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Isn’t It Ironic….

Monday, September 24th, 2012
Bronwen Evans Icon

I was reading the newspaper this morning and I read the tragic news that a New Zealander has been killed while walking through Kew Gardens in London, England. It was a terribly stormy day and a large tree branch snapped off and killed her.

Now if you know anything about New Zealand, it’s that we get a lot of wind.  A lot of WIND. I live in the Wellington, nicknamed the windy city. My last two flights into Wellington airport, this month, have seen us landing in 80kph and 100kph winds. I feel so sorry for this unnamed woman and her family. How ironic to travel to the other side of the world to be killed by a falling tree in a storm.

One thing we strive for as authors is to ensure we have believable story lines. How believable would the above situation be if I’d simply written that story line in a book? I hear you using the word, ‘contrived’!

In my latest Brava release, Invitation to Scandal, May 2012, I had to find a way for my hero, Rufus Knight, Viscount Strathmore, to find my heroine Rheda Kerrich, with a barrel of unstamped (smuggled) brandy. Hmmmm–without looking contrived.

I came up with the idea of her trying to deliver a barrel to her friend, widowed Meg, and wouldn’t you know it, ironically she gets trapped by the barrel. Here’s the scene…

Like every other aspect of her day, Rheda was denied her wish. The rider pulled on the reins, and the powerful steed came to a sliding halt in the middle of the road, gravel spraying through the air.

Her shoulders drooped. “Perfect,” she uttered to no one but herself.

The stallion pranced on the road in tune to the pounding surf, its owner stroking its neck with a large gloved hand. He took in her situation and seemed to whisper something in his horse’s ear. Rheda licked her lips nervously. Would he be friend or foe?

The pair trotted across the field in her direction and halted in front of her.

“Are you in need of assistance?” His voice was velvety smooth, yet commanding.

She saw two dark eyes rimmed with lovely long eyelashes, and a wide soft mouth. With a mouth that soft he would be very responsive. She might even be able to control him. The stallion before her was impressive. He would make a fine mate for her mare, Desert Rose.

“He won’t bite,” the man added, misinterpreting her interest in his horse as fear.

With some reluctance she lifted her gaze to the owner of such a beautiful piece of horseflesh. Her heart tumbled in her chest, flipping and flopping as if caught in the thundering surf behind her.

Beautiful.

She shook her head. The word applied equally to the stallion’s rider. She had never seen such an arresting man. Her pulse hitched as she drank him in, the pain from the barrel momentarily forgotten. When she reached his dark eyes she shivered. He had a look of danger about him.

His eyes were almost the same color as his horse’s glossy coat, a luminous rich brown. His breeze-swept chestnut hair was fashionably cut and softened the hard planes of his handsome face. His countenance screamed he was a man not to be messed with.

Like his regal mount when he sought his mares, this man could mesmerize any female he chose to conquer—she was sure of it.

Rheda tried to move her foot so the pain would distract her from the knowledge that this man’s beauty disturbed her more than it should.

To hide her reaction to him she bit out a reply. “Of course I need some help.”

His good looks sharpened as anger washed over his face. She bit her bottom lip anxiously. Pain did not lend her to manners, but with nothing more than a blink his anger disappeared to be replaced by a heart-skipping smile. He looked truly splendid.

“You appear to be stuck.” His expression turned curious and his voice held amusement. Yet underneath his cool, refined composure there simmered a dangerous, exciting energy.

She would not be intimidated. She raised her head in a show of daring. Rheda Kerrich did not frighten easily. Besides, the man wore the appearance of a gentleman, not the uniform of a Revenuer. Rheda usually found gentlemen easy to handle. Men rarely kept up with her sharp wit, and her intelligence baffled them. They could not tell if she was joking at their expense. It was enough to drive most away.

Fueled by this logic, she uttered, “Oh, well done. What great powers of deduction.” He still did not move. “Do not just sit there. Get off your fine mount and help me move this barrel.”

Her boldness hid the small tremors of fear pulsing through her blood. They were alone on a deserted road. She was now at the mercy of this stranger.

He dismounted in one graceful move. Standing, he stood head and shoulders above her. His broad shoulders were garbed in an expensive riding coat that looked like he’d slept in it, but the covering could not camouflage the muscled physique hidden beneath. The cut molded and enhanced. He radiated strength. This man was not a typical aristocratic fop.

She should be careful.

Her gaze dropped and took in his powerful thighs. She followed them down to where they disappeared into knee-high boots, covered in a fine layer of dust. He must have ridden some distance. Where was this beautiful stranger from?

