Paranormal Heroines (and vampy good giveaways) with Rebecca Zanetti Back to Blog
Update: The winners of Rebecca’s giveaway are: Carlyn McKechnie and CYP@ABookalicious Story. Congrats!! Hope you enjoy the stories!
I love vampires. They’re sexy. They’re mysterious. They’re awesome. And I had such a fun time creating my ANGEL OF DARKNESS vampire heroine, Nicole St. James. (Bad guys, watch out! That woman has bite!) I love to read all sorts of vampire books, and one of my favorite vampire authors (um, I mean she writes about vampires and not that she *is* a vamp herself) is Rebecca Zanetti. Rebecca is one of my Brava sisters, and I’m very glad to have her as my next guest. Love your books, Rebecca! Love them!
HI everyone! First, I’d like to say a big thank you to Cynthia for inviting me to be part of the ANGEL OF DARKNESS party. I swear, the only place you’d see “party’ and “Angel of Darkness” together in perfect harmony would be around those of us who love paranormals. Of course the sexy, dark Angel would love a good party! How much fun would it be to actually attend a party with angels, vampires, shifters, witches and so on? Of course, it’d be really awesome if we were angels, vampires, shifters… And I got to thinking. Why would it be cool to be a paranormal heroine? Well…I thought of a few reasons.
1) Paranormal heroines kick butt. When faced with a dangerous threat, does our heroine duck and cover, quivering with fright? Heck no. She grabs the nearest weapon and dodges into the fight, kicking serious bad guy butt. Brave and deadly, our heroine is.
2) Paranormal heroines are immortal. Sure, they face down pain and possible damnation, but hey, they don’t wrinkle. No night creams, silk pillowcases, or lots of hydration for these gals. They don’t age.
3) Paranormal heroines sleep with paranormal heroes. Really, do I need to say anything else about this one? Didn’t think so. J
4) Paranormal heroines meet their matches in the heroes. I have to admit, I love a good struggle between the equally dangerous hero and heroine. Sure, they usually end up naked and between the sheets, but hey, that makes for great tension.
5) Paranormal heroines love completely and find mates just as loyal. No one gets between a heroine and her man…and many of the men will wade through a battlefield of death, wounded and bleeding, to rescue their heroine. (Who, usually, BTW, can rescue herself. But hey, we like to see the guy making such an effort.)
So, there you have it. My heroine in CLAIMED is a human geneticist bound and determined to cure a vampire virus threatening her sister. She’s also mated to the king of all vampires, a fact she alternates between fighting for and fighting against. Here’s a quick excerpt:
Dage 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.”
***
I hope everyone enjoys this awesome party today. I’d like to give away two copies from the Dark Protector series – the winners can choose whether they want FATED or CLAIMED. What do you like in a paranormal heroine?
BIO: Rebecca Zanetti is a college professor by day and romance author by night. Currently she’s busy writing the sexy Dark Protector Series from Kensington Brava, which has received excellent reviews. Publisher’s Weekly said the following about her latest release, CLAIMED, “This thriller’s true strengths: sizzling sex scenes and a memorable cast.” To find Rebecca on the web, drop by her website: http://rebeccazanetti.com/
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Hi, Rebecca! I so agree–paranormal heroines can definitely kick butt!! Thanks for joining the release party fun!
Hi Cynthia! Thanks so much for having me – sorry I’m late – I got caught in class. 🙂
I love the ability to face any danger – but knowing that she needs to buck up and protect those around her before she saves herself.
🙂
Hi Carrie Ann! I so agree – a true heroine does save the day before herself. 🙂
How strong they are and how she doesn’t need anyone to help her!
Hi Khelsey! Being self sufficient is a must, isn’t it? 🙂
I love that they kick total butt, isn’t afraid of any danger and never really finds anything “unbelievable” lol
Hi Ashley! The unbelievable stuff is the fun stuff if you ask me. Thanks for dropping by!
I love that they are strong women.
Hi Kim! Strong women rock, right? 🙂
Congrats on release day Cynthia! Hi Rebecca! Reason #3 is my favorite 😀 And enjoyed your excerpt!
Awwww, thanks Rashda! It’s so good to see you here. 🙂
I like it when she is a tough/sassy chick, but loves with her whole heart. 🙂
Hi Theresa! I agree — and I love my heroes to be the same way!
I like that they don’t take any crap from the heros. LOL!
I can’t wait to read this series. I just came across it the other day and put the books on my “to buy” list.
Hi Connie T! Thanks so much – I really appreciate the support. I also like a heroine who can dish it out. Have a great one!
