Nina Bangs Interview Intro:
Hello everyone! Book Monster Reviews and LITERAL ADDICTION are proud to welcome USA Today Bestselling Author, Nina Bangs to our sites today.
Nina has a great bio on her website that we borrowed and posted below so ya'll can get to know her better:
All About Nina:
My one regret in life? I wish I’d started writing sooner.
Talk about misspent youth. What did I do during those lazy summer days of childhood when I could’ve been honing my writing skills? Nothing. Okay, so I spent a lot of time dreaming I was a cowgirl with a trusty black stallion. Oh, and I read every Walter Farley horse novel. I was an only child so I relied on my imagination to supply the excitement in my life.
By high school, I’d decided to trade in my lariat for a trench coat. I was into dark and dangerous. As an intrepid foreign correspondent, I’d stalk the mean streets of the world. Did I actually write anything? No, but I did read all of Agatha Christie’s mysteries.
I worked at a department store during college. My short stint in the accounting department taught me a lot about math. Three hundred-dollar shortages plus hysterical tears equaled instant move to gift-wrap. A career in math was not in my future. I didn’t care because I’d discovered “real” literature. I plowed through James Joyce’s Ulysses and Tolstoy’s War and Peace. If it didn’t make my eyes cross then it wasn’t worth reading. Yes, I admit it, I was a literary snob.
But there’s just so much “real” literature one person can take. I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in English Literature and a determination to avoid books that induced eye crossing or had tragic endings. The only things I managed to write during those years were research papers.
I taught second grade for several years then spent two years in Dublin, Ireland. A friend and I supported ourselves by singing folk songs in Irish pubs. We weren’t great, but we were young, enthusiastic, and wore short skirts. It was obviously my destiny to be the next Judy Collins. I spent a lot of time poring through music books.
Returning to New Jersey and reality, I taught elementary school until I grew restless again. My cross-country odyssey included stays in Arizona, California, and Texas. Along the way, I indulged my love of horses. No black stallions, but I did have several beautiful Arabian mares. I read tons of books on breeding and showing.
Somewhere between California and Texas I grew addicted to romance novels and cats. The cat’s independent attitude was exactly the quality I admired in my romance heroes. And once I decided to try writing my own romances, I made sure a cat crept into each story.
Texas is my permanent home. I’ve come full circle. Born in San Antonio, I spent most of my life in New Jersey. Maybe the Texas in my blood accounts for my attachment to strong men, fast horses, and wide-open spaces. My love of cats? Haven’t a clue.
Nina is the creator of the GODS OF THE NIGHT, MACKENZIE VAMPIRES and CASTLE OF DARK DREAMS series, as well as, a numerous amount of standalone novels and anthologies.
In case you are not familiar with Nina's books yet, we've posted the synopses below to some of the books in the 3 series we mentioned above.
GODS OF THE NIGHT Series:
THE ELEVEN—an alliance of ultimate predators. Primal, lethal, irresistible.
THE PROPHECY—an ancient Mayan prediction that the world will end on 12-21-12.
THE PREY—where can you hide from pure evil?
Eleven Gods of the Night…
The only creatures more deadly are the ones they’ve been summoned to destroy.
"Eternal Pleasure"
GODS OF THE NIGHT series, Book 1
Publisher: Dorchester
Publication Date: July 2008
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Kelly Maloy opens her car door to much more than a great looking stranger at the Houston airport. Terror, desire, and a horrible truth climb in with him. She’s only supposed to drive Ty Endeka around the city for a few weeks. Too bad no one tells her that once day fades she’ll become part of a battle fought in the darkened streets with an enemy that isn’t human. And the sensual man who feeds her fantasies hides a soul that gives new meaning to animal magnetism.