Her breath seemed to catch in her throat.

She glanced back to his face, held speechless for once in her life by the power of his beauty.

He finally spoke. “You are uncommonly rude to a person who has stopped to offer assistance.” His tone implied hurt.

“You have been here several minutes,” she said between clenched teeth, “and yet you still have not made a move to help.”

He walked toward her. “How rude of me. I’m Rufus Knight, Viscount Strathmore, at your service,” and he bowed low.

I’m sure ironic things happen around us every day. So, I’m no longer going to read a story and say, ‘that would never happen’, or ‘that sounds a little too neat’. Life isn’t neat.  It’s messy and unpredictable.

What’s the most ironic thing that’s happened to you lately? Or that you’ve heard about? Share a story and be in to win a copy (either book or eBook format) of Invitation to Scandal. Open internationally, closes Sunday 30th September.

Three pretty dragons looking for a home…

Monday, March 12th, 2012
Maeve Greyson Icon

I received the most WONDERMOUS tweet the other day. A friend sent me a picture of ETERNITY’S MARKsitting on a shelf at Barnes & Noble. Yes. I “squeed” with joy and surprise because I wasn’t expecting my “baby” to debut until March 27th. Did I ever tell you that “confused” is my middle name? Anyway, I think a celebratory contest is definitely in order. Don’t you?

Here’s the uber-simple details:

1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
2. Contest begins as soon as this blog post goes LIVE (Thursday, March 1, 2012 was the date of the original post on my blog) and will run until midnight on Saturday, March 31, 2012.
3. On April 1, 2012, three lucky names will be drawn from the entries.
4. One winner will be the lucky recipient of the lovely hand-crafted cuff bracelet pictured from two different angels below.
5. One winner will receive the eye-catching dragon agate disc necklace. (see this gorgeous necklace below)
6. One winner will receive the dragon spoon w/oriental beads necklace.

All you have to do to enter into the drawing for one of these unique pieces of jewelry is this:

Take a picture of yourself holding a copy of ETERNITY’S MARK and either tweet it to me  or post it on my Facebook page and tell me where you found it. If you don’t like those social networks, email the photo to maeve@maevegreyson.com  and tell me where it was spotted.

Here’s my corners of cyberspace:

Twitter: @maevegreyson
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maeve.greyson.page

If you do choose email, please let me know if it’s okay to post your picture and your first name on my Facebook page. If you’d rather not, no problem. You will still be entered into the drawing.

Oh! I almost forgot. When I first announced this contest on my blog, a very wise reader asked, “What about us Kindle users?”

I’d NEVER wish to leave anyone out so here’s what the digital folks who don’t peruse the brick and mortar book stores need to do:

Hop on over to ETERNITY’S MARK on Amazon and click the little “like” button right beneath the title. If you’ve got a minute, feel free to scroll down and click on “agree with the tags” too. If not – no worries! All you need to do now is shoot me an email at the above email addy. Put ETERNITY’S MARK in the subject line and list just ONE of the tags that customers have tagged onto ETERNITY’S MARK.

Barnes & Noble doesn’t appear to have a “like” or tagging process on their site. So, Nook readers just send me the link to ETERNITY’S MARK on B&N in an email and you’ll be entered too.

Or…the EASIEST way to enter? Just click this link and follow my newsletter: 

http://www.maevegreyson.com/contact.html#newsletter .

Those who are already following my newsletter are automatically entered. Would you like to join them? ;-)

I think that’s about it – Let the games begin!~

“Changeling Dawn” releases this month!

Thursday, December 1st, 2011
Dani Harper Icon

It’s December, month of magic. Winter Solstice, Yuletide, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and more – does any other month have so many holidays? This year, I have an extra reason to celebrate:  It’s the month in which the third book of my new paranormal series comes out. Changeling Dawn will be released on December 27th and I couldn’t be more excited! I feel it’s my best one yet and RT (Romantic Times) Book Reviews concurs with 4 1/2 stars:

Book Three - releases December 27 and available for pre-order now!

This third entry in the Macleod werewolf family saga is the best one yet. Harper skillfully builds characters and situations that evoke empathy for the good citizens of both the human and shapeshifter species. The drama of the tracking and kidnapping of a young changeling child makes for page-turning suspense, while the main characters’ PTSD from childhood trauma and the Afghan war give them a great motive for their intense determination to rescue the little one.

Archeologist Kenzie Macleod likes working alone, and trusts no humans — the result of a traumatic chase several centuries ago when she was a young shapeshifter. However, Kenzie must trust Josh Talarkoteen to help her rescue the terrified changeling cub who shows up at her isolated dig site in Alaska and is later kidnapped.

