UPDATE: Random.org choose the winners this time around. The ARC of Claimed goes to: Heather Leonard. The two signed copies of Fated go to: Jeff Salter and Donna Bezio. Congrats all! I’ll be sending you an email asking where to mail these.
If you didn’t win…there’s another giveaway going on all week over at Good Choice Reading. Click for the link. 
Hi all! I’m working on revisions for Hunted, which is book 3 of the Dark Protectors. Megan sent me ARCs of Claimed (book 2), and I would love to give one away here on the Brava blog today. An ARC is an ‘advanced reader copy’ sent out to reviewers months before the book is released. You know, I’d also like to give away two signed copies of Fated (book 1). So, leave a comment below for a chance to win. I’ll draw three names next Monday.
Here’s the blurb for Claimed: 
While geneticist Emma Paulsen appreciates vampire king Dage Kayrs rescuing her from the creepy Kurjan leader who wanted to mate with her, she wouldn’t have needed rescuing had the vampires not gone to war. And while she’s willing to spend one night fulfilling her fantasies with Dage, no way does she plan to stick around.
Whether the king happened to brand her flesh or not.
That is until her pregnant sister, Cara, contracts a Kurjan virus that will not only destroy the baby but strip Cara’s chromosomal pairs until she’s possibly less than human. A virus that can only be defeated by science and magic combined. And the only way to save her sister is to suspend her disbelief and trust in Dage’s power and passion…
So, I’m curious what readers think about a continuing series. Personally, I love staying in the same world with the same characters…it’s kind of like checking in with old friends. Here are a couple of questions if you’d like to comment today. The contest is open world-wide. Answer one, answer all…or just say hi. Do you like a series? Have you ever seen an ARC? What do you have planned for the rest of the summer?
I love your series. I already pre-ordered a copy of Claimed, but November is sooo far away!! I would love to have copy to read now. I read the excerpt on your website, and now the above blurb about the baby — ugh, waiting is painful!
Lucy
Hi Lucy! Thanks so much for your kind words. You’re in the drawing–good luck!
I’d love to win an ARC of “Claimed”–can’t wait to read about the vampire king and his soulmate : )
I enjoy series books as long as each entry is worthy of its own space and not just a weak extension of the original story concept. Trilogies are the perfect size for series, and four well-written books can also make a great series. Beyond that number and the creative process and quality control has to really be sharp. Trilogies can allow certain characters to develop through the first two books before they become fully-fleshed in the final book, and that can be very rewarding for the reader. I read more stand-alones than series. However, when I am hooked on a series, I will collect the entire set. Whether it’s great characters or an intriguing story line, or both, I’ll stay with it until the end. I do believe that some characters and scenarios are better suited to one intense edition that’s perfect just as it is–don’t mess with it! Some story lines work better on a larger scale, and they might just be too much for one book. They develop more slowly, with characters coming and going along the way. In the final analysis, it’s always the ability of the storyteller to spin a great tale that makes the difference.
Hi Virginia. I agree with everything you said. While I love an ongoing series and connecting with former characters, at some point, the good guys have to win. Thanks for commenting today!
There is not a better read than series…I always need to know what happens to everyone in the book I am reading…so I love series…Thank you!!!
Hi Leisa. I’m with you–always so curious about those secondary characters. And I want a happy ending for them all! Thanks for dropping by today.
what i love about a series is when all the secondary characters scream for their on book!!! I like hearing about how the HEA that happened effects the rest of the characters…but each book brings in someone new…and it can be ongoing…love it!! i also like when an author revisits everyone from the previous books…i do not like them to disappear
thanks for the chance…i will have to get the first book as well as Claimed…
Hi Chele! I love revisiting former characters, which is why I seem to always buy a series when at the bookstore. Thanks so much for commenting today!
I love series. It is great when characters introduced in the first book get their own story. Thanks for the giveaway.
Hi Crystal! I’m with you. Thanks so much for commenting today–good luck in the drawing!
I love the series and I can’t wait to continue reading about these characters! Thanks for the great giveaway!!
Hi Megan! I’m glad you like the series so far – I hope you like Dage’s story. The king was a fun one to write about. Good luck in the drawing!
I love series!! Get way more involved with the characters and I just can’t wait for the next one!! I have had ARC’s of a few books and it is so thrilling to know I’m reading before pretty much everyone else and although I’m not great at reviews mine might be the first someone is reading aobut that book!!! Summer is wrapping up quick but I’d love to take the kids to the beach still!!!
