Ranae Rose's Blog, page 30
November 19, 2011
Six Sentence Sunday - Demon of Mine
Elsie trembled. He could surely feel the tremors in her arms, but there was nothing she could do to stop them. She should be glad she'd managed to remain standing in the wake of his confession. She felt as if she'd been slammed into by a savage, cresting wave. Every secret part of her, every little nook in her heart she'd dared to fill with dreams of Damon, was rejoicing. The rest of her was too stunned to do anything besides shake.
November 16, 2011
Does reading romance novels make you more romantic?
Well, does it? Here's an interesting statistic I scrounged around the internet to find:
-Women who read romance novels make love with their partners 74% more often than women who don't. (Source: Psychology Today)
Why? Carol Rinkleib Ellison, PhD, psychologist and author of Women's Sexualities, says: "[Reading romance novels] can help women shift into their "sex self" from their role as mother, wife, employer, or employee," says Carol Rinkleib Ellison, PhD, a psychologist and author of Women's Sexualities.
Maria Veloso, author of Midwinter Turns to Spring, has some more to say about this. "In most cases, a woman's libido is directly linked to emotions that revolve around romance and love. These emotions are a connected set of processes that involve physiological changes, such as heart rate, blood pressure and hormones circulating throughout the body—and these comprise the cornerstones of a woman's sexual drive. Therefore, when a woman's emotions are stirred by a romance novel, that's a recipe for an emotional aphrodisiac."
So what does this mean? I guess I could change my slogan from 'Author of Red-Hot Romance' to 'Brewer of Emotional Aphrodisiacs'. LOL OK, maybe not - that sounds too much like something out of some weird, erotic piece of Harry Potter fanfiction. But I thought that statistic was interesting.
-Women who read romance novels make love with their partners 74% more often than women who don't. (Source: Psychology Today)
Why? Carol Rinkleib Ellison, PhD, psychologist and author of Women's Sexualities, says: "[Reading romance novels] can help women shift into their "sex self" from their role as mother, wife, employer, or employee," says Carol Rinkleib Ellison, PhD, a psychologist and author of Women's Sexualities.
Maria Veloso, author of Midwinter Turns to Spring, has some more to say about this. "In most cases, a woman's libido is directly linked to emotions that revolve around romance and love. These emotions are a connected set of processes that involve physiological changes, such as heart rate, blood pressure and hormones circulating throughout the body—and these comprise the cornerstones of a woman's sexual drive. Therefore, when a woman's emotions are stirred by a romance novel, that's a recipe for an emotional aphrodisiac."
So what does this mean? I guess I could change my slogan from 'Author of Red-Hot Romance' to 'Brewer of Emotional Aphrodisiacs'. LOL OK, maybe not - that sounds too much like something out of some weird, erotic piece of Harry Potter fanfiction. But I thought that statistic was interesting.
November 13, 2011
Regency Tea Party: Demon of Mine Giveaway
It's official! My red-hot Regency vampire romance Demon of Mine has hit virtual bookshelves. To celebrate, I'm hosting this 'Regency Tea Party' themed giveaway. So go ahead - scroll down to check out the prizes and the many (simple) ways to enter. :)
What's a Regency vampire to do when his servants insist on bringing him a tray of breakfast each morning? Toss the food out the window, of course, where a waiting flock of birds will devour it within minutes. Even a vampire can enjoy a good cup of tea, though. It was with that in mind that I chose the prizes for this giveaway. Check out the bone china cups below - those silver accents feature birds and vines. So now you can start of your morning with a cup of tea and a perfectly legitimate excuse to spend a few minutes daydreaming about Damon Remington. ;)
As for the Tea of Life giftbox, it's full of half a dozen different flavors, including: jasmine, orange blossom, chai, black currant, lavender & citrus. Sounds yummy, huh? Yeah, after I bought the box I put it away in a drawer where I wouldn't see it and be tempted to drink it. LOL
As for the ebooks, if you'd like to know more about them, just look to the right.
Demon of Mine
He's the mysterious heir to an industrial empire.
She's a dying housemaid.
The secrets that lie between them refuse to be kept forever.
Elsie always considered her attraction to Damon 'Demon' Remington to be a guilty pleasure, but when a strange illness begins to crumble the comfortable life she's built in the Remingtons' shadow, her future is threatened, along with her beliefs about her tragic past. Accused of a blue-blooded murder, Damon is both London's most notorious devil and the guardian angel from Elsie's childhood. Her testimony may save him from being convicted…if she can bring herself to confess that she hid in his bedroom on the night of the crime and why. His preternatural secret can save her from the sickness that's consuming her, but salvation comes at a price – the sacrifice of her humanity, and a marriage that will last for the rest of their immortal lives.Book 1 in the Remington Vampires Series.
