirdre Durance she won a copy of The Ghost Hunter and the Ghost of the Amazon Warrior and Mary will ship it to her as soon as D. sends her mailing address to Mary

I had a winner from the Dark Diva Reviews Sexy Halloween Scavenger Hunt which I participated in. Tracey aka booklover0226 wins pdf copies of my books: Eternal Desire and Torrid Teasers Volume 59

And out of all the winners from all the contests only one has not responded: starryann has not sent me an address so her Hachette Prize Pack can be mailed out.

Congrats to all the winners. More coming next week.

Interview with Charisma Knight

Thank you for giving me this opportunity, I appreciate everything.

RR: Have you always wanted to be a writer or is it something you discovered along the path of life?

CK: As a young child, I possessed a desire to write, creating a story with talking dogs, which my aunt praised me for, saying it was a very creative read. It was simply something I created about the four dogs that were pets of my grandparent's neighbors. They used to terrorize myself and my cousins whenever we played outside at our grandparents' house.

RR: How has your writing path evolved? Where did you start?

CK: I started freelance writing in July 2008 after an operation. I had plenty of time on my hands, and incorporated writing web content for clients into my part time virtual assistant business. I also wrote two articles for two online magazines.


RR: So why erotica? What made you decide to pen erotic tales?

CK: As a teenager, my love for romance novels often left me curious as to what happened between the heroine and hero. Naturally, my dirty little mind took over and I fantasized about what actually occurred behind closed doors. ; ) Also, I enjoy reading erotica! Every book I've read has inspired me in a certain way.

RR: Are you a long time paranormal fan or new to the "Other" world?

CK: I'm a paranormal fan from way back. I've always enjoyed werewolves, vampires, and ghost stories, anything that goes "bump" in the night. I love zombie movies as well, and have often contemplated penning an erotic zombie story. LOL

RR: Tell us a little more about your paranormal stories.

CK: Sometimes I write stories with a plot, sometimes not. My paranormal stories are about dark, brooding vampires, vampires with a sense of humor, spirits, and werewolves seeking out their lost soul mates across oceans of time. I enjoy penning erotic tales where the heroine finds herself almost helpless against the powerful, dark seduction of her hero. Eventually, these heroes are brought to their knees by the heroine, forcing them to show their tender sides. I love strong alpha heroes who have the ability to reveal their sensitive sides.

Some of my stories present themselves in the form of dreams, or visions while meditating. Others are inspired by observing people, and how they would react to particular situations. I have a few WIPs that have been inspired through stories I listened to as a child from family members, some dating back to slavery times. Sometimes these stories did not have Happily Ever Afters. In my versions they do.

In some of my stories, my heroes and heroines are cursed for unspeakable acts committed in previous lives, often preventing them from discovering true love. They walk the earth for centuries seeking redemption, love, and peace of mind while others are "old souls" reincarnated many times over. Tired of living and forced to fulfill a certain destiny they neglected in previous lives, they cannot find peace until that destiny is fulfilled. Ultimately, they somehow find the strength to carry on.

RR: How did the idea for your newest book/series come about?

CK: As a child, my great aunts spun tales of forbidden interracial love in 18th century New Orleans. These were stories told to them as young women by matriarchs of our family on my grandmother's side. I have never been to New Orleans, however, we had family there at one point in time.


RR: Tell us about your upcoming books.

CK: "Soul Seduction" will be released through Eirelander Publishing in March 2010.
Angelus Cronen is a 260 year old vampire seeking his soul mate, Vivienne, who has been reincarnated in present day Maryland. Upon sensing her soul, he also discovers her chosen profession as a high end escort. Angelus is torn between love and hate, but ultimately keeps his cool. : )

Below is a blurb for Soul Seduction:

Patience is a virtue—especially if you’re waiting for your soul mate’s rebirth.

Vampire Angelus Cronen loved, lusted for and inevitably lost his true soul mate over two centuries ago. She was the beautiful slave, Vivienne, who set his body on fire and branded her name on his soul. He was told to have patience during the long years that separated him from her resurrection. His lust only grew to have her in his arms again. His dark soul deepest desire was to bring her spirit once more under his control.

First he has to conquer the dark side of his spirit, the beast within who can and will destroy his soul mate with the least provocation.

Seduction can lead him to a love meant to last eternity or cause him to murder her.

Also make sure to check out Her Dark Desires which will be available from Sugar and Spice Press November 21st

You can visit Charisma at one of the sites listed below:

http://charismaknight.webs.com/

http://www.bebo.com/CharismaK55

http://charismaknight.blogspot.com/

http://www.eirelander-publishing.com/

http://twitter.com/CharismaKnight

http://myspace.com/CharismaKnight

http://www.authorsden.com/charismaknight

http://www.writerface.com/profile/CharismaKnight

Monday Musings : November 2, 2009

(me and hubby at The Vampire Ball)

First of all I am announcing the winners that did not get announced on Halloween:

Heidi S. was the winner of the VampBash at VampChix prize pack featuring a print copy of Eternal Desire and a Fang-tastic Books tote bag.

And Elie was the winner of a Fang-tastic Books T-shirt and Eternal Desire pdf from my guest post at the NightOwlRomance blog

The winner of Dhampir Passions was Morning Glow

Tilly Greene's winner was cait045

Cornelia Amiri winners are s7ana is the winner of Queen of Kings. Morning Glow is the winner of A Fine Cauldron of Fish. Ina is the winner of Druid Quest.

So onto the Monday Musings...

How is everyone faring after all the Halloween hoopla? Or Samhain festivities?

Coming down from a sugar high anyone? Maybe still suffering from a hangover?

I am just tired. Glad to be done with some things but sad to see Halloween go. Mainly because that means now it is going to be cold, cold, cold. And the nastiest of all four letters words (snow) could be just around the corner.

That also means the holidays are coming. Make sure to check out my request for holiday themed paranormal and erotic books. I want to showcase holiday themed books on both my sites throughout December.

