Cynthia Eden's Blog, page 99
February 1, 2011
Random Fun (and Giveaway!)
Somehow I deleted Cynthia's introduction when trying to update this section with the winner so I apologize!! 
EDITED TO ADD: The winner (which I drew using random.org) is Michele!! Please contact me at katiereus (@) yahoo. com (no spaces or parenthesis). Congrats!!
Thanks so much to Cynthia for letting me blog with her today! The woman certainly knows how to throw a party 
I'm so excited for her release of Deadly Heat (which I've been impatiently waiting for after reading Deadly Fear)!
Today's post is a little random but fun (I hope).
One of the most annoying things to me is when I get a completely ridiculous song stuck in my head. And I just keep humming or singing it all day or sometimes for weeks! My husband and I are always quoting Will Ferrell movies (I have a weird obsession with him) and if you've seen Blades of Glory you'll know that Chaz (Ferrell's character) is a 'professional' ice skater and is insistent that he and his partner going to skate to the song 'My Humps' by the Black Eyed Peas. That song is just so insane and makes no sense yet it crawls into your brain and sets up camp. Since my baby bump just popped (I'm pregnant with my first child, btw) my husband has been singing that song but replacing the words with 'my bump, my bump, my lovely baby bump'. He changes the lyrics to a lot of songs and normally I think it's hilarious but this time it's driving me a little crazy because of the chosen song, yet I'm always humming it.
What does this have to do with writing or my recent release? Absolutely nothing. I just wanted to share some goodness about myself with you. So now you know I'm preggo and I love Will Ferrell (probably too much).
Writing is such a solitary profession so I love when wonderful authors like Cynthia let me hang out with them! This month I'm celebrating the release of my first book from Carina Press. This is the first release under my 'Katie' writing persona in two years so I'm very excited about it. It's got danger and secrets (hence the title) and a very hot southern hero!
Dangerous Secrets Blurb:
Isabelle Ballantine has been fighting for independence since she was old enough to walk. Now that she's finally out from under her father's shadow, she won't let anyone stand in her way. It's tough living on her own, working in a bar and keeping her true identity a secret, but things start to look up when a sexy new stranger walks into her life. After working side by side for weeks, Izzy can't figure out why he won't make a move.
To cinch the deal of a lifetime, Adam Marcellus agrees to help Izzy's eccentric father convince his daughter to move home. He'd assumed Izzy would be another spoiled rich princess, but he's surprised to discover his feelings for her are stronger than anything he's ever experienced. When a deranged stalker targets her, Adam finds himself fighting not only an unknown threat—but an unexpected attraction to the one woman he can't have.
Thanks again to Cynthia for hosting me today! I love it when she has a blog party and since she's been cool enough to host me, I want to offer a book from my back list to one commenter (check out my website for a complete list) who I'll draw at random. Since this will be a digital giveaway the contest is open internationally (though void where prohibited). You have until tomorrow at noon (Eastern) to enter. I'll announce the winner in the body of the post and in the comments section!
A little about me: I've been reading romance since I was a kid and the addiction stayed with me into adulthood. I write sexy paranormal romance and fast-paced romantic suspense. Dangerous Secrets is my first release from Carina Press (2/7/11) and in early 2012 my first book in a paranormal trilogy will release from Signet Eclipse (NAL/Penguin). To learn more about me please visit my website, my blog, or find me on twitter @katiereus.
Random Fun (And Giveaway!)
Hi, everyone! Today I am very excited to have my writing buddy Katie Reus guest blogging with me. Katie has a fabulous romantic suspense novel scheduled to release in just a few days, AND she also recently received a contract from NAL for a new paranormal romance series. She's one busy woman! Welcome, Katie!
Katie and I are doing a little switch for today. While she's guest blogging at my place, I'm over at her blog–chatting about villains, giving away a copy of DEADLY HEAT, and participating in her 30 Days of Danger and Secrets fun. Come on by for some danger!
***
Thanks so much to Cynthia for letting me blog with her today! The woman certainly knows how to throw a party I'm so excited for her release of Deadly Heat (which I've been impatiently waiting for after reading Deadly Fear)!
Today's post is a little random but fun (I hope).
One of the most annoying things to me is when I get a completely ridiculous song stuck in my head. And I just keep humming or singing it all day or sometimes for weeks! My husband and I are always quoting Will Ferrell movies (I have a weird obsession with him) and if you've seen Blades of Glory you'll know that Chaz (Ferrell's character) is a 'professional' ice skater and is insistent that he and his partner going to skate to the song 'My Humps' by the Black Eyed Peas. That song is just so insane and makes no sense yet it crawls into your brain and sets up camp. Since my baby bump just popped (I'm pregnant with my first child, btw) my husband has been singing that song but replacing the words with 'my bump, my bump, my lovely baby bump'. He changes the lyrics to a lot of songs and normally I think it's hilarious but this time it's driving me a little crazy because of the chosen song, yet I'm always humming it.
