Sayanora Sookie Stackhouse!!

Charlaine Harris, author of the Southern Vampire mysteries has recently confirmred that the last Sookie Stackhouse book will be released in 2013. For all you Team Eric and team Billy fans out there, (yes, I said BillY) this means that after the May 2011' release of of Dead Reckoning, book #11....only two books remain. In an interview, Harris says:

 

“I still love Sookie, but I’m beginning to want to write something else, and Sookie’s kind of taken over my life. I was able to write other things for the first few years I was involved in Sookie, but then after the start of the television show she took over so much of my time because of my increased publicity obligations that it’s been very hard to write other things, and I really need to do that.” {LA Times}

 

So there you have it. Now, the question is: Who will Sookie end up with? Charlaine has said on countless occasions that it most definitely would not be a Fanger. {My Poor, Poor Viking!} My gut is telling me that the final suitor will be Sam, Sookie's boss and owner of Merlotte's Bar & Grill. Unfortunately, I'm not much of a Sam fan, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'm wrong!! Time will tell.

What do you guys think about the series coming to an end? Any thoughts on who Sookie will end up with?

 

In My Mailbox #2

In my mailbox is hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. This post is where us book junkees get to show off our new books. These books can be purchased, won, sent to us for review, whatever, as long as their new.

In my mailbox, (really my shopping bag)... this week is:

In this dazzling, sensual novel, Dianne Duvall beckons readers into a world of vampires, immortals, and humans with extraordinary gifts. . .where passion can last forever, if you're willing to pay the price. . .

 Once, Sarah Bingham's biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she's landed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control. . .

In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible--when it means forfeiting the world she's always known, and the life he would do anything to protect. . . {goodreads}

She was just an ordinary mortal . . . “You’re dead” is so not what Allie Watson wants to hear. Unfortunately, it explains a lot. Like the dark, angelically handsome man who ferried her to this strange, hidden land. The last thing she remembers is stepping off a curb in front of a crosstown bus. Now she’s surrounded by gorgeous fallen angels with an unsettling taste for blood—and they really don’t want her around. Not exactly how she pictured heaven.

. . . until death catapulted her into a seductive world she never imagined. Raziel is unsure why he rescued Allie from hellfire against Uriel’s orders, but she stirs in him a longing he hasn't felt in centuries. Now the Fallen are bracing for the divine wrath brought by his disobedience, and they blame Allie for the ferocious Nephilim clawing at the kingdom’s shrouded gates. Facing impossible odds at every turn, the two must work together to survive. Raziel will do anything to defend his spirited lover against the forces of darkness—because Allie may be the Fallen’s only salvation. {goodreads}

Also, while browsing my local B&N, I found TRUTH OR DEMON, by "new to me" author, Kathy Love. For some reason, this book caught my eye. The sysnopsis sort of reminds me of Sherrilyn Kenyon's, Fanatasy Lover, book 1 (prequel) in the Dark Hunters series.

If you ask Killian O'Brien, Hell gets a bad rap. True, he's a demon, so he's bound to be a little biased. But he's got great job security, all the women he can handle, a body to die for--literally--and free reign to do as he likes. Or he did, until teenager Daisy Reed and her two friends got hold of a book of spells and summoned him to do their bidding. Their demand: find Daisy's older sister, Poppy, a boyfriend. Can't be that difficult, right? It's not like the woman is unattractive. Truth be told, Poppy is irresistible--and mind-blowingly sexy. Which is exactly why finishing this simple little assignment so he can be sent back where he came from is turning out to be the hardest thing Killian's ever done. . . {goodreads}

I'm just noticing now that all three of these books are missing something. Look closely... Do you see it? No? Really? Oh fine, I'll tell ya. All of the sexy man candy dudes have had their heads cut off!! Yup, no heads, but hey, I'm cool with looking at man boobage! The feminist in me finds this coincidence hysterical!! Really people, how important is the head anyway? {evil grin}

Happy Reading Everyone!!

Cover Crazies!!

