Christine Feehan's Blog, page 12
November 19, 2019
Choosing a Leopard
I’ve always been interested in big cats. When I started writing I knew I’d write a shapeshifter book at some point, so mixing the two felt natural. While some people have werewolves or dragon shifters, I was intrigued by leopards for several reasons.
First of all, there are so many species of leopard all over the world, but so many are endangered and near extinction. I wanted to be able to bring people’s attention to that without it sounding preachy or forced.
I’ve used several different types of leopards. I hope to include other varieties of leopard in future books as well. I enjoy research about them, learning the differences between the leopards from all areas of the world.
Mitya, like Timur and Fyodor, is an Amur leopard from Russia. There are less than 100 Amur leopards in the wild. These are very dominant leopards. Most leopards are, and I knew that would make for some passionate romance.
Sometimes I choose a leopard because of geography. I knew the Russian leopards would be a perfect choice for my guys becoming part of the mob. Of course, they’re really there ensuring nothing too horrible happens with these mobsters they’re in bed with, but they are not choir boys. These are men dangerous and deadly.
But, I’ve written about leopards in the jungle and there are those I’ve been writing about who live in Louisiana. Sometimes the geography matters, sometimes what matters most are the traits of a particular leopard. I do give thought to what kind of leopard best suits the character.
Matching the right leopard to the right human is important. They need to be able to blend seamlessly. My shapeshifters are all a combination of human and leopard, sharing traits and needs. The world of shape-shifting leopards I’ve built has rules in place that I, as the author, follow. Choosing the right leopard is one of the most important.
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First of all, there are so many species of leopard all over the world, but so many are endangered and near extinction. I wanted to be able to bring people’s attention to that without it sounding preachy or forced.
I’ve used several different types of leopards. I hope to include other varieties of leopard in future books as well. I enjoy research about them, learning the differences between the leopards from all areas of the world.
Mitya, like Timur and Fyodor, is an Amur leopard from Russia. There are less than 100 Amur leopards in the wild. These are very dominant leopards. Most leopards are, and I knew that would make for some passionate romance.
Sometimes I choose a leopard because of geography. I knew the Russian leopards would be a perfect choice for my guys becoming part of the mob. Of course, they’re really there ensuring nothing too horrible happens with these mobsters they’re in bed with, but they are not choir boys. These are men dangerous and deadly.
But, I’ve written about leopards in the jungle and there are those I’ve been writing about who live in Louisiana. Sometimes the geography matters, sometimes what matters most are the traits of a particular leopard. I do give thought to what kind of leopard best suits the character.
Matching the right leopard to the right human is important. They need to be able to blend seamlessly. My shapeshifters are all a combination of human and leopard, sharing traits and needs. The world of shape-shifting leopards I’ve built has rules in place that I, as the author, follow. Choosing the right leopard is one of the most important.
My Official Website
Christine Feehan Website
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November 11, 2019
Leopard Shapeshifters and the Allure of the Alpha Male : Mitya
It’s no secret that my leopard series is my most erotic. And though all of my heroes in all of my series are alpha males, the leopards are particularly dominating predators. Part of that has to do with the nature of leopards, the other has to do with the nature of men. These men are already alpha males, and then we add the violence, dominance and predatory nature of the leopard on top of that. It can be explosive in so many ways.
Leopards are one of the only animals in nature that, even as you are hunting them, they will turn around and start hunting you. They are cunning, intelligent creatures.
Mitya’s leopard is the Amur leopard. Mitya was first introduced as a bodyguard to Alonzo/Fyodor. Just because a leopard shifter works for the main boss doesn’t mean they are not an alpha. Actually, the bodyguards are protectors and the leader must cooperate with them in order to stay safe. Bodyguard positions are all like that.
In the world that I’ve created, all of the male leopards are alpha. But, they are also part of a pack. So, as a society they choose the way their pack will be run. They agree on a leader and agree to obey that leader. In Mitya’s case, he moved up the ranks to become a leader of his own pack. Moving from bodyguard to leader is particularly challenging since Mitya’s always been the person who protects others. It’s not easy for him to give that up.