What does this have to do with writing or my recent release? Absolutely nothing. I just wanted to share some goodness about myself with you. So now you know I'm preggo and I love Will Ferrell (probably too much).
Writing is such a solitary profession so I love when wonderful authors like Cynthia let me hang out with them! This month I'm celebrating the release of my first book from Carina Press. This is the first release under my 'Katie' writing persona in two years so I'm very excited about it. It's got danger and secrets (hence the title) and a very hot southern hero!
Dangerous Secrets Blurb:
Isabelle Ballantine has been fighting for independence since she was old enough to walk. Now that she's finally out from under her father's shadow, she won't let anyone stand in her way. It's tough living on her own, working in a bar and keeping her true identity a secret, but things start to look up when a sexy new stranger walks into her life. After working side by side for weeks, Izzy can't figure out why he won't make a move.
To cinch the deal of a lifetime, Adam Marcellus agrees to help Izzy's eccentric father convince his daughter to move home. He'd assumed Izzy would be another spoiled rich princess, but he's surprised to discover his feelings for her are stronger than anything he's ever experienced. When a deranged stalker targets her, Adam finds himself fighting not only an unknown threat—but an unexpected attraction to the one woman he can't have.
Thanks again to Cynthia for hosting me today! I love it when she has a blog party and since she's been cool enough to host me, I want to offer a book from my back list to one commenter (check out my website for a complete list) who I'll draw at random. Since this will be a digital giveaway the contest is open internationally (though void where prohibited). You have until tomorrow at noon (Eastern) to enter. I'll announce the winner in the body of the post and in the comments section!
A little about me: I've been reading romance since I was a kid and the addiction stayed with me into adulthood. I write sexy paranormal romance and fast-paced romantic suspense. Dangerous Secrets is my first release from Carina Press (2/7/11) and in early 2012 my first book in a paranormal trilogy will release from Signet Eclipse (NAL/Penguin). To learn more about me please visit my website, my blog, or find me on twitter @katiereus.
January 31, 2011
Rhythm Maker
First of all I want to thank Cynthia for letting me guest on her blog! Cynthia throws an awesome party.
Power of Attraction, book 1 in my Blackstone Haven series releases today. I'm here to share a little insight into my story with you.
There is a subtle rhythm that beats when you read. One you probably don't even notice it.
From that first word of any book you read it pulls you in and takes you on a journey. Each step gives you various beat that resonate with you. That first blush of meeting and the little catch that you get when you read it. The foray of the characters as they do that dance of seduction which keeps your heart racing as you wonder when will they or will they at all. Then when they do you your pulse skyrockets with each kiss, caress and thrust as they come together. Then you go on the journey of their affair. The up rhythms of them getting to know each other after the sexual encounter. A laugh at their antics which makes your body move in time with them. That little sound you make as something they do pleases you. The humph as they act the fool. The sway as you enjoy this journey that makes you go up then down and all around. When that obstacle comes and your fist clenches while your heart wonders how can they fix this and the tears fall with the person most devastated after that moment. Then ultimately the triumph they get when they overcome it all to be together. Your soul rejoices and you love it. Once done you exhale and that dance is done at least until the next time.
All this is rhythms that comes from within. One that is individual as each of you. No two rhythms you feel are the same. Heck when you reread the book the rhythm changes. I love reading books and how it makes the rhythm of my soul move. And this is what I work for when I write. A rhythm that will resonate in a reader. Make them become part of the fabric of the dance I am creating in my story. Let me share with you the rhythms I feel when I write.
In writing Power of Attraction I felt that rhythm in each word. From the opening scene with Wesley McCarty my hero who fears what is happening to him. His not knowing and fear because of it makes me think of a pounding of drums driving him on. Peyton Blackstone my heroine has a feeling that makes her feel such joy and abandonment that she leaves her home and goes into the forest and dances under the stars. Her rhythm reminds me of a clarinet and sax being played in a duet each trying to get supremacy. But in the end they blend into a harmonious sound. When Wesley and Peyton met under those stars his drums meld with her clarinet and sax to create a sultry melody. Yet it is not to be and reality intrudes with a clash of cymbals taking them apart. Peyton clarinet and sax make sounds that will make you weep as she knows her life is about to change and she has no way of knowing in what way. She has to think of the legacy she must face. Wesley stands with his lone drum making a steady tap, tap as he wonders if he really losing his mind.
As the story progresses I felt the back beat of many rhythms that drives the story. Made it pulse in my soul as I put it on paper. It was a stupendous feeling. I've been called everything from writer, author, storyteller and all the in between. I am all those things and so much more. Of all the names I'm called I like to call myself … Rhythm Maker.
Here is a taste of my book.
