Sunday, January 27, 2013

VBT: Review, Giveaway & Interview with Marianne Morea author of Twice Cursed



Book Description:

Psychic investigator, Lily Saburi is no stranger to the supernatural. Tough as nails, she’s a hunter in her own right, a once self-proclaimed vigilante that has joined forces with the man she once sought to kill, and now can’t live without. Sexy, Sean Leighton, Alpha of the Brethren of Weres. Their passion surpassed every obstacle set in front of them, yet in the wake of a mysterious virus threatening everyone they love, they are embroiled in an unforgiving scheme of political double dealing, hidden agendas and assassination, with Lily and Sean as primary targets. To stay together, they are forced apart.

But treachery follows hard on Lily’s heels when she returns home to find New York City bathed in a series of bloodbaths. Baffled, the police have no leads, so they call in their last line of defense to work the case. Lily.

Thrown together with homicide detective, Ryan Martinez, dangerous sparks fly as the two uncover the undead truth behind the killings. Long hidden secrets are revealed, as are truths too unbelievable to accept when Lily is kidnapped and Sean and Ryan have to work together to find her.

Revenge and the struggle for power all play a part in this urban fantasy suspense, taking you from the rocky coast of Maine to the heart of New York City, the NYPD and the vampire underground, where Weres and Vampires are forced to work together to solve the mystery of what’s tearing their veiled world apart from the inside out.

About the author:

Marianne Morea is a New Yorker, born and bred, and for the most part her stories and characters embody the grit and complexity of the city. An avid traveler, she uses her experiences from around the world in all her books. There isn’t a place her characters live or travel that she haven’t been herself, and through her words, tries to transport my readers. Like most authors, her love affair with the written word started as a child with the books she read. Even today, she loves to read almost as much as she loves to write. Marianne’s favorite stories are the ones that transport her, that bring her to places and introduces her to characters that leave readers breathless…the ones that spark the fire of her imagination, allowing her to dream in the world of ‘what if?’ She’s always been a scribbler, and from the time she could write her name, Marianne has been making up stories. So it was no surprise to family and friends when she earned degrees in both Journalism and Fine Art, but after working in the trenches of Madison Avenue as a Graphic Artist, she decided to do what she loves most fulltime. Write.

Her dark paranormal romance, Blood Legacy, is the first book in her Legacy Series, and takes you from New York City to the Costa del la Luz in Spain, to foggy London and the romance of Rome. The story also takes you back in time 300 years to a place rife with conflict and brutality, bringing an historical edge to my vampires, their lives, a love that spanned the centuries and the search for absolution and redemption that carries death in its wake. Hunter’s Blood and Twice Cursed are books one and two in Marianne Morea’s contemporary shifter series, Cursed by Blood. The story is set on the east coast of the U.S., taking you from the rocky coast of Maine to the heart of New York City, the NYPD and the vampire underground. Revenge and the struggle for power all play a part in this urban fantasy suspense, where Weres and Vampires are forced to work together to solve the mystery of what’s tearing their veiled world apart from the inside out.

In the meantime Marianne is also a founding member as well as a former President of The Paranormal Romance Guild, a not-for-profit organization for readers and authors of the genre. She’s now a PRG Board Member and Co-Chair of the PRG Event/Marketing Team. She is still writing, and when not sitting ‘bichok’ (but in a chair hands on keyboard), she’s spending time with her husband and three kids, traveling to exciting, romantic places …for inspiration, of course! Who says dreams can’t come true?

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Series Facebook Page

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I asked Marianne some questions and this is what she shared with me:

Out of all the books you've written, if you could live in one of them which would it be and why?

**Smiles**…“I suppose the answer would be my Cursed by Blood Saga, although Blood Legacy and the Legacy Series isn’t too far behind. They are both set in New York City, the five boroughs of New York and their suburbs…it’s where I live and work…where I grew up…so, except for the paranormal elements I created, it already is my world. Of course, my own imagination is much to blame, leaving me to wonder what’s lurking in the dark corners at every turn, like when I walk through Grand Central at night, or when I pass the New York Public Library and Bryant Park and the shadows seem to beckon me.…**Shrugs**…I’m my own worst enemy when it comes to envisioning creatures that will either rock my romantic world or kill me without blinking an eye. If you’re imaginations are as fertile as mine, you’ll know what I mean when I say I’m often deliciously scared and sometimes my own fancy gets the better of me.

