Books-n-Kisses and The Qwillery are happy to team up to bring Gena Showalter to both of our blogs. Gena, we are both extremely excited to have you here today. Happy Release Day Gena!!!
Gena: I’m so happy to be here! Thank you so much for making it happen!
Q1) What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Gena: I wouldn’t say ‘interesting’ so much as ‘frustrating.’ *g* I am over the top OCD about my books. Once I start one, I can’t stop. I eat, breathe and totally live the characters and their story. Seriously, I don’t think about anything else until the book is done. And yes, I’ve even called family members by character names. A terribly unbalanced way to live, but I honestly adore my job—even when the characters are naughty. Okay, especially when the characters are naughty.
Q2) Have you always known you wanted to be an author?
Gena: Actually, no. I played around with nursing for a while, but I had a terrible bedside manner so . . . that was a no go. But I had always loved to read romance novels, and I was always picturing scenes in my head, so ultimately writing seemed like the better fit.
Q3) Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Gena: Pantser. I like to find out what happens when the readers finds out.
Q4) Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
Gena: I adore Kresley Cole, Karen Marie Moning, PC Cast, Jill Monroe, Nalini Singh, Larissa Ione, Jeaniene Frost, Meljean Brook, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Deidre Knight, Jessica Andersen, Shannon Butcher, Shelly Laurenston, Jennifer Cruise, JR Ward, and so many more! But my early influences were Johanna Lindsay, Julie Garwood, and Linda Howard
Q5) Gena, you have so many great series. How do you come up with so many great stories?
Gena: Something I hear, see, or read will cause me to say “What if.” With the Lords — what if men opened Pandora’s box? Alien huntress – what if (sexy and, okay, predatory) otherworlders walked among us? With the Intertwined series – what if a teenage boy had four human souls trapped inside his head? Everything grows from there.
Q6) Do you have a favorite character out of all your series? If so who & why?
Gena: I have several favorites J From the Lords, I am head over heels for William. He’s a narcissistic womanizer who thinks torturing his enemies is fun, but oh, is he sexy! I can’t wait to see him tamed. And by tamed I mean just as naughty but in love. From Alien Huntress, I want to run away with Hector. He’s as badass as a guy can be, with arms that morph into flame-throwers (literally), but when he falls for his woman . . . shiver! There is no one more loyal, no one more determined to protect.
Q7) One of your newest releases is Dark Taste of Rapture (Alien Huntress Series 6) Can you tell us a little more about this book?
Gena: Would love to! Here’s the blurb:
With one caress, he can give unforgettable pleasure…or unending pain…
Hector Dean is shaved, tattooed, and totally ripped — and he has a deadly secret. He is a walking weapon, capable of killing with a single brush of his fingertips. Little wonder he’s determined to remain on his own. But Noelle Tremain is a temptation like no other. She is beautiful and rich, with a party girl smile that hides a shocking vulnerability, and from the beginning his sizzling attraction to her is undeniable. For the first time, his stone-cold resistance is tested. But to be with her, he risks destroying her.
When a wealthy businessman is murdered in New Chicago’s seediest district, the two are partnered, and there’s no escaping what they both want: each other. Yet neither Hector nor Noelle knows what to fear more—the killer case, or their own lethal desires. . . .
Q8) Another new release is Lord of the Vampires. Which is the 1st book in a 4 author series titled Royal House of Shadows. The other authors include Jill Monroe (The Lord of Rage, Sept 27), Jessica Andersen (The Lord of Wolfyn, Oct 25), and Nalini Singh (Lord of the Abyss, Nov 27). Can you tell us a little about your book.
Gena: Once upon a time, the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with a need for vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out.
Nicolai the Vampire is renowned for his virility, but in a cruel twist of fate “The Dark Seducer” has become a sex slave in the kingdom of Delfina—stripped of his precious timepiece and his memory. All that remains is a primal need for freedom, revenge—and the only woman who can help him.
When the wanton vampire summons Jane Parker, she is helpless to obey. She’s drawn to his dark sexuality and into his magical realm. But for this human, all is not a fairy tale. For saving Nicolai could mean losing the only man she’s ever craved…
Q9) You have a great explanation on the Royal House of Shadow’s website of how the four of you came up with this idea. Would you like to share that idea with us?
Gena: We wanted tell our favorite fairy tales with fun new (and sexy!) twists! Jill Monroe retells Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jessica Andersen retells Little Red Riding Hood and Nalini Singh retells Beauty and the Beast. Me? I’ve always been fascinated by the story of Alice in Wonderland. A young girl wakes up in a whole new world, with no idea who (or what) to trust, fantastical magic around every corner, and her curious nature getting her into all kinds of trouble. I used to put myself in Alice’s place, wondering what I would do, where I would go. And of course, anytime I insert myself into a scene, I also insert a very sexy guy.