Power of Attraction Mini Blurb - A woman whose destiny has been ordained from birth meets the man who has been prophesied for her–but there is more to him than meets the eye. With prophecies and legacies to fulfill, which way will she go: to a man who may be possibly her mate, or to a dark legacy that could take her life.
Excerpt for Power of Attraction:
Wesley was amused by the look of fury mixed with distress on Ian's normally affable face. He turned, interested in seeing the person who caused such a reaction. Shocked emerald green eyes stared at him. His heart skipped a beat.
Wesley hungrily took in the woman from the forest. She was real. He wasn't losing his mind. Unconsciously, he took a step towards her. She backed up a step.
Fury filled him. She had run from him once, and she wasn't doing it again. With a determined stride, he closed the space between them and grabbed her arm. She tried to shrug him off. He changed his grip and yanked her against his body. A shudder racked him as their bodies touched. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla he had thought he imagined cloyed around them. He felt her shiver in reaction. Her eyes heated then went cool.
A click sounded behind him. Absently, he looked away from her compelling gaze. He stilled at the sight of the gun trained on him. The wrath in the other woman's amber gaze let him know she was waiting for an excuse to blow him away. Her features, so much like those of the woman he held, told him they were somehow related.
The woman in his arms moved against him. The feel of her soft breasts against his chest drove all sane thought from his mind. He turned and jerked her up into his arms.
"Wrap your legs around me," Wesley growled.
The woman's eyes narrowed, but she clamped her legs around his waist.
"Don't order me around." Her husky voice stroked along his senses.
He put his face close to hers. "Don't give me reason to."
She jerked back. He clamped his hands on her ass to hold her against him. She stilled. Wesley gritted his teeth at the feel of her jean-clad mound against him. His mind flashed to the forest and their kiss. He saw the answering flare in her green gaze.
Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2011.
All Rights Reserved, Total E Bound.
****
Taige Crenshaw is a multi-published author with books available at Ellora's Cave Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, Loose Id, and Total-E-Bound. Taige has been enthralled with the written word from time she picked up her first book. It wasn't long before she started to make up her own tales of romance. With novels set in today, in alternate dimensions, or in the future she writes with adventure, fun sassy heroine's, and sexy hero's. Always hard at work creating new and exciting places Taige can be found curled up with a hot novel with exciting characters when she is not creating her own. Join her in the fun, frolic, interesting people and far reaches of the world in her novels. You can find out more about Taige at her website: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com or blog: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com/blog.
January 28, 2011
Writing REALLY bad heroes (with giveaway)
Zoe Winters, here.
The last time I was at Cindy's blog, I talked a little about my then upcoming release, Save My Soul.
I had hoped to have the book out by Christmas, but things always take longer than I think they're going to, so we're about a month past that date. But it's here now.
Cindy is coincidentally doing this Deadly Valentine event which made me think it was an appropriate thing to get in on since I wanted to talk about writing REALLY bad heroes.
I don't know how many fans of Buffy are here, but I'm a big Buffy fan. In fact, I think a lot of paranormal romance authors started out as Buffy fans for some reason. I'd watch the show and think: "This is exactly how I think, I could have written this." (Not that I think I'm as awesome as Joss Whedon.) One of the intriguing things about the show was that we were rooting for some really bad guys as romantic leads. First there was Angel, then there was Spike.
Both of them, being vampires, started evil, killing lots of people and having not an ounce of remorse for it. When Angel was cursed with his soul he felt guilty, but I don't think Spike ever felt all that bad about the people he killed in his past. And why should he? Most people are meat-eaters, and we don't mourn the cow and feel guilty every time we eat a cheeseburger.
But there is still this cognitive disconnect where we're watching this stuff and we're rooting for Spike or Angel and meanwhile they've spent over a hundred years each killing thousands of people. But we're still wanting them to end up in bed with Buffy. Cause we're crazy like that. Or because they are sexy beasts. One of those.
Save My Soul features an incubus who has been trapped in a house for fifty years. Before he met the witch who cursed him, he killed thousands of women over a 526-year time period. How do we forgive that and move past it and let him be a hero? Is it even possible with that kind of history? The fan response to Buffy makes me think, yes.
I think part of it is that he's truly suffered for several decades being trapped in that house. He's also had a very real change of heart with regards to the value of human life. When someone goes vegetarian, I don't think the other vegetarians wag their fingers at them and say: "You evil former cow killer!" I think they're just happy someone has become more sensitive to the suffering of other living souls. I hope readers feel the same way with regards to Luc.
I think another reason we can let Luc be a hero is that it's not like he tortured and sliced and diced his prey. Every single one of those women "died happy" (nudge, nudge, wink, wink). Which doesn't make it "moral", but yeah. There are a lot worse ways to go out.
Luc represents the idea that you can start over and find redemption, which I think is also why we rooted for Angel, and later Spike on BtVS. And I hope it's why readers will root for Luc.