You know that old saying, "Don't Judge a Book by its Cover?" Well, I want to know...who the heck came up with this idea? The very first thing that draws my attention to a book is the cover. With so many books out there, I'm always in search of the perfect book cover and/or the coolest book title...You know the ones that make you stop and think, or the covers with pretty colors, lots of skin, abs, flesh, tatoos, low-riding jeans, etc.. You get the picture... Anywho, this week I came across some book covers and book titles that caught my eye for reasons that, well..... lets just say, left me in a "laugh out loud - WTF" kinda funk! Take a look and tell me what you think!

1.) Dark Haven by Mandy Monroe. (I think I saw this on twitter) Okay, this guy is hot right? No seriously, he's got tattoos, showin' skin, abs, and what appears to be a nice 5 o'clock shadow... or is that considered a 6 o'clock shadow? LOL. Anywho, take a look at where that hand is wandering....Yup, into the Dark Haven!! Somebody get this boy a towell, LOL!!

Trapped between two horny vampires and one lusty werewolf on a cruise ship with several hundred other weirdos that thought that they were vampires, Scarlett seriously considered jumping ship. Unfortunately, she hadn't discovered the truth about her fellow passengers until the ship was somewhere in the middle of the ocean. She decided she wouldn't have much success talking her way out of the sharks taking a bite out of her, but she would soon realize she wouldn't have much luck where the men were concerned either. (New Concepts Publishing)

A cruise with Horny vampires and a Lusty werewolf? Count me in. Now, where do I sign up and how much does it cost?

2.) Moon Lust by Sherri L. King. Okay, this chick scares me.. Like seriously creeps me out.. Just look at those eyes.. Despite this, the cover caught my attention... Now, if I can get this chick to stop freakin' me out, I might actually give this book a try!! LOL!!

Book 3 in the Moon Lust series

Ash Darkwood has come to the Ural Mountains of Russia where an unexpected surprise awaits—his mate, a fierce and proud woman who would deny him to her last breath. When the two meet during the full moon hunt, their bond ignites into a fury of passion and lust that neither can resist. The moon is full. The time is ripe. It's...

Mating Season. (All Romance)

Happy Thursday everyone!!

TSOTG Giveaway Winner #1

Update: There's a new winner in town!! 

And that person is:

~ seaellare ~ 

seaellare@charter.net

Congrats seaellare! Stephanie M. is passing this book on to another lucky winner! Hooray for you. An email is on its way!

The first Winner in  the TSOTG Giveaway is:

~Stephanie M~

smccar1 at hotmail dot com

There's still four books left to giveaway!! If you haven't yet entered, make sure you do so ♦♦ HERE ♦♦ by 3/23/11!! (this contest is open to US and Canada)

Ultimate Night Huntress Trivia Contest

The winner of the Ultimate Night Huntress Trivia contest and a $25 Amazon gift card is:

~ HEATHER GILMORE ~

Congrats Heather, you were only one of two people who answered all of the questions correctly! WooHoo!!

For anyone interested, I posted all of the questions and answers below. Thanks so much to all who participated and an even bigger Thanks to Crystal over at Reading Between the Wines Book Club for asking me to be a guest on her fabulous blog!!

**ULTIMATE NIGHT HUNTRESS TRIVIA CONTEST Q&A's**

1.) Who says: “You called her kitten? And she let you? She put me in a coma in three days when I called her that! My balls never recovered from her smashing them into my spine!” (2 points)

Juan

2.) In Destined for an Early Grave, who gets turned into a ghoul? (2 points)

a. Justina

b. Rodney

c. Cannelle

d. Dave

3.) In Halfway to the Grave, what kind of car does Spade drive? (3 points)

a. red Corvette

b. black Corvette

c. Mercedes benz

d. Bentley

4.) In At Grave’s End, Patra is: (3 points)

a. Mencheres’ wife

b. Cat’s step-mother

c. Bones’ former lover

d. both a & c

5.) Referring to Bones, who says: “Well, well little Red Reaper. So you’re the reason he’s been in such a foul mood the past few years.” (3 points)