In what scenario do you do your best work?

I do my best work when I’m under pressure. I need quiet, so working while my kids are in school is fabulous. And now that I’m indy, I’m managing both my writing and marketing schedules, so I’ve got all the pressure I can handle!

What are you working on and when can we expect it to be out?

I have a busy production schedule set for 2013/14. I have six WIPs, or works in progress, that I have planned for release, the next one being an Upper YA novel entitled, Hollow’s End. I’m hoping for it to be release in the Spring. I’ll also be working on book three in the Cursed by Blood Saga and book two in the Legacy Series. I’m aiming for fall 2013 for both of those. Yay! I can't wait.

Which books have been on your tbr shelf the longest?

**Laughing**… I don’t have many books that linger on my TBR list because I read so much! I just finished Phillipa Gregory’s The Kingmaker’s Daughter, and CJ Ellison’s Vampire Vacation. I have always been the kind of person who devours books. My husband bought me one of the first Kindles available simply because every time we travelled, I would take at least five books with me. It’s funny, I had the pleasure of meeting Sherrilyn Kenyon this October at Anne Rice's UndeadCon, and she and I spoke about reading while writing such. She said that her advice to authors is that they should read, read, and read some more. I’ve always believed that, so to hear her say it made me feel like I was doing something right.

Paper or plastic?

**Hangs head in shame**… Plastic. I know, I know...It’s bad for the environment, but it comes in handy with two dogs, a cat, a lizard and three kids! I’ve now started doing half-n-half, so help with the guilt. BUT…I did stop using plastic ziplock sandwich bags and instead went back to what my grandmother used…wax paper baggies. They work great, and a little bit of scotch tape and you’re set. lol! I didn't mean to make you feel guilty. I usually use plastic too.

What food can't you live without?

Oh boy, now that’s a question! I guess you could call me a carbaholic. I love pasta and bread, baked goods, etc. If it’s bad for you, I love it, but it hasn’t been great for my pants size, so I’ve joined weight watchers (for like the thousandth time.) Anyone care to be my online diet buddy? I may be able to manage my writing and my marketing, but come 3:00 pm when my kids get off the school bus, I’m in the kitchen snacking right along with them. Bad, I know…

Inside or outside?

Depends on the weather, really. I’m not a fan of either extreme…hot or cold. I love the weather in San Diego, CA. Every time I’ve been there it’s easy to see why people love it. The weather is perfect…

Ice cream in a cone or dish?

Carbaholic, remember? So, definitely cone! (and almost any flavor will do. I’m easy…)

What is your favorite sport?

Ice Hockey, definitely! My family are big NY Ranger fans, and my husband, my son and my youngest daughter all play. My husband has been playing since he was a teenager, and now he coaches our kids. We love it both separately and as a family.

What is your favorite or least favorite veggie and Fruit?

I can’t stand Brussel Sprouts, sorry. They look like little mutant heads and taste like cabbage…not one of my favorites, either. I like most fruit, though, and I’d have to say my favorite are ripe strawberries.

What is your favorite animal?

It’s a toss-up between Dachshunds and Tuxedo cats. My family has both, and believe me, there’s no extra charge for the entertainment! They are just funny as can be…

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Mean-spirited sarcasm. I’ve written my main characters with strong personalities, and some of their interaction can be snarky, but I NEVER have them use their humor at someone else’s expense. That’s what I am referring to when I say mean-spirited. There’s witty banter, and then there’s using humor to get a laugh while showing no regard for someone else’s feelings. I don’t care how clever you think it makes you, that kind of sarcastic humor only showcases a lack of feeling and a selfish, immature nature. Mean is mean, even hidden behind laughter.

Thank you Marianne, for taking the time to answer my questions. :-)


Title: TWICE CURSED

Series: CURSED BY BLOOD SAGA BOOK TWO

Author: MARIANNE MOREA

Genre: URBAN FANTASY

Publisher:COVENTRY PRESS LTD.