Book sounds great!! Thank you so much!!
shannonjean14(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Shannon. Thanks for dropping by today! Summer has just fled past, hasn’t it? It rained here for most of July, but now it’s mid eighties with no humidity, so I’m with you on the beach idea. We’re either going to the lake or river this weekend–of course I need to bring my laptop.
Hi, Rebecca **waving from the desert** Can’t wait to read this. I’d love to be entered in the contest for an Arc.
Yeah. I like the idea of a series. I like trilogies, too, that stay in the same characters’ heads all three books, too. That’s always interesting to see where things change and how they react.
Write on, my friend.
Hi Lynn! So good to see you here, especially since I’m sure you’re getting busy with WASTELAND about to be released. Thanks for popping by!
Guess I didn’t win the last round of this give-away. Put some glue on my entry so it’ll stick to your fingers. Ha.
I like series and I think three is a perfect number. When somebody does 15 in a series, I think they’re stretching things.
Hey Jeff – the glue is on! Which makes it a bit awkward to type, especially since I actually use random.org to pick a winner. Hmmm. Good luck in the drawing and thanks for dropping by today!
I love read a series, and I think 80% books I read is part of series. What I love is the complexity of the story, the characters, its will better if based on family theme, so I can see how their relationship and how they solve the problem
. Sometimes I dislike a series that go long and long, and seems like the author can’t decide when to end the story. At that case, usually I will pass.
I have seen an ARC. Honestly, I won at last 3 ARCs. Its always make me happy,since I live outside USA and I’m not blogger, so my chance not too big. My first ARC is Hunger Untamed by Pamela Palmer, and I feel “powerful” to read it before the release date and other readers, lol!
I live at tropical country, so I’m never experience summer, but seems this month “considered” as summer, I will spent the rest with job hunting like usual.
Thanks for the opportunity to win Claimed!
Hey Ren! I always try to keep my contests open world-wide…I love seeing where people live and sending books across the world. Good luck in the drawing!
I love a great series and read both the ones that have the same major characters in each book, as well as those series that add new characters with each story continuing. I’ve got to say that my favorites are probably the ones that have previous characters dropping by.
I loved Fated, Rebecca,the paranormal storyline, sexy brothers and fated mates theme just totally worked for me. Would love to read an ARC of Claimed.
Wishing you a great weekend.
Hi Cathy. I’m so glad you liked Fated! Cara, Talen and Janie are in Claimed quite a bit, too. Good luck in the drawing!
Hi Rebecca!
I LOVE following a series! If it’s not in a series form and I really like it then it’s kinda disappointing. I become so invested in the world and the characters that it is kinda like checking in with old friends when following a series. Especially if you have to wait a long time for the next book to come out. Anticipation makes it that much sweeter though
I have seen and read an ARC before (actually have an ARC of Fated) and would love to win an ARC of Claimed
I still go back and buy a copy from the bookstore so that I have the awesome covers too.
As for summer… not doing much other than hanging out with family/friends, trying to stay cool, and lots and lots of reading
yadkny@hotmail.com
Hi Yadira! It’s so good to see you again – glad you liked Fated. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and good luck in the drawing.
Do you like a series? I love reading series. It lets you immerse yourself in a world, exploring different parts and aspects of it with each new book. I tend to read series books far more than stand alones.
Have you ever seen an ARC? A few months ago I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Cynthia Eden’s Never Cry Wolf. Loved it!
What do you have planned for the rest of the summer? Work. Write. Work. Write. Work.
Hi Heather! Thanks for dropping by today. Try to have some fun with the write, work, write, work…you deserve it! Though keep up the writing-I love your stories.
I love series in fact I am kind of a series addict, if I connect with the first book I have to know what is going to happen with the rest of the characters. I just want to keep reading.
Yes, I have seen an ARC before. as for summer well we are having a belated Bday party for my son but I think that’s about it.
I love how you put that, Donna! I’m a series addict, too. It seems like I’m always harassing Cynthia Eden about when ‘so and so’s’ book is coming out. Good thing she’s so nice.
Thanks for dropping by today!
Loved Fated and can’t wait for the next book. I am not a vampire fan but I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward the the next one. I don’t mind a series so long as I don’t have to wait ayer for the next book.
