Why I Wrote Insatiable by Meg Cabot

Posted by Night Owl Reviews in

5 comments

You guys. I'm so excited about this book! 

I know I should be excited about ALL my books. And I am!   But there's something about Insatiable . . . I really can't explain it! 

Well, maybe I can: 

For one thing, it's my first adult book (uh, I mean, book in the adult SECTION of the bookstore) to come out in ages.  

For another, it's my first adult paranormal (meaning, it's got paranormal aspects in it--girls with psychic powers, secret societies, hot dead guys--like my books in the Mediatorseries, but it's not set in high school). 

True, I've never been the hugest fan of vampires. They bite!  So why write a book with vampires in it?  

Well, for one thing, I got an idea for one! And for another, I love, love, love pop culture.  

And what's more pop culture-y right now than vampires? 

Vampire stories have been around (and part of popular culture) for millennia. The ancient Greeks, the Romans, and the Hebrews all told stories about demonic creatures who fed on the blood of the living. Vampires aren’t just a trend . . . they’re a tradition!

The first rich, sexy vampire appeared in print as far back as 1819: “The Vampyr: A Tale,” was written by Lord Byron’s doctor, based on a tale Byron came up with the same night (and in the same room!) Mary Shelley invented the horror genre with Frankenstein. 

After “The Vampyr,” vampire fiction became all the rage.  But it wasn’t until 1897, when a little-known theatre manager slash pulp fiction author named Abraham (Bram) Stoker wrote the most famous vampire novel of all time, Dracula, that we had our first feminist heroine in vampire fiction: Mina Harker (who was also a writer, by the way).  

So, back to the original question: Why write a vampire novel? Well, like I said, I got an idea for one. It started with a little dog. The dog in Insatiable, Jack Bauer, is based on a real dog, also named Jack Bauer.  

I opened my front door one morning to find this puppy sitting on my porch. My quest to find his real owner, what happened when I did find him, and how miserable I was for months afterwards--until I found Jack again--ballooned into something I never expected: 

Insatiable. A book I never wanted to write!  But I couldn't stop myself. And I'm so glad I didn't. 

I hope you'll be glad I didn't, either. 

I'm pretty sure Jack is. 

There'll be much more about Jack Bauer, the story behind him (and the people who helped saved him, and the rest of the world, from a vampire siege) on the Insatiable page at www.megcabot.com, coming soon. 

In the meantime, ask for Insatiable, coming wherever books are sold on June 8 (in the US, UK, Brazil, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Russia, and more!).

  

I promise you won't be sorry! 

Much love, 
 

Meg

Mary Wine : Author of To Conquer a Highlander

Posted by Night Owl Reviews in

30 comments

Enter to win a copy of To Conquer a Highlander - To enter you must Be a member of the NOR newsletter, leave the first bit of your email address on the post, and leave a meaningful comment. USA / Canada Shipping only. No P.O. Boxes. Publisher to ship prize. Two winners will be selected. Contest Ends 8/13/2010

***

People often ask me how my real life inspires my writing…

It’s the truth that I often see stories in the events around me. Most often it happens when I’m climbing around the crumbling walls of a fort in the Caribbean islands or reading some weathered brass plack set beside some spot that one was somewhere important. Old photographs and paintings make me wonder what the people living through though those times did when faced with harsh facts. They were still people like you and I. They must have cracked jokes and teased their children and gotten on each other nerves too.

I’m not sure what it is that makes my mind wonder but it surly does. To Conquer a Highlander was born out of a long standing fascination with British and Scottish history. It isn’t just the kings and queens that keep me reading articles on what happened five hundred years ago, it’s also the facts about the men that marched in their armies and the knowledge that they had families praying for their safe return.

Okay…a little deep but I really do find myself thinking about things like that when I’m faced with a museum.  The History Channel is on most of the time around here. Beyond that, I am also a student of martial arts. I took my sons into a local studio years ago and they wanted mommy to do it too. A full decade later, I’m still trying to keep pace with the teenagers during my nightly practice. I find the techniques very interesting. When I sit down to write anything with a fight scene, I know a little bit about how it should work. This can be a little troublesome to deal with when I’m out watching the latest action movie because I can spot where they have spliced the film to cover up the fact that the actors don’t have any true training.

The last thing that I do is historical re-enacting. My family and I dress up and spend the weekend in period clothing. Drinking out of a pewter mug just feels different than using a glass one from your modern kitchen. Attending a supper where there is nothing but candle light casts a very different mood across the guests than a dinner date at a local restaurant. I like to think I infuse some of those details into my writing so that the reader really gets a historical experience.