Ian 

6.) At the unveiling party, who inquires about a three-some with Cat and Bones? (3 points)

a. Ian

b. Mencheres

c. Annette

d. Vlad

7.) Upon introduction in Halfway to the Grave, who says: “you, my beauteous Redhead must be Cat.” (4 points)

a. Spade

b. Ian

c. Bones

d. none of the above

8.) In At Grave’s end: who does Bones refer to as a “show hound?’ (2 points)

a. Ian

b. Rodney

c. Vlad

d. Max

9.) Who says to Cat, “We’re not blowing you up before I get a chance to show you my sausage.” (2 points)

a. Juan

b. Tate

c. Cooper

d. Dave

10.) According to Cat, which vampire smells like cinnamon and smoke? (3 points)

Vlad

11.) Speaking to Bones, who says: “I don’t mind foreigners. God save the queen!” (2 points)

a. Timothy

b. Spade

c. Cat

d. Timmy

12.) Cat is to Bones as Justina is to: (2 points)

a. Max

b. Ian

c. Rodney

d. Don

13.) In One Foot in the Grave, which “notorious” chapter does Annette get taught a lesson in? (2 points)

32 

14.) Who invites Tepesh, aka Vlad to Cat’s “Vampire” unveiling party? (4 points)

a. Bones

b. Cat

c. Mencheres

d. Neither

15.) Bones’ birthplace is: (2 points)

a. England

b. Australia

c. Spain

d. Germany

16.) What X-Mas gift does Cat give Bones in At Grave’s End? (3 points)

a. black leather duster

b. knife

c. red lingerie (for her to wear, of course)

d. none of the above

17.) According to vampire law, a newly turned vampire has to wait how long before they can challenge their master for freedom? (3 points)

1 year

18.) What age was Rodney when Bones first met him? (3 points)

a. 5

b. 6

c. 10

d. 16

19.) Bones was in what country when he was made a vampire? (3 points)

a. England

b. America

c. Australia

d. none of the above

20.) Which vampire says: "This shits gonna splatter, start buggin yo.” (2 points)

a. Vlad

b. Ian

c. Mencheres

d. Bones

Review: This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Danger waits on both sides of the grave.

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally"—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war . . . to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined. (goodreads)

Have you ever been on a really long road trip and all you can think about is getting back home...where you can put on your favorite pair of sweats, indulge in a glass of wine, and flop back on the couch? There's nothing like the feel of going home, and that's exactly what this book felt like to me.. After so many months of waiting for the next Night Huntress book, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was for me to get back in the "Cat & Bones" groove. It was like they never left me. And now, after getting my fill....I'm sated, happily basking in my "morning after" glow. (Ahhhhhh)

Book five in the Night Huntress series is much different than its predecessors. Yes, someone is still out for Cat's blood...but hey, Cat's demise is usually the focal point of this series, right? What is different with TSOTG is that Cat has grown. She's still a smart-arse, but now she's a smarter, wiser, and overall more mature smart-arse whose come to terms with her vampire nature, almost relishing in it. This was a nice change to see..In addition to this, Cat lets her guard down with bones, revealing to him just how much she truly loves him. In my opinion, this was the most memorable part of the book...While few words were said, the intimacy in that moment was palpable and intensely beautiful.

One of my favorite parts of this series is the side characters. The one's readers love to hate, ie Justina, Tate, -really redeemed themselves in this book. Kudos to them. Readers beware...there is a tragedy in this book, one that affects the entire team, so make sure you have a Kleenex handy. As for the humor, you know the satirical kind that Jeaniene  masters so very well? (Hail the queen of Satire!!) Well, Jeaniene proves once again to be the master. This time around, the "Funnies" award goes to the show hound, aka Vlad the Impaler.

"What the hell was that?" I gasped. "Premature inflamulation," he replied. "Happens sometimes. Very embarrassing. I don't like to talk about it."

Other memorable quotes include:

"Ask me if I sparkle, and I'll kill you where you stand."

"See?" I'd whispered to Bones, nudging him with a grin. "He never argues with her. Isn't that sweet?" A snort preceded his response. "Keep dreaming, pet."

"You think I look like an angel? Well, Kitten, your hands are my heaven and your eyes are my home."

