Tuesday Writing Tips

I thought I'd briefly share some thoughts on Mystery Writing:

Writing for the mystery genre can be fun, but there’s a lot of preliminary work that goes into it before you can sit down and begin.

One of the most important aspects of mystery writing is the plot. This genre is very plot driven and it’s important to flesh out a good strong plot before beginning. This includes creating several plot points leading readers on different paths. Don’t give out too much information too soon in your story. Equally important is knowing how your story will end. By outlining your plot and establishing your ending up front, you’ll know how to structure the other elements of your story.

A mystery incorporates the following elements: a problem or conflict, a villain, a detective or hero, clues/red herrings, and suspense. Also, the time and setting are important elements as well. Time and setting can augment suspense and mood of the story.

The best way to begin the story is with action. Put the hero, villain, or both in action when you start. This engages the reader and lends itself to introducing the problem/conflict that the hero has to solve.

Characters should include the hero/detective, villain, and a supporting cast. Define your main character. Is he or she a go-getter like “Nancy Drew” or a hard-charging police detective determined to solve any mystery? The villain must be appropriately matched. Having a “Nancy Drew-like” sleuth bring down a crime cartel wouldn’t be realistic. Also, when considering the mystery, or crime/problem to be solved, cruelty to animals or violence directed at anyone is generally discouraged in this genre. Your hero should be striving to solve a murder mystery (like in “The DaVinci Code”) or trying to locate a stolen, rare painting. Keep in mind, as your hero navigates your plot, he or she has to use believable and legal forms of evidence. This keeps your story grounded in reality and believable.

*****

WRITING TIP: As you sit down to do the preminlary work for your next project, do some character bios on your main characters. Get to know as well as you can before you write. Don't just do the basics - like physical characteristics. Here's an example of an "Emotional" Mini Bio:

Stefan Sigmaringen : Emotional Mini Bio

Three things he values:

Three things he fears the most:

His basic attitude about life:

What does he need to know about the other person in order to accept them as trustworthy?

What would cause him pain?

What is the most wonderful thing that could happen to him?

What three moods would he use to describe himself, accurate or not?

Organization: Why or Why not?


***********

Hope this helps.
Write on.
Smiles

Excerpt Monday - Mihai & Theresa are married.

Enjoy this excerpt from "The Wolf's Torment."

*****

It was a late August day as Mihai stood in the entranceway of St. Mikhail’s Orthodox Church. The church had been founded in the 1300’s and built in the shape of a cross with smooth, rounded spires and stained-glass windows. A series of steps led up to the vestibule where two statues of Romanian saints, St. George and St. Mikhail, guarded the door.

Mihai wore the uniform of the crown prince. He impatiently paced the length of the vestibule, unable to hide his anxiety. This was where he was supposed to meet Theresa according to Orthodox custom, but the waiting whittled away his fast-beating heart.

Next to the heavy wooden doors, there was a small window that looked down onto the steps. Viktor walked up to the window and glanced outside.

“Theresa’s carriage has arrived, Mihai,” Viktor said.

“Come here, Son – for God’s sake stop that incessant pacing,” said Stelian.

Mihai approached his father. “This is it.”

Stelian put his hand on his son’s shoulder. “I am proud of you.”

“Are you all right? You look pale,” Mihai said. Cheers from the crowd outside permeated the air and Mihai knew Theresa would enter at any minute.

“I’ll be strong enough to watch you get married,” Stelian replied.

Mihai nodded his head. He knew his father was suffering with a lot of pain, but because this day was so important, Stelian refused any painkillers meant to alleviate his agony. Viktor had promised to help keep watch over the king and Mihai was grateful to his friend for that.

The door opened and all eyes turned toward Theresa, who walked into the entranceway next to her father. Behind her were her sisters, Beatrice and Victoria, and behind them, Sonia. Mihai’s tense expression softened when he spied Theresa’s familiar smile. Her wedding dress was perfect. The bodice fell down past her collarbone, accentuating the full curve of her cleavage. The sleeves tapered down to her wrists, and the dress hugged her waist with a white train elegantly falling behind of her. She wore pearl earrings and a matching necklace.