I hope so anyway…please drop by my website and let me know! MaryWine.com

TO CONQUER A HIGHLANDER BY MARY WINE—IN STORES JULY 2010

A fierce Highland laird ready to kill for king and country…
When Torin McLeren discovers his neighbor’s plot against his king, he takes their daughter as his prisoner, thereby stopping her father’s plot from going forward. But that leaves him with a woman under his roof whom he can’t ignore, and not just because she’s his enemy’s daughter…

A woman who’s as much trouble as she is temptation…

Shannon McBoyd decides to use her captor to experience passion for the first time, and then to destroy him. But her plan goes awry because once she has lured Torin into her bed, she no longer wants to hurt the one man who seems to value and understand her…

Even if her father will kill him—and her—when he discovers what they’ve done...

About the Author

Acclaimed author Mary Wine has written nearly twenty works of erotic fantasy, romantic suspense, and historical romance.  An avid history-buff and historical costumer, she and her family enjoy participating in historical reenactments.  Mary lives with her husband and two sons in Yorba Linda, California. For more information, please visit http://www.marywine.com/. 

Inside the Lives of the Characters in the Vampires in Manhattan series By Susan Hanniford Crowley

Posted by Night Owl Reviews in

22 comments

Enter to win an eBook from Susan Hanniford Crowley.

To enter you must Be a member of the NOR newsletter, leave the first bit of your email address on the post, and leave a meaningful comment. Contest Ends: 8/6/2010.
***

Inside the Lives of the Characters in the Vampires in Manhattan series

By Susan Hanniford Crowley

Tall, dark-haired, and handsome vampire David Hilliard greets me at the door of his office at the Arnhem Society.  He shakes my hand and leads me to a leather upholstered chair opposite his mahogany desk. 

"Is your research progressing?" he asks.

"Yes, thank you.  I'm visiting today so readers can get a look inside the lives of the vampires in Manhattan."

David nods and walking over to the window, pulls the black drapes apart..  "We love it when it rains, because we can go out into the city during the day.  I love New York in the rain.  It shimmers in the eye."

"You  know, David, most people would shiver with you saying that."

He smiles with fangs flashing.  "Well, they should.  Not every vampire in New York City is civilized.  It is the endeavor of the Arnhem Society to inspire every vampire to refrain from attacking humans.  There are so many choices: blood banks, donors, and animal blood.  Hunting humans is no longer necessary."

I cringe.  "Perhaps if you explain the purpose of the Arnhem Knights."

"Yes."  Almost on cue, three of the Arnhem Knights enter: Laura Cordelais (from The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais), Trevor Stenwood (from A Vampire for Christmas) and Theo (from Vampire in the Basement). 

Laura continues, "The purpose of the Arnhem Knights is to prevent human death at the hands of vampires."

"And to give aid to supernaturals in danger."  Trevor finished the thought. 

"It's difficult if they're afraid of you."  Laura giggles and punches Trevor in the arm.  Theo smirks.

"I'd like to ask something here."  They all turned to me.  "So why do you endorse the Vampires in Manhattan Series? 

Tall blond Theo smiles without showing fangs.  "We'd like people to stop shooting arrows at us.  They should still exercise caution, but some of the vampires in the city are good guys."

David nods. 

When Love Survives

MAGIC
Regina O'Malley is a college student who's just discovered she's magic. Today is the first day of her internship at a prominent brokerage house at the World Trade Center, and she's late. She doesn't know disaster is right around the corner.

LOVE
Gregor Vasiliev is a financial advisor at the World Trade Center. This shapeshifter hates the office coffee, and while on a donut run he gazes out the window of his favorite coffee shop. There in the street stands the lifemate he's been searching for. If he doesn't act now, he'll lose her forever.

IT'S SEPTEMBER 11, 2001.

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-whenlovesurvives-362921-143.html

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais

LIGHTNING
Being descended from an ancient race blessed by Zeus doesn't help Telkhine Laura Cordelais, when she's desperate and standing between life and death. Her destiny looks bleak. Every choice leads to death, and there is no winning door. Or is there?

THUNDER
Begging God for love, Vampire David Hilliard finds his request answered in the form of the tormented and dying Laura. In saving her, he falls in love and dooms them both to a dark underworld of voodoo and sorcery from which nothing can escape.

THE STORM BEGINS
Curses, Keres, demons, oh, my! And the unicorn's horn.

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thestormylovelifeoflauracordelais-374695-139.html

http://www.amazon.com/Stormy-Love-Laura-Cordelais-ebook/dp/B00318D5VY

A Vampire for Christmas

Georgia doesn't know she's a Harmony. Jobless and about to be homeless, her heart sinks when a hand snatches the coat of her dreams from the storefront window. Then she sees him staring at her reflection . . . the stalker.

