Tag Archives: Gena Showalter

An Interview with Gena Showalter

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An Interview with Gena Showalter


The Reading Cafe is thrilled to welcome the fantastic Gena Showalter our guest today.

Gena has a new release upcoming on December 26th, Last Kiss Goodnight. We will post a review on the book in early January.  Last Kiss Goodnight is the first book in Gena’s new Otherworld Assassin series.

Let’s begin our interview with Gena.

 

 

TRC: Hi Gena and welcome to The Reading Café. It is a pleasure to talk with you today about your new series and books.

Gena: Thank you so much for having me!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us about yourself (for anyone who is new to Gena Showalter and her world)?

Gena: I’m a big believer that we can learn something new everyday.  I love to write, to read, to study ( that’s a new thing) and to just hang out with my family.  I dream about eating whatever I want, whenever I want, and never having to exercise.  I love to wear sweat pants and if you ever spot me out in public in a dress, take a picture because it may never happen again.

TRC: What was your first published novel? Do you remember how you felt when you were notified about your first book accepted for publication?

Gena: Absolutely!  I’d written for a little over two years and had six manuscripts under my belt when I landed an agent (Deidre Knight of the Knight Agency).  We got an offer for The Pleasure Slave almost right away—but that fell through.  Afterward, we shopped TPS everywhere, but no one wanted it.  Then I wrote The Stone Prince… but no one wanted it, either.  Two years passed before Harlequin decided to open up a single title line, HQN. They called my agent, hoping one of her other clients could write for them.  That client couldn’t, but my agent said, “Have I got the author for you,” and sent them TSP.   A few weeks later, my agent received a fax.  The phones were down at Harlequin but executive editor Tracy Farrell had read my book, loved it, and wanted to discuss it when she returned to the office—in a week.

The day before Tracy returned, though, my agent had to leave, so another week passed before the women were able to hook up.  I was very hard to live with during that time, I think.  Very on edge and hopeful.  Then, the call came in.  HQN did indeed want to buy The Stone Prince—plus The Pleasure Slave!

TRC: WICKED NIGHTS is the first book in your new Angels of the Dark series (a spin off from Lords of the Underworld). Would you please tell us about the premise of this series?

Gena: Zacharel, the cold as ice hero of Wicked Nights, is the leader of the Army of Disgrace. And I know, I know, that’s a terrible name for his army, but it’s kind of deserved.  The winged warriors he leads have lost their faith, torched their hope, and given up on love.   Some are as cold and callous as their leader.  Some are just plain cranky, while some have embraced the dark side a little too tightly.  Each book will follow a different warrior on his (or her) journey to love and redemption.

TRC: Will many of the characters from Lords  of the Underworld cross-over into the Angels of the Dark series?

Gena: William shows up in book two, Beauty Awakened, and readers will learn another secret about him.  Paris shows up for a scene, as well, and Kane’s fate is hinted at.  As for book three in the AotD series, (sadly) I won’t know until I sit down to write it.

Speaking of Lords of The Underworld-Kane and Torin are two of the remaining
characters without a storyline, oh and Cameo-when do you plan on writing their stories?  And with the new spin-off, will LOTU go on hiatus or end? 😉

I’m writing Kane’s book now (title coming soon) and Torin and Cameo play a big part in the storyline.  This will be released… August 2013, I think.  

TRC:  ALICE IN ZOMBIELAND is the first novel in your new young adult series-WHITE RABBIT CHRONICLES. Would you please tell us the premise behind the series?

Gena: The White Rabbit Chronicles will feature a teenage girl who loses her entire family in a car crash only to wake up to a world of zombies and zombie slaying—and a bad boy who will either save her or ruin her.  There are shades of Lewis Carroll’s beloved Alice in Wonderland, and I have a new take on zombie mythology.  Put it this way: they aren’t what you think lol

Links to order Alice in Zombieland:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

TRC: The cover for Alice in Zombieland is beautiful. How much influence did you have as the author with the ‘conception’ of the cover?

Gena: I got to help pick the model (which I was so excited about!) but the publisher did all the design work, and I couldn’t be happier with the result!

TRC: THROUGH THE ZOMBIE GLASS is the second installment in the White Rabbit
Chronicles. Would you please tell us about the premise?

Gena: I wish I could, but I hesitate to give out too much information since the first book hasn’t yet hit bookstores.  I’m sorry!  Let’s just say things heat up a notch—in every way!

TRC:  How many books do you have planned for this particular YA series?

Gena: Right now I have two under contract, Alice in Zombieland and Through the Zombieglass, but I have ideas for more.

TRC:  LAST KISS GOODNIGHT is the first book in your new OTHERWORLD ASSASSIN series. Would you please tell us about the premise?

