Site Meter Vamps and Scamps: Q&A and Pardon me while I sap out...by Guest Author JR Ward

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Q&A and Pardon me while I sap out...by Guest Author JR Ward



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So I want to talk about magic, if you don’t mind. I mean, paranormal blog like this, that should be okay, right? Except I’m not talking about the shape-shifter, whammy-you-into-a-frog, spelling-throwing variety. Although all that is very cool.

I’m talking about Northern Sunset by Penny Jordan.

Huh? What? Yeah, work with me, okay? A million years ago I read my first romance novel. It was a Harlequin Presents. I read it in the summer sunshine in a garden and MAN was I hooked. I was so totally enthralled that I could have been sitting in a Dumpster... because I was IN the book. Temporal reality didn’t matter. The only thing that was real and tangible was the stuff on those pages. I was utterly transported.

I started reading those Harlequin Presents like they were going out of style (collected them, too) and one of the best was Northern Sunset by Penny Jordan. I read that book over and over again. I still remember the storyline so clearly. And for some reason, the first scene where the heroine ends up stuck in a storm in a B&B-kind of setup and has to wash out her ‘under things’ has stayed with me for years.

I lost track of the book. Lost it somewhere. And I started looking for it a couple of years ago. I’d go to used book stores and search the Harlequin Presents sections and always go home empty handed. The title was so old it was way beyond what they stocked and besides, I only had the word “Northern” and the fact that the heroine was a blond. Well, and the author was Penny Jordan.

Someone found the book for me last week. Sent me an email with the cover attached. I just stared at the thing. It was my book. MY book. And the thing was, I remember what it was like the first time I read it. That transportation. That magic.

I can’t wait to hold Northern Sunset in my hands again. So... do you remember the first book that really got your attention? The first one you can remember reading where you had pictures in your head and you cared about the characters to distraction and you just hated it to end? Did you go back years later and reread it? Was it the same?

Just curious. And I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about the Black Dagger Brotherhood, writing in general... or any other Penny Jordan titles I may have read. ;)

101 comments:

Shiloh Walker said...

Captivated by Nora Roberts. Or maybe Divine Evil by Nora Roberts.

And Stardoc by SL Viehl. That book had me wailing and sobbing like a baby.

;o) Welcome back, JR.

La Karibane said...

Well, still haven't read the book yet but I'm all over the net for any juicy tidbits!

JR, I'm sure this one is already on the bestsellers list!!!!

Anonymous said...

LOVE YOUR BOOKS WARDen,I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE.
CAN'T NAME JUST ONE BOOK THAT HOOKED ME ON READING,BUT YOURS ARE MY FAVORITES.

Anonymous said...

Escapade by Joan Smith
Midnight Rainbow by Linda Howard

These came to mind immediately.
I keep searching for copies of these in used bookstores because they invariably wear out as my comfort reads.

I also loved the Penny Jordan HPs. Her books always grabbed my attention for the conflict and the sexual tension.

Am biding my time until I can get my hands on Lover Awakened am so glad that there is a no spoiler alert going on for it.

Little Lamb Lost

Anonymous said...

Gone With the Wind. I was there - especially on that stair case with Rhett - whoo!

J.R. - I stayed up all night reading Z's book - he fascinated me from the beginning and I just loved it. Can't wait for Butch's book next!

I'm a lawyer too - do you think it helped you as a writer?

Anonymous said...

Everyone I talk to in person gets the same look when we talk about the books...

the bug-eyed, "OH MY FREAKING GOD, DID YOU READ Z's BOOK?!?!?!!?" screaming silently, can't stand still look....

Every book gets hotter and hotter.

Thanks for what you do, WARDen!!!

Anonymous said...

P.S. This is my first time here - got the link from J.R. Ward's message list.

I've read some of your books - love Shiloh Walker - and now I have more vamp books to check out.

Anonymous said...

The first romance novel I ever read had a leading man named Devlin MacAllister, and he had a daughter named Heather. That is the *only* thing I remember about that particular book (which was a Harlequin book as well) but I remember falling in love with the romance genre.

Anonymous said...

Mary Stewart, The Ivy Tree. *sigh* Jane Eyre. Those feelings don't go away, ever. Kind of like the BDB. :)

Anonymous said...