Wildlife expert Josh is a member of the Tahltan tribe who, according to legend, can see the aura of wolfshifters. Josh has his own issues with flashbacks from his time in Afghanistan, and the memory of a young girl who was killed. Will they be able to surmount their obstacles and find the child?”

Here’s a sneak peek at the opening segment of the story:

Run.

Shadow and moonlight merged beneath her bare feet, the dappled forest floor blurring as the little girl ran fast, then faster. Her long plaid skirts were hiked around her waist, and bushes and twigs dragged at the woolen fabric like bony hands. They were close behind her now. The nervous whining of dogs, the hiss and flicker of torches, the stench of tobacco and ale and human sweat. The excited voices, rough with anger and a little fear.

Run.

Her heart threatened to explode from her chest, her lungs were in flames, but she had to run. She had to get away.

Run.

She stumbled yet kept her balance. She ran, knowing now that she couldn’t outdistance the hunters. She was very young – still, there was one thing left, one thing that could help her.

It spoke to her now, whispered from deep inside her. Call me, it said. Call me now.

She did.

Within her, something stirred to life and the hair on her scalp prickled, her skin felt hot and tight. A small stream was in her path and she leapt into the air with the last of her strength—

And landed as a young wolf. Faster now, streamlined, she was nature’s perfect running machine and it was only a matter of minutes before the hunters were left hopelessly behind. Her four paws took her off the narrow game trails and into the deep brush where even the dogs couldn’t follow her – if they dared.

Run, run, run. She raced easily, faster and faster. Her fear transformed into exhilaration and she ran with an unbridled joy … until the ground disappeared beneath her feet and she tumbled headfirst into darkness.

Kenzie Macleod awoke with the scream stuck in her throat. She swallowed it back as awareness dawned, released the fear on a long shaky exhale.

What the hell was that?

Heart racing and skin slick with sweat; she freed her naked body from the tangled sheets and padded to the kitchen. She pulled a water bottle from the fridge and drank it down with hardly a pause, wiping her mouth on her arm. Better. Her heart rate had returned to normal by the time she stepped in the shower. Her thoughts had slowed down too as she ran her fingers through her dark hair and reached for a towel.

Fully awake now, stray riverlets of water licking over her skin, she stepped out on the porch of the guest cabin. Still clad in only the towel, she wasn’t a bit cold, despite the breeze – Changeling body temperature ran much higher than human. Kenzie breathed in the scents, took in the sounds and sights of her brothers’ farm. The sky was lightening, silver gray above the tall poplars. Roosters crowed, livestock stirred. Birds sang to the dawn and a flurry of ducks took off from the pond. She liked it here. She always liked it here. The abundance of life that seemed to be in the very air made her feel alive too, and she let it soothe her.

By the time she yanked on her old jeans and a battered plaid flannel shirt, she felt almost normal. Calm, as she plugged in the coffee pot. But the nightmare was still very much on her mind, because it wasn’t a dream…

It was a memory.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Both the season and the book release call for celebration, so I’m offering a double giveaway  TWO readers will win! Leave a comment telling me about a favorite December tradition and you’ll be entered to win a Dani Harper book bag and a signed copy of Changeling Dawn! (Names will be drawn at random on December 21st and announced in the comments on this blog)

Hope your December brings you many moments of joy!

Dani Harper Icon

In my new shapeshifter series, every member of the Macleod family has the ability to become a wolf at will. Insulted by the term werewolf, they call themselves Changelings.

But what makes them different? Why would they be offended to be called werewolves? To answer this question I put together a handy guide with some of the key distinctions between the two.

Turf War - by Patrick McEvoy

APPEARANCE – From the wolfman and the lycan of Hollywood lore to the oft-sighted Beast of Bray Road, Wisconsin and the Michigan Dogman, a werewolf often stands on its hind legs. Its features tend to be distorted, an unhappy cross between human and wolf. Often the tail is short or missing altogether.

Changelings in their wolfen form are identical to natural wolves, standing on all fours. Graceful and swift, the difference is in their size: they’re a lot bigger! And a good look at their eyes often reveals the identity of the person within. While fur color seldom corresponds to their human appearance, their eyes are identical in either form. This is especially noticeable when James Macleod shapeshifts: His wolfen form is snowy white, but his eyes are still Viking-blue.

TEMPERAMENT – Werewolves are not known for their gentle nature. Maddened by their transformation, their bloodlust is insatiable. The Beast of Gevaudan, a French werewolf from the 18th century, killed 113 people and wounded more than 50 in its 3-year reign of terror.