Gena: Last Kiss Goodnight is the first in the Otherworld Assassin novels, and a spin-off of my Alien Huntress books.  The series will revolve around three black ops agents in serious trouble.  The first agent in the spotlight is Solomon Judah, who awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding.  The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems—she’s his.
Links to Pre-order Last Kiss Goodnight:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / Books a Million

TRC: The cover for LAST KISS GOODNIGHT is another fantastic cover. Many readers DO judge a book by its cover. What has been your experience as it pertains to your readers and the book covers?

Gena: You know, they’ve seemed to like the ones I’ve liked and disliked the ones I’ve dislked (yes, there are a few but no, I won’t mention titles lol)

TRC:  You and PC Cast wrote a duology together in 2012. Would you please tell us about this exciting new adventure?

Gena: PC Cast is a dear friend of mine, and we had so much fun doing our Mysteria novellas together, we just couldn’t resist another chance to work together!  Here’s a little about the stories:

POSSESSED by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author P.C. Cast 

Being a psychic detective who can channel only negative emotions makes Kent Raef good at catching murderers, but bad at maintaining relationships. Then Lauren Wilcox arrives with a most intriguing case: her twin sister has been murdered and is communing with Lauren’s spirit-and sharing her body. Raef’s the only one who can track the killer and free the spirit. But soon he begins to wonder just which twin he wants to save…and why…. 

HAUNTED by … me

Artist Aurora Harper is convinced she’s witnessed a crime-a murder so brutal she’s repressed the memories, only to paint the scene by the light of the moon. Now she needs her new neighbor, Detective Levi Reid, to help her track down the victim-and the killer. Levi’s dealing with his own memory issues, but one thing he knows for sure: Harper is meant to be his, and nothing can take her away from him-not in this life…and not in death….

TRC: What are some of the challenges you have encountered writing a duology (with another author)?

Gena: No problems, only fun!

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Gena: I just finished revisions for Beauty Awakened, the second Angels of the Dark book, and I’m diving back into Kane’s book.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Sea food

Favorite Dessert: Bread pudding

Favorite Movie:  Anchorman (I watched it so many times I can quote dialogue)

Favorite TV Show:  How I Met Your Mother… no, Parks and Recreation… no, Big Brother (Go Frank!)  ** TRC Note:  Frank did not win, but ended up being the fan favorite.

Dark or Milk: Chocolate dark

Do you have any pets?  2 bull dogs and one very mean (to others) German shepherd

Last Vacation Destination: Sun Drenched Cali

TRC: Gena, thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. We are looking forward to your new series and storylines. We wish you the best of luck with each new endeavor.

Gena: Thank you so much for the support!

If you would like to learn more about Gena, you can find her at the following sites:

Website: http://www.genashowalter.com
Twitter:
Facebook:
Goodreads:

 

Gena has graciously offered to give a member of The Reading Café a chance to win a copy of Wicked Nights”.

1.  You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Giveaway open to U.S.& Canada only

4.  Contest runs from December 14th – December 17th..

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Gena Showalter – Biography- Bibliography

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Gena Showalter – Biography- Bibliography

Biography
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than thirty novels in a thrilling blend of genres: breathtaking paranormal and contemporary romances, supernatural humor, and cutting-edge young adult novels. Her series include White Rabbit Chronicles, Angels of the Dark, Otherworld Assassins, Lords of the Underworld, Alien Huntress and Intertwined.

Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Seventeen Magazine, and have been translated all over the world. The critics have called her books “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories”, while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise”.

Gena has always believed in love. An avid romance reader, she decided to try her hand at a story of her own and is now the author of sexy paranormal romances, including The Stone Prince, The Pleasure Slave and Heart of the Dragon. She is also the author of Awaken Me Darkly, the first in the darkly seductive Alien Huntress series. Her wildly sensual page-turners have mix of humor, danger and wickedly hot sex, a combination sure to enthrall.

 

Bibliography

Otherworld Assassins:
Last Kiss Goodnight- Release Date: December, 2012

White Rabbit Chronicles:
Alice in Zombieland – Release Date: September, 2012
Through the Zombie Glass – Upcoming 2013

Angels of the Dark:
Wicked Nights – Release Date: June, 2012
Beauty Awakened – Upcoming February 26, 2013

Royal House of Shadows:
Lord of the Vampires – Release Date:  August, 2011

Lords of the Underworld:
*The Darkest Fire (prequel)  – Release Date: April, 2008
The Darkest Night – Maddox – Release Date:  May, 2008
The Darkest Kiss – Lucien – Release Date: June, 2008
The Darkest Pleasure – Reyes – Release Date:  July, 2008
*The Darkest Prison — Atlas and Nike – Release Date: July, 2009
The Darkest Whisper – Sabin – Release Date:  August, 2009
The Darkest Angel- Lysander and Bianka  (anthology Heart of Darkness)
      Release Date: January, 2010
Into the Dark: The Darkest Fire\The Amazon’s Curse\The Darkest Prison (Hqn)
     Release Date: April, 2010
The Darkest Passion – Aeron – Release Date:  June, 2010
The Darkest Lie – Gideon – Release Date:  July, 2010
The Darkest Secret – Amun – Release Date:  April, 2011
The Darkest Surrender – Strider – Release Date:  September, 2011
The Darkest Seduction – Paris – Release Date:  February, 2012

