Have a great weekend!
Believe one who has tried it. ~ Virgil (Seek out those with experience)
Friday, July 03, 2009
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Relase date...
Aug. 4th is the release date for Never Too Late!
After my mini-vacation, I'll put together a newsletter and get some excerpts ready for everyone to read. Can't wait to see the cover either. ^-^
The will is everything. ~ Italian Proverb (Be determined)
After my mini-vacation, I'll put together a newsletter and get some excerpts ready for everyone to read. Can't wait to see the cover either. ^-^
The will is everything. ~ Italian Proverb (Be determined)
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Tortured Heroes
I’ve noticed a trend as I look back at my favorite books. The one thing they all have in common…each has a tortured hero. I’ve also noticed that authors writing about tortured heroes are on a rise. Especially in the paranormal and historical romance genre.
I, myself, am learning to write more tortured characters and loving it!
But why do we (or I) love them? They usually start out the story as brooding, filled with attitude, and generally complete asses. But isn’t that what makes them interesting? Or maybe it’s the way they change as the plot goes along and they meet the heroine (or hero if you’re reading a m/m book). The change, from my perspective, is huge if the story is done correctly and not rushed.
However, there are other things that draw my attention to these poor characters. Whether they go through physical torture (my fave) or mental torture…or even both, the hero has an incredible strength to survive. Yes, they are many times imperfect and have crutches, like drugs, alcohol, or sex *hmmm, that one may not be so bad –wink *.
But these men have overcome adversity and survived, stronger even. Also, once they meet their “light” to their “dark” (is that from Christine Feehan’s Dark series?), they become very protective over what is “theirs”. The best part is that they find redemption in one form or another by the end of them book.
I like to think there are men outside of romance novels that carry many of those traits. I know my own DH says that I brought light to his world. That I’ve helped him become a better man. Does a crappy first marriage count for mental torture? So, see, I have hope that there are some really good men out in the world. Unfortunately, they are sometimes hard to find.
Okay, I’ve babbled more than most of my blog posts, but I thought I’d end with a list of some of my favorite tortured heroes – in no particular order.
Remember, I’m a series-ho so they are all from series that I’ve read through the years.
* Jacques from Christine Feehan’s Dark series – Dark Desire
He was locked away and starved by his enemies after being physically tortured.
* Tain from The Immortals series (Joy Nash, Robin T. Popp, etc.) – The Redeeming
Poor Tain was lured away from his brothers by a demon and tortured physically and mentally for 700 years. Can you imagine? I’d go a little nuts too.
*Zsadist from J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series – Lover Awakened
He was a blood slave to a sadistic bitch vamp for a long time (sorry, can’t remember the exact time frame) but it messed him up mentally and he bore the physical scars from his experience.
*Richard and Asher form Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series
Poor, dear Richard is mentally tortured by his indecisions when it comes to Anita. He can’t fight his desires/needs/connect to her, but also can’t seem to fully embrace his true self. Every book wears me out as much as it does Anita *sigh*.
Asher bears the physical scars of his past capture and torture when vampires weren’t well looked upon.
*Daegus MacKeltar from Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander series – The Dark Highlander
Daegus houses the 13 evil Druids inside of him, which he accepted to save his twin brother’s life. Okay, I have trouble with just my own brain inside my head, let along 13 others, lol.
*Ken Norton from Christine Feehan’s Game series – Deadly Game
Ken has both physical scars all over his body from being captured and tortured, and of course some mental difficulties from the experience.
*Reyes (Keeper of Pain) from Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series – Darkest Pleasure
Yes, all the LoU warriors are tortured because they each hold an evil deity inside of them, but Reyes was the one that really touched my heart so far. I’ve never seen the need to cut so strong, or to inflict pain upon oneself so powerful.
*The Paladins in Alexis Morgan’s Paladin series
Can you imagine being killed over and over and being brought back time and time again in order to protect the world? I’ll admit to needing to catch up on this series, but the first 3 books I read, each hero was equally tortured with their dilemma that they faced at being a Paladin.