"Eternal Craving"
GODS OF THE NIGHT series, Book 2
Publisher: Dorchester
Publication Date: April 28, 2009
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Lies. He’s been promised a new life as the hunter he once was. But Al soon learns that all the rules have changed. Now he must control his most basic urges—the need to kill, to feed, to mate. And the woman he wants looks at him with both heat and fear in her eyes. Jenna Maloy doesn’t buy the story that he’s come to Philadelphia to save souls. She seems to see through the layers of deception to the primitive heart of him. With her beside him, Al stalks the dark forces that crouch in the city’s night shadows. But the real battle rages in his heart. Love is a formidable opponent. How can he ask her to stay with him after she’s seen the savagery of his beast? He only knows that if she turns from him he’ll be cursed with an Eternal Craving.
"Eternal Prey"
GODS OF THE NIGHT series, Book 3
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: December 28, 2010
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The souls of ancient predators crouch within the Eleven. Primal instincts and barely contained savagery drive them. But in a modern world threatened with chaos and darkness, they are…
Gods of the Night.
Utah knows all about vengeance. Vampires killed his brother, and that act demands only one response. He frees his beast and destroys every bloodsucker he finds. But he never expected to meet a leader of his immortal enemies who was so beautiful, bewitching…and mortal.
Lia understands her destiny. She has a duty to stop the rogue vampires who are intent on wiping out the human race along with any nonhumans that get in their way. But she needs help dealing with the shadowy power guiding the escalating slaughter. Utah would be her last choice for a partner. Once a deadly foe, he now becomes her ally and protector. Loving him will be more dangerous than anything she’s ever done. Because when Utah releases his soul, the ultimate predator will once again stalk the earth, and death will walk with him.
MACKENZIE VAMPIRES Series:
"Master of Ecstasy"
MACKENZIE VAMPIRES series, Book 1
Publisher: Dorchester
Publication Date: February 2004BUY NOW:
MEET THE MASTER OF ECSTASY
He is everything dark, dangerous, and delicious. And for five hundred years, his sensual power has grown. He calls to all that is wild and elemental in a woman. Warrior, Highlander, vampire, he has returned to his ancestral castle in 1785 Scotland to fulfill a duty.
HAPPINESS IS HER BUSINESS
In a distant future, she works for Ecstasy Inc. to make people happy using only the most modern techniques and her own power. Sensual solutions to unhappiness are forbidden by company policy. She has traveled back to 1785 Scotland to prove that she can make anyone happy. She hasn't counted on a centuries-old vampire for a client.
He believes that sexual pleasure is the key to happiness. She thinks that Ecstasy Inc. has all the answers. Neither one considers love as part of the mix. They're about to discover how wrong they can be.
"One Bite Stand"
MACKENZIE VAMPIRES series, Book 4
January 2008
Dorchester
Dorchester
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He’s a big, bad vampire looking for a one-bite stand.
She’s a big, bad harpy looking for her ticket to the underworld.
Harpies don’t get callbacks. That’s why Daria’s job as night manager of the Woo Woo Inn is the opportunity of several lifetimes. Where better to prove that in the snatch-and-dispatch business she has CEO potential? So what if she doesn’t really fit the corporate image. So what if she has to nurture her inner bitch to compete. And triple so what if she’d rather take Declan Mackenzie to bed than on a one-way, all-expense-paid trip to Tartarus. His sexy blue eyes and hard male body lure her into deep and dangerous erotic waters. With a monster eating guests for its midnight snack, cosmic troublemakers cooking up chaos, and Declan making serious moves on her, this looks like a lot more than a…
ONE BITE STAND
CASTLE OF DARK DREAMS Series:
"WICKED NIGHTS"
CASTLE OF DARK DREAMS series, Book 1
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: April 2005 BUY NOW:
Welcome to the Castle of Dark Dreams. It’s the yummiest attraction in Live the Fantasy, an adult theme park where women who dare can take sexy role-playing to new erotic heights. Just by looking at the castle you know that only dangerously tempting men would play here. Three brothers—Eric, Brynn, and Conall McNair—run the castle. Okay, so they’re not quite human, but that’s a secret. This night Eric, the castle’s resident vampire, will prove that he’s everything bad should be.