The number one rule in the Changeling world is this: Never harm a human. This doesn’t mean that these wolves are tame, however. Plus, there is the occasional rogue that breaks this all-important law, but his life will be instantly forfeit. The entire Pack will take it upon themselves to stop the rogue  if they can as in the first book of my new paranormal series, Changeling Moon.

TRANSFORMATION – Werewolves have no control over their change. Although the influence of a full moon is a modern-day invention, werewolves are completely subject to the beast within and helpless to stop it from emerging. Plus, the werewolf transformation is often slow and painful. Some werewolves will never be able to return to their human form.

A Changeling’s transformation appears instantaneous to human eyes. The full moon triggers their first change, but they can shapeshift at will after that. They may even choose to change more than once in a single day. Only the first shift is painful, but it is agonizing as the body must learn new pathways.  All subsequent changes are painless.

Changelings are almost always in control of themselves and their inner wolf. Under certain circumstances, however, the wolf within them will rise – to ensure their own survival or that of a mate.

BECOMING A WEREWOLF – Werewolves regard their condition as a curse, one that is usually transmitted by an infectious bite or scratch, or perhaps by a malicious spell. There is no way to stop the transformation once a human has been bitten by a werewolf.

Changelings regard their ability to transform as a gift. They are usually born with it, and in the case of my series, everyone in the Macleod family is a Changeling. The gift can be passed on to a human, but this is seldom done except when the human has married a Changeling and truly wants to join their world. The second cardinal rule in the Changeling world comes into play here: Never turn a human against their will.

MATING – Werewolves are usually too busy chasing down people and eating them to be concerned with dating.

Although Changelings can pair with anyone they choose, shapeshifter or human, their inner wolf recognizes a true mate immediately. Which brings us to the third and best rule of this world: Changelings always mate for life.  Always.


QUESTION FOR READERS:  Do you have a favorite shapeshifter character from a story, series, movie or TV show?

GIVEAWAY:  On Friday, November 11th, I’ll draw a winner at random from the comments section. The prize is a signed copy of Changeling Dream!

Halloween Treats from New Zealand…chocolate time

Sunday, October 23rd, 2011

The winner of the Halloween copy of INVITATION TO RUIN and the big block of Whittaker’s chocolate is Betty Hamilton. Email me at romance at bronwenevans dot com. Many thanks to everyone for stopping by.

Its Halloween Monday 31st October!  Yes – even in New Zealand we celebrate Halloween, although it’s less effective because it’s the start of summer here. We are on daylight saving time and therefore the children have to trick or treat in sunlight!

I remember my first Halloween.  I was five years old and living in America at the time. My father was studying for his PhD at Cornell University. My twin sister and I dressed up in identical outfits – little witches- and mum had made us a bag each, in the shape of a pumpkin.

We went door to door through the married quarters on campus, and I swear I received so much candy I was fully stocked to last me almost the whole year!  I remember having to go back home and empty my bag three times. That’s when I fell in love with America. Nothing as exciting, or as rewarding, in terms of yummy goodies, happened back home in New Zealand. Can you remember your first Halloween?

Most holidays commemorate or celebrate something. But what about Halloween? Until I decided to write this blog I actually never understood what Halloween celebrated. Do you know?

From the internet I managed to learn the word itself, “Halloween,” actually has its origins in the Catholic Church. It comes from the following of All Hallows Eve.  November 1, “All Hollows Day” (or “All Saints Day”), is a Catholic day of observance in honor of saints.

It was believed on that day, the disembodied spirits of all those who had died throughout the preceding year would come back in search of living bodies to possess for the next year. So on the night of October 31, villagers would extinguish the fires in their homes, to make them cold and undesirable. They would then dress up in all manner of ghoulish costumes (similar to today’s Halloween costumes) and noisily parade around the neighborhood, being as destructive as possible in order to frighten away spirits looking for bodies to possess.

In the 21st century it’s simply a day to dress up and have some good old fashion family fun. We all need more of that. I don’t have any children, but I have a nine year old neice and I’m going to spend the night trick or treating with her. I shall even consent to dressing up as a witch! I have the nose for it.

To help get you in the mood for some Halloween fun, I’m giving away a copy of INVITATION TO RUIN along with a block of New Zealand made Whittaker’s Chocolate – the best chocolate in the world. I had the pleasure of meeting the Whittaker’s while on holiday in the South of France one year.

You can pick your favorite flavor. 

