by Julie Kagawa, author of THE IRON DAUGHTER (book 2 of The Iron Fey series, August 2010)

Second books in a trilogy have gotten a bad rap.

The first book opens with a bang, introducing the characters, the world, and the problems the hero/heroine will have to overcome to triumph in the end.  The first book has to grab the readers and not let them go.  The third book is the climax, where everything finally comes together, the last battle or final confrontation, where the characters go off into the sunset of their Happily Ever Afters, or however the series may end.

That leaves the second book, the book that has to bridge the gap between the two, the book that, if not handled well, can sag, droop, or drag in the middle.  This isn’t to say all second books are droopy or slow (The Two Towers was just as thrilling as the other books in the trilogy, and lets not forget the most famous second movie of all time: “Luke, I am your father.”), but it’s happened often enough that a phrase called: “Slow Second Book Syndrome” has popped up on several review sites.

So, when I started The Iron Daughter, book duos of the Iron Fey trilogy, my first thought was how I could avoid the dreaded “slow second book” syndrome and write a sequel that could stand up to The Iron King.  Just as in the first book, Meghan and company have a clear goal and a villain to defeat before the end, but this time around, the stakes are higher, and the hints of romance in The Iron King have twisted into heartbreak.  Meghan struggles with her feelings, with rejection and a broken heart, and the love triangle between her, Ash, and Puck intensifies.  All the while, she must figure out a way to defeat the newest evil in her life, deal with the appearance of someone from her past, and stop a war between two powerful faery courts.  And this time, the choices she makes will not only affect her, but everyone around her as well.

Heartbreak, impossible choices, and a talking cat.  Book two of the Iron Fey, The Iron Daughter, releases this August, and will (hopefully) put the Slow Second Book syndrome to rest.

Julie Kagawa

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by Alexis Morgan, author of Vampire Vendetta (Silhouette Nocturne, May 2010)

I’m really glad to be back visiting here at the Paranormal Romance Blog today.  The timing is perfect because I’m celebrating the release of my very first full-length vampire story, Vampire Vendetta, from Silhouette Nocturne.  I’ve been a fan of the fang, to borrow an expression from Eric Northman, for a long time.  Starting with Barnabas on Dark Shadows, some of my favorite characters  have always been vampires.  As a reader, I find it fascinating that in the mythology of vampires, their image has gradually evolved from a evil killer to a noble warrior, and from a seductive monster to a heroic lover.

When I decided to try my hand at creating my very own vampire world, I had to think long and hard what it was about one of the most iconic of paranormal characters that keeps readers coming back for more.  I can only speak for myself, but I have to think that most of us are drawn to the same things.

To begin with, I love alpha heroes, and no one is more alpha than a powerful vampire.  Regardless of whose fictional world he lives in, he’s likely to be taller, stronger, faster, and far more experienced than your average human male, not to mention better looking.  What woman wouldn’t want all that intensity focused just on her?

I’m drawn to stories that hover at the boundary of darkness and light.  That sharp edge provides the perfect environment for a vampire hero, who is more at home in the deepest of shadows than in the stark light of day.  Add a heroine who brightens his dark life perhaps for the first time in centuries, and you’ve got my attention.  Even though he can never leave that darkness behind completely, she will stand beside him forever.

Every vampire series is different, and I love the endless variety.   Sometimes the vampires live among humans in secret; other times they make their presence felt throughout society.   There are vamps who are made and vamps who are a separate species.  Ones who shun the sun, and others who have adapted and can walk in the day.  Each new series I read is a journey of discovery to see what the author has done to make her world unique.

I love the idea of a powerful vampire warrior who has sacrificed his life to protect the lives and secrets of his people.  His duty and sense of honor demands that he hold himself apart, reluctant to trust anyone other than a select few friends who have slipped past his guard.   A lonely life, to be sure, but a necessary one.   Then he meets that one woman who speaks to his heart and heals his soul.   Yeah, gotta love that.