But I digress. This time, when I sat down to retell Alice, it wasn’t myself that I saw but Jane Parker, a studious scientist with a haunted past. One morning she wakes and finds herself trapped in mythical realm with Berserkers, shifters, and evil sorcerers. But the most dangerous creature of all? The vampire prince who has an insatiable hunger for her blood. Yeah, this wonderland has fangs—and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Q10) What is next?
Gena: I have a bang, bang, bang of releases! There’s Dark Taste of Rapture, my sexiest Alien Huntress novel yet (Aug 23rd), Lord of the Vampires (Aug 23rd), Twisted, the darkest of the Intertwined novels, (Aug 30th, and it’s about a human boy who finds himself crowned king of the vampires), The Darkest Surrender (Sept 27th, Strider’s story and my personal favorite of the Lords of the Underworld novels), and Dating the Undead (co-authored with Jill Monroe, coming Jan 2012) This book teaches women how to date creatures of “myth,” and we had such a blast writing it!
Q11) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Gena: Thank you so much for having me! This was a blast!
Huge thank you to Gena for stopping by Books-n-Kisses and The Qwillery to talk about her newest releases.
About Gena’s Latest Books
The Darkest Surrender
Lords of the Underworld
(HQN, September 27, 2011)
Possessed by the demon of Defeat, Strider cannot lose a challenge without suffering unimaginable pain. For him, nothing stands in the way of victory. Until Kaia, an enchanting Harpy, tempts him to the razor’s edge of surrender.
Possessed by the demon of Defeat, Strider cannot lose a challenge without suffering unimaginable pain. For him, nothing stands in the way of victory. Until Kaia, an enchanting Harpy, tempts him to the razor’s edge of surrender.
Known among her people as The Disappointment, Kaia must bring home the gold in the Harpy Games or die. Strider is a distraction she can’t afford because he has an agenda of his own—steal first prize, an ancient godly artifact, before the winner can be named. But as the competition heats up, only one prize will matter—the love neither had thought possible.…
Twisted
Intertwined 3
Harlequin Teen, August 30, 2011
Sixteen-year-old Aden Stone has had a hell of a week. He’s been:
Tortured by angry witches. Hypnotized by a vengeful fairy. Spied on by the most powerful vampire in existence. And, oh, yeah, killed—twice.
His vampire girlfriend might have brought him back to life, but he’s never felt more out of control. There’s a darkness within him, something taking over…changing him. Worse, because he was meant to die, death now stalks him at every turn. Any day could be his last.
Once upon a time, the three souls trapped inside his head could have helped him. He could have protected himself. But as the darkness grows stronger, the souls grow weaker—just like his girlfriend. The more vampire Aden becomes, the more human Victoria becomes, until everything they know and love is threatened.
Life couldn’t get any worse. Could it?
Lord of the Vampires
Royal House of Shadows 1
Harlequin, August 23, 2011
Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out….
Nicolai the Vampire was renowned for his virility, but in a twist of fate “The Dark Seducer” had become a sex slave in the kingdom of Delfina—stripped of his precious timepiece and his memory. All that remained was a primal need for freedom, revenge—and the only woman who could help him.
In her dreams, a wanton vampire called to Jane Parker, drawing her to his dark sexuality and his magical realm. But for a human, all was not a fairy tale in Delfina. Jane was the key to Nicolai’s memory…but exploiting her meant dooming the only mortal he craved.
Dark Taste of Rapture
Alien Huntress 6
Pocket Star, August 23, 2011
New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter captivates with a dark, tantalizing world of humans, otherworlders, and a powerful AIR agent consumed by his desire for a woman he can never have. . . .
With one caress, he can give unforgettable pleasure . . . or unending pain. . . .
Hector Dean is shaved, tattooed, and totally ripped—and he has a deadly secret. He is a walking weapon, capable of killing with a single brush of his fingertips. Little wonder he’s determined to remain on his own. But Noelle Tremain is a temptation like no other. She is beautiful and rich, with a party girl smile that hides a shocking vulnerability, and from the beginning his sizzling attraction to her is undeniable. For the first time, his stone-cold resistance is tested. But to be with her, he risks destroying her.
When a wealthy businessman is murdered in New Chicago’s seediest district, the two are partnered, and there’s no escaping what they both want: each other. Yet neither Hector nor Noelle knows what to fear more—the killer case, or their own lethal desires. . . .