Overall, this was a great edition to the Night Huntress world. Cat and Bones, - you're still my favorite book couple. In TSOTG, readers get to see their relationship at its strongest. Any doubts I formally had, was reaffirmed with Chapter 21, so appropriately nicknamed, "Cat Bites Back!" Watch out 32, there's a new number in town, lol!! This chapter is Hawt, like flammable hawt, no pun intended! My only complaint  witho TSOTG, however, would be the lack of sexual tension between Cat/Bones, Cat/Tate, Cat/Vlad, Bones/Annette, etc. I missed the fights, jealousy issues, and pissing contests that were so prevalent in previous books. Scenes like these, while frustrating as they often were, yielded some of the best "make up" scenes, ahem 32! One other minor complaint.....my favorite pervy vampire, Ian, with the exception of one or two lines, was MIA throughout the entire story (pouts)! Other wise, another wonderful book, Kudos to you Mrs. Frost! Now, if your not already reading this book, go out and get it, like pronto Frost Fans!

One more thing....I am giving away FIVE signed copies of TSOTG along with accompanying "TEAM BONES" bracelets. If you want to win one, (silly question, of course you do) go HERE.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Book Information

Title: This Side of the Grave

Author: Jeaniene Frost

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: 2/22/11

Page Count: 357

Purchase Here: Amazon ♦ Barnes & Noble ♦ WorldCat ♦
 

"TEAM BONES" Swag + TSOTG Giveaway

Tomorrow is Tuesday, February 22nd, a very special day for Paranormal Romance book fans. Not sure what I'm talking about?.....Need a hint?......Okay, okay. Listen very closely while I shout, "CAT and BONES." {jumps up and down} That's right people, tomorrow is the release of Jeaniene Frost's This Side Of the Grave, book #5 in the, -oh so wonderful,- Night Huntress series. Yeah!! To celebrate this much anticipated book release... I have a few goodies to give away.

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦  {drum roll please.............}  ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Five, you heard that right.. Five "signed" copies of TSOTG to giveaway along with "TEAM BONES" slap bracelets!

P.S. -- the bracelet would make an awesome bookmark!

To win, just leave a comment below telling me who your FAVORITE Night Huntress character is and why. Make sure you include your email address so I can contact you if you win. That's it people, I'm making this a "gimmick free" giveaway, so all you have to do is leave a comment below!! Of course, if you want to be a dear and follow my blog, by all means "follow away." (wink, wink, I lurves me new followers, {mwuah!!})

Giveaway Details

Sorry my lovely international peeps, but this giveaway is for US & CANADA only. Go yell at the Post Office for making the shipping so gosh darn expensive, geesh!! Moving right along....This giveaway is from  2/21- 3/22. There will be a total of 5 winners, all of which will be chosen at random. One winner will be drawn every Wednesday, starting February 23rd and ending with the last drawing on March 23rd. The winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to get back to me. If I do not hear from the winner, another winner will be drawn immediately!

GOOD LUCK!!

J.R. Ward Lover Unveiled Quotes & Teasers

Okay, so one of my absolute favorite series is J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Ever heard of book crack?? Yes? Well, the BDB series is my drug, for realsies!! If you're a vampire + romance fan, you must, must, must, must, must, check this series out!! Seriously, it's da' shiznette!! Anywho, the next book, #9  in the series is Lover Unleashed featuring Manny and Payne. Ms. Ward, aka, the WARDEN is releasing a quote/snippet from the book every day leading up to the release on March 29, 2011. So far, BDB lovers...this is what she's shared:

As she came out of the darkness by her grave, she took a halting breath and nearly sobbed. There he was in the flesh. Her boss. Her colleague. The one she'd left behind. And he was standing over a black headstone that had her name carved in its face

Scanning the inside of the club, he put his f*** filter on and began
weeding through the women and the men and the couples. There was
one and only one reason he’d come here, and it was the same for the
other Goths in the place. This was not for a relationship. This was not even for companionship. This was all about the in and out...