This book has a lot of snark and humor in it, but it also has quite a bit of angst and drama. The book trailer (which I'm pimping everywhere) focuses on the latter:
Book Trailer: Save My Soul by: Zoe Winters from Zoe Winters on Vimeo.
Save My Soul is the second book in my preternaturals series, but it also stands alone. You won't be the slightest bit lost if you read this one first. Here's where you can find the buy-links for the digital book. (print available soon.)
I'm also giving away a signed print copy of Save My Soul to one reader. (U.S. only, please.) And I'll give a digital copy away to one other reader (open internationally.) To enter, please leave a comment and let me know if you're in the US or International.
Thanks for reading!
Deadly Valentine Guest: Denise Agnew (And Giveaway!)
Today I'm interviewing multi-published author extraordinaire Denise Agnew. Denise is a great lady who writes in a variety of romance sub-genres. Denise, thanks for participating in the interview!
***
1. Why did you become a writer?
It's simply in my blood and I'm compelled. I've been writing stories since I was fourteen.
2. Of all the books that you've written, which one was the hardest to write? Why?
I think all my books are hard to write on some level. There will always be those times when I feel like I haven't a clue what I'm doing and want to chuck it into the trashcan. The hardest books, though, are the ones where I'm deep into researching, and I'm more concerned with historical accuracy, etc. One of the most difficult I think was Meant To Be, because when I first wrote it close to fifteen years ago I was more concerned with conforming to category rules and I was writing it for a category line. I don't do that anymore.
3. Now let's flip it…was there one book that just poured out of you because the pages came so quickly?
No. I have spurts. In every book I will have these sections where the first run/draft is going so well and easily and then at some point, I'll run into a rough patch that I have to find my way around.
4. What's next for you? Please share any projects that will be releasing soon.
The next story out for me that is already scheduled is the June 2011 release of BEFORE THE DAWN at Samhain Publishing. It's a historical. HOT PURSUIT may also be out between now and then. It's the last story in my Hot Zone military romance series at Samhain. In the meantime, I'm writing a trilogy that is definitely romance, but not like anything people have seen quite before.
5. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
After you've listened to all the conventional advice, realize at some point it is your career and it's got to feel right to you. Follow the rules to a point, but remember this is your career in the end and not anyone else's.
6. Tell me about the darkest book you've written—why is it so dark?
The darkest book is actually coming up. I'm almost ready to start it. It's set in 1918 and deals with a hero who has experienced shell shock/PTSD in World War I, and a nurse that's also had her experiences seeing war in France. But they're also in an asylum that has a haunted legacy. This is the second book in a series. It also deals with the influenza epidemic that occurred at that time and it's dark because it was a particularly horrible time in our history that many people have completely forgotten about. Most people are totally unaware that it killed such huge numbers of people. I'd say second to that is Dark, Deadly, Love (Samhain) which is my tale set during the Jack The Ripper murders in 1888 London. I have more POVs in this book than I do in others, and the prostitutes who were murdered are a larger part of the story than people would normally expect in a romance. These books I'm describing are definitely romance…never fear.
7. Let's lighten things up now…will you share your ideal Valentine's Day?
A secluded resort cuddling with my hubby after a delicious gourmet dinner. There's probably a bottle of champagne or wine in there somewhere.
Thanks, Denise! Now…what's *your* ideal Valentine's Day? Share and one commenter will win an e-copy of Denise's book, FOR A ROMAN'S HEART (I'll send it to you via Amazon.com so it will be the Kindle edition. If you don't have a Kindle, you can use the Kindle for PC program–I've used that program so many times!)
January 27, 2011
Valentine's Day Trivia & Giveaway
Hi, everyone! I am very excited to have debut Kensington Brava author Joan Swan as my guest today. Her upcoming Phoenix Rising series promises to be a perfect blend of the two genres I love the most: dark romantic suspense and sexy paranormal romance. Can't wait to read them! Joan, thanks for blogging with me today!
***
"I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon." ~Unknown
That quote is for Cynthia in relation to the tweet she posted yesterday about her son. You'll have to check your tweets if you don't know what I'm talking about.
What do you think of when you hear Deadly Valentine? Cynthia's topic had me envisioning complex posts of serial killers, stalkers or Valentine's Day murders. Anyone else have that reaction?
As you can see…that didn't quite work out. After searching and searching for an angle, I just couldn't find any new, cool information to share with you in any unique way. And worse, the more I searched, the more I saw how Valentine's Day was linked to Domestic Abuse. It seems to be the holiday of choice to gain followers in their fight against domestic and/or teen violence.
Don't get me wrong — those are both issues worthy of exposure. My daughter experienced the darker side of a high school relationship that ended in a restraining order against the young man. Horrible, stressful, fearful situation for her and for us as a family. But, I just haven't been in the mood to get all dark and intimate with the serial killer psyche lately. Go figure.
