Recent Enjoyable Reads of Mine

On occasion I share recent reads that I have enjoyed. Some books stand out more than others and these are the books that I have enjoyed over the past few months.

Brother turns on brother to win the ultimate prize, the throne of England, in this dazzling account of the wars of the Plantagenets. They are the claimants and kings who ruled England before the Tudors, and now Philippa Gregory brings them to life through the dramatic and intimate stories of the secret players: the indomitable women, starting with Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.

The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London whose fate is still unknown. From her uniquely qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores this most famous unsolved mystery of English history, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills.

Verdict: I really enjoyed this book. Philippa Gregory is known for her historicals. The people are real, but the story is fictional. It was interesting to get a glimpse of what it was like to live and survive back  then. At times I did feel like I was reading a history book, but saying that the author definitely kept my interest. And I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, The Red Queen.

Finding out she was a witch had upended Mari Saguna's staid life, but being thrown into a war between dark, otherworldly creatures in New York City surpassed the surreal. Her coven battled a clan of vampires…and caught in the middle were Mari and one vampire hell-bent on rescuing his kidnapped brethren.

No spells could protect her from Nicholai, the potent, mysterious seducer. No potions could assuage the longing he'd awakened in her. In his lair, Mari wasn't sure she wanted protection…until she discovered Nicholai's dark intention. Could she believe the enemy she'd come to love meant to destroy her? And would it matter when Nicholai discovered she—and her blood—were her coven's secret weapon?

Verdict: This was on my TBR pile since forever! I picked it up because I wanted to get through some of the older books I'd purchased. I was pleasantly surprised. The story contained many twists and turns in the plot and I whizzed through it in two days. Vampire's are a tad overdone these days, but this book was enjoyable and fresh!

"Wanted: one husband, not too particular. Small dowry, several books, sundry furnishings, and elderly aunt included. Idlers, time-wasters, and gentleman without other attachments need not apply." —Miss Sophie Valentine

A Scandalous Lady

Sophie Valentine knew placing an ad for a husband in the Farmer's Gazette would bring her trouble—and she was right. When the darkly handsome, arrogantly charming Lazarus Kane shows up on her doorstep, the nosy residents of Sydney Dovedale are thrown into a gossiping tizzy. After all, it's common knowledge that Sophie is a young lady In Need of Firmer Direction. But even Sophie isn't so scandalous as to marry a complete stranger . . . is she?

Seeks Handsome Stranger

Lazarus Kane has been searching for Sophie half of his life. She may not remember him, but he could never forget her. But the past is a dangerous thing, and it's best if his remains secret if he wants to tempt Sophie with...

A Most Improper Proposal

Verdict: This is the first in a series of Regency's by Jayne Fresina. I loved this book! It was a joy to read. What I liked most was that there was a lot of humor in the story. It wasn't stuffy or traditional which was completely refreshing. There was also just enough heat to keep things moving along nicely without it being a raunch fest! 



Added Note: I've also enjoyed a variety of m/m shorts from the M/M Romance group on Goodreads which they do every year as part of their Don't Read in the Closet Event. Check them out: http://www.mmromancegroup.com/ There are some great stories listed there!

XD

Interviewing Georgia Fox

Georgia Fox is the awesome author of many erotic titles. Her talent for writing historical romance is vast and it shows in every work. She agreed to me a small glimpse into her writing career and shared with us her most recent release.

X- Tell us what started you on the writing path.

G- I've always had stories in my head. I can remember writing my first book at the age of ten. It must have been around that time I realized people could actually make money as a writer - that it could be a career. But I never seriously thought of showing anyone my work and trying to get published until much later. Once I'd plucked up the courage to share my work with a few friends and they encouraged me to try getting it published, that was how the ball got rolling.

Purchase

X- What's your latest release?

G- THE WAGERED WENCH is book 5 in The Conquerors series (and the penultimate book in the series). It's the story of a woman struggling to find her place in a male dominated world (11th century England) and the reluctant man who comes to marry her, having won her from her drunken father in a game of dice. It takes place over the space of a year and is divided into four parts, represented by water, air, fire and earth - each one being significant in the development of their steamy romance. It also introduces the hero of the final book - Stryker Bloodaxe - who gets in on some menage action with the hero and heroine.

X- Do you do much research when writing your books?

