Interview with author Mike Duran 12/20/2010

Amber and I have often wondered why no males have yet to interview with us. Are we a little nuts? Yes. Do we tend to be a little on the dramatic side? Duh. Can we be just a tad overwhelming? Okay, I think you all get the idea. We wondered who would be the first man to step up to the women of I Smell Sheep, who would be able to handle the sheer feminine greatness, the shock and awe that we ensue. lol

Well, we have found that brave male, and his name is Mike Duran, whose debut novel The Resurrection comes out February 1st. I had a chance to read an early copy of the book and let me just say, holy ghost it was gooooood. :)

Make sure to come back on Monday the 20th to check out the interview. Leave a comment and be entered for a chance to win:

A signed copy of The Resurrection

Graveyard Gummy Candy

Skull Pen

Angel Candle puter outer thing-e (it's really cute trust me)

Tune in next week folks same baaat-time, same baaat-place!

Sheep Singing Carols;

Amber, Katie and Richard

"because Woodchuck's can't be trusted"

Play of Passion, wolf pack sexy?

Play of Passion by NYTBS author Nalini Singh is the latest installment in her Psy-Changeling series. While not a big fan of werewolves and shape-shifters in general, I really enjoyed this steamy novel. *howls to the moon*

In Play of Passion we follow the stories of Indigo Riviere and Drew Kincaid. Indigo is the high ranking dominant Lieutenant with the reputation of being cold as ice. She takes her position amongst her clan very seriously and very rarely allows any males skin privileges. [aka snuggles and cuddles] But with an unseen enemy attacking the pack, she is forced to work with fellow den male Drew; and for me that would be a delightful pleasure.

Drew is the sex-in-spades Tracker of the SnowDancer wolf pack: carefree and playful with his fellow brothers and sisters, craved by the ladies for his master skills in the sack. Although his job is all business and one that only he can do, as he has the powerful skills necessary. Drew may not be ranked as one of the Lieutenants, but he is all alpha male. While the sexy male is head over heels for Indigo, she would rather be with someone older and high ranking as she is herself. Can her wolf accept the male her body is craving? Does the younger male have a shot at melting the ice wall she surrounds herself in? Have to read to find out. :)

Previous characters make a reappearance in Play of Passion. Introduction of new characters and ongoing build up with others. I can't wait for the next novel to come out! Nalini gives her characters an authentic appeal and continues to thicken the plot line, while not drawing it to far. I loved this book and I highly recommend it. Vamp free but wolf sexy!

KD

getting 4 sheep in wolf costumes

Dark Slayer, magic woman!

Dark Slayer, written by NYTBS author Christine Feehan, is the latest book in her Carpathian Novel Series. Oh my my, magic is abundant in this book; I think I became a witch while reading this book. As the sunny weather in California was eclipsed (Twilight Eclipse out on dvd now, just saying) with mysterious dark clouds containing a damp liquid substance. What do you call this? Rain? This must be the work of witchcraft! ;)

Dark Slayer follows the story of Ivory Malinov, the hot and sexy wolf girl who hangs out in the ice cold wilds with her pack of savage wolves. Betrayed by her own family, Ivory hides out in the woods with the only things she loves: her wolves. Driven by revenge, Ivory has one mission: to destroy her greatest enemy. As a Carpathian woman, Ivory is strong, confident, an awesome fighter and spell-caster; but in walks a man that throws a wrench in the whole deal. Her life-mate.

Razvan is a Dragonseeker (which I still have no idea what exactly that is), and is one smoking hot male who was held prisoner for centuries. He finally escapes, and flees into the ice cold icy mountain lands. Now starved and exhausted, Razvan lay on his deathbed, but he was found and saved just in the nick of time by a very reluctant Ivory. It's not everyday you meet your life-mate, and Ivory is in no way happy about meeting hers. The once recluse is now forced to interact with a male and bring him back to her super secret lair.

If you like spells and magic, this book will be a great fit for you. Tons of exciting action to compliment the magical spells that run a steady beat throughout the story line. The down side was NO romance of any kind until about page 250. No build up, no kiss kiss action. Nada! At the very minimum I like a constant flirtation in myromance novels. While this one lacked in that department for a while, it did make up in the action and suspense areas.

This was my first read from this author and while it was not my usually cup of tea, I would recommend it to others. Bloodsucking sexy Carpathian males fighting dark forces is always a point winner in my book. Glad I found this author and looking forward to upcoming books. :)

KD

3 and 1/2 spell casting sheep

Nocturne... just another night for me

Nocturne, written by the talented Syrie James, fell a little flat for me. It had an awesome stage for the story. Two attractive strangers snowed in, stuck in a beautiful cabin with mountain views, horses to take them on moonlit rides and a botanical garden that seems like a fairytale.

