Favorite Quote Friday #84

Happy Friday!  How was your week?  I finished going over Darkness Rises proofs and sent them off.  Yay!  The only thing I don't like about going over proofs is having to make corrections with a colored pencil.  I don't know why, but colored pencils always seem to transform my handwriting into the scrawl of an elementary school student. *sigh*

Proofs are the last stage of editing, so next come ARCs, then the book's release.  I can't wait!  I know October 1st seems a long way off, but I'm going to have to start spending time on promotion very soon, so this summer will be very busy.  :-)

Winners from my Predatory Blog Tour are steadily being chosen.  I sent off a half dozen packages this week, each one containing a signed Immortal Guardians book and swag.  :-)

Today is the last day you can bid 

on the awesome goodies up for grabs in Brenda Novak's Annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research!  I'm offering 4 signed books, 5 cover flats, 4 postcards (including a Darkness Rises postcard that isn't pictured), 3 bookmarks, and 3 trading cards.  You can find my listing HERE.

There are all kinds of great things available, ranging from books and goody bags to vacation getaways to manuscript evaluations for aspiring writers.  There's also a grand prize.  :-)  

It's time once more for Favorite Quote Friday! Since I just finished going over the proofs, I thought I'd give you another taste of Darkness Rises.  In today's selection, Étienne, the telepathic immortal hero, is speaking to Krysta, the heroine:

“There is no reason to feel embarrassed, Krysta.”

“Easy for you to say!  You weren’t caught mentally checking out my package!”

Dating a telepath, Krysta soon learns, has its challenges.  ;-)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne

Favorite Quote Friday #83

Happy Friday!  I've been going over Darkness Rises proofs this week, something that always takes longer than I expect it to.  This is my last chance to catch any typos, so I read through it very slowly, checking every punctuation mark, etc.  I also write down favorite quotes as I go to feature here.  There seem to be more than usual in this one.  :-)

Check out the cover of the German translation of Phantom Shadows:  Verfluchte Seelen, which I believe translates as Cursed Souls.  It is now available for pre-order on Amazon.de and will be released on October 17th.  :-)

A big box of Darkness Rises postcards I designed arrived this week.  Woohoo!  I'll be designing some new bookmarks and trading cards soon, too.  

This is the last week of my Predatory Blog Tour.  Quite a few of the contests are still going on, so if you'd like to visit the stops, you can find a schedule HERE.

It's time once more for Favorite Quote Friday!  Since I've been consumed by Darkness Rises proofs this week, I thought I'd choose a quote from it for today's selection.  For those who haven't heard, Darkness Rises is the fourth book in my Immortal Guardians series and will be released on October 1, 2013.  The hero is Étienne d'Alençon, a two-hundred-and-thirty-year-old telepathic immortal.  The heroine is Krysta, whom I will leave a mystery for a bit longer.  :-)  Today's quote is spoken by Krysta's brother, Sean:

"Great.  There goes our security deposit."

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne

More Tour Stops

Hi, all!  I hope you had a fantastic weekend!  I thought I'd list this week's tour stops for you so you can join me and enter to win Immortal Guardians books and swag.  :-)

May 20, 2013

Author Interview

Reading Between the Wines

May 21, 2013

15 Things You'll Overhear in My Immortal Guardians Series

A Life Bound by Books

May 23, 2013

An Interview With Richart

Rabid Reads

May 24, 2013

Spotlight

All Things Urban Fantasy

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Fresh Fiction gave Predatory a fabulous review.  Here's a snippet:

"This is one of the best collections of novellas I've read. All are highly entertaining, and even those with ties to the author's previous series books were easy to follow, and more importantly, enthralling. . . Most impressive, despite the shortened form each read as satisfyingly as a full-length novel."

You can read the full review HERE.

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I hope you'll have a great week!  I'll be spending mine going over proofs of Darkness Rises.  Can't wait until its release in October!  :-)  

Dianne

Favorite Quote Friday #82

Happy Friday!  Reviews for Predatory continue to roll in.  I know I've said this before, but I'm so excited by the responses my Immortal Guardians novella "In Still Darkness" has been getting!!!

