Storm vs Ram
IT’S A QUESTION THAT NEVER SEEMS TO GET OLD?
My author’s assistant posed this to my street team. “How did you find out about Victoria? Amazon? A friend’s recommendation?”
The answers were fun to read, some surprising, but the best part is that quite a few added their impressions of the first book or the first couple of books. That’s how the Storm vs. Ram thing came up. Again. It’s a question that never seem to get old.
About 7 months ago I took a poll on my FB page that asked, “Who did you want to get the girl?” That was referring to the first book of the saga, of course, My Familiar Stranger. (The number who answered Baka still shocks me. I think there may have been one who wrote in “Sol”.)
The overwhelming majority said Ram, but there were some die-hards who STILL thought Storm was her guy and that the author should be summarily executed at dawn. I recently read a review on Goodreads that said something like “quitting at 48% – she was going to end up with the wrong guy anyhow”. Every time I think about that, it makes me smile because, even though that person only read half the book, she was emotionally invested enough to care about the outcome. (Yay me.)
Someone on my street team recently told me that she had a conversation with a friend, who was so pissed about the outcome of the first book she refused to continue to Book 2. Fortunately she was persuaded, coaxed, urged and cajoled into giving the series another try, but it made me wonder how many other people are still out there fuming.
Here are a couple of anonymous quotes from my street teams answers:
1, Honestly, I can’t remember how I came across MFS first. Think it was recommended to me through Amazon. I read the sample and was hooked. Will be honest though.. At first was disappointed with the ending because I was a Storm fan. Once I found out AWD was coming out, I knew it was going to be ok.. Them 2nd book made 1st book better in my opinion. Now Ram and Elora are my favorite!
2. I love Ram but I was team Storm too I think that’s why it took book 2 and Litha to really hook me on the series.
As to the reason why it all seemed better after Book 2, it’s because the first book was (in my mind) Act 1 of a three act play. The first three books are like a trilogy within a saga. Just as I’m sure the artist in Peter Jackson would have liked to release The Lord of the Rings as one seven hour movie, I would have loved to release the first three books all at one time. Undoubtedly it would have saved both me and readers some grief. It’s the most wonderful thing to be far enough into the saga now to know that anyone who wants to continue the journey after Book 1 can do so without waiting.
http://www.amazon.com/Order-Black-COLLECTED-Anthology-ebook/dp/B00BH68UCG 313,000 words for $6.99
BAD BOYS of Romance Giveaway Hop
So what are “bad boys” anyway? I’ll bet you never needed it defined for you. I think women come with a vague sense of what it means.
The social scientists have a name for the phenomenon. It’s called The Dark Tryad. Seems that heterosexual women are predisposed to the attraction – not all, but a lot.
Here is the triple threat that typically defines a fantasy/romance version of bad boy.
1. He’s a love ’em and leave ’em player with magnetic good looks and fever-hot sensuality.
2. Hes’ a problem-with-authority rebel who may express that defiance in style choices that are antiestablishment, but nonetheless cool.
3. He’s often emotionally damaged, tragically misunderstood, but vulnerable to the one woman who will heal his wounds, polish his rough places, and turn him into a true blue whipster.
So far the men of the Black Swan saga have touched on bad boy without being fully baptized. However, members of Z Team, introduced in Book 4, Moonlight, are definitely going to go there.
Feel free to tell us about some of your favs even if they aren’t my characters. Some of the ones I love (by other authors) are Barrons from Fever Series and Kellan from Thoughtless trilogy.
Rafflecopter Link for GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY
Love of Mythology GIVEAWAY Hop
On the third week of second grade my class was introduced to the concept of “library”. We were told we could select one book, take it home, read it, then bring it back. My choice was a child’s version of Greek Mythology. I was hooked. Eventually I took an ad hoc degree in mythological studies. All this is to say that I have been a serious fan and a lifelong fan. American Gods is raw, unromantic, and probably more appealing to men than women, but it is also an educated, thoughtful, clever treatise on the subject of our relationship with “gods”.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: American Gods is a Hugo and Nebula Award-winning novel by Neil Gaiman. The novel is a blend of Americana, fantasy, and various strands of ancient and modern mythology, all centering on the mysterious and taciturn Shadow. It is Gaiman’s fourth prose novel, preceded by Good Omens (a collaboration with Terry Pratchett), Neverwhere, and Stardust. Several of the themes touched upon in the book were previously glimpsed in The Sandman graphic novels.
TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY…The Grand Prize Consists of the following:$45 Amazon GC or $45 worth of books at TBD.
ebooks from Patricia Bates
a prize from Lisa Beth Darling
an ecopy of Sunburn by Rosanna Leo
an ecopy of Ain’t No Bull by Danica Avet
an ecopy of Remedy Maker by Sheri Fredricks
PROCEED TO THE NEXT STOP ON THE TOUR…
http://booklovershideaway.blogspot.com/2013/02/for-love-of-mythology-giveaway-hop-sign.html?zx=e894b68c0ecd3ed8
Post MOONLIGHT Update Interview with Ram
An Update with Rammel Hawking
by Victoria Danann
me: Sir Hawking, it’s such a pleasure to interview you again. A lot has happened since the last time we talked.
Ram: Aye. Some good. Some bad.
me: Yes. Well, that’s life.
Ram: No. ‘Tis no’ life. ‘Tis commercial fiction that has us runnin’ all over the Western world barely recovering from one horrendous injury before you have us doin’ bleedin’ sheet time again. And, when I say “bleedin'”, ’tis meant literally.
me: Yes. I know, but let’s focus on the great things that have happened. You’ve been inducted into the Hall of Heroes. You’ve got a beautiful, healthy, charismatic baby boy…
Ram: I’m no’ complainin’ about Helm and you know it. He’s bloomin’ perfection. ‘Tis the hero thin’ that turned out dubious because now my wife thinks I should conduct myself with a certain decorum befittin’ the honor. Great Paddy. .
me: She’s very proud of you.
Ram: (He smiles.)
me: You see. Your life isn’t so bad.
Ram: It has its moments. But you’re always trickin’ us into believin’ we’re doin’ one thin’ and then you sprin’ somethin’ entirely different on us and we’re goin’ in a bloody different direction. We never have a chance to decide if we’re comin’ or goin’.
me: Give me an example.
Ram: You think I can no’ come up with one? Right off the top of my head? How ’bout this? You led us to believe we were retirin’. Gonna enjoy life! Fruit of the vine and all that. So I’m busy bustin’ hump to get Elora’s dream home finished before the baby comes. Matter of fact that’s where I was when she was bein’ attacked by fuckers from her dimension of origin.
me: (I have to laugh.) Dimension of origin?
Ram: Aye. You have a problem with me callin’ it that, Mistress?
me: No. Not at all. It’s just that the phrase “dimension of origin” seems so politically correct and academic. I guess I wouldn’t have had you say that because I would have thought it was out of character.
Ram: (Scowls.) You think I’m no’ bright?
me: Of course I don’t think that! You wouldn’t have made it through Black Swan training if you weren’t smart.
Ram: (Nods) Exactly right. In the future, if you’re wantin’ to know what is or is no’ in “character” for me, then just ask me. ‘Tis what you should have been doin’ all along anyhow.
me: Quite right. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that.
Ram: Because your vanity does no’ have limits.
me: Did you enjoy that?
Ram: (grins)
me: Okay. If it makes you feel better to say such things to me, go ahead.
Ram: Well, if you’re serious, I have quite a lengthy list of thin’s I’d like to say to you.
me: (My turn to show him a third finger.)
Ram: (grins)
me: This might be a good time to switch topics. You’ve collected quite a fan base since the last time we talked.
Ram: Really?
me: Yes. You’re the focus of nocturnal fantasies for a growing chunk of the fairer sex.
Ram: Fairer sex, is it? I do no’ believe women are especially fair. Selfish or self-involved maybe.
me: No, Ram. The expression doesn’t mean fairness as in justice. It means the prettier sex.
Ram: Duh! It was a joke!
me: Well, forgive me a moment of being uncharacteristically dense.
Ram: (Laughs and shakes his head.) You probably think bein’ dense is “out of character” for you.
me: (blink, blink) What does that mean?
Ram: Have you seriously never considered that you may be just one of the characters in this story? ‘Tis your job to play the spy who lurks and journals on what those of us with real lives say and do.
me: Is that what you think?
Ram: (smiles) Nah. I’m just fuckin’ with you.
me: Okay. Back to your fans…
Ram: Look. I do no’ want to seem rude or unnecessarily conceited, but attractin’ the fairer sex has never been a problem for me. ‘Tis no’ very surprisin’ that some would like to picture themselves in my mate’s position. (He chuckles.) Or maybe I should say positions.
me: Hmmm. No doubt. Well, let’s wrap this up. Why don’t you tell me where you see yourself in five years.
