Thursday, May 5, 2011

Making Out Like A Bandit (In More Ways Than One!)

An guest blog by Virna DePaul with Tawny Weber

Thank you so much to my friend Tawny Weber and all the Romance Bandits for having me here today. With my first debut novel, Chosen By Blood (A Para-Ops Novel) having just released, you can bet I’ve been doing a lot of promotion, and that includes a lot of blog writing. That’s why I hope you’ll indulge me as I do a post that’s a little different, just for fun.


10 Things I Love About The Hero Of My Debut Novel:

  1. His name. Knox Devereaux. As sexy, sophisticated, and complex as he is…
  1. His body. Actually, both of his bodies. His “normal” one, and the one it transforms into when he’s impassioned (by blood lust or just plain lust).

“Beneath his loose clothing, his muscles hardened and swelled. Knox grew taller, broader, not enough to rip his clothes but enough to make them strain their seams. He felt his fangs lengthen and knew from the sound of Lucy’s gasp that his eyes had shifted from silver to a demonic, glowing scarlet. Control slithered away and a primal growl vibrated in his throat.”

  1. His loyalty to his clan.
  1. His love for his family.
  1. He’s a vampire.
  1. His passion for the heroine.

“’There is no us,’ Felicia said sadly.

‘I refuse to accept that.

‘You desire me now, but you’re right—I have limited years on Earth. I need to live those years honoring what I believe. I don’t believe in—in what you’re asking me for. Besides,’ she reasoned desperately, ‘I’m just a passing fancy. When I’m gone, you’ll be glad—’

‘No.’ He growled and pulled her into his arms. She saw the terror that flashed in his eyes. ‘No.’ Before she could stop him, his mouth took hers. And it was exactly as she’d feared it would be.

Devastating.

His mouth took but it also gave. It plundered even as it cherished. His tongue rubbed hers, then retreated, mimicking a different dance and causing the music to swell even louder, until it obliterated everything but the moment.

It was heaven. The kind of heaven one only dreams about, especially when her life has been filled with fear and uncertainty and pain. The kind of heaven that a mortal can’t have.

She wrenched away and backed up, wiping her hand against her lips.

He was breathing roughly, his expression almost desperate. ‘You can’t run from this forever, Felicia.’”

  1. His sense of humor.
  1. He’s a bad ass.

“Knox returned his attention to Hunt, who not only met his stare head-on, but jerked his chin in challenge. ‘Might as well get it over with now,’ Hunt drawled.

Laughter, a sinister, chilling sound, tickled Knox’s throat.

Oh yeah, he thought.

Things were going to get a whole lot more fun before the day was through.

Knox took three lightning-quick steps toward Hunt, then froze. His nostrils flared as he caught her scent. A second later, he saw the woman standing just behind Hunt.

Felicia. What was she doing—

Before he could complete the thought, a heavy weight slammed into his chest, knocking the air out of him and propelling him off his feet. He didn’t stop until his body slammed into a wall on the other side of the room. Knox hit the ground. Stunned, but immediately moving into a crouch, he blinked as dust and plaster rained down on him, momentarily obstructing his vision. When it cleared, he saw Felicia wrestling with the

werebeast. And then he saw the werebeast shove her down.

With an enraged shout, Knox teleported so fast he caught her before impact. He lowered her, gently but swiftly, then almost instantly wrapped his fingers around Dex Hunt’s throat. Imagining that Hunt’s throat was an aluminum can, Knox squeezed.

Only one thought remained.

Kill the bastard who’d touched Felicia.”

  1. His love for his father, the same father that was branded a traitor for telling humans how to kill vampires:
  1. Uh, he’s a (Hot) VAMPIRE:

“Felicia grabbed his hand. It was dark out, almost too dark for him to see her, but she wasted no time in cupping her hand around his neck and pulling his head toward her. Not to her lips but to her neck.

‘Drink from me… I feel fine, Knox. I promise.’

He swallowed hard. Felt his mouth watering. “I’ll drink just a little. Just enough to . . .” Without another word, he gave in…Her taste filled his mouth, then his throat, then spread to every part of him…He felt the urge to suck her dry, to drink and drink and drink until every last drop of her was inside him...