Excerpt:
Elsie sat on the stone bench, agreeably clutching Mrs. Hughes' proffered arm despite the fact that she didn't really need it. "Thank you, Mrs. Hughes." She couldn't wait for the woman to be gone so she could sit in privacy, basking in the tempered early morning sunshine and memories of her time among the rose bushes the night before. She could have spent an eternity pondering that kiss, though she still found it difficult to believe it had really happened. It had been much more real than any dream though – the softness of Damon's lips, the silky glide of his tongue against hers... Her imagination never would have been able to duplicate the perfection if she hadn't experienced it in reality. Just thinking about it brought her breath up short. Would she ever feel such ecstasy again?She told herself not to be greedy. Who knew if Damon would approach her again; if he regretted what he'd done the night before or if he thought about it now, just as she did? She would cherish the memory for the rest of her life – however short that might prove to be – but she wouldn't get her hopes up. She'd learned her lesson well from Lord Wilkes. Not that Damon was of the same shoddy caliber as that cad, but she could hardly expect a Remington to truly fall for an ailing maidservant."Your tea."Elsie turned toward the sound of a slightly impatient voice, startled out of her thoughts of Damon. The maid had approached from the murky fields of Elsie's peripheral vision, and she hadn't noticed her. She squinted now at the tray-bearing figure, noting mousy locks that protruded from beneath a mobcap. The girl sounded young, and her slender, almost boyish figure supported the supposition. "Thank you," Elsie said, taking the smooth polished-wood tray and balancing it on her lap. Having personally served tea a thousand times over, Elsie easily navigated the tray by feel. She clutched a halfway filled cup and let its warmth seep into her fingers as she waited for the maid to stop staring at her and leave."Wish I could spend the morning in the garden staring 'round at the rosebushes and sipping tea," the girl said, her tone half wistful and half resentful.Elsie's cheeks heated. "I find it difficult to enjoy the sight of the blossoms with my vision so afflicted," she said tersely, "but yes, they smell lovely."The girl made a small sound in the back of her throat that might have meant anything and turned in a flurry of skirts. Elsie listened to the soft sound of her retreating footsteps with relief.What seemed at least half an hour passed before another voice interrupted her solitude. "Elsie."She recognized the velvety tone at once. Her heart began to beat in double time as she clutched her teacup as tightly as she dared. "Yes?" Her reply was little more than a gasp."How do you fare this morning?" Damon asked from close behind her, touching her shoulder ever so lightly.She stifled a sigh, knowing he couldn't possibly realize how the little bit of contact affected her. He'd probably touched her out of courtesy for her impaired vision, to let her know where he stood. The gesture shouldn't have set her heart racing, but it had. "My vision was somewhat improved when I awoke. I can see now out of both my eyes, though everything appears blurred to me." She waited for him to remove his hand from her shoulder.He kept it there, exerting a gentle pressure with the tips of his fingers. "I am glad to hear of your improvement." He didn't sound glad. There was a note of weariness that rang in the deeper pitch of his voice. Was he tired? There was no question that he had a habit of staying up late every night. Perhaps this was an early morning for him. Had he risen just to speak with her?She didn't let herself consider it. That sort of idle speculation would only set her up for disappointment. Besides, it was foolish. Of course he hadn't. The Remington heir would not rise early just to converse with a maidservant.He bent low, his smooth jaw brushing her cheek. The intimacy of the gesture sent fresh heat rushing through Elsie as she wrestled with the realization that his touch had strayed irrefutably beyond the bounds of deference to her handicap. She hoped to God that they were alone in the garden. If one of the maids saw this… But she couldn't think of that, not while Damon's lips brushed her ear, causing the blood to sing in her veins and her nipples to tighten instantly beneath her dress. "Can you meet me here again tonight?" he asked."Yes," she answered, without pausing to weigh the difficulties. Whatever it took, she'd be here."I think I can help you," he whispered. "Your illness… I think I have a solution. Meet me here at half-past midnight and I'll explain. Will that be late enough for you to escape undetected?"She swallowed a lump that had formed in her throat and nodded."I look forward to seeing you then." He straightened, withdrew his touch and strode away, leaving Elsie alone with a feeling of profound sadness. What could he possibly do to help – what could he possibly know that the physician didn't? She would gladly meet him, but she did not look forward to crushing whatever hope he'd found for her in the night.
Wanna know exactly what happened the night before? Read the excerpt here at Elise Marion's blog. :)
Get the whole story at:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/rBtYDc
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/tAyot1
All Romance Ebooks: http://bit.ly/vm8XHA
What's a Regency vampire to do when his servants insist on bringing him a tray of breakfast each morning? Toss the food out the window, of course, where a waiting flock of birds will devour it within minutes. Even a vampire can enjoy a good cup of tea, though. It was with that in mind that I chose the prizes for this giveaway. Check out the bone china cups below - those silver accents feature birds and vines. So now you can start of your morning with a cup of tea and a perfectly legitimate excuse to spend a few minutes daydreaming about Damon Remington. ;)
As for the Tea of Life giftbox, it's full of half a dozen different flavors, including: jasmine, orange blossom, chai, black currant, lavender & citrus. Sounds yummy, huh? Yeah, after I bought the box I put it away in a drawer where I wouldn't see it and be tempted to drink it. LOL
As for the ebooks, if you'd like to know more about them, just look to the right.