Imperia:
The Stone Prince (Jorlan and Katie) – Release Date: September, 2004
The Pleasure Slave (Tristan and Julia) – Release Date: February, 2005

Atlantis:
Heart of the Dragon (Darius and Grace) – Release Date:   September, 2005
Jewel of Atlantis (Gray and Jewel) – Release Date:  February, 2006
The Nymph King (Valerian and Shay) – Release Date: February, 2007
The Vampire’s Bride (Layel and Delilah) – Release Date: March, 2009
The Amazon’s Curse (Zane and Nola) – Release Date: March, 2009
            short story (also in Into the Dark and Lord of the Vampires)

Alien Huntress:
Awaken Me Darkly (Mia and Kyrin) – Release Date:  February, 2006
Enslave Me Sweetly (Eden and Lucius) – Release Date:  June, 2006
Savor Me Slowly (Mishka and Jaxon) – Release Date:  August, 2009
Seduce the Darkness (Bride and Devyn) – Release Date:  June, 2009
Deep Kiss of Winter (Macy and Breean) – Release Date: October, 2009
Ecstasy in Darkness (Ava and McKell) – Release Date:  October, 2010
Dark Taste of Rapture (Noelle and Hector) – Release Date: August, 2011

Alien Huntress, Young Adult:
Red Handed – Release Date: June, 2007
Blacklisted – Release Date: July, 2007

Tales of an Extraordinary Girl:
Playing With Fire – Release Date: September, 2006
Twice As Hot – Release Date: February, 2010

Intertwined:
Intertwined – Release Date:  September, 2009
Unraveled – Release Date: August, 2010
Twisted – Release Date:  August, 2011

Young adults not part of a series:
Oh My Goth – Release Date: July, 2006

Contemporaries:
Animal Instincts – Release Date: April, 2007
Catch A Mate – Release Date: June, 2007

Anthologies:
Mysteria – Release Date: July, 2006
Mysteria Lane – Release Date: October, 2011
The Bodyguard – Release Date: June, 2010
On the Hunt – Release Date: February, 2011
Heart of Darkness – Release Date: January, 2010
After Moonrise – Release Date:  November, 2012


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Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark) by Gena Showalter-a review

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WICKED NIGHTS (Angels of the Dark) by Gena Showalter

This is a repost from an earlier review.

Wicked Nights is the first book ( June 2012 release) in Gena Showalter’s Angels of the Dark series. It is a spin off of her Lords of the Underworld series.

Zacharel, whom we first meet in Darkest Seduction (LOTU), is the leader of an army of angels who are in jeopardy of losing their wings. Their cold, callous ways have them all on the verge of being thrown out of the heavens. Needless to say, these aren’t your typical angels.

Anabelle Miller has been institutionalized for the last four years of her life. Accused of the brutal murder of her parents. No one believes her when she tells them a monster killed her parents. She endures frequent attacks by demons, that only she can see. She not only endures demon attacks, but the attention of an unscrupulous doctor inside the institution.

Zacharel and his army are summoned to dispense of a horde of demons who are attacking the institution in which Ana is being held. When he gives chase to one of the demons, he encounters Anabelle, strapped to a gurney. He is immediately intrigued with this human, which is something entirely new to him. Once he witness the unscrupulous doctor’s intentions towards Ana, he decides to rescue her.

Zacharel has suffered such a horrible loss, that he has closed off all emotion to everyone and everything. He has been alone for centuries, and takes no pleasure for himself. He kills his targets swiftly and moves on. But, when he takes Ana into his protection, he finds his, literally, cold exterior thawing. They set out on a journey to find out why Ana is being targeted by demons on a constant basis. He involves his warrior angels, whom, to say is a motley crew, is an understatement. Once they discover Demon High Lord, Unforgiveness is the one calling for the attacks, it gets very interesting. Seems Unforgiveness targeted Ana and bound himself to her. And the reason for the binding shocks the hell out of you.

Zacharel and Ana’s relationship is a slow, sweet surprise. Once he realizes how much he loves her, he will stop at nothing to keep her safe and undo what Unforgiveness has done. One of the reasons Zacharel is on the verge of losing his wings is his callousness towards humans. Ana changes that. And ends up saving him. In the end Zacharel vows to be the leader he needs to be in order to save the members of his army.