Beyond the Squee Book Reviews gave Predatory a wonderful 5-star/bookmark review.  Here's a snippet:

"These are not the vampires you've come to know from past books.  Each of these authors have made them their own.  And I'm not sure which one I love the most.  Too hard to choose!  There's just something about a man (or woman) with fangs.  Thankfully, you can enjoy each of them in their own right."

Here's what she thought of "In Still Darkness":

"I think this one was my favorite. Richart d'Alençon was a joy. He is an Immortal, dressed all in black with a long coat, ridding the world of crazed vamps. His knees are made weak by one kiss from a woman he rescues from the nutters. She doesn't remember that kiss, so he has to give her another. Yes, and please! Again, a lovely start to a series that I'm going to be searching out ASAP."

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Book Lovin' Mamas gave Predatory a nice review, too, recommending that the vampire lovers out there all give it a try.  :-)  Here's what she said about "In Still Darkness":

"I LOVED this story!  I've been following this series since the beginning and it was such a treat to finally get Richart's story and I couldn't have picked a better woman for him either!  I love the world that Dianne has built with these Guardians.  Her characters are always interesting, the men are supremely hot and the women kick ass!  This one was no different!  I can't wait for the next book in the series to release because I need more!!!"

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Books and Things gave Predatory a great 4-star review, calling it "an entertaining book.  Great for introductions to other PNR worlds which is what I think this book was all about.  It pulled it off nicely." 

Here's what she thought of "In Still Darkness":

"In Still Darkness is part of an established series (Immortal Guardians) which I have read and reviewed.  I love this world and the stories and this one was just so much fun going back to that world and learning about another character.  You don't have to have read the others to get it, but it makes it just that much more fun if you had.  If you love this series (like me) then you will really love this short."

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The Jeep Diva thrilled me with her review of "In Still Darkness":

"First of all I am a HUGE Immortal Guardians fan.  I liked how this story seems to run in the background of Night Reigns and Phantom Shadows.  Readers have known that Richart has had a human girlfriend.  He spent much time on the phone with her during the last book.  That was all readers got though.  Now Dianne lets her reader know what Richart has been up to.

I just loved this story!  Richart saves a damsel in distress from the vampires attacking her.  This is what he does.  The new twist is that this damsel kisses him in gratitude and he can't forget her.  Jenna on the other hand has no problem forgetting her rescuer.  Little does she know that the sexy Frenchman that keeps popping up at her work has already had a taste of her and now he wants more."

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It's time once more for Favorite Quote Friday!  I thought I'd offer up another quote from "In Still Darkness" today.  It's a narrative quote that takes place during Richart and Jenna's first encounter:

The woman turned her head to meet Richart's gaze.

And the oddest little tingle danced through his chest.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne

This Week's Tour Stops

Hi, everyone!  I hope the mothers out there had a wonderful Mother's Day.  And I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.  My weekend was made all the better by the wonderful responses "In Still Darkness" has been getting from readers and reviewers.  :-)

I wanted to remind you that my Predatory Blog Tour has begun and will continue through May 24th.  Each stop includes a giveaway.  Here are this week's stops:

May 13, 2013

Guest Post:  Immortal Dating + Excerpt

From the TBR Pile

May 14, 2013

Guest Post:  Immortal Guardians Character Profiles

Prufreads

May 16, 2013

Guest Post:  Immortal Guardians Vehicles

The Jeep Diva

May 17, 2013

Character Interview:  Sheldon and Richart

Ramblings From This Chick

Also, the Predatory Audio Book releases today!  Yay!  It is narrated by Arika Rapson.  I can't wait to listen to it!

Have a great week!

Dianne

Favorite Quote Friday #81

Happy Friday!  What a week!