So, this post is much lighter, yet still interesting–at least I hope you'll find it so. You might even get a chuckle or two.
I've left out many, many tidbits of Valentine's Day trivia. Everyone who can add a trivia tidbit in the comments (hint–Google or something you already know) will be entered to win one of these two gifts:
1) A copy of Cynthia's new release: DEADLY HEAT (either print or eReader)
2) The ceeeeutest little note pad I've ever seen: Dead Man Sticky Notes.
Valentine's Day Trivia
The condom company Durex reports that condom sales are 20-30% higher around Valentine's Day
On Valentine's Day 2010, 39,897 people in Mexico City broke the record for the world's largest group kiss.
There is no one accepted explanation for the connection between St. Valentine and love.
According to Welsh tradition, a child born on Valentine's Day would have many lovers.
The saying "wearing your heart on your sleeve" is from the Middle Ages. Boys at this time would draw names of girls to see who would be their "Valentine" and then wear the name pinned on their sleeve for a week.
A kiss on Valentine's Day is considered to bring good luck all year.
Studies have shown that people are twice as likely to tilt their head to the right while kissing.
Famous couples married on February 14th: Elton John-Renate Blauel, Meg Ryan-Dennis Quaid, Pamela Anderson-Tommy Lee and Sharon Stone-Phil Bronstein.
Forty percent of the world's almonds and 20% of the world's peanuts are used by chocolate manufacturers for Valentine's Day Candy.
Men claim to prefer to received chocolates as a Valentine's gift; women prefer dinner.
Since the Aztec empire, chocolate has been considered an aphrodisiac used in the pursuit of love.
Casanova, who enjoyed the title of "The World's Greatest Lover," ate chocolate to make him virile.
There are towns in Texas & Nebraska called Valentine.
There is a Love Valley, North Carolina, a Romeoville, Illinois & Loveland, Colorado.
Each year 300,000 letters go through Loveland, Colorado, to get a special heart stamp cancellation for Valentine's Day.
In the United States, 64 percent of men do not make plans in advance for a romantic Valentine's Day with their sweethearts.
Venus is the Roman god of love and beauty.
The red rose was the flower of Venus.
Cupid is associated with Valentine's Day because he is believed to be the son of Venus.
Cupid is the Roman god of love. In Greek lore, Cupid is known as Eros.
NECCO has been making heart-shaped valentine candies, with sweet sayings printed on them, since 1902.
About eight billion candy hearts are made for Valentine's Day each year.
Nearly 10 new candy "conversation heart" sayings are introduced each year.
Valentine candy "conversation hearts" have a shelf life of five years.
In flower speak: Red means love, yellow means friendship, pink means friendship or sweetheart and lavender means love at first sight and enchantment.
Red carnations mean admiration, white carnations mean pure love, red chrysanthemums mean love, forget-me-nots mean true love, primrose means young love, and larkspur means an open heart.
Share your Valentine's Day trivia and WIN!!
January 25, 2011
Real Deadly Valentine
First I want to congratulate Cynthia on her release day yesterday! I'm so excited to read this next book in the Deadly series. Second, I want to thank her for including little ole me in this fun group of ladies posting in celebration of "My Deadly Valentine." It makes me feel loved when I get invited to participate in awesome events! And now to the deadly valentine parts:
The patron saint of the holiday was subjected to a deadly end himself. Around the year 269-270 A.D., the emperor of Rome at the time made marriage illegal as there was apparently a law that married men couldn't be drafted and men were needed for the army. Valentine continued to marry people in secret and when the emperor found out, he sentenced Valentine to be beaten and beheaded for breaking the law. So the holiday of love which was named for this martyr had its beginnings in death.
Fast forward to another deadly day associated with St. Valentine. Many centuries and a continent away, in Prohibition era Chicago, Illinois, seven men were killed in a gang war. It seems that Bugs Moran, the leader of the North Side Irish gang, had his men machine gun the headquarters of Al Capone, the leader of the South Side Italian gang. In retaliation, Capone hired some thugs to shoot into the warehouse where Moran's men were gathered. It appears they thought Moran was there as well but he wasn't. The hit order was on Moran but he escaped. The men who perpetuated the crime were never found, tried or convicted. This massacre occurred on February 14, 1929.
Now that we've talked about all this real death, let's talk a bit about my new releases. I have two books coming out in 2011. One is called Surfer Bride and it's with SirenBookStrand Mainstream romance and is slated to be released in April. The other is called Redemption for the Devil from Desert Breeze Publishing and is to be released in July 2011. I have one already out with BookStrand as well called Solo Honeymoon. Each of them are deadly in their own ways. I won't ruin any of their plots but they have weapons, danger, death, and angst galore. I'm putting the trailers here if you want to look at them. No pressure!
