Bonnie Vanak's Blog, page 13

Birthday reflections 2014

Another year older and as I reflect back on the past year, there’s tremendous joy and aching loss.
Last year I wrote a short story for my own amusement and self-published it. I never thought The Mating Chase would carve a new pathway in publishing for me. I only wanted to write a sexy story about two werewolves, something a little more daring than I’d previously written. I wanted to write it with the freedom to write as I pleased, and publish it myself. And once I wrote it, the other characters in the pack compelled me to continue.

Now, as I get ready to publish The Mating Rite, Book 4 of my Werewolves of Montana series, it’s thrilling to know that my self-publishing efforts led to a lifelong dream when I became a USA Today bestselling author. Dark and Dangerous, the book bundle I participated in with Jennifer Ashley, Caris Roane, Erin Kellison, Laurie London and Felicity Heaton, was on the USA Today list for 3 weeks. I will always remember how Felicity, who lives in the UK, emailed us the exciting news as she’d seen it first. I think I screamed at the top of my lungs, which startled a lot of people as I was in the office for the day job. I will always be grateful to those authors and cherish the experience of working together in that project that brought us success. Thank you ladies!

And we have a NEW book bundle out, that includes authors Alyssa Day and Erin Quinn. Dark and Deadly is 8 hot tales of paranormal romance. 
And last year brought heartache and sorrow as well. Too many losses, from my uncle to cancer, a dear friend to pancreatic cancer and then the loss of my beloved sister-in-law at the year’s end. My birthday this year is bittersweet, for Sissy isn’t there to pick up the phone, call me and shout HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

But overall, one thing I have learned since my last birthday is that life is short, but it can be sweet as well as painful, and you need to cherish the good moments and keep them in your heart to get you through the bitter ones. Never take for granted those whom you love, and try to make life joyful whenever you can, for the joy will balance the sorrow.

I don’t know what this year will hold, just as I never imagined last year at this time becoming a USA Today bestselling author or watching my sister-in-law waste away from liver failure and then die. I only know we are given this moment in time, and for every moment we are given, we should hold it close, just as we hold close our loved ones and our joyous moments, and forge ahead as best as we can with faith, hope and love.
And along the way, having a rum runner or two to celebrate can’t hurt!

Birthday relfections 2014

Another year older and as I reflect back on the past year, there’s tremendous joy and aching loss.
Last year I wrote a short story for my own amusement and self-published it. I never thought The Mating Chase would carve a new pathway in publishing for me. I only wanted to write a sexy story about two werewolves, something a little more daring than I’d previously written. I wanted to write it with the freedom to write as I pleased, and publish it myself. And once I wrote it, the other characters in the pack compelled me to continue.

Now, as I get ready to publish The Mating Rite, Book 4 of my Werewolves of Montana series, it’s thrilling to know that my self-publishing efforts led to a lifelong dream when I became a USA Today bestselling author. Dark and Dangerous, the book bundle I participated in with Jennifer Ashley, Caris Roane, Erin Kellison, Laurie London and Felicity Heaton, was on the USA Today list for 3 weeks. I will always remember how Felicity, who lives in the UK, emailed us the exciting news as she’d seen it first. I think I screamed at the top of my lungs, which startled a lot of people as I was in the office for the day job. I will always be grateful to those authors and cherish the experience of working together in that project that brought us success. Thank you ladies!

And we have a NEW book bundle out, that includes authors Alyssa Day and Erin Quinn. Dark and Deadly is 8 hot tales of paranormal romance. 
And last year brought heartache and sorrow as well. Too many losses, from my uncle to cancer, a dear friend to pancreatic cancer and then the loss of my beloved sister-in-law at the year’s end. My birthday this year is bittersweet, for Sissy isn’t there to pick up the phone, call me and shout HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

But overall, one thing I have learned since my last birthday is that life is short, but it can be sweet as well as painful, and you need to cherish the good moments and keep them in your heart to get you through the bitter ones. Never take for granted those whom you love, and try to make life joyful whenever you can, for the joy will balance the sorrow.