Trevor Stenwood, a vampire and Arnhem Knight, is handsome, sophisticated, and tongue-tied every time he sees her. Sworn to protect the supernaturals of the city, he's fallen for a woman marked for death by demons. How can he save her when she's afraid of him?

At Christmas time in New York City, will love bloom in the snow?

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-avampireforchristmas-387184-139.html

Introducing on August 15, 2010  Vampire in the Basement
Regina and Gregor
They survived one of New York City’s greatest disasters, and on their wedding day in Maine walk into another.  Gregor aims to destroy the intruder who claims his bride.  Regina must save the man she loves from a deadly curse with her magic.  But she doesn’t know magic.

Lorraine and Theo
Everything about Lorraine is broken. She shapeshifts and forgets her clothes.  She’s divorced and doesn’t believe in love anymore.  Tall, blond, and handsome, Theo, vampire and Arnhem Knight, desires Lorraine, but is it more than lust?  Would he give up the Arnhem Knights for her?

Love, furry handcuffs, and a pine tree.

For more information on Susan Hanniford Crowley and her work:

Website: http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SHCrowley

Romance Blog: http://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Susan-Hanniford-Crowley/629298868

Publisher: http://www.teasepublishingllc.com/authors.htm

Thanks so much for having us on Night Owl Romance.

How to Undress an Eighteenth Century Lady by Kathryne Kennedy

Posted by Night Owl Reviews in

22 comments

Enter to win a copy of  The Fire Lord’s Lover - To enter you must Be a member of the NOR newsletter, leave the first bit of your email address on the post, and leave a meaningful comment. USA / Canada Shipping only. No P.O. Boxes. Publisher to ship prize. Two winners will be selected. Contest Ends 8/13/2010

***

How to Undress an Eighteenth Century Lady by Kathryne Kennedy

Hello Tammie and her wonderful readers! Thank you so much for having me as a guest here on your blog today. I put together a simple cheat-sheet for writers about eighteenth century clothing, and I thought it might not only be a good guide for writers researching the era, but also a bit of fun for your readers who love history (although you may want to note the changes I made because of the fantasy aspect of my world). So without further ado, here’s how my hero, Dominic Raikes, might go about undressing my heroine, Lady Cassandra Bridges, from my upcoming release The Fire Lords’ Lover:

1. Gown: First, Dominic might wish to remove Cassandra’s gown, and this can consist of:
A mantua, which is a formal dress worn at court, and is similar to a huge robe wrapped in front, held together with a girdle (belt). A decorated stomacher (more about this below) will often show through the opening of the top.

A sacque dress, which is unfitted both front and back (not drawn in at the waist) and the back has pleated material that falls from the shoulders all the way to the floor. Again, a stomacher will show through the open-to-the-waist neckline.

The skirt bottom of either of the above dresses can be opened or closed, which means it can be split to show a different or matching colored petticoat beneath. The petticoat will be as elaborate as the skirt itself in material and construction.

A day dress, consisting of a bodice (top) and skirt. This was considered ‘undress’ wear by the wealthy, and adopted by the workingwoman for practical reasons. The dress had elbow length sleeves, a fitted shape for the bodice, and depending on the lady, could be made of several types of material. Linsey-woolsey as the cheapest, progressing to satin, silk or velvet for the most expensive. The jacket bodice was usually held in place with lacing or hook-and-eye closure down the front. The skirt, like the petticoat, was tied on by a drawstring, either behind or a tie at each side, and was closed (no split).

The riding habit was also two pieces: a skirt, worn with a coat similar to a man’s but darted along the sides, with a buttoned waistcoat beneath. Also to simulate the man’s dress, a cravat could be worn around the neck and a tricorne hat on the head. Although hoops were often worn under the skirt, I use a quilted petticoat to keep mounting and riding simple.

2. Stays: Now Dominic may wish to tackle her stays, which is a boned support wrap that is tightly laced in the back, which flattens the bosom and pushes it upward. Often tied to the front of the stays is the stomacher, another boned piece of cloth with a ‘v’ at the bottom, which can be heavily embroidered and decorated for show. The stomacher is also often attached to the bodice itself, instead of the stays, usually sewn in place. Cassandra finds it simpler to wear a stomacher that is attached to the stays. There is also evidence that workingwomen wore stays that released by ties in the front as well, which makes sense to me, as they didn’t have maids to unlace their backs, which were tied in a sort of criss-cross fashion, which took determination to remove. Another interesting note about stays is that they weren’t what we consider underwear. They were often worn without any covering while women worked, and often peeked through the open front of a gown, especially if they were elaborately embroidered or decorated. As the centuries progressed, and stays became known as the corset, they then became primarily underclothing. Because of consistency throughout the ages, I don’t use this fact in my books, and stick with the chemise as our modern idea of historical underclothing.