Did everyone get their fill of Halloween theme shows and vampire stuff? Vampire Diaries was interesting, do you think Vicki is actually dead for real or is this crazy chick going to resurface again? This chick has had more lives than a cat, I wouldn't be surprised if Damon tucked her away somewhere to bring her back...Who knows?

I watched some Halloween classics with the kids like The Haunted Mansion.

And of course we went trick or treating and froze our butts off. At least it wasn't raining. You just never know in Michigan. A couple years ago it was so warm we didn't even need coats but some years we've trick or treated in the snow. Crazy. This year it was cold and windy but not overly freezing, yet cold enough.

OK, so onto Fang-tastic Books new. This week we have a few guests at Fang-tastic Books including Caridad Pineiro who will be chatting about her new book Sins of the Flesh and offering a giveaway and we have an interview with Charisma Knight.

And this Friday I'll have a great Free Book Friday giveaway: two copies of Vampire Taxonomy.

Looking for Holiday/Christmas Books with a Paranormal Twist

For the month of December I would like to showcase holiday books that feature paranormal characters and elements.

For example books like Kerrelyn Sparks All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire or the anthology Holidays are Hell featuring a Kim Harrison story.

Ebook and print authors are welcome to participate. If you would like to schedule a guest blog, interview and/or giveaway in December please contact me at eroticroxanne @ yahoo. com

I would also love to review some of these books to get in the holiday spirit. So if you have any suggestions or would like to send me a book please let me know.

And over at Roxanne's Realm I am going to be doing the same kind of thing but with sexy, hot erotica books with a holiday theme like the super steaming book I am reading right now: Wrapped in Seduction. Holy holly leaves is that book steamy....

So any author that has a sizzling holiday tale that they would like showcased please contact me to schedule a guest blog, interview or giveaway at Roxanne's Realm. Same email as above.

The holidays are going to be HOT this year.

My Backlist, Free Reads and Upcoming Publications

Free Reads:

Princess Breastia's Quest for Desire

Summer Night (in the All Romance Ebooks Wildfire newsletter)

Kaylie's Fantasy (free read in Wildfire Newsletter)

Backlist:

Torrid Teasers Volume 59 is available at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid or grab it for your Kindle at Amazon (Read a sample chapter here)

The Mammoth Book of Erotic Confessions contains two of my "confessions"

Erotic Tales 2 contains my poem "Waiting Patiently"

Tasty Christmas Treats available in ebook at Eternal Press and in print at Amazon

Paranormal Bedtime Stories available in ebook at Eternal Press and print at Amazon.com

"The First Brick" appears in Lasting Lust Kinky Couples in Love

Upcoming Publications:

Insatiable will be released in December by EternalPress.ca

"Candy Cane Thrills" has been selected for publication in Seriously Sexy Stocking Filler which comes out in November through Xcite Books http://www.xcitebooks.com/

"A Halloween to Remember" has been accepted by eXcessica Publishing, release date currently unknown

"Cemetery Seduction" will appear in the Midnight Showcase digest- Dark Tales to be released in May 2010

And I have a story scheduled to appear in an upcoming erotic paranormal anthology to be released by L &L Dreamspell http://www.lldreamspell.com/RoxanneRhoads.htm

If you like my work and would like to stay up to date with my blogs you can get a subscription to my sites and have them sent directly to your Kindle.

By the way, I still have a free pdf of Eternal Desire up for grabs at http://www.thewriteathomemom.blogspot.com/ and a special offer for those of you who have already read Eternal Desire.

Please drop by the The Write at Home Mom. If you become a follower of the blog I'll give extra entries for the contest. It's a new blog and doesn't have a big readership yet so I am trying to help move some traffic over there it would be great if you could all drop by and leave some comments and become followers or something. I'd appreciate it and so would the author.

Thanks so much.

Happy Halloween: Winners, Winners Everywhere

First of all, Happy Halloween everyone!

Now onto the lots and lots of winners to announce. If I a miss any contests, sorry.

Authors if I didn't list your contest here, I wasn't sure if you had chosen a winner or if you would like to do it yourself or wanted me to. Contact me and we'll get that taken care of.

So....here are some of the winners of my contests from my tour

RKCharron was the VampChix winner of a pdf of Eternal Desire

J. Hali Steele jhalisteele.com is the winner of the first Fang-tastic Books desk set given away at Nights of Passion

Linda Henderson is the winner of a pdf download of Eternal Desire from Reading with Bite contest

Andrea won a signed print copy of Eternal Desire from my guest blog at Something Wicked

ktshabatie won the pdf of Eternal Desire along with the Fang-tastic Books desk set however she has yet to reply, if she has not responded within the next week (by Saturday November 7th either I or Doug aka SciFiGuy will pick another winner)

and now onto the winners from the contests on this site...drumroll please....

OK my trusty winner picking hat is getting a work out today. I am using a Halloween theme hat today. A tall velvet top hat with a skull on it. I throw in all the names, shake it up and root around for a winner.

Now here's the results you've all been waiting for ....

ddurance , Karen W. , and Alicia0605 are the winners of VAMPIRES and WEREWOLVES a two book prize pack -each will receive a set

Meljprincess is the winner of Linda Wisdom's Hex in High Heels and Wicked by Any Other Name books

cait045 is the winner of Amanda Grange's Mr Darcy, Vampyre

Witchy Woman , starryann , and rubymoon are the winners of the huge Hachette Books 5 book giveaway

and duh duh da da....

Kathy is the winner of the Huge Fang-tastic Books prize pack- a totebag filled with Blood Ties DVDs and so much more.

Congrats to all an Happy, Happy Halloween.

(Top Artwork: Halloween Pin-Up Victoria by myvirtuallady Flickr Creative Commons)

By the way, I still have a free pdf of Eternal Desire up for grabs at http://www.thewriteathomemom.blogspot.com/ and a special offer for those of you who have already read Eternal Desire.

Please drop by the The Write at Home Mom.

If you become a follower of the blog I'll give extra entries for the contest. It's a new blog and doesn't have a big readership yet so I am trying to help move some traffic over there it would be great if you could all drop by and leave some comments and/or become followers or something. I'd appreciate it and so would the author.