Michael is a sexy recluse with more mystery than any one girl should be able to handle. Nicole is a beautiful, smart and witty woman who has just enough curiosity to get her into trouble. Together the two definitely have a dynamic between them, but because they are the only characters that you meet in the story, I felt they were missing the depth that comes from their interactions with other people, especially ones that they aren't attracted to.

It was a typical vampire love story. He's attractive, she's unresistable and they both eventually give in. This is usually a very enjoyable storyline, but Nicole and Michael gave in so fast and fall in love so quickly that I felt like I missed the part where they actually fall for each other. In just two short days they claimed to be head over heels for each other, wanting to spend forever together. I know that love happens in different ways for everyone but this just didn't seem plausible to me.

The last ten pages of this story was the only saving grace because it's not your typical Hollywood ending. The book was well written, with a good concept for the story but I felt like it needed more. More action, more love, more characters... just something more. It's with a slightly disappointed sigh that I give 3 sheep

AC

*Interview with author Alexandra Ivy*

Joining I Smell Sheep today for our latest interview is author Alexandra Ivy! New York Times Bestselling author of the Guardians of Eternity series. We know you're excited to start this one so lets get to all the details from the mind behind the books. Grab a snack, sit back and enjoy!

Chicago. Vampire Nightclub. 2 Sheep and 1 Guardian meet.

Katie: Alexandra welcome and thank you for taking the time to sit down with us today. First question that I am dying to know is this: where can I find Styx? I love that sexy vampire and I must find him! lol

Styx is absolutely one of my favs And oddly he almost remained just a shadow in the background. When I was writing Embrace the Darkness, Viper’s story, I hadn’t really planned to write about Styx, but by the time I finished the book I knew that the vampire king had to find his mate!

Katie: I am so glad you did, I love that Styx is silent but strong. What’s the phrase…walks softly but carries a big stick? Hahaha that’s him!

Amber: What was the craziest thing you ever did as a kid?

I’m almost ashamed to admit it, but when I was very young my next door neighbors moved and left their house empty. One day I found a stack of paint in their back yard and I decided it shouldn’t go to waste, so I played Picasso on the house, the bbq, the lawn furniture…oh, I was in sooooo much trouble

Amber: I love that! Hahahaha. I’m sure your parents were laughing in secret about it. Lol

I think so too They were always great.

Katie: How much fun is it writing about Vampires, Witches, Werewolf's and Fey?

Insane amount of fun!!!!! I love the world building and the fact that they’re smart asses and dangerous and oh so sexy!

Katie: Yes, it’s the perfect mix for me as well. When I start these books I literally can’t stop until it’s finished. Just THAT good!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!

Amber: Were your characters inspired by anyone in your life? Or were they all created in your imagination?

Usually they’re a combination of different people I know as well as a large dose of imagination. I’m at an age that I love writing about delicious alpha males, but if I actually had to live with one day in and day out I would probably put a stake through him I love the fact that my husband is kind and gentle and always thinks about what will make me happy.

Katie: Levit is the cutest little gargoyle, how could you not love that little guy. I wonder will he ever find someone to love?

Absolutely…you’ll get a hint in Tane’s story and more in Bound by Darkness!

Katie: I caught the hint, that’s what had me asking this question. I can’t wait!

Amber: I ask this of every author but I’m always curious to know what books got you excited about writing? Was there a particular author who inspired you?

I’ve loved books all my life and I’ve been an avid reader since I was five!! But oddly my desire to write came from playwrights, maybe because I was a theatre major. Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward and Neil Simon have all been huge influences on my career.

Katie: In the latest book Devoured by Darkness, [in stores now] Tane takes front and center. How much fun was this story to write? Because I have to say, it was a blast to read.

I really loved Tane’s story. Not only because he truly came alive while I was writing his book, but the unfolding threat from the impending return of the Dark Lord has really given an extra edge to the storyline.

Katie: Oh I can’t wait. How many new characters will we be meeting in upcoming books? Any idea?

Ariyal and Jaelyn will be in the next book Bound by Darkness as well as Uriel and Kata who will be in an upcoming anthology. I hope to make a story for Santiago and of course, Caine and Cassie will be having their story…after that…hmmm…I hope for more, but we’ll have to see what my editor has to say

Amber: What was the very first book you remember owning? Mine was Amelia Bedelia. She made me laugh every time! Lol.

I actually remember back to my Dr. Seuss books But the books that first swept me away from the world was Nancy Drew mysteries. I would disappear into my room for hours and my mother was terrified I might become a complete hermit.

