Bonnie Vanak's Blog, page 17

Winners of my blog's Blog Hop Contest!

Because there were so many entries, I decided to award three prizes from my personal blog for the Blog Hop contest.
Congratulations to Sharon Stogner, Heather Schrock and Lauren B, who all won autographed copies of my first Draicon werewolf book, The Empath!
Keep watching this blog for future contest news. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Romance titles that will never make it

Thank you everyone who entered the Heating Up The Holidays with Rock*It Reads Blog Hop contest! The contest is closed as of midnight, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012. This week, I'll be announcing the winner from my blog who will win the copy of The Empath.

In the meantime, here is an oldie, but goodie, blog post from the past. Enjoy!

Romance titles that will never make it I should be working, but I'm imagining romance titles that will never make it...

The Sheikh & the Tired Prostitute

The Cowboy’s Secret Moody Teenager

Are you my mommy’s sperm donor?

The Bride’s Significant Other

My Sexy Transvestite

Lady Tweedle’s Bunions

The Boring Marquess

A case of herpes to remember

Kiss of the Used Car Salesman

Truck Driver in a Kilt

The Rake & the Hoe

Highland Engineer

The Pirate who never Bathed

The Chinless Duke

The Virgin in Menopause

And last, but not least…

Vibrator of my dreams

Heat up the holidays CONTEST!!!

Welcome to the Rock*It Reads Heating Up the Holidays Blog Hop. There are 15 stops on the blog tour. The more blogs you visit and comment on, the greater your chances of winning the grand prize, a $75 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble or Amazon, and a huge collection of books from the authors of Rock*It Reads. Smaller prizes will be available at each stop along the way. Good luck, and have fun!


 
If you like hunks for the holidays, I invite you to take Etienne for a ride... a sleigh ride, that is!  Etienne is an Alpha werewolf, the sexy eldest Robichaux brother of my Draicon werewolf novels.

In Taken by the Alpha Wolf , which is a prequel to my Draicon series, Etienne hunts down his future mate to protect her from drug dealers, and to claim her at last in the flesh. Taken is available on Amazon for only 99 cents. 

Here's an excerpt: Copyright 2011 by Bonnie Vanak


“There she is.”   Crouched down, Etienne Robichaux peered through the thick trees at his target. On a narrow path cutting through thick brush of the Florida Everglades, the sleek white wolf nosed through the bay head.              A thicket of cocoplum, red bay and wax myrtle provided excellent coverage. Overhead the March sun was brilliant and warm, no clouds in the sharp blue sky.             Perfect day for an abduction.             Green camouflage pants, an olive T-shirt and jungle boots protected his body against branches and sharp sawgrass. Etienne ran a finger along the bandana covering his light brown hair. Hunkered down beside him also in camouflage, his two younger brothers studied the prey.             Three Draicon werewolves on recon… for another Draicon wolf. The image would’ve amused him, had the situation been less grim.            “You sure that’s her?” Alexandre wondered.             “I know her scent, could pick it up in a garbage chute.” He drew in a deep lungful of  the delicate fragrance of fresh raindrops on lilies cutting through the swamp’s more earthy smells.            Gabriel shook his head. “She may fight you.”             “Doesn’t matter. The intel said they could come after her at any time.” Etienne’s pulse raced.               Getting caught in heavy crossfire during the Lebanon op had been nothing compared to hearing that news. Hell he could take all the tight situations threatening his ass when he’d been a U.S. Navy SEAL and retained his usual calm, tight control. None of them compared to the gut-wrenching fear of losing Cindy.            Before even having her, so to speak.               “Her father,” Alex began. “You warned him, tried to reason with him?”            Etienne snorted. “Wouldn’t listen to me. Damnit, it was like talking with a rock. This is the only way. I’m taking control.”            Alex looked up, his lean face tight.            “Screw it, mon frere. Go for her,” Alex said, growling.             Gabriel’s eyes flashed amber, signaling the emergence of his wolf. “Do it.”
To enter the contest, leave a comment and tell me what you like or don't like about Alpha males. One person commenting on this blog will win a paperback autographed copy of The Empath, my first novel in the Draicon series. And everyone who comments will be entered into the Heating Up The Holidays contest, eligible to win the grand prize of a $75 gift certificate!
Leave a comment below to enter for your chance to win!Don't forget to visit the other authors on the Blog Hop for more chances to win!Kris KennedyBonnie VanakErin KellisonSharon PageLila DiPasquaElisabeth NaughtonNorah WilsonJennifer LyonMonica BurnsVanessa KellyMia MarloweJoan SwanPamela ClareMargo MaguireRock*It Reads

New contest!!