Thanks so much.

Free Book Friday Fang-tastic Giveaway

So today I am wrapping up my virtual tour for Eternal Desire and to celebrate that and the fact that tomorrow it is Halloween I have a huge Fang-tastic Books Free Book Friday Giveaway for you today.

Everything you see above is in the prize pack: a Fang-tastic Books tote bag, Blood Ties Season One and Season 2 on DVD (thanks Eagle Rock Entertainment), a copy of The Mammoth Book of Erotic Confessions which contains two "confessions" by yours truly (it's just fiction but they sound like pretty good confessions I suppose), a copy of Blood Price by Tanya Huff (the first book in the Blood series that launched the Blood Ties TV show) and a signed copy of Eternal Desire.

Plus there are some author bookmarks and promo stuff that authors have sent my way.

So the winner will receive this whole prize pack full of goodies.

To enter leave a comment.

US residents only (sorry, shipping is way to expensive to send it elsewhere).

To get bonus entries: tweet this contest, add it to your Facebook page, post about it on your blog, include links in your comments for extra entries. You can also receive bonus entries if you are a follower of my blog

and a member of my yahoo group.

Good luck to all, this is a short contest because I'll be picking a winner Halloween morning (tomorrow) and announcing winners

for all the previous contests as well.

Guest Blog and Giveaway with Tilly Greene

Hello, my name is Tilly Greene, an erotic romance author, and Roxanne is kindly letting me play on her blog today – thank you.

Now, in case you don’t know me, let me tell you straight out: yes, I write heat, and I’m also one of those authors that won’t be relegated to a single subgenre box. And, to make it even more interesting, whether it’s a futuristic, contemporary, paranormal, or shape-shifter, my heroes are far from perfect.

Sure, they hold jobs, and are successful because of the time and effort they put into their chosen field. And yes, they’re handsome, strong, and possess interesting personality traits, but they are also very real, which means they make mistakes. Let’s look at Hamish Buchanan, the hero of Highland Heat, as an example.

On Valentine’s night, Catriona Buchanan was violently attacked, and eventually hooked up to a machine long enough to give her baby, Hamish, a fighting chance at survival. While done with the best of intentions, he must deal with the repercussions of medical advancements for the rest of his life. The physical uniqueness he is left with shapes who he becomes as a man, which is expected. However, he still makes mistakes, especially when it comes to wooing the woman who is meant for him.

Here is what happens when they first meet:

“Sir, I’m sorry to disturb you, but may I ask a favor?” The Scottish burr in her speech was toned down, but it was still there and even sexier coming through the most deliciously full red lips he’d ever seen. Porcelain-smooth white skin clung gracefully over her high cheekbones, enhancing crystal clear gray eyes.

Lust burned throughout him, even brighter than before and raged out of control when he looked at her incredible breasts. They were stunning and he knew they were natural. The woman’s cleavage was beautifully presented between two triangles of silk. He wanted to pull the scraps away and uncover the tips hidden beneath. Caught in temptation’s trap, he forced himself to look away from the dark crevice and take in the rest of her, specifically what he might discover about her body while mulling over her request.

The skirt of the dress drifted to the floor, skimming her voluptuous curves and pooling in a small puddle of green on the floor behind her. Twin straps traced from the cups up and over her shoulders until they slipped beneath the shear shawl she wore. Seductive and demur, a nice mix, he thought. Hamish suspected he would’ve fallen for the image if he hadn’t heard the earlier conversation.

In his opinion, she looked mouthwateringly perfect. Unfortunately, her search for a deep pocket left an ugly taint across the otherwise elegant and poised presence standing before him. What a disappointment.

Seeing her face-to-face and hearing her sultry voice speak to him was all it took for his rod to regain its earlier rock-hard strength. The tip pushed against the woolen fabric of his kilt. He was tempted to step forward and take what he wanted. Feeling his body ignore his brain’s warning of her ethical deficiency made him angry. Well, she was stunning, a night or two spent between her legs would be no hardship, as long as he could ignore the ugly fortune hunter issue.

“Of course.” He drawled, curious what she was after.

“The woman who just walked away would like to set me up with a man I’m not interested in. And although I’ve said no many times, she won’t listen to me. Would you mind paying attention to me long enough so she’ll leave the issue alone?”

“Are you a lesbian?”

“Excuse me?”

“Do you prefer women?”

“Why does that matter?”

“Well, I heard her say he was single and rich—”

“Sir! How rude of you to listen in on our conversation. It’s also insulting to think someone would be interesting because of his or her financial status. You’re the most offensive, oh never mind.” An adorable bright red flush spread across her cheeks as she spoke to him in anger.

It was the last thing he saw before she whirled around him and left the queue. He turned to follow her progress as she stormed past Alain. The beauty did a double take at the likeness between the two men and paused long enough for one final word.

“Your brother is an asshole. I suggest you teach him some manners before bringing him out in public again.” Chin thrust out, she emphasized the point with an emphatic nod and continued to make her way across the room. In too short a time, she’d been swallowed amidst the mass of people.

Hamish heard a little of what she’d said to his cousin, but was spellbound by how animated she’d appeared. He walked over to stand next to Alain, his eyes glued to the place where he’d last glimpsed the sexy firebrand. Privately, he hoped for another glimpse. She’d been a sight of amazing beauty and strength in a sea of mediocrity.

“What did she say to you?” he asked Alain when he came to a stop beside him, curious at the other man’s smile.

“Hmmm, let’s see. To paraphrase, you screwed up big time. There goes one beautiful woman when she’s full of fire. I think it’s safe to say you pissed her off.”

With his eyes still glued to the place where Grace disappeared into the crowd, he finally understood the restless, hunting feeling he’d been experiencing this evening. The impatient edginess reminded him there was something still waiting for him to find and secure it. And apparently his time was up. There’d be no more delays in hunting for a woman, his woman.

Unfortunately, he had a gut feeling that she’d just walked away from him.