Talk-show host Donna Nolan is on the trail of the weird and wacky in the Castle of Dark Dreams. But thoughts of a juicy interview to enthrall her listeners disappear when she meets Eric. With the coldest blue eyes and the hottest mouth she’s ever seen, he’s a primitive call to the wild in every woman.
Love between a talk-show host and a vampire shouldn’t be possible, but then, strange things happen in the Castle of Dark Dreams.
"Wicked Fantasy"
CASTLE OF DARK DREAMS series, Book 3
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: May 2007BUY NOW:
Welcome to the Castle of Dark Dreams, the yummiest attraction in an adult theme park where only dangerously tempting men play. Wicked Fantasy is the final book in a series that stars three extraordinary brothers—each promising ultimate fulfillment for any woman bold enough to accept his sensual challenge.
Conall O’Rourke learned the hard way that goddesses kick butt when you tick them off. After killing an Irish deity’s favorite in battle, he’s cursed to protect his enemy’s descendants down to the last arrogant jerk. Now there’s only one left, and Conall can almost taste freedom after endless centuries. But who knew the remaining descendant would be so beautiful, so sexy, and such a . . .
Vampire? Gerry Kavanagh hunts nonhuman entities that break Texas laws. But she finds more than the sneaky shape-shifting snake she’s after at the Castle of Dark Dreams. The most hated member of the O’Rourkes expects to follow her around so he can “protect” her. Protect? She’s a fanged creature of the night, for crying out loud. Nope. Never going to happen. Too bad he’s a major wow on her personal sizzle meter.
"Wicked Edge"
CASTLE OF DARK DREAMS series, Book 5
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: March 2012BUY NOW:
USA Today bestselling author Nina Bangs once again tempts readers to enter the wickedly sensual Castle of Dark Dreams—a playground where private pleasures and devilish fantasies come true, where the men who breathe life into women’s ultimate desires burn with their own supernatural fire…
As an angel, Passion prides herself on perfection. But some mischievous part of her always goes against the godly grain. After one too many attempts to enliven the heavenly halls, she’s sent to earth to tame her naughty nature. While human, she has to bring goodness and light to the most sinful of places, the Castle of Dark Dreams. Once there, she finds herself in the role of a virgin used as bait to trap a marauding demon. Passion thinks the game is harmless—until she sees the man playing the demon. His name is Edge, and Passion senses darkness in him beyond any she’s ever dreamed.
Edge may play a demon, but he is something much worse. His past is littered with pain and destruction—and that’s the way he likes it. Now he must prove to himself and others that he is what he’s always been—cold and emotionless. But as danger threatens and his need for Passion heats up, he finds himself balanced on love’s Wicked Edge.
How fantastic do those sound!? We know, you want to go over to Amazon or Barnes & Noble and get them right now, but wait… Let’s find out some more about the incredible author behind these amazing titles first, shall we!?
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Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION: Hi Nina! Welcome to Book Monster and LITERAL ADDICTION! We’re very happy to have you here today, and are glad to help you promote “Wicked Edge” as well as your entire Backlist!
Nina: I’m thrilled to be here. Thanks for inviting me.
Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION: We like to start out by finding out a bit more about our guest author, and then we’ll dig into the books…
Q1): Can you please tell us 3 things about yourself that we couldn’t find out on the Internet?
Nina: Wow, that’s tough. I’m pretty sure that I’ve put everything I’ve ever done out there for the world to read. What does that say about me? Okay, I’ll dig deep. I always wanted to be a blonde. I lived in Dublin, Ireland for a few years, and in a moment of supreme defiance (my parents would have been horrified), I bought a blonde wig. Yes, blondes do have more fun. Let’s see, what else? Adam Lambert and Adele are my favorite singers. And finally, I think I’m the only woman on the planet who never read GONE WITH THE WIND.
Q2): What are some of your hobbies or things that you enjoy doing when you’re not writing or taking care of other author business?