Holy crap. Now that is one hot excerpt. I think my panties just caught on fire lol Wow.
I like my paranormal heroines tough but vulnerable. They can do it on their own in they have to. Little sass helps too.
Lisa B
Hi Lisa! Nothin like a little sass in a heroine, if you ask me. I totally agree. 🙂
I like when she is strong and doesn’t need saving because she can save herself.
Hi Savannah! Your comment reminds me of an old episode of Angel when he was training Cordy so she could ‘stave’ until he arrived to save her, and she was like…um…no. I can save myself. 🙂
What I want in a paranormal heroine is Snark! She has to be armed with snark, so that makes her tough with a hint of vulnerability to take on what she must.
Hi Raonaid! Snark is awesome in heroines, best friends, and sisters. 🙂
Paranormal heroines-strong and self confident. Love that. Who doesn’t want to be that type of women who can come in to the fray, kick @$$ and exude total “devil may care” nonchalance? I would love to be that type of woman who doesn’t fall apart under pressure 😉
Hi Lora! I’m a trial attorney so I don’t fall apart under pressure, but I’ve never mastered the ‘devil may care’ attitude and I’d LOVE to have this! And be able to kick butt. I’m clumsy, so I usually end up on mine. 🙂
I like a heroine to be strong & saucey; to have an unusual skill, & to be able to surprise the hero.
Hi Diane! I always wished I could somehow surprise people but never figured out how. Good example!
I like a heroine that is tough, has a sense of humor, and knows how to get herself a sexy guy!
Hi Colleen! A sense of humor is so important–good point!
I am SO with you on your list. Now, I will admit most heroines don’t have time to cook, or their heroes, and that’s a shame. Then again, if one is immortal it would be SO cool to try different food all over the world. Take out if necessary. Hey, a girl’s gotta eat!
I love snarky, stubborn heroines and witty banter too:)
Hi Brenda! You know, my hubby is an amazing cook and I think I’ve gotten spoiled. Maybe my next hero will be a great cook – thanks for the idea! 🙂
Great post. I think they should be tough but caring, strong enough to survive on their own but when they find the right hero willing to let them carry some of the weight as well. A sense of humor is a plus and willing to do anything for those they love.
Hi Donna! Sounds like a good hero, too! Good luck in the drawing. 🙂
I like them smart, strong, a bit sassy but be a little vulnerable too. They do no have to be perfect.
Hi Pam. Yeah, nobody’s perfect. Sometimes the most interesting thing about a person is their imperfections. Heroes too. 🙂
I love my heroine to be smart on her feet, strong, sarcastic, funny and a little wary.
Thank you so much.
Hi Viki! Sarcasm is great when used with a good sense of humor, isn’t it? I watched an episode of Castle last night and that guy is both sarcastic and hilarious. 🙂
I love tht they can be kick butt and still fall for the hero. that excerpt was a HUGE teaser 🙂
reese
Hi Reese! I’m glad you liked the excerpt–I didn’t want to make it too long but wanted enough there to give an idea about Dage and Emma’s story. Good luck in the drawing!
I love that they are so independant! I also love it when they have a sharp tongue and can kick some serious butt!
Hi Carlyn! I always wished I could kick butt but never figured out how. The heroine’s who do that are so much fun to write about! 🙂
Congrats on the new release! I love paranormal heroines that are smart & funny (especially if it’s at the hero’s expense). I love witty (okay, snarky too) dialogue between the hero & heroine. I don’t think the heroines have to be totally kick-a$$…a little vulnerability is good.
Thanks for the excerpt & the fun giveaway!
Michelle H.
Hi Michelle! You bet and thanks so much for dropping by during my hour. 🙂 Good luck in the drawing!
i like strong females.. not ones that are all like.. please save me! i like ones that will stand by their man.. and i agree, funny/witty/sarcastic… hard to say more
Hi Alaina – totally with you. I have two sisters and we couldn’t be more different. Heroines should be like that as well. Thanks for commenting!
Paranormal heroines seem to be stronger, snarkier(?), and can kick butt just as well as the heroes. Plus their outfits on the cover are way cooler that the ones on the other genre covers….LOL
Hi Michelle! Not only are their outfits cooler, they often have the greatest kick-butt boots ever made! Good luck in the drawing. 🙂
I like my paranormal heroines to be strong, independent, smart, sassy and able to wipe the floor with their opponents.