G- I do. I have tons of history books for every time period LOL. But I don't over-burden the story with too much historical detail. I like the story to be about the characters and their chemistry, rather than a broader history lesson on the political climate. If the reader picks up some interesting facts about living in the era along the way, that's great - I think it sets the scene and puts the reader into the time period much more effectively to have a few nuggets of historical treasure spread about for them to find. The important thing is that they enjoy the story and it transports them to another place for a while. I don't want to teach anyone anything, just entertain.

X- What's something most people don't know about you?

G- Hmmm. That would be telling!

X- What's the book you like the most that you've wrote?

G- Argh! I love them all for different reasons. I think possiblyThe Wagered Wench. It's actually a story I started writing a long time ago and set aside, because I wasn't getting that flow. Then I got it out again one day and suddenly it just took flight. The character of Dominic Coeur-du-loup touches a chord in me, I guess. He's very strong, quiet and much more honorable than he thinks he is. His kindness and intrinsic goodness is just a part of who he is and since its always been there he doesn't think about it, doesn't know to value it. He has a facial scar and assumes that no woman will love him because of it.

X- What can we expect from you within the next year?

G- Book six in The Conquerors series - the final one. And it has some surprises in store for those who've read the other books. I'm going out with a bang! Then I have plans for a new series, which I don't want to say too much about. I also have more books planned for Lumina (the wanton hussy, whose first story came out last year) First, however, I've got a naughty fairy tale almost completed and I'm very excited about it. This one involves a very naughty pussy, a cursed milkmaid, a wicked nobleman, some high-heeled boots and some whips and chains.

Thanks for hosting me, Xon!

X- And thank-you for being here.

Georgia can be found online at: Foxy Tales

Adelaide's War Giveaway!

I'm giving way an e book copy of my last sweet historical romance novel set during the Civil War. If you would like to be entered for a chance to win, leave a comment.

A winner will be picked a week from now.

'Isolation has become Adelaide Warren's solace. She lives far from civilization, up in the hills of West Virginia, after the end of the Civil War and the death of her husband. When Josiah Hamilton finds his way to her doorstep, nearly frozen to death one stormy winter night, she nurses him back to life.

They form a fast friendship, which soon becomes more. When Josiah professes his love for her, she refutes him. But when tragedy strikes, it’s Josiah who comes to her rescue. Now, Adelaide is forced to confront her love for him which she has both denied and hidden.

A proposal is made. Will she accept him? If she does, what does that mean for her future?

Excerpt: Adelaide was outside, chopping kindling when she first spotted Josiah off in the distance. Her heart leapt and that feeling startled her. He was nothing more than a stranger, and no more than a friend at most. Yet, she was overjoyed at his impending presence.

How silly, she thought. I’m a grown woman, not some girl set about waiting for a beau to court her. That part of her life had long since passed and was buried and gone along with James. Or was it?

“What brings you out this way?” she asked, upon his approach, doing her best to maintain calm and collected. Just the slightest hint of coyness tinged her voice.

“I was passing through, and I thought I’d stop in,” he said, with an added grin.

“How’s the farm?”

“It’s been good. This spring, planting will take a lot of work and of course the fall harvest. This isn’t our busiest time of year. And yourself?”

“I’m pretty good,” she replied. “Trapper Marg was around to trade some rabbits for my jam. She’s around quite often when making her runs. Other than that, it’s quiet as expected. Just the way I like it.”

Adelaide motioned to the cabin. “There’s coffee and fresh buns, if you’re interested. It beats standing out here in the cold.”

“Sound good,” he replied. “Lead on.”

She poured coffee and set a plate of buns on the table before taking her seat across from Josiah.

“I couldn’t help but notice the rifle next to the door. Are you nervous being here alone? Is that why you keep it close?”

“Josiah,” she started. “I don’t kid myself about the realities of this world. And yes, I am a woman alone. This may not be the best place for me, but it’s home. Where else would I go? Town isn’t an option. I can hardly bear going there for supplies when I have to.”

“I know about James,” he said. “And the talk. Don’t let them get to you. A house in town might be better for you.” He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “I’m concerned.”

“You’re bold. What they say about James isn’t true. I know it and I shouldn’t have to defend him to anyone.”

“You don’t have to. Not to me, Adelaide.”

She resisted the urge to pull away from him, to ask him to leave. He forced her into a most uncomfortable situation, and she wasn’t quite sure how to react.