Mitya Amurov came from Russian and was born into the Vor, the Russian mob. He was the son of a leader of the Vor, expected to ascend into an enforcer and then to leader. But, things went horribly wrong when he was a child. Now, years later, he lives in Texas and knows his past is coming back to haunt him.
Mitya’s love interest is Ania Dover; thrill-seeker, transporter, businesswoman, shifter. This is a woman who is no wilting flower and can certainly stand on her own two feet regardless of what the world throws at her. Ania knows danger. The allure of someone like Mitya is almost too much to ignore.
Mitya realizes who and what Ania is. Claiming her is complicated, which just makes Mitya more determined, more dominant and more dangerous. I love that Mitya is this badass alpha male. If he is able to claim Ania, he’s not likely to let her out of his sight.
So, if you really enjoy those alpha males, Mitya and Ania’s story is a perfect blend of danger, sex and challenge. They are certainly one of the most erotic couples I’ve ever written.
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Leopards are one of the only animals in nature that, even as you are hunting them, they will turn around and start hunting you. They are cunning, intelligent creatures.
Mitya’s leopard is the Amur leopard. Mitya was first introduced as a bodyguard to Alonzo/Fyodor. Just because a leopard shifter works for the main boss doesn’t mean they are not an alpha. Actually, the bodyguards are protectors and the leader must cooperate with them in order to stay safe. Bodyguard positions are all like that.
In the world that I’ve created, all of the male leopards are alpha. But, they are also part of a pack. So, as a society they choose the way their pack will be run. They agree on a leader and agree to obey that leader. In Mitya’s case, he moved up the ranks to become a leader of his own pack. Moving from bodyguard to leader is particularly challenging since Mitya’s always been the person who protects others. It’s not easy for him to give that up.
Mitya Amurov came from Russian and was born into the Vor, the Russian mob. He was the son of a leader of the Vor, expected to ascend into an enforcer and then to leader. But, things went horribly wrong when he was a child. Now, years later, he lives in Texas and knows his past is coming back to haunt him.
Mitya’s love interest is Ania Dover; thrill-seeker, transporter, businesswoman, shifter. This is a woman who is no wilting flower and can certainly stand on her own two feet regardless of what the world throws at her. Ania knows danger. The allure of someone like Mitya is almost too much to ignore.
Mitya realizes who and what Ania is. Claiming her is complicated, which just makes Mitya more determined, more dominant and more dangerous. I love that Mitya is this badass alpha male. If he is able to claim Ania, he’s not likely to let her out of his sight.
So, if you really enjoy those alpha males, Mitya and Ania’s story is a perfect blend of danger, sex and challenge. They are certainly one of the most erotic couples I’ve ever written.
My Official Website
Christine Feehan Website
Christine's Facebook
Christine on Twitter
Christine Feehan Instagram
(Exclusives, Sneak Peeks, Discussions and more) - Exclusive Online Community
November 6, 2019
Writing Shapeshifter Stories
I’ve always loved shapeshifter stories and knew that I would write one. Now, I’ve written twelve and I have ideas for so many more.
The idea of people who could, not only turn into an animal, but who had those animal traits and lived by the rules of that type of animal’s lifestyle, intrigued me.
I read many stories in which the person just happened to shift into some kind of animal, but they were otherwise unaffected by that animal. I wanted stories of people who were truly merged with that animal on such a fundamental and profound level that you could feel it when the traits of the animal began to manifest while that person was in human form. And, when in animal form you felt that the personality and beliefs of the human were somewhere deep inside the animal.
When I decided to create my own shapeshifter world I chose leopards for many reasons. One was that I love leopards. I love the majesty of them, the grace and power. They are both beautiful and dangerous all at once.
As I began my extensive research on leopards I realized that leopards from different regions have their own differences from one another. That’s part of the reason I chose the Amur leopard for my Texas leopards. Amur leopards can be found in Russia. I’d already researched Russia and even the Russian mob for other books, so this seemed both natural and fun to write.