Theresa’s father presented her to Mihai, and for a precious moment, time seemed suspended between them. The bells stopped ringing. The crowd became silent, and the heavy church doors closed behind the wedding party.

Father Nikolai greeted the couple. His purple and gold robe glittered in the shining colors of light coming through the stained windows. Mihai and Theresa held hands as Viktor, Sonia, Stelian, and Theresa’s family looked on.

“Is there anyone who objects to the marriage of Mihai and Theresa?” Father Nikolai asked.

Mihai turned to look at his pretty bride. He knew in his heart she would be a good queen. This was one choice he felt wasn’t reckless or impulsive and would benefit his nation.

“Prince Mihai, do you come here of your own free will to marry Lady Theresa?”

“Yes.” Mihai squeezed Theresa’s hand, reassuring her, and himself, this was what he wanted.


“Theresa, do you come here of your own free will to marry Prince Mihai?”

“Yes,” Theresa replied, smiling.

Viktor stepped forward and exchanged the wedding rings between the couple three times, in accordance with the Orthodox customs. The fourth time, Mihai slid the wedding band on Theresa’s finger.

Mihai looked into his bride’s eyes and saw how moist they were. He was convinced in that moment she would be a good wife, and that she wasn’t a witch.

She slid the wedding band on his finger. If only he could find the words to tell her how seriously he intended to take his vows, but the words hung in his throat.

Father Nikolai motioned for the couple to enter the church. Mihai and Theresa followed him down the aisle accompanied by a solemn march. The church was adorned in white and gold candles. The incense was thick, yet sweet. When they reached the altar, Father Nikolai presented them each with a candle. Mihai’s eyes locked on Theresa’s as they held their candles in front of them.

“Christ is the light of the world and will light your way through life as husband and wife.”

The prayers and readings were said. The couple took communion. Mihai watched as Theresa’s favorite sister, Beatrice, gave her the crown she was holding and Theresa passed her the candle. With a deep bow, Theresa presented the crown to Mihai. Mihai’s lips trembled as he kissed it. Then, with tears streaming down her cheeks, Theresa crowned him. It was the church’s marriage custom to crown each other, and Mihai was overwhelmed. A part of him felt a little guilty. He was fond of Theresa, and he certainly considered her a friend, but his heart didn’t harbor the passionate emotions for her that she held for him.

He took his crown from Viktor and presented it to Theresa. She dutifully kissed it and he placed it gently on her head. Kissing the crown meant she accepted him – his faith, his world, his country.

The couple walked around the altar three times. The final time, Nikolai turned to look at them.

“In the name of God, I pronounce you husband and wife, Crown Prince and Princess Mihai and Theresa Sigmaringen.”

Mihai lifted his wife’s veil and kissed her lips. He only meant to share a brief kiss with her but when they met, he realized he didn’t want the kiss to be perfunctory or lifeless. His lips softly caressed hers, lingering for an extra moment before he pulled away.

The bells began ringing throughout Constanta, announcing his marriage.

Sunday in New Hampshire - Bear Brook State Park

Growing up as a little girl, one of my favorite things to do, and some of my happiest memories are going to Bear Brook State Park with my family.

This was in the 1970's - the mid 1970's to the late 1970's. The drive wasn't far, maybe about 30-50 minutes. We'd always go on a Sunday. Everyone had the day off back then. It would be me, my dad, my mom, and my younger sister, Christine; and we'd all coordinate to meet the rest of the family at the park at the same time. Who was the rest of the family?

My grandparents on my father's side would come - Granny and Grandpa. One of my favorite Aunties, Auntie Sue would be there with Uncle Gary and Emily and Matthew, their kids, my cousins. They were little like Christine. Sometimes my Uncle Rusty and my Uncle Mark would come too.