3. Petticoat: Then Dominic must untie the hoop-petticoat, via a drawstring about the waist. A hoop was a petticoat reinforced with (usually) whalebone, in circular layers from top to bottom, which held out a lady’s skirt. Several types of hoops were worn during the Georgian era, but in general, they started out in a round dome shape, then graduated to a ‘fan’, where the front and back of the top of the hoop was flattened, pushing out the hoops to the sides. The oblong hoop extended the distance to the sides, creating the extravagant shape worn by Marie Antoinette. These were also called ‘elbow hoops’, since some were high enough that a lady could actually rest her elbows on them. In lieu of hoops, usually for workingwomen, a lady could wear a quilted petticoat to help shape her dress. A fancy (unboned) petticoat could be worn over the supporting hoop-petticoat, specifically when the lady wore an open skirt. Other types of support were also worn, like false hips and cork rumps, but this is for the writer, not the historian, and I try to keep it simple. (Also, the skirt of a dress was commonly referred to as a petticoat, but this can be confusing to the modern reader (and me!), so I stick with the separate terms.) 

4. Chemise: Finally, Dominic can remove her chemise, a thin shift which reached to about the knees. A rich woman’s chemise could be made of fine linen, elaborately embroidered or laced, especially about the sleeves, where it often peeked out from under the gown’s sleeves. The neckline was sometimes loosened by a string that gathered it closed.

5. Shoes: If she hasn’t already, Lady Cassandra can kick off her shoes at this point, which resemble our modern-day clogs, where you slip your foot in. Often made of material to match her skirts, they had heels and were usually buckled or tied over the toes. She could also wear slippers, and a workingwoman might wear thick leather ones. Boots were often worn for riding.

6. Stockings: Stockings were usually white or black, held up at the top by a ribbon (garter) tied just above the knees. Usually cotton, the middle class might wear worsted, a rich lady would wear silk. In The Fire Lord’s Lover, Dominic enjoys removing Cassandra’s stockings very slowly.

7. Drawers: I can find no evidence that a Georgian lady wore any form of what we consider panties. Which is fabulous news for Dominic Raikes, who can skip all the above and just lift her skirts when passion overwhelms him.

8. Miscellaneous: Lady Cassandra might also carry/wear:

A tucker (scarf) could be tucked into the top of the bodice of any dress for modesty’s sake.

Hair was usually worn in a bun at the top in the back of the head, curls or waves of hair to frame the face. Ladies began to wear white wigs like the gentlemen, which later in the century grew to extreme heights, and were often decorated with feathers, jewels, birds, tiny hats, etc., especially for formal occasions or at court. In The Fire Lord’s Lover the men wear wigs to imitate the elven lords’ lustrous long white hair, and use silver glitter to try to copy the sparkle. Since Dominic has the original, he does not wear a wig, but will often wear battle braids at the sides. Lady Cassandra will sometimes powder her hair, however, to imitate the locks of an elven lady, with a dash of silver glitter to match the lustrous sheen of The Elven Lords.

Mobcaps were worn on the head indoors, a cap gathered in the front with ruffles at the sides, and often under hats, which varied from imitations of the men’s three cornered hat to straw hats. Pinners were worn as formal dress, caps usually made of lace, flat on the top of the head, with trailing ‘lappets’ down the sides (of the same material) that hung well past the shoulders.

Cassandra may also carry/wear a drawstring purse, lace handkerchief, fan, muff, parasol, apron, umbrella and gloves (gloves were almost always worn). Aprons were not always used for practical purposes, but as an accessory to the dress, of sheer material embroidered or edged with lace.

For outerwear, she could wear a mantle, which is a long hooded cloak, often with a riding hood attached, a ‘caped hood’. A mantlet, which is a short cape. A scarf, wrapped around the shoulders. Again, the cloth varied based on wealth, but most were made of wool. Trim could be excessive, from fur to embroidery to gold piping. 

This is a basic cheat-sheet for writers, and I kept simplicity in mind when putting this together. I used several references, but the primary ones are: Costume in Context/The Eighteenth Century by Jennifer Ruby ISBN 071345772, A History of Fashion in Costume/The Eighteenth Century by Anne Rooney 0816059489, Daily Life in Eighteenth Century England by Kirstin Olsen 0313299331, Handbook of English Costume in the 18^th Century by C. Willett and Phillis Cunnington 0823801284.


I hope you enjoyed this description of how my hero might go about undressing my heroine from The Fire Lord’s Lover. I hope writers may find this a helpful resource, and readers will have fun with it. Let me know what you think—I look forward to reading any comments!


All My Magical Best,


Kathryne

THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER BY KATHRYNE KENNEDY—IN STORES JULY 2010

Kathryne Kennedy's historical fantasy romances have garnered awards and a growing readership. This exciting new series, set against the lavish backdrops of Georgian and Victorian England so beloved by romance readers, is deliciously dark and exciting.