Demon of Mine
He's the mysterious heir to an industrial empire.
She's a dying housemaid.
The secrets that lie between them refuse to be kept forever.
Elsie always considered her attraction to Damon 'Demon' Remington to be a guilty pleasure, but when a strange illness begins to crumble the comfortable life she's built in the Remingtons' shadow, her future is threatened, along with her beliefs about her tragic past. Accused of a blue-blooded murder, Damon is both London's most notorious devil and the guardian angel from Elsie's childhood. Her testimony may save him from being convicted…if she can bring herself to confess that she hid in his bedroom on the night of the crime and why. His preternatural secret can save her from the sickness that's consuming her, but salvation comes at a price – the sacrifice of her humanity, and a marriage that will last for the rest of their immortal lives.Book 1 in the Remington Vampires Series.
Excerpt:
Elsie sat on the stone bench, agreeably clutching Mrs. Hughes' proffered arm despite the fact that she didn't really need it. "Thank you, Mrs. Hughes." She couldn't wait for the woman to be gone so she could sit in privacy, basking in the tempered early morning sunshine and memories of her time among the rose bushes the night before. She could have spent an eternity pondering that kiss, though she still found it difficult to believe it had really happened. It had been much more real than any dream though – the softness of Damon's lips, the silky glide of his tongue against hers... Her imagination never would have been able to duplicate the perfection if she hadn't experienced it in reality. Just thinking about it brought her breath up short. Would she ever feel such ecstasy again?She told herself not to be greedy. Who knew if Damon would approach her again; if he regretted what he'd done the night before or if he thought about it now, just as she did? She would cherish the memory for the rest of her life – however short that might prove to be – but she wouldn't get her hopes up. She'd learned her lesson well from Lord Wilkes. Not that Damon was of the same shoddy caliber as that cad, but she could hardly expect a Remington to truly fall for an ailing maidservant."Your tea."Elsie turned toward the sound of a slightly impatient voice, startled out of her thoughts of Damon. The maid had approached from the murky fields of Elsie's peripheral vision, and she hadn't noticed her. She squinted now at the tray-bearing figure, noting mousy locks that protruded from beneath a mobcap. The girl sounded young, and her slender, almost boyish figure supported the supposition. "Thank you," Elsie said, taking the smooth polished-wood tray and balancing it on her lap. Having personally served tea a thousand times over, Elsie easily navigated the tray by feel. She clutched a halfway filled cup and let its warmth seep into her fingers as she waited for the maid to stop staring at her and leave."Wish I could spend the morning in the garden staring 'round at the rosebushes and sipping tea," the girl said, her tone half wistful and half resentful.Elsie's cheeks heated. "I find it difficult to enjoy the sight of the blossoms with my vision so afflicted," she said tersely, "but yes, they smell lovely."The girl made a small sound in the back of her throat that might have meant anything and turned in a flurry of skirts. Elsie listened to the soft sound of her retreating footsteps with relief.What seemed at least half an hour passed before another voice interrupted her solitude. "Elsie."She recognized the velvety tone at once. Her heart began to beat in double time as she clutched her teacup as tightly as she dared. "Yes?" Her reply was little more than a gasp."How do you fare this morning?" Damon asked from close behind her, touching her shoulder ever so lightly.She stifled a sigh, knowing he couldn't possibly realize how the little bit of contact affected her. He'd probably touched her out of courtesy for her impaired vision, to let her know where he stood. The gesture shouldn't have set her heart racing, but it had. "My vision was somewhat improved when I awoke. I can see now out of both my eyes, though everything appears blurred to me." She waited for him to remove his hand from her shoulder.He kept it there, exerting a gentle pressure with the tips of his fingers. "I am glad to hear of your improvement." He didn't sound glad. There was a note of weariness that rang in the deeper pitch of his voice. Was he tired? There was no question that he had a habit of staying up late every night. Perhaps this was an early morning for him. Had he risen just to speak with her?She didn't let herself consider it. That sort of idle speculation would only set her up for disappointment. Besides, it was foolish. Of course he hadn't. The Remington heir would not rise early just to converse with a maidservant.He bent low, his smooth jaw brushing her cheek. The intimacy of the gesture sent fresh heat rushing through Elsie as she wrestled with the realization that his touch had strayed irrefutably beyond the bounds of deference to her handicap. She hoped to God that they were alone in the garden. If one of the maids saw this… But she couldn't think of that, not while Damon's lips brushed her ear, causing the blood to sing in her veins and her nipples to tighten instantly beneath her dress. "Can you meet me here again tonight?" he asked."Yes," she answered, without pausing to weigh the difficulties. Whatever it took, she'd be here."I think I can help you," he whispered. "Your illness… I think I have a solution. Meet me here at half-past midnight and I'll explain. Will that be late enough for you to escape undetected?"She swallowed a lump that had formed in her throat and nodded."I look forward to seeing you then." He straightened, withdrew his touch and strode away, leaving Elsie alone with a feeling of profound sadness. What could he possibly do to help – what could he possibly know that the physician didn't? She would gladly meet him, but she did not look forward to crushing whatever hope he'd found for her in the night.