Hi Debra! I’m glad you enjoyed Fated – and I agree, I love a fast released series, which depends on the publisher’s schedule. I hope to keep my books coming as fast as possible. Have a fantastic weekend!
you are an awesome writer i loved fated and i cant wait for claimed if i win it will be my first arc in my huge collection of books and although i have never seen an arc or even held one in my hands im so excited cause if i win this the arc for claimed thats what ill be doing the rest of the summer reading the book if i ever let it down..
Hi Taisha! I’m glad you enjoyed Fated–and I hope you like Claimed as much. Good luck in the drawing!
when are the winners going to be announced and willn it be here or through your facebook page?
Hi Taisha! I put the winners up top…but will try to update the Facebook page tomorrow. There’s another giveaway going on over at Good Choice Reading: http://bit.ly/ppWMQ7
Good luck!
I adore a continuing series! I think the best ones explore new characters in each one along with revisiting old ones. A series with the same MC can get frustrating after so many books.
Hi Brooklyn Ann! I’m with you–it seems like I always buy a series when looking for books. Have a fantastic weekend.
I love series, read them all the time. Just wish there wasn’t so much time between them! I haven’t read either of these but they are both on my wishlist, so I’d love to be entered to win. Have a great weekend.
Hi Martha! The wait is tough, isn’t it? I’m with you. But publishers have a lot to schedule, and I guess that’s what it takes. Thanks for putting the series on your wish list – good luck in the drawing!!!
I really enjoy continuing series. It means I get to immerse myself into a familiar world and visit characters I care about. With those things in place I can focus on a whole new story within all that is familar. It means I won’t need to re-learn about the characters except for the news one that are introduced. Another great thing about series is that I get to see the progress on the characters and see how they lives are like.
Hi Na! I agree. It’s fun to see the couple from book one in a series progress…to see where they end up. Thanks so much for dropping by today.
I stumbled upon your first book and loved it! Looking forward to the next one! Hope I win!!!!
Hi Tina! I’m glad you liked Fated. Good luck in the drawing-you’re entered!
More ARC’s yay! So excited that Claimed is almost here – I can’t wait to continue the story
Hi Marlynn! Thanks so much for the support! You’re in the drawing–good luck!
I love this series, i have been re-reading fated to keep me occupied until claimed comes out!
Hi Amanda! You’re so sweet–I’m glad you liked Fated. Good luck in the drawing!
First ARC I ever saw was the Fated one (I treasure winning that one).
I love continuing series. I like the ones where they say there is a definitive end. If they go on forever, I feel like I’ll never get my closure. 7 to 9 books is long enough for me. 3 to 4 is even better (I have a short attention span
)
Can’t wait for Claimed.
Hi Bonnie! I agree there has to be an ending at some point. Thanks for popping by and good luck in the drawing!
I just loved your first book. I actually prefer series and hate when they end. I like to fall in love with the characters and check in on them every now and then to see what they are up to.
I would love to win an ARC
Hi DeAnna! I love checking in with loved characters, too. So many of my favorite authors have such great characters in their books. Thanks so much for commenting today.
I love your books. thank you for taking the time to writing them. i am a special needs Mother and up late at night b/c of my child; that is the time that i read the books. rita
Hi Rita! It’s good to hear from you again. I really appreciated the nice email you sent me awhile back. Good luck in the drawing!
I’ve never actually seen an ARC in person, but I’d love to see Claimed
I like reading series, but I agree with other commenters, it’s hard to keep up the story if you go for too long. I think the same goes for TV series as well.
I’m so excited to read Claimed! I really loved Dage and Emma in Fated.
Hi Griffin. I’m so glad you liked Dage and Emma. They go through a bit in Claimed. Good luck in the drawing, my friend!
Hi,
Julie says she and her book club really enjoyed your book. I wish my book club was closer to you. If you are ever in Portland, let me know, I know lots of book clubs here that would love to meet you! I look forward to reading your series!
Hey Donna – how great to hear from you! I’m sure I’ll be in Portland at some point and I’ll make sure to let you know far in advance. I hope all is going well with you!
I love series; you can watch the characters grow and develop and become even more interesting to us readers. And then there are the secondary characters who can have great stories of their own. They are great.
Hi Diane! I like when those secondary characters come to life, too. Thanks for dropping by.
I do like series. I like the worlds created & the dynasties. You can fall in love with characters knowing you will see them again.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Hi Mary. I like the assurance of seeing characters again, too. Thanks for commenting and good luck in the contest!