*Acheron in Sherryl Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series
Last, but certainly not least, is Ash. That man *drool* is the ultimate tortured hero. If you haven’t read this book…it’s a MUST! It actually had me in tears several times and talk about yelling and muttering at the pages. Never done so much with another book.
I’ve found a website with more tortured heroes in a variety of genres if you’d like to see more. www.torturedheros.com
Who are your favorite tortured heroes? Why do you love them?
Do not wait for change. Do what you can now.
I, myself, am learning to write more tortured characters and loving it!
But why do we (or I) love them? They usually start out the story as brooding, filled with attitude, and generally complete asses. But isn’t that what makes them interesting? Or maybe it’s the way they change as the plot goes along and they meet the heroine (or hero if you’re reading a m/m book). The change, from my perspective, is huge if the story is done correctly and not rushed.
However, there are other things that draw my attention to these poor characters. Whether they go through physical torture (my fave) or mental torture…or even both, the hero has an incredible strength to survive. Yes, they are many times imperfect and have crutches, like drugs, alcohol, or sex *hmmm, that one may not be so bad –wink *.
But these men have overcome adversity and survived, stronger even. Also, once they meet their “light” to their “dark” (is that from Christine Feehan’s Dark series?), they become very protective over what is “theirs”. The best part is that they find redemption in one form or another by the end of them book.
I like to think there are men outside of romance novels that carry many of those traits. I know my own DH says that I brought light to his world. That I’ve helped him become a better man. Does a crappy first marriage count for mental torture? So, see, I have hope that there are some really good men out in the world. Unfortunately, they are sometimes hard to find.
Okay, I’ve babbled more than most of my blog posts, but I thought I’d end with a list of some of my favorite tortured heroes – in no particular order.
Remember, I’m a series-ho so they are all from series that I’ve read through the years.
* Jacques from Christine Feehan’s Dark series – Dark Desire
He was locked away and starved by his enemies after being physically tortured.
* Tain from The Immortals series (Joy Nash, Robin T. Popp, etc.) – The Redeeming
Poor Tain was lured away from his brothers by a demon and tortured physically and mentally for 700 years. Can you imagine? I’d go a little nuts too.
*Zsadist from J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series – Lover Awakened
He was a blood slave to a sadistic bitch vamp for a long time (sorry, can’t remember the exact time frame) but it messed him up mentally and he bore the physical scars from his experience.
*Richard and Asher form Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series
Poor, dear Richard is mentally tortured by his indecisions when it comes to Anita. He can’t fight his desires/needs/connect to her, but also can’t seem to fully embrace his true self. Every book wears me out as much as it does Anita *sigh*.
Asher bears the physical scars of his past capture and torture when vampires weren’t well looked upon.
*Daegus MacKeltar from Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander series – The Dark Highlander
Daegus houses the 13 evil Druids inside of him, which he accepted to save his twin brother’s life. Okay, I have trouble with just my own brain inside my head, let along 13 others, lol.
*Ken Norton from Christine Feehan’s Game series – Deadly Game
Ken has both physical scars all over his body from being captured and tortured, and of course some mental difficulties from the experience.
*Reyes (Keeper of Pain) from Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series – Darkest Pleasure
Yes, all the LoU warriors are tortured because they each hold an evil deity inside of them, but Reyes was the one that really touched my heart so far. I’ve never seen the need to cut so strong, or to inflict pain upon oneself so powerful.
*The Paladins in Alexis Morgan’s Paladin series
Can you imagine being killed over and over and being brought back time and time again in order to protect the world? I’ll admit to needing to catch up on this series, but the first 3 books I read, each hero was equally tortured with their dilemma that they faced at being a Paladin.
*Acheron in Sherryl Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series
Last, but certainly not least, is Ash. That man *drool* is the ultimate tortured hero. If you haven’t read this book…it’s a MUST! It actually had me in tears several times and talk about yelling and muttering at the pages. Never done so much with another book.
I’ve found a website with more tortured heroes in a variety of genres if you’d like to see more. www.torturedheros.com
Who are your favorite tortured heroes? Why do you love them?
Do not wait for change. Do what you can now.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tantalizing Tuesday
Do you think he needs help with that sunscreen?
Well, I'm off to Miami for a few days to take the boys to the zoo and to soak up some sun by a pool. Hope you all have a great week.