All you have to do is leave a comment telling me whose ballroom my hero, Anthony Craven, Lord of Wicked is in, at the beginning of Invitation to Ruin.

I’ll draw a winner on Sunday 30th october, 2011.

Heroes: You Have to Love Them! + Giveaway

Monday, September 26th, 2011
Bronwen Evans Icon

Have you noticed that romantic hero traits usually don’t differ across the genres?  There is a certain type of man we all fall in love with. Sure, we usually write them as tall, gorgeous and charismatic, but we like them to have substance when they open their mouths.

We love our heroes to be, compassionate, intelligent, humorous, selflessness, tough but tender, determined, and fearless when it comes to protecting the ones he loves.

If we delve deeper across genres, those qualities morph into other differences. Some books call for the hero to be extremely wealthy and domineering (Harlequin Modern), or they have special powers like shape-shifting (Urban Fantasy), or they are over the top aggressive alpha males (Paranormal), or the beta male who quietly gets on and saves the heroine without too much fuss (HMB Super Romance), or, as in historicals, they are an extremely arrogant peer of the realm.

In the Regency period, the period I write in, heroes tend to be very alpha. Not always, but it’s hard to have a believable peer of the realm who is not alpha. The world lay at their feet. It was hard not to get a god like complex, or at least become extremely confident.

The Regency heroes are usually devilishly handsome rakes, who start their journey by seeing women as ‘disposal pleasures rather than meaningful pursuits’ as said by the heroine, Vesper Lynd, in James Bond’s, Casino Royale.

Since hero traits in romance are very similar, how do we make our readers fall in love with our hero in particular?

In a romance novel, the crux is to have a believable and sustainable emotional/internal conflict. If you nail this, you can make your reader fall in love with your hero (and heroine).

For example, in INVITATION TO RUIN, Anthony James Craven, Earl of Wickham, did something in his past he can’t forgive himself for. He believes that unless he remains cold and indifferent, if he gives reign to his emotions, he could become like his brutal father.

Anthony’s journey is all about facing his past and learning to forgive himself.  At the beginning of the book he is a hard, cynical man, brutalized by his upbringing. As the story unfolds you come to see his compassionate and softer side. You understand and empathize with the terrible choices he had to make, and see that it’s a miracle, given his harsh childhood, that he survived with a heart that longs for love, and deserves love.

However, this is where the heroine (Miss Melissa Goodly) rides to the fore.  Who else could make Anthony change and grow? Anthony is forced to deal with his emotional/internal conflict/fears because the heroine is making him face them. Yet, he will fight her every step of the way because he’s afraid of failing, of being hurt again, or hurting others.

It’s the combination of internal conflict/fears and the relationship between the hero and heroine that drives their growth and their journey towards their happy ever after.

There are many types of heroes, yet, for me, it’s the journey the hero takes because of, and with the heroine, that makes us completely love him.

What is your favorite trait in a hero and why? What romantic hero best demonstrates that trait?

One, commenter will win a copy of INVITATION TO RUIN.  Winner drawn on Saturday, 1st October, 2011.

Hi – since the NZ is doing well in the Rugby World Cup I’m being generous this month. All 5 commentors will receive a copy of INVITATION TO RUIN.  So Na, Pam, Yadira, Mary and Lizzi email me on romance at bronwenevans dot com with your snail mail address.

PS. If you want to know who the topless, tattooed man, is top right, he’s Sonny Bill Williams, a New Zealand All Black, one of the team who are trying to win (whoops – who will win)  the 2011 Rugby World Cup, currently being played here in NZ. He could so be a shape-shifter I think!

Hollywood Should Learn From Romance Novels

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
Susan Fox Icon

Entertainment Weekly just ran an article titled “Why is it so hard to make a good romantic comedy? – talking about movies, of course. When I read their analysis, I had to think that those Hollywood writers and producers really ought to read a dozen good romance novels, and their problems would be solved.

Here are the six problems EW identifies with rom-cons:

1. Often, the chemistry between heroine and hero just doesn’t work. Now, how basic is that? No romance novelist would even think about writing a book about a heroine and hero who don’t have chemistry. I’ll also add, chemistry has to exist with the audience too: the heroine has to relate to and root for the heroine, and fall in love with the hero.

2. Men don’t like rom-cons: they don’t want to act in them and they don’t want to see them. Hmm. Seems to me, the heroes of rom-coms are the actors most women fall in love with but hey, if a guy doesn’t want the female population adoring him, I guess that’s his choice. And it also seems to me, the guys who go to rom-coms with their girlfriends are way more likely to get laid that night! Fortunately for us novelists, our heroes really don’t have a choice; we apply fingers to keyboard, and the hero can’t escape. As for men reading romance, well, the ones who do are (let me repeat myself), way more likely to get laid! Those men know how to please a woman!