Nina: I read, read, and sometimes I read. I’m afraid books are my passion. Oh, and I do go out with friends for the usual: meals, shows, and shopping.
Q3): Do you have a writing routine or certain things you must have with you to begin the process?
Nina: I have no routine, and that’s my biggest problem. I’m a time waster and a procrastinator. The only thing that’s a constant when I write is my need for silence. I’m very distractible, and any kind of noise will destroy my concentration.
Q4): What are 3 things that never fail to make you smile?
Nina: I always get a giggle from cute cat videos, Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, and funny e-mails friends send. The videos and e-mails, of course, are two reasons I don’t have a routine. Okay, so I have no self-discipline.
Q5): We know that this is a tough question, but who are a couple of your favorite authors and what are a few titles in your TBR pile right now?
Nina: I have an almost endless list of favorite authors. Here are a few: Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher (Dresden Files), Cassandra Clare, Lauren Oliver, Veronica Roth, and many, many more. Recently, I’ve been devouring lots of young adult books. I don’t usually have a TBR pile because I read books I’ve been waiting for as soon as they’re released. Did I mention that books are my passion?
Q6): What are some of your favorite TV Shows and movies?
Nina: I watch all of the ghost hunter shows (SYFY and Travel channels). I also enjoy True Blood and Vampire Diaries (Truth? I think Ian Somerhalder is hot). Yes, I’m fixated on the paranormal. I don’t watch a lot of movies, but I particularly enjoyed Avatar. I’ll be going to see Dark Shadows with Johnny Depp next week.
Q7): What books do you have in your TBR pile right now?
Nina: Right now I have Kerrelyn Sparks’s WANTED: UNDEAD OR ALIVE and Amanda Stevens’s THE PROPHET on my TBR pile.
Q8): Out of all the books you have written, do you have a personal favorite, maybe one that has some sentimental meaning to you?
Nina: I have a warm spot in my heart for WICKED NIGHTS. It was the first book in my Castle of Dark Dreams series, so that alone makes it special. It also starred one of my favorite heroes, Eric McNair, a Mackenzie vampire.
Q9): If you were to write an auto-biography, what would you call it?
Nina: I’d probably title it A SURPRISING JOURNEY because the life I’ve lived is nothing like to one I thought I’d live when I was young.
Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION: O.K, now let’s find out some more about your awesome series…
Q10): What was your inspiration behind the CASTLE OF DARK DREAMS series?
Nina: I wanted a unique setting for the series, and for some reason I thought of Disney World. I realized if I did a theme park setting, it would have to be for adults only. Then I would probably have to narrow it down to one attraction. I wanted a sensual name for the attraction, and so was born the Castle of Dark Dreams. I set it in Galveston, Texas because the climate there would allow it to stay open year round. And since I lived near Galveston, I wouldn’t have to do a lot of research. Yes, I’m lazy.
Q11): Do you have any other books planned for the CASTLE OF DARK DREAMS series?
Nina: I’m planning for three more books in the series. My October book, WICKED WHISPERS, is Murmur’s story. I’m not quite sure what I’ll do with the one after that, but the last book will be Ganymede and Sparkle’s story with the title FOREVER WICKED.
Q12): Do you have any plans to continue the GODS OF THE NIGHT or MACKENZIE VAMPIRES series?
Nina: Unfortunately, I don’t have a contract for any more of the Gods of the Night books. But I want to write at least two more (Rap and Fin’s stories) and self-publish them. And I wouldn’t count the Mackenzie vampires out. You never know when I’ll pop up at the Woo Woo Inn again.
Q13): What was one of the most surprising things you've learned while writing your books?
Nina: I always thought that I was the one in control, but every once in a while a character pops up that I didn’t expect. Sparkle Stardust was one of those characters. I was busy writing about Ganymede, and suddenly she was there creating her own kind of chaos. Murmur was another surprise. I never planned for a demon of music in the series, but one day he sneaked in as a minor character, and before I knew it he was my hero. Go figure. You’ll read about him in WICKED WHISPERS, my October book.