“I’m fine here. This cabin suits me fine. I’ve done so now for almost two years with no troubles. Besides, I wouldn’t fit in with…them. No, this is my home. This is where I’m meant to be.”

“In time, they would accept you.”

“They wouldn’t. They talk, they gossip and they say things…terrible things. I don’t want any part of that, ever.” She snatched her hand from his, her eyes falling to her cup.

“Adelaide?”

She didn’t dare look at him. Tears clouded her vision. How dare he bring this emotion out in her?

“You know about James.”

“Yes,” he said, with a nod.

“If it had been true, surely I wouldn’t have received the letter I did after his death from the army.”

“Would you allow me to see this letter?”

Adelaide went to the trunk at the end of the bed to fetch it. “It states that he died with honor. With honor and no disgrace. Why would they say that if it wasn’t true?”

She watched him read the letter, his lips moving silently with each word. He then folded it and handed it back to her. “Don’t believe the gossip. You need no more assurance than that letter. It’s gold and the truth. Understand?”

She did. “I never doubted it for one minute.”

“Nor should you. He was a honorable man who did his duty.”

Adelaide returned the letter to its respectable place inside the trunk and when she turned around, Josiah was behind her.

He reached out with one hand and wiped tears from her cheek, pulling her to him in a most warm embrace.

Denial and guilt overwhelmed her. It felt natural and good, yet she knew it wasn’t proper conduct for a widow. “This isn’t right,” she said, her hand pushing against his strong chest.

“I keep thinking about you,” he muttered. “Straight from the moment when I left, and I don’t know why. You‘re always in my thoughts.”

“Josiah, it was an emotional time. It was Christmas, and you almost died. It’s expected, but let’s not confuse our feelings. You’re fine now. We’re friends and nothing more.” She did a good job trying to convince him, but wasn’t entirely convinced herself.

“Friends,” he said the word as if pondering its true meaning. “What if I’m feeling something different, something more?”

Freeing herself from him, she put a small distance between them. “I’m not ready for anything more. I may never be ready.”

“Do you feel anything for me? Your words say one thing, but I think your eyes say something different.”

“I do. It’s friendship.” She bit her tongue on that falsehood. “Friendship is all I can offer you at this time.”

“I understand. If I offended you with being so forward, I apologize. It was never my intention.” Josiah turned and walked out of the cabin, leaving her feeling very much alone.

Buy Link

Amazon Kindle

Out Today

Adelaide's War is out today. If you like sweet romance, this one is for you. It's available on Evernight's site for a discount in all formats, Amazon Kindle, All Romance, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, and Bookstrand.

Evernight  Amazon

 Product Description:


Isolation has become Adelaide Warren's solace. She lives far from civilization, up in the hills of West Virginia, after the end of the Civil War and the death of her husband. When Josiah Hamilton finds his way to her doorstep, nearly frozen to death one stormy winter night, she nurses him back to life.

They form a fast friendship, which soon becomes more. When Josiah professes his love for her, she refutes him. But when tragedy strikes, it’s Josiah who comes to her rescue. Now, Adelaide is forced to confront her love for him which she has both denied and hidden.

A proposal is made. Will she accept him? If she does, what does that mean for her future?

Excerpt:

Adelaide was outside, chopping kindling when she first spotted Josiah off in the distance. Her heart leapt and that feeling startled her. He was nothing more than a stranger, and no more than a friend at most. Yet, she was overjoyed at his impending presence.

How silly, she thought. I’m a grown woman, not some girl set about waiting for a beau to court her. That part of her life had long since passed and was buried and gone along with James. Or was it?

“What brings you out this way?” she asked, upon his approach, doing her best to maintain calm and collected. Just the slightest hint of coyness tinged her voice.

“I was passing through, and I thought I’d stop in,” he said, with an added grin.

“How’s the farm?”

“It’s been good. This spring, planting will take a lot of work and of course the fall harvest. This isn’t our busiest time of year. And yourself?”

“I’m pretty good,” she replied. “Trapper Marg was around to trade some rabbits for my jam. She’s around quite often when making her runs. Other than that, it’s quiet as expected. Just the way I like it.”

Adelaide motioned to the cabin. “There’s coffee and fresh buns, if you’re interested. It beats standing out here in the cold.”

