Today’s Guest is Vivian Arend!
May
4
2012

Paranormal <3 <3 <3 Thanks, Lauren, for the chance to visit with your readers. And WHEEE on all the new LD books I get to gobble up in the next months! Paranormal, sci-fi, contemporary, urban fantasy…Lauren does it all so well. And she’s one of the reasons I write both contemp and paranormal. But today, I’m going to share: Three things about Paranormal Stories that I love:

1. The way a scene in paranormal makes me look at old situations with new eyes.
Sometimes that means I’ll spend the next trip to the grocery store wondering if the guy next to me in the freezer aisle is going to spontaneously shift into a werewolf, or if the woman with the high heels running for the bus secretly dines on her dates- vampire style. While I’m not keen on being scared to death while out and about on my day, it is fun to look at the world with a new sense of wonder.

2. Insta-mates
No, really, I love them. But I love them best when they are MORE than insta-mates. Knowing instinctively that someone is the one—man, that’s got something so magical, and would put every dating agency instantly out of business. But the instinct to shout MINE! alone isn’t enough. I love to see, and write, mates who know they belong together and then have to deal with the reality of being people who don’t know each other one little bit. Who have to find a way to grow to love each other in spite of already wanting each other madly. Imagine the possibilities for trouble!

3. A way to make the almost impossibly sensual possible.
Humans are sexual beings—some more so than others—but in the paranormal arena there is the chance to step beyond the human norm without it being freaky kinky or pushing the boundaries of plausibility. I enjoy reading wildly sensual tales, as long as my bullshit meter isn’t constantly going off. Gymnastics that need a flow chart and anatomically correct Barbies/Kens as demos—slip that scene into a paranormal world and I can drop my skepticism and enjoy it far more.

There are other reasons I like to read and write paranormal stories as well as contemporaries, but those are the first few that come to mind, and that I think apply to my latest release—the print anthology of my three Pacific Passion e-novellas. STORM SWEPT is an erotic romp through the B.C. Pacific Inside passage. It brings together an air-shifter and a water-shifter, and it’s a way to bring a little magic to my readers. I hope you check it out.

~~*~~

STORM SWEPT
Somewhere between the ocean depths and the mountaintops, there’s a love strong enough to call them both home.

Stormchild
Traveling doctor and shaman Matthew Jentry has his hands full caring for his water-shifter clan. There’s something far too enticing, though, about mysterious Laurin Marshall.

Laurin thought leaving for her next teaching assignment would keep her identity as an air shifter a secret. Until she finds Matt is on the same boat, and their sexual fireworks ignite…

Excerpt for Stormchild

Stormy Seduction
Before Laurin and Matt can begin to explore their mystical bond, the People of the Air challenge her right to choose a water shifter as her mate.

Fending off Laurin’s would-be suitors is easy for Matt. But what will happen when she encounters his playful, lusty Otter clan? Especially since they’ll be the main attraction at the solstice fertility ritual.

Excerpt for Stormy Seduction

Silent Storm
Despite their deepening emotional connection, Laurin still wonders how she and Matt can find permanent common ground.

Matt waits patiently for Laurin. He has no desire to change her sky-borne nature. Until a giant golden eagle touches down on the Stormchild and tips the delicate balance of more than just the boat.

Excerpt for Silent Storm

Warning: Contains strong sexual currents and powerful waves of desire that break down inhibitions. Enough heat to challenge global warming. And a curse-melting ménage so exotic it’ll make you look to the skies and sea with longing.

~~**~~

BUY LINKS for the print anthology STORM SWEPT: Borders | Amazon | Powell’s |Indiebound | B & N

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Vivian Arend in one word: Adventurous. In a sentence: Willing to try just about anything once. That wide-eyed attitude has taken her around North America, through parts of Europe, and into Central and South America, often with no running water.

Her optimistic outlook also meant that when challenged to write a book, she gave it a shot, and discovered creating worlds to play in was nearly as addictive as traveling the real one. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of both contemporary and paranormal stories, Vivian continues to explore, write and otherwise keep herself well entertained.