I will be giving away three things today to three commenters: One will be a copy of the ebook Solo Honeymoon, one will be a "Live, Love, Surf" magnet for Surfer Bride and last will be a magnet with the City of New York and Cunard ships on it for Redemption for the Devil. I won't even test you to see if you watched the trailers. I'll just have random.org pick three winners.
Thanks again, Cynthia, for letting me play with you today!
DEADLY HEAT is out! And Giveaway Time!
Hi, everyone! It's book release day! DEADLY HEAT should be in a bookstore near you–or shipping from your favorite online retailer. (The e-book version of the book will be available on 2/1.)
DEADLY HEAT received a rating of 4 1/2 Top Pick from RT BookReviews, and the reviewer noted, "Deadly Heat is seriously hot! Taut conflict mixes with fiery romance to create a winner. Readers will enjoy a rapid-paced induction into the world of firefighters, arsonists and the FBI's newest division. Deadly Heat offers the perfect amount of tension, character development and action-packed plot!" I sure hope readers enjoy the book as much as she did!
In DEADLY HEAT, fire fighter Lora Spade teams up with FBI Agent Kenton Lake in order to catch a serial arsonist. The attraction between Lora and Kenton is immediate–and it's almost as explosive as the fires that they must face.
Here's the blurb:
She wants revenge . . .
Six months after her lover died in an arsonist's blaze, firefighter Lora Spade calls in the FBI's elite Serial Services Division to track the elusive killer. When Special Agent Kenton Lake is lured into a violent inferno, Lora pulls him to safety and is stunned – not by the fire, but by her own searing attraction to Kent. For the first time in months, she longs for something other than vengeance.
He wants her . . .
Kenton's interest in Lora should be purely professional. But one fleeting kiss and he can't get her out of his mind. Her combination of strength and vulnerability makes him want to protect her, and that means solving this case – and fast. For even the passion igniting between them can't hide a terrifying truth: Lora is the next target in a murderer's sadistic, fiery game.
A vicious killer wants only . . .
DEADLY HEAT
******
Since I'm celebrating the release, I think that means we need a giveaway. Want to win a $20 Amazon.com gift certificate? Then tell me why you would or wouldn't make a good FBI Agent. Maybe you should join the SSD!
January 24, 2011
A Few of My Favorite Things
Hi, Everyone!
I'm Sylvia Day. Tomorrow (January 25), is the release date of my latest book, Pride and Pleasure. It's a story about a great many things, but at its core it's a tale of two people who value privacy and solitude above everything… until they meet each other. Then they learn that life is more vibrant and wondrous when shared with someone you love.
This got me thinking about things I value, which led to me thinking about guilty pleasures. I'll be hopping around the web this week (if you "like" me on Facebook, you can see where I'll be), blogging and sharing about Pride and Pleasure, so I'll spread pieces of my list around (and a few different excerpts). Each chunk will have a different prize, so you hope you'll join me and share your guilty pleasures.
One commenter on this post will be selected (via random.org) to receive the first three books in my Marked series: Eve of Darkness, Eve of Destruction, and Eve of Chaos, along with some other goodies.
* * * * *
Guilty Pleasures (that I don't feel all that guilty about…):
1) Good coffee. I'm addicted. Can't go without it. Unless it's swill, then I'll pass. I confess I'm a bit of a coffee snob. In our house, we take coffee very seriously. From selecting the best beans to using the right coffeemaker for the job (we have a few). It's all worth it when I lift a steaming cup to my lips and taste the exquisiteness.
2) Cynthia Eden books. Oh man… Love 'em. I'm *rubbing my hands together* in expectation of the midnight download of my pre-ordered copy of Deadly Heat to my Kindle. Bring. It. On. So happy Deadly Lies releases right on its heels. Makes me one very happy C.E. reader!
3) Big, elaborate, blow 'em action movies. I'm a romance novelist, yes. But I'm not a fan of romantic comedies. Actually, I don't much like comedies, period. I prefer over-the-top action flicks with romantic elements. Actually, I can even forgo the romantic elements, but lots of explosions and crazy "whoa!" moments are a necessity for my viewing enjoyment.
4) Girls' retreats. I try to go on at least one a year. It's such a treat to spend uninterrupted time with dear friends, especially in lovely travel destinations. Freed from the pressures of family/cleaning/looking-after-everyone-but-yourself, you find a lightness of spirit that leads to lots of lovely, intimate discussions. Usually there is laughter and tears, wine and chocolate, spa trips and lengthy meals. Food for the soul.
5) Pedicures. These are a must for every woman. Seriously. We deserve them. The massaging, the pretty designs they can paint on the big toes, the foot soak…
Now it's your turn! What are some (or at least one!) of your guilty pleasures?