We'd get there early, about 10, when it opened, and even back then, we had to pay a small fee to get in. Then we'd unload the car with our towels and coolers and reclining chairs and walk from the parking lot into the park. We liked to get there early so we could get shade. One of our favorite spots was by a brook because my dad and grandfather and my uncles would fish.

After we got all set up, my dad might rent a boat and fish. The "women," my mom, Auntie Sue, and Granny would start the grill. After lunch, I remember going down to the swimming area in the lake. They had a floating platform in the deep end and I remember that I was very proud of myself when I learned to swim all the way out there. It was fun to jump off the platform. The picture above is the "gatehouse" in front of the swimming area where you could rent boats, rent umbrellas, and even get snacks.

After swimming, we'd go on a hike - the women and the kids. Sometimes my dad took me fishing, sometimes he wanted to be alone. What I loved about hiking in the afternoon is going on the paths, picking blueberries and finding the little swing, teeter totter and merry go around in the middle of the woods. We would have so much fun. I can't explain the fun, but I can tell you it's like the sun parting gray clouds in the middle of a deary day and smiling it's warmth down on you. Sigh...

After our hike, we'd go back, eat a dinner, usually our lunch dinner were hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and I remember some steaks. There was plenty to drink.

We took a lot of pictures. Sadly, I don't have access to them. My mom had a 8 mm camera and she took some great pictures of our family gatherings, but 8mm is soooo out these days. My Auntie Sue probably has pictures from the 1970's. I'll have to ask her. The picture on the left is a picture of one of the picnic areas. I remember the park would be packed with families on Sundays. We never used that area because our family wasn't usually that big.

After dinner, we might swim a little longer until the sun started to go down and then we'd go home. Good memories. Happy memories of a young girl.

**

Bear Brook is off NH Route 28 in Allentown. It's not far from Manchester where I grew up. This blurb is from http://www.nhstateparks.com/bearbrook.html:

Bear Brook, with over 10,000 acres is the largest developed state park in New Hampshire. Located in the southeast region of the state, there is plenty to do and see for everyone.

Hiking, biking, swimming and fishing are a few of the favorites. Forty miles of trails traverse the heavily forested park, leading to seldom visited marshes, bogs, summits and ponds and offer a variety of options for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Canoe rentals are available at Catamount Ponds, while rowboat rentals are also available at Beaver Pond.

Fly-fishing enthusiasts will be pleased to know Archery Pond welcomes their specialty and is universally accessible. Across the road from Archery Pond is a special little pond just for children under twelve to fish. If archery is your sport you might already know that Bear Brook boasts the only two archery ranges in the state park system. One 15-target range is maintained by the N.H. Fish and Game Department, plus an additional 4-target practice range that is universally accessible. (Bring your own archery equipment.)

Worried about no workouts or aerobics while on vacation? You can stay in shape by using the park's 1 1/4 mile, twenty-station fitness course that is fun for the whole family. A charge for admission is collected at the toll booth near Catamount Pond. Pets: Leashed pets are permitted in the campground on the trails only, not in the day-use area. Service animals are exempt from this policy.

****

There's still a small fee for entry for day use $4.00 for adults, $2.00 for kids. Not bad, considering the memories you'll make there.

And that's my NH tidbit of the day. Bear Brook State Park. I hope someday soon, I'll be able to take my boys there. I know they'll have a blast.

That said, we have a woodsy type park near us, Castaic Lake Park. It costs $10 to get in, but there are plenty of places to BBQ and there are places to swim. It's not as wooded or as nice as Bear Brook with it's hiking and camping facilities, but does offer something similiar were I'm at now in California.

Brent and I took Andrew and Joseph there a couple years back, when Joe had just turned one. We had a nice time, but it was also anxious time since Joe had just started toddling. I think we'll go back when Joe's a mature 3 year old next year.

Smiles,

Steph

Book Review Friday - "Wicked As Sin"

I am a big fan of Jillian Hunter. Need I say more? Enjoy today's review.