Copyright © 2009 Tilly Greene


Aren’t flaws are fabulous? They lead to such interesting pathways and Hamish has some serious issues to work through, one of which is when to trust someone with your reality – no matter how horrific it may be.

If you have any questions or comments, ask away, there’s a Tilly Greene tote bag filled with goodies to be given away – so make sure and include your email address so I can contact you.

Highland Heat is available in paperback through Ellora’s Cave or Amazon.


About the Author

While traveling around the world with her husband, Tilly Greene researches and writes erotica and erotic romance novels in a variety of genres and sub-genres. Every day she looks forward to writing about women who are independent and confident, the men who love them, and their twisting passionate path to each other.

To get to know more about Tilly Greene and her books, visit her website [http://www.tillygreene.com/], Hot Thoughts blog [http://tillygreene.blogspot.com/],

Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/tilly.greene],

or follow her on Twitter [http://twitter.com/tillygreene].

Guest Blog and Giveaway with Cornelia Amiri

Happy Halloween. As an author of Celtic/Paranormal/Romance novels, my favorite holiday is Samhain, the Celtic festival which gives us our Halloween traditions. Samhain, pronounced SOW-uhn, is the Celtic New Year, October 31st or November 1st. Samhain falls between the old year and the new, it is a day without time. Spirits of the dead and supernatural beings easily cross into our earthly dimension on this day, since the veil between worlds is at its thinnest. The ancient Celts put food or treats out for their ancestors and celebrated this day with them.

Here are some Samhain excerpts from several of my books.

First, an excerpt from DRUID BRIDE, which will be released in 2010 from Eternal Press.

After taking a deep breath, he climbed the hill. Now that the fire was blazing, Tanwen raised her hands above her head and twirled as gray headed Lossio beat the bodhran while Tanwen chanted.

“The fire sparks. The veil parts. Spirits among us. Bones, ashes, dust are once again family and friends. Ancestors come near, feast with us here. Dance and Sing around the stone ring. Great powers abound. All hail Samhain.”

Next, a few lines from DANGER IS SWEET, published by Awe Struck E-books:

The air was filled with an exuberant din of singing, chattering, and further Samhain merriment. Her child would be born on this day, which fell betwixt the old and new year. A day without time.

Malcolm grinned at Bethoc as he carried her through the city streets. "A selkie, a Scot, a Pict, and born on Samhain; this will be a special child."

This is a quote from Sulwen in DRUID QUEST, published by Awe Struck E-books:

"Aye, but she is only in the Otherworld. You shall see her spirit at Samhain, and in the next life you will all meet again."

Here are a few lines from Samhain from VIXEN PRINCESS, published by Awe-Struck E-books:

Mabon bid his friends good eve, and with a slight stagger, walked back to his tent. Lifting the oilskin flap, he crawled inside and rolled onto his cot. Shutting his eyes, he fell into a deep, drunken sleep. Until the words, "The dead walk tonight and it is not even Samhain," sounded in his ear, along with a puff of hot breath.

Here is an excerpt from THE FOX PRINCE, published by Awe-Struck E-books:

"Lads!" Nesta clapped her hands hard. "The tarts are almost done."

"Come, get your face painted for Samhain," Aelfrida called to the boys.

Firmly, she cupped the tallest lad's chin in one hand while brushing a chunk of crumbling charcoal across his cheeks. He shut his eyes tight and she blew the excess soot away. She looked at his sooty face and clicked her tongue.

"I do not know if you are a spirit of the dead or a dirty-faced lad."

He raised his arms and curled his fingers like claws then moaned loud enough to be heard in the otherworld.

"Oh!" She laughed. "A spook you are then!"

"Paint my face," the youngest lad called as he bobbed up and down. The charcoal felt dry and powdery in her fingers as she sketched the outline of a skeleton on the little urchin face.

"You are a true haunt," she declared.

She smudged the third lad's face with black charcoal and pronounced, "The spirits are sure to think you one of them and pass you by." She stood back and grinned. They are so cute. Not a one is a terror as they are of a wont to be. "Let me paint your face, Githa," Aelfrida called to the little girl.

"Nay." She shook her head and scampered toward the wall.

Aelfrida burst out in laughter. A pounding noise sounded at her back followed by creaking and a chill gust of wind. She swiveled to her left. The door was open but no one was there. The children suddenly grew quiet. Their wide eyes fixed upon a spot to her right. Slowly, she turned.

"Boo!" Tryffin stood there with a huge grin on his soot-covered face.

Aelfrida flung her hands aside her head. "You are a sight." She dropped her shoulders and burst out in giggles.

"I am a spirit come to find a live body for Samhain." With a seductive gleam in his eyes he said, "I think I shall take yours."

Would you like to win a pdf copy of The Queen of Kings

or how about a pdf copy my funny Celtic Vampire Romance - A Fine Cauldron of Fish

or a pdf copy of Druid Quest
Just leave a comment.

Three winners will be chosen, one for each book.

Happy Samhain,

Cornelia Amiri

http://www.myspace.com/CelticRomanceQueen

http://www.eternalpress.ca/Amiri.html

Helpful Hints for Becoming a Vampire from Susan Blexrud

In my fang series, my mortal women must decide whether they are willing to sacrifice their humanity for the immortal world of the vampire men they love. Following are some hints for determining whether you, dear reader, are a candidate for immortality.

Helpful Hints for Becoming a Vampire

Assuming you've already been sucked in by the wiles of one of these undead hotties, you'll adapt more easily to your new lifestyle if you have....

1. Good dental hygiene. There’s nothing worse than an infected fang to put a damper on your fun.

2. A healthy libido. Believe me, it will kick up a notch, but having a good base is essential.

3. A sense of humor. There's a learning curve to acquiring vampire skills, and you need to be able to laugh at yourself.

4. A preference for night over day. You’ll still be able to function in the daytime, but your sensitivity to light will require UV protection for your skin and eyes. Hey, weren't you looking for an excuse to buy those new Chanel sunglasses?

5. No aversion to blood. You’ll never look at a scraped knee in the same way. So, if you’ve been a blood donor in your mortal existence, just know that a trip to the Red Cross could be more temptation than you’re able to endure.