Prioritize and focus on the most important.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Treva Harte & Loose-Id in the Washington Post!
I had the great pleasure of having lunch one day with Treva Harte (who is one of the quad that owns Loose-id, so that makes her my boss *g* ) while we were at RT this year in Orlando. I found her very down to earth, friendly, and enjoyed the time to get to know her. Though I haven't met the other three of the owners in person, they've always been great about getting back and answering any questions I have. Which is why I love being with Loose-id so much...they have awesome people working there. ^-^
Anyway...The Washington Post had a great article about Treva and Loose-id. Take a moment and check it out.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/26/AR2009062602163.html
Anyway...The Washington Post had a great article about Treva and Loose-id. Take a moment and check it out.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/26/AR2009062602163.html
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tantalizing Tuesday
Intense, huh? *drool*The way of progress is neither swift nor easy. ~ Marie Curie (It is worth greater determination)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tantalizing Tuesday
Feeling a bit kinky today - oh, to have him at my mercy. *drool*
The way of progress is neither swift nor easy. ~ Marie Curie (It is worth greater determination.)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
What are you reading Wednesday!
Well, I was going to wait a week or so before doing another one of these, because I'm not always able to read a lot. However, this past week, I've been a reading fiend! Okay, I haven't read like 10 books or anything, but I've read more than usual as of late.
I'm still reading Vol 1 of Night World. I'm one of those people that can read 3 or 4 books at a time and still remember and keep track of what's going on in each one. I'm what I call a mood-reader. If something kind of slows for me or drops my interest, I move on to one of my other books. I guess I was in the mood for a bit more sex than a YA can give me, so I picked up my e-reader.
I'd gobbled down the first 3 books of the Immortal series (written by Jennifer Ashley, Robin T Popp, & Joy Nash) and had started the 4th book, but got distracted by completing my own book, edits, and everyday life stuff and other responsibilities.
The Gathering (about Hunter *drool*) hooked me right back in. I LOVED it - and Hunter, of course. However, I noticed that what really kept me intrigued with these books was the 5th Immortal Brother - Tain.
Did I ever tell everyone that I'm a series-whore?!? I absolutely adore series and HAVE to read them from the first book, preferably in order.
Well, back to Tain... Once I completed the 4th book, I just had to start #5 (The Redeeming) because that's the book about Tain. It took me a day to read it!!!
Ok, I'm such a sucker for a truly tortured Hero. While reading this book, it hit me that all my favorite books were where the hero had been physically tortured. But I've decided to do a blog post all its own on tortured heroes later this weekend. ^-^
I have book 6, 7, & 8 (I think) sitting here on my laptop, but I've decided to take a little break from that world.
So, I'm now reading Kidnapped for Christmas by Evangeline Anderson. If you've never read one of her books, go get one! She writes both m/f and m/m books. The Assignment (from Loose-Id) was the first e-book I ever read and inspired me to actually write and submit my own stories. :) I've got several of her latest releases, so I'll probably try to get some of them read.
I'm also toying with the idea of starting Pleasure Bound by Larissa Ione. I've got all 3 books to her Demonica series. (See, told you I was a series-whore LOL). I'm going out of town tomorrow for a couple of days for some sun and the beach and since I'm not one for salt water and more of a sunbather, I like to read. And I jut can't stand the thought of sand in my e-reader, so paperback will have to do ;)
So what are you reading this week??
Now, I'm off to finish edits to Never Too Late.
I'm still reading Vol 1 of Night World. I'm one of those people that can read 3 or 4 books at a time and still remember and keep track of what's going on in each one. I'm what I call a mood-reader. If something kind of slows for me or drops my interest, I move on to one of my other books. I guess I was in the mood for a bit more sex than a YA can give me, so I picked up my e-reader.
I'd gobbled down the first 3 books of the Immortal series (written by Jennifer Ashley, Robin T Popp, & Joy Nash) and had started the 4th book, but got distracted by completing my own book, edits, and everyday life stuff and other responsibilities.
The Gathering (about Hunter *drool*) hooked me right back in. I LOVED it - and Hunter, of course. However, I noticed that what really kept me intrigued with these books was the 5th Immortal Brother - Tain.
