Stacia Kane Answers My Pondering Questions

After I finished Demon Possessed by Stacia Kane I had a couple of questions for her. I sent them too late for the Blog Tour, but knew you all would enjoy the answers.

Be sure to enter our contest to win a copy of her latest book: Demon Possessed. You can enter here.

1. About 25 years ago I attended a couple of charismatic church meetings out of curiosity. At one, the minister made people in the front row "laugh in the holy spirit", and at another a man who lost an eye could still "see" with it. (I couldn't make up something that good.) When I was reading Demon Possessed I have to say you captured the essence of those attending Reverend Walther's meetings with humor, but also some serious observations of the people who believed they were possessed. Did you do any research on these type of meetings?

It really depends on what you mean by research! A few years ago I saw a TV special on fundamentalist "exorcists" and found it really fascinating, and actually made some notes during it with an eye toward using it one day. But that was about it, really; because it's a subject that interests me I've watched other programs on it and did a little hunting around online, but I also didn't want to get too terribly close to any "real" events. I didn't want to make fun of people who have serious problems and/or real faith in such things, so I tried to stay respectful while still expressing that I don't think such events are always safe--in fact there have been deaths recorded during them--or necessarily the best way for people to deal with their problems.

2. I couldn't find it on your blog or FAQ so I have to ask, how many books would you like to write in the Megan Chase series? I know it depends on the publisher, but if you had your wish how many do you think you would like to see published?

Well, right now there are three, and I think that's a pretty good number. :-)

Thanks!

I really appreciate that Stacia is honest about her Megan Chase series, though I loved it and hate to see it end, I know she must have some wonderful new books in mind for us next time. Is till need to buy here Downside Series with is dark fantasy, one of my favorite genres. Here are the books she has published to date:

Megan Chase Series
1. Personal Demons (2008)
2. Demon Inside (2009)
3. Demon Possessed (2010)

Downside Series
1. Unholy Ghosts (2010)
2. Unholy Magic (2010)
3. City of Ghosts (2010)

She also has a story in The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2, which I need to pick up as well.

If you are out and about where Stacia will be please stop by and visit her for me, since I won't be able to make it:

Frolicon, April 1-4, Atlanta GA
Romantic Times Booklovers Convention, April 28-May 2, Columbus OH
Dragon*Con, September 6-10, Atlanta GA

~Moonsanity

Blog Tour & Contest: Demon Possessed

Demon Possessed

Megan Chase Series, Book 3
Author: Stacia Kane
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books
Visit the Author's Website
Available from: Amazon, Indie Bound, Powells, Barnes & Noble

Summary: An FBI agent with an unhealthy interest in less-than-legitimate demon business shows up; the demon community is urging Megan to undergo the rite that will make her a real demon; and a slightly shady minister is holding one of his wildly popular “weekend exorcisms” just down the road. And oh yes, someone with scary magical abilities is attempting to kill her.

I am addicted to Stacia Kane's writing. Is there a support group I can join? I need some serious help before I spend the house payment on all of her books. (That might be a slight exaggeration.) Seriously though, I could not stop reading Demon Possessed and stayed up way too late until I made myself put it down to try and get some sleep. I practically threw the kids down the driveway to wait for the bus before grabbing a cup of coffee and opening the book again. I love when authors amaze me, so all I can do is keep reading, hoping the phone won't ring or God forbid, someone comes to the door.

I was sent Demon Possessed by the publisher for the blog tour today. I knew it was the third book in Ms. Kane's series, but having 72 books on my To Be Read Shelf from Hell, I hadn't gotten to the first and second book yet. I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to connect with the characters starting off with the third book. I could not have been more wrong. Her characters are intelligent, quirky, smart ass and hot....very hot, as in Greyson Dante, fire demon. The demon guards are not so much hot as they are quirky. This scene is one example:

"And what about Spud? He tried that new eyeshadow on 'er last month and it made 'er look like a consumptive! She don't want to go out lookin' like 'er lungs is about ter fall out!"