3. Hollywood rom-coms don’t do well in foreign markets. Why? Get this – because they often have specifically American titles (e.g., America’s Sweethearts). Does this not strike you as just plain dumb? As novelists, we and our publishers choose titles that suit the market and the book. Wouldn’t you think Hollywood would do the same? Or do they just not care about the huge opportunities with foreign sales?

4. In an attempt to hook the largest possible audience, studios “dumb things down” – and in so doing, they lose a large portion of their audience. Now that seems just plain, well, dumb. Romance novelists know what our audiences are looking for, and we know it’s not clichés and phony misunderstandings. We give our readers intelligent characters and plots, and most of all we give them genuine emotion.

5. Rom-cons lack authenticity; filmmakers don’t put personal authentic details into them. What’s up with that? Are they cowards? I’ve never written a book that didn’t have a big chunk of me in it, and I think that’s true of most novelists. Isn’t that what makes novels resonate with readers?

6. While women love romantic fantasies, they want stories they can relate to and learn from, not dated notions that finding a man will solve all your problems. Well, duh! You sure don’t find many romance novels that are so simplistic and insulting.

So it seems to me, Hollywood would be well advised to take a page from our books. Romance makes up a huge percentage of the fiction market, so we’re obviously doing something right. I’d bet the same basic principles would translate equally well from page to screen. Hollywood, are you listening?

What’s your take on this? What rom-cons do you like, and what makes them special? Which do you hate, and why? What lessons do you think Hollywood can learn from the books we love to read?

Someone who comments will win a copy of His, Unexpectedly, which Publishers Weekly chose as one of the top 10 romances of Spring 2011.

It’s a bullet point themed day…

Friday, June 3rd, 2011
Rebecca Zanetti Icon

Hi All! This is a bit late today because life has been crazy lately. So we’re doing bullet points today instead of a nicely themed blog entry. Really. Go with it.

• First…did you see that Brava is having another WRITING WITH THE STARS contest?!? I was the mentor of Maeve Greyson, the winner last year. We had so much fun waiting for the results each month. Okay. Maybe it wasn’t fun waiting…maybe we were on pins and needles. But when the results came in and she was still in the contest each time, we truly enjoyed the moment. Then when we found out she won…awesome! Her book is excellent and you’re going to love it.

• I’ve finished and turned in HUNTED to Megan—which is book 3 in the Dark Protector Series. HUNTED features Connlan Kayrs, the ultimate soldier, and Moira Dunne, a powerful witch. Witchcraft is the manipulation of subatomic particles, or quantum physics, if you will. These two people mated accidently one night a century ago (yeah, it was a heck of a night) and Conn is ready to give their relationship a chance. Moira is a bit busy trying to catch someone harming witches.

• Did you see that Cynthia Eden’s NEVER CRY WOLF received a starred review in Publisher’s Weekly? I’ve been trying to get my hands on an early copy of the book…but so far no luck. The book releases in July. I know she’ll be giving away promo copies on the internet the next few weeks…so I’m stalking Cynthia. You should, too.

• I should be receiving ARC’s of CLAIMED in the next couple months or so and will be doing giveaways…so keep an eye out. This is book 2 in the Dark Protectors, featuring Dage and Emma, and will be released this coming November.

On my blog today, Interviewer Izzy tries to interview Talen and Cara from FATED. Drop on over and say hi.

• I leave on the 24th of this month for New York City to attend the RWA National Conference. My sisters and I are going in a few days early to play in NY. If anyone has any suggestions of what we should do/see, please let me know! I’ll by signing copies of FATED at the literacy signing on Wednesday, June 29th;—I’m usually at one end of the room, having Z as a last name. Please drop by and say ‘hi’ if you’re in NY!

The Writer’s Dream…

Monday, February 21st, 2011
Bronwen Evans Icon

It’s been a dream twelve months for me, and now someone else’s dream might come true – with your help. I have great pleasure in shouting from the roof tops that Meredith Simmons, my mentee, in Brava and RT Writing With the Stars contest has finaled with her story, Indentured Hearts.

I have two things to celebrate this week, as Invitation to Ruin, my debut Regency historical is available from online stores and in e-Book on 22 Febraury, 2011. Official release date 1 March, 2011. What makes this so fabulous, is that my book got some great reviews.