Amur leopards are growing extinct. Sadly, there are less than 100 Amur leopards left in the wild. These leopards are one of the most endangered. They are strong predators. I wanted to bring these amazing animals to people’s attention and I wanted to be able to discuss the issue of their slow extinction without it sounding like a lesson.
Mitya Amurov, the hero of Leopard’s Wrath, embodies all the traits of an Amur leopard. So much so, that he doesn’t trust himself. With good reason. Leopards have terrible tempers. They are very dominant. They take what they want or what they need to survive.
Mitya, in my mind, is an example of a shapeshifter character that merges and blends both human and animal. You feel how Mitya struggles to keep his leopard and his leopard traits under his control, which isn’t always possible. It couldn’t be. Not if I’m being true to the rules I’ve set up for my world. The leopard needs to be equally dominant at times. It needs to push at Mitya, insisting on having its way.
The one thing both Mitya and his leopard can agree on is that Ania Dover is special. She calms them. She calls to them on a basic level. And, they want her. Need her. With her leopard pushing at her, recognizing Mitya’s leopard, a sort of dance begins. Sometimes volatile. Always erotic.
Leopards embody passion and when that explodes within the confines of a human body, that passion owns them.
Leopard's Wrath is out now!
Let me know what you love about shapeshifter books. Which of mine are your favorite? Who else writes good shapeshifter books?
The idea of people who could, not only turn into an animal, but who had those animal traits and lived by the rules of that type of animal’s lifestyle, intrigued me.
I read many stories in which the person just happened to shift into some kind of animal, but they were otherwise unaffected by that animal. I wanted stories of people who were truly merged with that animal on such a fundamental and profound level that you could feel it when the traits of the animal began to manifest while that person was in human form. And, when in animal form you felt that the personality and beliefs of the human were somewhere deep inside the animal.
When I decided to create my own shapeshifter world I chose leopards for many reasons. One was that I love leopards. I love the majesty of them, the grace and power. They are both beautiful and dangerous all at once.
As I began my extensive research on leopards I realized that leopards from different regions have their own differences from one another. That’s part of the reason I chose the Amur leopard for my Texas leopards. Amur leopards can be found in Russia. I’d already researched Russia and even the Russian mob for other books, so this seemed both natural and fun to write.
Amur leopards are growing extinct. Sadly, there are less than 100 Amur leopards left in the wild. These leopards are one of the most endangered. They are strong predators. I wanted to bring these amazing animals to people’s attention and I wanted to be able to discuss the issue of their slow extinction without it sounding like a lesson.
Mitya Amurov, the hero of Leopard’s Wrath, embodies all the traits of an Amur leopard. So much so, that he doesn’t trust himself. With good reason. Leopards have terrible tempers. They are very dominant. They take what they want or what they need to survive.
Mitya, in my mind, is an example of a shapeshifter character that merges and blends both human and animal. You feel how Mitya struggles to keep his leopard and his leopard traits under his control, which isn’t always possible. It couldn’t be. Not if I’m being true to the rules I’ve set up for my world. The leopard needs to be equally dominant at times. It needs to push at Mitya, insisting on having its way.
The one thing both Mitya and his leopard can agree on is that Ania Dover is special. She calms them. She calls to them on a basic level. And, they want her. Need her. With her leopard pushing at her, recognizing Mitya’s leopard, a sort of dance begins. Sometimes volatile. Always erotic.
Leopards embody passion and when that explodes within the confines of a human body, that passion owns them.
Leopard's Wrath is out now!
Let me know what you love about shapeshifter books. Which of mine are your favorite? Who else writes good shapeshifter books?
November 4, 2019
Lethal Game ... The Gift of Romance!
It's official! Gallery Bookshop is sponsoring a virtual book signing for Lethal Game!
If you've ever wanted a book signed and personalized, you can pre-order Lethal Game and let me know what you'd like me to write. There are some restrictions, but find out all the details at Gallery Bookshop my link HERE!