OMG!! I just don't have words to describe how I'm feeling right now after reading this book. I finished the book yesterday and I just had to re read the final chapters again today..That's a real talent you got there lady! Congratulations!! it's a great book! can't wait for the next one ^.~
Hg
heldarwen@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

My first books were also from the Harlequin Presents series. The one I really remember is "Summer Mahogany" by Janet Dailey. After that, there was no stopping. The public library saw me three times a week, just looking for new books. I was 13 at the time. Times may have changed, but my love of romance sure hasn't. WARDen, your books are just making me look harder for that Mr Right (even if he may be a vamp!). Keep up the GREAT stuff!

Shiloh Walker said...

I've read some of your books - love Shiloh Walker - and now I have more vamp books to check out

thanks Kathy.

:)

LISA WILLIAMS said...

Hi JR, as usual your books rock.

Shuck Ying said...

I've got to get your latest book soon, JR.

Deborah Chan said...

I am sure this book will sky rocket to the top of the bestsellers.

Karen Kelley said...

The first romance I ever read hooked me: Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rodgers. I loved Steve and Ginny!

The first paranormal that really drew me in was Whisper In The Woods by Helen R. Myers--very intense and sexy. A Silhouete Shadows.

Anonymous said...

I remember the first romance book I ever read was a Harlequin Presents set in Australia about a girl who wanted to be a geologist so much that she cut off all her hair and dressed like a boy so she could go work at some outback station. They would never have been receptive to a woman geologist! LOL! How does that date me? The name of the book escapes me at the moment but I still have it. Couldn't part with anything that hooked me into my undying passion for the romance genre.

My compliments to you on Lover Awakened. It was so intense that it has taken me a while before I could work up the bravery to read it again. It is touching on so many levels and the love story between Z and Phury is deeply moving.

Lubs ya, WARDen!

Anonymous said...

Thank you sooooo much for everything you have done for us, WARDen. :) You are absolutely, positively the best!!

BTW, has anybody new been popping up? :)

Gail said...

Wow, I finished Lover Awakened and I just got so into it. I can't wait for the next one. I love all the Brotherhood:-)
Thanks for such great books.

Anonymous said...

Z's story was totally awesome!! Am looking forward to Butch's now with great anticipation and also to getting more info on Rehv. And Tohr...

Anonymous said...

hmmm...can't remember the first book that really hooked me, but two that I remember WOWing me out are Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin and A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin.

LA was a fantastic addition to the series!

BDB question...so, how old is Rehv...I don't know why this question keeps going through my head, I just would really like to know! :)

J.K. Coi said...

For me it was a book by Stephen King. I remember reading it as a young teen...scary, yes, but it opened my mind to a world that went beyond the safe reading that I had done as a child, because his writing, especially this particular book (not the horror novels necessarily) was all about the games that the mind plays with us. It was my own coming-of-age experience, and from that moment forward, I plunged forward into a lifetime of reading designed to challenge myself like that.

I hope you know what I mean. For me a story should challenge your illusions and preconceptions about life and love, but also your mind's boundaries.

That's one major reason why I'm a great fan of the WARDen!!

Anonymous said...

Just had to stop by and say hello!!And for once I won't badger you with a question...I know, check to see if the sky is falling.

Hmm, first book that I remember that vividly... "Wrinkle in Time" by Madeline L'Engle. Excellent book and I haven't read it in forever. It was the first book I cried over.

S-Byte

Anonymous said...

The first book that I got completely involved with was A Crack in Forever by Jeannie Brewer.

I still think it's one of the best books I ever read, though I don't re-read it that often. Because like S-Bytes choice whenever I read it I cry absolute buckets.

Anonymous said...

LA was another diamond in a line of gems...can't wait for LR!
Bring on the cop!

MUAH! JR RULES!!

Carrie aka gypcienix

Anonymous said...

The Key Trilogy by Nora Roberts.

WARDen I can't say enough how glad I am that the Brothers talk to you!!! I can't wait for the next installment of the Black Dagger Brotherhood!!!

Later

Anonymous said...

I haven't read the book yet, but I know it'll be great. I can't wait to read about all my favorite characters.. now.. what I'm really really really waiting for it's Butch and Marisa's story.. CAN'T WAIT!!!!

HG
uyulalah@gmail.com

felinewyvern said...