RT Book Review
INVITATION TO RUIN
by Bronwen Evans

Genre: England, Historical Romance
Sensuality: HHHHH HOT
Setting: 1808 London

Here’s a fast-paced story filled with snappy dialogue, action and a tortured hero that will delight the reader as much as he delights the heroine. A strong heroine, some wonderful secondary characters and a villain who is truly evil help move the story forward. Readers will laugh and cry as they and the protagonists learn that your past does not necessarily dictate your future and that love heals all wounds.
Anthony Craven, the Earl of Wickham, aka The Lord of Wicked, is about to pursue his favorite pastimes, sin and vice. On his way to his assignation he winds up in the wrong room, that of Miss Melissa Goodly, a 21-year-old virgin. When they’re caught, Anthony has no choice but to marry Melissa. Many hope that this is just what Anthony needs to turn him from his current pathof self-destruction. Anthony leaves Melissa on their wedding night. Each time they are in the same room Anthony’s attraction for his wife grows, but he has vowed to never father a child in order to end what he believes is the evil in the family bloodline. The only thing Melissa hopes for out of this marriage is a child. She is determined to break through Anthony’s icy reserve. When a dark shadow from Anthony’s past kidnaps Melissa, he might lose her before he has a chance to tell her that he has fallen in love with her. (BRAVA, Mar., 336 pp. $14.00)

Reviewed By: Jill Brager

and

Publishers Weekly

Invitation to Ruin
Bronwen Evans, Kensington/Brava, $14 trade paper (320p) ISBN 978-0-7582-5919-6

Evans’s debut Regencyis filled withsizzling romance. Anthony Craven, the fifth earl of Wickham, wants Lady Cassandra Sudbury as his next mistress. Then his brother’s deception results in him bedding Cassie’s innocent cousin, Melissa Goodly, whom he is then forced to wed. Melissa tries to seduce her husband and eventually win his love, but Anthony’s cruel father has made him believe that he is unlovable and left him unwilling to have children. Melissa is an anachronistically but appealingly independent and stubborn lady who isn’t afraid to complain that women of her era are often treated little better than slaves, and a subplot involving England’s 19th-century abolitionist movement adds depthto this enticing read. Strong characterizations, smooth plotting, and plenty of explicit sex will appeal to fans of modern Regencies. (Mar.)

Read more on my website www.bronwenevans.com

As for Meredith, what a thrill to be in with a chance to win a book deal. I loved Merry’s, Indentured Hearts, the minute I started reading it.

Merry -tell us a little about you, and what finagling means to you, and what winning would mean.

Thanks Bronwen, I can’t tell you how excited I am.

 About the story –  I’m fascinated by what happens to competent people when they’re put in a position of incompetence.  Both the hero and heroine in Indentured Hearts face this situation. 

Convicted for stealing a watch as a boy, Jason Anders is transported from the stews of London to the Virginia Colony.  He endures degradation and beatings as an indentured convict, but he rises above his humble beginnings to become the owner of a prosperous iron works.  He now wishes to take his place in the planter aristocracy, but realizes he lacks the necessary social skills.

Lady Cassandra Spathe flees the drawing rooms of England believing she’s killed a nobleman who attempted to rape her.  She’s shocked to discover she’s inadvertently indentured herself in return for her passage and is forced to fit into the life of a servant, a roll for which she’s completely unprepared.

The immediate, passionate connection these two people feel is bolstered by each holding the qualities that will complete the other.  Cassy can give Jason the style and manners of a gentleman and Jason offers Cassy lessons in pragmatic optimism that will allow her to flourish in this unlikely environment. 

Then external factors try to tear them apart.  Jason is stalked by his former owner who seeks to destroy all Jason has built.  Cassy’s true identity is discovered and a former suitor arrives to “save” her and return her to her former life.  But will either be truly happy without the other part of themselves?

About me & the contest – I’ve always been an avid reader and storyteller. I majored in English in college to get my fill of words, words, words.  I’ve long loved historical romance and after a while, it just seemed logical to make up my own plot and characters and write a novel.  Talk about being placed in a position of incompetence!

But I persisted.  I joined the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.  I took scores of classes and workshops.  I complete two novels that weren’t “quite” right.  And finally, I wrote Indentured Hearts in what, for me, was blinding speed, so I could finish it in time to make the deadline for the Writing with the Stars Contest.

Imagine my shock and delight when Megan Records called to say Indentured Heartshad been chosen as one of the ten manuscripts to be in the contest.  My feet didn’t touch the floor for about a week – and then reality set in.  There were five “challenges” to be dealt with!   Fortunately, I’d been given Bronwen Evans as a mentor.  Bron pushed, prodded, and cajoled me into producing entries of which I’m very proud.  I owe a lot to Bron and her kind and helpful advice.