Amber: My sister and I got a set of Nancy Drew for Christmas when we were probably ten. I ended up stealing hers because she wasn't reading them! I loved George.

Katie: What helps you get into that creative mood? Any things that help you find that inspiration to write?

I’m fairly flexible. I think it comes from the fact that I started writing when my sons were very young and I learned how to write while keeping one eye on them playing and even being able to write in five or ten minute chunks when necessary! Later I would take a notebook to football games, golf matches…wherever I could catch a few minutes to write

Katie: Has there been a favorite character for you so far? One that has just stood out from the rest? Or can you not pick favorites. lol

I think my favorite will always be Dante since he was my first! He spent a long time lurking in the back of my head before I ever sat down to write his story and he was the one who was the role model for all the other vampires.

Amber: If you could relive, or do over, one moment in your life what would it be?

Probably that whole painting the neighbors house thing Seriously I’ve been so blessed in my life. I certainly haven’t succeeded at everything I’ve tried (it took me ten years before I became published and I received over fifty rejections), but I’ve learned as much from my failures as I have at my successes and I don’t think I would change a thing!

Katie: Now you also write under the pen name Deborah Raleigh, can you tell us a little about those books?

My Deborah Raleigh books are regency historicals and while they’re obviously different from my Alexandra Ivy books they do have the same alpha heroes with a large dose of humor and some adventure At the moment I’ve put them on the back burner, but I’m excited to announce that three of my really, really early books under the name Debbie Raleigh are going to be reprinted. My Lord Vampire, My Lord Eternity and My Lord Immortality were traditional regencies that had vampire heroes long before they were popular!! They will be repackaged under the name Alexandra Ivy!

Katie: Excellent! I can’t wait to dig into those! Do you know any release dates so far?

The first one, My Lord Vampire which will be March 2012 and My Lord Eternity August 2012 and My Lord Immortality TBA 2012!

Amber: Where would you go if you went on your dream vacation? It can be any country, at any point in the past or present.

I’ve been very lucky to be able to travel throughout Europe, but I haven’t made it to Russia yet and I would love, love, love to visit St. Petersburg!! I would enjoy visiting today, but it would also be fun to be able to travel back when the Czars were at full power (always assuming I’m an aristocrat and not a serf).

Amber: Who is the person who has encouraged and inspired you the most in your life?

Soooooo many!! But absolutely my parents. I grew up in a small town in Missouri to very traditional parents, but they offered me unconditional support through my early phase of wanting to become a famous actor and then when I decided I was going to be an author. Never once did they make me feel that my dreams were silly or out of reach. And of course, my husband was always encouraging me to keep going, even on my darkest days. I’ll always be grateful for their belief in me.

Katie: Where can fans find you in the coming months? Will you be at any book signings or conventions?

I very rarely attend conventions or signing…sigh. I will be sure to announce any appearances on my website!

Katie: My last question before we do a little rapid fire is this. [gives Amber a pointed look] In hickory, dickory, dock why did the mouse run down the clock at the stroke of 1? Any guesses? lol *Amber shakes her head and looks away*

Hmmm…that one I’ll have to give some thought He was the designated driver??

Katie: LOL Okay I love that answer.

Katie: And now to the ever popular and widely loved Rapid Fire Round! Clear your mind madam and answer with the first thing that comes to mind.

Ready?…..annnnnnd……GO!

Katie: Audio or Visual

Visual

Amber: Checkers or Chess

Checkers

Katie: Rock or Country

Rock

Amber: Sword or Bow

Sword

Katie: Cookies or Cupcakes

Cookies

Amber: Coke or Pepsi

Pepsi

Amber: YEEESSS!! Take that Ms. Katie! HAHAHA! Another win for Team Pepsi!

Katie: [sticks out tongue at Amber] Coke rocks. All I have to say. hahaha

Katie: Boobs or Bum

Buns

Amber: Kittens or Puppies

Puppies

Katie: Night or Day

Day

Amber: OJ or Apple Juice

Apple Juice

Katie: Full Moon or New Moon

Full moon

Amber: Harry Potter or Twilight

Harry Potter

Katie: Speakers or Headphones

Speakers

Amber: Known or Unknown

Known

Katie: Letterman or Leno

Letterman

Amber: Sunflowers or Daises

Daises

Amber: Thank you so much Alexandra! We have loved chatting with you. Your answers were awesome! You have so much personality and spirit and you're a pepsi lover to boot! This has been an amazing opportunity. Good luck with all the future writing!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! I had a great time

Now for the prize giveaway, In the comments below please list two things to be automatically entered to win the Ivy prize pack.

1. Your email address

2. Are you a vampire fan or werewolf fan?

Contest ends December 19^th at midnight.

Good Luck!