Still, he forced himself to slow down, to suck softer, to pull back slightly. He felt his renewed strength, even with the small amount of blood she’d given him. He didn’t want to take too much—

She pushed his head down deeper, whispering for him to take as much as he wanted, and her full acquiescence was too much to fight. He might not need more of her blood, but he wanted it.

He gave himself over to his hunger. Planting his hands on her hips, he rubbed his body against her as he drew on her vein in long, languorous pulls. He lifted his hands to her breasts, cupping them. He felt the strong urge to leave her vein so that he could suck at her nipples.

That’s when he knew he would always be drawn to Felicia for who she was and not what she could give him.

He would always want her more than he wanted her blood.”

Virna DePaul is a former criminal prosecutor whose debut mass market paranormal romantic suspense novel, Chosen By Blood (Book 1 in the Para-Ops series), comes out May 3, 2011 by Berkley Books. In addition, Virna writes contemporary romantic suspense for Harlequin Romantic Suspense (Dangerous To Her, September 2011) and HQN (new series launching April 2012). Virna has also self-published several novels, including "A Vampire's Salvation," "This Magic Moment," and the "Red-Hot Cops" series under the name Ava Meyers. Visit her at www.virnadepaul.com.

Virna is giving away a Para-Ops tote filled chocolate, a Para-Ops mug, sunglasses, and my e-books, A Vampire’s Salvation, a paranormal vampire novella, This Magic Moment, a contemporary romance, and my craft book with Tawny Weber, Love Writing: A Guide To Writing and Getting Your Romance Novel Published (Without Losing Your Perspective, Passion Or Sanity).

Blurb of Chosen By Blood:

United by fate. Bound by desire.

Five years after the Second Civil War ends, humans and Otherborn— humanlike creatures with superhuman DNA—still struggle for peace. To ensure the continued rights of both, the FBI forms a Para-Ops team with a unique set of skills.

Leader of an Otherborn clan, half-breed vampire Knox Devereaux would do anything to find a cure for the anti-vamp vaccine slowly starving his people into extinction. When the FBI contacts him about leading a team of hand-selected Others on a mission to reclaim the stolen antidote, Knox accepts. His new assignment places him in direct contact with Special Agent Felicia Locke, the beautiful human he’s craved since their very first meeting.

In bookstores now and available on www.amazon.com!

62 comments:

Donna MacMeans said...

Woohoo - I've got the rooster! It's been a while since he's visited Columbus.

And another Woohoo! for you, Virna! Man, you've been busy. Can't wait for your debut. It's sounds hot!

How do you manage to stay sane with so many books coming out by so many publishers? Wait a minute - I've met you. I think I've answered my own question (grin).

Tawny said...

NIiiiiiiiice job nabbing the rooster, Donna :)

I'm laughing so hard about your comment on our sweet Virna's sanity :-) I was just envying her juggling skills and talent for getting things done, even as I started sagging with exhaustion thinking about everything she manages. The girl is a wonder woman for sure :-)

Tawny said...

Virna, welcome to the Lair :-) I'm ecstatic and thrilled to be celebrating your debut. You're such an amazing writer.

So tell us, what's your favorite thing about this book being out? And how are you celebrating?

Unknown said...

Well done Donna ...enjoy GR

Congratulations on your books ... sounds really good Virna and an interesting blog

Christine Wells said...

Hi Virna! Congratulations on your debut. It sounds terrific! I sat next to you at the Berkley signing last year and had a great time chatting with you.

So...how does a woman go from being a criminal prosecutor to a multipublished writer?

Yay, Donna got the bird!

Sheree said...

congrats on your new release! I love both covers, "Chosen by Blood" and "Chosen by Fate". I like the guy on the former and as for the latter, Jayne Ann Krentz said that a woman in leather sells books so you're covered!

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Wow, loved the blurb. Sounds like a very dangerous man, gotta love dangerous men.

Helen said...

Well done Donna have fun with him

Virna

What a busy Lady and I gotta say this books sounds really good. Love the name Knox and it really seems to suit him

Congrats on the release
Thanks for inviting Virna to meet us today Tawny

Have Fun
Helen

desere_steenberg said...