Predatory was released Tuesday (Woohoo!) and is now available in paperback and ebook format.  I'm excited to say it hit Barnes and Noble's Top 100 Nook Book list.  :-)  The audio book will be released on May 15th.

Reviews are steadily rolling in, and I'm so thrilled by the responses my Immortal Guardians novella "In Still Darkness" is getting.

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Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales & Fantasy gave Predatory a fantastic review.  :-)

"Any of these stories are worth the price of the book all four together make it a steal. Check it out and take a bite out of your PNR hunger pains."

Here's what she said about "In Still Darkness":

"I will admit, I got this book for this story and was thrilled that Ms. Duvall told it so wonderfully. Dianne Duvall continues her Immortal Guardians series with this wonderful story. Telling us just what Richart has been up to and why he keeps disappearing. It has been mentioned a few times in the previous books and Ms Duvall does an excellent job of telling his story . . ."
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J9 at The Book Vixen said she would "recommend paranormal romance fans buy this one."  She then thrilled me by adding:

"I *adored* Duvall’s story, In Still Darkness. It’s rare that a love story I’ve been waiting for lives up to its hype but this totally did. Richart is the Immortal who can teleport and he was involved in a secret love affair with a human in the first three books in the series and we finally get to see his love interest, Jenna . . .  Jenna’s son plays a charming and believable character and the Immortal Guardians I’ve come to adore in the series have short roles here too which rounds out a perfect story."

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Books and Things gave Predatory a great review, too, and deemed it:

"an entertaining book. Great for introductions to other PNR worlds which is what I think this book was all about. It pulled it off nicely."

Here's what she said about "In Still Darkness":

"I love this world and the stories and this one was just so much fun going back to that world and learning about another character."
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Just a reminder, Brend Novak's Annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research is underway.  Bidding continues through May 31st.  You can find my listing — 4 books signed to the winning bidder, 5 cover flats, 3 postcards, 3 bookmarks, and 3 trading cards — HERE.

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It's time again for Favorite Quote Friday!  Since Predatory was released this week, I thought I'd offer up another quote from "In Still Darkness."  Today's selection is a narrative quote told from Jenna's point of view during a romantic dinner for two:

He winked.

Her pulse jumped.

The front door rattled as a key slipped in and unlocked it.

Aaaaaaand the moment’s over, she thought as her son opened the door and entered.

Thank you all for making this week so awesome!

Have a great weekend!

Dianne

Predatory News

Tomorrow is the big day — Predatory's release day!  Woohoo!  I'm so excited!  If this is your first time hearing about it, Predatory is an anthology that includes my Immortal Guardians novella "In Still Darkness," as well as stories by fabulous authors Alexandra Ivy, Nina Bangs, and Hannah Jayne.

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My Predatory Blog Tour launches today!  Join me and get to know me and my Immortal Guardians better through guest posts, character interviews, author interviews, and more.  There will be a giveaway at every stop!  Here is this week's schedule:

Monday, May 6, 2013

Author Q & A + giveaway

Cocktails and Books

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

A Spring Carnival Immortal Guardians short short story + giveaway

Paranormal Haven

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Excerpt + giveaway

Books and Things

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Spotlight + giveaway

Fang-tastic Books

Friday, May 10, 2013

Immortal Guardians Dream Cast + giveaway

Buffy's Ramblings

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Reviews for Predatory are steadily rolling in.  I'm so thrilled by the responses!

Romance Witch's Reviews gave "In Still Darkness" 4.25 stars and called it "a masterfully written and sexy story."  Here's a quote from the review:

"Seeing Richart lose his heart to sexy, understated single-mother Jenna was wonderful.  I loved seeing his sensitive side, slowly coaxing Jenna to become his friends and to finally falling in love with him.  He is sweet and sensual—not that I expected anything less from a sexy French Immortal Guardians!—and handles her digging herself deeper into his heart with great aplomb.  Jenna is a great woman for Richart, matching his playful side with her seriousness and keeping a smile on his face . . . I loved reading this novella and am dying for the next installment in the series.  A great read and worth every second!"

