Okay, let me just go ahead and say this–I’m a HUGE fan of Julie Garwood‘s historicals. Often funny, always emotional, I just love her tales!

So, when I went to the Keeper Closet today, I knew that I’d be pulling one of her books.

Here’s the blurb for Guardian Angel:

“The Emerald flew across the seas, carrying the pirate Pagan–despised by the ton, whose riches he plundered, and beloved by the poor, whose plight was eased by his gifts.

The Marquess of Cainewood vows to hunt down the pirate wretch in revenge for his brother’s death. But when Jade, an enchanting vision of rippling red hair and eyes of jewel-green, appears at his door to beg desperately for his protection, the Marquess agrees to keep her safe from the villains who want her dead. Jade is infuriating, exasperating, and gorgeous; Caine is noble, strong-willed, and powerful. No woman has ever befuddled him so, nor so deeply aroused his desire. But as Jade answers his knowing caresses with an innocent, wild abandon, they are drawn into a web of treachery that will test the very heart of their love!”

Why I like Guardian Angel:

Cuz it’s an oldie but a goodie, of course! Okay, actually, I really like the heroine, Jade. A woman who is much more than meets the eye, I found her to be intelligent, resourceful, and adventurous.

Julie Garwood can craft an amazing story–whether she’s writing historicals or contemporaries, but I’ve always had a soft spot for her historicals. In Guardian Angel, she weaves a web of deception, deception based on good intentions, but deception nonetheless. The characters are strong, capable, and the chemistry between the Marquess and his lady is undeniable.

A fun, entertaining tale.

Oh, and did I mention that I just really love pirate stories, hmm?

Next time, I’ll profile one of my favorite paranormals. Stay tuned!

UPDATE: THE PARANORMAL CREATURES CONTEST has now closed. Congratulations to Sandy–she’s won an autographed copy of Secrets, Volume 18: Dark Passions and an autographed copy of The Wizard’s Spell.

If you didn’t win, don’t worry–there will be more contests! Actually, I’m running one right now over at the Brava blog. Leave a comment and tell me which book is your all-time favorite beach read, and you could win a $15 Amazon gift certificate.

If you haven’t already entered my Paranormal Creatures Contest, then hurry and send me your entry! July 1st is the last day of the contest–the winner will be announced on July 2nd.

Here are the contest details:

Would you like to win an autographed copy of Secrets, Volume 18: Dark Passions, featuring my novella, The Wolf’s Mate and an autographed copy of my paranormal romance, The Wizard’s Spell? If so, then enter my Paranormal Creatures Contest! The contest officially begins May 1st and will run until July 1st. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

To enter this contest, simply tell me your favorite paranormal creature–and why this being is your favorite–in 50 words or less, please! Send your entry (with a subject line of Contest) to info@cynthiaeden.com. I’ll post the entries here on my contest page, and a winner will be randomly selected on July 2nd.

Note: Contest entrants will automatically be added to my newsletter list. If you do not wish to be added to the list, simply type “No newsletter” at the bottom of your contest entry.

About six months ago (jeez, has it really been that long?), I was working on a vampire story for Red Sage. The tale, now called BLOOD HUNT, is about a female vampiress with a taste for bad boys.

Nema Alexander, the heroine of BLOOD HUNT is a strong, independent, but somewhat reckless character. Nema also happens to be the first female character I created who began the story as a vampire. I loved writing about Nema. I loved her spirit, her drive. But, as I was writing her story, I kept thinking…

I could make this character darker. Harder. Wrench the light away and just see what lurks beneath the surface.

I started imagining a second vampire heroine. One driven by impulses much, much more dangerous than Nema’s.

I couldn’t get the idea of this second vampiress out of my head As soon as I finished BLOOD HUNT, well, I just had to launch into another vampire tale.

And Maya Black, the heroine of my second Kensington Brava novel, was born.

One character, leading to another.

Has this happened to any other writers out there? Have you created one character–a hero or heroine–and then been given a burst of inspiration to create another?

is up at The Bradford Bunch. I’m talking about romance books that have been made into movies. Check out the post and let me know what you think!