My first romance was a Mills&Boon book about a singer who had to play a part in an opera without singing a word until the final act. Cannot remember the title or author :( however I was only 9 yrs old and that makes it nigh on 40 yrs ago :)
I think the interaction between the two lead characters was the deciding factor for me as I love books (not just romance) to have a good character base to them.
That's why your Black Dagger Brotherhood came into my life - they have great action, lovely romance but best of all perfect characterisation of ALL the people who inhabit the world you have created.
I am currently awaiting Lover Awakened and have reread both previous books numerous times already - I feel I would know these people, if they walked past me in the street, you have made them so real for me. Thank You.

Anonymous said...

Hi all you Scamps who love Vamps! :D Meeee too!

Sorry Shi, I'm too old to remember the first paranormal book that hooked me, much less the original book! I sort of recall Highlights and Dr Zeuss and a Fables and Mythology volume I loved. The decongestants have scrambled my brains. (yah yah that's the ticket!) I'm sure it was a gem. Becuse I have more books than clothes! LOL

Just popped in to say Hi again JR! Lover Awakened was amazing and they had sold out of it at my local Borders last weekend. So I ordered another copy! Doing my small part to make it a blockbuster. heehee (still hope to win a signed one of course!)

Cheers and continued success WARDen! (yah I'm a lurker without a nic lol) Oh yah and MORE please!

;-)
Patrice

Jennifer Y. said...

Julie Garwood's books...can't pick just one...the first romance I read was For the Roses...but many of her others were more vivid to me.

Can't wait to read your work J.R.

Anonymous said...

Hello from Spain, I am sorry that my English is so bad, but I have done the translation with an automatic program. I read my first romantic novel more than twenty years ago, cried very much, I was very exciting ... but I left her and either I did not see her again ......... now either they do not exist for that they belonged to my mother and not even of the second hand I will be able to have it....
I feel it have not read anything of Peny Jordan ......
In Spain they even have not published the novels of JR, he has said the publishing house that next year the first one .........
Greetings

Anonymous said...

WARDen, I loved all the books and I hope each new book is longer than the last!! I can't to read of BDB book that I can't even lift!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the BDB!!

Natalie said...

The first “magic” book I read that captured my complete and total attention i.e. no food, no moving-except for bathroom breaks and desperately trying to get my mum to let me skip school was Flowers in the Attic by Virginia Andrews. I was 14 at the time having pinched it from my elder sister and 14 years later the memory of it is still as strong to me. Having said that 14 years later and the DBD series has the exact same effect on me, only now it’s my boss that I am trying to con into giving me the day off!

Can’t wait to get my hands on LA to enter that whole magic world again, keep up the good work JR as I for one sure do appreciate the welcome escape from reality.

Natalie

lrhubble said...

I just finished Z's book. It was great. looking forward to the next book.

Anonymous said...

WARDen,,,just have to say that i'm so glad to have found the brotherhood,,,,you are an amazing writer,,

Anonymous said...

Flowers In The Attic by V.C Andrews... Though for some reason I feel like I should be embarrassed by that admission. Not sure why. I guess it was a guilty pleasure -- maybe because I was relatively young when I read it (like jr. high-ish, I think). I really felt a lot of the sequels, too. Then "her" books started to all feel the same to me & they lost their magic (not written by her... she passed away but they wanted to "keep the spirit alive" or whatever)... I haven't gone back & read it for years, but it definitely stuck with me. Made me cry, made me feel the characters. Made me not want it to end.

So yeah, been reading a lot of books lately. Some are incredible, some are just passing the time. Yours, however, make me FEEL. Always. I want to weep, I want to reach into the books & touch the characters like they touch me. I feel like a part of me is missing when I've run out of words to read. And that is magic indeed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

~Lindy/aro

tjackie01 said...

WARDen,

Thank, you. I don't know when I have been so captivated by not only a character, but by a whole Series. The Brotherhood, seem to come alive and jump off the page.

I have been trying to resist the urge to reread the whole series again. I resist only because once I start reading, I forget about everything else. You know, house work, kids, bills, and even to some extint--food. Ha Ha.

Your addressing of issues which cross the spectrum, whether mortal - human, Vampire or even Lesser keeps the pages turning on an on. It just goes to show that vices are vices, no matter how MACHO the character is.