Hi Virna, Hi Tawny,

Virna I loved the blurb simply delicious I must read more. I am completely in love with your work and your hero yummmmmmmy now that sounds like my kind of para-ops man definitely must make sure to snag him lol!

Thanks for a really fun post and a totaly unbelievable giveaway those prizes sounds divine and so cool!

Take Care
Desere

Beth Andrews said...

Welcome to the lair, Virna! Congratulations on the release of Chosen By Blood - sounds like a fantastic read :-)

We love Call Stories in the lair. Care to share yours?

Anna Sugden said...

Welcome Virna! Congrats on your debut - sounds like a winner!

Gotta love a bad ass with a sense of humour.

How do you stay so organised with so much going on? Do you write one book at a time or several at once?

Di R said...

Virna~
This sounds fabulous! It's gone to the top of my TBB list.

Di

Unknown said...

Now this sounds like a Yummy book....right up my alley....
Congrats on your debut!!!
Knox does sound like a great hero, I'm going have to go hunt this one down....LOL :0)

petite said...

Congratulations and best wishes. The blurb and excerpt were great. Love those covers.

traveler said...

What a great post. I enjoyed learning about your books and they are winners.

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Welcome to the Lair Virna!

BIG THANX Tawny for inviting her and getting us into her busy schedule. :-)

Can't WAIT to start this series, Virna. I can see it headed for the BIG screen, or even better, the TV nearest me. Who do you think they should cast as Knox?

AC

catslady said...

A bad ass with a sense of humor and a great body - sounds good to me lol. As a child I read horror stories but once I found paranormals I was hooked. I've been hearing really good things about your book - congrats!!

Virna DePaul said...

Donna, you got the Rooster AGAIN? I must be your lucky rooster charm. I still have the pic of us with the rooster at Lori Foster's event last June. Thanks for the Woo-hoo+!! :)

Three of the books I've sold were already fulls, one is a partial. So even though I've revised, I've had time to breathe, too. (Well, if not for all the promo I've been doing... LOL) But I am breathing a sigh of relief that the first book has launched and I can relax a bit now! :)

Hey Tawny. Thanks for having me here. And it takes one WW to recognize another. :D

My favorite thing is all the readers I've gotten to meet who've read my book and loved it. Hearing that is an absolutely dream come true. I'm celebrating with my launch party on Sat and then I'm getting on a plane with my husband for 6 nights in Ireland. Our treat to each other!

Barb, thanks so much!

Hi Christine! Yes, I totally remember how fun and gracious you were/are! Will I get to see you this year in NY? My transition from prosecutor to writer was painfully slow. In other words, I was dissatisfied with law for a long time but it took me awhile to believe I could do something else. I wrote while working for three years, then finally took a leap of faith. I didn't sell for close to a year after that, but the second I left law, I knew it was the right decision. Thanks for stopping by!

Shere, I love both covers, too! LOL on what JAK said. That rocks! I was sorry to miss that event. Take care!

Hi Dianna, men with an edge of danger and tender passion are the BEST!!! Thanks for stopping by.

Helen, thank you so much! I love Knox's name.

Desere, I smile whenever I see your name. Thank you for following me on the 'net and reading my books. It means a lot to me!!

Hi Beth! Thanks for having me here. My Call story was a lot of ups and down and close sales and a huge let down just before I sole (where I had full editorial support and passion for my novel (this series actually) and the marketing dept ultimately declined). But the good news is I later sold the series to Berkley and later sold another series to that first house. I'm so lucky I get to work with such great editors!

Hi Anna, I generally write one book at a time but have several blurbs and partials I might start as well. Organized chaos is what I strive for but haven't quite achieved. I'm just now coming out from beneath the rubble, feeling half-way optimistic that I'll be able to get things somewhat workable. :)

Di R, Thank you! Please let me know what you think of CBB.

BJ, Yay!! I love when anyone describes a book of mine as Yummy. I hope you'll read it and still feel that way. Thank you for commenting!!

Petite, Thanks so much!! I was very lucky with my covers!

Traveler, Thank you! I appreciate that!