I don’t know what this year will hold, just as I never imagined last year at this time becoming a USA Today bestselling author or watching my sister-in-law waste away from liver failure and then die. I only know we are given this moment in time, and for every moment we are given, we should hold it close, just as we hold close our loved ones and our joyous moments, and forge ahead as best as we can with faith, hope and love.
And along the way, having a rum runner or two to celebrate can’t hurt!

8 bad boys for only 99 cents!

It's here! DARK & DEADLY, 8 bad boys of paranormal romance for only 99 cents! My story is The Mating Heat and is the prequel to my Werewolves of Montana series.


Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kVexpG
Nook: http://bit.ly/1iJMojP
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1hypbEV
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1hGv5xO


Eight hot paranormal romances by New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors. Alpha-male bad boys will fulfill your darkest, most deadliest desires in these stories about shifters, werewolves, vampires, magic, special powers and other realms. But only if you dare…

BODYGUARD by Jennifer Ashley

Elizabeth Chapman is saved from an armed attacker by a Kodiak bear who shifts into a tight-bodied, naked human male. Ronan takes Elizabeth to Shiftertown, becoming her 24/7 bodyguard. The mateless Ronan has adopted a houseful of orphaned Shifters–having grown up in foster care, Elizabeth is touched by his protectiveness. Ronan only wants to keep Elizabeth safe, but the sassy woman is triggering his long-buried need to mate.

ALEJANDRO’S SORCERESS by Alyssa Day

He’s a warrior, hardened by years of protecting his town from vampire attack. She’s a garden witch who sees the world in shades of sunshine and delight. Opposites don’t only attract, they go supernova in this sizzling tale of magic and mayhem.

BEWITCH by Felicity Heaton

A vampire with a bloodstained past and a soul tainted with darkness, Payne is perfect in his self-control, never surrendering to his darkest desires. Now a beautiful witch in the shadowy fae underworld reawakens long denied hungers and tempts him with pleasure. When one incredible night of fulfilling their fantasies leads to more than just keeping a promise and saving a friend, will they be able to overcome the barriers that stand between them and forever?

DARKNESS FALLS by Erin Kellison

Agent Malcolm Rook is hunting for people with the rarest of talents—the ability to master dreams. He finds the undeniably gifted Jordan Lane, but she’s wary of mysterious Rook and resists his pursuit as long as she can. Yet the dreamwaters they enter are too exhilarating to resist, and attraction soon ignites electric passions. Delving too deep stirs a nightmare, one they must defeat, or be forever lost to darkness.

ROGUE’S PASSION by Laurie London

Blaming himself for the death of a friend, Iron Guild warrior Asher Kane vows to bring those responsible to justice. After he’s hurt on a mission and nursed back to health by a beautiful yet mysterious woman, this dangerously sexy bad-boy finds himself falling for Olivia…even as he struggles to stay away. But stalking them on the streets of New Seattle is a cruel and vengeful evil—one that threatens to destroy them both…

THE FORBIDDEN LIFE OF ALEX MOORE by Erin Quinn

Alex’s mission: Kill the hellhounds that have invaded earth and return to his home in the Beyond. But from the start, things go horribly wrong. The hounds are cunning and a human female witnesses their attack—she intervenes and saves Alex’s life. Now he must keep the alluring Lilly alive while fighting his desire for her. When passion flares, Alex risks all to protect her and defend the forbidden life he craves.

THE MATING HEAT by Bonnie Vanak

Werewolf Kara Mitchell fled with her brother Aiden to Montana after their alpha father punished her for kissing sexy omega werewolf Ryder Carrington. Left scarred by her father’s cruelty, Kara believes no one can love her. After killing his alpha to save the pack, Ryder now rules, but needs a mate. His blood runs hot for Kara. Ryder will do anything to claim her, even risk an all-out pack war that could cost them everything…

TRAPPED by Caris Roane

Mastyr Vampire Zephyr, a one-man fighting force, struggles to save the life of a woman who despises his warrior ways. She’s been a thorn in his side, but he has one goal: to keep her safe. For Alesia, however, she just wishes he’d leave her alone since she can never approve of his profession. She broke up with him months ago and wants to start a new life. The trouble is, he’s still the one man who can curl her toes.

Dark and Deadly release date!!!

Dark and Deadly—Eight Bad Boys of Paranormal Romance, releasing April 14!!