I really liked this book. The battle in the end is not what I expected, but I loved it just the same. Several of the Lords of the Underworld show up to help, along with a minor goddess and a harpy or two. Once you find out the loss that Zacharel has suffered, your heart will break. Ana is very strong and very independent. And I can’t wait to get to know the other angels. I can only imagine the hell they’ve been through and can’t wait to see them find their salvation. I will say, that in my opinion, religion (for lack of a better term), or maybe faith would be a better description, is played on heavily in this book. It is not thrown in your face, but it is subtly used to force Zacharel to realize the right, true way of things. There is a lot I would like to tell you about this book but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. Like I said, once you realize Unforgiveness’ link, it’s a definite “wow” moment, and the actions played out from there are great!! If you are a fan of the Lords of the Underworld, you will definitely like this book. If you aren’t a LOTU fan, you’ll like it anyway.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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Alice in Zombieland (White Rabbit Chronicles #1) by Gena Showalter-a review

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Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter-a review

ALICE IN ZOMBIELAND (White Rabbit Chronicles #1) by Gena Showalter

ALICE IN ZOMBIELAND is the first storyline (September 25, 2012 release) in Gena Showalter’s young adult White Rabbit Chronicles series.  Alice in Zombieland is not a retelling of Lewis Carroll’s famous novel – yes a white rabbit makes an appearance or two with a message for our heroine but the premise in no way will remind anyone of the original.  And like the title implies our heroine is Alice (Ali) Bell and she must face the battle of her life-fighting zombies-but that is where the similarities end.  Following the death of her parents and her younger sister Emma, Alice will finally realize why her father refused to let anyone go out at night-zombies come out after dark.

For years Ali grew up knowing that her father was a little on the eccentric side. His immense fear of the dark kept the family housebound for years. But when her younger sister Emma wanted to celebrate Ali’s 16th birthday her father reluctantly complied. What happened that night would introduce Alice to a world she never knew existed-zombies and ghosts.

With a new school year starting, Ali would be introduced to the resident bad boy Cole Holland and his ‘gang’ of thugs and fighters. But to Ali’s surprise Cole and his friends are the force of nature that will keep the zombies at bay. Ali will discover that she has a powerful gift unlike they have ever seen, but it is the mysterious entries in a journal found among her parent’s possessions that will help Ali as she endeavors to survive against the zombie hordes.

Cole and Ali’s connection is immediate but not necessarily accepted. Together they share a secret but the angst and anger from the other friends will begin to push the couple apart. Jealous ex-girlfriends and a another potential suitor will force Cole to back away even though he knows that he and Ali are destined to be together. Ali is a no nonsense young woman who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes and is willing to prove to everyone that she is worthy of their trust. First kisses, first love and the need to be accepted are all part of the anxiety of the teenaged years, but add zombies and the walking dead, and high school will never seem the same.

Throughout the storyline, we are introduced to the many friends who will fight alongside Cole, as well as some of the adults who are very much in control. But Ali puts her trust in one too many authority figures and will discover what it means to hurt the one you love especially when you are the intended victim. But someone else is controlling the strings and another group had designs on the victims left behind.

Alice in Zombieland is a mixture of high energy action fueled by betrayal and pain. There is the requisite love triangle that is quickly extinguished, and of course the mean girl squad lead by none other than a jealous ex. I was pleased that the anxiety of unrequited love wasn’t a continuous blemish throughout the story. I am not a happy camper with love triangles where both suitors are worthy partners. Love triangles suck especially in young adult storylines, but Gena quashes any notion that there are others for Ali’s affections early on.

Ali’s level of maturity seems beyond her years which will help her accept that no matter how badly you want something, it doesn’t always come true. And the painful memories of her father’s warnings will cloak a young teen in guilt until she must face the reality that evil can survive long after death. There are a few moments that will tug at your heart and like the hero in every story, Cole will sweep in and remind Ali that he will always be there.

Alice in Zombieland is a fascinating look at zombies and the dead. Gena weaves a fast paced storyline with an interesting premise that will keep your attention until the very last word. Oh and the White Rabbit will make an appearance a time or two just like in Wonderland with a message or warning for Alice.

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO

Reviewed by Sandy

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Lords of the Underworld by Gena Showalter – a Synopsis

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Lords of the Underworld by Gena Showalter – a Synopsis

The Darkest Night – Book #1 – Released May 3, 2008
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 than 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 . . .
Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive — and unimaginably powerful.

 

The Darkest Kiss – Book #2 – Released November 1, 2007
She has tempted many men…but never found her equal. Until now.

Though she has lived for centuries, Anya, goddess of anarchy, has never known pleasure. Until Lucien, the incarnation of death–a warrior eternally doomed to take souls to the hereafter. He draws her like no other. And Anya will risk anything to have him.