Wanna know exactly what happened the night before? Read the excerpt here at Elise Marion's blog. :)
Get the whole story at:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/rBtYDc
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/tAyot1
All Romance Ebooks: http://bit.ly/vm8XHA
November 12, 2011
Six Sentence Sunday - Demon of Mine
"I love you too," she said breathlessly, "though for seven years I tried to convince myself that I did not." Had she ever truly believed that her feelings for Damon were only mere infatuation? She knew now that had been a lie she'd told herself in hopes of sparing her own feelings. Unrequited love was torture; a sort of slow death of the heart she hadn't wished to subject herself to. But as a girl, she'd loved Damon for saving her from an orphan's dismal life, and deep down, she'd never stopped. Now, she loved him as her husband.
Thanks for checking out my Sunday six. :) I hope you'll stop by again tomorrow for the giveaway I'm having in celebration of the release of Demon of Mine. I'll be giving away some cool 'Regency Tea Party' themed prizes, and of course, some books too!
Thanks for checking out my Sunday six. :) I hope you'll stop by again tomorrow for the giveaway I'm having in celebration of the release of Demon of Mine. I'll be giving away some cool 'Regency Tea Party' themed prizes, and of course, some books too!
November 9, 2011
Sneak Peek at Demon of Mine - Excerpt
There are only a few days left before the release of Demon of Mine, so I thought I'd use this Wednesday's blog post to give you a sneak peek at the story. :) Here's an excerpt from early in the book:
Taking a deep breath and using a corner of her apron to wipe the last traces of tears from her eyes, Elsie slid open the hidden panel and stepped out into the corridor.She wasn't alone. Footsteps so soft she barely heard them sounded just as she emerged into view, her slippers silent against the long runner rug that she labored to beat clean every Saturday. She made to step back into the obscurity of the secret passage, but she was too late – the panel had already closed behind her. A man rounded the corner, tall, slim and heart-wrenchingly handsome.Damon. Her heart beat his name frantically. Da-mon. Da-mon. Da-mon. Only her heart had the audacity to call him by his Christian name. "Sir," she said, dipping into a curtsy that was rendered less than graceful by her wobbly knees, as if the display of formality would make up for her highly personal feelings.He paused in front of her, and when she dared to look up at him, he met her eyes. They were just as stunning as they had been seven years ago when she'd first looked into them, only now they belonged to a man instead of a sixteen year-old boy. My God. She could have lost herself in those dark pools, could have stared forever…"I'm looking for someone," he said, his voice deliciously low and smooth. If she'd heard it coming from any other man's lips, she would have thought he was planning seduction. But Damon always spoke that way. It was a part of his natural perfection, his undeniable appeal. How in the bloody world did Jenny keep from gaping at him when he passed by? It was nearly as if she wasn't a woman at all."Who, sir?" Elsie finished her curtsy, pleased to find her voice relatively steady."A housemaid called Elsie. Do you know where I might find her?" His dark eyes flickered as his gaze traveled from her head to her toes.Elsie tried to ignore the wave of heat that swept over her along with his gaze. "That's me, sir. I'm Elsie."He looked her up and down again, and a definite gleam passed through his eyes. "Indeed?"She willed her legs to support her. The last thing she needed was to collapse at his feet. After all, she'd just promised herself she wouldn't do that. And besides, she'd look like a fool. "Indeed, sir. At your service." She managed to perform another shaky curtsy without falling over."Come with me then. My mother says you're to spend some time at the country estate. She feels the fresh air may do you some good." He just barely raised an eyebrow at her, and the sight of it reminded Elsie instantly of his mother. How much had she told her son about Elsie's illness? Even if her interactions with him would be limited to the everyday inanities that might pass between a master and a servant, she'd rather he didn't think of her as a feeble invalid. "She told me you used to be one of her best servants before your health declined," he continued in his sensuously silky voice. "She hopes your health will improve at Hertfordshire so that you may return here soon."Return. Of course she would return. But right now, it was difficult to think of anything other than the fact that she'd be admiring Damon from perhaps not so far away for some time.****And don't forget to stop by here on Monday, when I'll be giving out themed prizes to random commenters to celebrate the release of Demon of Mine. :)