It's a limited-time, exclusive offer. You must order before Feb. 2, 2020.
If you've ever wanted a book signed and personalized, you can pre-order Lethal Game and let me know what you'd like me to write. There are some restrictions, but find out all the details at Gallery Bookshop my link HERE!
It's a limited-time, exclusive offer. You must order before Feb. 2, 2020.
September 30, 2019
GhostWalkers, Carpathians, Leopards, Shadow Riders and Bikers ... Oh My!
I thought I'd update everyone on what books are coming out and what I'm writing now.
Toxic Game released in paperback recently and I'm so happy to have Draden and Shylah's story out once more. These two stole my heart and are one of my most favorite couples. I think Toxic Game is one of the most romantic stories I've ever written.
Next up for the GhostWalkers will be Lethal Game, which is Malichai Fortunes and Amaryllis.
I completed Lethal Game and turned it in already. I'm not sure which character will be next, but you're welcome to tell me who is on your wish list!
Dark Illusion was released in hardcover Sept. 3rd and I'm so happy so many of you enjoyed it. We hit #3 on the New York Times combined list, thank you! This is Julija and Isai's book. I enjoyed bringing back Xavier's book and the shadow cats! The paperback version will be out in a few months. As soon as I have an exact date I'll post that on my website.
Currently, I'm writing Dark Song which is Ferro and Elisabeta's book. I'm already a few chapters in and have I am being surprised by Ferro. It's always fun when a character becomes even better than I thought they would be and I'm having so much fun writing this story.
The book should be out around this time next year, but I don't have the exact date just yet.
Leopard's Wrath is my next Leopard series book and it will be released on Nov. 5th. This is Mitya and Ania's book. I know many readers have been waiting for Mitya's book and I'm happy it's finally time for his story to be told. You get to find out more about his history and I'm leading up to something surprising for this series in the books to come!
Shadow Flight is Taviano and Nicoletta's book and I am so excited it's finally their time! I completed that book and turned it in for editing. This is one of those books that was so satisfying to write. It's helpful to write about characters over a long period of time where you get to know them so well. When it's their time to be featured in a story you already know how they'll react. Sure, you get surprised from time to time, but they're familiar in a way that feels good to spend time with them. Both characters were that way. Yeah, there was a bit of fiasco in the beginning, but... oh wait...I can't give any of this away yet! It's too soon!
The next book in my Torpedo Ink series is Ice's book. Vendetta Road brings our Ice man to Vegas and to a woman he knows he doesn't deserve, but hey! Why let that stop you, right? LOL Ice has the charm and he's not afraid to use it. But, never fear, his woman is no shrinking violet. Someone's about to have their heart melt. :-)
After Vendetta Road is Desolation Road which is Absinthe's book. That book did not go as I had originally planned, which is always a double-edged sword. It's fun, but sometimes you just want a story take the easy road. What was I thinking? LOL
I think that catches up for now. I'd love to know which character you're most looking forward to reading about in any or all of my series!
TWITTER
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Christine Feehan Website
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Toxic Game released in paperback recently and I'm so happy to have Draden and Shylah's story out once more. These two stole my heart and are one of my most favorite couples. I think Toxic Game is one of the most romantic stories I've ever written.
Next up for the GhostWalkers will be Lethal Game, which is Malichai Fortunes and Amaryllis.
I completed Lethal Game and turned it in already. I'm not sure which character will be next, but you're welcome to tell me who is on your wish list!
Dark Illusion was released in hardcover Sept. 3rd and I'm so happy so many of you enjoyed it. We hit #3 on the New York Times combined list, thank you! This is Julija and Isai's book. I enjoyed bringing back Xavier's book and the shadow cats! The paperback version will be out in a few months. As soon as I have an exact date I'll post that on my website.
Currently, I'm writing Dark Song which is Ferro and Elisabeta's book. I'm already a few chapters in and have I am being surprised by Ferro. It's always fun when a character becomes even better than I thought they would be and I'm having so much fun writing this story.