But when the merciless Lord of the Underworld is ordered by the gods to claim Anya herself, their uncontrollable attraction becomes an anguished pursuit. Now they must defeat the unconquerable forces that control them, before their thirst for one another demands a sacrifice of love beyond imagining…

 

The Darkest Pleasure – Book #3 – Released April 1, 2008

Reyes is a man possessed. Bound by the demon of pain, he is forbidden to know pleasure. Yet he craves a mortal woman, Danika Ford, more than breath and will do anything to claim her–even defy the gods. Danika is on the run. For months she’s eluded the Lords of the Underworld, immortal warriors who won’t rest until she and her family have been destroyed. But her dreams are haunted by Reyes, the warrior whose searing touch she can’t forget. Yet a future together could mean death to all they both hold dear….

 

The Darkest Whisper – Book #4 – Released August 18, 2009
He is the keeper of Doubt and his entire world’s about to be rocked.

Bound by the demon of doubt, Sabin unintentionally destroys even the most confident of lovers. So the immortal warrior spends his time on the battlefield instead of the bedroom, victory his only concern…until he meets Gwendolyn the Timid. One taste of the beautiful redhead, and he craves more.

Gwen, an immortal herself, always thought she’d fall for a kind human who wouldn’t rouse her darker side. But when Sabin frees her from prison, battling their enemies for the claim to Pandora’s box turns out to be nothing compared to the battle Sabin and Gwen will wage against love…

 

 The Darkest Passion – Book #5 – Released May 21, 2010

For weeks, the immortal warrior Aeron has sensed an invisible female presence. An angel-demon-assassin has been sent to kill him. Or has she? Olivia claims she fell from the heavens, giving up immortality because she couldn’t bear to harm him. But trusting – and falling for – Olivia will endanger them all. So how has this mortal with the huge blue eyes already unleashed Aeron’s darkest passion?

With an enemy hot on his trail and his faithful demon companion determined to remove Olivia from his life, Aeron is trapped between duty and consuming desire. Worse still, a new executioner has been sent to do the job Olivia wouldn’t…

 

The Darkest Lie – Book #6 – Released June 29, 2010

In this riveting new installment of New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series, Gideon, keeper of the Demon of Lies, fights to uncover the truth….

Forced to his knees in agony whenever he speaks the truth, Gideon can recognize any lie—until he captures Scarlet, a demon-possessed immortal who claims to be his long-lost wife. He doesn’t remember the beautiful female, much less wedding — or bedding — her. But he wants to . . . almost as much as he wants her.

But Scarlet is keeper of Nightmares, too dangerous to roam free, and a future with her could mean ultimate ruin. Especially as Gideon’s enemies draw closer . . . and the truth threatens to destroy all he’s come to love . . .

 

The Darkest Secret – Book #7 – Released March 29, 2011

In this sexy new installment of Showalter’s bestselling Lords of the Underworld series, the haunted Amun meets a woman who tempts him like no other…

Keeper of the demon of Secrets, Amun can manipulate the darkest thoughts of anyone nearby. But when the immortal warrior is chained and isolated to protect those he loves, death is his only hope of release—until he meets Haidee, a fellow prisoner whose beauty and hidden vulnerability draw him into a reckless test of his loyalty.

Haidee is a demon-assassin, raised to despise Amun’s kind. Yet how can she hate the man whose touch sets her aflame? But to save him, she must give herself body and soul…and face the wrath of a powerful adversary sworn to destroy her

 

The Darkest Surrender – Book #8 – Released September 27, 2010

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…

 

The Darkest Seduction – Book #9 – Released February 28, 2010

Possessed by the demon of Promiscuity, immortal warrior Paris is irresistibly seductive—but his potent allure comes at a terrible price. Every night he must bed someone new, or weaken and die. And the woman he craves above all others is the one woman he’d thought was forever beyond his reach…until now.

Newly possessed by the demon of Wrath, Sienna Blackstone is racked by a ruthless need to punish those around her. Yet in Paris’s arms, the vulnerable beauty finds soul-searing passion and incredible peace. Until a blood feud between ancient enemies heats up.

Will the battle against gods, angels and creatures of the night bind them eternally—or tear them apart.

Synopsis by Vickie

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Gena Showalter and PC Cast-Interview and Giveaway with the Authors

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Gena Showalter and PC Cast – Interview with the Authors

October 23, 2012 saw the release of the AFTER MOONRISE anthology written by Gena Showalter and PC Cast. We would like to welcome both Gena and PC to The Reading Cafe.  And pay close attention-these ladies are truly gifted in the humor department.

TRC:  Hello ladies and welcome to The Reading Café. We would like to congratulate you on the release of AFTER MOONRISE.

For our members who do not know about Gena Showalter or PC Cast, would you please tell us something about yourself?

PC-I love wine, Oklahoma, and typing “the end.”

Gena-I have three dogs I treat like children—even though one of them is as big as a horse and all three reward me by farting in my office.

TRC:  OK..let’s switch it up. Would you please tell us something about each other that we may not know?