Taking a deep breath and using a corner of her apron to wipe the last traces of tears from her eyes, Elsie slid open the hidden panel and stepped out into the corridor.She wasn't alone. Footsteps so soft she barely heard them sounded just as she emerged into view, her slippers silent against the long runner rug that she labored to beat clean every Saturday. She made to step back into the obscurity of the secret passage, but she was too late – the panel had already closed behind her. A man rounded the corner, tall, slim and heart-wrenchingly handsome.Damon. Her heart beat his name frantically. Da-mon. Da-mon. Da-mon. Only her heart had the audacity to call him by his Christian name. "Sir," she said, dipping into a curtsy that was rendered less than graceful by her wobbly knees, as if the display of formality would make up for her highly personal feelings.He paused in front of her, and when she dared to look up at him, he met her eyes. They were just as stunning as they had been seven years ago when she'd first looked into them, only now they belonged to a man instead of a sixteen year-old boy. My God. She could have lost herself in those dark pools, could have stared forever…"I'm looking for someone," he said, his voice deliciously low and smooth. If she'd heard it coming from any other man's lips, she would have thought he was planning seduction. But Damon always spoke that way. It was a part of his natural perfection, his undeniable appeal. How in the bloody world did Jenny keep from gaping at him when he passed by? It was nearly as if she wasn't a woman at all."Who, sir?" Elsie finished her curtsy, pleased to find her voice relatively steady."A housemaid called Elsie. Do you know where I might find her?" His dark eyes flickered as his gaze traveled from her head to her toes.Elsie tried to ignore the wave of heat that swept over her along with his gaze. "That's me, sir. I'm Elsie."He looked her up and down again, and a definite gleam passed through his eyes. "Indeed?"She willed her legs to support her. The last thing she needed was to collapse at his feet. After all, she'd just promised herself she wouldn't do that. And besides, she'd look like a fool. "Indeed, sir. At your service." She managed to perform another shaky curtsy without falling over."Come with me then. My mother says you're to spend some time at the country estate. She feels the fresh air may do you some good." He just barely raised an eyebrow at her, and the sight of it reminded Elsie instantly of his mother. How much had she told her son about Elsie's illness? Even if her interactions with him would be limited to the everyday inanities that might pass between a master and a servant, she'd rather he didn't think of her as a feeble invalid. "She told me you used to be one of her best servants before your health declined," he continued in his sensuously silky voice. "She hopes your health will improve at Hertfordshire so that you may return here soon."Return. Of course she would return. But right now, it was difficult to think of anything other than the fact that she'd be admiring Damon from perhaps not so far away for some time.****And don't forget to stop by here on Monday, when I'll be giving out themed prizes to random commenters to celebrate the release of Demon of Mine. :)
November 5, 2011
Six Sentence Sunday - Demon of Mine
"You said you were prepared to handle me if I burst into hysterics. What would you have done?"
He answered without hesitation. "I would have silenced you with a kiss. A thousand of them if I had to. And if that failed to calm you, I would have made love to you, to show you that I'm not just a demon, but a man, too."
P.S. You're invited to the party. :)
He answered without hesitation. "I would have silenced you with a kiss. A thousand of them if I had to. And if that failed to calm you, I would have made love to you, to show you that I'm not just a demon, but a man, too."
P.S. You're invited to the party. :)
November 1, 2011
Demon of Mine Official Release & Party Date
I'm excited to finally announce the official release date for Demon of Mine - November 14th! Read on for more info on the book and, of course, the super-awesome release party I'll be having right here on my blog.
He's the mysterious heir to an industrial empire.
She's a dying housemaid.
The secrets that lie between them refuse to be kept forever.
And now, consider this your official invitation to the party...
Please be sure to stop by here on the 14th, and feel free to tell your friends. Prizes - seriously awesome, as promised - will be given out to random guests. I think I'll keep the exact nature of the awesome items in question secret a little while longer, but I will say this - they're tea party themed! Elsie always considered her attraction to Damon 'Demon' Remington to be a guilty pleasure, but when a strange illness begins to crumble the comfortable life she's built in the Remingtons' shadow, her future is threatened, along with her beliefs about her tragic past. Accused of a blue-blooded murder, Damon is both London's most notorious devil and the guardian-angel from Elsie's childhood. Her testimony may save him from being convicted…if she can bring herself to confess that she hid in his bedroom on the night of the crime and why. His preternatural secret can save her from the sickness that's consuming her, but salvation comes at a price – the sacrifice of her humanity, and a marriage that will last for the rest of their immortal lives.
Demon of Mine is a full-length erotic romance Regency vampire novel.
He's the mysterious heir to an industrial empire.She's a dying housemaid.
The secrets that lie between them refuse to be kept forever.
And now, consider this your official invitation to the party...
