[From VBC: I loved Cynthia Eden’s new paranormal romance Angel of Darkness. In addition to fallen angels, the novel features a great kickass vampire heroine. Cynthia was kind enough to drop by and talk about vampires. Read to the end for your chance to win a copy of Angel of Darkness.]
Hi, everyone! It is such a pleasure to be here at the Vampire Book Club. I love vampires—have ever since I was a kid, and I saw my first black and white Bela Lugosi film. Ah, Bela!
But I don’t want to talk about the male vamps today; instead, I want to talk about the ladies with bite. As I’ve been writing, I’ve discovered that I really enjoy creating stories about strong, female vampires. Tough heroines who can kick supernatural butt…or who can seduce their prey with a soft bite.
The ladies are taking over the supernatural landscape, and I love that.
In my latest book, Angel of Darkness, my heroine doesn’t start out as a vampire. In fact, in the first few pages of the book, she’s a school teacher. A teacher who goes for the wrong walk on the wrong night in New Orleans. When she’s attacked, Nicole St. James barely manages to fight off the monster that comes at her with his fangs open. She does fight back though, but, unfortunately for her, she doesn’t survive the attack.
Or at least…she doesn’t survive totally.
While I think vampires are strong and fierce (and pretty much all around awesome with their immortal selves), I wanted Nicole to show the transition that vampires have to face as they give up their humans lives and embrace the night life. Nicole has to make choices and face battles that she never imagined as a human. A whole new world waits before her…and it’s a world that a vampire can really sink her teeth into—provided, of course, that she’s hungry enough.
And since my heroine is now powered up and ready to tackle the monsters in the dark (okay, she’s *getting* ready to do so), then it only seemed fitting that I should pair her up with one extremely fierce, pretty much unstoppable hero…and so she met her ANGEL OF DARKNESS.
Sure, an angel and a vampire might now appear to be the two likeliest lovers, but in Nicole’s case, her angel has a very, very dark side. One that is about to break free. Good thing a powerful vampiress can handle anything and anyone who comes her way…
Thanks for taking the time to check out my post! What do you like about vampire heroines? And would you make a good vamp? Leave me a comment, and one person will be selected to win Angel of Darkness.
Best,
Cynthia Eden
We are lucky to have one copy of Cynthia Eden’s Angel of Darkness to giveaway. One VBC reader (with a shipping address in the U.S. or Canada) will win. Answer Cynthia’s question(s) for your chance to win.
CONTEST DETAILS & RULES
1. To enter, you must leave a comment answering Cynthia’s question(s).
2. You do not need to follow Vampire Book Club to be entered, but we sure like it when you do.
3. This contest is open to U.S. and Canadian addresses only.
4. Contest closes at 11:01 p.m. CST on Dec. 26, 2011.
5. The winner will be selected randomly. Then she will be contacted via email and given 48 hours to claim her prize. If we do not hear from the winner(s) within that time, a new winner will be selected.
6. Entrants must be at least 18 years old or have their parent’s permission to enter. Please review our privacy policy, if you have any questions as to how Vampire Book Club uses your information. (Short version: we’ll only use it to contact you for this contest.)
7. Though unlikely, Vampire Book Club has the right to change or cancel any giveaway at any time without prior notice.
8. Vampire Book Club is not responsible for prizes lost or damage in transit.
9. Big thanks to Kensington for providing the prize.
What’s not to like? I like a heroine that stands up for herself and isn’t too submissive. I would not make a good vampire. I am squeamish at the sight of blood.:( Thank you for the giveaway! I can’t wait to read this. Happy Holidays! 🙂
LOL, Brenda, you aren’t alone! Actually seeing blood makes me feel faint, too! (But I can write about vamps all day long…)
Hi Cynthia – I love vampire heroines because they don’t take any crap, are smart and can really kick butt. They all seem to have a sarcastic side too that I like ;). I’d make a great vampire. Blood doesn’t bother me at all. I love my meat mooing :)and I am up at 12:30 AM every day and go to bed at 8:30 PM. Thank you so much, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Merry Christmas, Victoria!! And it sure sounds like you would be a PERFECT vampire!
i think they male has the sexy factor but the females have the relate-ability. and i m not sure if i would make a good Mrs. vamp.. i guess it all depends on which myths were true. I loved Cynthia Eden’s other series and would love this to add to my collection.
Hi, Justine! I’m so glad you enjoyed my other stories–thank you!
