Authors Who Write with Bite

Happy Saturday! And, welcome to my fandom.

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a huge fan of paranormal romances. I've been giving a bit of thought as to what I'd want to contribute to this today's Saturday 7 and I thought I'd list the names of my go-to authors whose heroes love to nip, bite and claim.

To be chosen by using such a basic and visceral method appeals to that part of me that responds with an ancient female instinct similar to our furry counterparts in nature - to wait and watch while suitors joust, show physical prowess, strength and dominance so a female can mate with the strongest male, -.procreation with the strongest is an intense survival instinct in nature. Humans have a much more difficult time of it and muck it up a lot.  I think that's why I like stories about heroes who have a penchant to bite, mark and claim their chosen lady because nature gives those guys a bit of a push - usually a scent or other sign that she's 'the one'. Their assured exclusivity and monogamy to one woman, and all that focus of sexual drive, the need to protect and the treating of a woman like the sun rises and sets in her eyes, has a huge appeal to the romantic within me. These 7 authors have captured my imagination like no other and I'm thrilled to share them with you.

1) Christine Feehan




Ms. Feehan's Carpathians have been thrilling me for over 15 years. She's been entertaining readers since her first book, Dark Prince, exploded on the shelves in 1999.  In them, her heroes cannot see colors, have no feelings and within them lies a spreading darkness that will consume them and turn them into vampires unless they have the fortitude to recognize the end is near, can no longer hold out on hope and loyalty alone, and face the sun before they succumb to evil. Their one hope, as slim as it is due to a plot thread woven throughout many of the early books, is to find their lifemate; she's a woman who is their one - the other half of their soul who can save them from the darkness within. She gives them back their ability to feel and to see color.

What I enjoy is watching these merciless killers of the undead get knocked on their butts by the colors that blast their eyes, and the return of lost emotions that overwhelm their good sense. Their protective streak explodes and their about-to-be lifemate is faced with a man who is not only macho, alpha, dominant and arrogant - those protective instincts are in overdrive.  His woman must be protected at all costs and when she's not happy he considers it a personal failure. The guys are stymied by the fact that all the heroines are modern women who push right back and refuse to be the 'little woman at home'.  That's quite a learning curve for men who are usually a few hundred years old or older.

The reason Ms. Feehan's Carpathians are on my list is because of; HOW they claim their woman. It's sensual, sexy and there are fangs involved. The author makes it romantic because there are these ritual words that are said which encompass all what a woman can hope for in her man in real life. She is first in all things and her happiness is of major concern as well as her safety. Her hero can do no other than to love her above all others - she truly is the light of; his life. What's there not to like about that? There's a new Dark book coming out in 2018 and I can't wait!

My second choice is considered controversial by a lot of readers out there.

2) Laurell K. Hamilton





A lot of early fans think the first book, Guilty Pleasures published in 1993, through Obsidian Butterfly in 2000 were the best because they focused more on the drama, the dark side of paranormal crimes and Anita Blake's role as consultant to the paranormal police division. The macabre dance of romance between Anita, Jean Claude, (vampire) Master of the City, and Richard (Werewolf), really started to form from Lunatic Cafe on.

Once Narcissus in Chains was published in 2001 things took a dramatic turn. The elements for a complicated, convoluted and unconventional romance were introduced. It would take a while for the focus of the books to really turn from external plot conflicts to personal and in the process many early fans had a hard time adjusting to the new focus - Anita's love life. During the years after 2006 the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series turned to dark eroticism. Between vampires, werewolves, a select group of werecats (jaguar, tiger, panther) there's a lot of biting, claiming, marking and sexual dynamics that make up the strengthening romance between Anita and a few key characters.

Longstanding fans who've stuck with the series, and even fans of erotic romances, gobble up every novel Ms. Hamilton produces because we've been invested in Jean Claude's, Micah's and Nathan's love for Anita and her love for them for quite some time. Marking comes with some unusual side effects and I'm enjoying every chapter of their developing romance. Complication is Anita's middle name and I never know what Ms. Hamilton has in store for her intrepid heroine. I have to wait until August, 2018 to find out what's next.