Then came the nerve-racking “rounds.”  Sleep was elusive.  How was the voting going?  Was there anyone left I could ask to vote?  Was the anything more I could do?  And then the euphoria of finding out I’m made it though round one.  The tension and uncertainty of the next round.  Yea!  I’d made it into the next.  And so it went until I’m unbelievably one of the three finalists in the fifth round.  One of us will become a Kensington Bravaauthor!  Sleep is no long elusive.  It’s become impossible.

What would it mean if I won?– How about Everything?  Being published by Kensington Brava would be the fulfillment of a dream! But regardless of what happens on April 7th, this has been one amazing ride and I wouldn’t trade it for nothing.

If you’d like to help make Merry’s dream come true visit RT Writing with the Stars and Vote for the best Love Scene before 27th February, 2011.

The Bite Before Christmas is HERE!!!

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010
Heidi Betts Icon

How fortunate that the day for me to blog here at Brava Authors also happens to be release day for my very first Brava title, THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS!  Yippee! Feestje Pictures, Images and Photos

If I haven’t bent your ear quite enough yet about this sexy, funny holiday vampire collection—& my Brava debut!—you can learn all you need to know at my website: http://heidibetts.com/ Back cover blurb, excerpt, where to buy…everything.

And in honor of this story I am SO very excited about, I have put together one of the most fun giveaways I think I’ve ever done.  I call it the “Fang-Tastic Vampire Swag Bag Giveaway,” & it’s exactly what it sounds like—a collection of fabulous vampire swag.

But just because I’m calling this a giveaway doesn’t mean I’m actually going to just give this stuff away.  Nope, I’m gonna make you work for it. :twisted:   You see, because of a major mess-up over the summer, my entire collection of addresses for my mailing list has been lost & I need to build it back up again. So in order to enter, you must sign up for my newsletter, even if you’re a long-time reader & think you should already be subscribed. A winner will be drawn from all the new addresses collected.

So here’s all the information you need to know about this fun contest…& please spread the word—the more the merrier, & there’s plenty of time to enter!

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CONTENTS

star Pictures, Images and Photos Demonia patent coffin tote (coolest thing ever—sorry, just sayin’ )

star Pictures, Images and Photos bloody fangs necklace (to show the world you don’t mind being bitten…by the right tall, dark, and fang-some)

star Pictures, Images and Photos set of sexy red handcuffs (courtesy of Mistress Heidi, of course, but strong enough to keep your vampire lover in line)

star Pictures, Images and Photos rubber Devil Ducky (the unofficial mascot of The Dungeon & Mistress Heidi’s favorite pet)

star Pictures, Images and Photos bat Pez dispenser (with Pez candy, of course; you need to keep your strength up when you’re dating the undead)

star Pictures, Images and Photos Cold-Blooded ice cube tray (this makes the neatest fang ice cubes for your Bloody Mary!)

star Pictures, Images and Photos Vampire Brew (blood red hot chocolate (a delight for humans & vampires alike—yum!)

star Pictures, Images and Photos Death Mints (for that pesky morning “blood breath” )

star Pictures, Images and Photos a vampire fang whistle (this could used as either a rape whistle if you’re attacked by a bloodthirsty vampire…or to call one, if you’re in the mood for a little fang-alicious fun)

star Pictures, Images and Photos other (the Halloween season is upon us, after all, & I fully intend to collect even more vamp-tastic goodies to include; updates as they become available)

RULES

star Pictures, Images and Photos To enter, you must sign up for my Newsletter. (And remain subscribed, of course.) Please use this form to join the mailing list: http://heidibetts.com/newsletter/ (Note: Even if you think you may already be signed up, please sign up again…a major catastrophe has wiped out all previous subscriptions.)

star Pictures, Images and Photos Contest will run until All Hallow’s Eve…or October 30, 2010 for the unenlightened.  Winner to be announced on my WIPs and Chains blog.

star Pictures, Images and Photos U.S. residents only, please.  (For the prize only, because of the high cost of overseas postage rates.  But everyone is welcome to sign up for my Newsletter!)

star Pictures, Images and Photos If the winner doesn’t contact me with her mailing information within seven (7) days, another name will be drawn & a new winner announced.

Good luck! Bat Vampire Dracula Coffin Candle Dancing smiley smilie smileys smilies icon icons emoticon emoticons animated animation animations gif gifs Happy Halloween Pictures, Images and Photos