Author Interview: Rebecca Zanetti (With FATED Giveaway) Back to Blog
Update: The FATED winners are: May and Lateefa!! I am sending your info to Rebecca so that she can contact you with prize details. Congrats!!
Now it’s time for me to interview one of my Brava author buddies. This is one special lady–so special, that she receive the dedication in my upcoming book, ANGEL OF DARKNESS (okay, so I lost a bet and *had* to give her the dedication but she’s still awesome!) Rebecca Zanetti, thanks for coming by the blog–and thank you for generously offering to giveaway 2 signed copies of your sexy vampire romance, FATED!! (And the next book in Rebecca’s series, CLAIMED, will be out soon–can’t wait!)
Cynthia: Rebecca, thanks so much for joining us! Can you begin by telling us…why vampires? What made you want to create your awesome vampire heroes?
Rebecca: Hi Cynthia ! Thank you so much for having me during this hour, and CONGRATS on the release of ENTANGLED and BOUND IN DARKNESS!! I can’t wait to read. Also, I’m not sure if people know that Cynthia provided the cover quote for CLAIMED. I was both humbled and thrilled!
So…about those vampire heroes. I think the contrast in a vampire is intriguing. I mean, on one hand, they’re very primal. Dark, brutal, basic…but in a sexy way. On the other hand, they’ve lived long enough that they have a leg up—they know how to act civilized. Maybe even be civilized. But the inner struggle between their animalistic nature and their centuries of living is fascinating to me. And during a novel, when that mask of civilization slips…
Cynthia: What do you like most about Dage, the hero from CLAIMED?
Rebecca: Oh wow, that’s a good question. Dage is the king of the supernatural world—the most powerful being in existence. So that’s hot. But he has tempered his power through diplomacy and design…because he’s the leader. He knows it’s better to negotiate than destroy. What I liked most about him was that he not only let that mask slip when dealing with his mate, but that he was entirely comfortable doing so.
I also liked that he appreciated the heroine’s intelligence as much as her face and spirit. Dage understands that smart girls are sexy.
Cynthia: Do you have a favorite scene from CLAIMED that you would like to share with us?
Rebecca: Hmmmm. Well, I loved those scenes where Dage was yanked out of his ‘king’ role. In fact, at one point, he told the heroine that she’d never met the king, it was the man who held her. Also, there’s a scene toward the back of the book, during the black moment, when he thinks all is lost. I love that scene. But, it is the dark moment, so I’ll find another to share. Here’s a quick blurb at the beginning of the book when Dage has been shot.
He shook his head without opening his eyes. “No. I don’t sense evil anywhere near us. We’re probably safe for a couple of hours, then we should move again.”
A couple of hours? Damn. She needed him in fighting shape. “Will drinking my blood help heal you?”
His lids flipped open, revealing those silver eyes that had haunted her dreams for fifteen years. Hunger, raw and pure filled them. “Yes.”
Emma gulped in air. The husky timber of his voice caressed nerves she didn’t want to own. “I won’t become a vampire?”
His dimples winked at her. “No. Vampires are born, not made.”
Fear and her damn curiosity blended until she could only whisper. “Okay.” She held out her wrist and shut her eyes. And waited. The breeze picked up outside the cave, rustling pine needles and leaves inside the small entrance, and she shivered. Finally, she opened her eyes in exasperation. “What?”
Reaching out with his good arm, he lifted her chin with one knuckle, waiting until her gaze met his. “I want your neck.”
***
Cynthia: What’s the best part of being a writer? The worst part?
Rebecca: Well, one of the best parts is becoming friends with people like you, Cynthia. Writers are a close group who are willing to help each other. Plus, we all fully understand that it’s okay to have a bunch of voices bellowing in our heads—that’s normal to us. 🙂 The other thing I love is the blank page, before I’ve written a single word on a new book. Anything goes at that point.
The worst part would probably have to be a brutal review. Sure, we’re all going to get bad reviews. In fact, the person who hates your book usually hates the same part that a person who loves your book really loves. So, it’s a grain of salt situation. But these days, anyone can put a harsh review up on Goodreads or amazon…and it’s out there.
Cynthia: What can readers expect next from you? (Share, share!)
Rebecca: Awww, thanks for asking! CLAIMED will be released on November 1st of this year. Then TEMPTED, an e-novella that features Max (Janie’s bodyguard) will be released in April of 2012, and HUNTED will be released in May of 2012. HUNTED features Connlan Kayrs and a witch he mated a century ago from Ireland. He gave her a hundred years to train for her calling—time’s up.
Thanks again for having me! You can find me on the web at: http://rebeccazanetti.com/
Also, to celebrate Cynthia’s release day, I’d love to give away two signed copies of FATED, which is book 1 in the Dark Protector Series. To enter, tell me which characteristics (physical, mental, or emotional) make for a sexy hero. Thanks!!