Please be sure to stop by here on the 14th, and feel free to tell your friends. Prizes - seriously awesome, as promised - will be given out to random guests. I think I'll keep the exact nature of the awesome items in question secret a little while longer, but I will say this - they're tea party themed! Elsie always considered her attraction to Damon 'Demon' Remington to be a guilty pleasure, but when a strange illness begins to crumble the comfortable life she's built in the Remingtons' shadow, her future is threatened, along with her beliefs about her tragic past. Accused of a blue-blooded murder, Damon is both London's most notorious devil and the guardian-angel from Elsie's childhood. Her testimony may save him from being convicted…if she can bring herself to confess that she hid in his bedroom on the night of the crime and why. His preternatural secret can save her from the sickness that's consuming her, but salvation comes at a price – the sacrifice of her humanity, and a marriage that will last for the rest of their immortal lives.
Demon of Mine is a full-length erotic romance Regency vampire novel.
October 29, 2011
Six Sentence Sunday - Demon of Mine
I know you couldn't have killed Lord Griffith if his body was still warm at three, for you were in your bed then."Not a single cricket had the mercy to interrupt the silence that stretched between them then."I was in your room, behind the dressing screen," she said softly. "You're furious with me. I understand." "No."
October 26, 2011
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...
No, I'm not dreaming about Christmas - I'm talking about right now. I LOVE fall, especially Halloween. I'm so in my element this time of year. It's cool but not cold, and the skies are usually grey (which is how I like them) and the leaves are all sorts of different colors. Besides the comfortable weather, what I like about this season is the mysteriousness. As summer fades to winter, it's kind of like the world is dying, which I think puts a hint of melancholy in the air that's nice, especially after the overbearing heat and brash loudness of summer.
Even vegetables are happy this time of year.
Then there are pumpkins, pumpkin pie, pumpkin coffee, ghost stories and the fact that they play all the cheesy ghost documentaries I like to watch on TV.
The only thing I don't like about this time of year is that it always seems too short. Before I know it it's winter, and that icy, slushy hell seems to last for an eternity. For now though, I'm simply enjoying fall.
What do you love about this time of year?
Even vegetables are happy this time of year.Then there are pumpkins, pumpkin pie, pumpkin coffee, ghost stories and the fact that they play all the cheesy ghost documentaries I like to watch on TV.
The only thing I don't like about this time of year is that it always seems too short. Before I know it it's winter, and that icy, slushy hell seems to last for an eternity. For now though, I'm simply enjoying fall.
What do you love about this time of year?
October 23, 2011
Guest Author - Eryn Lockhart
Not long ago, I enjoyed welcoming another romance writer to my blog for the first time, so I've decided to make it an occasional event. Today, I bring you Eryn Lockhart! :)
Eryn is the author of Regency romances After Midnight and The Hellfire Bride. Today I'll be interviewing her to find out more about her and, of course, her books!
First, the personal questions...
What's your star-sign? Eryn: Gemini verging on Cancer.Ranae: Ah, Gemini. For some reason, virtually all of my friends, and my husband, are Gemini. I guess you could say it's my favorite sign. :)When you were 12, you got your first taste of romantic reading by raiding your mom's 'special' book shelves. Do you remember the first romance novel you read, and did you have a favorite from her shelves? If so, what were they? Eryn: The first romance I can remember reading was Once & Always, by Judith McNaught. My mom caught me when I was half-way through, and took the book away. After two months of a vicious cycle of groundings, undeterred hunts to liberate the book from the newest hiding place, and parent teacher conferences regarding my choice of reading material, I was finally able to finish it. It was several more months before my mom gave up trying to keep me from reading romance ever again—she just sent the more explicit books (aka: Beatrice Small) to my aunt. My favorite books were those written by Judith McNuaght, Elizabeth Lowell, and Diana Palmer. Ranae: Parent teacher conferences...lol. I kinda wish I could say I'd gotten in trouble for reading romance as a kid. I didn't, although one of my teachers did intiate a conference with my mom because of my 'morbid' doodlings... Hee hee. There are a lot of genres out there. Why do you enjoy reading and writing romance? Eryn: Any genre you can find in the wider world of literature, you can find in a romance sub-genre. More than any mode of storytelling, romance focuses on the human element—on developing connections between characters, on not just what it means to be human (or some other creature), but why it matters. Not just the facts of living, but what makes it worthwhile. They are a modern take on the heroic tradition of literature that's been around for more than a thousand years, with a focus on the heart. The hero and heroine don't just triumph against all odds; they do so knowing that they've found the person that makes that effort worthwhile. Romances are also vehicles of empowerment—as Sarah of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books has said: they encourage women to be the heroines of their own lives. Ranae: I completely agree. Couldn't have said it better myself, in fact! :)What's your favorite dessert? Eryn: Anything with chocolate.Ranae: You have good taste. ;)