Thank you again.

Anonymous said...

Can't remember my first romance novel, but the first love story I've ever fallen shed tears for was the mythological story of Pyramus and Thisbe.

You're a great talent, WARDen. Glad you're using your gift for good. (:->

Anonymous said...

Hey WARDen, I just wanted to drop by and say that I love the books and I love the Brothers! You're the best WARDen! (Gotta love the Rhage!) - Beth

Anonymous said...

Hi WARDen!
I've been reading for so long that I can't remember my first book...probably "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish".

I was into Stephen King for a while, but then I'll never forget the day I found my Mom's stash of romance books. I was actually snooping for Christams presents. What I found was so much better and has brought me joy and comfort. I vaguely remember the first few I read, because I read them so fast in fear of being caught (I was 13 at the time).

When my mom figured out what I was doing, she started sharing them with me. She'd finish one and leave it for me to find. The first one that REALLY transported me was Julie Garwood's "Honor's Splendor." I have since read and collected everything she's written, as I tend to do with all my favorite authors (you included).

When I find a book and author that really grabs my attention, I don't let go. I keep my books where I can easily get to them, and when I'm having a hard day I pull out a few and re-read favorite scenes.

I don't read a book just once. I read it over and over, and each time I feel the same sense of magic that you've described. I love the wonderment and thrill of being able to lose yourself in a different place and time, and yet come back to your life and those you love.

Regards,
JoAnn (jurtle)

Anonymous said...

Any author who can transport me to another world, make me smile and cry and gasp - all at the same time - is the author for me!

Thanks WARDen!!

Your loving cellie,
Gwen Wells (a.k.a. LilacWine)

Anonymous said...

The Mermaid by Betina Krahn, a great mix of romance and science :)
From there, I've lost track of all the wonderful authors out there.

Anonymous said...

The Mermaid by Betina Krahn, a great mix of romance and science :)
From there, I've lost track of all the wonderful authors out there.

Suzette said...

I may be repeating my post but I didnt see the first one show up.

I am impressed that you remember the book that brought you the "magic". I started reading Harlequin at 12 because my older sister used to read them and become so absorbed by them that I had to know why. So when she finished them, I picked them up and read them. From then on I have been hooked. Now at 35 I find I still love romance novels but now I like the special elements that come with paranormals.
JR, I have read your books so far and though Z is my fave and I loved his book, I now can't wait for Phury's. Continued Sucess in your writing.

Anonymous said...

I also started with Harlequin Presents and Penny Jordan comes to mind. Margaret Way also. But the very first series I read were from Mills & Boone which happens to be the London branch of Harlequin. Still remember the harlequin mascot on the books. These were great intros to the romance genre for young teens.

On BDB front, love all your books and can't wait for Butch to come out in March.

Anonymous said...

Hi JR -- I'm re-reading LA for the 3rd time...just can't put it down. Thanks for the many hours of reading pleasure!

Anonymous said...

First author i read that captivated me, and had me devouring everything she'd written was Victoria Holt, circa '73.

In recent years, up until I caught on to the Highlanders, the Dark-Hunters, the Brothers, would have to be all the witchy books by Nora Roberts, all her trilogies. Three IS my favorite number.

Good luck to us all. :)
-debbi aka lilcougar aka cellie 2632

J said...

My first spicy romance was Man of Velvet by Dana Terrill. It was a loan from the library and I still remember the story many years later. I finally found it on eBay last year.

Anonymous said...

I remember loving Diana Palmer and Linda Howard books when I firsted started reading romance. Nowadays, not so much, but those books still made me all nostalgic when I reread them.

Now, you, lady... Your books I can reread several times over, and still have a strong reaction. Sometimes, I notice nuances and details in scenes I didn't get when I first tore through 'em. I don't think the BDB books will ever get old. At least not for me.

Love me some WARDen!

Maura Anderson said...

Wolf and the Dove - and I still have my original copy!

Anonymous said...

First of all, thank you Shi and everyone at Vamps & Scamps for having me!

And a big shout out to the Cellies!

I'm really grateful also for the kindness around Z....

Natalie said...