Q14): With Fantasy being such a popular genre these days, what fascinates you most about it?
Nina: I’ve probably read thousands of romances over the years and loved them. But I found myself yearning for something that stretched boundaries and forged new trails while still delivering a happily ever after. Fantasy excites me because it opens up new worlds peopled with nonhuman characters that can make their own rules.
Q15): If you could have any one super power, which would you want and why that power?
Nina: I know that I should name something selfless like the power to save the world. But if I were choosing a power just for me, I’d have to say that I’d love to be able to fly. I live on the third floor of a waterfront condo, and sometimes I just sit watching the seagulls sailing past my window. I’d love to be able to do that.
Q16): What is the first romance book you remember reading?
Nina: I honestly don’t remember the title of the first romance book I ever read. I do know that it was published in the same era as Kathleen Woodiwiss’s THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER. Once I discovered those big historicals, I read all of them that I could find.
Q17): If you could leave readers with one legacy, what would you want it to be?
Nina: I’d like readers to remember my books with a smile, and I’d love knowing that for a short time I took them away from the daily grind.
Q18): What's up next for Nina Bangs? What other projects do you have in the works?
Nina: I’m writing a novella for a Kensington anthology that will hopefully lead to a new series. Yes, there will be vampires. This will be a darker story than my Castle of Dark Dreams books. As of right now, the title of the novella is TIES THAT BIND. I’m also very interested in the wonderful young adult paranormal and dystopian books being published. I’d love to write in that genre. And no, I won’t forget Ganymede, Sparkle, and the Eleven.
Q19): Is there anything specific you would like to say to your readers while we have you here today?
Nina: I want to sincerely thank all the readers who have accompanied me on my wild and wacky ride through the paranormal world. I wouldn’t be here without your support and loyalty.
Book Monster Reviews/LITERAL ADDICTION: Nina, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us today. We would LOVE to have you back again when you're ready to promote your next release if you're interested!! J
Nina: This has been so much fun, and I’d love to come back.
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CONTEST:
Nina is graciously giving away a signed set of her Castle of Dark Dreams books (5 books) and a $20 gift card to either Barnes & Noble or Amazon to a winner from Book Monster and another winner over at the LITERAL ADDICTION website.
TO ENTER:
1) Please become a member of the Book Monster Blog by clicking on the “JOIN THIS SITE” button at the top left hand corner of blog page.
2) Leave a comment on this post and be sure to leave your email addy as well.
*Any posts without an email address will NOT be entered into contest!!
*Any posts without an email address will NOT be entered into contest!!
Don't forget to drop by the LITERAL ADDICTION website (http://www.literaladdiction.com/) and follow the directions and links to enter their contest for an extra chance to win!!!
GOOD LUCK!!!
30 comments:
Thank you for having Nina and doing this contest I love all of Nina's books cant wait for the new one to come out!!
Thank you for letting us enter a contest to win!!! I love Nina Bangs!!! Really hope to win!!! Love all of your books!!! :)
I personally believe great writers are made by the experiences they have and hers have certainly made her a wonderfully imaginative and expressive writer.
I didn't do this just to enter the contest, Nina is one of the most talented writers that I have had the privilege of reading. Not only does she put her heart and soul into her books but she truly cares for her fans as well, that is a true rarity these days.
I stumbled on the Castle of Dark Dreams series mid way, obtaining the earlier books is difficult, hence I really hope I win lol. None the less, I truly enjoy her characters, as well as her vivid imagination! Keep up the great work, looking forward as always to the next chapter!
Amanda AKA Asmea Lemorte on Facebook
Hi,
i've just discovered your books and i can't hope to get them in my country easily so i would be delighted to win those because paranormal romance is my favorite genre
thanks you a lot for your generosity
gfc: miki
isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for interviewing Nina. She's one of my favorite authors.