I like a strong, independent heroine who can not only kick butt but at the same time be emotionally strong and sexy. I would definitely not make a good vamp the sight of blood or an open wound makes me ill. I would love to read this one!
Thanks for the opportunity.
Nedraw, I sure enjoy strong and independent heroines, too! Hope you have a terrific day!
Thanks so much for having me over today!!
Cynthia, thanks for the interview and giveaway! I love the idea of a female vamp heroine because its always been such a male dominated idea. I loved reading Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse novels and seeing just how contradictory Pam’s character is. She seems like such a meek and mild little thing and then surprises you when she is protecting Sookie or Eric’s back! I think a vampire heroine is edgy and intriguing because it is out of the norm. Merry Christmas everyone!
Lora, I love Pam’s character! She’s definitely one of my favorites. And Merry Christmas to you!
Loved female vampire heroine too…. They are interesting in their own ways… Belle from Twilight was much better once she turned into a vampire….
I love them, too, May! They’re strong and fierce! 🙂
I love all of Cynthia’s books and can’t wait for the next! Angel of Darkness was awesome. She’s gifted and I find her books to be like treat to my day when I get a new one 🙂
Thank you so much, Mirian!
I like a strong vampire heroine. I don’t think I would make a good vampire. Love sunlight. The cover to Angel of Darkness is great. 🙂
That sunlight can be a pretty good thing… (And thank you!)
I’d make a good vamp; I might be a little naughty at times, but I’d still be good at it…lol…
Most of the vampire books I’ve read are about the males; of course I am totally not complaining about that at all, because come on, the visuals of them can make any woman melt!
Now, I haven’t read this book (although I’m dying to) to have this written about a female vamp; no matter what it’s got to be good. A gal who is strong enough to kick some arse (hopefully), strong enough to outwit some males (heck yeah), and I’m totally going to love this book. Now, let’s just take a gander at this cover, shall we? Mmmmhmmmm, yep, nothing needs to be said, because we’re all drooling! *laughs*
I thank you for the chance at winning! 😉
Hi, Sebrina! Thanks for entering the giveaway! And when a gal can kick some arse–that’s just fun!!
I love the cover!
I’m not a huge female vamp fan, but when I read them she has to be a strong and independant woman, smart too. And she has to want to be with someone, not depend on them but as equals to support each other.
And my sister in law and I took the quiz Would you be a good vamp and it said NOPE lol
LOL, I don’t think I’d be a good vamp, either. The blood is a breaking point for me. 😉
I like that female vampire heroines are strong and can kick ass, but I’m also squimish about the blood. Yech.
Oh for the love of Pete… I’m SQUEAMISH, not squimish. I have no idea what squimish is, lol.
I think we should form a squeamish club. There’s strength in numbers!
I dont think they are always seem as cold as the males can. While they can be just as mean and cruel. Its easier to believe they can be nice and friendly as well. I would not make a good one.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
I like to believe they can be nice, too! They can be fierce, but nice. 🙂
very tired of a woman in need of constant saving by something or someone outside herself. female vampires open up the possibility of a kick ass competent heroine who can save herself. i love that!!!
I do, too!
I feel like vampire heroines are invincible.. Human females already do so much. As a vampire, I feel they are much more empowered 😀
I would be a great vampire! Haha. I’d probably would like to eat a lot but then I would want to control it. I don’t want to be a complete monster!
GFC: Arianne Cruz
email: cruz042 at cougars.csusm.edu
I am all for empowerment!
I am all for vampire heroines! They can really show us how strong they are and still have flaws and insecurities like everyone else. One of my favorite is Bella from the BDB series.
I have got to read that series! I’ve only heard good things about it.
What do you like about vampire heroines? And would you make a good vamp?
I like that vampire heroines can hold their own agains other vampires and bad guys, they’re tough but sexy. I’d make a good vamp because I’m a total night owl, but I’m not too sure about the blood – maybe I could substitute Dr Pepper?
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
Oh, I think a Dr. Pepper substitution sounds like a great idea…
I like that vampire heroines are very strong women who fight for what they want. They kick butt and take names:) I am not sure if I would make a good vamp…I hate blood!! Thanks for having this contest.
Thanks for entering, Krissy! (And I’m with you on the hating blood part! Whenever a doctor comes close to me with a needle, I start to get light headed.)
I love reading about vampires and watching movies about vampires. I love vampires heroines. I like a strong woman who can stand up for herself. I don’t think I would make a very good vampire. I am weak. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com
Thanks, Victoria! I love strong women–they’re the best kind to me!