3) Kerrelyn Sparks



Ms. Sparks is an author with a ginormous sense of humor who inserts her own fandom of certain genres into surprising moments within her novels. Since I share the same appreciation and sense of fun, her books have always entertained me on various levels. The heroes and heroines are usually always vampires so you know there is a lot of biting. There are Highland warriors, French fencing experts and other paranormal beings that kept the Love at Stake series fresh, funny and addicting. Well, Howard was a bit different but he was lovable, adorable and was one of my favorite heroes. The series completed with Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire so new readers can binge-read to their hearts content. Ms. Sparks' books are and will continue to be, on my keeper shelf.

4) Lynsay Sands



Ms. Sands made my previous post of Saturday 7 as one author who made me laugh. Well, she makes me sigh and swoon with her Immortal heroes, descendants from Atlantis. Of course they feed like vampires but they eat food too. How Ms. Sands incorporates eating food in her romances is unique, clever and important. However, it's when the romantic protagonists bite their love-to-be that things get really hot, steamy and very, very sexy. Her 27th book in her Argeneau series is coming out in March and I can't wait. She's managed to keep the series fresh and surprising and lately she's discovered a whole new aspect to explore with a new kind of villain to defeat - readers are in for fun and exciting times ahead.

5) Lydia Dare & 6) Terry Spear

Both authors do what I affectionately refer to as "wolfie romances'. I adore them. When those hot sexy, hot heroes bite you, you're mated and it's forever. A guaranteed love is the stuff of dreams, wishes and fantasy but it's an idea that's successfully seductive and thrilling. It's all on how it comes about - the pursuit and the claiming. ::swoon::











What's really cool is that two of the books have a tagline on the front cover from Long and Short Reviews. How cool is that??? Where do you think I go to find book recommends? :)


Last but not least,
7) Dianne Duvall

This is an author that I've been avidly following for the past 5 years or so. Oh my gosh, this series is SO AMAZING! Yes, there is transformational biting within the novels of the Immortal Guardian series - 7 so far. Only heroines and heroes with a hidden element in their DNA can be turned. The why of it, the history, and the teasing possibilities, are still being slowly revealed.

Ms. Duvall has me completely captivated. She has yet to write a story that doesn't suck me in 100%. If you've never heard of her and you are a fan of paranormal romances, then take my word for it, you're in for a treat. Of course it's my opinion but I am such a fan that I want everyone to fall in love with them too. The more readers, the more likely the author's publisher will continue to be supportive in Ms. Duvall's writing. The oldest of the Immortals HAVE to get their HEAs!! The only drawback, not that I truly consider it as one, is that each consecutive story builds on one another. You won't care about Seth or Darnell unless you've read from the beginning. And I care - greatly.

There's drama, excitement, sword fights and an uber villain is just getting started causing major mayhem. When the heroes and heroines get together, their scenes are sexy, seductive and truly hot.

Love, love, love this series!!!



I hope you enjoyed my Saturday 7 with Bite. All these authors are on my keeper shelf, with good reason. Many I have as print or hardcover books but I'm also getting ebook backups. Also, they have the distinction of having a high re-readability factor. Many people have movies that they'll watch again and again. I have books.

7 Authors Who Make Me Giggle or Snicker

I'm going to try something different.  I'm going to actually participate in a meme.  I've been a fan of LASR for a long time so this idea is pretty cool.

I thought about it and realized that humor is an important element for a few authors that are must reads for me.  At least once during the novel it has to make me snort and snicker and even facepalm at various points in the story. The book most definitely has to make me break out in smiles, grins and giggles to one degree or another.

1) If I'm in need of zany, madcap and startled guffaws, then Sandra Hill is a sure bet.  I adore her Vikings, both the ones that stay in the past and the time-traveling Vikings that make great navy SEALS,  as well as her sexy Cajun heros. From language issues to Tante LuLu, every one of those books in those series has something to make me giggle out loud, no matter where I am.

2) I've been a huge fan of Lynsay Sands and her Argeneau series for years. Her humor is not always knee slapping but it fills me with happiness, grins, giggles and chortles.  That kind of humor balances out some of the dark plot elements due to villians with bite issues.  Ms. Sands also writes historical and contemporary stories so I always have plenty to choose from.