“Sound good,” he replied. “Lead on.”

She poured coffee and set a plate of buns on the table before taking her seat across from Josiah.

“I couldn’t help but notice the rifle next to the door. Are you nervous being here alone? Is that why you keep it close?”

“Josiah,” she started. “I don’t kid myself about the realities of this world. And yes, I am a woman alone. This may not be the best place for me, but it’s home. Where else would I go? Town isn’t an option. I can hardly bear going there for supplies when I have to.”

“I know about James,” he said. “And the talk. Don’t let them get to you. A house in town might be better for you.” He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “I’m concerned.”

“You’re bold. What they say about James isn’t true. I know it and I shouldn’t have to defend him to anyone.”

“You don’t have to. Not to me, Adelaide.”

She resisted the urge to pull away from him, to ask him to leave. He forced her into a most uncomfortable situation, and she wasn’t quite sure how to react.

“I’m fine here. This cabin suits me fine. I’ve done so now for almost two years with no troubles. Besides, I wouldn’t fit in with…them. No, this is my home. This is where I’m meant to be.”

“In time, they would accept you.”

“They wouldn’t. They talk, they gossip and they say things…terrible things. I don’t want any part of that, ever.” She snatched her hand from his, her eyes falling to her cup.

“Adelaide?”

She didn’t dare look at him. Tears clouded her vision. How dare he bring this emotion out in her?

“You know about James.”

“Yes,” he said, with a nod.

“If it had been true, surely I wouldn’t have received the letter I did after his death from the army.”

“Would you allow me to see this letter?”

Adelaide went to the trunk at the end of the bed to fetch it. “It states that he died with honor. With honor and no disgrace. Why would they say that if it wasn’t true?”

She watched him read the letter, his lips moving silently with each word. He then folded it and handed it back to her. “Don’t believe the gossip. You need no more assurance than that letter. It’s gold and the truth. Understand?”

She did. “I never doubted it for one minute.”

“Nor should you. He was a honorable man who did his duty.”

Adelaide returned the letter to its respectable place inside the trunk and when she turned around, Josiah was behind her.

He reached out with one hand and wiped tears from her cheek, pulling her to him in a most warm embrace.

Denial and guilt overwhelmed her. It felt natural and good, yet she knew it wasn’t proper conduct for a widow. “This isn’t right,” she said, her hand pushing against his strong chest.

“I keep thinking about you,” he muttered. “Straight from the moment when I left, and I don’t know why. You‘re always in my thoughts.”

“Josiah, it was an emotional time. It was Christmas, and you almost died. It’s expected, but let’s not confuse our feelings. You’re fine now. We’re friends and nothing more.” She did a good job trying to convince him, but wasn’t entirely convinced herself.

“Friends,” he said the word as if pondering its true meaning. “What if I’m feeling something different, something more?”

Freeing herself from him, she put a small distance between them. “I’m not ready for anything more. I may never be ready.”

“Do you feel anything for me? Your words say one thing, but I think your eyes say something different.”

“I do. It’s friendship.” She bit her tongue on that falsehood. “Friendship is all I can offer you at this time.”

“I understand. If I offended you with being so forward, I apologize. It was never my intention.” Josiah turned and walked out of the cabin, leaving her feeling very much alone.

Author Interview with Karyn Gerrard

V- What was your journey into publication like, and where do you get your inspiration?

K- It was a quick journey, maybe too quick! Timeless Heart was the first novella I ever submitted to e-book publishers and Evernight offered me a contract almost immediately. A lot of luck there, as luck plays a big part in getting published.

Considering I am a voracious reader, I only started reading romance in a big way about 4 years ago, My first effort and only other submission, a historical romance, was rejected by a print publisher 3 years ago, but I kept writing! Glad I did.

I am inspired everyday by every romance writer I come in contact with, what a generous, support group. Romance readers are the best as well, inspires me to keep writing.

V- What’s your most current release and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?

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K- My current release is my only release at the moment, TIMELESS HEART ♥. I am working on a couple of erotica/paranormal novellas which I just finished yesterday! Now comes the editing. Crossing fingers I am not just a one-pubbed wonder.

V- What words of wisdom do you have for writers just starting their journey?