EbookObsessed gave "In Still Darkness" 5 stars!  Here's what she thought of it:

"I like the Immortal Guardians series, and we got to know Richart a little more in the last book, Phantom Shadows, where we see him sneaking phone calls to his human girlfriend. I definitely enjoyed Richart and Jenna’s story . . . . this had all the fun, excitement and great characters that I have come to expect from Dianne Duvall."

eRomantix gave Predatory a wonderful 4-star review.  Here's a snippet:

“All the stories had a vampire theme but the authors certainly didn’t fall back on stereotypes. They each had a fresh take on the vampire idea. A few times while I was reading Predatory I had to remember they were short stories, it felt so much like they were full length works. Probably because each story was so complete.”

And here's what she said about "In Still Darkness":

“I haven’t read Dianne Duvall before but I really liked In Still Darkness. Richart was a great Hero. A born protector with a sweet side. Jena was a good match, smart and not prone to hysterics no matter what is thrown at her. Also I  liked the cast of other characters we were introduced to. The story certainly immersed you  in this world. I will certainly be looking for more of her books.”

Nocturne Romance Reads gave Predatory 4 Hoots!  Here's a taste of what she said about Richart and Jenna's story:

“Their tale is one that is short sweet and straight to the point, and still full of action and romance and quite a few laughs in between.”

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I hope you'll join me on my tour!

Have a wonderful week!!!

Dianne

Favorite Quote Friday #80

Happy Friday!  I hope you had a good week.  :-)  I have a LOT of news to share with you today.

Predatory will be released Tuesday, May 7th!!!  To celebrate, I'll be launching my Predatory Blog Tour on Monday, May 6th.  There will be character interviews, author interviews, excerpts, guest posts, and more.  Those who join me will have a chance to WIN a signed Immortal Guardians book + swag at every stop.  You can find the full tour schedule HERE.

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Cover Reveal!  The Predatory Audio Book is scheduled for release by Tantor Audio on May 15th and is being read by Erika Rapson.

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Darkness Rises, Immortal Guardians Book 4, is now available for Pre-Order on Kindle and Nook!  :-)

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Phantom Shadows won the April Cover of the Month contest at You Gotta Read Reviews!  Thank you so much, everyone who voted!

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Brenda Novak's Annual Auction for Diabetes Research has begun!  Bidding began May 1st and will continue through May 31st.  You can find my listing HERE, where you can bid on a collection of Immortal Guaridnas goodies that includes four books signed to the winning bidder — Darkness Dawns, Night Reigns, Phantom Shadows, and Predatory — a cover flat for every book in the series, three bookmarks, three trading cards, and three postcards.  

There are many fabulous items available.  Everyone who registers as a shopper for the 2013 auction will be entered to win a brand new iPad.  The person who places the most bids overall will win a Grand Prize that includes:   A brand new MacBook Air ($1100 Value), an Autographed Advanced Reading Copy of HOME TO WHISKEY CREEK, an Amos Auto Body T-Shirt in honor of Dylan (from WHEN SNOW FALLS), a 1 lb. box of Just Like Mom's cookies (best cookies you've ever tasted!), a Black Gold Coffee mug, and a $200 gift certificate to Macy's!  You can find all of the details for both of these drawings  and more information about the auction on their homepage HERE.

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It's time once more for Favorite Quote Friday!  I'm so thrilled by the reviews that have been pouring in for Predatory, particularly those for "In Still Darkness," my contribution.  Richart's story has been with me since I started writing Night Reigns, Book 2, so I'm glad reviewers are enjoying it.  To celebrate Predatory's upcoming release on Tuesday, I've chosen a narrative quote from "In Still Darkness" that is told from Richart's POV:

He hadn’t felt this drawn to a woman since before his transformation.  She made him forget the dark violence that was such a large part of his existence, made everything somehow less tedious, so he actually looked forward to rising each day, eager to see her again.

I hope you'll join me on my tour!

Have a great weekend!

Dianne