Book Review for “Wicked as Sin”
Written by: Jillian Hunter
Ballantine Books
ISBN: 978-0-345-503930
327 pages
4.5 Stars

Hunter spins a tale of passion which has lasted seven long years with “Wicked as Sin.” As a young boy, Gabriel Boscastle was put in the local pillory to be disgraced. The only person who showed him an ounce of compassion was the graceful Lady Aletha Claridge. Her compassion remained with Gabriel after he left Helbourne and stayed buried in his heart for seven long years. When he finally returns to the place of his upbringing, he’s a celebrated cavalry officer and a rake. Aletha is still graceful and compassionate, awakening the love that Gabriel has harbored in his heart for her after seven long, hard years.

The novel opens with Gabriel’s return to Helbourne. He’s crossing a condemned bridge. Aletha spies him from her estate and goes to help. Gabriel makes it across, but seeing Aletha again has ignited his long dormant passion he had for her. To his surprise, Aletha is still single. Her fiancé was killed in the war. Unknown to Gabriel, her fiancé, Jeremy Hazlett, had raped her before he left. Aletha harbors no fondness for Jeremy’s memory. Jeremy’s brother, Guy, makes a proposal to Aletha to be her protector, but Gabriel shows up and kicks the married man of four out of the house. Aletha is grateful. Gabriel and Aletha share a kiss that reawakens the passion between them.

Gabriel initially intends to sell Helbourne Hall, but decides to hold onto it for a little longer. Over the course of five weeks, Aletha invites Gabriel over for Friday night dinner parties and the parties fan the flames of their desires. Finally, Gabriel returns after leaving late one night and the couple make love.

Gabriel proposes to Aletha. She accepts. He takes her to London to announce his engagement to the London Boscastles, but on the night of the engagement party, he learns that Aletha has met the acquaintance of Audrey Watson, a woman who runs a bordello. Gabriel thinks Aletha is a courtesan. He leaves without announcing his engagement, making Aletha look bad. Aletha is heartbroken.

While Gabriel is gone, he learns the truth about Aletha from Guy Hazlett – that his brother raped Aletha. Gabriel feels guilty for treating Aletha so poorly. He goes to the Claridge townhouse and the couple have a passionate argument before making up. The wedding is back on and the couple marry, but not before Gabriel has an encounter with his long, lost brother Sebastien.

This is the seventh of the Boscastle series and just as enjoyable as the others. The novel is fast paced. The plot is tight and consistent. It was nice to see how the other Boscastle women (Jane, Julia, Chloe, Emma) were doing, but I missed the presence of Eloise and Jocelyn in this book. I enjoyed Aletha’s character. She was very warm and compassionate – very earthy. I also liked how freely Gabriel and Aletha admitted and embraced their love.

Hunter’s love scenes are graphic, yet tasteful. The dialogue is sharp and witty between Aletha and Gabriel. The introduction of Sebastien seemed a little forced, and I think I’d like to see a novel taking a second look a few of the previous Boscastles romances instead of moving onto to a new romance. Overall, “Wicked as Sin,” is a sinful delight to read.

Excerpt Monday - From "The Wolf's Torment"

This excerpt is from "The Wolf's Torment." THE SET UP: Mihai needs to apologize to Theresa for not telling her about his mistress sooner.

*****

Mihai nodded his head and walked out, heading toward Theresa’s room. He was surprised to find it empty. After several inquiries he discovered that she had gone to the observatory.

Mihai had spent hours in the observatory as a boy with his astronomy tutor and then by himself mapping out the irregular patterns of the planets. Venus fascinated him the most since the sun obscured it often because of its closeness to the horizon. He loved to hunt for Venus in the sky, and celebrated with delight when he found the brilliant planet close to the horizon, threatening to steal away from him again by darting just underneath his line of sight.

He crept quietly up the steps, holding a candle to light his way. Theresa was probably still upset and he had no idea how to deal with that. Then he caught the faintest smell of smoke, but this wasn’t the smoke from a man’s cigar. It was light, airy, and easy to breathe. He closed his eyes, remembering how his mother would burn this type of smoke from time to time in her study. Finally he came to the door; it was cracked open. Candlelight peeked through the crack. Not knowing what he would find, he walked inside.