Finally, there is the seductive appeal of a big, powerful hero armed with a lethal set of fangs and incredible strength who is brought to his knees by his love for that one special woman.  And she knows—absolutely knows—that he will use that strength to protect her, to cherish her, and never against her.

So those are my thoughts on why our fanged friends are here to stay.  Care to share any of your own?

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, have the answer: Come over to the dark side… We have cookies alphas! Rhyannon wants to know YOUR answer — for a chance win 2 signed books from her Primal Instinct series!

by Rhyannon Byrd, author of Touch of Seduction and Touch of Surrender (HQN Books, April 2010 & May 2010)

My daughter saw this slogan printed on a T-shirt the other day, and I thought it was so great that I had to use it in one of my upcoming books. The slogan not only cracked me up, but it made me start thinking about the paranormal romance genre, since it’s often considered the “darker side” of romance. But what is it about these deliciously dark paranormals that we love so much? Paranormal romance has become a vastly popular genre, and there has to be a reason, right? That certain “something” that makes a reader reach for one of these sinfully seductive titles…and then keeps them coming back for more. So I’ve been thinking a lot about what that “something” might be….

In my own experience, both as a reader and as an author, that “something” would have to be the genre’s devastatingly sexy, irresistible alpha heroes. I have two new releases out this spring with HQN, and one of the things I love most about these books is that they both feature paranormal bad boys—one a tiger-shifter…the other a Lycan—and I’m thrilled to say that these guys are two of the most wicked, provocative heroes I’ve ever written. Not to mention incredibly alpha…and protective…and utterly devoted to their women, which means I can’t help but be crazy about them.

Of course, there’s so much more to paranormal romance than just its wonderful heroes. In fact, there’s a whole range of “somethings” that can draw a reader in, from the genre’s rich world building and its scorching sensuality, to its often kickass heroines and edge-of-your-seat danger and suspense. But then, that’s what makes this genre so compelling! There are so many gripping, fascinating aspects of a paranormal story that can completely hook a reader, luring them into the shadows….

Tomorrow is the official release of TOUCH OF SURRENDER, the 5^th book in my Primal Instinct series, and I’m so excited!! Nervous, too, as I always am before release day, but I’m really looking forward to sharing Kierland and Morgan’s story with you guys. So, to celebrate, I’ll be giving away a signed set of my two new releases, TOUCH OF SEDUCTION and TOUCH OF SURRENDER, today! All you have to do to be eligible to win is post a comment about what draws YOU to paranormal romance. To make it fun, I thought we could create our own “dark side” T-shirt slogans by replacing the second part of the slogan with whatever it is we love most about this fascinating genre. For example, my T-shirt might read:

Come over to the dark side… We have wicked, mouthwatering alphas!

So now let’s hear yours! I’ll choose one winner from all the names who complete this slogan…

Come over to the dark side… We have _____________________!

And if you haven’t come over to the dark side of paranormal romance yet, then give it a try! There’s a whole world of captivating characters and breathtaking love stories just waiting to tempt you into the darkness.

Wishing you all the very best!

Rhy

Note: contest is now closed. Dawn was the lucky winner! Dawn, please see Rhyannon’s comment on how to contact her to claim your prize.

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Attention paranormal romance fans! (uh, that’s why you’re reading this blog right?) Vampires and werewolves have been popping up in the media all this week. (Could it be because a little movie called New Moon that came out this weekend? ). Take a look at these two articles that debate the question over which paranormal hero takes the cake:

First up, CNN.com posted a piece today called “Vampire romance novels suck in readers”. Authors like Heather Graham and J.R. Ward as well as romance bloggers comment on what they love about these books.

Last week, Toronto newspaper The Globe and Mail ran the article “Fur v. fang: Why werewolves are sexier than vampires“. Among the reasons noted for the attraction to werewolves: they’re protectors, bad-boys, reflect man’s inner beast, and are primaly sexy. Among the authors quoted is Silhouette Nocturne’s Michele Hauf.