The Giveaway
THE RULES
What: One commenter at Books-n-Kisses will win a signed copy of The Darkest Surrender from Gena Showalter. Head over to The Qwillery and enter for a chance to win there also! Two copies of the book will be given away – one at each blog. US mailing addresses only.
How: Leave a comment answering the following question:
What is your favorite book by Gena
or
which of her books are looking forward to the most?
Please remember – if you don’t answer the question your entry will not be counted.
You may receive additional entries by:
1) Being a Follower of Books-n-Kisses.
2) Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter and/or your blog. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter or your blog multiple times.
Note: It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.
There are a total of 3 entries you may receive: Answer the question (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter and/or personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.
Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.
Who and When: The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Tuesday, October 4, 2011. Void where prohibited by law. You must be 18 years old or older to enter.
*Giveaway rules are subject to change.*
I've not had the chance to ready anything by Gena yet! I have definitely added her to my TBR list.
I'm looking forward to reading all of her books that you have noted in the post. I'm really looking forward to starting the Lords of the Underworld series.
I posted this contest on my FB page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sapphyrias-Book-Reviews/190594980992792
All books in the Lords of the Underworld series have been added to my TBR shelf on Goodreads.
I'm a relatively new follower of Books-n-Kisses (Just since the Fall Between the Pages blog hop).
Thanks for the chance.
Saph
saphsbookblog at gmail dot com
I would REALLY love to read Torin's story!
oMG.. I don't think I can name a favorite book….I seriously loved all of them =)
I can't wait to read Stryder's story as well as Torin.
I am also looking forward to Dallas' story in the Alien Huntress story and of course I am crossing my fingers for another installment of the Extraordinary Girl series.
flaca798 at hotmail dot com
I FREAKIN LOVE THE LORDS!!! This was so awesome, so jealous Kelly!! Can't wait to read Strider!! My favorite book is probably The Darkest Lie, love me some Gideon!! Oh can't wait for William and Paris as well though!! *sigh* I could go on forever 🙂
+1 entry (follower)
tasha_ann13ATyahooDOTcom
I really like all of Gena's books. She is one of my auto-buy authors. If I had to choose a favorite, it would be an older one called Animal Instincts. I love her strong, witty heroines (although her hot heros are pretty awesome too!)
+1 entry for following.
debbie@burdeen.com
Oh, I'm dying for William's story and Torin's story!!!
Everytime I read about William and Gilly I think of the Winger song Seventeen!!!
Wow, It's hard for me to choose which one is my favorite, I love all their story's. But Paris's story I can't wait!!! i'm so excited!!!
I am most looking forward to Kane's story. There just isn't enough about Disaster in the LotU books and I need to know more about him. I'm also really looking forward to reading about Dallas from Alien Huntress; especially after the deleted scene from Dark Taste of Rapture. His relationship with Devon is going to make for one hell on an interesting read.
Thanks for the opportunity.
xmelaniexthomas [at] aim [dot] com
I love the Lords of the Underworld series! My favorite has to be The Darkest Kiss because Anya is so much fun to read.
Such a great series and one of my favorites I cant wait to rad Paris's story. I am such a sucker for him. My favorite so far is Lucien.
GFC follower
kydirtgirl68 AT gmail DOT com
i love her Alien Huntress series above all others.. so i cant wait for the newest of those.. and i really like her tales of an extra ordinary girl.. dont know if there will be more of those, but i loved the first two!
alainala @ hotmail DOT ca
I am looking forward to reading them all. I am a bit of a book hoarder 🙂
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
I love hector's story cant wait til Dallas gets his .
Lord of the vampires was just the right story to get me hooked on that series to ( I love how four different authors are making that )
Looking forward to Striders story ( I know its release day but I have to wait til I can find it near me )
+1 comment
+1 gfc follower
meandi09@yahoo.com
HUGE Gena fan, would love to have a signed book to add to my Library. My Favorite book would have to be between The Darkest Pleasure or The Darkest Lie. Thanks for the chance to win!
GFC follower
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/bluesun1218/status/118724701827760128
My favorite book is The Darkest Night. Thanks for the contest! I am very excited.
charmed_sphere_mage69@hotmail.com
+gfc follower
+comment
That's like trying to pick your favorite ice cream. They are all awesome. If at threat of death, I'd probably pick her Intertwined book.