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smart and protective 😉
Hi Dina! I completely agree – those are two fantastic characteristics in a hero. Good luck in the drawing! 🙂
Emotional makes a hero sexy. He could handsome but have no heart, that’s why I think emotions make the hero sexy.
Hi Khelsey – It seems like the emotions in a hero are more intense, and that is sexy and fun to read. Thanks for commenting today!
A protective, strong, but loving male figure
HI Cassie – Great features of a hero!
I think loyal and brave makes a hero sexy to me
Hi Marjana! Loyalty is an awesome trait–in anybody! Thanks for commenting.
I love a strong man that knows how to control his power!
Hi Doris! Me too!!! 🙂
Strong and protective, but not afraid to show emotion. Good sense of humor. I need to laugh at life!
Ah Betty, I agree. Today I spilled a latte on my new sweater…in class. And all I could do was laugh. Life is funny and the heroes we read about should understand that. 🙂
What characteristics make for a sexy hero?…
Bravery, Intelligence, Loyalty, Passion, Humor… just to name a few:)
Thanks for the giveaway!
yadkny@hotmail.com
Hey Yadira – that’s a good few! 🙂
Intelligent, strong, sexy, protective and ready to go at anytime! LOL
Hi Sharon. Yeah, the ready to go is a must, isn’t it? 🙂
Smart, protective but lets her be herself.
Hi Dana – I agree! I’d never want a hero to change the heroine. Or if he wanted to, I’d hope he learned the error of his ways quickly.
Brave, strong, loyal, dependable, sexy…
Hi Colleen! I think the traits you mentioned are ALL sexy! 🙂
I think he should be strong, protective, and compassionate.
Hi Vanessa. I like that you added compassionate – it is a must in a truly good guy. Thanks for commenting!
Muscular, smart, and caring.
Such great authors and books being shown on all these posts! =)
Thank you all for all the giveaway opportunities!!!!
Hi Valerie! I like that you noted muscular – I love a muscular guy. Make him caring as well…and that’s hot!
Ohh Another book i cant wait to read.
Hi Ashley! Thanks so much–good luck in the drawing!
My ideal hero has a huge heart. He is all about actions speaking for him: quiet, intelligent, loyal, strong and resilient. He doesn’t give up. He will fight for what is his and his will protect everyone he loves.
Hi Na! I agree that there’s something sexy about a huge hearted guy who will also take up arms to protect. Nicely put!
Whew. That’s an awesome scene. Nicely done. Love it. I like my heros strong, quiet, but vicious when protecting the one they love! It’s just yummy!!!
lynnrush (at) cox (dot) net
Hi Lynn! I’ve read your heroes–they are totally yummy! 🙂
I think a great hero needs to be smart, in touch with his own emotions and tolerant of other people’s emotions, he needs to be able to tell the difference between an honest mistake and someone trying to sabatoge him. He needs to back his partner’s decisions and be supportive but also needs to be able to communicate when his partner has made a wrong choice without making them feel small about the error in judgement. Having a sense of humor would be great too.
Maria, I think you’ve thought about this before. 🙂 I like everything you said–good luck in the drawing!
Emotions make for a great hero, how he responds to situations.
Hi Marianne! How a hero responds tells show much about him, doesn’t it? Thanks for commenting!
I like alpha male heroes with a sensitive side. I can’t stand men who act like jerks just because they can. I prefer men with dark hair (dark brown or black) with green eyes (or maybe blue). He has to be smart and respectful of all females, without looking like a sissy. A strong man who believes in God and Country and protecting what is his.
Yes, this is my dream man *sigh*
Wow Christina! I think you just described all of our dream man! Nicely done. 🙂
Smart, protective, isn’t afraid to show his emotions. He has to be over 6ft, dark hair, muscular and has a few scars showing to let the world know he’s been there done that and ready to take on more 🙂
Hi Michele – Yeah, I’m with you. My husband is six-foot-five with dark hair. 🙂
I love your excerpt! I think a dry intelligent sense of humor (and sexy eyes) are the most important.
Hi Marley! I’m an ‘eye’ gal, too. There’s so much power you can read there in the right person. I’m glad you liked the excerpt. 🙂
Hi, Rebecca!!! Thanks for the giveaway–and thank you for answering all of my questions! 🙂
Hi Cynthia! Thanks again for having me over today — I’m so excited about your new releases! Congrats! 🙂
Emotional! Looks are not as important as the heart!
Sherie – Great point! Intelligence is really important to me, too. Good luck in the drawing!
Please don’t enter me. I loved Fated and can’t wait for Claimed!
Hey JoAnna – Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed Fated. 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway
rogcaprino[at]hotmail[com]
Hi Roro! You bet. 🙂
Self confidence. If a guy is confident in his own skin, that man is all kinds of sexy to me. FYI…confidence is not the same thing as arrogance.