Fighting for control of a kingdom that is split into seven domains, Elven warlords use their human slaves to breed an endless supply of soldiers for their armies. Dominic Raikes, the half-blood son of the Elven Lord himself is one such warrior. Betrothed to Lady Cassandra, who has been raised in a convent to keep her pure, he little suspects that she's been secretly trained as an assassin to murder his father. Dominic and Cassandra soon discover that each one is not what they seem, but the price of trust may be their very lives, and the destruction of the magical realm each is desperately trying to save…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathryne Kennedy is a multipublished, award-winning author of magical romances. She’s lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S., and currently lives in Arizona with her wonderful family—which includes two very tiny Chihuahuas. She welcomes readers to visit her website where she has ongoing contests at: www.KathryneKennedy.com. 

To Purchase The Fire Lord’s Lover:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Borders
BooksAMillion
Chapters/Indigo
Kathryne’s Bookseller Directory 

Kelley Armstrong’s WAKING THE WITCH

Posted by Night Owl Reviews in

2 comments

***

Kelley Armstrong’s WAKING THE WITCH, A Dutton hardcover, $25.95, National on-sale date: July 27, 2010, ISBN 978-0-525-95178-0

Golden girl of the supernatural world, orphaned daughter of a dark witch and a conniving sorcerer, Savannah Levine has nothing to lose and everything to prove on her first solo case as a paranormal investigator.

She’s got a wide arsenal of spells at her fingertips, many that only she knows.

She’s got a tough-as-nails attitude and an even sharper wit.

She’s got one problem though . . . no one thinks she can handle this on her own.

Savannah has the power . . . and she’s not afraid to use it.
Purchase Waking the Witch on Amazon!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At twenty-one, Savannah Levine—orphaned daughter of a notorious dark witch and an equally notorious cutthroat sorcerer—considers herself a full-fledged member of the supernatural race that rules the Otherworld. The once rebellious teen has grown into a six-foot-tall, motorcycle-riding jaw-dropper with a full arsenal of spells that she’s not afraid to use when she gets caught in a bind. There’s only one small problem—her adoptive parents, Paige and Lucas, don’t always trust her. Of course, she’s given them plenty of reasons . . . but those are in the past. People can change, right?

When Paige and Lucas take off on a romantic vacation alone, leaving her in charge of their detective agency, Savannah is presented with a case that she can’t turn down, and one she can finally call her own. Recruited by another supernatural detective, she travels to Columbus, Washington, a small, almost shell of a town. Two troubled young women have been found in an abandoned warehouse, murdered. Now a third woman is dead, and darker forces seem to be at play. 

Savannah feels certain she can handle the case, but with supernatural activity appearing at every turn, things quickly become more serious—and far more dangerous—than she realizes. Caught up in a web of lust, false identities, and lies, Savannah must summon strength from her depths, and fight like she’s never fought before.

Kelley Armstrong is the author of the New York Times bestselling Otherworld series, the young adult trilogy Darkest Powers, and many other titles. She lives in rural Ontario with her husband and three children.

With her first book, Bitten, Kelley introduced readers to her singular brand of sophisticated, fast-paced storytelling. The Otherworld, a place populated by a wide array of supernaturals with an even wider array of powers, continues to engage and enthrall readers all over the globe after more than a dozen books. www.kelleyarmstrong.com

Praise for Kelley Armstrong:

"Savannah is a gutsy, shrewd, and accomplished protagonist who will immediately capture the reader's allegiance. ..Readers new to the series will still be able to enjoy this delightful, fast-paced adventure without difficulty."—Library Journal on Waking the Witch

"Armstrong writes with page-turningly lucid prose and outfits her heroine with plenty of pluck, which she'll need to navigate the handful of handsome fellas who drop in for potential romancing.”—Booklist on Waking the Witch

 “Armstrong skillfully juggles her twisty plot, weaving in characters from previous novels as she builds to a fast-paced conclusion." –Publishers Weekly on Waking the Witch

“There is never a slow moment . . . or a false line in Armstrong’s writing.” —Charlaine Harris, author of Dead and Gone and other books in the Sookie Stackhouse series

Marjorie M. Liu’s A WILD LIGHT

Posted by Night Owl Reviews in

3 comments

Marjorie M. Liu’s A WILD LIGHT, An Ace paperback $7.99, National on-sale date: July 27, 2010, ISBN 9781101188880

Obsidian shadows of the flesh…tattoos with hearts, minds, and dreams.  By day, they are my armor.  By night, they unwind from my body to take on forms of their own—demons of the flesh, turned into flesh.