And now for the writing questions...You write Regency romance novels. What is it about the Regency era that appeals to you so much that you were inspired to set both of your books then?Eryn: I actually write in a variety of romance subgenres, but I do have a special place in my heart for Regency due to the accessibility the period. It's a by-gone era filled with drama, intrigue, a war between empires, romance…and since it took place only about 200 years ago, quite a lot of primary materials, publications, maps, fashion plates, ect…are still around. Writers and readers can more fully immerse themselves in the Regency period because we can re-create it through what's been left behind; there aren't a lot of holes that were left blank. Also, the people of the Regency weren't so terribly different from us—take away the Balls and the Season, and you're left with a society in which some women are struggling to expand their roles beyond the home, and take a more active voice in government and business despite pressure to conform to traditional roles of wife & motherhood. You're seeing an age with a proliferation of female authors (such as Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, Mary Shelly, George Elliot, and Mrs. Radcliffe, among others), struggling for respect in a literary sphere that looks upon them and their work with disdain. You're looking at a society whose advent into the industrial age brings to mind some of today's struggles with out-sourcing and sweat shop labor, whose military involvement resulted in various trade embargoes, loss of life, a military class, and the trauma and pain of war, with weary veterans trying to fit back into society after more than a decade of war (just as we're dealing with now in the wake of 9/11). You're facing a social & legal justice system with serious flaws in regards to blaming the victim for sexual assault and misconduct, just as we continue to deal with today as evidenced by various women's movements (most recently Slut Walk), and you're facing a wide body of the population that is pressing for reforms and increased accountability in government, just like today's Occupy Wall Street. You're looking at Society that faced very similar concerns to our own, yet still found time to enjoy life, to indulge in the arts, beauty, and live out their lives as best they could. The Regency period is timeless, and in its own way, remains as relevant and current in literature as it was during the years it took place.Ranae: That's a great answer...my own wouldn't have been half as thorough or good. Though maybe I shouldn't have admitted that. lol :)If you had the option of living in Regency era England instead of the modern-day, would you?Eryn: Possibly. I'd most likely be a bluestocking, a novelist, or a singer…I can't see myself in the role of a traditional lady, but one of the Originals of the day? That's another matter entirely. Ranae: Yeah, as a modern woman, it's hard for me to imagine being waited on hand and foot like a Regency Lady. Although I might be willing to try to adjust... lolIf Lucien and Jacqueline (the hero and heroine from your novel After Midnight) could spend a night and a day together at any location in the world, where do you think they'd choose?Eryn: I think they'd choose the Orient…Luc still has some contacts there, and given that both of them have spent years undercover, going back and forth behind enemy lines, for a relaxing holiday I think they'd choose somewhere as far away from war and Napoleon's reach as possible. Besides, Jacqueline's never been there, and I think Luc would enjoy taking her to see the sights.You currently have two available books – After Midnight & The Hellfire Bride. Any idea when we can expect your next title and which one it'll be? Eryn: I have a couple of stories in the works: Bittersweet (contemporary romance), Dragon's Desire (urban fantasy/paranormal romance), A Stolen Season (Regency romance), and A Rake's Conquest (Regency Erotica—it will most likely be published under a separate pen name). I'm hoping to get two new titles out before the end of the year—but which two it will be is anyone's guess.Ranae: Wow, two new titles within the next couple months. That's alot of work. Good luck!
You can find out more about Eryn at: http://www.erynlockhart.x10.mxAnd connect with her on...Twitter: ErynLockhartFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eryn-Lockhart/245969985445975
And last but certainly not least, here are Eryn's books, which are available through all the usual venues, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and All Romance.
Lucien Warrick's years of service as an agent of the Crown have prepared him for anything...except Jacqueline Gervais; a spirited French refugee who's skills in deception and sabotage rival his own. Together, they discover that the path to true love goes hand in hand with a mission that can make or break an empire.
A hero's quest to avenge the woman he loved and lost leads him to the darkest underbelly of Regency London, where rescuing a feisty heroine allows him to see that love can heal even the deepest scars.
Eryn is the author of Regency romances After Midnight and The Hellfire Bride. Today I'll be interviewing her to find out more about her and, of course, her books!
First, the personal questions...