+1 GFC- Lisa Richards
+1 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/118733871566172160
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/
I have all of Gena's books and read all of them too. I have none in my TBR pile because I've read them :-). It's hard to choose one BUT I got to say it's THE STONE PRINCE. It's an oldie and a stand alone but the fantasy of a greek statue in all his sculpted glory becoming real?-what's not to drool over!
glittergirl54 at ymail dot com
I LOVE LOVE LOVE her the Lords of the underworld books are all truly wonderful it is hard to pick just one. I do love William!!!!!!!!!!! Also Playing with Fire is amazing.I can't put her books down/ The book I am looking forward to is this one The Darkest Surrender or TWISTED LOL. Would so love to win this Thank you for the opportunity.
k2sgal@aol.com
My favorite book of Gena's is The Darkest Night… I'm able to pick because, if not for this amazing book, I wouldn't have found Gena! Maddox's book was the first I read and I fell in love with the Lords and Gena =D
emilytardy@yahoo.com
follower
I have not read a book By Gena yet that I do not like. I love the Lords of the Underworld and Alien Huntress series'. I can't wait to read Torin's story. That will be very interesting.
Also posted on facebook:
http://facebook.com/wendyggregory
I really Like the Alien Huntress series and I think my favorite would be Savor Me Slowly since it was the first book by her that I had ever read. Thanks for the great post and giveaway!
Comment +1
GFC ~ erin +1
efender1(at)gmail(dot)com
I love the Darkest Night. GFC Patti P
http://twitter.com/#!/PattiPaonessa/status/118762376534298624
Thanks for the great interview and giveaway!
musicalfrog at comcast.net
I love the Lords of the Underworld series, my favorite has to be The Darkest Night. Maddox is so irresistible!! All the Lords are sexy as hell!! I'm looking forward to Paris Story The Darkest Seduction. I been waiting for his story since book 1. Paris needs his HEA! Thanks for the lovely interview and giveaway.
+1 follower
email: tigereyelily@gmail.com
I love all of the Lord of the Underworld series! edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom
GFC Krystal Larson
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/Icecream1891/status/118769992429871104
I love all the books and read them as soon as I can get my hands on them. My favorite would likely be Maddox's story or maybe Reyes' – oh, who am I kidding? I'm in love with all of them! Whatever she writes, I buy in paper form to keep forever!!
Followed on Twitter & mentioned contest on there as well. View it here: http://twitter.com/#!/PamInColumbus/status/118778203484602370
Pam Brown joychck5@yahoo
Hi i have to be Honest i have only read one series and i Loved The Lord of the UnderWorld Books. If i win this one it will give me a chance to start a new series. WISH ME LUCK!!!
My GFC Name is jscddmj
My twitter name is joannie1956 http://twitter.com/#!/joannie1956/status/118784540092272641
My email is jscddmj[at]aol[dot]com
I love Gena's books…especially her Lords of the Underworld series but Awaken me darkley is my favorite…right now!!
tweeted: Books-n-Kisses: Interview & Giveaway with Gena Showalter https://books-n-kisses.com2011/09/interview-giveaway-with-gena-showalter.html?spref=tw
Im an old GFC follower..Nikki
please hop over to my blog..Im also hosting a giveaway!!
closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com
I am such a fangirl– I love the INTERTWINED Series-My 11 year old also loves it thanks for the great stories.
audie@wickerness.com
I have been trying to get caught up on the LOTU series. So far, I think I have about 5 or 6 of them and love what I have read. I am looking forward to reading all the rest, along with her other adult books.
+1 comment
+1 old GFC follower: June M.
+1 Twitter: JuneAnnM
http://twitter.com/#!/JuneAnnM/status/118798237225336832
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
my favorite book by gena would be animal instinct and pleasure slave and anya's book darkest kiss and darkest pleasure and playing with fire! I really enjoy her writing so i like mostly all she has written!
she just knows how to be so cool in every world she creates and the woman are always spunky!
zamsci@gmail.com
I love all Gena's LOTU series, but my all time favorite has to be The Darkest Kiss with Lucien and Anya. There were parts that had me dying laughing. Can't wait to get my hands on Darkest Surrender because I think the dynamites will be the same between Strider and Kaia. Keep up the good work Gena 🙂
My favorite book by Gena Showalter is The Darkest Kiss. The characters had awesome personality that left me wanting more by the end of the book.