Hi Aunt Cindy!!! I would love for the series to be on the big or small screen. As far as actors...I think someone like Eric Bana would be perfect. He can do hot hulk and quiet elegance equally well. :)

I have to head out for a couple of hours but will be checking in soon again. Thanks everyone for the warm welcome!!!

Virna DePaul said...

Thank you Catslady. I've heard people say they've been hearing about my book and that's still incredible to me!! Even better that they're hearing good things. :) I couldn't do it without the support of my family, friends, and writing community. :)

Tawny said...

hi Barb :-)

Virna's book is great! I highly recommend it if you're a fan of paranormal OR RS!!

Tawny said...

Christine :-) I'm so glad you got to know Virna (I sound like she's my own special find, don't I. She's not, but I'm seriously proud of her all the same).

Those legal types make pretty amazing writers, have you noticed?

Tawny said...

Sheree, you are so fab with the cover knowledge! I love her cover-it's so moody and sexy and, well, tingly LOL.

I wonder how much more the books will sell if Virna wears leather, too.

Tawny said...

Dianna, dangerous men are soooo sexy, aren't they? You just never quite know what they'll do.

Tawny said...

Helen, it's my pleasure :-) I'm thrilled to shout the news of her release and can't wait to hear all the accolades she gets. She's seriously talented!

p226 said...

Dianna, dangerous men are soooo sexy, aren't they? You just never quite know what they'll do.

Hm.... unpredictability is sexy?

Well then. This afternoon when I get home from work, I'm going to buy a few thousand marbles and stand on my roof. I'm going to try to drop them into a tin can 40ft below in the driveway. I think I'll wear a speedo and a top hat while I do it.

That'd be pretty unpredictable, right? That'll just drive Mrs. P226 wild with desire for me, no?

Yep. This sounds like a good, solid plan that NO one could have predicted.

I'll be the hottest guy in the neighborhood!

What color speedo says "unpredictable?" Help me out, ladies.

p226 said...

Oh... and Donna... is the GR available about 5PM? Because, the speedo, top hat, and ROOSTER just... well... that's just perfect.

Tawny said...

Hi Desere :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by to celebrate Virna's debut with us. I'm so glad you've already found her work and enjoy it!!

Tawny said...

*waving to Beth* Hey you :-)

Tawny said...

Anna, I love that question. I'm on an mission to get organized right now and want all of Virna's tips :-)

Tawny said...

Hi Di, and thanks for celebrating with us :-)

Tawny said...

LOL BJ - definitely hunt it down... you won't regret it!!

Tawny said...

Petite, they are gorgeous covers, aren't they?!

Tawny said...

Hi Traveler :-) Thanks so much for stopping by to celebrate with us.

Tawny said...

Hey there, AC :-)

You're welcome LOL? It was my pleasure to have Virna visit.

Oooh, I love the idea of a movie based on these books. They have that big factor that would translate well on the screen and would really be super sexy and fun to watch.

Tawny said...

Catslady, there is some fab buzz going about these books.

I was always afraid of horror books as a kid (and as an adult LOL) but I love paranormals.

Tawny said...

Actually, P226, my idea of dangerous unpredictability that's sexy is more along the lines of "will he whisk me off to a remote cabin for a weekend of unbridled passion" or "how far can I push this before he gives in to the wild heat between us" than marbles. Something that's actually in keeping with the context of a romance novel.

But you go for whatever makes you happy :-)

p226 said...

Actually, P226, my idea of dangerous unpredictability that's sexy is more along the lines of "will he whisk me off to a remote cabin for a weekend of unbridled passion" or "how far can I push this before he gives in to the wild heat between us" than marbles. Something that's actually in keeping with the context of a romance novel.

Oh. :(

Darnit. That's a whole different vibe.

But, I can still throw marbles off my roof, right?

So, for curiosity sake... I've always viewed what you describe as "spontaneity." I used to be a pretty spontaneous guy. Well, I still am. But just spontaneous about different things. In fact... one of the things that sealed the deal with Mrs. P226 involves spontaneity. Out of the blue, I said "let's go to the beach." And I really mean "out of the blue." I thought about it for a grand total of seven seconds.

"But I have to work."