“Theresa?”

She appeared stunned and lunged for her cards, assembling them. “What are you doing here?”

“I want to talk to you about Alexandra. What were you doing?” He stood over her as she hurriedly gathered her items. Tarot cards? His heart thumped in his chest. His mother would read tarot cards on occasion. Only witches would possess such things! As the realization that Theresa may be involved in witchcraft flooded his body, he cupped his face and stepped back. Theresa just couldn’t be a witch!

“I’m playing with cards,” Theresa retorted. “What could you possibly say to me about your mistress? That I must accept the fact you love her and she’s having your baby?”

Mihai dropped his hands and raised his chin, aware this conversation wasn’t about his fears and misgivings. Not yet. Right now, Theresa’s hard, piercing eyes bored into him. This was about Alex.

“I’m sorry she treated you so poorly. That’s not how I wanted you to find out. I should have told you. It was a bad choice on my part to hesitate so long. I’m very sorry.” He had to make better choices, he determined, especially if he was to succeed as a monarch.

“I just didn’t expect to have to deal with your mistress.”

“She’s having my child, which makes her a big part of my life. I will support Alexandra and stand by her; however, I will discuss her actions with her. What she did was inappropriate.” Mihai’s eyes darted away from his bride-to-be.

Theresa stood up and placed her pack of cards on the table as she brushed off her hands. “Why don’t you just marry her?”

“It isn’t what I want.”

“Don’t you love her?”

“My feelings for Alexandra are complicated and I don’t feel like talking about them right now.”

“Just what do you feel like talking about? Do you even care for me? This past week you have yet to show any affection toward me.”

“Theresa, I enjoy your company. You make me laugh. You make me feel like part of the conversation and not the object of it,” he replied. His nose twitched at the lingering incense. He was confused by the unspoken signals of her possible involvement in witchcraft. A part of his heart wanted to believe she was innocent of it. Theresa froze in place, as if taken off-guard by his remarks.

He walked into her personal space and this time put his hand on her arm. He had wanted to touch her a million times, but always pulled back at the last minute, afraid of what would happen. This wasn’t about love. It was about having the right queen for Moldavia. Theresa was better suited to queenship than Alexandra, and he didn’t want an unpleasant relationship with the woman who would reign with him.

“I make you laugh?”

“I don’t mean to insult you,” he began, pausing slightly. “I know this is a short span of time, but I’ve become comfortable with the fact that I’m going to marry you.”

“You make our marriage sound like a duty to you.”

He cupped her chin with his fingers, forcing her to look at him. “I do have a duty to marry, and I want it to be pleasant between us,” He paused. “But I do have a concern. I have to ask you something, and I don’t expect you to lie about the answer.”

“Oh?”

“Are you a witch?”

“What?”

“I won’t tolerate such practices in Moldavia. I won’t have a witch for a wife.”

“That’s ridiculous, Mihai! I’m not a witch. Why on Earth would you ask me such a thing?”

“You play with tarot cards, and you burn a witch’s incense. What I am suppose to believe?”

“Well, I don’t mutter spells and I don’t curse people. My family grew up exploring the mystical aspects of life yes, but not witchcraft.” Her eyes blazed with indignation.

The candles cast flickering shadows over her face. She looked like his mother in that second, pure, yet haunted by past disappointments.

“I want you to be my wife, but you must accept I am committed to Alexandra, and you must promise never to explore the art of witchcraft,” Mihai continued, his voice barely edged with control. The starlight brought out the red highlights of her hair. His physical attraction to her lithe frame was getting harder to hide by the second.

“Why does that disturb you so?”

“There are too many legends about Romanian beasts that give my country a foul reputation. Witches are bad, Theresa, but werewolves and even vampires can’t be denied in this part of the world either. I’m moving this principality forward and I won’t have the taint of such evil legends touch the royal family.”