The book should be out around this time next year, but I don't have the exact date just yet.
Leopard's Wrath is my next Leopard series book and it will be released on Nov. 5th. This is Mitya and Ania's book. I know many readers have been waiting for Mitya's book and I'm happy it's finally time for his story to be told. You get to find out more about his history and I'm leading up to something surprising for this series in the books to come!
Shadow Flight is Taviano and Nicoletta's book and I am so excited it's finally their time! I completed that book and turned it in for editing. This is one of those books that was so satisfying to write. It's helpful to write about characters over a long period of time where you get to know them so well. When it's their time to be featured in a story you already know how they'll react. Sure, you get surprised from time to time, but they're familiar in a way that feels good to spend time with them. Both characters were that way. Yeah, there was a bit of fiasco in the beginning, but... oh wait...I can't give any of this away yet! It's too soon!
The next book in my Torpedo Ink series is Ice's book. Vendetta Road brings our Ice man to Vegas and to a woman he knows he doesn't deserve, but hey! Why let that stop you, right? LOL Ice has the charm and he's not afraid to use it. But, never fear, his woman is no shrinking violet. Someone's about to have their heart melt. :-)
After Vendetta Road is Desolation Road which is Absinthe's book. That book did not go as I had originally planned, which is always a double-edged sword. It's fun, but sometimes you just want a story take the easy road. What was I thinking? LOL
I think that catches up for now. I'd love to know which character you're most looking forward to reading about in any or all of my series!
My Official Website
Christine Feehan Website
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September 11, 2019
Brothers: Isai, Iulian and the Ancients
How important is brotherhood? Do men form bonds outside of the family that are as strong as any “sisterhood”?
For Isai Florea this is something he has to face in Dark Illusion. While he tried to keep himself from becoming a monster, sequestering himself at the monastery, his brother Iulian was faced with hardship and challenges of his own. Something Isai would be surprised when his brother’s story is revealed.
I come from a very big family. I have ten sisters and three brothers. I love them all. I learned early on that sisterhood was as essential as breathing for me. My sisters, both biological and my sisters of the heart, are incredibly important to me and I appreciate them all.
Recently, my brothers Matt and Phil came to visit for a few days. I love them so much and we had such a good visit. Getting together with my brothers seems to bring out the “kid” in them so there was a lot of teasing and laughter and rolling-of-the-eyes. Brothers are every bit as important as sisters and watching my brothers together always reminds me of how important a strong brotherhood is.
Most readers recognize the “sisterhood” of the Drakes, Sisters of the Heart, GhostWalkers and other female friendships that happen through all of my series. But, I feel I have a strong “brotherhood” throughout my many series as well. The Carpathian ancients, GhostWalkers , Prakenskii brothers, Torpedo Ink, there’s brotherhood there. Even the Leopards, who are often solitary, they found a way to work together as a team.
Isai found brotherhood with the other Carpathians at the monastery. They were all there for the same reason. They all felt honor-bound to protect humanity from themselves. They wanted to hold on to life, hoping their lifemate would be in the world. They had to watch over each other to ensure no one turned vampire. They shared blood. They had a promise to their lifemate carved into their skin. Once they found out that human women could be lifemates and they would need to go out in the world to look for theirs, they knew they could come to need each other out in the modern world.
But, these are ancient warriors who know nothing of modern women. The rules of today are not only unknown to them, but some are completely unacceptable to them. When Isai finds Julija there’s a clash that becomes nearly devastating for them both. Isai makes a decision to return to the monastery. But first, he would fight the evil mages Julija is trying to escape. Often you must call upon your brothers for help. But sometimes, only love will save you.
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For Isai Florea this is something he has to face in Dark Illusion. While he tried to keep himself from becoming a monster, sequestering himself at the monastery, his brother Iulian was faced with hardship and challenges of his own. Something Isai would be surprised when his brother’s story is revealed.
I come from a very big family. I have ten sisters and three brothers. I love them all. I learned early on that sisterhood was as essential as breathing for me. My sisters, both biological and my sisters of the heart, are incredibly important to me and I appreciate them all.
