Monthly Archives: September 2010
Reviewed! Poisoned Kisses by Stephanie Draven
Title: Poisoned Kisses
Author: Stephanie Draven
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne
Publication date: October 1, 2010
Category: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Jax Cassidy
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I’m new to the Harlequin Nocturne books and the few that I’ve read have been disappointing. However, Stephanie Draven’s debut novel POISONED KISSES is an exception. From page one, this book is action-packed and intense. The characters are deeply damaged and emotionally flawed…yet exceedingly sexy. Marco is the perfect brooding hero and Kyra is a kick-butt heroine that you’d want in your corner during a bar fight. Although I enjoyed the read, I felt it was weighted by the action and war in Rwanda storyline. I would have loved to see more of the relationship building and romance but I understood her motive and the importance of the action-driven storytelling. There was a purpose for these scenes and I understood why it was an integral part of the story.
Ms. Draven’s voice is smooth and engaging. The action sequences would make for a great television show and if you’re wanting a typical Harlequin romance, you won’t get it from this book. It’s high concept and high-octane with a splash of sexiness that will keep you entertained. I’m looking forward to reading more paranormals from Ms. Draven. I love her unique twist on Greek mythology and the creative characters she weaves.
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He can wear the face of anyone who has ever hurt him…
This former soldier-turned-gun-runner thinks his true identity is safe, but a mysterious woman is about to force him to face the tragic past he thought he left behind.
She can disguise herself as the only woman he’s ever loved…
It’s not easy to be a Daddy’s Girl when your father is Ares, Greek God of War. To thwart her father and all those who serve him, Kyra intends to assassinate a modern day hydra. To kill him, she needs to seduce him, but Marco Kaisaris isn’t the monster she thinks he is–and even if he doesn’t break her heart, he may still be the death of her.
Can they see past each other’s masks to find a love that’s more than skin deep?
Lucky Winners
Congratulations to all those who left comments for the random drawings!
Please contact romancedivas @ gmail.com (<—-email without the spaces) to claim your prize if I haven’t contacted you already.
Tawny Weber Contest
Winner: Beth Andrews
Miranda Neville Contest
Winner: Jennifer Brodie
RG Alexander Contest
Winner: Dawn
Vonna Harper
Winner: Joye
Vanessa Kelly Contest
Winner: Cories
Spotlight On, Tawny Weber
Tawny Webber is usually found dreaming up stories in her California home, surrounded by dogs, cats and kids. When she’s not writing hot, spicy stories for Harlequin Blaze, she’s shopping for the perfect pair of boots or drooling over Johnny Depp pictures (when her husband isn’t looking, of course). In September 2010, her eighth Blaze, RIDING THE WAVES hits the bookshelves. Come by and visit her on the web at www.tawnyweber.com
Most people may not know that you have a connection with Romance Divas. You’ve been a member for many years and have also graciously donated time to help our Mentor Program. We’ve seen your rise to success and becoming one of the staple authors for Harlequin. How was this journey and was it everything you thought it would be?
I love the Divas. You have such a fabulous community there! OMG I love the term rise to success
And while I’m definitely still working on that journey, I do love where I’m at. Writing for Harlequin has always been my dream and it really is as great as I’d hoped. The Harlequin team (editors, art dept, eHQ, all of it) are so nice and all seem focused on the same goal, helping authors build their careers and put out great books.
You’ve written almost a dozen (Harlequin) Blazes, how has your journey been with this publisher? Any advice for authors trying to break into category romances?
Harlequin –and Blaze especially—Rocks I consider my editor one of the best in the business. She’s not only given me opportunities to push my own writing boundaries (just yesterday I agreed to do an Online Read for November. 10k. OMG talk about focusing on character and pace, huh? I’m so excited) but she knows my writing strengths and pushes those, but also knows my weaker areas and in each book, pushes me to face and overcome them. Yep, she’s my dream editor for sure LOL.
Category romance is a fabulous place to write. But writing category isn’t just writing a shorter single title story – and I think as long as a writer understands that distinction, they’ll have an easier time trying to break in. My standard advice is to read the books. Read the lines that appeal to you and see where you might fit. Not just for a single book idea, but where you can imagine yourself writing dozens of stories. I might have a great single dark paranormal idea, and try for Nocturne, but if it sold, I’d be up a creek because I’m really not a dark para type of writer. Blaze, for me, was perfect because the focus is on strong heroines, everyday heroes (hot, sexy, incredible and hunky, still. But not necessarily fantasy heroes, although a few of them do find their way into some of the Blazes) and a sexy hook. Not sex, but a sexy hook. It’s a fine line, but the sexy hook is what carries the entire story. It’s what provides the impetus to conflict, feeds the conflict and eventually resolves the conflict.