6. A thirst for adventure. You're going to be more durable, so go ahead, rev up your immortal powers and jump off that cliff.


Susan Blexrud’s latest foray into the world of vampires is the third book in her fang series, Real Men Have Fangs, available October 29 from DCL Publications, http://www.thedarkcastlelords.com/ .

You can visit Susan at her website (http://www.susanblexrud.com/), and she welcomes your comments at her blogspot (http://susanblexrud.blogspot.com/).

And be on the lookout for Susan's print book which will contain all of the Fang series in one bound book, due out sometime in January.

Guest Blog and Giveaway with Dhampir Passions author Mary Corrales

The origins of the Dhampir are not as lost in history as we might think. The legend of Dhampirs comes from the Balkan region, originating in gypsy folklore. A Dhampir is believed to be the offspring of a vampire father and mortal woman. Dhampirs are usually hunters of vampires due to their ability to sense a vampire. As early as 1959, there were still believed to be Dhampirs working as hunters in the Balkan region.

Even among Dhampirs there are degrees of hunters. A bloodline is only as pure as the vampyr who breeds with a woman. In the case of my debut erotic novella, Dhampir Passions, my hero is a brother to Vlad Dracula. Raduslav’s life mission is based on the Draculesti Bloodstone, the Dracul family’s most prized possession which has been stolen from the grave of Radu’s father.

The belief that most Dhampirs live their lives as normal mortals, never knowing their unique abilities, is thought to be true until the Dhampir tastes blood. Due to Radu’s father being Vlad Dracul, Radu’s first taste of blood is what activates his full powers and turns him immortal.
Radu shows few emotions until meeting Linea Kamiya, a woman victimized by the bite of a master vampyr. His attraction to her endangers them both as there is nothing more enticing to a fledging such as Linea, than the alluring scent of Radu’s unique blood. Likewise her passionate needs intensify as the Harvest Moon approaches.

The air around them swirled with the charged current of his hunger.

Radu had been too long without vampyr blood. Her desire made her blood scent all the more potent to his flaring senses. One hand seized her against him while the other clutched the moonstone beneath his tunic for strength.

He had to resist her, or they most both be sorry. It was pure foolishness to feed from her with the Bloodmoon or Harvest Moon as mortals know it, so close.

His entire body shook, instinct calling out the demon within him. With fangs elongated and fingernails lengthened to lethal tips, his eyes turned a brighter blue, almost glowing.

Her hand burned a path up his chest to stroke his neck.

Dhampir Passions is my first paranormal erotic romance. Blending history, folklore, and the future; I hope readers will enjoy my take on the most rare of vampyrs.

Leave a comment with your e-mail address for a chance to win a pdf copy of Dhampir Passions.

I’ll choose the winner through a random drawing at midnight est Time on 10/26/09.

~Mary Corrales

Check out my website for more erotica reads, and what I’m currently working on. www.authormaryc.com

Vampire Poetry Monday with Sonika Edwards

Vampire:

Black winged cape descends
The Dark Incubus has come,
To feed.

Innocence of life, taken in blood,
Which sustains
his need.

Life absorbed
Into one that’s none.

Dark Dweller.
Sun Hater.
Blood Drinker.
Life Taker.
Grave Maker.

Vampire!

Fiend and foe.
But friend to those who know,
The life he can give in taking.

IMMORTALITY,
his making.

Sonika Edwards
© 2002
See Sonika's Sites @ http://VampirePhile.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/VampirePhile
http://www.facebook.com/Vampirephile

And don't forget to check out her VampirePhile blog interview with me (Roxanne Rhoads) from last Friday 23rd @ http://vampirephile.blogspot.com/2009/10/interview-with-roxanne-rhoads-author-of.html

Photos from the Flint Vampire Ball

Here's me getting ready for my signing

Me and that's author Wednesday Lee Friday off to the side

I'm sitting here while I could be partying, you better buy a book damn it!


People at the ball.

Me between two hot blonds, my husband will be fantasizing for ages over this one.

My hubby and our friend Jerry




Hubby and his friend Josh

A scene from the ball, bands Volataire, Hellblinki and Belle Morte

were selling CDs and merchandise

This is my hubby above thinking he's the vampire Hugh Hefner

Yes guys this is what you missed

Jill, Jerry and Poison Ivy




Jill and Poison Ivy



Our friends Jill and Jerry

Bellydancers and the hot blonds that had their photos taken with everyone,

that's OK because they were actually really nice




Belly Dancers




Belly dancers

The host of the evening




The host, Ilona Curry and some other chick whose name I did not catch (sorry)

A scene from the evening

A scene from the ball, people having fun

Me and the hubby having fun at the Vampire Ball


By the way thanks again to all the authors who donated books, people were thrilled to receive these as door prizes and raffle prizes. You all contributed to a worthy cause. We greatly appreciate it. Maybe next year some of you can join us at the Ball.

Sunday Musings October 25

So I am posting musings a day early because this week is a full one. Being the week of Halloween I have authors booked everyday offering giveaways.

Monday there will be a vampire poem from Sonika Edwards and a guest blog and giveaway from Mary Corrales.

Tuesday Susan Blexrud will be here chatting about her newest fangs release.

Wednesday Cornelia Amiri is joining us to talk about Samhain and offer some free books.

Thursday Tilly Greene will be our guest and offering a totebag giveaway

Friday I'll be giving away a Fang-tastic Books tote bag full of goodies including season 1 and 2 of Blood Ties on DVD.

Also this week I am continuing my Eternal Desire virtual tour.

Monday I'll be at http://www.fantasygirlreviews.blogspot.com/

Tuesday drop by my Vamp Bash giveaway at http://www.vampchix.blogspot.com/

and there will be an interview with me posted at http://www.ellzreadz.blogspot.com/ so please drop by Elie's wonderful fun site to check it out

Thursday I'll be at http://www.razloversbookblog.blogspot.com/

And all week long The Write at Home Mom will be running features, excerpts and giveaways all about me and Eternal Desire so make sure to drop by http://www.thewriteathomemom.blogspot.com/ for all kinds of fun.