PC –about Gena: She cheats at pillow fights and sheds enough hair to make a hair rug.

Gena-about PC: She would totally win at Dancing with the Stars/Dirty Dancing Edition and success hasn’t changed her. Proof: she still teases me about my amazing hair rug—even though I spent three days weaving it for her.

TRC:  😉

TRC:  AFTER MOONRISE is new anthology (October 2012 release). Would you please tell us about the premise for your contribution to the book?

PC-POSSESSED-My fabulous hero, Kent Raef, is a psychic detective who can follow negative emotions and track killers through them. He spends a lot of time dealing with the underbelly of life, so he’s not very good at positive emotions, like love and happiness and pleasure. It’s only after he accepts a job tracking a killer, who is also psychic and who preys on negative emotions, that Raef realizes for the first time in his life he has to tap into the gentler side of his gift, which leads him to opening himself to love during a murder investigation… There’s a twist and a ghost and a lot of heat!

Gena-HAUNTED-My antisocial hero, Detective Levi Reid, is missing big chunks of memory. Like, he’s not sure how he ended up living in a flea bag apartment, suspended from duty, with a best friend/former partner who won’t speak to him. Then, in moves the innocent and haunting Aurora Harper who thinks she’s witnessed a murder so brutal she’s repressed the memories, only to sleep-paint the scene. They’re drawn to each other in the most magnetic way—and as they help each other, they begin to realize just how entangled their lives really are.

TRC:  What was the decision behind participating in an anthology? Have you ever collaborated with an anthology before?

PC-My decision to participate in a duology with Gena is because she and I have collaborated on two other anthologies. I loved playing in the sandbox with her!

Gena-PC said, “Want to do a book with me?” I was screaming “Yes,” before she finished the sentence.

TRC:  Most storylines in anthologies are novellas or short stories. Which do you find more difficult to write-full length novels or short stories where the premise, plotline and character development come to fruition at a much more rapid pace?

PC-I’m most comfortable writing long. I like to have plenty of room to world build!

Gena-And see, I would love to write an entire book in a single page. <== true story.

TRC:  Have either of you considered working on a co-authored collaboration with each other?

PC-We have! And I definitely would again! I heart me some Gena!

Gena-PC has been one of my dearest friends for the longest time (and that doesn’t mean we’re getting old! We’re young. Young, I tell you.) She’s a dream to work with!

TRC:   PC-ACCIDENTAL MAGIC (September 2012 release) is a combination of two of your short stories. Would you please tell us something about the premise of each storyline?

PC: My ACCIDENTAL MAGIC stories are from the anthologies Gena and I created several years ago. They’re set in Mysteria, Colorado, a supernatural town filled with vampires, witches, werewolves—and lots of sex! Here are the premises:

In Candy Cox and the Big Bad (Were)wolf, five-time divorcée Candice Cox is burned-out and lacking in love. But when a friend’s spell presents Candice with the young werewolf lover of her dreams, she starts to rethink her commitment to swearing off men. While the age difference throws her at first, Justin is exactly what Candice needs to kick-start her stalled love life…

In It’s in His Kiss, strict vegetarian Summer Smith has always had a hard time giving up control—especially since her magic is unpredictable at best. But when she meets a dark, gorgeous vampire named Colin, Summer suddenly finds herself wanting to let loose and experience the new appetites awaked by Colin’s kiss…

 

TRC:  PC- HIDDEN is the latest installment (October 2012) in the House of Night. Would you please tell us something about the premise? Do you see an end in sight for Zoey and the House of Night series?

HIDDEN is book 10 of the House of Night. Yep, I plotted 12 HoN books. I totally know what’s going to happen to Zoey and the gang!

 

TRC:  Gena-BEAUTY AWAKENED is the February 2013 installment in your Angels of the Dark series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Gena:  Beauty Awakened features Koldo, who is scarred, powerful, and known for his control legendary. He lives only for vengeance, determined to punish the angel who viciously removed his wings (AKA his mother. Yes, he has slight mommy issues). But if he yields to the forces of hatred, he will be kicked from the heavens and eternally damned. His last hope is the fragile Nicola Lane, a human born with a defective heart. Yet she shows surprising strength as demons stalk her every move, determined to end her. She is the key to Koldo’s deliverance…and his downfall.

TRC:  Gena-DARKEST CRAVING (Lord of the Underworld #10) has been schedule for release in July 2013. Would you please tell us something about the premise? How many books do you have planned for the series?

Gena:  I wish I could, but I haven’t yet gotten permission from the publisher to post anything about the book. (Mostly because the rough draft isn’t done, and my stories can change so much between one stage and another) All I can tell you is that it features Kane, the keeper of Disaster, he’s in a terrible mental and emotional place considering all the bad stuff that went down in The Darkest Seduction. He needs a woman to shine a little light into his life asap.