What's your star-sign? Eryn: Gemini verging on Cancer.Ranae: Ah, Gemini. For some reason, virtually all of my friends, and my husband, are Gemini. I guess you could say it's my favorite sign. :)When you were 12, you got your first taste of romantic reading by raiding your mom's 'special' book shelves. Do you remember the first romance novel you read, and did you have a favorite from her shelves? If so, what were they? Eryn: The first romance I can remember reading was Once & Always, by Judith McNaught. My mom caught me when I was half-way through, and took the book away. After two months of a vicious cycle of groundings, undeterred hunts to liberate the book from the newest hiding place, and parent teacher conferences regarding my choice of reading material, I was finally able to finish it. It was several more months before my mom gave up trying to keep me from reading romance ever again—she just sent the more explicit books (aka: Beatrice Small) to my aunt. My favorite books were those written by Judith McNuaght, Elizabeth Lowell, and Diana Palmer. Ranae: Parent teacher conferences...lol. I kinda wish I could say I'd gotten in trouble for reading romance as a kid. I didn't, although one of my teachers did intiate a conference with my mom because of my 'morbid' doodlings... Hee hee. There are a lot of genres out there. Why do you enjoy reading and writing romance? Eryn: Any genre you can find in the wider world of literature, you can find in a romance sub-genre. More than any mode of storytelling, romance focuses on the human element—on developing connections between characters, on not just what it means to be human (or some other creature), but why it matters. Not just the facts of living, but what makes it worthwhile. They are a modern take on the heroic tradition of literature that's been around for more than a thousand years, with a focus on the heart. The hero and heroine don't just triumph against all odds; they do so knowing that they've found the person that makes that effort worthwhile. Romances are also vehicles of empowerment—as Sarah of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books has said: they encourage women to be the heroines of their own lives. Ranae: I completely agree. Couldn't have said it better myself, in fact! :)What's your favorite dessert? Eryn: Anything with chocolate.Ranae: You have good taste. ;)
And now for the writing questions...You write Regency romance novels. What is it about the Regency era that appeals to you so much that you were inspired to set both of your books then?Eryn: I actually write in a variety of romance subgenres, but I do have a special place in my heart for Regency due to the accessibility the period. It's a by-gone era filled with drama, intrigue, a war between empires, romance…and since it took place only about 200 years ago, quite a lot of primary materials, publications, maps, fashion plates, ect…are still around. Writers and readers can more fully immerse themselves in the Regency period because we can re-create it through what's been left behind; there aren't a lot of holes that were left blank. Also, the people of the Regency weren't so terribly different from us—take away the Balls and the Season, and you're left with a society in which some women are struggling to expand their roles beyond the home, and take a more active voice in government and business despite pressure to conform to traditional roles of wife & motherhood. You're seeing an age with a proliferation of female authors (such as Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, Mary Shelly, George Elliot, and Mrs. Radcliffe, among others), struggling for respect in a literary sphere that looks upon them and their work with disdain. You're looking at a society whose advent into the industrial age brings to mind some of today's struggles with out-sourcing and sweat shop labor, whose military involvement resulted in various trade embargoes, loss of life, a military class, and the trauma and pain of war, with weary veterans trying to fit back into society after more than a decade of war (just as we're dealing with now in the wake of 9/11). You're facing a social & legal justice system with serious flaws in regards to blaming the victim for sexual assault and misconduct, just as we continue to deal with today as evidenced by various women's movements (most recently Slut Walk), and you're facing a wide body of the population that is pressing for reforms and increased accountability in government, just like today's Occupy Wall Street. You're looking at Society that faced very similar concerns to our own, yet still found time to enjoy life, to indulge in the arts, beauty, and live out their lives as best they could. The Regency period is timeless, and in its own way, remains as relevant and current in literature as it was during the years it took place.Ranae: That's a great answer...my own wouldn't have been half as thorough or good. Though maybe I shouldn't have admitted that. lol :)If you had the option of living in Regency era England instead of the modern-day, would you?Eryn: Possibly. I'd most likely be a bluestocking, a novelist, or a singer…I can't see myself in the role of a traditional lady, but one of the Originals of the day? That's another matter entirely. Ranae: Yeah, as a modern woman, it's hard for me to imagine being waited on hand and foot like a Regency Lady. Although I might be willing to try to adjust... lolIf Lucien and Jacqueline (the hero and heroine from your novel After Midnight) could spend a night and a day together at any location in the world, where do you think they'd choose?Eryn: I think they'd choose the Orient…Luc still has some contacts there, and given that both of them have spent years undercover, going back and forth behind enemy lines, for a relaxing holiday I think they'd choose somewhere as far away from war and Napoleon's reach as possible. Besides, Jacqueline's never been there, and I think Luc would enjoy taking her to see the sights.You currently have two available books – After Midnight & The Hellfire Bride. Any idea when we can expect your next title and which one it'll be? Eryn: I have a couple of stories in the works: Bittersweet (contemporary romance), Dragon's Desire (urban fantasy/paranormal romance), A Stolen Season (Regency romance), and A Rake's Conquest (Regency Erotica—it will most likely be published under a separate pen name). I'm hoping to get two new titles out before the end of the year—but which two it will be is anyone's guess.Ranae: Wow, two new titles within the next couple months. That's alot of work. Good luck!
You can find out more about Eryn at: http://www.erynlockhart.x10.mxAnd connect with her on...Twitter: ErynLockhartFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eryn-Lockhart/245969985445975
And last but certainly not least, here are Eryn's books, which are available through all the usual venues, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and All Romance.
Lucien Warrick's years of service as an agent of the Crown have prepared him for anything...except Jacqueline Gervais; a spirited French refugee who's skills in deception and sabotage rival his own. Together, they discover that the path to true love goes hand in hand with a mission that can make or break an empire.
A hero's quest to avenge the woman he loved and lost leads him to the darkest underbelly of Regency London, where rescuing a feisty heroine allows him to see that love can heal even the deepest scars.