Harlequin provides so many opportunities and options for writers to join them. eHarlequin’s forums and community, various contests and an easy submission process.
We love stories about “the Call”, do you remember what you were doing or how you felt?
LOL – oh yeah. I’ll never forget that moment. It was Memorial Day and I was asleep. Because it was a holiday, my husband was home. I slept through the ringing, but he came in, nudged me and said “Get up, the caller ID says Harlequin.” I blame my sleep-fogged state for a pathetic lack of screaming, dancing or insane glee over the news that I’d sold. I just calmly got the details, thanked the editor and hung up. I hadn’t written down any details since the hubby was hugging me the whole time (whether he was excited for me or just keeping me from falling back onto the pillows, I’m still not sure) Then I think I went into shock I tried to call friends and share the news, but tell ya what, most people party on Memorial Day. So after a dozen unconnected calls, I started seriously wondering if it’d really happened. I emailed the editor to confirm, and refused to announce the news until after I’d gotten a reply so I knew it was real. I think that was her first clue that I’m a smidge neurotic.
I’ve heard the Blaze line is changing directions and will become less erotic but still hot. The stories will be focusing more on the hero and heroine’s relationship, etc. Are you able to elaborate on this?
Blaze is, first and foremost, a romance. Sexy romance. Hot, wildly erotic and intense romance. But the romance has to be front and center. So if the characters are having sex (and they should be… quite often ) that scene is there because it moves their relationship forward.
Really, Blaze romances are emotional journeys that include a whole lot of great sex.
Please tell us a little about your current release. How did you come up with the concept?
RIDING THE WAVES is out now. It’s a forbidden fantasy story, featuring an uptight, undersexed astrophysicist heroine who decides to live out her sexy beach vacation fantasy and have a fling with a very sexy boy toy who she thinks is a surf instructor at the resort. She cuts the fling short when she realizes that she’s falling for a guy who she’s sure would have nothing to do with the ‘real her’. Back home, she gets a big surprise. Her hot, sexy boy toy is actually acclaimed astrophysicist and her new partner. She ends up learning that the ‘real her’ is actually a lot stronger, sexier and more complex, than she’d given herself credit for.
As for the concept, I started out knowing I was writing a forbidden fantasy, so I spent some time mulling what fantasies would be fun to explore. The younger man boy toy really appealed to me (maybe it was all the Robert Pattinson craziness that was going on at the time LOL). From there, I asked myself what kind of heroine would be least likely to give in to that fantasy, and Drucilla was born
What should we expect to see from you in the future?
Lots of books, I hope
I have the Online Read on eHarlequin in November that ties in with the MUST HAVE BEEN THE MISTLETOE Christmas anthology in December. My story in the anthology is called BABE IN TOYLAND – only my heroines toys are of the adult nature (yet, still misfits LOL).
Next year, I have a military hero featured in BREAKING THE RULES, which is out in February, a 24 Hour blackout reunion story titled JUST FOR THE NIGHT. Later, in December 2011 and January 2012, I have connected stories about a family of con artists that I’m hoping will spark a series. Nothing like naughty characters
If you weren’t a writer what would career path would you choose?
I’m a Reiki Master and a tarot reader, as well as a certified hypnotherapist. I’d be doing something in that arena if I wasn’t writing.
What are you reading right now?
Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar because I focus on non-fiction when I’m on deadline. As soon as I turn this book in, though, I have Kristin Higgin’s ALL I EVER WANTED waiting for me.
What is the biggest misconception you’ve come across about being a romance author?
That I make tons of money. And that I’m desperate for story ideas – because I swear, as soon as someone hears I write, they just have to tell me all about their idea for a great book and how they’d let me have a cut of the money if I want to write it for them.
What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
Hmm, good question. Maybe that I’m really a quiet introvert in real life?
This month, RD will have a little fun with our authors. We’re starting a ‘getting to know you round’.
Man in uniform, or man in business suit? Uniform!
Thigh highs or au naturale? In bed? Thigh highs, of course.
Tattoos or piercings? Oh, tough choice. I’ll go with piercings since they are easier to change.
Whipped cream or ice cream? Whipped, all the way.
Naughty or nice? My books? Naughty. Me? Nice.
Coffee or tea? Tea, iced.
Cosmopolitan or beer? Cosmo if there aren’t any margaritas around.
Tropical island or mountain cabin? Sand, surf and sun!!! Tropical, for sure.
Sexy stilettos or flip flops? Again in bed? Stilettos for all occasions.
Holey Jeans or casual khakis? Holey jeans. Stilettos just don’t look right with khakis
If you were a nail polish color, what would it be called and why?
Tawny Sunset. It’d be multi-toned, changing with the turn of a hand, and look better at night.
What advice do you have for unpublished writers?