Oh! I just remembered another; it was my first ever paranormal book A Secret Vampire from the Night World series written by L J Smith a Young Adult book, I read it on my first journey away from home on my own (ok a 4 hour train journey across Scotland, but hey I was only 16!) I was so engrossed that I found myself laughing, crying and sobbing in my seat much to the amusement of the other passengers and I totally missed my stop and had to endure the embarrassment of phoning my parents to tell that that I had messed up due to a book!!

Having said that I carted the Night World set half way across the world and I still regularly check to see if the elusive book 10 has been released. It is still one of my guilty pleasures and can transport me to another world every time I open the pages-Young Adult my foot!!

I only have a few series that I claim to be good enough to cart around the world wherever I go and I guess I have another series to add to the shipping list –(now doing the snoopy dance in glee!!)

Natalie

Christina said...

Anne McCaffrey: Dragonflight
Read it many times. Still as good as te first time

Kerry said...

I've been reading forever and couldn't possibly remember the first book that hit me over the head like a brick.

But the romance book that jumped into my head in response to your post is "The Tender Leaves" by Essie Summers. That's one I'd love to find again. It's probably also one of the first "grown up" books I read set in my own countryn(New Zealand) instead of the UK or the US which was another reason I lvoed it.

Like everyone else is saying LA blew me away and I loved it. Thanks for sharing these amazing characters with us.

Anonymous said...

HI JR and Shi!

WARDen - I'm still not doing well on the whole 'expressing how much I truly loved LA' thing, but can I say it literally blew my mind :) I felt like I'd been through a wringer! *SIGH* 18 months until Phury's book!

Hmm, first romance novel ever. No laughing now, but it was a Barbara Cartland :( And before you ask, I shelved books in the local library after school and picked one up. My mother kept telling me I shouldn't be laughing while reading it. My favourite romance novels..hmmm, the BDB books (that's a given :) and Linda Howard's Mackenzie books. If we're talking about first book ever - My Cat Likes To Hide in Boxes! I still have a copy!

WARDen - I don't know if you sourced another copy of the Penny Jordan book but if not try www.bookfinder.com. It lists millions of secondhand books (and is VERY dangerous :)

orannia

PS Shi - just wanted you to know I just read a short story you wrote and it was great! I'll be looking for more now :)

Anonymous said...

I had to dig up the author, but my first romance book was Night Magic by Charlotee Vale Allen. It was recommended as a Phantom of the Opera novel, LOL. :) I was instantly hooked into 'Phantom' but that's not technically a romance...but I was completely hooked with Night Magic!

Anonymous said...

I have to tell you, I've read alot of vampire books. But yours are absolutely the best out there. I laugh, I cry and I have fallen in LOVE absolute LOVE with each guy, but secretly Zsadist is my favorite. Thank you for sharing his story!

Anonymous said...

Kathy S, asked:
I'm a lawyer too - do you think it helped you as a writer?
*********************
Absolutely! To be a lawyer you have to be comfortable with words and know how to use them. I like to be precise on the line to line stuff and I think that's part nature and part training. :)

Anonymous said...

Little Lamb Lost- I agree! I think Penny Jordan does AWESOME sexual tension. I read one of her more recent Presents a couple months ago and I was like... OMG I still love her!

And I hope you like Z if you get him!

Anonymous said...

There is a reason that the cellies are so enthralled by JR and her books. That is simply because she is the best! Among the many books, genres and authors I have com across, J.R. Ward has stood out like a fox in a chicken coup. She has cluttered my mind (and others) with so many wonderful visions, I sometimes find myself lost in the fantasy of her stories even when I'm not reading her books. She is truly outstanding! BRAVO TO YOU WARDen!!!

Anonymous said...

Shadowheart by Laura Kinsale was the first romance I remember reading. I want to reread it soon.

Anonymous said...

Sandi asks:
Oh, and I can't believe I forgot to include this in my first post. WARDen, since you so generously offered to answer any questions about the BDB, how about a little tidbit of inside info on your current work-in-progress? That would be Vishous, right? *blinking innocently* A new favorite line you've recently written, maybe? Please with some cheese on top?
**********************

Okay... I'm almost 100 pages in and he's... well, he's V. Which means that he's telling me what to do all the time! Fortunately, I take orders from him well... :)

Anonymous said...

Tapbear! You are my favorite bear ever!

Hg, thank you!