I didn't post winner Wednesday this week because so many contests are still ongoing.

I'll be posting a detailed winner list on Halloween from all of the contests from the past couple of weeks. many are still open so get your entry in before it's too late.

And by the way last night's Vampire Ball was a blast, I sold 3 books even though I only signed for an hour (because I wanted to party and not sit still at the table, bad me) but all in all it was fun. I hope to do this again next year and get way more people involved.

This event was full of vampire fans. I overheard several discussions about vampires versus zombies and discussions about real vampires not sparkling while there were plenty of fans of sparkly vampires as well.

I think it was a successful event for the Flint Farmer's Market. I don't think it was a sold out show like last year (damn economy) but it was good.

I'll post some photos later.

Vertigo Theatrics will be hosting a Mardi Gras bash sometime in February so I hope to attend that as well, if not get involved somehow.

Linda Wisdom Guest Blog and Giveaway

Today we once again have the wonderful author Linda Wisdom

as a guest here at Fang-tastic Books.

About Linda:

Linda Wisdom has published more than 70 novels with 13 million copies sold worldwide including traditional, paranormal, humor, action/adventure romance, and romantic suspense. Her bestselling books have been nominated for Romantic Times awards and the Romance Writers of America Rita Award. She lives with her husband in Murrieta, California.

Her newest release is:

Hex in High Heels—in stores now!

Fourth in the popular, light paranormal romance series by an author whose books have sold 13 million copies

In this sexy, funny paranormal romance by bestselling author Linda Wisdom, it's all beautiful witch Blair Fitzpatrick can do to keep a lid on her talent for revenge spells, but things are about to get a lot more complicated...

Blair loves running her vintage shop and hanging out with witchy friends Stasi and Jazz. She's forever had a crush on hunky carpenter Jake Harrison, whose Were nature (he's a Border collie) makes him loyal, lovable, and fierce when need be. Just as sparks are beginning to fly, Blair is served with a big surprise when Jake's mother shows up along with his pack leader, who threatens to make Jake heel! When the alpha does the unthinkable, Blair is pushed over the edge. No one messes with her boyfriend-to-be, even if he does shed on the furniture!

(By the way, I think this is so awesome, one of my review quotes is on the cover of this book!)

Now onto Linda's Guest Post and Your Chance to Win a Copy of Books 3 and 4 in the series: Wicked by Any Other Name and Hex in High Heels

It’s A Magickal World

By Linda Wisdom

A mega thank you to Fang-tastic Books for having me here to talk about creating worlds.

Since rumor has it that the preternatural communities don’t really exist – although, I’m still convinced that vampires are living in Hollywood :}, I’m going to discuss the world I created for my witches. Or maybe I should call it the world they created for themselves. Because I don’t think I could have accomplished it without their help.

And yes, with that statement, I’m sure those with psychology degrees are muttering, “hmm, we must have a talk with her”.

Still, if you’re going to create a world where the supernatural and mortal co-exist, then you need to believe in what you’re crafting.

Although, just how different would it be?

Perhaps the grocery store would have a refrigerated section carrying synthetic blood? Butcher shops carrying ultra large cuts of meats for the shapeshifters who are on strict protein diets. Cute witchy boutiques that only magick users can enter where they can pick up those special spell ingredients and other supplies.

And what about houses and apartments that offer cells in case the shapeshifters don’t want to go out of town during the full moon. Windowless rooms or heavy-duty blackout draperies. Houses with two kitchens, so spells wouldn’t be brewed up in the same kitchen you cook a roast.

I like to call it the little things. Jazz lives in Santa Monica near the boardwalk where the Midway is run by Weres and her vampire lover, Nick, owns an art deco building that holds his Civil Defense shelter turned lair and office. She deals with mortals a lot since they seem to be the ones who are cursed and spends her evenings driving members of the preternatural community who don’t want to have a car. Not to mention a ghost haunts her classic T-Bird. There’s a little bit of everything in the world and it works because I try my best to make it fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.

Stasi and Blair live in a small mountain town they’ve inhabited off and on since the mid 1800s. The locals know they’re witches and aren’t bothered by it. Maybe because the witches do their magickal best to keep the mountain safe from developers. And they know about the Weres, but have no idea that the ghosts of their ancestors visit the town every Samhain. Maybe it’s a good thing that they ease into the idea of a little bit of everything existing up there.

The fun part of writing a paranormal world is that you basically make your own rules. I consider that you still have to make the world sound logical and believable. Let the magick and the normal world co-exist without any hitches. Although … some hitches could make it even more interesting and has my imagination thinking overtime on that.

What do you think? Can the two worlds blend well together or do you think they should be entirely separate?

~Linda

Answer Linda's above question in the comments section for your chance to win a copy of books 3 and 4 in this hexy series:

Wicked by Any Other Name and Hex in High Heels

1 winner will be chosen, open to residents of US and Canada, please leave contact info so you can be reached if you are chosen as the winner

Discussing Vampire Novels with Guest Author Christina Kelly

The first vampire novel I ever read was Look for me by Moonlight By Mary Downing Hahn. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. There were others, Midnight Predator by Amelia Atwater Rhodes and The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause but I never fell in love with any of those books or their heroes. I was searching for a specific kind of vampire book. I didn’t know what exactly I was looking for but I knew the others didn’t have it. Then one day while browsing the library I found it. The vampire book to end all vampire books: The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice.

I was/am obsessed with the vampire chronicles. I devoured them; I’ve reread them over and over again. It was a long time before I could even touch another vampire series without sizing the male lead up against Lestat. Anne Rice is my idol, completely utterly; I hope to write a novel like the Feast of all Saints or Belinda one day. That being said, I present to you my list of my top ten favorite vampire novels, not including any of the Vampire Chronicles. Let me explain, to me any vampire list that doesn’t include Interview with the Vampire, The Vampire Lestat and The Queen Of The Damned is a pretty shitty list. So instead of taking up three spots automatically I’ll just leave them off.