The Globe is also an intriguing list of actors the writer visualizes as werewolves or vampires. For example, Johnny Depp fits on the vamp side, while Gerard Butler (right) is a were.

So where do your loyalties lie–vamps or weres? And which other celebs would you categorize as in each creature camp?

by Stephanie Draven, author of Midnight Medusa and Wild, Tethered, Bound

What elements of paranormal romance do you wish were real?

Alright, I’m just going to come out and admit it–I’m not altogether turned on by the undead. Oh, vampires have a sophistication that pull me under their fictional sway, but in real life, I prefer a lover with a heartbeat. I guess that also rules out ghosts and zombies. And I don’t mind being nibbled on, but if werewolves were real, I’d be a little nervous about those fangs. And the whole peeing on things to mark territory could really spoil the mood.

I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t want an Angel or a Demon as a lover because I like to be the center of attention, and those creatures are likely to have much higher (or lower) cosmic priorities than spoiling me rotten. Witches, wizards and magic users might put me at a serious disadvantage. How would I know if I was really turned on or just under a powerful spell?

My stories for Silhouette Nocturne have all featured ancient gods and monsters of Greek mythology, and I suppose in some sense I do believe that they’re real. Our oldest stories are a manifestation of archetypes. It’s not that Ares actually walks the earth–but as a representation of mankind’s most brutal and warlike nature, his influence seems ever present in today’s world. And while I’ve never met an actual gorgon like my heroine in Midnight Medusa, I’ve certainly seen the power of righteous feminine rage. For example, my modern day gorgon, Renata, was able to turn war criminals into statues by virtue of her sculpting, but more recently I had an odd little gorgon-like experience of my own.

One of the villains in my first full-length novel for Silhouette Nocturne was inspired by Congolese General Laurent Nkunda. I had no sooner finished typing out a (now deleted) scene in my book where this villain was arrested than I got a Google Alert telling me that the rebel leader had just been arrested in real life! Coincidence? I think not!

I think I need a nice snake wig for Halloween…what’s your costume going to be?

~Stephanie

Two articles hit the news this week all about vampires — and it’s not even Halloween!

First, Entertainment Weekly has devoted the cover of their latest issue to the “20 Greatest Vampires of all Time”, with Robert Pattinson of the Twilight films and Stephen Moyer from True Blood gracing the cover in all their fang-y glory. EW has posted a glimpse of what’s inside on their website, including interviews with vampire-themed book authors Stephenie Meyer, Laurell K. Hamilton, and Anne Rice.

They also have a gallery of 27 Hot TV/Movie Vampires (13 women, and 14 men), from classics like The Lost Boys to the upcoming TV show The Vampire Diaries.

Then, the New York Times has an Op-Ed “Why Vampires Never Die” by Guillermo del Toro (best known for directing movies like Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy) and Chuck Hogan, who co-authored The Strain about vampires in New York City. My favourite quote: “the vampire transforms our vile, mortal selves into the gold of eternal youth, and instills in us something that every social construct seeks to quash: primal lust.”

Both these articles agree that vampires are HOT — meaning both trendy and sexy. But they also ask the question who “started” the vampire genre. Who do you think can best claim the title as the originator of the modern vampire genre? Or can any one person really say they’ve started the vampire craze?

No Holds Barred
Speakers: J.R. Ward and Jessica Andersen
Join #1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward and nationally bestselling author Jessica Andersen for a candid, no holds barred Q & A about everything and anything. Get their takes on how to make it in paranormal romance, the value of critique partnering, the business and the craft of writing– bring your questions and let’s see where they take us!

Our Favorite Flavors: What it Takes to Succeed in Some of Today’s Most Popular Romance Subgenres
Speakers: Allison Brennan, Gaelen Foley, Holly Jacobs, and Gena Showalter
Four best-selling authors from four different subgenres present an engaging side-by-side comparison of how they handle the fundamentals in their specific fields. Hear these rising stars discuss how they handle those items common to all romances and the challenges inherent in each subgenre.