She stepped back from him. “I’ll do as you ask.”

Their eyes locked. He leaned forward, reaching for her. She tried to push him away, but Mihai held her firmly. God, yes, he wanted to hold her. He’d been aching too since their time at the winery.

She put her hands on his chest, but didn’t push. He wrapped his arms around her and they stumbled backwards. He pinned her to the stone wall. Part of him wanted to kiss her until she fell into his arms and part of him thought the best thing to do was leave right now and never look back. Blood pulsed through his veins. She stirred his desire, and damn him, he couldn’t deny it. With one hand, he cupped her cheek again, forcing their eyes to meet.

“I love you,” she whispered.

He froze. How could she be in love with him after such a short period of time? Alexandra had professed the same feelings shortly after meeting him. The difference was that he hadn’t slept with Theresa yet. Alexandra’s want and need was never as genuine as the want he felt emanating from Theresa.

“How can you say you love me, Theresa? How do you know?”

“I just do, Mihai. You were meant for me and I was meant for you. It’s in the stars.”

“I don’t believe in the stars.”

“Well, they speak to you now. Venus is in the sky tonight.”

Mihai was stunned by her words. “How do you know about Venus?”

“I just know.”

“Swear to me you are not a witch, Theresa.”

“I’m not!”

He remembered in London when he had tried to impress Alexandra with knowledge of the night sky. Her confession about how it bored her had stung him deeply. He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them.

“I believe you.”

“You do?”

Then, as if he couldn’t hold back anymore, he kissed her. She tried to turn her head, but he raised his hand to hold her cheek still. She had denied being a witch and he accepted her denial. Nothing else mattered now. She was his.

She put her hands on his shoulders and then, as if embarrassed to admit her desires, she dropped them to her sides.

His lips dropped to her neck and he began to nip gently at her tender skin. His hands squeezed her waist. He should pull away, give her space, give her time to get used to their situation, but he couldn’t. He wanted her.

She put her hands on his chest and he thought she was going to push him away. Instead, after a moment’s hesitation, she ran her hands up over his muscles to his shoulders again.

He almost lost every vestige of control he had. He grabbed her hands, tearing ore himself away from her. “We should wait.”

“Wait? For what? We are engaged.”

“I won’t rush what’s happening between us.”

“And what is happening between us?”

Mihai swallowed. It took every ounce of strength he had to hold back. “I don’t know - all I know is that this is different with you. You cared enough to learn Romanian. You converted to my religion. You like wine and the stars and yachting. You have an interesting family, and your stories about how you grew up make me laugh. Knowing we have this in common excites me.”

“Mihai ─”

“Theresa, don’t press me. This is all new to me. I need time to get used to being back in Moldavia. I need time to get used to my duties and responsibilities, which include taking care of Alexandra. I need you to be patient with me.”

“Patience was never my strong suit.” Theresa brushed past him and reached for her cards.

He put a hand on her shoulder. Words failed him.

She kept her back turned to him. Nothing else was said. Together, they blew out the candles and incense and he followed her down the steps.

How can this woman affect me so? How on Earth did she know about Venus? How can a normal woman take only two months to learn Romanian when it should take longer? She denies being a witch, and I believe her, but I can’t have her experimenting with any more tarot cards or incense. I believe her interest in me is genuine and I want that from the woman who must be in my life. Alexandra can never give that to me.

He saw Theresa to her room, and when she shut the door, he collapsed against the wall next to it and took a deep breath, trying to settle his racing heart.

***

4 Stars, Foreword Clarion Reviews

4 Stars, Floyd Orr, IUniverse reviewer

Tip Saturday - Tips for Querying Literary Agents

Literary Agents guard the door the traditional publishing world. They don't have an easy job. While most of us authors are kind hearted, some are miserable. What I find is that writers who are just starting out are more sensitive about their work and it's harder for them to take criticism, even well meaning. I can honestly say I was a bit like that.

It's not easy to take criticism about your "baby."

But I'm talking about querying and literary agents. Here's my tip for day.