Eight hot paranormal romances by New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors. Alpha-male bad boys will fulfill your darkest, most deadliest desires in these stories about shifters, werewolves, vampires, magic, special powers and other realms. But only if you dare…

BODYGUARD by Jennifer Ashley

Elizabeth Chapman is saved from an armed attacker by a Kodiak bear who shifts into a tight-bodied, naked human male. Ronan takes Elizabeth to Shiftertown, becoming her 24/7 bodyguard. The mateless Ronan has adopted a houseful of orphaned Shifters–having grown up in foster care, Elizabeth is touched by his protectiveness. Ronan only wants to keep Elizabeth safe, but the sassy woman is triggering his long-buried need to mate.

ALEJANDRO’S SORCERESS by Alyssa Day

He’s a warrior, hardened by years of protecting his town from vampire attack. She’s a garden witch who sees the world in shades of sunshine and delight. Opposites don’t only attract, they go supernova in this sizzling tale of magic and mayhem.

BEWITCH by Felicity Heaton

A vampire with a bloodstained past and a soul tainted with darkness, Payne is perfect in his self-control, never surrendering to his darkest desires. Now a beautiful witch in the shadowy fae underworld reawakens long denied hungers and tempts him with pleasure. When one incredible night of fulfilling their fantasies leads to more than just keeping a promise and saving a friend, will they be able to overcome the barriers that stand between them and forever?

DARKNESS FALLS by Erin Kellison

Agent Malcolm Rook is hunting for people with the rarest of talents—the ability to master dreams. He finds the undeniably gifted Jordan Lane, but she’s wary of mysterious Rook and resists his pursuit as long as she can. Yet the dreamwaters they enter are too exhilarating to resist, and attraction soon ignites electric passions. Delving too deep stirs a nightmare, one they must defeat, or be forever lost to darkness.

ROGUE’S PASSION by Laurie London

Blaming himself for the death of a friend, Iron Guild warrior Asher Kane vows to bring those responsible to justice. After he’s hurt on a mission and nursed back to health by a beautiful yet mysterious woman, this dangerously sexy bad-boy finds himself falling for Olivia…even as he struggles to stay away. But stalking them on the streets of New Seattle is a cruel and vengeful evil—one that threatens to destroy them both…

THE FORBIDDEN LIFE OF ALEX MOORE by Erin Quinn

Alex’s mission: Kill the hellhounds that have invaded earth and return to his home in the Beyond. But from the start, things go horribly wrong. The hounds are cunning and a human female witnesses their attack—she intervenes and saves Alex’s life. Now he must keep the alluring Lilly alive while fighting his desire for her. When passion flares, Alex risks all to protect her and defend the forbidden life he craves.

THE MATING HEAT by Bonnie Vanak

Werewolf Kara Mitchell fled with her brother Aiden to Montana after their alpha father punished her for kissing sexy omega werewolf Ryder Carrington. Left scarred by her father’s cruelty, Kara believes no one can love her. After killing his alpha to save the pack, Ryder now rules, but needs a mate. His blood runs hot for Kara. Ryder will do anything to claim her, even risk an all-out pack war that could cost them everything…

TRAPPED by Caris Roane

Mastyr Vampire Zephyr, a one-man fighting force, struggles to save the life of a woman who despises his warrior ways. She’s been a thorn in his side, but he has one goal: to keep her safe. For Alesia, however, she just wishes he’d leave her alone since she can never approve of his profession. She broke up with him months ago and wants to start a new life. The trouble is, he’s still the one man who can curl her toes.

The Mating Heat! New story released in April!

Here's some cool news! The Mating Heat, prequel to my Werewolves of Montana series, will debut in Dark and Deadly, a NEW book bundle in April.

This story is about the origin of Aiden's pack and his sister, Kara and Ryder, the wolf who will stop at nothing to have Kara as his mate.

Here's the blurb:  Next up will be Darius' story in The Mating Rite, also to be released in April. 

The all-new, never published prequel to the Werewolves of Montana series. Enter the sensual world of the Lupine, where the burning drive to mate claims all... 