This time he moaned deep in his throat as he lowered the candle tip—because he knew what was coming. More moaning. More wax. A loud curse that was followed by another hiss. There was no need to go pneumatic. The pain was enough...

 “I am . . . absolutely destroyed at the loss.”

Inch by inch, he separated the tripart weave, the waves both slick
and clinging. And because he was a bast**d, all he could think about
was the sh** all over his bare chest . . . his abs . . . his co**—
“That’s far enough,” she said

His father rode up to him and smiled with a vicious edge. “Mayhap afterward we shall enjoy the fruits of the gardens herein.”

“You want me,” she drawled when they were face-to- face.
“Yeah. Hell, yeah.” His hands grabbed her waist and pulled her in tight, and then he cupped her hips and held her against him. “Gimme your mouth.”

“Yup.” Butch grinned and raised his glass. “You want another round.” “You bet your balls.”

 When he took his palms away, there was a slickness left behind, one that he refused to think too much about. “I’m in love,” he hoarsely. “With someone else. That’s why.”

 He was utterly empty, to the point where he was curious where the ambulation routine was coming from, because he sure as f**k wasn’t doing anything consciously. Stopping and staring across the sluggish, stinking waters of the Hudson, he laughed cold and hard.

“I would do anything for you. Anything.”With that, he pushed his way out . . . and as the door eased shut, she realized that I love you could indeed be said without actually uttering the phrase. Actions did mean more than words.

 To see who said what, check out J.R. Ward's Facebook page, HERE.

So what do you think?? Are you psyched yet? As for me....I am going crazy waiting for the release of this book. Hurry up March 29th, will ya?? lol!!

Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole

HE VOWED HE’D COME FOR HER . . .

Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives.

SHE AWAITS HIS RETURN . . .

When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals—unaware that he belongs to their world.

TO SATE A DESIRE MORE POWERFUL THAN DEATH . . .

Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan’s torments, will Regin rekindle memories of the passion they once shared—even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love? [goodreads]

See the man on this cover? His name is Declan Chase, aka Aidan the Beserker and he is MY new book boyfriend, so as Regin the Radiant would say, "Back off Bitc***!" Okay, this book is da' Shiznette! Seriously people, I could not put this bad boy down and now I am mad at myself for not reading it sloooowwwer. That's how good it was, seriously. Ms. Cole, you up done gone and outdid ya self lass!

The 11th book in the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole features reader favorite, smart-arse and sassy Regin the Radiant and loony tune beserker, Declan Chase. Beginning with the prequel, which by the way I absolutely loved, Cole takes us back in time to where Regin, a wee-tiny Valkyrie, age 12, first meets warlord, Aidan the Fierce. Taken aback by the strange little warrior, Aidan confronts Regin, only to realize that the small valkyrie is fated to be his future wife. From that point forward....Aidan vowes his loyalty to Regin and promises to come back for her once she's older. Aidan stays true to his word, despite the fact that his vow of celibicy drives him, literally berserk!

Now a woman of age, Regin seeks out her warrior and lets just say that the reunion is intense.. Aidan is determined to keep her by his side, forever. However the still young Regin is hesitant, not willing to fully succumb to this man and all of his demands. Despite this, Regin does agree to stay with Aidan for a few months. With each day, the two grow closer and closer and before you know it, a few months turns into six . Although Aidan is a mortal, he makes an eternal promise to be with Regin forever.As the fates would have it, Aidan is murdered, leaving behind a heart-broken Regin.

Cursed by the Gods for sleeping with an immortal, Aidan is brought back to life, a reincarnate of his former self, fated to die every time his memory of Regin returns. With each reincarnate, as well as each death, Regin's heart breaks anew.. If that isn't bad enough, Aidan's latest reincarnate is evil and hell bent on torturing and killing her and her loved ones.While I don't want to give too much away, I will say that the journey they must travel to once again find their love for each other is both heart-breaking and beautiful.

I loved this book. Absolutely loved it and I was really happy to see characters from previous books, such as Nuckin' Futs Nix and The Enemy of Old, Vampire Lothaire. Speaking of Lothaire, he proved to be quite the hero in this story, which really surprised me. This book is a lot darker than her previous books. Fans should not worry, however, becuase along with the darkness, Cole throws in her own brand of twisted humor (which I absolutely love) and hilarious one-liners.