The Switch was HILARIOUS! I even got my sister to fall in love with it too!

 3) I've also been a fan of Nina Bangs for a long time - probably since 2005 when I used to visit her blog faithfully. She's a paranormal author who created a most unusual cast of characters. Poor Hogarth is a great sidekick because he's so dry and caustic - a great straightman. Every novel has something to smile about.

. 
Sparkle Stardust is fun to meet.



4) Jill Shalvis - an author I was privileged to actually interview for my blog back in 2007 - has a sense of humor that never fails; her heroes and heroines always touch my emotions and most of them I would love to meet in real life.



5) Sarah Morgan - Oh my gosh, am I ever a fan of hers. Her novels have me walking around with a sappy, happy smile on my face. Her books are so romantic and gentle and the humor is so lifelike and touching that I can't pass by a title of hers and not buy and read it. She's a solid writer who is a master of her craft. I might be surprised with an outright giggle here and there but no matter what, I know a smile is always in store for me. How did I find Ms. Morgan initially? Harlequin romances. She started off as my favorite brain candy and ended up being one of my go-to authors no matter what platform she writes in.



6) What list can possibly be perfect unless it includes books by Katie MacAlister. She writes in many genres but my favorite is paranormal. Her books can be an absolute gigglefest. As far as knee-slappers, uncontrollable fits of hilarity and true snort-worthy scenes, Ms. MacAlister gives Ms. Hill a run for the money when it comes to "the most giggles found in one book". Not all of her books are home runs in the snort category, but Ms. MacAlister comes darned close. If you can find one about the Renfest, grab it. I went to our local faire years ago not long after I'd read the book and I met a 'wench' who LOVED Ms. MacAlister's books so much, I think we talked over 30 minutes just comparing the funniest notes between the books we'd both read. Two strangers laughing hysterically in the middle of a Renfest about BOOKS! How cool is that?



And finally

7) Jennifer Ashley - Her humor isn't hilarious in her novels but many have this happy vibe that pops out in unexpected ways. Her plots are emotionally meaty and have depth so when humor is exhibited between her characters it has this real feeling. It makes me smile or grin or just feel good. Sometimes feeling good is its own reward. I've read about the Mackenzie family (LOVE) and her paranormals (a bit on the dark side) but somewhere along the line, Ms. Ashley imbues her characters with a sometimes subtle humor that I can appreciate. She's well worth time spent in her worlds.



So, am I the only one who enjoys some serious humor in her romances??

New Year's Resolutions That Aren't

Good grief.
It's 2018 already and I didn't blog at ALL in a whole YEAR?  What happened to my resolutions??

Hmmm, well, the last one for 2017 was the hardest, as I thought it would be. However, I am still a lector at my church and I now co-teach Faith Formation classes (4th grade), otherwise known as CCD classes.

I didn't bake as much as I wanted to but I did bake more than 2016 so that's something.

I did have a garden this year afterall! I was so excited to get a great many zucchini, tomatoes and cucumbers.  However, I had to fight an unknown plant assailant. It might have been a baby bunny, a chipmunk or a vole. I had a fence, and sonic mole stakes but it wasn't enough.  I ended up using PVC pipes and pantyhose as part of my anti-critter arsenal.  Once I did that, my plants finally had a chance to grow and produce.

As far as exercise?  Totally laughable. The part of my body most exercised was my brain. I read a lot! Of course, since it's an addiction, that's easy to do.

 As far as 2018 resolutions, I don't think I should make any. I could make wishes ....lol

1) Bake more, eat less.
2) Exercise once a week (it doesn't sound like a lot but believe me, for me? It is. Sad that.)
3) Blog more than once this year. Today's post doesn't count.
4) Use nail polish more often
5) See my IRL friends more often
6) Go on a couple of nature walks while not forgetting my camera
7) Make French Onion soup.  In all my years, I've never tried and I really want to.
8) See more than 1 movie a year - maybe see 2!
9) Try growing Pattypan squash again - on purpose.  I bought one last year and had NO idea what it was and when I saw this odd looking thing, I had no idea what to do with it.  After YouTube searches there will be a serious hunt to get another plant or two - on purpose instead of accidental.
10) Find more easy Crock Pot recipes
11) Try a new exotic veggie - that means actually preparing and eating - not look at it and take pictures.
12) Organize my Keeper Shelf.