After an explosive kiss that awakened a burning passion, Lupine Kara Mitchell is certain she will never see Ryder Carrington again. Her alpha father punished them for their illicit love and Kara fled their home with her brother Aiden to start a new life in Montana. Left scarred by her father’s ugly cruelties, she is certain no Lupine can ever love her. When Aiden faces financial ruin, she risks going back to find her family’s cache of gold and is captured by Ryder.

Former Omega werewolf Ryder Carrington spent twelve hellish years living under the thumb of his cruel, violent leader. After killing his alpha in a Challenge to save the pack, Ryder now rules, but needs a mate to bring peace to his fractured people. Kara is his and his alone. He will never let her go, despite Aiden’s demands to release her. Ryder will do anything to claim her, even risk an all-out pack war that could cost them everything…

Good publishing advice, 10 years later

My apologies for not keeping up with this blog. We had a death in the family last month and only now am I able to resume my writing and publishing responsibilities.

But I wanted to share with you this blog I wrote back in December 2004. I wrote it after hearing a favorite author speak at a meeting. It's still good advice, ten years later, although the industry has changed drastically. Who knew back in 2004 that indie publishing would explode on the horizon? Who could predict that ebooks would become wildly popular and shelf space would shrink? Who knew that stores we all loved, like Borders and Waldens, would vanish for good and the last surviving bookstore chains would close several of their bricks and mortar stores?

Ten years ago, I wrote for Dorchester Publishing and was happy to produce ONE book a year. It was a lengthy process.

Today, I publish about 3-4 books a year, one traditional book and about two or three independent titles. I have 11 self-published titles, including all SEVEN of my former Dorchester books (I got my rights back), as well as my traditionally published books with Harlequin.

Oh and I also joined a group of very talented authors and we contributed one indie book for a book bundle, sold it ONLY as a digital book... and made USA Today for three weeks straight!

This morning, I saw one of my indie Werewolves of Montana books live on Google Play ... a big achievement for me because I uploaded the digital book myself. Me, the author who is NOT a tech geek and has trouble with HTML code.

Publishing has changed a LOT in ten years, but the advice Sherrilyn gave still stands. I would add this at the end, however, to accommodate those changes in publishing:  If you don't want to write for a publishing house, publish your own book. Find professional editors, cover artists, proofreaders and learn to format for digital distribution. Talk to others who've done the same and get their advice. Because it IS a brave, new world out there for authors and we are in the midst of exciting new changes!

Blog from 12-6-2004
Let me preface this blog by saying that I'm a big Sherrilyn/Kinley MacGregor fan. I love her historicals and her paranormal books.

Anyway, she had a lot of really good advice that I thought I'd share with you all.

She said instead of tracking publishing houses and trends that it's better to track editors. By that she meant to find out what the editors are reading for pleasure, what book is on their bedside table, what was the last book they purchased, etc. She said you'll find out more about what an editor really likes that way than by looking at what they're purchasing for the publishing house. She said a lot of editors buy work that they know will make the publisher money, but they aren't particularly into personally. She mentioned that having an editor that loves your work is the biggest career boost you can get. She suggested that you ask these questions after you get done pitching to an editor at a conference, if you have time left over.

She also said if you want to 'eat' aka make a living, then you're going to have to figure out a way of making yourself more productive. Sherrilyn said at the bare minimum you have to be able to write two single titles a year. Never make promises you can't keep. It's a career killer. She also said to write for more than one publisher if possible, but always let your original publisher have first shot at any new work. You don't want to burn bridges.

She said to go through the drugstores, airports, and grocery stores to see what publishers and authors are getting distributed. She said that distribution is the single most important thing for a new author to have. It's worth a lower advance, if you can get in these high volume distribution areas.

Demon Wolf now available for pre-order

Harlequin Nocturne is changing. My books will no longer be available in paperback except directly through the Harlequin website. However, Harlequin is bundling books together with the same theme. So Demon Wolf (June 2014) will be paired with Karen Whiddon's The Wolf Siren and available in late May in paperback. 

Click here to see this book on Amazon. 

Harlequin is trying to give readers a great deal, which it is! You get TWO books in paperback at a slightly higher price than getting only one. It's a sad fact of the publishing industry that shelf space is shrinking. This is why Nocturnes are vanishing from Walmart. Barnes and Noble stocks the Nocturnes, but few readers are buying them. More readers are turning to digital releases.