For too long Maxine Kiss has felt an inexplicable darkness around her—a force she channels into hunting the demons bent on destroying the human race.  But when she finds herself covered in blood and crouched beside her grandfather’s dead body with no memory of what happened or of the man she loves, Maxine begins to fear that the darkness has finally consumed her.

With blood on her hands and her sanity in question, Maxine must face the truth about who she really is and embrace the love of the only man who can help her—before she loses what she cares about most: her family.

Purchase A Wild Light on Amazon!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Marjorie M. Liu is an attorney, and the New York Times bestselling author of short stories, novellas, and two ongoing series: Dirk & Steele novels of paranormal romance, and the Hunter Kiss urban fantasy series. She wrote NYX: No Way Home, X-23, and Black Widow, for Marvel Comics, and is co-writing the ongoing bestselling Dark Wolverine series.   Liu divides her time between the beautiful state of Indiana, and Beijing/Shanghai, China.   For a complete listing of all her work, please visit her website at:  www.marjoriemliu.com

Praise for Marjorie M. Liu:

“This pivotal book in the Hunter Kiss series proves Liu’s dark side is a haunting place to be as she pushes Maxine to the brink as a sharp-witted, uncompromising defender, not immune to self-doubt but tempered and made stronger for it."—Booklist on A Wild Light

"One of the key mysteries of the Hunter Kiss novels has been the truth about Maxine Kiss' genetic heritage.  Clues have been dropped, but in the third chapter of this amazing series, real answers are given.  Liu's craftsmanship grows with each novel, but it is the emotional undertones tahat give this story its devastating kick.  Truly on of the most darkly intense and spellbinding series in UF today!  Every Liu book should be an auto buy!"—Romantic Times Top Pick on A Wild Light

“I adore the Hunter Kiss series! Marjorie Liu’s writing is both lyrical and action packed, which is a very rare combination.”—Angela Knight, New York Times bestselling author

“Readers of early Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, and the best thrillers out there should try Liu now and catch a rising star.”—Publishers Weekly

“Liu’s ability to deliver kick-butt action and characters whose humanity resonates, even when they’re anything but human, is a testament to her outstanding storytelling skills.  Liu’s imagination is an amazing place to visit.”—Romantic Times (Top Pick) on Darkness Calls

What Inspired Broken Angels

Posted by Night Owl Reviews in

25 comments

Enter to win an author goodie package! 

Just comment on this post. Include the first part of your email address with your comment.You need to be a NOR newsletter subscriber to enter. That's how we get your full email address...so you don't have to post it all on the comment. You must be 18 or over to enter and live in the USA. USA Shipping only. No Purchase Necessary. Contest Ends: 7/30/2010

***

Family. Our desire to have it. Our struggle to hold on to it. As I sit on a seaweed-strewn beach, watching my children swim, dig for shells and build castles in the sun-baked sand, I realize that’s what inspired my August release, Broken Angels.

The need to form connections, to be part of a whole greater than ourselves, to nurture and protect is embedded in us all. Whether we fulfill that need by looking after our aging parents, raising children or caring for a pet, we each seek to satisfy it in our own way.


In Broken Angels, the heroine’s desire for a family is both her undoing and her salvation. Abandoned by her father at a young age, deprived of siblings, she has always been driven to fill the emptiness inside her. When she married her childhood crush, Zach, she believed all her dreams of love and family would finally come true. But fate threw her a curve ball. Infertility crushed her spirit and ultimately destroyed her marriage.


Two years later, just as she resigns herself to the depressing fact that family isn’t in the cards for her, Zach’s sister is brutally murdered, naming Rebecca and Zach legal guardians of her three children. Suddenly, the man Rebecca loved with a passion that bordered on obsession is back in her life, and she has no idea where he fits anymore. Nor does she know what to do with the three brokenhearted children looking to her for comfort and guidance. Is she ready to open her heart to them…and to Zach? Will she risk it all for the one dream that has forever evaded her? And if she does, will fate snatch it away from her as it has time and time again?


Each and every day, we risk heartache by loving others. Pain is an inevitable part of life, as is loss. I’ll admit I’ve included some of my deepest fears in this book. Since I became a mother, danger has taken on new meaning for me. It’s a shadow, ever-present, lurking around every corner. I’ve cradled a feverish child in my arms all through the night, crying and worrying. I’ve experienced the chill in my blood and that sinking sensation in my abdomen when my four-year-old daughter decided to play hide-and-seek in the yard, refusing to come when I called her. Wherever I go, I scan the surroundings to ensure my children are safe, that no car will come careening around the corner, that no one is hiding and watching, waiting to take them from me. But a threat can take any form, even that of a loved one, a mentor, a friend.