Halloween is around the corner and it's time for a contest!
Join the authors of Florida Romance Writers for a Bootastic Online Halloween Celebration. You don’t even need to dress up. 
From Oct. 28 – 31 visit our website and Facebook pages to collect your Witches Brew Ingredients and win great prizes!
Participating authors include Heidi Lynn Anderson, Nancy Cohen, Linda Conrad, Shelley Freydont, Joan Johnston, Karen Kendall, Marcia King-Gamble, Sandra Madden, Aleka Nakis, Kathleen Pickering, Mona Risk, Carol Stephenson, Cynthia Thomason. 
And moi, Bonnie Vanak.
For complete details visit http://www.booktalk.com/Halloween

Newsletter news!

I'm starting an author newsletter, which will feature book news, information about contests and freebies, appearances and even fun stuff like recipes. I plan to email the first newsletter in November, with a fun recipe for my mother's special cookie press cookies that was a holiday tradition in our household.

To sign up, visit the link below and enter your email address in the form that reads "Sign up for the newsletter." It's just below the email contact form. You have the option to unsubscribe at any time you wish.


http://www.bonnievanak.com/contact.html

Go for the grapes

I finally finished writing The Phantom Wolf, the next book in my new mini-series. Yay! I’m worn out, so here is a rewrite of a blog from two years ago. And a special thank you to all the readers who make such deadlines possible for me. You rock!
Go for the grapes
I'm not a known or a best-selling author. No one talks about my books on discussion boards or blogs when they rave about authors whose books they love.

But I have known the quiet sense of pride and joy of seeing my book on the shelves, and hearing from readers about how much they loved reading them. That means a lot to me.
Disappointment is a given in the publishing industry. It can come with getting rejection on a project, or not making a list such as USA Today or the NY Times. It can be something as seemingly small as a minor mistake in cover art, or something as crushing as your publishing house dropping you because of poor sales.

We all face disappointment one time or another. It's tough when your friends and your peers make the lists, have their books buzzed by book bloggers or get glowing reviews on Amazon, or they final in prestigious contests. Or they receive a contract for six figures, and there you are, clipping coupons so you can meet your grocery budget and there's another rejection letter sitting in your mailbox.
During those times you must remember the Sour Grapes Rule.
When someone else gets the grapes, go find a glass of plum wine and toast them, and yourself.

You know, the story about the fox and the grapes? The fox tried and tried to grab the sweet-looking grapes dangling from the vine. When he couldn't and finally gave up, he told himself, "Those grapes were sour, anyway."

Don't be the fox and deny your friends and peers the recognition they have received. Don't short change yourself either. You worked hard, wrote a great book. Or you have lots of talent and are trying to get published. You need to cheer yourself on when disappointment comes calling.

The person who got the award, the contract, the great sales, has worked very hard. She’s also endured their own trials in trying to grab those grapes. Maybe she’s a single mom, trying to make ends meet and this six-figure contract (which, when broken down book by book, isn't as grand as it appears, especially after taxes), will enable her to pay for health insurance or her kids can finally eat steak instead of hot dogs.

Life is filled with good times and bad. When you learn to seize precious moments of triumph for yourself, be it finishing a book or even finishing a sentence, it makes those grapes sweet, not sour.

Go for the grapes. Even if you constantly try to reach them and fail, drink a glass of plum wine to cheer your efforts. And some day, you'll be the one grabbing the grapes and everyone will be cheering YOU!

But that glass of plum wine is one you’ll never forget, because it's a reminder that life is not all about tasting success. It's the journey of the goal, the effort to do our best, and the grace you display when someone else grabs the grapes.
Keep going for the grapes. The next time, they may fall right into your lap when you least expect it.