Ram: (narrows his eyes) ‘Tis a trick? I tell you what I’d like so you can make sure it does no’ happen?
me: You know it truly hurts that you think I’m so devious. Of course I want to see you get your happily ever after.
Ram: If I’m feelin’ distrustful of you, ’tis entirely your own fault. Reapin’ what you sow, you know.
me: Okay.
Ram: I’d like us to be home on the farm, feeling safe and secure, raising elfren and Alsatian dogs. I want my mate happy every second of every day. She deserves it.
me: I’ll see what I can do.
Full Moon RELEASE DAY
As promised, MOONLIGHT releases today on the May full moon. Following the links are a few of the early readers reviews. I am happy to say that Moonlight is already high up on the Amazon BEST SELLER list in the categories of Paranormal Romance and Fantasy Romance. THANK YOU for making this saga a success!
Available everywhere.
AMAZON http://www.amazon.com/Moonlight-Wolf-Black-Swan-ebook/dp/B00CX9ZYW0/
iBOOKS https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/moonlight-big-bad-wolf-black/id649136…136?mt=11
B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moonlight-victoria-danann/1115380655?ean=2940044536838
SMASHWORDS https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/310694
There are so many “Quotes” I Love in this book. This is one of my favorites. Victoria has pure genius. Her writing just draws you in. I sighed, cried, laughed out loud!!!! I sat on the edge of my seat. I was so entertained. I say Harry Potter look out because The Order of the Black Swan is here!!! I believe these are the books to read.
If you want adventure, suspense, Romance, Action, Dimension travel, Did I mention True Love!!! I have been reading since I was 13 (41 years ago). I have read tens of thousands of books. I have my favorite Authors. Truthfully Victoria is Now #1.
This book has a diverse set of personalities & characters! Werewolves, Elves, Fae, Demons, Vampire, Berserkers, Witches, Lets not forget Knights. Hunky Knights at that!
Victoria grabs you from the 1st sentence to the last. I did not want to put it down! I have already read it twice, and no I did not miss anything because it is so gripping you just want to soak up every word!! Since reading this series I do not need Calgon to take me away anymore! Come join me in being a Forever Fan.
Wow, Danann did it again! Kudos!!!Moonlight, is book four for Victoria Danann. Ms Danann’s style of writing captivates and brings you on a fantastically sexy ride.I found myself laughing out loud at times. While other times needing to pour myself a drink and fan myself. Whew!!I love being caught up in her world of sexy vamps, elves, demons, and weres. She’s found quite the successful combination.If you adored the other three books, you will certainly fall in love all over again. I’m definitely sweet on Black Swan, and oh boy do I have it bad for Sir Rammel.If you love PNR, she’s the author for you. I can’t recommend it enough.
I said this in my reviews of the first three books, but I have to say it again – Victoria Danann’s writing style is amazing. The Order of the Black Swan is a series, however, it’s not just one story that continues on. Each book has it’s own unique tale, while continuing on with the story lines from the previous books. The books should be read in order though.
This series also has a little of everything for any reader: paranormal, sci-fi, romance, action, suspense . . . vampire, vampire hunters, wearwolves, hunky knights, assassins from a different dimension, witches, summoners, elves, fae, demons. I’m not kidding. It’s all in there.
Moonlight, the fourth book of this series, may be my favorite so far. Each book focuses on the love story of a different couple, while continuing on with the original storyline of ending the vampire epidemic. In Moonlight, the author also hints at a favorite childhood fairytale, Black Swan style of course. So far in this series, my heart has belonged to a certain sexy vampire, but I completely fell in love with Stalkson Grey in book 4, the wearwolf in this series and the main character in the newest love story. Once again, love knows no boundaries (or dimension). I have fallen in love with all of the characters in this series, though. It’s hard not to. This is why the author’s writing style is grabbing a hold of so many readers. The characters become like family to you. You watch over them, cheer them on, and feel their pain. You don’t have to give up any of the characters, even the secondary ones. They continue on into each book, so we get to keep up with their lives. As with all of the books in this series, you will laugh, fall in love, and white-knuckle your reader while you hang on for the ride.
I’m usually a fast reader, but with the Black Swan books I find myself reading slow, not only so I can savor every word, but also because I don’t want it to end. Luckily the series continues, and so I patiently wait for book 5. Well, maybe not patiently.
Link to Bitten by Books Pre-Release Party
Here’s the link to the Moonlight Pre-Release Party TODAY!! http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=64474
Starts at 1 Eastern, 12 Central, 11 Mountain, 10 Pacific. I will stay on until around 7pm Central.