K- What I said above, keep writing. And submit your work, you never know when a story may just be that story an editor is looking for at that particular moment. Hence the luck I mentioned. Writing can be very solitary, I encourage finding like minded people and connect, whether on Facebook, Twitter, writing forums, blogs or where ever you feel comfortable at. I met some wonderful people who stepped up to the plate to help promote my debut effort, and in other ways to numerous to mention. Get your name out there before you even submit, believe me, it will pay off.

V- Self-publishing has come up so often lately in the media both online and off, what’s your views?

K- Since I am basically a lazy cow, I can't see me ever self-pubbing. Too much work. That may change down the road, but for now? No. I have tons of admiration for anyone going this route, it is a lot of work, and it is really the only reason I am not interested. Yep, lazy.

The view on self-pubbing has changed, it used to be called vanity publishing when you spent big dollars of your own to have a book printed, but thanks to digital, that has all changed. It is certainly made the field more competitive, and that is a good thing. If it gets people reading AND buying more books, either print or digital, it is all to the good.

V- If I were to look at the current books you’re reading, which titles would I find?

K- I am reading a few ARCS for reviews. I love historical romance. I'm reading Jennifer Haymore's Confessions of an Improper Bride. So far, loving it! Also love paranormals, have Kerrelyn Sparks' Vampire Mine next in the TBR pile.

V- What’s the one thing in the world that you cannot live without?

K- My satellite dish, so I can see every Red Sox game! Also my Ipod touch, you would have to pry that out of my cold dead hand!

V- If you could have one wish, what would it be and why?

K- Wow, I could give the standard 'world peace' answer, but I will be more selfish. Good health and long life for me, and all my loved ones.

V- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

K- Still writing, still watching the Red Sox, and hopefully still content with my life.

Thanks everyone who has been so supportive for my debut effort! It is really, really appreciated
V- Sounds great! And thank you, Karyn, for allowing me to interview and learn more about your writing career.

Karyn can be found online at the following links:

Website
Review Site

Cover Art for Menage on the Prairie

I'm always thrilled to share new cover art. I got it this evening in my email for my upcoming June release with Siren-Bookstrand. I'm so pleased with it! The artist(Jinger Heaston) nailed the characters.

Coming June 2011

Author Interview with Jayne Fresina

First, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jayne for her time and willingness to be interviewed. Thanks Jayne!

V- Tell us about your most current release and what inspired you to write it?

J- My current release is Last Rake Standing, a Victorian e-book novella. I started writing the character of Marcus one day and he just crawled in and started taking over. I had Emma already in another story and when I brought the two of them together, they just hit it off. This was my first shorter book (I always used to be much longer-winded!) and I had never tried to write a novella before, so it was an interesting adventure/experiment.
 
V- When did you start writing and what was your road to publication like? Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?

J- I started writing years ago - just for myself. I never intended to let anyone read what I wrote. Then, one day, I got brave enough to show a few friends who I trusted to give an honest opinion. They gave me enough encouragement and support to keep going and then I started looking into actual publication. I sent out my first book in 2001. Now, looking back, I realize it wasn't ready, but at the time I was proud of it. I had some interest from agents, but that all fizzled out. Then I put my writing away for a few years. About five years ago I picked it up again and got the fever back. I was able to go from working full-time to part-time and that was a huge help for my writing. I started looking for an agent again and after about a year (and several manuscript revisions) I actually landed a top New York agent. She was wonderful, very enthusiastic. I thought that was it and I was finally on my way! Then I started to open my eyes and realize that it's not the way it happens in movies. Writing is a business. It's creative, but it's a business. You can't just write what you want to write, unless what you want to write happens to be what's selling. You have to learn to tailor your writing to the market. It's important to adapt, not be afraid of change. Eighteen months later my agent hadn't been able to sell my first two books and I sensed her motivation waning, which was understandable. Mine was too! It was so frustrating to get that close and to have editors keeping us on tenterhooks, telling us they loved the manuscript one day and then shooting it down the next. So my agent and I parted company and I was back to square one. I was, however, more determined than ever to get published. I think the experience with that agent - who gave me some invaluable writing advice while I was with her, by the way - just set me on the path and gave me the push I needed. Two months later, working on my own, I had my first book contracted to Lyrical Press (Seducing the Beast will be out in August 2011) and a month after that I had "Last Rake Standing" contacted to Evernight Publishing (released in January this year). My advice to anyone writing out there is to persevere. Believe in the characters you write and keep pushing. If one door closes, find another. Crawl in through the window if you have to! Don't be afraid to go it alone. Agents are great, but even getting one doesn't guarantee a sale, so be prepared to do some work on your own and take chances.  