Follower +1
Mentioned http://qwillery.blogspot.com/2011/09/interview-with-gena-showalter-and.html +1
bookluver1997 AT hotmail DOt com
O.K. that would be dynamics instead of ***dynamites***
My favorite book by Gena Showalter is Heart of the Dragon! But all of her books are fantastic– she is an amazing writer!
justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
I really loved the first book in the Lords of the Underworld series, The Darkest Night, because it was my introduction to a fabulous series. I'm really looking forward to reading The Darkest Seduction, I can't wait to read Paris's story.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
GFC follower
My favorite book is Dark Taste of Rapture is my favorite love Hector 🙂
My favorite book is Heart of the Dragon. That was the book that made me a fan of Gena. +1
Following via GFC +1
Posted the blog on my Facebook page (Renee Bennett) +1
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000138966670
Please Please Please Pick Me!
<^_^>
reneebennett35 at yahoo dot com
I've read the first few of Gena's Lords of the Underworld series and loved them. However, I am really looking forward to The Darkest Seduction because I want to see how Paris gets his true love!
+1 GFC follower
angeldream3[AT]gmail[DOT]com
I cannot wait for Darkest Seducation and I am really looking forward to William's story. Thanks for the giveaway.
+1 GFC follower – Stephanie M
smccar1 at hotmail dot com
i havent read Gena's YA books so i am looking forward to getting some to check out. other then that i love all her adult books i havent found one i havent fallen in love with.
+1 comment
+1 GFC follower
thanks so much for a great interview and giveaway.
Linds
babydoll82959307(at)aol(dot)com
I am looking forward to The Darkest Surrender actually, I can not wait to read Strider's story!!
Also I am looking forward to picking up her Intertwined series.
fullmoonbites[at]gmail[dot]com
The Darkest Kiss has always ranked at the top for me, how can you just not love Anya and her quirks or the way she manages to get her man?!
Can't wait for the newest book, I simply adore Gena's LOTU!!
Thanks for the chance to win a copy,
eyesofblueice (at) gmail (dot) com
GFC follower Lexi
I have some of Gena's books in my TBR pile but I don't know if I read one yet, unless it was an anthology. DARK TASTE OF RAPTURE is the book I want to read, if only to stare at the cover.
ironss [at] gmail [dot] com
GFC follower
I love the Lords. I read all of the books in the series last month. My favorite was The Darkest Lie. I'm looking forward to Strider's story. But, I can't wait to read Kane's story – he is my favorite of the Lords. Torin is a close second.
GFC follower
knitrix29 at gmail dot com
I could not post my comment? It posted on the Quillery…but I couldn\'t post on your site. Could you please enter me into your contest with the following post? Thank you!
OMG…I LOVE Gena\'s books! Especially the Lords. I even have their butterfly tattooed on my left foot, no lie! So, you will understand when I tell you that it\'s tough to choose a favorite. I CAN tell you that I\'m looking forward to reading about Paris, William and Torin…and Dallas (from Alien Huntress)…and the new Royal House of Shadows series has me waiting breathlessly too! I could go on and on and on….
GFC follower – Barbara
Mentioned on FB – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002306846742
I'm looking forward to The Darkest Surrender. I've got it, but must finish another first. I have such a long list of Gena's books 'to read', I am definately playing catch-up. lol
Thank you for the chance to win… 🙂
sebrina_cassity@yahoo.com
@sebrinac23 Twitter
My favorite book by Gena Showalter is Playing with Fire, it was the book that introduced me to her work and I have been a fan ever since. I am looking forward to any and all books that she produces in the future. All of her works are keeper shelf material.
Thank you for the chance to win a book by one of my favorite authors.
I can be contacted at specksus.js@gmail.com
sorry I forgot to add it to my post. 🙂
Posting for LadyVampire2u.
"My favorite book would be The Darkest Kiss. And I am most looking forward to The Darkest Seduction but I am also curious about Alice in Zombieland. Thanks!
GFC: LadyVampire2u
Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/LadyVampire2u/status/119709712806715392 \" Thanks for your help and patience. Yours, ~April
I have all the The lords of the underworld books however I haven't had a chance to read the series yet. The Darkest Surrender would be the one I'm looking forward to since it's the only one I don't have…. I don't know how I'll ever catch up Gena pls slow down your writing LOL…..
Oooppps I forgot my email
Susperia(at)hotmail(dot)com
Just finished reading The Darkest Surrender – Win! Win! Win! – That is what I want to do.
heather.coulter(AT)gmail(dot)com
Following Books-Kisses
my blog
http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/
I cant wait for Paris's story… with bits and pieces glimpsed here and there, I know it will be an intense read!
Thanks for the giveaway!
+1 My favorite book is "The Darkest Prison".
+1 Already follow via GFC (MamaHendo3).
+1 Tweeted giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/121057458155302912
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
I loved 'darkest night' about Maddox ANSI can't wait to read stricter book. He I one of the best!!
GFC holly wright
Hollybwright at comcast.net