Let’s began!

10.) Dead Until Dark By Charlaine Harris

Ah, before Bill broke my heart and Eric seduced Sookie. I’ve read the other books in the series and I watch the show when I get a chance. My tip my hat to you Ms. Harris, you rock.

9.) Guilty Pleasures By Laurell K. Hamilton

Ah, remember the good old days?

8.) Hotel Transylvania by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

I still smile whenever I see this book. (Well the old black and red cover) I picked it up at a garage sale when I was in high school because of the cover. I loved it. Oh Le Comte de St Germain when will you come to my town? Haha. Sadly, I have not read any other books in this series, I just prefer to read and savor this one.

7.) Forever and The Night By Linda Lael Miller

This book is out of print I had to go to three different used bookstores before I found a copy (for only two dollars too!) this was one of the very first “paranormal romance” novels written. And I had just recently started reading paranormal romance; I had mostly stuck to the literary vampire side, when I discovered this book. But it was very enjoyable. It’s about The Vampire Aidan and how he falls in love with Neely, a woman who is supposed to save him (and what not) haha. This was also a series (of three books I believe) I haven’t read the others.

6.) The Black Castle by Les Daniels

When I first picked this up I had no intention of finishing it. At first glance it seemed rather boring, a historical novel about The Vampire Sebastian and how he died and was turned into a vampire. But I did finish it and what I liked most was how much of the Bram Stoker lore it kept, Sebastian could turn into a bat or into mist and what not. This novel is actually the first in a series. I haven’t read the others but black castle is a great if you like heavy gothic themes in your novels.

5.) Carmilla By Sheridan Le Fanu

I mostly liked this one because Carmilla was a female version of the dark seductive count that sweeps in and seduces the young maiden. I remember being surprised that it was in my school library.

4.) The Hunger by Whitley Strieber

I actually found out about this book because I adore David Bowie. He was in the film version. I watched the movie first (Bauhaus is in it!) and loved it so I read the book. It was amazing and so ambiguous. Great read.

3.) Lost Souls By Poppy Z. Brite

One of the best novels ever written period; vampire novel or not.

2.) Dracula By Bram Stoker
Need I explain?

1.) Sunshine By Robin McKinley

Oh Lord, I could go on and on and on and on and on about this book. I love love love Constantine. I love Rae. Everything about this book is PERFECT. I f I ever meet Robin McKinley I’ll bow down at her feet and ask her to bless me haha. Read it, it’s perfect, honestly. The ending always makes my heart soft, no matter how many times I’ve read this book.

What are some of your favorite vampire novels?

The first person to respond with their favorite vampire novel title will win one of each of my ebooks: Constant Craving and The Eternal Kiss



~Christina Kelly is the author of The Eternal Kiss (Now Available from Hearts on Fire Books) and Constant Craving (now Available from Cobblestone Press) for links and more about these titles please visit her at http://www.christinakelly.net/

The Ultimate Giveaway for Fans of Fangs and Fur: Vampires and Werewolves

Vampires by Joules Taylor

Dangerous yet seductive, the vampire plays with our heart as he preys with our soul, commanding respect and inspiring complete devotion. For anyone touched by the vampire's flight through recent movies, TV shows and novels, here is a feast of vampire stories and lore. Charting the development of the vampire from prince of pure evil to poignant anti-hero, the VAMPIRE HANDBOOK, is a comprehensive guide to the vampire's nocturnal realm, exploring the dark mysteries of his eternal allure, irresistible charm and vulnerability.

Werewolves by Jon Izzard

From ancient legend to pop-culture icon, from monster to antihero, here is a complete look at werewolves. Fans of the complex beasts will howl with pleasure at this passionate handbook incorporating legend, lore, trivia and art. Author Jon Izzard stalks both the fiction and the facts: transformations, inner rage, extra-human strength, silver bullets, mysterious curses, modern cures and more. With werewolves now haunting movie screens and literature the way they have haunted our nightmares for millennia, readers won't wait for the full moon to devour this fascinating volume.

GIVEAWAY

I have three sets of Vampires and Werewolves to give away, that's right 3 SETS!

3 winners will receive a copy of one of each, Vampires and Werewolves.

So for those of you who are undecided on which is your fave,

you don't have to choose.

Guest Blog and Giveaway with Amanda Grange Author of Mr Darcy, Vampyre

Hi and a big thank you to Roxanne for having me on her blog today!

Roxanne asked me: “How do you think Pride and Prejudice would have turned out if Mr. Darcy didn’t have to hide his true identity?” and I immediately thought, what a great question!

With the way I reimagined the world of Pride and Prejudice in Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, it would have been very different. Darcy isn’t the only character from Pride and Prejudice I recast as a vampyre, and the other vampyres would have then been open about their true identity as well. I’d better not say any more about the others because I don’t want to spoil it for people who haven’t read it yet! But three of the other major characters are also vamps…

A lot would still be the same, though. Darcy and Bingley are such firm friends in Pride and Prejudice that I think they would still be friends even if Bingley knew Darcy’s secret. So I think Darcy would have stayed at Netherfield with Bingley and still gone to the assembly where he first saw Lizzy.

Lizzy’s feelings towards him would have been similar to the ones in Pride and Prejudice, but for different reasons. She’s drawn to him in the original because he represents a challenge but she’s also repulsed because of his pride. If she knew he was a vampyre she would be drawn to him because of the vampyre glamour, but repulsed because of his true nature. I think that’s one of the things that attracted me to the idea of writing Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, a lot of the reactions in the book fit in so well with Darcy being a vampyre.

If there was general openness about vampyres in Pride and Prejudice, there would be a lot more trouble with the sinister vampyres who haunt Mr. Darcy, Vampyre. I introduced vampyres who feed off the emotions of others as well as bloodsuckers. They’re found in myth but not so often in literature. I took this one step further and gave them the power to distort reality in order to create the powerful emotions they need to survive.