"Your job sucks. Quit. Let's go to the beach."

And I'll be damned, she quit and we went to the beach. I figured, "um..... keeper!"

Would that be simple spontaneity, or dangerous unpredictability? (And would the fact that we went to the beach on a motorcycle be a factor?)

This is a curious concept to me, as you can probably see. This is a bit outside the norm of my normal commentary here in the lair.

chey said...

Hi Virna,
Congrats on your debut! It sounds like a fantastic book!

Virna DePaul said...

P226--you're a keeper for sure!! Funny and spontaneous and someone who loves the beach!? Woo-hoo

Artems--I hope the book meets your expectations! Thanks for lusting after it!! LOVE that thought! :)

chey--Thank you for stopping by and for your congrats!

RFTC Blog said...

I cannot wait to read this book. Especaially after all those blurbs. Knox sounds like one hot vampire! Congrats on the debut Virna.

Please don't enter me to win. I just wanted to stop by and show my support for this book.

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

OMGosh! Virna, did you actually mention my Ever-Lovin' Eric?!?!

Jane and I would be there like white on rice! :-)

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

ROFLMAO, P226!!!
Picturing you (or ANY guy) in a top hat and RED speedo on the roof tossing marbles. Then when the Mrs. asks, "WHAT are you doing???" You can honestly answer, "Losing my marbles!"

Sorry, couldn't resist... And Donna, you definitely need to give the chook over for the afternoon. He is in DIRE need of some of P226's training!

AC

Nancy said...

Donna, congrats on the bird!

Virna, welcome. What a cool concept! With action, romance and a paranormal twist, it has to be fabulous.

Susan Sey said...

Wow, Virna, I might be in love with your hero too, just based on today's blog! Congrats on the new release!

Virna DePaul said...

Danielle, thanks so much for all the support you've shown me! It's so awesome! Thank you for the interest in CBB, too!

Aunty Cindy--LOVE him! :)

Nancy, thanks so much! I hope readers think it's fab, that's for sure!

Susan, Thank you! Knox is pretty great! Glad you think so, too!

Leni said...

Yep. I'm in love with Knox, too. From the excepts that I've read so far I have to read this series.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Virna!

Welcome to the Lair! And thanks for bringing a very sexy and badass vamp for us to drool over!

Did it take you a while to get to know him, or did Knox just walk fully formed into your office and say, "Write my story."?

Unknown said...

Leni, Thank you!! I'm glad Knox has caught your eye! :)

Suzanne, Thanks for the welcome! Knox grew as the story developed, but my first thoughts of him was as a very elegant, honorable male whose passion/alpha-ness was simmering below the surface.

Tawny said...

LOL P226, a spontaneous motorcycle ride to the beach is so romantic!!!

Tawny said...

Hi Artemis :-)

Have you got your copy of Virna's book yet? I hope so :-)

Tawny said...

Hi Chey *waving*

Thanks for stopping by to celebrate with us :-)

Tawny said...

Hi Danielle :-D

Welcome to the lair and thanks for stopping in to celebrate Virna's hot vampire hero.

Tawny said...

*snicker* "Losing my marbles."

Oh AC :-D Too funny!!

Tawny said...

:-) Nancy, it's got all the greats going for it, huh?

Tawny said...

Susan, that's one powerful hero, huh? And if you think he's hot here, wait till you check him out for 300 or so pages! Oh baby!

Tawny said...

Leni, I hope you'll let us know what you think after you've enjoyed the book.

Tawny said...

Suz, isn't it lovely when writers bring us such yummy entertainment.

Tawny said...

Thanks for visiting, Karyn :-)

I think that term family-loving gets me every time! I love the insight family gives to characters.

Virna DePaul said...

Karyn, Thanks so much! A deep, layered, complex man...er, vampire. Hot!

Margay Leah Justice said...

Virna, I love those complex heroes!

lynxxmarie said...

I have to agree with Dianna...
Wow, loved the blurb. Sounds like a very dangerous man, gotta love dangerous men.

Looking forward to reading your book!

Virna DePaul said...

Margan and lynnxxmarie--Thank you for stopping by and for agreeing with me about the allure of dangerous complex heroes!!