Vivian Arend: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Giveaway- do you have a favorite reason for reading paranormal stories? Share, or leave any comment, and I’ll pick a couple participants to win their choice of one of my ebook backlist. So you can pick your favorite kind of HEA.

30 comments to “Today’s Guest is Vivian Arend!”

  1. Tracey D
    May 4th, 2012 at 3:36 am · Link

    Reading for me is a form of entertainment and escapism; so reading paranormal books and about “folks” with extraordinary powers is exciting for me. For years, I read nothing but vampire books and then I discovered the shifters. OH, NELLY!! A whole new world opened up for me! And then I discovered there were more to shifters than just wolf-shifters; the list is endless.

    I also enjoy reading how different authors write paranormals; it’s great to be exposed to different writing styles on the same topic. OK, I’ve rambled on long enough.



  2. CrystalGB
    May 4th, 2012 at 6:38 am · Link

    My favorite reasons for reading paranormals are the amazing characters, great world building and interesting plots that keeps you wanting the story to never end.



  3. Blanche
    May 4th, 2012 at 6:49 am · Link

    I love paranormal stories! They keep me on the edge of my seat when I’m reading, wondering what’s next! I also really love the whole “mine” thing when it comes to shifter mates…it all makes for very good reading!



  4. Louise
    May 4th, 2012 at 6:52 am · Link

    Reading paranormal is the way that I escape from my static, boring, normal, stressful life. Love, love, love Viv’s books!



  5. Pamela D
    May 4th, 2012 at 7:50 am · Link

    Paranormal romance is a way to escape from reality. I particularly like the ones where there is that ‘mine’ moment from one, but the other has to be convinced as they aren’t part of that world. Seeing how the two come together and their passion develop is fun.



  6. Hailey
    May 4th, 2012 at 8:24 am · Link

    I to love the idea of instant mates. That you just know they are the one.



  7. StacieD
    May 4th, 2012 at 8:40 am · Link

    I love uber Alpha, dominant heroes and they are in abundance in PNR. They can get away with extreme behavior in a PNR that would label them as jerks in a contemporary romance.



  8. Fedora
    May 4th, 2012 at 9:40 am · Link

    Hi, Viv! I like paranormals because there’s even more of that fantastical, take-me-away setting to the story. One reason I read is for that escape element, and with a paranormal, those elements really add to the “I’m not in Kansas anymore” feel 🙂



  9. Diane
    May 4th, 2012 at 9:53 am · Link

    Hi there!
    I enjoy any kind of romance but paranormal just has a little extra kick to it’s stories with vampires, shifters and other paranormals. 😆



  10. Melissa B
    May 4th, 2012 at 10:35 am · Link

    Oooh, <3 Paranormals! I'm so totally addicted, lol. And a few of my fav reasons ~
    Insta mate (I don't want insta love, but love that KNOWING this is the one instict)

    ALPHAS!! (both Hero AND Heroine here) there is just something about a I'm in charge and know it and am comfortable w/ it Hero, and how you gonna NOT love a kick ass, in charge heroine?)

    Shifters ~ I loves me some of just about every paranormal theme out there, but shifters are my crack. I go through periods where that's ALL I want to read, and I find some of the craziness, funniest most awesome books this way, just hunting up new shifters! (Can you say shifter BUNNY? And I've not read the crocodile yet, but I've heard rumors!)

    AWESOME post ~~ nothing I love better than dishing on Paras!



  11. Jordan H
    May 4th, 2012 at 11:32 am · Link

    I love paranormal romances because its a great escape with fantastic characters.



  12. Melanie Codina
    May 4th, 2012 at 11:44 am · Link

    Hi Vivian!!! I too am excited about all the Lauren Dane books coming our way!!! Super excited !!! I love paranormal stories for a lot of reasons too, of course the insta-mates is a big one because on a primal level it’s so cool to think that a desire for someone goes that deep.
    Another of my reasons to read paranormal is that it takes a truly gifted writer (such as yourself and Ms. Dane) to create a completely alternate world to immerse ourselves in and not have the thought that it’s not completely plausible, even though it’s not. Lol, some just sound so unrealistic, but the good ones, you just feel like it all really exists. Who wouldn’t enjoy running into a big alpha male whose only intent is to protect =). Of course the non paranormal is also good but I love love love the alternate worlds created!