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V- What other things interest you besides writing?

 

J- I spend most of my time writing and don't have a lot spare for other things at the moment. I like going out to dinner occasionally, mostly just relaxing. I used to workout all the time, but sadly that's fallen by the wayside lately!

V- What are you currently reading and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?

J- I'm currently re-reading Far From the Madding Crowd. I never keep a to-be-read pile. I read a book as soon as it catches my eye and I don't put it down until I'm done. Unless it bores me.
 
Now for some less formal, fun questions!
 
V- If you had one wish, what would it be?

J- To have my own charter plane, complete with crew, so I could fly anywhere in the world with my dogs. Oh,and quarantine restrictions would have to go, but I guess that's another wish!  

V- Name one item you cannot do without in life and why.

J- Computer - obviously.

V- Cats or dogs?
 
J- Dogs. Love cats too but I've never owned one, so the pooches have to come first.

V- What’s your ultimate indulgence? 

J- Cognac Pumpkin Cheesecake from Shari's Berries.
 
V- What can we expect to see from you in the future?
 

Coming Soon

J- I have a series of three Victorian novellas coming up, Engraved, Entangled and Enraptured. The series title is A Private Collection and it follows the erotic adventures (or misadventures) of the Blackwood brothers who have to find the three women who once posed in scandalous nude portraits for their eccentric father. Each book follows one of the brothers. Engraved is the youngest son Adam's love story. It will be available in March from Evernight Publishing . Information about upcoming books can be found on my website at http://www.jaynefresina.com/ .

V- Jayne, I wish you the best of luck with your writing career, and thanks again for joining us at, Write Outside The Box.

 

 

 

 

 





Author Interview with Shannan Albright

I'd like to welcome author, Shannan Albright to Write Outside the Box. Welcome Shannan!

Vivian- Tell us about your most current release.

Shannan- Dark Passion Rising: A Dark Breed Novel is the first book in the series. The book takes place in “Old Las Vegas” near the famed Fremont Experience. Tambra Ellis is a cop bitten by a Lycan, She is saved by Marcus Valerian a Vampire and Leader of a group of supernatural Enforcers. For this book I asked myself ok, what if all the supernatural monsters we had stories about were true and humans found out? The outcome of this book set’s up all the other that follow in the series, though they are romances they deal with the difficulties of integrating into our society in this day and age.

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Vivian- When did you start writing and what was your road to publication like? Do you have any advice for new writers starting out?

Shannan- I started writing twenty years ago and the road was exceptionally rough. When I started out there was no RWA Organization, no one to help a new writer so it was hit and miss. In my case it was a whole lot of misses. After five years I lost hope and stopped submitting. I never stopped writing though and about five years ago started checking out the market again. I got into RWA, found a local chapter, took tons of workshops and tried my hand at submission again. This time I was accepted and the rest you know.

Vivian- What other things interest you besides writing?

Shannan- I have been involved with Renaissance Fairs for many years as an improv actor. I also give workshops from speaking foresoothly, court etiquette, acting and I also design and teach costuming. I also love to oil paint and do illustration work. I also love to lose myself in a good book, and have tea with good friends.

Vivian- What are you currently reading and what books can be found in your to-be-read pile?

Shannan- Everything from Evernight Publishing of course, the authors there are wonderfully versatile. I just finished Sharon Ashwood’s latest in the Dark Forgotten series and am starting Kresley Cole’s latest Dreams of a Dark Warrior. I love anything from Sherrilyn Kenyon and JR Ward so anything they are coming out with is also on that pile to be read.

Vivian- What can we expect to see from you in the future?

Shannan- I have one completed book in revision stage for a new series that I started several years ago, I am working on books two and three in my Dark Breeds series along with a dark Urban Fantasy dealing with the end of days theme. Plus some novellas that are also in outline stage. So as you can see I like keeping myself busy.

My current e-book, Dark Passion Rising: A Dark Breed Novel is due for release in March by Evernight Publishing. It will be available for download through: Evernight Publishing and Amazon Kindle .

Thanks Vivian for having me on your blog it’s been a lot of fun.

Vivian- And thank you Shannan once again for allowing me to interview you. I wish you the best of luck with your writing career.