Hot Vampires, Demon Slayers, and Enchantresses: the Many Flavors of Fantasy
Speakers: Pati Nagle and Mary Jo Putney
Best-selling, RWA Honor Roll author Mary Jo Putney and fantasy author Pati Nagle discuss the varieties and core fantasies of paranormal romance.

How Not to Suck
Speakers: Christine Warren and Hannah Murray
Are you walking the path to success, or fighting your cement shoes? NYT and USA Today best-selling paranormal author Christine Warren and contemporary romance author Hannah Murray share tales of their own missteps to help you know the difference.

Mastering Your Domain: Research and Development of the Paranormal World
Speakers: Alyssa Day, Stephanie Julian, and Melissa Mayhue
Three paranormal writers and admitted research geeks will show you where to look and what to look for when blending folklore and mythology with modern genre fiction for extraordinary world-building.

Paranormals: Writing Outside the Box
Speakers: Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost, Melissa Marr, and Erika Tsang
Three New York Times best-selling authors and an Avon executive editor discuss the burgeoning urban fantasy/paranormal romance market for both adults and young adults.

Are you attending RWA this year? What other topics do you wish you could ask published paranormal romance authors or editors?

by Susan Krinard, author of Lord of Legends, Lord of the Beasts, Come the Night, and Dark of the Moon

I’ve been a fan of shapeshifter stories for as long as I can remember. When I was much younger, I was fascinated by the Cheysuli novels of Jennifer Roberson and other fantasy stories about men and women who could change shape into wolves, cats, seals and horses. I was drawn to the notion of attaining the strength, grace and instincts of such animals, the secrets to be revealed in the act of leaving humanity behind. The intrinsic danger in a shapeshifter protagonist, torn between two lives and two worlds, between instinct and intellect, always seemed the perfect basis for a dramatic story.

When I began writing,  shapeshifters simply didn’t appear in romance novels. During the first flush of  paranormal romances in the early 90’s, there might have been a handful of such characters, and when they did appear, they were generally cursed and tragic figures.

In 1993, I began to write my first romance novel, which later became Prince of Wolves. At the time I’d read little romance, and didn’t really know what was or was not commercial, so I set out to write what interested me: shapeshifters, werewolves in particular. Because of my background as a SF/Fantasy reader, I wasn’t interested in curses. I wanted my werewolf protagonist to be in charge of his shapechanging and to revel in his dual nature. No silver bullets, no painful transformation with the rise of the full moon.

I think I might have been the first romance writer to present such a hero; when paranormal went out of fashion again, I was still one of the few writing shapeshifter characters. It wasn’t until the most recent blossoming of paranormal romance that others authors began to explore the theme, to the point that non-cursed werewolves are now very common romance heroes and heroines.

Constantly looking for new ways to approach the ideas that interest me, I considered what I might do next. There are only so many plausible animal subjects: many authors had tried various types of cats, and some had done selkies (seals). I wasn’t sure about  horses (at least in romance; there have been several good ones written by SF/fantasy writers, such as The Grey Horse by R.A. MacAvoy.)  But the idea of shapeshifting equines gave me another idea: what about unicorns?

This wasn’t as much of a stretch as it sounds. I’d decided a few years ago that I’d like to explore some of the “faerie” myths of the British Isles. After a bit of research, I developed the “Fane” … the Fair Folk of Celtic legend, also known as the Sidhe (pronounced “shee”.)  Though most faerie lore shrinks the Fair Folk to a diminutive size, I decided to go back to the old Irish legends that paint the Sidhe as resembling humans in stature. I placed my Fane in the Land of the Young, Tir-na-Nog, a plane where life is eternal and beauty commonplace.