Did I ever tell everyone that I'm a series-whore?!? I absolutely adore series and HAVE to read them from the first book, preferably in order.
Well, back to Tain... Once I completed the 4th book, I just had to start #5 (The Redeeming) because that's the book about Tain. It took me a day to read it!!!
Ok, I'm such a sucker for a truly tortured Hero. While reading this book, it hit me that all my favorite books were where the hero had been physically tortured. But I've decided to do a blog post all its own on tortured heroes later this weekend. ^-^
I have book 6, 7, & 8 (I think) sitting here on my laptop, but I've decided to take a little break from that world.
So, I'm now reading Kidnapped for Christmas by Evangeline Anderson. If you've never read one of her books, go get one! She writes both m/f and m/m books. The Assignment (from Loose-Id) was the first e-book I ever read and inspired me to actually write and submit my own stories. :) I've got several of her latest releases, so I'll probably try to get some of them read.
I'm also toying with the idea of starting Pleasure Bound by Larissa Ione. I've got all 3 books to her Demonica series. (See, told you I was a series-whore LOL). I'm going out of town tomorrow for a couple of days for some sun and the beach and since I'm not one for salt water and more of a sunbather, I like to read. And I jut can't stand the thought of sand in my e-reader, so paperback will have to do ;)
So what are you reading this week??
Now, I'm off to finish edits to Never Too Late.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Friday, June 05, 2009
Fantasy Friday
Have a great weekend! And let's all follow the proverb below ^-^
A short rest is always good. ~ Danish Proverb (A break could benefit.)
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
What are you reading Wednesday!
Thinking of trying to generate some chatter so I thought I'd try an occassional "What are you reading?"
So tell me...what are you reading? It can be print or e-book. Romance or non-fiction. No matter to me and of course I'm always on the look out for good books to buy. ^-^
I personally just finished Michele Bardsley "I'm the Vampire, That's Why." This was the first of thise series that I read by her and I really enjoyed it. It had all sorts of conflict/drama and stuff happening all the time, not to mention great attraction between the two main characters. I really can't wait to read the rest of the series now.
Now, I've started Vol. 1 of the Night World series by LJ Smith. It's a YA paranormal book that includes 3 of her stories. I think there's a total of 3 books with 3 stories each. *shrug* I'm on the first story and so far it's not bad. Never read anything by her before, so it's a "new" author for me. :)
Are you reading anything interesting??? Enquiring minds want to know ;)
So tell me...what are you reading? It can be print or e-book. Romance or non-fiction. No matter to me and of course I'm always on the look out for good books to buy. ^-^
I personally just finished Michele Bardsley "I'm the Vampire, That's Why." This was the first of thise series that I read by her and I really enjoyed it. It had all sorts of conflict/drama and stuff happening all the time, not to mention great attraction between the two main characters. I really can't wait to read the rest of the series now.
Now, I've started Vol. 1 of the Night World series by LJ Smith. It's a YA paranormal book that includes 3 of her stories. I think there's a total of 3 books with 3 stories each. *shrug* I'm on the first story and so far it's not bad. Never read anything by her before, so it's a "new" author for me. :)
Are you reading anything interesting??? Enquiring minds want to know ;)
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Tantalizing Tuesday
Blogger is wigging out on me, deleting the post I made today with one I have scheduled for the 9th. *eek* Let's see if this one works *sigh*
One must have courage to dare. ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky (To realize, be bold.)
Friday, May 29, 2009
Fantasy Friday
Happy Friday!Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tantalizing Tuesday
Advanced blog posts saved my visitors from having to come and see no posts the past couple of weeks as my laptop crashed and I struggled to get everything back going again. I learned an important lesson of printing out stuff more and to save all my files (on my external hard drive) at least once a week rather than once a month or so. :( Still picking up some pieces here and there, so the updates to the blog and my site will have to wait until next week *sigh* But not a lot of news going on. Just working edits for Never Too Late and trying to get my muse back in gear.Have a wonderful week!
Oh, and can someone send me one of those above for some stress relief? ;)
Keep things in perspective.
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