"I finally understand what a dickie-do is. Your gut does stick out more than your dickie do."

"I refuse to be the moral compass of out cell! Most weekends I have an intoxispell bong attached to my mouth like a respirator. I love scatological humor, and I list 'pranks involving nuclear waste' and 'making demons eat things' as my hobbies. Hubcaps, fire extinguishers, pizza boxes."

For the record, "I like 'em young, dumb, and hung."

"I go with a peace offering. Check it" --Regin leered down at her own chest --"I'm braless."

"Any minute now, I expect that little tool to say, 'It rubs the lotion on its skin.' He's gonna meet a band end." "You're psychic now? Or making futile plans?"...

"Let's do this! Rock out with your cocks out!"

"Usually I exasperate people. And I jest at inappropriate times. Such as during executions."

Cole fans and new readers....go out and get this book, you will not be disappointed!

Overall Rating: 4.75 out of 5

Book Information

Title: Dreams of a Dark Warrior

Author: Kresley Cole

Publisher: Pocket Books

Release Date: 2/15/2011

Page Count: 515

**Author Interview/Giveaway: Laurie London**

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Today we have author, Laurie London here discussing her debut novel Bonded by Blood, which hit the shelves January 18, 2011. Check out my review HERE. Just a side note, if you are a vampire lover like me, this book is a Must Read! To celebrate her release, Laurie has offered to give away a “signed” copy of Bonded by Blood to one lucky reader. Keep reading for more....

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

  

Thanks so much, Kristin, for having me on Nocturnal Bites today!

1.) First off, what would you like readers to know about Bonded by Blood?

Here’s the back cover copy: ↓

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, two vampire coalitions battle for supremacy—Guardian enforcers who safeguard humanity and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors.

Movie location scout Mackenzie Foster-Shaw has always known that she’s cursed to die young. No one can protect her from the evil that has stalked her family for generations—vampires who crave her rare blood type. Until one afternoon in a wooded cemetery, she encounters an impossibly sexy stranger, a man she must trust with her life.

For Dominic, a man haunted by loss, Mackenzie satisfies a primal hunger that torments him—and the bond they share goes beyond heat, beyond love. She alone can supply the strength he needs to claim his revenge. But in doing so, he could destroy her…

2.) Since this is your debut novel, what was it like the first time you walked into a book store and saw Bonded by Blood on the shelf?

It was almost two weeks after the release of Bonded that I actually saw it sitting on a book shelf. Every time I visited my local Barnes and Noble, they were sold out because my friends got to the books before I did. My closest Borders wasn’t getting new releases for awhile, so they didn’t have it either.

When I finally did see it, I was in a Barnes and Noble store about thirty minutes from my home.  Sure enough, there it was—Dom stared out at me from the book shelf like he wanted me to touch him. My face got hot, my heart started racing, and I felt as if I had this aura-like beacon that radiated, “Author-Author.” Then my daughter began laughing and I became the normal me again.

3.)  Everyone seems to be talking about vampires today. What do you think the appeal is with vampires and why did you decide to write about them?

Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved reading and watching films about vampires, so I suppose, it was only natural that I started writing about them. Maybe I was “glamoured” as an infant. :)

To me, the appeal of vampire romance is the dichotomy between life and love, a dangerous conflict you won’t necessarily find in other romances.

In a conversation Dom has with his co-worker Lily, he sums up the problem of a relationship with a human woman by saying, “Ha. ‘Excuse me, but you’re my soul mate. Pardon me while I kill you.’ Riiiight.”

Vampires need humans in order to survive, so what happens when they fall in love?
Disaster. Conflict. Temptation. Passion. And not just your typical roll-in-the-sack passion. I’m talking about the kind of fatalistic, this-might-be-the-only-chance-we’ll-be-together-like-this passion. It makes for some intense love scenes!

More than any other paranormal character, vampires have a mystique about them that’s very compelling to me. They’re powerful, sensual, mesmerizing.