I love claimed and can’t wait to read fated. The storyline is interesting and I can’t wait to see the development of the characters, especially the children. I’ve never read an ARC but I’d loved to add one to my library.
Hi Lateefa! I’m glad you liked the story! Thanks so much for dropping by and good luck in the contest.
I have many favorite series that I follow, enjoy finding out whats new with the characters!
Hi Teresa – so do I! It’s so exciting when a favorite series has a new book available–I’m always checking the internet to find out when books are coming out. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Michelle! Thanks for dropping by the Brava blog–good luck in the drawing.
I love series of books. you get to read along and follow that persons life through the book and how they grow up and live. I love when they add new characters, but also keep the old characters. My fav series is the anita blake series by laurell k hamilton.
thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win.
christinebails@yahoo.com
Hi Chris. You named two of my favorites, too! Thanks so much for commenting and good luck.
OMG!! I loved the first book of the series and obviously I would love to win an ARC of book 2. Thank you for the fantastic contest. bpatrick64113@sbcglobal.net
Hi Barb. I’m so glad you enjoyed Fated–thanks for letting me know! Good luck in the drawing.
All these new books coming out. Teasing me everywhere I look. This series sound amazing. I’ve never heard of them but they are already in my wishlist =) Thanks for the chance to enter this amazing giveaway =)
Good luck all ^_^
Hi Mickey. I’m glad we’ve tempted you with the new series.
Good luck in the drawing!
Thanks for the giveaway these books sound great and i would love to start reading it.
Hi Janel! Thanks so much–and best of luck in the drawing!
Hi,
Do I like series!! Wow, I have so many, some with 15 books or more in them, that I have a hard time keeping up with, all my fav’s and there are a lot of them. Sometimes years go by and then I think, I have not heard anything from this one, then I find two or three new books in a series I had forgot about. It is hard waiting a year for the new one! So, yes, I love series. I also like series where different authors write in the same world, it really is interesting to see how they integrate their writing style with the existing characters and story lines. Forgotten Realms is one of the longest, largest series like this, I am no where near reading all of it, but lucky you do not have to. I read as many as I can and I follow certain authors, but I love the whole idea. Mangas also are long series, some 50 to 80 books, my daughter is addicted to those and I read them also. $10 to $15 each, some even more! Those are an expensive series habit!
Next question: I would rather have the ARC than any other edition, even though an ARC is not really an edition. I do a lot of reviews and I read a lot of ARC’s. I actually have a special section in my library for them. (I also have a section for banned books, I am a rebel, list me government!) So, yes I know what an ARC is and I love them. Goodreads.com gives a lot of them away to people who actually review books and I do.
Last question: Summer, the only way I knew it was summer was the over 100 degrees everyday! Really though, my daughter starts her first semester at college, Oklahoma State University, and it has been a whirlwind of activity. Paperwork! Money! Dorms! Books for classes! Drama!!! Summer passed by without me noticing it much, just the money flying out of my pocket.
Love to read your books,
Jennifer Morrell
jenncm@cox.net
Hi Jennifer! Sounds like you really like to read.
Me too. Congrats on your daughter going to college – that is so exciting!
Looking forward to reading this series!
Dina
rubolino@comcast.net
Hi Dina – thanks so much! I hope you like it. Good luck in the drawing.
I love series because I like to see how the characters and the world develops. I always feel like there are more scenarios that characters have to go through to truly reach their HEA with single titles.
I cannot wait to read Claimed!
smccar1 at hotmail dot com
Hi Stephanie! Thanks so much for commenting and good luck in the drawing!
Love series and have read arc before. I’ve not read your first book but would love to.
scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
Hi Pam! Thanks for the support and good luck!
Love a really good series! Just like you said it’s a lot like visiting with old friends, both with the main characters of the current book and with characters of prior books of the same series.
And ARCS? They’re great. The few that I have read make me feel like I’ve been included in a great secret.
Hi Shy Amy! I love what you said about being included in a secret. I just ended up with a couple of ARCs from friends of mine, and that’s exactly how I feel. Good luck in the drawing!
i cant wait i would love to win a signed copy of fated and a arc for claimed would be my first of each cant wait sooo excited and i hope im a winner …
Hi Taisha! You’re in the drawing–good luck!
Totally awesome, Rebecca.
Thanks to you and to your ‘picker’ at Random.org.
Eager to read your book.