So there are my personal wishes, one a month for 2018.  If half of those 'wishes' come true, I'll feel moderately accomplished.

Now, off to explore the world of essential oils.  It's a great unknown but promises to be scentastic. ;)

2017 Resolutions

A new year = new promises to oneself.

This year I am going to keep those goals simple.

I want to bake more. At least twice a month instead of twice every 6 months.

I want to exercise more - not to lose some ridiculous amount of poundage, but to increase lung capacity.

I actually want to share more on my blog because it's the only place that seems to allow freedom of expression without being 'unfriended' for the silliest of things. You know, like having an opinion?

I want to have a garden this year. ( I refuse to consider that we'll have another drought)

Last but not least, I want to love my God more, remember to thank Him more often, and pray more often.

The saddest thing?  The last promise will be the most challenging to keep. It's also the one that means the most. Interesting dichotomy, don't you think?

Anyway, Happy 2017!!

Romancing the Demon

There's been an uptick of using Christian beliefs as a fantasy world.

Angels lose their wings because they've succumbed to the lust of a human woman. 

Demons being redeemed or seen as heroes and acting like any normal guy with regular needs, with a few interesting appendages complicating things.  

I understand that authors take poetic license; it's free speech after all. However, the stories of the Bible come from a world with the lines specifically drawn. 

Some of the best stories come from writers who think outside the box and challenge longheld or current beliefs. I give credit where credit is due. 

For those that are stronger in their faith, this manipulation of their basic tenets and understanding of their faith, and the romancing of evil, is a bit hard to swallow.  I highly doubt that a certain other religion would tolerate such a desecration of their beliefs. In fact, they kill people for less.  So, why do folks seem to think it's okay to treat the Christian faith with a cavalier manner?  Well, we certainly won't rise up and do harm - well, we shouldn't. There are extremes in any form of human decision. I suppose, if authors do any level of research, and they're ... undecided, perhaps a kernel of spiritual truth will find fertile ground and some day bear fruit.  Therefore, not pouncing and making a big deal out of it could be viewed as a passive form of preaching. If there's something worth exploring and  writing about, conceivably there's a possibility that conversion of souls can take place.  They're being exposed to the Lord.  If it makes someone curious about real Christian practices and beliefs, then something good can come of it.  The Lord's work is accomplished by using people, tools and options most cannot even guess at, and not all of them are through "perfect" means, because, absolute perfection does not exist on this earth. We're all sinners.

I have drawn my personal line in the sand when anyone writes Lucifer as a being with feelings, with normal human lust and emotions and connections. First, he was an angel and angels were never, ever human.  He's the total absence of God, he's the darkest dark, and the instigator of the worst parts of the human condition; the destructor and violator of souls.  Not only is he not human but he's not redeemable nor something to trifle with. He's Sauron's worst nightmare,  Freddy Krueger is a novice in comparison, and the  human mind simply cannot fathom the depths of wrongness that is Lucifer. So to romanticize him, make him act, talk or yearn for things as a human male would is, frankly, abhorrent to me. 

If they want to use the premise of angels and demons, take them out of this world, make them aliens, a different dimension and/or write it under the sci-fi/fantasy genre and disassociate it from the Christianity that is practiced here on earth. Use Greek or Roman mythology, like Hades or Pluto, instead of something that is alive and real.

I practice a lot of 'willing suspension of disbelief' when I read, but when it comes to my religion, I'm unwilling to compromise and suspend my beliefs for the sake of enjoyment.  The beauty, strength, grace, forgiveness and love of my God is not something I'll ever be willing to suspend, even for a book written by a favorite author. 

For me, romancing demons and the devil is not an option. 

More Favorite Things

This is a post that accidently was left in draft mode since JULY 2011 !!!  I just found it and figured it's still relevant ... :)
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Why is it, do you think, that we love spies? And intrigue? And masterful men?

Growing up, I had my girlish heart go pitter patter over these:  These links are to intros.

I Spy  What a cool idea when you think of it.  Can you see some of today's tennis players as secret agents? And to think, Bill Cosby used to be an action hero. Cool.
(Nov 2016 - guess things are not so cool for him now. My, how time changes things!!)

