Too bad Glory was bloating when her hunky Scottish hero turned her in 1604. Yep, she had some extra pounds just where she didn’t need them. Jeremy Blade, then known as a Campbell, liked his women with some curves. Now, more than four hundred years later, Glory’s stuck forever with that extra “junk in her trunk”. Jerry still doesn’t mind it, but he’s an ancient male. Readers seem to relate to Glory’s struggle to look good despite her figure flaws. They also understand her reluctance to tie herself to one man for eternity. And a sixteenth century male, which Jerry is, can be pretty controlling. The issues are the same when it comes to making a relationship work, even for vampires.
While really dark urban fantasy seems to rule the book shelves, the REAL VAMPIRES series is on the lighter side. It’s pretty obvious that I don’t take vampires terribly seriously. Yes, there is danger and mystery in every book, but there are also humorous moments, some wacky minor characters, and quite a few hot love scenes for Glory and readers to enjoy. Because, ancient or not, Glory has taken to modern ways with a vengeance. She owns her own business and is an independent woman who reserves the right to love where she wishes.
What makes the REAL VAMPIRES Series stand out? I have to say it’s Glory St. Clair herself. She’s a slightly chubby vampire with an appreciation for a hot guy and a habit of getting herself in and out of trouble. Book seven in the series, REAL VAMPIRES DON’T WEAR SIZE SIX, hits shelves today, August 2nd. Each book can stand alone, so don’t be afraid to jump in and try this one.
But what do you think? Do you like your vampires edgy or funny? Dark vampire romance seems to be very popular now. Any opinions on why? I’d love to hear from readers out there. Post here and one lucky poster will win a gift pack of the first three REAL VAMPIRES books along with a $20.00 gift card to the book store/vendor of his/her choice.
Gerry Bartlett is the author of seven novels in the Real Vampires series, which feature Glory St. Clair. Her latest novel in the series, Real Vampires Don't Wear A Size Six, will be released on August 2, 2011. For more information about Gerry and her Real Vampires series, please visit her official homepage, Gerry Bartlett.
9 comments:
I like my vamps to be a little edgy & humorous. I want to always be on my toes trying to guess what they'll do next, but I'm hoping that they'll make me laugh instead of cry.
As for the obsession, every woman loves a bad boy. It's in our dna. We love the whole forbidden aspect of the relationship, the idea that we shouldn't be running off into the sunset because danger could be on the other side of the moon with him. That's the best form of adrenaline one could imagine. The whole dark and brooding attitude makes him seem untouchable, so if we get to him, if he breaks down his walls for us, then we're in the running with Cleopatra and other great women of history who notoriously seduced powerful men. Even better, he's damn near indestructible. Once he embraces us, we would forever be protected, and what woman doesn't love feeling safe within the arms of a buff immortal?
On top of all that, we're suckers for love. Despite the fact that the vamp could bite us at any second and rip us to shreds, we're hoping that he loves us enough not to... and I'm saying us because every woman puts themselves in the main character's position and lives out the book as if it were their own life. Such a great guilty pleasure! And, by the way, Glory is one of my faves. You've created an addictive series that I've happily turned other friends onto. My only complaint is that I have to wait an average 7 months for the next book when I read the new ones in 1 day... It's a great day though. I even cheat and eat her faves with the book: cheetos & chocolate :)
Your series sounds really fun, Gerry. I am drawn to the dark and edgey characters in most of the paranormal romances that I read. Especially love that vampires can be the good guys, and particularly fancy them as the warriors.
I always appreciate a bit of humor in the stories I read, though I tend to go with a bit of snarky or sarcastic humor.
Like Chrisin, said, vampires are the ultimate bad boys, and I love them in that role.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
My sister-in-law suggested this series back when the third book just came out. I'm not one that usually hangs out in the romance section so I was a little reluctant. Read a few chapters in the store and was instantly hooked!
You got action, love - hot and mild, humor, paranormal galore, and Texas scenery. Glory definitely has some wild and crazy adventures. And you don't need to be plus size to understand her.
The series is set in modern times involving everyday struggles, with a vamp twist. The vampires are kept mostly to the true degree we all know vampires to be, just evolving with the times.
I'm more of a wolf girl myself, but this series is addicting. Fun, easy to read, keeps you wanting more, but doesn't leave you with a cliff hanger.
mondalin@live.com
I like a mixture with my vampires. I like them to have an edge to them with a bit of humor. The male vamps need to be super "manly" and tough... but them have thoses one liners that put a smile on your face. The female vamps like Glory have to kick butt and take names along with making me laugh. I think alot of women can relate to Glory with the body image and wanting to be independent
kellybenson(at)neo.rr.com
I do get tired of reading about how physically perfect alot of vampire characters are. Seems like every heroine is 22, slim, trim and toned yet somehow still manages to have an ample chest and butt. Your character Glory sounds like some much needed diversity! :)
I like my vampires both edgy and funny. It really depends on my mood. I like variety!
As far as why dark vampire romances are popular right now...I think that one reason might be because they can appeal to both people who like romance novels as well as those who might not normally buy something labeled "romance".
Christin, you're so right about the women in history getting seduced by powerful men. Interesting. Suckers for love... Yes, that sounds like a vampire title to me. LOL. But not so funny when the woman gives up her own power for the guy. I do try to keep Glory real, as real as a vamp can be anyway. Thanks to everyone for their comments.
Gerry, I'll pick up the humorous vamp tale every time. Glory and her world make up just the sort of book I enjoy.
Congratulations to Mondalin, winner of the books and gift card. Thanks to everyone who commented.
Post a Comment