Right now, I have two more books contracted in the Lords of the Underworld series. The next one might just belong to Cameo.

TRC:  Many authors bounce ideas with other authors, family members and friends. With whom do you bounce ideas and why?

PC-I brainstorm with my editors and my agent. I trust their instincts and love the different slants they bring to the writing process. I also babble to my wonderful man. (Yes, he reads my books!) He doesn’t so much brainstorm with me, though, as he does give me a sounding board. But sometimes he says stuff like, “Why don’t you just shoot that character?” The last time he said that was while I was writing POSSESSED. I told him he was brilliant – kissed him – and then I did, indeed, shoot the character. Ha!

Gena-I love to bounce ideas off fellow author Jill Monroe, as well as have her read my drafts in chunks. She’s honest, hilarious and isn’t afraid to tell me I need to chop the first hundred pages because I started in the wrong place. What I don’t like is having to say, “You’re right.”

TRC:  What difficulties or challenges have you faced as a writer?

PC-The first half of writing every single book makes me want to leap off a tall building.

Gena-Having more than one project due at the same time, in different stages.

TRC:  Do you still fear rejection from a publisher?

PC-I don’t really think about publisher rejection – or at least I don’t think about it after I’m under contract. I obsess about writing the best book I can every time I write – so I suppose the rejection I fear most is of my own making.

Gena-I hate fear and won’t let myself entertain it for anything! I used to make myself sick worrying over the silliest things. Now I’m learning to resist it in all its varying forms, and oh, I love feeling it flee. (You can probably picture me fist pumping and shouting, “Freedom!”)

TRC:  Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon. How do you handle the stress of writer’s block?

PC-Well…I don’t believe in writer’s block. I believe that not everyone who begins a book can finish one. When I was a teenager I wanted to be a veterinarian, but when I volunteered at a vet clinic I realized I didn’t have what it takes to be a veterinarian. I didn’t have vet block; it just wasn’t the right job for me. I don’t look at writing as a nebulous, Muse-driven thing. I look at it as a job. It’s a cool job. I love it. But it’s a job, and that means that sometimes, whether I feel like writing or not, I write. It’s just like when I was teaching high school. I didn’t always feel like teaching class, but it was my job, so I showed up and did it to the best of my ability whether I felt like it or not. Because writing has been romanticized for so long I think people tend to forget that a successful professional author is a professional.

Gena—I don’t believe in writer’s block, either! And like PC, I see writing as a job. It takes discipline to force myself to go into my office, shut the door, and sit down at my computer when I’d rather stay in bed – and rather not be enveloped by the pungent aroma of dog fart.

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

PC-Right now I’m working on answering this interview – thereby procrastinating and not writing the House of Night novella that’s due next month and is soooo not close to being done…

Gena-I’m currently working on the rough draft of The Darkest Craving, copy edits for Beauty Awakened, page passes for Last Kiss Goodnight, and plotting Through the Zombieglass. “I will succeed,” she says with another fist pump.

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

PC-Yep – a big wave to my paranormal romance fans! It was a pleasure to write for you again!

Gena-Thank you so much for your support!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food

PC-wine
Gena-gourmet hamburger from my favorite restaurant, The Stuffed Olive

Favorite Dessert

PC-wine
Gena-sugar cookie from my favorite restaurant, The Stuffed Olive

Favorite TV Show

PC-currently The Big Bang Theory
Gena-New Girl

Last Movie You Saw

PC-The Avengers
Gena-What to Expect When You’re Expecting

Dark or Milk Chocolate

PC-Dark!
Gena-Dark

First book ever published

PC-Divine by Mistake (published originally under the title Goddess by Mistake)
Gena-The Stone Prince

TRC:  Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations to both of you on all of your success and the release of AFTER MOONRISE. We are looking forward to your new and future releases.

The Reading Cafe is offering a GIVEAWAY a copy of AFTER MOONRISE to one lucky member wherever The Book Depository delivers.

1. You must be a registered member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please add your email address to your comment as Twitter etc does not allow for email addresses.

3. Giveaway open INTERNATIONALLY wherever The Book Depository delivers.

4. Please answer one of the LIGHTNING ROUND questions.

5. Giveaway runs from November 2-November 6, 2012

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Beauty Awakened / Last Kiss Goodnight / Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

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Beauty Awakened/Last Kiss Goodnight/ Alice in Zombieland  by Gena Showalter

Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter

 

FROM Goodreads: RELEASE DATE- February 2013

“Combining passion, humor, pulse-pounding action and just plain fun, Gena Showalter’s books are always a refreshing escape!” – New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with another captivating Angels of the Dark tale, as a tormented warrior is brought to his knees by the most delicate of humans…

His name is Koldo. He is scarred, powerful, his control legendary-and he lives only for vengeance, determined to punish the angel who viciously removed his wings. But if he yields to the forces of hatred, he will be kicked from the heavens, eternally damned.