Hi Barbara! I always wished I could wipe the floor with somebody…sigh. But I do like reading about women who can. 🙂
I like a girl that can kick butt. I don’t like girly girls that can’t get their hands dirty, or bloody depending on what your reading. Sounds like a great book & love the cover.—Rachel
Hi Rachel – thanks so much! The graphic arts dept. at Kensington has given me great covers – I can’t wait for the next one. Good luck in the drawing!
Hi Rebecca! Personally, I love a strong female heroine that can hold her own against those strong and sexy heroes. After all, we don’t want be trampled on by those vampire combat boots. I absolutely loved Fated!! Obviously, I would also love to get my sweaty little hands on Claimed! Thanks so much for the giveaway.
Hi Barb! I’m glad you liked Fated – I wouldn’t want to be trampled by vamp boots, either. Can you imagine tripping over those puppies all the time? I guess it’d be worth it. 🙂 Good luck in the drawing!
Hi Rebecca! I admire the female heroine because they can overcome so much physical and emotional pain. Most put their gift of immortality to do good for the clueless humans! After that Claimed teaser, and shaking the computer only to find it would not give me more, I have to see what happens to these charactors! Thanks for the offer!
Hi Patty! You crack me up. Take it easy on that computer. 🙂 I would SO love to be immortal. Good luck in the drawing!
I love female heroines that aren’t afraid to get dirty and stand up for what they believe in.They also need to be able to kick some butt too.
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Hi Tanya! Thanks so much for commenting during my hour – I like your comment about standing up for their beliefs. Good luck in the drawing!
Female heroines that are tough, strong and don’t take any guff from anyone. Great excerpt, congrats on the release.
Thanks, Jean! I love a heroine who doesn’t take any guff–wouldn’t it be awesome to actually be like that? Good luck in the drawing! 🙂
That’s too funny. 🙂
Thanks, May! 🙂
I like it when a girl can take care of herself in most unusual situations, when they’re smart and have the right come back line, and well, what girl doesn’t want to wipe the floor with a badass guy? Especially the clumsy ones, like me… and when you throw a sexy paranormal hunk in there, to mate the heroine? That’s the recipe for a good book. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Eva! Clumsy women unite! We should have hats. 🙂 You’re in the drawing–good luck! 🙂
Love You Rebecca! I absolutely love your writing! I enjoy the female that can take care of herself yet appreciate the love and strength that the male can bring her too.
Awww Heather, thanks so much! You’re too sweet and I really appreciate it! Good luck in the drawing. 🙂
I love the confidence & strength in a paranormal heroine. The way she fights for what she believes in & wants. The ability to show any man that she can take care of herself. All great qualities in a heroine.
Hi Jewel! That confidence and strenght are really cool, right? I’d love to wake up and suddenly be a paranormal heroine. 🙂 Good luck in the drawing!
i love the strong and smart from paranormal heroine 😉
Hi Eli! Me too. 🙂 Good luck in the drawing!
I love the fact that they are strong & resourceful. Nothing keeps them down for long, they get back up swinging! 🙂
Hi Michelle. I love that image of getting up swinging! Good luck in the drawing. 🙂
I love the fact they can kick A**, and take charge!!
Paranormal heroines are always smart and take charge kind of girls who don’t take any flack but can still be sexy women and get their hunky hero!
I think you listed ’em all! Paranormal heroines are the best!
I think you covered the best qualities of the heroine in your post. I think my favorite is she gets the really hot immortal mate. Okay, I love that they are strong willed with the kick butt now and ask questions later attitude.
I love that paranormal heroines are capable of almost anything. The possibilies are as endless as the author’s imagination.
I think you summed it perfectly and took the words right out of my mouth.
Another think I like about paranormal heroines is they are open-minded to the paranormal and don’t dismiss it because it’s not supposed to exist.
I love a good strong, kick butt heroine. Makes the hero work for it. LOL!
I love when they don’t take no for an answer. They push and push until they get their way.
I love these books. I like a heroine that can hold her own against her hero and foes. It is important that she can work as a partner with him but she is still independent.
What I like? That she can take care of herself.She can kick ass.But when she needs to ask for help she’s not afraid to ask one of her friends..
I like it that they are tough and don’t NEED a man (just want one!)
She needs to be strong and able to kick ass when she needs to.
She needs to be tough as nails to handle the hero and soft when she needs to be.
I love it when she can hold her own but can also crave the times when her alpha hero can make her feel secure and protected. I like the balance between the two 🙂
What I love about a paranormal heroine is that they aren’t your cookie-cutter woman and they are tough. They have flaws sometimes emotional sometimes physical sometimes both and I love that since it makes them seem more real to me.
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