Win a copy of The Empath!

I'm over at Workspace Wednesday, talking about writing with a Shih Tzu on your lap. Stop by to comment for a chance to win a signed copy of my first Nocturne (now out of print), THE EMPATH!!

Here is the link.

Good luck!

Sexcerpt from INCUBUS WOLF

WARNING:  Not intended for anyone under the age of 18.

Incubus Wolf
Copyright 2012 by Bonnie Vanak

Now available on Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble Nook, at eHarlequin  (save 20% through this link) and available as a digital download at online bookstores



She leaned back. “Your pack is known for its sexual exploits. Public sex, spankings, bondage.”“By others who fear us, and don’t understand. Each member of the pack fully accepts the rules. Those who do not are free to leave without consequence. But this is their home, our home, and it’s a safe haven.”“For the males, yes. But the females.” Alex shook her head. “They’re treated like sex slaves.”“We revere and honor our females.” Dominic sat on the chair’s arm, tipped her chin up with a finger. “Just as you would be revered, if you were to stay.”She sputtered. “Stay?”“A warm home, security and respect, Alexandra. Not a cold cabin where you would forever be lonely.”“Free,” she challenged. “There is great freedom here, in being among those who understand.” Secrets shadowed his expression.An odd hope fluttered through her. A home, where no one would shun her or laugh at her. Right. Alex silently laughed. “Here? Your pack is comprised of dangerous rogue wolves. None were ever accused of a crime, but they were all tossed out of packs because they’re rule breakers.”Tension turned his jaw to granite. “Rumors and gossip. Every single member of my pack was homeless and alone. Michael was tossed out, yes. Because he lost an eye in a vicious fight protecting his alpha, and for his loyalty, he was banished, no longer considered whole. He came here and met Carla, his mate, who’d been left orphaned. All my people have found acceptance, and a place to belong.”Dominic thumbed her chin, his gaze intense. “You too, could belong here, Alexandra. We’d make a good pairing.”The odd longing surged with vehement force. Somewhere she could relax and be herself, not worry about her looks or being judged. Fifteen acres in Colorado looked less attractive. Solitude was wonderful, but was she embracing it the rest of her life? She was still young. Maybe somewhere, someone would want her, despite her ugly appearance.But if she had the wizard’s potion, she would never be ugly again. Her stomach twisted at the idea of what she had to do to get it.And if Dominic ever saw her real face now, he’d be repulsed, just like the men in the bar.“I don’t need anyone. I can do perfectly fine on my own. And I’m not the pairing type. Certainly not in a pack where females are expected to be submissive to their males’ sexual whims.”“Don’t mock what you haven’t tried,” he said in a silky voice. “They’re quite content and their mates keep them far too busy and pleasured in bed.”He turned her toward the window. “Look.”Outside, two wolves scampered across the meadow, coming to a halt just before the lamppost. The smaller gray wolf turned and snapped at the larger one. He nipped her hindquarters and she whined. Suddenly the wolves shifted into human form. The male wore an eye patch and had a firm, trim body. The short-haired blonde was petite and seemed frail. Both were naked. “Michael and Carla, his mate,” Dominic said quietly. “He’s disciplining her for disobedience. I ordered Michael to punish her when she went beyond our borders against my express orders. Watch.”Michael pointed to the lamppost. Carla closed her eyes, bent over and grabbed the post. Alex cried out in shock as the male began to slap Carla’s bottom.Outraged, she jumped up. “Hey, stop that!”Dominic’s fingers clasped her wrist. “Do not interfere. But watch.” The ecstasy on Carla’s face gave Alex pause. Her moans of pleasure, not distress.Michael stopped spanking his mate. Then the werewolf slid a hand between her legs. When he pulled his fingers free, they were glistening. “She’s very aroused,” Dominic mused. “Now, she is ready.”Shocked, Alex stared. She enjoyed the punishment?“Very much so,” Dominic said softly, reading her thoughts. “I ordered Michael to punish her, but the means of punishment was up to him. He could have inflicted something on her that she did not like. But this will give her less reason to stray far from home, knowing such pleasure awaits her at her mate’s hands.”Silently Michael pointed to the ground and Carla dropped to all fours. Carla raised her reddened bottom in the air, her legs slightly spread. Michael stood, proud and straight, behind his mate. He had a heavily muscled body, and his long, dark hair spilled down past his thick shoulders. His erect penis stood out stiffly. Alex’s breathing hitched as Michael ran his hands down the small of Carla’s back, between her legs and then knelt behind her. Carla threw her head back and cried out as Michael eased into her. Hands on her hips, he began to thrust hard and heavy.Dominic leaned closer, his warm breath feathering her blushing cheek. “Look at them. Wild in their passion. Losing themselves in each other, so caught up in their pleasure, the world ceases to exist. This is the essence of my people, Alexandra. Come, be with me and know the erotic passion of completely losing your inhibitions...”