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Pride and Pleasure
January 25, 2011
Wealth has its dangers…
There are disadvantages to being an heiress, as Eliza Martin knows well. Fortune hunters flock to her, acquaintances lie and pander, and lately, someone is engineering "accidents" to propel her to the altar. But Eliza will not be bullied, and she will get to the bottom of this plot. All she needs is a man to infiltrate her assemblage of suitors and find the culprit. Someone not easily noticed; a proficient dancer, quiet, and even-tempered.
…so do certain men
Thief-taker Jasper Bond is entirely too large, too handsome, and too dangerous. Who would believe that an intellectual like Eliza would be seduced by a man of action? But the combination of her stubbornness and the mystery makes the case one Jasper can't resist. Client satisfaction is a point of pride and it's his pleasure to prove he's just the man she needs after all…
Excerpt:
"Eliza…" Jasper came to sit beside her.
The air around her became charged with his energy.
I never feel so alive as I do when I am the object of a man's desire, her mother had said, spinning like a giddy girl with her skirts held in each hand. The blood sings, Eliza. The heart races. It is the most glorious feeling in the world.
Why did Jasper have to be the man to awaken such reactions in her? Why did he have to prove, just by breathing, that she wasn't immune to needing someone after all? She was so disappointed to realize there were indeed some shades of pleasure that could only be colored by another hand.
His dark eyes were warm with concern. "Please understand, I only wish to be thorough. Your safety is of the utmost importance to me."
She nodded, believing the sincerity in his tone. A lock of her hair was dislodged by the movement, slipping free of her hastily tied ribbon to slide over her shoulder.
He stood. Holding out a hand, he assisted her to her feet. "Turn around."
As Eliza pivoted, she disturbed the air, allowing the primitive scent that clung to him–horses and leather, tobacco and bergamot–to tease her senses. She jumped slightly at the feel of his fingers against her nape. Awareness of him swept outward, flowing across her skin like warm water. He lifted the curl from her shoulder and rubbed it between his fingers.
"Like fine silk," he murmured. He loosened the ribbon securing her hair, returned the errant lock to its former place, and retied the whole more securely.
Her gaze darted around the room, hyperaware of her surroundings. Everything was rendered in brilliant clarity, from the crystals hanging from the many ornate candlesticks, to the inlaid mother-of-pearl glimmering from the tops of the end tables.
In the swirling confusion, she grasped the first thought that came to her… "Are you one of those gentlemen who have an unusually strong interest in red hair?"
"I have an unusually strong interest in you." He pressed his lips to the bare skin between her shoulder and throat.
"Jasper," she whispered, shocked by the violent quiver that moved through her. "What are you doing? Why did you come now… tonight… when I'll be seeing you tomorrow?"
His hands fell to his sides. "I saw the way you looked at Montague. What he said made you see him in a way you haven't before."
Eliza faced him. He was more than a head taller, but his frame curved toward her in a way that made their proximity searingly intimate. As if he was about to twirl her into a waltz.
Her heart beat a little faster. Her breathing quickened. "I don't understand."
He cupped her chin and tilted her face upward. "You looked at him the way you look at me."
"That's impossible." Montague incited none of this turmoil.
"I need you to regard me in the same manner with which I regard you."
She was arrested by the way he looked her over. So intent. With a gaze that was fierce. Fervent. His fingertips followed the path of his perusal. Touching her forehead. Tracing her brows. Following the bridge of her nose.
Eliza, in turn, studied him unabashedly. His features were so perfectly formed, beautiful in their symmetry but masculine in their lines. It was such a pleasure to look upon him; he made her want to stare.
"How do I regard you now?" she queried breathlessly.
"Too aware. Trying to reason your way out of this attraction. Stop thinking," he murmured. Tilting his head, he lowered his mouth toward hers. The approach was slow and deliberate. His grip was loose and without force. "Let yourself feel it."
She stumbled back, panting because she couldn't breathe when he was so close.
Jasper watched her retreat with hooded eyes. She was nearly beyond arm's reach when he growled and caught her back. His lips sealed over hers with a boldness that stole what was left of her air. With one hand at her nape and an arm around her waist, Jasper took her mouth as if he owned it. Undeniably skilled and… hungry. A slanting, suckling, ferocious possession that stunned her completely.
Eliza sagged into him, unable to comprehend the ardor with which he kissed her. His body was astonishingly hard, like warm marble. From shoulder to thigh, he pressed unyieldingly against her. Without the barrier of her stays the sensation was… Dear God, she couldn't describe the need she had to touch more of him. Her hands clenched and released at her sides, reaching for him, then falling away.
Where should–could–she touch him?
As if he understood, Jasper's hand at her nape followed the length of her arm down to her wrist. His fingers circled it, then lifted her hand to his chest. Between his coat and waistcoat he urged her palm to splay over his heart. His skin burned through the layers of clothing between them. His heartbeat raced with the same recklessness as hers.
Her other hand clenched the hem of his coat and she whimpered, overwhelmed.