Set a career goal for yourself, one that you love. And never give up until you achieve it!
Any words for your readers?
Readers rock! I love you all!!!
Interviewed by Jax CassidyAuthor of the Month, Miranda Neville
Miranda Neville is the author of historical romances set in Regency England. She grew up in England and spent her youth devouring historical novels. After studying history at Oxford University, she spent several years writing catalogues of rare books and original letters and manuscripts for Sotheby’s auction house in London and New York. Later she worked as a journalist and small business owner before discovering the delights of writing fiction. Always a sucker for happy endings, a few years ago she decided to try her hand at romance. How hard could it be? Several manuscripts under-the-bed (or deep in the hard drive) later, HarperCollins bought Never Resist Temptation, published in 2009 by Avon Books. The Wild Marquis appeared in March 2010 to be followed later this month by The Dangerous Viscount. She now lives in beautiful rural Vermont with her daughter, a college student and confirmed drama queen.
More information about Miranda may be found at www.mirandaneville.com.
**Miranda will be giving away 1 copy of her latest release here on the RD blog and 1 copy during her workshop on the Romance Divas FORUM. Please comment to be eligible for the random drawing. Winner will be contacted via email so please provide this info if it is not attached to your user link. **
We love stories about “the Call”, what were you doing at the time and how did you feel when it happened?
I always feel my call story is rather undramatic. My agent called one morning to say a couple of editors had turned down my book. Later that afternoon I was sitting at my desk, feeling depressed and trying to write, when she called again with the news that Avon had made an offer. I was kind of numb at first, then of course I called everyone and screamed and drank champagne.
Please tell us a little about your current release.
THE DANGEROUS VISCOUNT is the second in my Burgundy Club series. Sebastian Iverley is not your typical hero. To be blunt, he’s a bit of a nerd, Regency style, and he has always avoided women until he falls for Diana Fanshawe, a beautiful widow. When he learns Diana has been using him to attract his hated cousin, the nerd swears revenge. With the help of his fellow club members (lots of opportunity for male banter) he gets an extreme makeover. Sebastian cleans up well, turns into a real hottie and the sparks fly. I loved writing this couple: Diana is much less sophisticated than she thinks, while Sebastian is much less clueless than he appears.
Do you think you’ll branch out and write other genres other than historicals?
I haven’t any plan to do so, but never say never.
What should we expect to see from you in the future?
I’ve just finished the third Burgundy Club book, to be published next summer, and there’s one more for me to write.
If you weren’t a writer what would career path would you choose?
I have to laugh! Being a writer has been almost an afterthought careerwise. I came to fiction relatively late. But writing historical romance is my best job yet. Now I’ve always wished I could be an opera singer, but I never had the necessary talent (like a basic ability to sing in tune!)
What is the biggest misconception you’ve come across about being a romance author? I find people are interested in what I do and curious to know more about the business of romance writing, about which they know absolutely nothing. I am often asked if I have to write to a formula, if there is a set of rules that we all have to follow. You know, there are days that the Muse isn’t cooperating and computer screen frighteningly blank when a formula would be nice (“I’m on page 42 so it’s time for the first kiss”)
If you were a lipstick color, what would it be called and why? Oh boy! That’s a difficult question. OK, here goes: Crimson Rose Twist – deeply romantic with a touch of sarcasm.
What are you reading right now?
A medieval historical by my CP, getting it ready to send to her agent. She isn’t published yet but it won’t be long! For entertainment I’m reading Katharine Ashe’s Swept Away by a Kiss, a really fun high-drama Regency.
What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
I’d rather eat fruit than chocolate. And yes, I know this fact could get me thrown out of the romance writers’ guild.
What advice do you have for unpublished writers? Finish your book. The one novel that is absolutely never going to sell is an unfinished one. And when you’ve finished it, start the next. Every book you write will be better than the last. One day you may be pleased your first manuscript didn’t sell (I am). Or you may be pleased when it does sell and you have the follow up book already written.
Any words for your readers?
Thank you reading my books. And please feel free to tell me what you like or don’t like (particularly the former!) or ask me any questions. All writers know a huge amount about their characters that never get into the book. I love chatting about them. Send me an email: miranda (at) mirandaneville.com
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AOTM WORKSHOP: DATES: SEPTEMBER 21-23
TOPIC: Motivation and Voice: Character Autobiographies
Ever got to page 75 and wondered who the heck these people are? Get your characters ready to drive your plot. Establish their motivation and conflict from page 1. Develop a distinct voice for each of them. Avoid Back Story Dump. Learn how to write your characters’ autobiographies and do all this, plus clean your bathroom and achieve World Peace.
**Workshop is featured in our FORUM. Required registration. Become a member and participate for free.**