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New release alert! Incubus Wolf

Incubus Wolf, my erotic Nocturne Craving, releases as an ebook on September 1!


Alexandra Kosta once knew beauty and privilege as stepdaughter to the Fae king, until he banished her and scarred her for life. Now working as a bounty hunter, she's tasked with hunting down sexy werewolf Dominic Farrell. But Dominic is also part incubus, possessing the power to seduce any woman into doing his will.
When Alex is injured on the job and Dominic takes her back to his lodge, he agrees to release her—if she will share his bed first. Unlike most men, he doesn't recoil after seeing Alex in her natural state…and she cannot deny their overwhelming attraction.
But in order to save herself she has to turn Dominic over to the enemy. Can she destroy the one man who loves her as she is?
Here's a sample...
Alex was a good actress. She lowered her lashes and summoned her sexiest smile. “Leaving so soon, stranger? Don’t want to stay and see what’s on the table?”            He cocked his head, his eyes very blue, like lasers. “Is that an offer, sweetheart?”She shrugged. “I don’t think you’re up to the challenge.”He said nothing, but studied her a moment. Then he leapt forward with the savage speed of his kind, pulled her off the stool and into his arms.            The kiss was absorbing, maddening, a fusing of lips. He tasted of cold beer and hot desire. Lazily his tongue swept into her mouth, tasting her with possessive intent. Her lower belly clenched hard as her nipples tightened. It was the kiss of a man who wanted to lay a woman down and mount her. The kiss of an incubus, who knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it.            In the corner, the jukebox played “Hot blooded.” Alex’s mind swirled with a shocked vortex of pleasure. Celibate for the past 10 years, she felt her body slowly kick from dormant to sexually charged. She slid her arms around his neck, leaned into him and kissed him back. His beard bristle abraded her cheeks. Beneath the layers of clothing, his body was hard with thick muscle. A low growl rumbled from his throat as he stroked a thumb over her pulse, feeling her heart shift from normal into overdrive.            He released her abruptly, amusement gleaming in those eyes. Except now they weren’t ice cold, but flaming. He wanted her...


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Lessons from elementary school

When I was in elementary school in New Jersey, something happened that changed me forever.

Her name was Mrs. Lerner and she was my fourth grade teacher.

I started writing in fourth grade. Although I had written poetry in third grade, Mrs. Lerner encouraged us to write poetry and stories.  And I loved it.  Kept my writing between the lines and in a childlike script, wrote everything my overactive little mind could imagine.

Mrs. Lerner thought I was terrific.  She held up examples of my work as something others should imitate.  She pinned my stories and poems on the bulletin board.  You’d have thought that Mrs. Lerner had discovered Sylvia Plath was sitting in the third seat, second row over.

One year later, I had Mr. Gates for a teacher.  Mr. Gates thought my writing sucked. I went from the pinnacle of fourth grade success to the pitiless bottom of fifth grade suckiness.

That’s when I realized my final destiny — to be a writer.  To feel that pain again. That’s when I realized the reality of having others judge my writing — everyone has an opinion.

Two years after I graduated from Mr. Gates’ class, he checked himself into a mental institution.  I guess we all succeeded in doing what he always told us we would — we drove him crazy.

Maybe it was my writing...