I swear, I do not know where Ms. Kane comes up with this stuff. I was cackling out loud to myself every time the guards were together. Demon Possessed has the perfect combination of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and mystery. The humor keeps the story from being overly dark, but there are thought provoking moments as well. The action scenes are "edge of the seat" suspenseful, hence my inability to stop reading in the middle of one.

If you enjoy Marjorie M. Liu, Jeaniene Frost, Michelle Rowen or Karen Chance I think you will really enjoy Stacia Kane's Books. There are three books in this series to date.

The Megan Chase Series:
1. Personal Demons (2008)
2. Demon Inside (2009)
3. Demon Possessed (2010)

THE BLOG TOUR CONTEST
The publisher has graciously allowed me to give away one copy of Demon Possessed. As always leave a comment answering my discussion question and you will be entered in the giveaway.

QUESTION: If you were a supernatural being would you want minions (No, we aren't talking about children. *snicker*)? Would they be big, strong bodyguard minions, or would you rather have them be a little more on the domestic side?

The contest ends March 31st at Midnight, and I'll use the handy random number generator to choose the winner. The contest is open to the U.S. and Canada. The book will be sent out from the publisher. Leave your email if it's not attached to your profile.

~Moonsanity

My St. Patrick's Day Tribute

Beannachtam na Femle Padraig!

(Happy St. Patrick's Day)

Today, on St. Patrick's Day, I am paying tribute to Ireland. I thank her for giving us my grandfather and my husband's great grandfather. My grandpa was a merchant seaman, who at 16 fibbed about his age to become a sailor and later came to the United States. I don't know much about my husband's great grandfather except he was a quiet man with a good sense of humor. Neither one of us were able to know them well, since they died when we were very young.

I'd also like to thank Ireland for Baileys Irish Cream, Irish fairies, Irish music and Irish Dance!

Ireland is rich in literature that understands a soul's yearnings, and dancing that understands a happy heart. ~Margaret Jackson

St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time--a day to begin transforming winter's
dreams into summer's magic. ~Adrienne Cook

The shamrock on an older shore Sprang from a rich and sacred soil. Where saint and hero lived of yore, And where their sons in sorrow toil. ~Maurice Francis Egen

May you always have walls for the winds,a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
daughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all your heart might desire. ~Irish Blessing

Lastly, I leave you with my favorite Irish punk rockers The Dropkick Murphys:



'Go n-eirigh an bothar leat'
(May the road rise up to meet you)

~Moonsanity

Review: Succubi Like It Hot

Succubi Like It Hot
The Succubus Diaries #2
Author: Jill Myles
Visit her Website
Publisher: Pocket Star
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Available at Indie Bound, Powells, Barnes & Noble, Amazon

Summary: With a hot new figure, her dream job as an archaeologist, and two gorgeous boyfriends to scratch her seductive Itch -- an angel and a vampire -- Jackie Brighton is totally getting the hang of life as a succubus. Then she accidentally knocks the pizza guy unconscious with her touch. Great -- she's cursed. After striking a deal to get the curse lifted by a crafty demon, Jackie and her best friend Remy take a road trip to deliver a cryptic message to the nation's oldest succubus.

I reviewed Jill's first book, Gentlemen Prefer Succubi (Read it here.) The second book is a continuation of Jackie's journey in the land of succubi, vampires and fallen angels. This book is a little darker than Jill's first book, but it still has her snarky sense of humor, plenty of romance, adventure and a road trip from hell. I think it would have been easy for the author to write a story where her main character has sex to calm her "itch" with every Tom, Dick and Harry that she meets, living a casual, carefree life. Instead, she took a different road where her character wants to find a way to lead a fairly normal life, doing what she loves as a member of a university archaeological team. She doesn't want casual, anonymous sex. Life doesn't always cooperate with us though and she finds herself with a curse and two boyfriends who want her to decide between them.