Sissy I love the BDB PPC and let me tell you, you and I share similar tastes in books: Elizabeth Lowell and Suz Brockmann are like at the top of my list!

Anonymous said...

Fairyfreak- you are going to kill me. But Rehv is as old as he is...

How about that for a horrible answer??

*winces* I'm still such a lawyer, no?

Anonymous said...

JR

i finally got my sister to give your books a try and she is HOOKED!! i kept telling her "I TOLD YOU SOOOO!!" i had told her about your books a while back and she read the 1st chapter of DL and din't read anymore. well she gave it a try again this weekend and she finished the book in a day and a half. she is coming over after work to pick up the other two. i mentioning this because my sis is a hard person to get to read something and i'm proud that i PIMPED your book to her!!

(((((MUAH))))

Anonymous said...

Aro... you are just the best. And Flowers in the Attic got to me as well... seriously. I remember so clearly reading that book.

Rita- hey baby! You are just so good to me... but yeah, I know... I can't bear to reread Z either...

Anonymous said...

Syb I loved Shadowheart!

Orannia... I'm glad that Z effected you so much and thank you for your kindness! And OMG great rec for used books- I'm going give them a try!

TCJ- HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWDY to all in Texas- I'm so glad your folks like the Brothers!

Kamie!! Your sister has come over! WTG! NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICE!

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to reiterate the power that lies within Lover Awakened is amazing. WARDen you always take your characters and make them real. You truly take the time and the effort to build a wonderful story that (without a doubt) from beginning to end keeps a person glued to the page and wondering what will happen next. I have re-read your books several times over because they are always just as good if not better with every read. Thanks for just being you!
~Roni

Anonymous said...

Need to take a quick break to thank you for ALLLLLL your kindness about LA. Truly... and look, I'm sapping out but bear with me, but LA was the book of my heart. Put everything I had in me into those pages... and a little bit more. I was exhausted when it was done and it's going to be a long time before I reread... but I love him. He always was the Brother for me....

Anonymous said...

WARDen, I'm only halfway through, and I have to say that Lover Awakened is the best so far. You pull at our heart strings and we come back for more, not to be disappointed.

Thank you for making vampires fun again!

Anonymous said...

WARDen,

I have a question about Z and his reactions to people due to his suffering... do you ever do research for books with such explicit scenes (i.e. interview victims etc.)?

The book was amazing and just an incredible journey. Thanks!
BUTTER

Anonymous said...

I forgot to answer the question... but the first book that ever really meant anything to me was Lost Souls by Poppy Z. Brite. I still have the first one I bought (I bought several) and I love its tattered and torn cover.... OMG... that book was essential for me to have at all times in high school.

Where is that book? *must look through boxes in attic from move* Butter

Anonymous said...

Much love from the Lamingbird in Australia.
I'll do the European kisses.
Muah! Muah! Muah!!

Pamk said...

lol first romance book was guaranteed one of Harelquin Presents but not sure which one. Its been 27 or 28 years lol. First one I remember was Kathleen Woodwiss her was spicy well for the time anyways. And look at what I read now. Those seem tame in comparison. BTW love your books Z's rocked

Shiloh Walker said...

Hi Orannia

:o)

Thank you... but which one?

Shiloh Walker said...

I'll be drawing a name for the prize tomorrow. That way it gives everybody a fair shot.

Heather B. said...

Hey WARDen and fellow cellies,

Just dropped by to lend my support to the WARDen and again tell you how much I love these books. They are some of the best books I have ever read (and I read a lot). Can't say enough out Z...I think each book gets better and better.

I have to say the 1st books I really remember reading were Judy Blume books. I also fell in love with the VC Anders books but like someone else mentioned, they just weren't the same after she died so I finally gave up my collection (yes, I actually owned them all expect the last 2 series). Also used to steal granny's harlequin's after she would finish them.

Wish March wasn't so far away!!
Heather

Janice Maynard said...

J.R. - We're tickled pink to have you guest blog today! Thanks for being here! Sorry I haven't been around... I'm leaving for Alaska in the morning, and I'm a bit nuts.

By the way, I have all three of your books in my suitacase as we speak. :)

Janice Maynard

Anonymous said...

Finally...not at work. The first romances I remember reading were Moonstone Mysteries. They were a series of mystery/romance for kids. Other than that I read horror novels...Ha ha ha. I was so into scary books.