TIP -- Don't query until you've edited the manuscript an inch from it's life.

Why? Because you don't want to send the agent a project that's full of mechanical mistakes. That doesn't impress. Make your project is FINISHED before you start to look for agents to represent you. And make sure it is polished and shined. Do an edit for mechanical issues before sending it off. Remember, you want to impress and the best way to do that is to have a FINISHED project that is SHINY and WELL EDITED.

Smiles

Steph

Book Review Friday - I Only Have Fangs For You

Well, it's Book Review Friday, and I thought I'd share this book review with you. I've been a fan of Kathy's since the Stepp Sister series. With her "fangs" series, she ventured out into the realm of paranormal romance and I found this one the most enjoyable of the Young Brothers.

*****

Book Review for: “I Only Have Fangs For You.”

Written by: Kathy Love

Kensington Publishing

ISBN: 0-7583-1135

296 pages

$14.00

5 Stars

Kathy Love weaves a suspenseful tale of paranormal romance in “I Only Have Fangs For You.” This is the third installment of her Young vampire series, but it is the most rewarding. Sebastian vows to never fall in love, because, for him, forever is a long time. When he meets Wilhelmina Weiss, he meets his match. Sebastian doesn’t plan on falling for the vampire waif, but there’s something about Mina that gets under his skin – and fangs.

The novel starts with Mina working as a waitress for Sebastian’s club, Carfax Abby. She’s also a member of a supernatural society who is trying to sabotage Sebastian’s business. Mina, however is a poor saboteur and every attempt is thwarted by her lack of the vampire world. Finally, Sebastian learns she’s the one who has been trying to sabotage his club and confronts her. Mina admits to her crimes and strikes a deal with Sebastian. He won’t bite anyone for a month while he shows her what it’s like to be a vampire. She agrees. The society is “pleased” with Mina’s success.

Mina reveals to Sebastian that her cross over was not a pleasant experience. A vampire named Dontello crossed her over in the early 1900’s. Mina was a young virgin from a well-to-do family who institutionalized her because they couldn’t deal with her claims that she was a vampire. Mina stayed there for several decades until Dr. Fowler, a well renowned vampire scientist saved her. She survived on cow and pig’s blood. Her story accounts for her pale, tiny appearance and her ignorance over her vampire powers. Sebastian is rocked to hear her heartbreaking story.

His lessons begin in earnest. He shows her how to use her powers to read emotions and feel those around her. He teaches her how to “tune out” others. She’s a fast study. Sebastian’s growing feelings for her lead to several hot kisses, but Mina pushes him away, not quite ready for that.

Soon, Sebastian learns that Dontello, who turned Mina, was not graceful when he crossed her over. Mina is terrified to be bitten. Knowing this, Sebastian grows gentle and soon their smoldering kisses lead to more – Sebastian and Mina make love without biting each other. Mina admits to falling in love with him, but Sebastian can’t say the words back. Mina deals with it. She wants only what he can offer.

A member of the society, Daniel, shows up at Sebastian’s club, and threatens him. Mina lies to Daniel, but Sebastian overhears and misunderstands. He breaks up with Mina. Daniel turns out to be Dontello, and confronts Mina in an abandoned warehouse. Mina connects with Sebastian through his mind and calls for his help. He arrives, and Mina kills Dontello in self defense. Sebastian admits his love for her.

Sebastian was very likable and romantic. The novel is fast paced and moves quickly. The plot is credible. Mina’s back story was fleshed out very well. I really liked Mina as a heroine because I liked the fact she started out on an “even” playing field as a vampire. I also enjoyed the bonding scenes between Mina and Sebastian very much. They were very substantial and really helped to ground the couple.

The supporting cast is engaging and interesting. It was good to see Rhys and Christian again, and to know they were happy. Love’s love scenes are passionate, yet tasteful; erotic and sensual. The scene where Sebastian takes Mina’s virginity is highly erotic.

“I Only Have Fangs For You,” is a romance that will keep the reader turning the page.