I love my Kindle app, but I also love reading paperbacks. So I appreciate what Harlequin is doing to try to keep my books in paperback. Hopefully this new program will result in better sales and as a result, we can keep delivering Nocturnes to you, the readers.

You can purchase Demon Wolf, my June 1 release, as a digital book on Amazon. Click here to see the Demon Wolf pre-order. 

In other news, I'm working hard on The Mating Rite, Darius' book, the next release in my indie series, the Werewolves of Montana. I'm hiring the fabulous Kim Killion to design the cover, which I hope to have by the year's end. And I'm hoping to have all SEVEN Khamsin books formatted and ready for publication by early January.

Have a great holiday season! 

New covers, new look

Introducing the new look for my Khamsin Egyptian series. All seven historical romances have new covers! The books are being proofed right now and I plan tor release them again in January.  All the books are also labeled so you know the reading order. No more guessing!

In other writing news, I have been quite busy, and forgot to mention the terrific news that happened last month. Our book, Dark and Dangerous, hit the USA Today bestselling list for three weeks in a row!


I am now a USA Today bestselling author. Woot! Special thanks to all the readers who bought Dark and Dangerous, and to my fellow authors Jennifer Ashley, Felicity Heaton, Caris Roane, Erin Kellison and Laurie London. Dark and Dangerous also made the Top Ten list of IndieReader's bestselling indie titles. And Dark and Dangerous was an Amazon Top 50 Kindle bestseller! 


We're planning to release a Dark and Dangerous, Book Two, in spring 2014. My story in this version will be a novella that is exclusive to that book and the prequel of my Werewolves of Montana series.

Titled The Mating Heat, the novella is about Ryder, a fierce, yet tender alpha who clashes with Aiden, the alpha of the Mitchell pack. It's set in the time when Aiden is starting to form his pack and things are very precarious. Aiden's sister, Kayla, arrives at the rundown ranch Aiden is trying to renovate bearing a very special gift for her brother, one that a nasty group of trolls are after. Ryder is determined to protect Kayla from the fallout, but she is equally determined to show Ryder she's not a spineless female who needs a big strong male ... well, except maybe in bed!

In other writing news, I hope to have Darius' story, Werewolves of Montana 4, out some time in February. Demon Wolf, my next Nocturne from Harlequin, has a publication date of May 2014. And I turned in a proposal for a new Nocturne series called Bad Boys of Cajun country, about biker werewolves who are secret guardians of the innocent and flush out evil beings to kick their butts, while searching for their true mates. These will all be Draicon werewolf books.

Happy holidays and happy reading! 

Last chance to get Dark & Dangerous for 99 cents!

LAST CHANCE SALE! Dark and Dangerous: Six-in-One Hot Paranormal Romances will be available for $.99 for only one week more! The price goes up 12-2-13! Get six awesome PNR romances for only 99 cents!Click here to purchase on NOOK.Click here to purchase on Amazon for Kindle.

The Mating Seduction (BBW) Big, Beautiful Werewolf

Lexie Walters knows she’s in big trouble. Caught trying to steal her champion horse from the sexy werewolf cowboy who purchased the mare, she’s offered a devil’s bargain. Jackson Palmer will let her ride Diamond in an upcoming barrel race if Lexie spends seven nights in his bed. Desperate to win the rodeo prize money that can save her pack’s ranch, Lexie agrees. But there’s no way she’ll become his mate, no matter how much Jackson ’s touch arouses her.
Ever since Lexie left for college Jackson Palmer has waited to capture the curvy Lupine werewolf’s heart. Now she’s back in his life and he’s determined to claim her. Only Lexie can tame his wild wolf side. If Jackson doesn’t find a mate in two weeks, he’ll get kicked out of the Mitchell pack.

Lexie will do everything to resist Jackson ’s seductive charms. But she doesn’t realize there’s a far more serious threat than losing her virginity to this powerful and determined Lupine. Someone wants to prevent her from racing, only this someone will not stop until she’s off the rodeo circuit for good…


Warning:  This book is intended for adults only.
Click here to purchase on Amazon for Kindle. 

Click here to purchase for NOOK.

Click here to purchase for KOBO.