I can't give you many details without giving out spoilers left and right, but I will say that there are twists and turns as Jackie learns who she can trust along the way. Not everyone is what they seem, which makes it hard for her to know who she can rely on. She is also learning that she doesn't always need to wait for someone to rescue her, but has should fend for herself when necessary.

As I mentioned, Succubi Like It Hot, is a little darker than the first book in the series, but I really enjoyed it. Sure, there were times I wanted to smack Jackie and yell "OMG, don't trust him/her!". There is plenty of interaction with Noah and Zane in case you are wondering. Just for the record, I am still Team Zane though Noah gained a few points along the way:)

You could read this book without reading the first one, but I think it would be SO much better to read them in order to really get to know the characters and appreciate what they are going through. I consider Succubi Like It Hot a paranormal romance with erotic steamy sex. If you are a fan of Nicole Peeler, Yasmine Galehorn, or Karen Chance you will love this series.

~Moonsanity

Kindle Tips: Oh, I See...That's How It's Done

I posted my previous blog last night, and this morning I figured out something that should have been obvious to me. I can go to Amazon and purchase e-books, which are then sent to my Kindle through the wireless it comes with. It was a "Duh." moment to say the least. (Below I give my "expert" instructions.)

Don't judge me, I truly am an intelligent and Internet savvy person:) I'm just a little slow when it comes to technology. For instance, I still love pencils and fresh new notebooks. No, not computer notebooks. Paper. I also use an organizer that is NOT on my laptop. I've tried using organizing programs throughout the years and they just don't work for me. I need a calendar, and organizer that I can hold in my hand and scribble on. I also use my phone for phone calls only. I know you are shocked. (The horror!) I don't text or have a cool ring tone. My teens just shake their head at me and walk away.


I'm not anti-technology. I love gadgets, which is why I'm so fascinated with steampunk. Well, that and the cool goggles. I'm not good with change and THAT is where the problem lies. I need time to adjust to change. I bought my laptop in January 2009. I was excited but it was different. I wanted to like it so badly, but I was sad to think I'd never feel comfortable using it for writing. It wasn't our PC. Now, I can't imagine using anything else. I love my laptop:) See, I just needed time to learn, to adjust.

I really am learning more each day about e-book readers and I already have found many uses for my Kindle, but I will always love the smell and feel of a new book.

By the way, I found these free e-books on Amazon today:

Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, Book 1) [Kindle Edition]
Moonstone by Marilee Brothers [Kindle Edition]

I've read the paperback of Dead Witch Walking last year, but this is suppose to be a special edition. I'll review it once I read it. The other book is a Young Adult book and is new to me, and I'll review that too when I finish.

To recap my new found knowledge: When you buy your Kindle, you register it on the Kindle itself with your current Amazon.com log in information. After doing this you can go to Amazon from your laptop or PC and go to the Kindle Store section. First, search by what type of book you like, such as Paranormal Romance, then sort those results from "Price: Low to High". Once you've logged in, and added the first one to your cart, you'll be asked which device you want it sent to. As long as you've registered, your Kindle will be listed and the e-books will be sent to it through the wireless they use.

Psuedo Emo Teen came home today and laughed at me for not knowing I had this option. "I assumed you KNEW you could do this, Mom. It's a given." Yeah, well, we will see how hard he is laughing when I forget to set a place for him at dinner:)

~Moonsanity

My Kindle, Free E-Books & Resources

I won my Kindle back in December from J.T. over at http://bibliofreakblog.com/. It was such a busy time of year, plus I have an aversion to learning new things involving technology, so it took me awhile to get into the swing of things on the e-book front. One of the best resources I've found so far is blogger Kindle Vixen. She has a great post here: http://www.kindlevixen.com/archives/413

She explains in friendly terms about the software Calibre, which can be used to convert files. It's free and it also organizes e-books on your PC and you can move them back and forth from the Kindle to the laptop. I've been using it this week and I've converted quite a few e-books and moved them to my Kindle from my laptop.