The Man from U.N.C.L.E - Now Mr. Vaugn touts a law office. LOL (as of Nov 2016 - Mr. Vaugn recently passed away.  He sure had a long run though.)

The AVENGERS - I always wanted to be Mrs. Peel. (Nov 2016 - still do)

The SAINT - before he was Bond, James Bond

The Wild Wild West - but be aware..when he kisses his would-be assasin?  In the original, he clobbers the vixen and knocks her on her butt.  As far as I'm concerned, they should have kept it.  Not sure why, but he seemed, more manly, more of a rough and tough agent who gets the job done. As it is, she SWOONS?  Nawww... deck her - it shows equality between one agent and another.  ::snort::

VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA - of course they solved crimes - of the "I want to take over the world' kind.

FBI - I used to watch this with my grandparents.  Ephram was such a hottie back then! (NOV 2016 - wish the FBI was as respected now as it was then.)

77 Sunset Strip :  - Ok, it was a bit before my time, but I loved the idea of it.

PETER GUNN - I'm not the only one who thought the theme music was cool,- heck, so did the Blues Brothers. lol

THE MOD SQUAD  - This is one of my favorite theme songs; it was so energetic - and I like the idea of young people really making a difference.  I just want to RUN whenever I hear this music. And why does Clarence Williams remind of of Mr. Fishburn?

SWAT  - how could I forget this?  Robert Urich!  I miss him. What a fun show.

MAVERICK - James Garner - I girl-crushed on him long before the Rockford Files...

RAWHIDE - Before Spaghetti Westerns there was this T.V. series for Mr. Eastwood. Fond memories.

I hope these links stay working on YouTube because I like to listen to them and I have a one stop place to find them. Every one of these T.V. shows affected me as I grew up.  What do kids have these days that doesn't talk down to them, (other than Siri)  or make them seem dumber than they are? What they do have disrespects adults or celebrates dysfunctional families. These listed shows may seem dated, but in them they acted like adults, had characters you could look up to, role models, and even as a kid, I enjoyed every single one.

When News Fails

I'm not perfect. Few people are. But there are some places where there should be a higher standard and that is in news reporting.

I am not a fan of one of my local news sources unless you count the gleeful pouncing on all editing goofs.

Look at this link for however long it stays available:
http://wwlp.com/2016/06/11/snake-falls-off-dashboard-onto-drivers-feet/

I question many things but the most basic question is, How will watching your feet prevent a snake from getting into your car? That has to be one of the most stupid, idiotic and nonsensical statements ever.  I'm wondering if it was out of context?  Surely people aren't that simple.  The reporter could have left that part out but instead had to use that dubious quote to end the 'report'.

I wonder,  how can a snake move about a hot engine unscathed when said car was traveling at high speeds, generating enough heat off of the engine to fry an egg?

And, she waits to pull over in a parking lot?  " Knowing the snake had crawled back up into her engine, Swisher had no other option but to pull off of I-49 and into the nearest shopping center, "

What, the side of the road wasn't close enough?
And, if it was ON the dashboard, isn't that   within view of a person's FACE?    I mean, I see a CUP on a dashboard, could not a person see a SNAKE?


So, I think the whole report is shoddy and a waste of time for a reader.  Because I was so miffed, I decided to blog about it.

I suppose, in a way, it gave me something to say because today may turn out be a slow news day anyway.

Ye Olde Tarzan

First, I am remiss - I never realized that the posts I  had 'Scheduled' to post, reverted to Draft and were never posted!  This one was from 2014!!!   Thing is, since then I found out that Mr. Ely actually has a Facebook presence!!!  Imagine that!

https://www.facebook.com/Ron-Ely-Fan-Page-101031133271927/

But back in 2014 I had no clue, so I wrote the following. Enjoy!

*******

Folks, lately I've been in a constant state of amazement.

Way back in 2006, I wrote a blog post about one of my early infatuations with a star; Ron Ely, who played Tarzan.

Believe it or not, I think Ron has been rediscovered in a HUGE way.

Why do I say that?

Because my old post is getting comments-even two years later!