She is his last hope. Nicola Lane was born with a defective heart, yet this fragile human shows surprising strength as demons stalk her every move, determined to end her. She is the key to Koldo’s deliverance…and his downfall. Though he fights duty, destiny and his first addictive taste of desire, his toughest battle will be the one for Nicola’s life-even if he has to sacrifice his own…

LINKS TO PRE ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

 

LAST KISS GOODNIGHT  by Gena Showalter

 

FROM Goodreads: RELEASE DATE-December 26, 2012

The breathtaking first novel in New York Times best selling author Gena Showalter’s new paranormal romance series, Otherworld Assassins, featuring a black ops agent who is captured and enslaved…and the beautiful deaf girl who holds the key to his salvation…

THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION…

Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding. The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems—she’s his.

THE ULTIMATE PRICE…

Vika endures the captives’ taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can’t free them. Only, Solo is different—he protects her. But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him…and he’ll be put to a killer test

LINKS TO PRE ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

ALICE IN ZOMBIELAND by Gena Showalter

 

FROM GOODREADS: Release Date September 25, 2012

She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real….

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO / Books a Million

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AFTER MOONRISE (anthology) by PC Cast and Gena Showalter-a review

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After Moonrise (anthology) by PC Cast and Gena Showalter-a review

AFTER MOONRISE –Possessed by PC Cast / Haunted by Gena Showalter

AFTER MOONRISE is an anthology (October 23, 2012 release) written by PC Cast and Gena Showalter. After Moonrise is a paranormal investigation agency and is the primary agency in both of the storylines. Norms are without any supernatural power (human) and Psys are those gifted with varying degrees of psychic ability.

POSSESSED is the first storyline written by PC Cast. At nine years of age, Kent Raef discovered he was a Psy. With his ability to feel only negative emotions Kent spent several years working for the military. Now State side and living in Tulsa Oklahoma Kent is a well-respected psychic detective working for the Tulsa branch of the After Moonrise Agency. Things are about to change for Kent when Lauren Wilcox enters his office hoping he will be able to help track her twin sister’s killer. But Lauren comes with a surprise-her sister’s spirit refuses to move on until her murder is solved. And it is Raef’s ability to see and communicate with Aubrey that pushes the detective in more ways than one.

Aubrey and Lauren Wilcox owned their own landscaping business and three months earlier Aubrey’s body was discovered at a job site-she had apparently been electrocuted on a dig. But Aubrey’s spirit refuses to move on and the sisters‘s relationship is slowly killing Lauren. It is not Aubrey’s choice to remain but a psychic killer who has the ability to keep her spirit alive.

POSSESSED is a well-written and fast paced storyline with a HEA but it was a difficult ending for me. I knew within the first couple of chapters that I would not like the outcome of this particular storyline. Aubrey’s bubbly personality made it obvious that she was the dominant twin and her attraction and playful attitude with Raef had the detective focusing more on the ghost than on the person. Lauren soon became nothing more than a second thought and a vessel for her sister’s spirit. What would you do for love?

*************************

HAUNTED is the second storyline written by Gena Showalter. Oklahoma PD detective Levi Reid suffered blackouts and his most recent was a 7 day blank. Waking up in a new apartment, with new neighbors in a new neighborhood wasn’t what he had expected but when Aurora Harper stepped into his life he recognized a broken soul. On an extended leave of absence from the force, Levi would find himself in the middle of a missing persons investigation where the missing appeared to be alive and well, and he had more in common with Harper than he was willing to admit.

27 year old Harper, following a recent move into a new neighborhood, was also suffering blackouts and the feeling that she had witnessed a murder-a murder that she had somehow suppressed but her paintings, as she is an artist, have recently taken on a presence of their own. She is painting the image of a murder. And to complicate matters she could feel and taste the fear and horror, hear the screams of pain and something or someone was stalking her very existence. Along with her roommate Lana, Harper and Levi would embark on the long road to uncovering the truth behind the images Harper was painting and stopping a serial killer. But Levi suspected more than Lana let on when she disappeared and he discovered she was working for the Oklahoma After Moonrise Investigation Agency.

As the storyline continues, Harper and Levi develop feelings for each. Harper has a smart mouth and sexy attitude, and Levi is drawn to the spunky artist. But Harper’s painting will suddenly become personal and they will soon discover that their lives had taken a different path than they ever thought possible.

HAUNTED is another well-written, fascinating and amazing storyline from Gena Showalter. There is murder and mystery, as well as romance and sex. Gena draws the reader into the storyline and throws you a curveball at every chance. Our hero is sexy and sure, and our heroine has a take no prisoners attitude. Another wonderful story that will have you second-guessing the premise –you think you have it all solved until Gena changes the playing field.

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO

Reviewed by Sandy

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