Recently, my brothers Matt and Phil came to visit for a few days. I love them so much and we had such a good visit. Getting together with my brothers seems to bring out the “kid” in them so there was a lot of teasing and laughter and rolling-of-the-eyes. Brothers are every bit as important as sisters and watching my brothers together always reminds me of how important a strong brotherhood is.
Most readers recognize the “sisterhood” of the Drakes, Sisters of the Heart, GhostWalkers and other female friendships that happen through all of my series. But, I feel I have a strong “brotherhood” throughout my many series as well. The Carpathian ancients, GhostWalkers , Prakenskii brothers, Torpedo Ink, there’s brotherhood there. Even the Leopards, who are often solitary, they found a way to work together as a team.
Isai found brotherhood with the other Carpathians at the monastery. They were all there for the same reason. They all felt honor-bound to protect humanity from themselves. They wanted to hold on to life, hoping their lifemate would be in the world. They had to watch over each other to ensure no one turned vampire. They shared blood. They had a promise to their lifemate carved into their skin. Once they found out that human women could be lifemates and they would need to go out in the world to look for theirs, they knew they could come to need each other out in the modern world.
But, these are ancient warriors who know nothing of modern women. The rules of today are not only unknown to them, but some are completely unacceptable to them. When Isai finds Julija there’s a clash that becomes nearly devastating for them both. Isai makes a decision to return to the monastery. But first, he would fight the evil mages Julija is trying to escape. Often you must call upon your brothers for help. But sometimes, only love will save you.
My Official Website
Christine Feehan Website
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September 4, 2019
The Woman in the Mirror: How we see ourselves in the heroines we read
It’s important to me that my heroines reflect a wide variety of women. Julija, from Dark Illusion, is more powerful than she knows. She thinks things about herself and about love that is filtered through some terrible life experiences. She was taught from an early age not to trust Carpathian males. So, when she meets Isai things don’t go smoothly.
I’ve had people ask me why I write heroines who sometimes fight becoming a lifemate. Let’s face it, if it all went easy there’d not be a lot to write about. There’s always conflict in new relationships and Carpathians have to deal with that like everyone else. Especially the men. Especially the ancient ones who know little of modern women.
In my real life I am a 3rd degree black belt and earned my instructor’s license to teach martial arts. I love martial arts, though I’m retired now, but I did that for 20 years. I taught special women’s classes. This was for battered, abused women. Some had had very horrible things done to them and they needed to fuel their courage. I say “fuel” and not “find” because all women have courage. Sometimes they just need to be reminded or lifted up. Learning self-defense can help with that.
So, I’ve met all kinds of women throughout my life. Some who are quiet, some who speak up and out and aren’t afraid to tell you what they think or how they feel. Some don’t want to be noticed, but prefer to stay in the background. Some want to fight anyone and everyone they feel needs it. Large women, petite women, every ethnicity, social background, walk of life, they all matter to me. I want all of them to have a happy ever after. Whatever that means to them.
When I started writing the Dark Series I wanted a woman who could accept an unusual man. Raven, from Dark Prince, was psychic and so she already knew there were unusual people in the world. She was one. As a couple Mikhail and Raven were a great example light and darkness. Raven is brilliant, confident and accepting. Mikhail lucked out!
Not all women are accepting. Gabrielle from Dark Promises certainly didn’t start out wanting her lifemate. Trixie (also from Dark Promises) tried to kill her future lifemate even as she admitted to herself that he’s hot.
Ivory Malinov fromDark Slayer is a formidable warrior. Emeline from Dark Legacy was timid and vulnerable in a way even though she certainly had courage.
Julija is a fighter. Unfortunately, her need to fight doesn’t always serve her well when it comes to love. She has courage. But, I love that she has a vulnerability at her core that helps us empathize with her and love her.
Of all of the Dark series heroines I’ve written, which do you feel you’re most like? Which one would you want to be most like?