  13. Maria E.
    May 4th, 2012 at 12:06 pm · Link

    What isnt there to love about paranormal romances. For me its to leave reality for a moment. But lets not forget the sexy hero in the stories as well as the heroine. The supense and the passion that dont let you put down the book. Its where I find myself saying one more chapter and then I will stop. I love your other books as well. So keep them coming in whatever genre you decide to write…

    Maria



  14. Laurie
    May 4th, 2012 at 12:25 pm · Link

    I like it for the fact that anything can happen in a PNR story. You are not limited to regular human capabilities and it’s amazing to see what a author can dream up and put on paper. It’s complete escapism!



  15. bn100
    May 4th, 2012 at 12:53 pm · Link

    Very nice reasons. All your books sound very good. I like to read them for the stories and the author’s creativity and imagination.



  16. Viki S.
    May 4th, 2012 at 1:19 pm · Link

    I love reading paranormal romance because it’s easier to put myself into the book. When it’s a contemporary I seem to be my age in my mind where as w/paranormal I’m early 20’s. Stupid , I know ;). I also just love the “extras” in the paranormal worlds.



  17. cait045
    May 4th, 2012 at 2:13 pm · Link

    I love the pack of shifters. I love that feeling of belonging and knowing your are accepted no matter what. I love that about my family and think it is super important. I usually love how authors tell me how the member of the pack interact with eachother.



  18. Cathy M
    May 4th, 2012 at 2:56 pm · Link

    Love the creative world building, and the endless possibilities for character traits and romantic connections in paranormal romances. Even after endless years of reading, I find that I can still be surprised, and I love that.



  19. becky jean
    May 4th, 2012 at 2:56 pm · Link

    I like reading paranormals because I can really get out of my head when I dive into them! It is refreshing to hear and read about wonderful and imaginative things that differ from my normal life.



  20. OrielaJ
    May 4th, 2012 at 3:34 pm · Link

    I love reading paranormal for the escape. Its such a different from everyday life that you can’t help but be drawn in.



  21. Susan W.
    May 4th, 2012 at 3:36 pm · Link

    I read paranormal romances because there is such a wide variety of characters and wonderful world building. And I live a rather boring life of work, home, and walking the dogs that I need some kind of excitement!



  22. Susan E.
    May 4th, 2012 at 5:02 pm · Link

    I love paranormals because they take me outside ordinary life even more than “regular” romance. Reading is escapism at its best.



  23. Jen B.
    May 4th, 2012 at 6:59 pm · Link

    I like reading paranormals because anything goes. A good, creative writer can take that and harness it. Make it something amazing!



  24. Lori T
    May 4th, 2012 at 8:44 pm · Link

    I love reading paranormals because there are just so many possibilities and plus who does not love a good shifter or vampire?

    These sound really great!



  25. Pamiam
    May 4th, 2012 at 10:01 pm · Link

    I enjoy the paranormal stories. Who wouldn’t want some uber sexy macho man that can turn all wolfy on you.
    I haven’t read the Pacific Passion series….yet, but I intend to start some downloads while I still wait patiently for the next wolfy release. 😎



  26. JenM
    May 5th, 2012 at 4:11 am · Link

    I read to escape reality for awhile. I don’t want to read about real world problems. Instead, I love being immersed in different worlds with hot alpha heroes. I used to read high fantasy, but got really tired of the vaguely medieval settings, so paranormals and urban fantasy are perfect for me.



  27. Dana
    May 5th, 2012 at 10:28 am · Link

    As many others said, I read romance for an escape into a controlled environment where an HEA is promised,

    Beats turning on CNN. I don’t want to read about more crimes, or hate.

    😛



  28. Lin
    May 5th, 2012 at 3:01 pm · Link

    Love the paranormals – makes a lot of the plot lines more plausible



  29. Carey
    May 7th, 2012 at 9:58 am · Link

    I’ve not read a lot of paranormal but have liked what I read. I read the excerpts and look forward to reading more about these characters.



  30. Jennifer Butler
    May 13th, 2012 at 6:15 am · Link

    I love her books, such great characters!

    Jennifer B.



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