Hi Kathy! I love a confident guy–makes me feel safe. Good luck in the drawing!
When I picture my “alpha” hero I totally picture “The Rock”. Some strong, protective, and isn’t afraid to show his emotions. That’s my hero 🙂
Angela – I love The Rock! I can’t remember the name of the movie, but the one based on a true story about the soldier returning home and saving his home town from the bad guy? I LOVE that movie!
i say emotion makes the hero. i like a hero who isnt afraid to be himself. hes perfect with just being him!
shadowluvs2read(at)aol(dot)com
Hi Shadow! A man comfortable in his own skin is definitely sexy. Good luck in the drawing. 🙂
Hi Rebecca! I have been trying to get a copy of Fated since it came out, but haven’t been able to find one. I think what would make a good hero, is someone who is protective but not overbearing. Someone who is comfortable with who he is and can be compassionate. Tall dark & handsome wouldn’t hurt either, but not the most important. Thanks for the giveaway.
Hi Barb! There’s a fine line between what we want and what we won’t tolerate in a hero, isn’t here? I like how you put it. Good luck in the drawing!
A sexy hero in my opinion is a bad boy protecting a heart of gold. A wounded hero that has trouble trusting but once he does, he would give his life for you. A hero who likes to pretend he doesn’t care when if fact he cares too much.
Hi LadyVampire – I love a wounded hero. A sexy guy with depth makes for a great story. Good luck in the drawing!
Dedication and Snark LOL
Hi Raonaid – LOL! Dedication and snark. Love it. 🙂
I like my heroes tall, dark & handsome (in a rugged way not a pretty way ;)) of course. They also need to be intelligent, honorable, not afraid to take a risk, and a sarcastic sense of humor doesn’t hurt.
Hi Christie – that’s a great list. 🙂 Totally agree. Good luck in the drawing!
A hero that is kind, understanding and protective, that’s my kind of hero!
Hi Diane! Good to see you here! Kine and understanding can be really sexy. Good luck in the drawing. 🙂
The characteristics that I think make for a sexy hero is a tall, dark, muscular man who is strong physically and emotionally, but has a tender side, and a great sense of humor.
Hi Barbara – I love the sexy with a great sense of humor! Good luck in the drawing and have a great week!
Other than the obvious… Hawt and buff, I love a hero to be caring, truthful and loyal. Oh, and a sense of humor is a Must.
Hi Cathy! I love that so many of us find a sense of humor to be sexy. Good luck in the drawing! 🙂
I like for them to be big and strong but I also like when they are not perfect, maybe with a dark past. Someone touchable.
smart, funny, sexy, black haired and suntanned skin preferably. no blondies for me lol. You book series sounds great and am adding to my wish list.
A nice mixture of imperfection and perfection. I love hers that are beautiful on the outside but have been through alotvwhich has created a jaded individual with a hidden desire to be truly unconditionally be loved. This creates a hero that truly appreciates his love.
Alpha yet understanding.Cool, yet have a wicked sense of humor. Patient. yet demanding..between the sheet 😉
Mix them all,and that’s my sexy hero! 😀
An intelligent, protective, loyal, strong, sexy animal-lover with a warped sense of humor makes for the perfect hero.
yep yep Marlene!
Someone who has a great sense of humor, who is kind and gentle but also knows when to be the alpha male 🙂
Ashley A
ash_app@hotmail.com
Amen Ashley! 🙂
I do like a hero who knows what he wants, but he should also have a sense of humor and be tender.
I don’t have a specific physical type, but the one thing I’m always attracted to is brains. I love a guy who can solve problems instead of just creating them.
I love my Hero’s to be tall, dark, handsome, smart, strong, protective, and alpha male-ish (I added the “ish” because I also want him to know that the Heroine is THE Alpha Female) =D So basically he may be Alpha but he knows when to step back and follow the Alpha Female
emilytardy@yahoo.com
Definitely a good heart. He can be as tough as stone, but a good heart really matters– especially when it comes to his hiroine 🙂
Thanks for that yummy excerpt :).
I like my heroes to be emotionally raw if you know what I mean. If they come from a tortured past they carry an emotional need that they try to cover up. When their mate shows up it comes out. I like that. I also love them to be strong and intelligent.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
Sparkly blue eyes and a cheeky smile. I love a man who can make me smile but ultimately makes me feel safe. For me the safest place in the world is in my Hubby’s arms 🙂
My sexy hero would have to be brave, loyal, kind, strong, have a good body and smart. Plus he would have to be someone who isn’t afraid to go against all the rules in order to protect the ones he loves.
Debs
englishbabe78(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk
Funny, protective, alpha and kind! Oha and a few tattoos would be nice too 🙂
A sexy hero should be smart, strong, sexy and compassionate.
skpetal at hotmail dot com
He must be honorable to be sexy