Vampire heroines are great because I love to read about kick-ass women in the first place. Women who don’t take anything off of anyone and pave their own way. I don’t think I would make a good vampire because I love food too much!! lol! I would love to read this book it sounds really exciting and interesting. Thanks Cynthia!
So glad you like the sound of the book, Melissa! Thank you!
Thanks for entering, Krissy! (And I’m with you on the hating blood part! Whenever a doctor comes close to me with a needle, I start to get light headed.)
Sorry–I had technical difficulties (that happens to me lots!). I meant to post this comment above.
What I love about Vampire heroines is that they are kick a$$ and don’t need a man to save them. Also being a female can work in their favor because most men tend to write off woman as the weaker sex so being a Vampire with all that strength hidden can be very helpful.
I think I would. Even though the thought of drinking blood just makes my stomach turn but I figure if I was a Vampire it would taste good to me like Moscato Wine does to me now. PLus I would enjoy the none dying part a lot….lol.
skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com
Raquel, I’d love that living forever part, too!
Thank you for the giveawy! I like vampire heroines who are strong, independent, knows how to kick some major butt! and who are just plain awesome. I’m not sure if I’d make a good vamp. I think giving up my human life would be too difficult.
Butt-kicking is a plus. 🙂
I love vampires one of my favorites to read about! vampire heroine that can kick butt are great! I would not do good as one hate blood! I can’t wait to read this book just got done reading Never cry wolf and Loved it!!
Thank you very much for the great giveaway!
Latisha D
tishajean@ charter.net
Latisha, so glad you enjoyed Never Cry Wolf–thank you!
They are generally confident, strong and sexy … so no, I’d not make a good vampire. Oh and I tend to faint at the sight of my own blood … primarily when in a doctors office or hospital though. But I’d love to be like the vampire heroines I read about.
Thank you for the opportunity to win Angel of Darkness.
Pam
vanillaorchids69(at)gmail(dot)com
Pam, you are not alone on the fainting. I’ve hit the floor a few times…
Usually they are strong and independent,and can “kick ass” if they need to!
Thanks for the opportunity!
I love that independence!
I enjoy a strong heroine no matter what type of book I am reading, but the vampire mythology really seems to lend itself to the strong persona so readily. Reading about the transition from a human to vampire is one of my favorite stories.
I would be a terrible vamp, I love the sunshine too much!
Tina, I’m like you–whether she’s a vampire or not, I do love reading about a strong heroine.
I’d make a terrible vampire cuz I’d loathe a diet restricted to just blood! I can barely stand gluten-free crap but it’s become necessary and it sux; I just want some fettucine dammit! lol
As for what I like about vampire heroines, I enjoy vampires with some humanity left so that I can relate and that’s easy to do if the vampire gal has a good sense of humor:) I love heroines that make me laugh.
A blood only diet would be terrible! And I’m with you on the sense of humor. We all need some fun, right?
I’d make a terrible vamp because I don’t want to give up eating, especially chocolate! I think a female vampire is more likely to keep some of her human emotions like compassion, but she gets awesome strength, speed, etc as perks. Looking forward to reading Angel of Darkness. I love all your books!
Thank you, Liz!! And I could never give up the chocolate either. Oh, no!!
Thanks for all the wonderful comments! I had a great time chatting.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
I like how vampire heroines are just like regular people except they live longer.
I would not make a good vampire.
Great interview. I really enjoy how vampire heroines are strong and can kick butt. I also like how they still feel. I think I would make a good vampire. Thanks for the chance.
A good vampire heroine needs to be independent because I mean face it she’s in a league of her own…she will usually work alone aka sucking blood lol and the best way to survive is to live alone unless she’s got a smokin’ hot vampire companion;-) I think I would make a good vampire because for one thing I’m a night owl and I love dark and gloomy days however as a human I’m not too fond of the taste of blood!
I like vampire heroines because they are tough, they stand up for themselves, and they don’t take crap from no one!! Would I make a good vamp? No way! I am totally addicted to the sunlight and need it to feel good! Of course, there probably aren’t too many vamps around who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder!!
The thing I love about vamps is the ability to move past any obstacle. No matter what challenge arises, a vamp can either overcome it or just roll with it. It seems that immortality helps to keep most things in perspective, but even new vamps figure out pretty quickly that most things can be dealt with much faster than the average human. I especially love to read stories with vamps that have a wonderful, sarcastic sense of humor. To be shocked one minute and laughing the next is the best scenario for a book in my opinion. I think I would be an excellent vampire. I have always been a night owl so I certainly wouldn’t miss getting up early. Very few things get under my skin, and I rarely put up with anything I don’t want to. Thanks for taking the time to do this. I really enjoyed reading about you and your book. 🙂
Amanda
mandy(at)fuse(dot)net
I can’t wait to read your book!