I started out downloading free books, mostly short stories, to get a feel for the Kindle. To be truthful, I LOVE reading a physical book. It's something I don't think will ever change for me. This is not to say that I don't love the Internet, my laptop and the Kindle. I do. I look at them more as resources to expand my reading and my research. I've been downloading classic books like:

Edgar Allen Poe's Complete Poetic Works

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

I've not really found a good way to find free books by browsing through Amazon on the Kindle itself. There are so many books that even broken down into the categories it isn't possible to "browse" through that many titles. So far I haven't found a way to search by price while using the Kindle.

Little by little I've been discovering sources for e-books other than Amazon. One of the best is by following my favorite authors on Twitter, and by reading their blogs and visiting their websites. Many authors will have free stories for download. Here are a few I've come across:

Anya Bast has several paranormal romance shorts that you can download for free. They are erotic so you must be at least 40 18. I've read the first one so far and enjoyed the story of a shifter and his reluctant mate.

http://www.anyabast.com/free-reads/

My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent, the free ebook prequel to her Soul Screamers series is available free. I really enjoyed learning how it all began.

http://urbanfantasy.blogspot.com/search/label/free%20stuff

I just found Drollerie Press this week, and have downloaded several free stories that I converted to with the Calibre software to put on my Kindle. They also have free reading guides to download.

http://drolleriepress.com

As I find more resources I will share them, and I'll review e-books as I finish reading them.

~Moonsanity

E-Book Review: My Love Eternal

MY LOVE ETERNAL
By Liz Strange

Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc.
Digital Publication Date:
March 15, 2010
Print Publication Date:
July 1, 2010
Excerpt Here

Summary: Tall, dark, and sexy, as well as fabulously wealthy, Giovanni is everything a girl could ask for in a lover. There’s only one catch. He’s been undead for more than three hundred years. When Rachel is drawn into Giovanni’s world, she learns that the rules of human existence mean nothing in the world of vampires. This, however, is a fair price to pay for a love that will last forever.

Hunted by the Desmarais family, who carry a centuries-old vendetta, Rachel and Giovanni travel to the ends of the earth in order to stay one step ahead. Can their love survive, or will their eternity together end?

I'd been following Liz Strange on Twitter, when she asked for reviewers for her new book, so I took her up on it. For those who wonder as I did, yes, Liz Strange is her real name. Liz writes about vampires. Her vamps don't sparkle, though they are pretty. Her vampires aren't "vegetarian". They are self-proclaimed monsters, but they do have emotions and they love as passionately as they kill.

Ms. Strange's writing is beautiful in My Love Eternal. She takes us to places that are exotic, romantic, and often dangerous. Through the eyes of Rachel, the main character, we learn how vampires live, how they love, and how they survive. Our journey with Rachel starts before she meets her first vampire. This part of the book was especially fascinating as she figured out what was happening to her. I was reminded of an epic Gothic romance, but in a contemporary setting.

I will admit that this was a very different read for me, and I wasn't sure the author could keep my attention, because I tend to read fast paced urban fantasy and it had been awhile since I read the epic fantasy I've read in the past. I was wrong. I found myself swept away with the character's emotions, and the intensity of their love. I don't want to give away any of the plot which had many surprises, but this is a story with tragedy, hope, need, love, lust, anger, fear and regret. The author shares many details of a vampires life that are often left to our imagination. How do they retain wealth? How do vampires protect themselves? Do they feel emotion as humans do?

I should warn readers that I consider My Love Eternal a dark paranormal romance. There are some very graphic scenes, one involving rape, as well as a few very erotic scenes, but they are done tastefully. The darkness is justified in my opinion because the characters are true vampires in the traditional sense. Though they do have strong emotions, the passion is in the context of their existence as predators, not humans.

You can learn more about Liz Strange and her books at http://www.lizstrange.com.

~Moonsanity