The Netherfield ball might then have been something like this scene from Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, where Elizabeth is manipulated by one of the most powerful, ancient vampyres:


She turned towards him and had difficulty in making out his face. It seemed ageless: unlined and yet old, sympathetic and yet devilish. It floated before her in silent mockery, completely at odds with his words and behaviour, and she felt very strange.

‘Here,’ he said, offering her his arm.

She did not respond, only looking at him, and he pulled her hand through his arm himself, saying, ‘Let me escort you to a seat.’

As he touched her, she felt her will altering, flowing and merging with his. She moved with him to one of the window seats. She was enraptured by him. Her body was light and ethereal and her thoughts were unclear, as though her mind was filled with mist.

She was aware of a peculiar sensation as the room around her began to alter, distorting and changing like a wet portrait in the rain. The green wallpaper began to melt and run down the walls and a deep ochre ran down in great rivulets behind it and took its place. The curtains, too, began to change, their dark green velvet dropping away to be washed over with rivers of gold silk. Pictures were appearing and mirrors disappearing; beneath them the console tables were altering, their legs narrowing and their tops flowing with marble; the vases of flowers were being replaced with porcelain and ormolu clocks. The carpet was giving way to polished floorboards and the sound of unearthly laughter filled the air. He seized her in his arms and waltzed with her around the room, whispering to her in some unintelligible language.

‘I am not well,’ said Elizabeth, her heart beating strangely and her mind trying to hold on to reality.

‘No?’ he asked. ‘I think you are very well.’

Strange faces peered at her as the room was suddenly full of people, laughing and chattering and looking at her through their masks.

She put her hand to her head, feeling it throb, and then, through the mist, she heard something familiar. It was Darcy’s voice.

The gentleman was saying to him, ‘It is nothing, never fear, the lady is feeling unwell that is all, but I am caring for her. Please do not let us detain you.’

‘No,’ she wanted to say. ‘I don’t want you to care for me, I want to be with my husband.’

But nothing came out.

She turned beseeching eyes to Darcy and she saw him as if from a great distance, through a distorting glass, but his words were firm and clear.

‘She has no taste for your company,’ he said.

‘No?’ said the gentleman. ‘But I have a taste for her.’

Hers, thought Elizabeth. He should have said hers.

© Amanda Grange, Sourcebooks Landmark, 2009

I’m sure Elizabeth and Darcy would still have ended up together, though, even if the truth had been revealed, because something about them as a couple is so right.

Thanks again for having me here. I hope you like Mr. Darcy, Vampyre and I hope you all have a great Halloween!

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre—In stores NOW!


About the Author

Amanda Grange is a bestselling author specializing in creative interpretations of classic novels and historic events, including Jane Austen's novels and the Titanic shipwreck. Her Jane Austen sequel Mr. Darcy’s Diary is a bestseller in the US and the UK. She lives in England. For more information on Amanda and her books, please visit http://amandagrange.com/. For more information on Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, please visit Amanda’s blog and the Sourcebooks Spotlight Page.

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Monday Musings October 19th

So I am starting the week with a new do.

My hair is about 7 inches shorter with lots of layers and about three shades redder than normal. At first I wasn't sure I liked it. Now that I've gotten used to it...I LOVE IT. It has lots of body and bounce. And everyone says it makes me look younger. What I love is how it feels, so light and I'm not getting tangled and wrapped up in it every time I roll over in my sleep or try to get comfortable.

I was busy writing all weekend, working on my freelance stuff, book reviews and some upcoming holiday guides. I didn't watch much TV or really do anything exciting...bummer. I had planned to take my daughter costume shopping and maybe go to an orchard instead I worked.

I did watch Vampire Diaries Thursday night. Vicki just won't die will she? My husband keeps wishing she'd just die and get it over with (he doesn't like her). I was too busy drooling over Damon's abs as he danced around drunkenly to care about Vicki. Visions of those abs are still dancing in my head. :-)

It was a pretty nice weekend here in Michigan so between writing projects I worked at clearing out my garden. I still have more to do, I may or may not get to it before snow covers everything. I really wish I would have went to an orchard but at least we went last weekend on a hayride and did the whole pumpkin picking thing.

This week I am continuing on with my Eternal Desire virtual book tour this week, so far it's been pretty successful except for a few snafus where posts didn't get posted or were posted late but it's all good, other than that everything is going great.

Today I am guest blogging and holding a giveaway at Sci Fi Guy, I'll be giving away a free pdf download of Eternal Desire along with a Fang-tastic Books desk set which includes a mousepad, notepad and pen (pictured in this blog post)

October 20 I’ll be guest blogging with Angie Fox at Something Wicked

October 21 Guest Blog at http://www.valeriejpatterson.wordpress.com/

October 22 Interview with me at Shapeshifter Seductions

October 23 Interview with me at Vampire Phile

I hope all of my wonderful friends and fans (that would be you guys reading this post :-) will continue to drop by my tour stops and leave comments letting me know you were there.

I appreciate all the kind words and support that all of you offer. I think it is wonderful how friendly and supportive this community of book lovers is. I know everyone hits most of the same blogs and websites and forums and even some chat areas and everyone is always so nice and has kind words to say.

Outsiders would probably never expect that from a bunch of people who love to read about "monsters" and sex (erotica). LOL.




So this week at Fang-tastic Books Amanda Grange will be here on Tuesday the 20th and there will be a giveaway.

On Wednesday the 21st there will be a huge giveaway involving Vampires and Werewolves.

On Thursday author Christina Kelly is dropping by for a guest blog

And on Friday October 23 Linda Wisdom is going to be here

Lots of fun and giveaways this week so drop by often...like every day!

Also make sure to enter the Hachette Book Giveaway, it is open until October 30

Next week I have plenty of authors and giveaways lined up too, it all leads right up to my Halloween Giveaway which I will post on Friday October 30th.

And super good news, Eternal Desire is now available in print at Amazon.com! Woo Hoo!

By the way I have a free Halloween story up at my other site, Roxanne's Realm. Drop by and read it, if you do leave me a comment so I know you were there. It is a simple story nothing too erotic. I guess I would rate it as PG-13.

www.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com