Wonderful fans as far away as France have visited me to share their appreciation of his talent and to gently :-) correct any mistakes I've made re: Ron Facts.

Perhaps they are stopping by just because it's another opportunity to connect with others of equal enthusiasm?

Only they know.

Me? I'm tickled pink.

After checking my site stats, today was the first time the 2006 POST outranked my visits for my current posting.

Has anyone ever had that happen?

So, in anticipation of continuing the trend, I'd like to include two links that my blog buddy, Judy, found for me while we were chatting one evening.

This is a YouTube interview that reveals some wonderful info that fans should find interesting. It's labeled, Tarzan, Jesus, and Davy Crockett?

I have dial-up so it took over an hour to load, but it was worth it.

The other is a SHORT ARTICLE about his son.

Look at the picture; doesn't that Ely charm show through?

From the sounds and rumblings I've been hearing, maybe, just maybe, Ron Ely may grace our television sets in the near future.

I'm sure, like many fans around the world, the 'near future' isn't soon enough.

On a sadder note, one of my visiting Ely fans informed me about some sad news. Manuel Padilla, Jr., who played Jai, passed away recently. He'll be forever young in my mind's eye. He was only 51 too. Way too young.

There is a link to verify this info: OBIT The info for Manuel is almost all the way towards the bottom- Jan. 29th.

I never knew he was in American Graffiti! Did you?

Oh Wow! Did you know that James Earl Jones played in one of the Tarzan episodes?

I just saw that little tidbit when I was checking out one of the links I slipped into my post here. Very cool!

The item that cracked me up was seeing Ethel Merman listed as being in an episode. That actress had a very unique voice.

I really wish the executives that make DVD decisions would really wake up and realize there is a WANT and an INTEREST for purchasing and viewing the 1966 - 1968 years of this incarnation of Tarzan.

I, for one, would buy it. Who can we write to so we can get the ball rolling?


The real ball, of course, started with Johnny Weissmuller, way back when. Original Tarzan

I'll leave off with my preferred music of the Tarzan theme - there is another version but nothing as jungle sounding and catchy as this, once the talking is done. :)

It's Only June

Are you as tired of the political scene as I am?

It's pathetic out there.

The Republicans started off with 16 contenders, a few of them more than worthy of being in the Oval Office.

Now, who are we left with? A woman who knows insider politics inside and out, who is proficient in dealing with the dark underbelly of politics, and a man who is proficient in dealing with the underbelly of the business world. Both are at the top of their game, both have done things that would raise eyebrows on regular folk, and both are not averse to personal attacks on the other.

None of those things qualify them to be president. Not one talks about HOW to do anything, or what they plan on doing with anything specific. She is no better than he. They are well matched on many levels and the fight is going to be dirty.

Thing is, it's been dirty and it's getting worse. It's only June! I'm tired of Warren calling Trump a liar when she calls herself an American Indian. She lives in a thin glass house and that's a pretty big stone she's trying to throw.

I'd have preferred a candidate with the class of Dr. Carson, the patriotism of Cruz, the enthusiasm of Rubio, and the proven track record of DOING something like Kasich (even though he's always directing planes with his hand gestures) and instead, we have ... Trump.

As for a female being president. It's not time for a female because she's female. It would be time for a candidate that is qualified to LEAD and DEFEND us, period. One day there will be a female that embodies those qualities but the Hilz isn't it. She's a player. She's good at it. She learned it hands on with Bill - but is she really going to be what is BEST for this country? What did she learn except to leave the Oval Office crying poor and broke. Remember that? If that's the benefit of Clinton - Round 1, when she wins, it will be Clinton - Round 2 - and the country will spiral into a third world status.

You notice I said when, right? Yeah - I think she'll be the next president by virtue of Mr. Trump spouting such divisive nonsense continually, like diarrhea of the mouth, that he'll turn people away even if they initially supported him. It's already happening. He's a loose cannon.

On the other hand, a loose cannon might make North Korea twitchy, Russia wary and China interested - why? Because they are into business and buying our debt - there might be a sale.

No matter which way November goes - it IS historical, groundbreaking and will be controversial for years to come.

But right now, it's only June. And I much prefer to look forward to SHARKNADO 4 in July!!!!!

Woot!!