Shannan can be reached at the following links on the web:

http://www.shannanalbright.weebly.com/

http://www.shannanalbright.blogspot.com/

http://www.writeintheshadowz.blogspot.com/

Another Review

This review is from Bitten by Paranormal Romance:

I really enjoyed this novella from beginning to end. I liked how Vivian Kees brings this short story together with such good details when starting from scratch with no back story. The main characters, widow Eugenia and her unlikely love interest Cal are great for each other.

In the beginning we find out Eugenia has lost everything that she has worked so hard for thanks to her deceased husband and his gambling ways. Now she is at the mercy of the man who is the new owner of her home, Mr. Hawthorne. As the time passes, Eugenia has to decide whether she is willing to do what it takes to keep her life as it is and never go back to where she came from. Which means she might have to agree to Cal's indecent proposal. It was delicious to read how Cal is affected by just the sight of Eugenia and how he behaved at there first meeting. I definitely wasn't expecting that!! Hot! My favorite thing about romance Novellas are that they get right into the relationship of the couple and I was so excited Vivian Kees didn't disappoint! Good Job!!

I only wish it would have been longer. I can't wait to read a full length book from the author.

The reviewer was Stacy.

Follow this link to see the full review: http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance.com/2011/01/review-sordid-situation-by-vivian-kees.html

Thanks to them for the wonderful review. It made my day.

A New Year

It's hard to believe that it's 2011. When I think back to how the past year has flown by, it amazes me.

Last year I entered Harlequin's New Voices Contest. It was a contest to find exactly that, new authors for their many lines.

I didn't place in the top three, but I and a few others did get a mention once the contest ended along with an email to further submit three chapters direct to the editors.

After much preening on my sub, I sent it and held my breath. To me in romance, Harlequin is gold. To have them as my publisher would be a dream come true.

Today I got an email from them. My submission is being looked at and I also was given a reference number to use with any further communication. Am I one step closer? Who knows, but it was a nice feeling not to get that standard no thanks.

I guess all I can do is sit and wait. And how was your day? :)

The Writing Game

I sent off my requested three chapters to Harlequin last night after spending ages tweaking them. To say the least when I pressed send I was relieved to have it done and over with.

Writing for me is a mixture of love and hate and often I find myself wanting to pull the hair out of my head, especially when it comes to passing edits back and forth.

While I love the creative part of writing, I can't say I love the whole process like some writers do.

So, as I sit here now with second round edits sent off for my latest contracted novella and a submission package send to Harlequin. I am a nervous as heck. Being a nervous person by nature I've come to expect this reaction. And when I want something bad, it makes things worse.

For romance, HQ is the ultimate dream. Let's hope that it becomes a reality. *fingers crossed*.

A Christmas Giveaway

To celebrate the joy of giving, I'm giving away a copy of my e novella, A Sordid Situation.

If you want in on the drawing which will take place on December 27th, just leave a comment. A name will be drawn at random and the winner will be notified on the blog.

Merry Christmas :)

Novella Release

Here it is, today is the day. My Novella, A Sordid Situation is up for sale on Evernight's website.

I am thrilled to have my work finally published. It's been a long road.

One review is back. Happily Ever After Reviews gave me a 5 tea cup rating. Yay!

http://hea-reviews.blogspot.com/2010/11/review-sordid-situation-by-vivian-kees.html?ref=nf


If you are interested in purchasing the e book you may do so following this link. Also, Evernight will include your name into a contest draw for some really cool prizes for every e book purchased onsite.

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/products/A-Sordid-Situation-by-Vivian-Kees.html

Note: For some reason the links wouldn't work encoded into the post. Sorry about that.

The Details

So, the contracts have been signed and sent back. And I can finally announce the details of my first sale.
My publisher is Evernight Publishing. My historical novella was a bit on the hot side of things and when looking around for whom to submit to, I though long and hard on which one would be right.
Evernight was at the top of my list. They are new, but through the grapevine(yes, we writers talk in pvt)I heard good things. Plus, they do have kick ass covers:)
The edits are coming up soon and I'm nervous. This is all new to me, but it's a learning experience and one that I am looking forward to.
You will also note that I did choose to go with a pen name. See a previous blog post for that topic.
And last but not least, I have my cover. It's awesome and is just what I wanted.