~Roni

Anonymous said...

J.R.
I love your books (all 3, I don't play favourites) and will stand proudly to recommend them to the big wide world. They are smart intelligent books with the added bonus of romance. THERE'S MORE: we also have more books to come to stop you feeling like you want to cry because the ride is over.
I can't wait to find out what comes next - all my speculation has been wildy wrong so far.
cheers,
Sair

Anonymous said...

WARDen, Thanks for writing about Z and Bella. We all have been awaiting this book for 6 months (seems like decades since Rhage's book) and it was even better than what we could ever imagine for. Now it's just waiting another "decade or two" or Butch's and then V's !!! story. So exciting yet painful to wait. =)

Anonymous said...

Sair! It's excellent hypodeductive reasoning though... :)

Anonymous said...

Spanky asks: who is allowed to attend a bdb mating ceremony w the scribe virgin. i originally thought the actual ceremony only had brothers and their shellans but after reading LA i wonder - can immediate family attend also? oh and i was wondering, did all 3 of our fav ladies where wellsie's wedding dress in their ceremonies or did they where something else? just curious, that is all.
***************
Hi! The SV attends and anyone else who the celebrants deem appropriate. For example, in DL, Butch and Marissa were there and so was Fritz (at Beth's and Wrath's ceremony.)

And each of the shellans have worn their own clothes. :)

Anonymous said...

Charmacke, you honor me with your comments...

Helen- March is coming soon!!! :)

Maerstrum- thank you!

Roni- MUUUAH baby... :)

Anonymous said...

Janice thank you for having me! I hope you have a wonderful trip and that you come back soon!

And thank you for taking the Brothers with you! :)

Anonymous said...

Bellaluna- I would love to come to Eglin!

Patrice! Hey baby!!

Heather you are so kind...

Anonymous said...

For me...way back in high school The Promise by Danielle Steele hooked me on romance. More recent books that I find I go back to for a feel good romance read...Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard (can you say Sam Donovan in the kitchen?!); Bet Me by Jenny Cruise; I love Min and Cal, this book is funny, but also very romantic and touching. Min is a heroine who I totally connect with, I see so much of her in myself; Over The Edge by Suz Brockmann...great great book!

And then there are the Brothers...OMG they are in a class by themselves! Every book I read, sucks me in, grabs hold and doesn't let go, even after the last page is read, they are still in my head and my heart. All three books so far are exceptional; awesome; amazing....I can't wait for Butch's book, I'm already counting the days, and then V's book, and then and then...

Thank you so much for allowing the Brothers to speak through you and giving such great stories!

Juliet said...

Umm, the first books that really got to me were not romances, but Agatha Christie's novels. She was my first favorite author and I still love her. I began reading her at twelve and I loved some of her books so much that I reread them a lot of times and knew them practically by memory. Funny thing that they were those that have some romance in them :o), I guess that even at that time I was destined to read and love romances.And I can read one of those today and enjoy them as much after all this time.
There is only one of her books that I not only didn't like, but hated with all my heart, and I never reread this one (but I still have it hidden somewhere). Maybe I'll read it after all this time to see if I see it with other eyes.

Anonymous said...

WARDen, you're amazing. You are surpassed only by the Brotherhood. And tell V that we're really looking forward to his story. My question: How old is V? I know he's one of the older Brothers and from what I know we can calculate the age of pretty much all the others, but I have no idea for how many years Vishous has been telling people what to do.

Oh, and the first romance novel that really got me was a Silhouette Desire that I sneaked out of my mom's stash. I was only 14 and they were "too old" for me. She was probably right. Ten years later, some love scenes still make me giggle and blush like that first one did.

Anonymous said...

I've always loved books, but my very first romance was a harlequin historical by Ruth Langan given to me by a friend at age 14. I was instantly hooked on romance. I'm always looking for the HEA in books and movies.

I love the brotherhood series cuz it not only gives us the ultimate bad boy, a romance for all time, beautiful vampires (male & female) but the WARDen also makes the stories real. you can feel them happening in the real world, talking everyday language (at least for me) and she makes you believe that this could really happen to any of us. I could be the lucky lady to be mated to a brother. Too bad Z is already taken :-(

Just kidding, I know he's super happy with Bella. Can't wait to read Butch's story and haven't a clue how to survive til March to read it.