Her capitulation gentled him. The press of his lips softened and his grip slackened enough to allow her lungs to expand. Teasing rather than taking, Jasper licked the lower curve of her lip, goading her to taste him back. She did, trembling, uncertain.
At the first flick of her tongue, he captured it with soft suction. Startled, Eliza jerked in his arms, her breasts flattening against his chest. His groan vibrated against her, tumbling across sensitized nerve endings.
"Eliza."
The clock on the mantel began to chime on the half hour, but Eliza was lost to time, focused instead on the luxuriant licks stroking deep into her mouth. Her hand moved across Jasper's torso, feeling the muscles tense beneath her touch. A sound escaped her, a soft plea.
Jasper lifted his head, breathing hard. With heavy-lidded eyes, he studied her face.
"This," he said gruffly, "is how you should look at me, the way you look at no one else. As if you long for me to finish what I've started. As if you ache to feel my mouth on you, my hands on you."
She did ache. And felt unappeased, as if she had an unquenched thirst. Her skin was too sensitive. Her fingers trembled. She was far too hot.
He stepped back and turned away in a motion as elegant as it was powerful. She couldn't help but follow him with her gaze. He was such a large and finely built man, yet he moved with such grace.
"Jasper." Her pulse leaped at the look he shot her.
* * * * *
Happy Monday!
January 23, 2011
The Rise and Takeover of Action Heroes
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Hi everyone! Dale Mayer here and I'm so happy to be back visiting with you all today. thanks so much Cynthia for the invitation. She's been the best mentor (I've been lucky enough to have her as my mentor in the Brava Writing with the stars contest) I could possibly have! I'm still in the contest and we're down to just four finalists with one round left to go and I know it's because of the help she gave me. Now on to my blog about kick-ass heroines – a character I love to write!
The progression of sexualized and helpless female roles to the kickass curvy females of today is nothing short of miraculous. It seems that since the last forty years women have slowly infiltrated the role to today's continuous slew of kickass female roles. I love it, don't get me wrong.
The female heroes used to be defined by men. Then women broke the mould. Becoming much stronger in and more powerful in the real world, they also wanted to see their counterpart in the movie / book scene. Who today would want the weak simpering Barbie of yesterday as their role model?
I hadn't considered the role reversal to this extent until I read this blog. It made me stop and think. I love strong female characters – in movies and in books. And once I started researching about the differences between male and female action heroes I couldn't stop. There are huge differences! Male action heroes have a tendency to use brute force and heavy handed moves to make their desired end result happen. According to this article, an investigation that the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation has carried out, only 19% of female characters in films used physical force while the male did in 53% of the times.
The articles and research I studied all agreed that female action heroes use their mind to get what they wanted first – they only resorted to physical violence when everything else has failed. So women tend to use their brain first. Gotta love it. Women action heroes also show their feelings in movies and in books. Compassion is also another trait shown by women and not just to their friends but also to their enemies. It's part of the female psyche and it works in these mediums to show that part of their nature. Not so much for the males.
Women are allowed to and do cry in movies – even action superwomen. They don't cry like a weeping damsel in distress during the main fight scenes, instead they show tears up or cry and rage at injustices. These actions actually help to round out the character and instead of feeling like the character wimped out on us as we might if a man had been doing the crying, we applaud her for being true to herself, and we pull for her even more.
Women have held high positions in the past but more a reverent type of powerful level than on a physical level. Let's be real our DNA is different. We aren't as strong or as big as our male counterparts. But women of today are being trained better and we are seeing more and more women stepping into powerful roles. In our books and movies, we are almost inundated with them. The potential list is unbelievable. I've always been a big fan of Ripley in the Alien series, Alice in the Resident Evil series or how about Selene from Underworld and then there's the Laura Croft movies.
All of these women used their wits, their skills and their fighting skills when in a corner. They also took care of those that needed them. Ripley protected the child Newt in the second
movie. Alice cared for Angie. A distinctly female trait. Have you ever seen an action heroine drag a child around the world saving others? No. Not likely because that wouldn't be true to form for women. Look at the cartoon move the Incredible. Before Mrs. Incredible has a family, she gives up on being a superhero. She doesn't willingly drag her kids into the action – they hide away and get into all their own.
If you haven't seen Salt yet – do. I loved it. Angelina plays another strong kick-ass female role that offers twists and surprises along the way. However, Salt is smart, in control, and has no problem getting down and dirty to get what she wants. Apparently the original character was supposed to be male until Angelina Jolie showed an interest in the role. The character was also supposed to have a child. However, that was changed as Jolie couldn't see a woman having a child in that position. The audience still has certain expectations that must be met!
In whatever we write, it's important to have the audience relate. If we need them to suspend belief in one area then we have to make it easy for them by making the actions believable and true to the character.
What about you? What female action heroines do you like? Males? Do you prefer to read (or write) about kick ass characters? Or kick ass heroes?