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August 12, 2019
RESPECT – From the Brotherhood
How does a young, human woman find herself respected by a group of ancient warriors? The answer is simple – she earns it. Lorraine, our heroine in Dark Sentinel does exactly that.
The “brotherhood” are group of ancient Carpathian warriors who incarcerated themselves in a secret monastery high up in the Carpathian Mountains. They had become too dangerous to be around humans, but felt that walking into the sun was cowardly. They went there to be with one another, learn to deal with an emotionless life and keep their dangerous longings in check. They’d become so strong and so deadly they needed to remain around those who could stop them if they were to lose control.
The brotherhood was close, living for years with only each other. They all shared a common tattoo; a promise to their lifemate that they would hold on only for her. But, hope doesn’t always come to the gate. They discovered humans could be lifemates and the warriors went to the United States to help a fellow warrior and to look for that all-elusive lifemate.
Hardened warriors with little reason to trust the modern world, or even their Prince, found reason to give their respect to a human woman.
How do you get respect from these immortal men? You show you’re willing to put it all on the line, just as they do. You show that you’re willing to die to save someone else. So, when Lorraine was willing to go to the nether world to try and save Andor knowing she might lose her soul there with him, she earned her place among the warriors. She earned their respect.
Of course, adding a modern-day, spirited woman to a group of serious, old fashioned warriors added some endearing moments and significant humor. And for one ancient Carpathian, it added a great deal of hope and love.
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The “brotherhood” are group of ancient Carpathian warriors who incarcerated themselves in a secret monastery high up in the Carpathian Mountains. They had become too dangerous to be around humans, but felt that walking into the sun was cowardly. They went there to be with one another, learn to deal with an emotionless life and keep their dangerous longings in check. They’d become so strong and so deadly they needed to remain around those who could stop them if they were to lose control.
The brotherhood was close, living for years with only each other. They all shared a common tattoo; a promise to their lifemate that they would hold on only for her. But, hope doesn’t always come to the gate. They discovered humans could be lifemates and the warriors went to the United States to help a fellow warrior and to look for that all-elusive lifemate.
Hardened warriors with little reason to trust the modern world, or even their Prince, found reason to give their respect to a human woman.
How do you get respect from these immortal men? You show you’re willing to put it all on the line, just as they do. You show that you’re willing to die to save someone else. So, when Lorraine was willing to go to the nether world to try and save Andor knowing she might lose her soul there with him, she earned her place among the warriors. She earned their respect.
Of course, adding a modern-day, spirited woman to a group of serious, old fashioned warriors added some endearing moments and significant humor. And for one ancient Carpathian, it added a great deal of hope and love.
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August 6, 2019
A Gathering of Carpathians
Dark Sentinel opens up in the forested mountains of California. While Andor Katona contemplated dying, Lorraine Peters came out of the dark forest to save him, whether he liked it or not.
I’ve always loved researching different places, but I admit that California is near and dear to my heart. I was born and raised in California. I live here still nestled back in the forest, near the ocean. I’ve been from one end of the state to the other, which says a lot since the state is roughly 770 miles in length and 250 miles in width. The state has oceans, deserts, forests, mountains, lakes, rivers and even snow if you care to drive to it.
Looking at the majesty of the Carpathian Mountains, thinking of the monastery so high up and hidden away, I could easily see ancient Carpathian warriors feeling at home in California. Especially in the mountains and forests. I’m happy to move our ancients state-side and challenge them, not only to deal with vampires who have found a way to evolve and become diabolically strategic, but challenge them to live in a modern world, with modern women.
Andor has traveled to Southern California because he heard his brethren had found lifemates, the other half of their soul. He was willing to help Tariq Asenguard, the Carpathian who would oversee what was happening in the western United States, keep humans safe.
It was fun writing about Tariq’s compound where he’s set up a safe place for those who are under his protection and care. It’s a beautiful and vast piece of land with a large lake surrounded by homes.
It is in this compound that the ancient warriors from the monastery have gathered to fight an army of vampires and human puppets, zombie-like creatures and others willing to do their bidding.