I discovered Nina Bangs books over 5 years ago. I'm so glad I did. She's what spurred my love of paranormal romance. Reading is my passion as well. But, all of Nina's books will always hold a special place in my heart. I can't wait for Ganymede and Sparkle's story!
OMG! I want, I want, I want!!! I am a long time fan of Nina although I haven't gotten my hands on the new Castle of Dreams book yet. Having a matched set would be awesome. Thank you so much for the fantastic giveaway. bpatrick64113@sbcglobal.net
Great interview. You're a new author for me but I love the sounds of your books. I have to tell you that I have never read Gone With the Wind either. I read the sequel that came out a few years back - it was okay.
Thank you so much!
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
Nina bangs's books were probably one the first paranormal romance I ever read, and still have a special space on my book shelve! I'd looooove to have more of her books!! xx
albam.garrido(at)gmail.com
Thanks to everyone who has posted so many kind words. I truly appreciate them.
Wow, we are kindred spirits ~ I've never read Gone With The Wind, and given the number of books I read and "collect" I would say one of my hobbies is reading. I also procrastinate, am easily distractecd and have little self discipline... I am a dedicated romance reader of all the various flavors but have a soft spot for highlanders and paranormal/fantasy. I adore when authors let their imaginations soar and stretch the boundaries of our thinking to explore "brave new worlds" of their creation and give us another HEA. Thanks for spending time with us today! I found your books from Zina at Seawitch Review from the Bookself.
glittergirl54 at ymail dot com
Great interview with one of my favorite authors ... thank you so much! I have all of the books so I won't try to win them. I am looking forward to the new book(s) as always ... reading is also my passion and one of the few pleasures I still enjoy with my disabilities.
Nina ... I have never read Gone With The Wind OR watched it!!! and I am now 50!!! LOL you are not alone! :) and I am a crazy cat lady who even lives in a corner house. ;)
I stumbled across your blog while doing a blog hop and was excited to see an interview with Nina. She's one of the first paranormal authors I ever read and I still pick them up when I find them. Thanks for the entertaining interview.
Jen
admin.bookblog AT gmail.com
Great interview. I love Nina Bangs books and I always look forward to her new stories.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
Love the contest. Nina is a great author.
darkangel851@yahoo.com
I love Nina's stories. Her books are on my keeper bookself, of course I've read them so much they are starting to fall apart. :)
proudarmymom32(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love the Gods of the Night series! Love the dinosaurs lol. Would love to read more of Nina's books!
angeldream3[AT]gmail[DOT]com
Just started reading Nina's books and I fell in love with them. Cant wait to read more!
Elvacereceres11(at)yahoo(dot)com
I live Nina's series! I have read the latest Castle of Dark Dreams book yet. But I can't wait to. And I was so happy to hear that Nina is going to self pub t at least 2 more stories in the Gods of Night. I love those guys!
Beckerjo at Verizon dot net
New to Nina's books, looking forward to reading them :)
Debi Anne
debi01760@hotmail.com
I haven't read any of Eva's books yet...they all sound so good and I can't decide which one to read first.
Thanks for the chance...maybe I'll get lucky and the decision will become an easy one!
Mmafsmith at gmail dot com
I just love your writing and I think the interview was great. Thanks for the opportunity. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com
Love the contest. Nina is a great author.
is it international? enter me in pls^^
thanks for the giveaway ^^
sunshine_pinkystar(at)yahoo(dot)com
This sounds like a GREAT series! Thx for this winning op! :)
barbbattaglia @ yahoo.com
Great intro and interview with the author.
sandy@thereadingcafe.com
Frigging sweet!!!!!!! I love Nina Bangs and I wasn't aware a new Castle of Dreams book was out. The giveaway is so awesome!!!
amberdaulton86@gmail.com
I haven't read any of Nina Bangs's books so this is a great opportunity! Thanks for the chance! I'm GFC follower!
ilepachequin(at)hotmail(dot)com
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