I love that vampire heroines tend to be strong women; too often in romance novels, the woman is a damsel in distress waiting for her prince charming. However, I had to really think of good examples to go off of; most of the vampires in literature are male. The female vamps that I could think of were not relate-able (think Anne Rice’s Queen of the Damned); I have faith though that yours will be 😉
I don’t think I would make a good vamp at all; I couldn’t hurt a fly, and I get sick at the sight of blood. I guess however, if it came down to it, I would do what I have to do to survive!
I have read alot of Vamp books that are from the male POV however. There are other books out there that do come from female POV like Jeanne Stein & Cat Adams were the female vampire is cool,smart and funny and is a vamp that is not all dark about who she is. It makes me love reading the story more when I have alot of respect for the person in the storyline.
Me ummm *Thinking Thinking* Yep I would make a good vampire for 1) I can answer a question with a question and answer someone question without really giving an honest answer. 2)Things that would normally scare a person don’t scare me. 3)I never see the world in rainbow colors umm would that be a good trait of a vampire or bad…
I like female vamp heroines because its nice to see the female with power I hate stories where the female is useless with out the male and is constantly being saved. I’m not sure if I’d make a good vampire I love the night and hate sun light, (I have freckles me and the sun are long time enemies) but at the same time I think drinking blood would make me sick :/ hmmm I could always go see Dr. Emily Drake to help me with my blood phobia!!! Thanks for the great giveaway!!!
brandon_savannah AT yahoo DOT com
All of the vampire heroines I’ve read about have been pretty independent, and that’s always nice to have in a heroine. I mean, I go all weak in the knees when the hero wants to take care of her, but it’s always good to have a heroine who can step up and handle herself 🙂
Would I make a good vampire…. I would like to think I’d have enough control not to run around biting people 😉 And if I’d live forever, well, I would have to convince my family to become vampires, too 😉
I want a vampire heroine that is not *itchy, I want to read about a strong independent woman with a touch of humanity in her soul even though no longer human. I really do not like the idea of drinking blood, although if I were a vampire I think it would probably be quite tasty LOL I would hope that I would be strong, independent, and never lose my soul 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us and for the lovely giveaway opportunity.
dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com
I like vampire heroines-their supernatural abilities let their outer strength match their inner strength. How doesn’t like a kick butt heroine? I think I’d make a good vampire-or at least I hope so 🙂
mljfoland AT hotmail DOT com
What do I like about vampire heroines? I like the fact that they are Strong & Can Kick some MAJOR booty when the need arises. And the dark and brooding nature of a vamp is alread in our nature…lol At least a certain time of the month anyway…lmbo
And would I make a good vamp? Heck yeah I’d make a good vamp. I would totally enjoy that…hehe Finally being strong enough that I wouldn’t have to ask for a man’s help. Now that would be a dream come true..hehe
What’s not to like about a vampire heroine? She is as strong as her adversary and just as intelligent, she meets trouble head on whether its a another paranormal or not. If she loves her human counterpart, is not afraid to stand up to him and protect him without threatening his masculinity.
I love their spunk and strength. A kick-ass herione is always the best and there are not many weak vampires 😉 I would make an awesome one!
What do you like about vampire heroines? And would you make a good vamp?
I like that they are strong and kick-ass. They also tend to be witty and fearless. I also like that most times, they can be just as tough as their male counterparts!
I think I would make a good vamp and would love the extra incentive of not gaining any weight 🙂
I like vampire heroines because there arent many out there, they kick butt and dont take any crap. They are usually very sensual and sexy, they are strong and independent and I love any woman like that. I also think I would make a great vamp because I dont take any crap, I say it like it is, I am strong and confident and I think that makes for a great vamp!!
I like Vampire heroines because they maintain a bit of their humanity. This isn’t a weakness, and doesn’t make them fragile, just sensitive to the needs of others. They are also fiercely loyal. I think its the mama bear instinct that women tend to have. Female vampires kick ass, get their asses kicked and come back for more. What’s not to love?
I would make a great vampire. All dark and broody with a few flaws that would translate well into the immortal undead. Also, I can be really snarky. That is a definite trait that a vampire heroine needs. Must be able to zip off one liners in times of extreme crisis. Great defense mechanism.