Broken Angels is a story of devotion and courage, overshadowed by the evil that lurks not only in the world around us, but in the human heart. If it has a message, it’s that love is more powerful than loss, that passion can survive the deepest heartache, and that family can blossom in the darkest of circumstances. 


Ann Hope
http://www.annehope.com


http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/anne-hope

Hero – You’ve met your match!

Posted by Night Owl Reviews in

33 comments

Enter to win a copy of Awakened by a Kiss by Lila DiPasqua. Two signed copies will be given away. Just answer this question to be entered:

QUESTION: Who’s your favorite fairy tale heroine?

You must be a member of the NOR newsletter to enter and live in the USA. USA Shipping Only. Leave the first part of your email address on your post so we can can make sure you are a member. Contest ends: 7/23/2010

***

Hero – You’ve met your match!

I’ve written a historical romance anthology for Berkley. It’s rather scandalous. My summer debut, AWAKENED BY A KISS, is a Fiery Tales collection – steamy retellings of three classic fairy tales in the one book. I love it when historical heroes are sinfully seductive bad boys.

In AWAKENED BY A KISS, I’ve created three of them.

There is something about seeing an unrepentant rake fall hopelessly in love with the heroine that I find downright delicious. And in AWAKENED BY A KISS they do fall for them – hard.

Yet, what kind of woman can totally turn a seasoned roué and steal his heart? I paired off very different women with each of the men in these three Fiery Tales. Three women with different backgrounds and personalities, yet their impact on these rakes is the same. Poor heroes, they didn’t stand a chance. These lovely ladies are unlike anyone these gorgeous men have ever met – and much to their surprise, they’ve found their perfect match.

In the first Fiery Tale in AWAKENED BY A KISS, Sleeping Beau, the hero is rather an infamous rake – the handsome bastard son of the King. Legitimized by His Majesty, Adrien is treated like royalty. A night of raw passion with a mysterious woman has haunted him for five years. When at last he spots his mysterious seductress, he wants to know everything about her. Heck, he just plain wants her. It was supposed to be simply a torrid affair. But it wasn’t. It couldn’t be. Everything about Catherine de Villecourt inspires tender feelings as well as hot desire. This beautiful woman is a widow. Born into the wealthy middle class, she was married off to a Count and trapped in an unhappy marriage until the scandalous death of her husband.

It’s not just Catherine’s beauty that affects our hero Adrien, but her quiet strength, too. And the problems she’s had with her father are something that Adrien understands all too well. He’s had nothing but difficulties with his own powerful sire. She is a painter, a sexual soulmate and his one and only heart’s desire.

The second Fiery Tale, Little Red Writing, has a very passionate heroine. Anne de Vignon is a writer. A woman who feels strongly about the telltale stories she writes about powerful courtiers under the nom de plume Gilbert Leduc. Born into minor nobility, she doesn’t have much by way of social influence or financial means. What she lacks in social standing and wealth, she makes up for in her drive to seek justice for women against the powerful men who inflict suffering on them. Without recourse, these women were forced to endure whatever hardship, humiliation or heartbreak came their way at the hands of these men. The ambitious Count of Lambelle, Nicolas de Savignac, is a member of the King’s private guard and eager for promotion. His investigation into the identity of the mystery writer is supposed to be the means to his promotion in the Guard. He never expected passionate Anne would move him or touch his heart and leave him torn between love and duty.

Imagine being the favorite daughter of the King. It’s an enviable position to be in, right? Wrong. In the Fiery tale, Bewitching in Boots, Elisabeth must be vigilant at court. She sees the constant intrigue, the dishonesty and corruption as men and women vie for the King’s favor, willing to use her, or worse, harm her younger sister, if she isn’t careful. The only man who is honest and true is the former commander of the King’s private Guard. When Tristan is forced to spend time with the smart, strong Elisabeth, he sees her not as a spoiled royal brat, or a coquette, but as a sensuous woman whose loyalty is as great as her love.

AWAKENED BY A KISS – A Fiery Tales Collection

Berkley Sensation

BY Lila DiPasqua

ISBN: 978 - 0425235560

AUGUST 3RD, 2010

Three classic fairytales—“Sleeping Beauty,” “Puss in Boots,” and “Little Red Riding Hood”—cleverly retold with enough sensual twists to prove wickedly ever after does exist…
Author’s website: www.LilaDiPasqua.com


Excerpt of AWAKENED BY A KISS –

http://www.liladipasqua.com/awakenExcerpt.htm

Gena Showalter

Posted by Night Owl Reviews in

7 comments

Gena Showalter is one of my favorite authors. I've been reading her since she published her first book. For those of you who have not read one of her books I encourage you to check her out. She writes paranormal that really pleases and has several series. Here are just some of her titles that I recommend.