In a clip from Embraced By Blood, the second book in the Sweetblood series which comes out in June, an older human character reflects about Alfonso, ‘A bad boy who knows he’s not good for you? Oh, to be young again.’

Yeah, now that’s what I’m talking about!

4.) I am a huge fan of Paranormal Romance books and some of my favorite authors include J.R. Ward, Kresley Cole, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Jeaniene Frost. (I should probably be banned from their websites for stalking!!) With that said, is there an author(s) or series out there that you absolutely love?

LOL Those are some of my favorites as well! I also love books by Lara Adrian, Charlaine Harris, Gena Showalter, Nalini Singh, Cherry Adair, and Alexis Morgan.  And I recently discovered new authors Jessa Slade and Erin Kellison. Give me a dark, tortured hero and I’m totally in love.

5.) If you could be a character in a book for a day, (any book you have read) who would it be and why?

Although I love nurturing characters—women who don’t think it makes you weak because you have a large capacity to love and take care of others— but since we’re talking fantasy for one day, I’d lean toward being one of the stronger, urban-fantasy like characters. Women who may not have realized how powerful they are but who end up kicking some serious booty. Like Cat from Jeaniene Frost’s books. Heck, I’d love to be her with those high-heeled boots, the motorcycle, the silver stakes, the sharp wit, and *gasp* Bones!

6.) Book #2 in the Sweetblood series, Embraced by Blood is coming out in July of 2011, featuring Alfonso and Lily. Myself personally, I can’t wait to read Alfonso’s side of the story. Can you tell us anything about this book?  Maybe a hint or two or what readers should expect?

Oh, I’m so glad you’re looking forward to reading about Alfonso. Because he’s been undercover and lived a lie for so long, he kept his true emotion locked up behind iron bars. I had to really torture him to get him to break. Poor guy.
 
He and Lily shared a passionate relationship in the past. So when they see each other again, both are flooded with a range of emotions—anger, desire, longing, betrayal, a renewed sense of loss. They remember vividly how things used to be, yet they can never be together again. It makes for a lot of sexual tension...or at least, I think it does. :) And when they get their happily ever after, it makes it all the more sweeter.

7.) Do you have any advice for newbie authors/writers out there?

Read a lot. While there are many great how-to books out there (I have a list of my favorites in the FAQ section on my website), in my opinion, there’s no substitute for reading the kinds of books you want to write. Not old classics, but recently published books. You’ll absorb how successful stories are paced and structured and what today’s readers and publishers of that genre expect. If there’s a book you don’t like, try to determine why it didn’t work for you (being in a book club or active on book blogs/forums can really help), then avoid doing the same thing in your own writing.

And write something EVERY day

8.) Thanks so much for stopping by. Is there anything else you would like to share?

I love hearing from readers! You can find me on...

♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter ♦ Email ♦ Website ♦
I’ve also put a few goodies on my website (www.LaurieLondonBooks.com) on the For Readers tab that people might find interesting. Photos from the actual cemetery that inspired the first scene in Bonded. Book club discussion questions. Fan fiction prompts. I have friends who write fan fiction, so if you do too, check out my “assignments.”

Thank you so much for having me on! This has been a lot of fun. 

Now it’s your turn—I’d like to give away a signed copy of Bonded By Blood to one commenter who can tell me what book character you’d like to be for a day and why.

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Thanks so much for stopping by Laurie!! Oh, and before I forget check out my review of Bonded By Blood HERE. To win a signed copy of Bonded By Blood, just leave a comment stating who you'd like to be for a day and why! Also, make sure you include your email address.  Winner TBA 3/5/11.

 

Teaser Tuesday #1

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

This teaser comes from a book released today, 2/15....which, by the way... I am super super excited to read.

Here it is:

"I don't have the time or patience for games. Now, tell me, why do you...glow?"

--"I touched a radioactive alien cock once." (p.109)

There you have it... Who needs a night light when you have a "glow coc*" handy!! Lol, do ya think I can buy one at Target? This quote is from Kresley Cole's, Dreams of a Dark Warrior, IAD #11.