Like most Faerie folk, the Fane are not always kind to mortals. In fact, my Fane tend toward selfishness, arrogance, and disdain for humankind. There are exceptions, of course: my hero Hern in The Forest Lord, for one. And their half-human children, like Donal in Lord of the Beasts, are often torn between the magical Fane world and troubled earth, between immortality and love.

What better home for unicorns, I reasoned, than Tir-na-nog? What if their king was exiled from the eternal realm and forced to take human shape in a world that had once exterminated his kind?

In Lord of Legends, Arion, the unicorn king, begins by despising the human domain to which he’s been condemned, a helpless prisoner of the mortal lord who longs to hunt him as the rarest of game.  But his arrogant heart is slowly awakened by the woman who saves him, Mariah Marron, the  new but untouched bride of the Earl of Donnington. He’ll have to decide if he can sacrifice his true nature-even his very life-for the sake of the woman he’s coming to love, or abandon her to her own imprisonment. And Mariah will have to make the same choice between captivity, her hidden Fane nature, and her love for the man she calls Ash.

Writing about unicorns is always fun. So is writing about werewolves, and I expect I’ll keep doing it as long as they’ll let me.

—–

Lord of Legends in stores now in print format. Use the Book Browse feature below to read the first chapter!

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You can also check out this special Enriched Edition eBook which contains bonus appendices by Susan Krinard on the mythology behind Lord of Legends and hyperlinks in the text (if you’re reading on a web-enabled device like a computer) to more information about historical and mythological terms.

Today’s post is by yours truly — called There’s Something “Were” for Everyone. It’s about the great variety of “were” creatures and stories out there, so even if you don’t like werewolves there’s bound to be a shapeshifter that’s more your speed.
~Amy

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Moonstruck by Susan Grant

Peace was for little girls

And Coalition starship admiral Brit Bandar was one tough woman. A mere intergalactic treaty could never get her to trust the Drakken Horde. There was too much bad blood between the Coalition and the Horde and, for intensely personal reasons, Brit wasn’t sure that she was through spilling it! But now a peaceful accord had made Finn Rorkken, a notorious Drakken rogue, second in command on her starship, and–through some grand cosmic irony–front and center in her thoughts…and her heart.

Warleader. Pirate.

Either title sat easily on Finn’s battle-hardened shoulders. Though second in command to “Stone-Heart” Bandar? That one would take some getting used to. Peace required as much sacrifice as war so he’d comply even if his reaction to the gorgeous admiral fell decidedly outside protocol. But would he end up kissing or killing her if the galaxy’s tentative truce turned into all-out war?

The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter

His powers–inhuman

His passion–beyond immortal

All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she’ll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member–a man trapped in a hell of his own.

Neither can resist the instant hunger that calms their torments…and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction–and a soul-shattering test of love….

The Healer by Sharon Sala

All his life, Jonah Gray Wolf has had an uncanny connection to animals and the power to heal the sick and wounded. Driven from the only home he’s ever known by those who wish to harness his gift for profit, he becomes a drifter, working in out-of-the-way towns, never staying long. It’s a lonely life, but Jonah knows he’s still being hunted–he can’t afford to get close to anyone who might learn his secret.

In West Virginia he finds Luce, a tough but beautiful loner who knows all about keeping people at a distance–a kindred soul with whom he might dare to make a life. But the hunters have caught Jonah’s scent again. Danger is coming to their mountain refuge–a confrontation that will be decided only by a force of nature.

Other nominees in this category are:

• Dragon Wytch by Yasmine Galenorn (Berkley)
• Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh (Berkley Sensation)
• Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwen Cready (Pocket)
• The Undead Next Door by Kerrelyn Sparks (Avon Books)
• Thunder Moon by Lori Handeland (St. Martin’s Press)

The full list of all category and nominees can be found here on the RWA website.

Which book are you pulling for to take home the prize? Are there any books left off that you would name the best paranormal romance of 2008?