The Pleasure Slave (Imperia Series)

When Santa Fe antique dealer Julie Anderson was curiously drawn to purchase a battered jewelry box, she never expected it to contain her own personal love slave. Especially not tall, dark and sinfully handsome Tristan-a man hard to resist, and determined to fulfill her every desire.

Though Tristan was a rogue of the battlefield and the boudoir, making love with Julia was like nothing he'd ever known. Yet revealing his true heart would break the centuries-old spell and separate them forever. And Tristan would do anything to go on loving Julia. . .even remain a slave through all eternity. . .


The Nymph King (Atlantis Series)

Females young and old, beautiful and plain crave Valerian's touch. None can resist his blatant sensuality and potent allure—until he steals Shaye Holling from a Florida beach and holds her prisoner in his underwater kingdom.

The cynical Shaye wants nothing to do with the mighty warlord, but she's inexplicably drawn to him. For underneath the warrior's arrogant beauty lies a complex and powerful man. A man whose caress is like fire….

Now Valerian must fight for the privilege of claiming her as his own. Because there's one thing Shaye doesn't know….

That when a nymph discovers his true mate, she's his for life.

Deep Kiss of Winter (Along With Kresley Cole)

Two hot New York Times bestselling authors collaborate in this paranormal holiday collection with bite . . .

Kresley Cole brings us the story of Murdoch Wroth, a brutal vampire soldier who will stop at nothing to claim Daniela the Ice Maiden -- the delicate Valkyrie who makes his heart beat for the first time in 300 years. But Danii is part ice fey, and her freezing skin can only be touched by her own kind. In Gena Showalter's story Aleaha Love can be anyone -- literally -- and her newest identity switch has made her an alien investigation and removal agent.

The Darkest Lie - (Lords of the Underworld)

Forced to his knees in agony whenever he speaks the truth, Gideon can recognize any lie—until he captures Scarlet, a demon-possessed immortal who claims to be his long-lost wife. He doesn't remember the beautiful female, much less wedding—or bedding—her. But he wants to…almost as much as he wants her.

But Scarlet is keeper of Nightmares, too dangerous to roam free. A future with her might mean ultimate ruin. Especially as Gideon's enemies draw closer—and the truth threatens to destroy all he's come to love….

Heart of Darkness - This is an anthology that Gena took part in. All the stories are enjoyable thought.

From the masters of paranormal romance, three brand-new tales of seduction…

The Darkest Angel by Gena Showalter

A Lords of the Underworld tale

An iron-willed demon assassin, the angel Lysander has never known lust—until he meets Bianka. Spawned from the bloodline of Lucifer, the beautiful but deadly Harpy is determined to lead the pure-hearted Lysander into temptation….

Love Me to Death by Maggie Shayne

Twenty-two years ago four teenage boys were convicted of a young girl's murder. Now, in the form of a beautiful woman, the "victim" is seeking vengeance. And only one man dares to dig into the past to uncover its secrets… and set her free.

Lady of the Nile by Susan Krinard

Lady Tameri believes herself to be the reincarnation of an ancient Egyptian princess, and Leo Erskine has set out to prove her wrong…never dreaming that the two of them are about to discover a prophecy that will bind them together forever.

The Darkest Lie (Hqn)

The Darkest Whisper (Lords of the Underworld)

The Darkest Prison

The Darkest Fire

The Darkest Passion (Hqn)

Into the Dark: The Darkest Fire\The Amazon's Curse\The Darkest Prison (Hqn)

Heart of Darkness: The Darkest Angel\Love Me to Death\Lady of the Nile

Lords of the Underworld Bundle

Awaken Me Darkly (Alien Huntress, Book 1)

Gena Showalter's Atlantis Series Bundle

Twice as Hot (Hqn)

The Nymph King (Atlantis)

Seduce the Darkness (Alien Huntress, Book 4)

The Vampire's Bride (Atlantis, Book 4)

Enslave Me Sweetly (Alien Huntress, Book 2)

Playing with Fire (Tales of an Extraordinary Girl, Book 1)

The Darkest Night (Hqn)

The Darkest Kiss (Hqn)

The Stone Prince

The Darkest Pleasure (Hqn)

Heart of the Dragon (Atlantis)

Jewel of Atlantis

The Darkest Facts: A Lords of the Underworld Companion

Deep Kiss of Winter

Savor Me Slowly (Alien Huntress Novels)

The Pleasure Slave

The Darkest Lie

Intertwined (Harlequin Teen)

Unraveled

Ecstasy in Darkness

Animal Instincts (Hqn)

Catch a Mate (Hqn)

The Bodyguard

Demon from the Dark

Red Handed (Teen Alien Huntress)

Blacklisted

Mysteria Lane (Berkley Sensation)

Mysteria (Berkley Sensation)

Oh My Goth

Into the Dark