Kat said...

First romance I owned was Never Say Goodbye by Jane Quin-Harkin. I was addicted to Sweet Dreams novels after that. Can't remember the title of the first M&B book I ever read. I found it in my grandmother's garage. :-) First one I remember sneaking a read of was Secret Obsession by Charlotte Lamb. In hindsight, it wasn't that good but it was thrilling to read at the time.

Most recently, I would say that Ménage by Emma Holly has totally changed the way I perceive the romance genre. But perhaps the most "magical" experience I've had was with Patricia McKillip's books. I picked up Heir of Sea and Fire from a clearance bin and fell in love with her writing.

I also tend to obssess about series novels, from my Nancy Drew collection to Harry Potter to the BDB. I'm just glad JRW is prolific enough to churn them out every 6 months. Any longer would be pure torture!

Anonymous said...

There just isn't enough to be said about how good the Brotherhood books are!!! Amazing, amazing, amazing... They're definitely among my keeper books and I've never gotten tired of picking them up and re-reading my favortie tidbits.

As for other favorites, more recently, the one book I ABSOLUTELY fell in love with was The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold. I just fell head over heels in love with the hero, Caz. (Not that I didn't do the same with the Brothers, but Caz kinda came outta nowhere and won me over!)

I also loved the Jacqueling Carey books as well. I never get tired of reading those.

But still, tops on my list are the Brothers... I had no idea what I was getting when I picked up Dark Lover. Then came Rhage and I couldn't believe that you went out and topped what you did in DL! But then to read Z's book... Man.... talk about quadruple whammy....

Thanks for sharing the Brothers! Can't wait for Butch, V and Phury!

JC

Anonymous said...

JR, I'll always say the Brother are hot and sensual. Again let the Brothers know I send my best and I mean my best. Love the leather for V. Take care and happy writing.
NHalloran (Nancy)

Anonymous said...

The first one I remeber, though it was not a paranormal was "Captive Bride" by Johanna Lindsey. Didn't truly get hooked on Para's till I read Linda Lael Millers vamp series. Then I couldn't get enough, but I have to sayy, as much as I do love some other series, WARDen, your's are top of the list now.
Waiting on Pins and Pointy Teeth to meet the next Lover,

Lil

Tammika said...

I think I'm late for the blog, but just wanted to say how much this has inspired me to read your books JR. Saw about the post from Shiloh Walker's group, and now I must run and get your books

the question about you "first love" book intrigued me. I've been reading since I could, but the first romance to "touch my heart", I mean actually made my heart hurt for the characters, was Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught. Jordan and Alex became real for me, and at thirteen,or at thirty-plus, that book still has the power to touch my heart.

Anonymous said...

Hi WARDen, I've been rereading the books for the last week. Love Z's book! Just one question Where's Tohr and when does he return? *ok that was two questions, but it is bugging me*
And the first romance I read was a Victoria Holt novel. The first book I really got into was "The Fly Went By" right after I got out of kindegarten. I really loved the rhythem of the rhymes.

dd03 said...

*waves*
Hi, WARDen!
Just got off work about an hour ago, so I missed this.

Just wanted to give yah a shout out, and show my support!

Muah!

Anonymous said...

Tamika it's the same with me and Northern Sunset... :)

HEY dd03! MUUUAH!

Shanghi... Tohr will be back. I promise you. :)

JC thank you... seriously.

Kelly, I appreciate the kindness!

Anonymous said...

I just want to thank EVERYONE for coming! And thanks to the folks at Vamps & Scamps for having me!

This was so much fun and I hope I haven't missed too many people- please know that I appreciate all your support of the Brothers! I can't tell you how much it means...

The winner will be announced tomorrow thanks to the lovely and talented Shi!

Thanks again, J.R.

Stacy~ said...

"Almost Heaven" by Judith McNaught. She was my first "icon" author, the one I adored beyond all others. I still do, but it's been awhile since I've read any of her books - I prefer her historicals. Suzanne Brockmann is my contemporary icon.

Loved "Lover Awakened", and immediately had to re-read it and get caught up in it all over again.

So, um, a female "Brother"? Is that just a rumor?

Anonymous said...

Oh there is definately a female Brother- her name is Payne... :)

J.R.