Warriors with renewed hope, cunning, a desire to fight the evil vampires and keep humanity safe gather in Southern California ready to do battle and hoping to one day see in color.
Please do stop by my Kindle Notes & Highlights section and read the behind-the-writing notes I left for you. These are my notes to what readers said are their favorite passages in the book! Dark Sentinel Kindle Notes & Highlights.
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I’ve always loved researching different places, but I admit that California is near and dear to my heart. I was born and raised in California. I live here still nestled back in the forest, near the ocean. I’ve been from one end of the state to the other, which says a lot since the state is roughly 770 miles in length and 250 miles in width. The state has oceans, deserts, forests, mountains, lakes, rivers and even snow if you care to drive to it.
Looking at the majesty of the Carpathian Mountains, thinking of the monastery so high up and hidden away, I could easily see ancient Carpathian warriors feeling at home in California. Especially in the mountains and forests. I’m happy to move our ancients state-side and challenge them, not only to deal with vampires who have found a way to evolve and become diabolically strategic, but challenge them to live in a modern world, with modern women.
Andor has traveled to Southern California because he heard his brethren had found lifemates, the other half of their soul. He was willing to help Tariq Asenguard, the Carpathian who would oversee what was happening in the western United States, keep humans safe.
It was fun writing about Tariq’s compound where he’s set up a safe place for those who are under his protection and care. It’s a beautiful and vast piece of land with a large lake surrounded by homes.
It is in this compound that the ancient warriors from the monastery have gathered to fight an army of vampires and human puppets, zombie-like creatures and others willing to do their bidding.
Warriors with renewed hope, cunning, a desire to fight the evil vampires and keep humanity safe gather in Southern California ready to do battle and hoping to one day see in color.
Please do stop by my Kindle Notes & Highlights section and read the behind-the-writing notes I left for you. These are my notes to what readers said are their favorite passages in the book! Dark Sentinel Kindle Notes & Highlights.
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August 1, 2019
20 Year Anniversary of Dark Prince
Twenty years ago the top song in the US was Christina Aguilera’s Genie In A Bottle and in the UK it was Westlife’s If I Let You Go. The Sixth Sense came out as did The Boondock Saints, both of which became cult classics. But, what I was most excited about back then was the release of my first novel – Dark Prince.
I admit that I’m a little shocked that 20 years has gone by already. I’d written for years, but I did it for myself. My friend Kathie encouraged me to submit my manuscript and I finally agreed, but didn’t really think much of it. Well, not until I got a phone call from Dorchester Publishing making an offer on it. Being excited and surprised I promptly hung up on them. Yes. I hung up on them. I really was surprised. Luckily, they called back and I gathered the courage to say “yes” to their offer.
When Dorchester cut 100 pages of the manuscript I was sad, but I realized that this is a business and I dealt with that decision. They also wanted me to include technology, which wasn’t something I really wanted to do since it dates the book, but I added it in. I’m asked about timelines and ages all the time and I never give absolute answers and some of that stems from the way Dark Prince was edited and changed back then.
(From the way back machine: my website from 1999)
When Dorchester went out of business Avon bought the rights to those earlier books, which included Dark Prince. They were excited to have me add in those 100 pages that had previously been cut. That was in 2011. But, when I cut those and made the changes Dorchester requested it caused some difficulty adding it back in. It wasn’t just a matter of adding pages that were previously cut. It had to be added in a way that flowed well and didn’t disrupt the continuity. But, I made it happen! Now you can get what they call a special “Author’s Cut”.
I’m thrilled and humbled that Dark Prince continues to be popular even today. I love it when I get a letter or email from someone saying they just read Dark Prince for the first time and then I chuckle when they ask if I have any more in the series. I do. There are currently a total of 32 books out in the series and as of Sept. 3rd Dark Illusion will be number 33.
You can watch the Facebook Live video I did for the 20th anniversary celebration HERE!
You can read the first chapter of Dark Illusion HERE
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