ISBN: 0988439603

ASIN: B009RYG86U

Number of pages: 310

Word Count: 111,000

Purchase links: Amazon or Smashwords
Add it to your shelf on Goodreads.

Add Hunter's Blood (book one) to Goodreads or buy it for 99 cents on Amazon.


My Thoughts:

Sadly I haven't read Hunter's Blood (book one) yet. :-(  I was able to understand Twice Cursed without reading it but if I had to do it over again, I'd have read the books in order for sure!

This series has werewolves, **insert  my happy dance here** vampires, :-)  and a human with psychic abilities. Lily, the human psychic,  and Sean, the Alpha, are in love despite everything they went through in the first book. Life should be good but there are people with hidden agendas that are not happy with Sean and Lily is in their way.

After temporarily separating in the hopes of quieting the rebel rousers, Lily is asked to help the NYPD with a complex case. The problems keep stacking up and Lily is forced to ask Sean for help.

The plot had supes, intrigue, romance, action, snark, hot steammmmy scenes, and a take no prisoners kick a** human psychic. What more could we ask for?  

I Loved it. Yes it had my favorite supernatural creature. And while that was a plus, that's not why I couldn't put it down. The storyline had so many twists and turns it truly kept me guessing. That doesn't usually happen. Toward the end, it really got me with a couple things I didn't see coming.

There was an underlying sadness to some parts, because of something that happened in the first book. It wasn't depressing though.

The characters were great. I'm looking forward to finding out more about all of them, especially Remy.

If you like your paranormal books with a good mixture of action, romance, and intrigue. This book is right up your alley. I highly recommend it! 

I can't wait for book three! :-) 

I received a copy of this book from Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for my honest opinion. I honestly thought it was fantastic. I was completely engaged in the story from start to finish.

Please ask Marianne a question, leave a comment for her or answer one of the questions that I asked her.


a Rafflecopter giveaway





I'd love to know what you're thinking. Please leave a comment!

45 comments:

  1. I love urban fanatsy and since we share similar taste if you enjkoyed this one i'm quite sure i would too Brenda but ready book 1 first^^

    A question for Marianne....i see that in the giveaway the international can only hope for ebook ( sad but common) however i was wondering could i hope for a pdf if i win instead of a kindle ( not signed i know but i really can't read kindle and i'm interested in your books now) If it's only kindle i don't need to enter

    thank you a lot

    isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. There is no question in my mind that you would enjoy this series Miki!

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    2. Isabelle, (Great name BTW), email me at marianne@mariannemorea.com and I'll see what I can do. I'm a little techono-challenged, but I'm sure we can come up with something!

      Cheers,
      Marianne

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  2. Great post. I see more books to add to mylist.
    dfebby236 at gmail dot com

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    1. You want to put these near the top of your list Debby. :-)

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    2. Thanks, Brenda!

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  3. +JMJ+

    Hmmmm. I'm not really crazy about there being a bit of a love triangle in the second book. =S It's a given that Lily will stay with Sean (Right???), so I think it's a bit much to have another guy pining after her. On the other hand, it seems to be an extension of a lot of love triangles we get in a single book, so maybe Ryan will get his full story in the third installment. And maybe he'll have a love triangle with two hot women fighting over him! Wouldn't that turn the tables on the conventions? ;-)

    My question for Marianne was inspired by her favourite sport. Does she plan on channeling her love and knowledge of hockey into a future novel? =)

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    1. Enbrethiliel,

      I wouldn't even call it a love triangle. There is no cheating or hanky panky only some confusion which is dealt with before it goes to far. Also the connection that Ryan and Lily feel is explained.

      I really hope that he does get a book of his own.

      There are so many characters in this series that I am dying to get to know better!

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    2. Enbrethiliel...

      Rest assured, there's no real love triangle at play in the book, just a tremendous amount of lunar driven twists and turns and a lot of 'Were' political double dealing that will surprise the heck out of you.

      Ryan is definitely getting his own story, the outline has already been started and it's entitled, "The Lion's Den". Remy is next and I will make sure he has a role in helping our favorite NYC Detective in book three to keep him fresh in everyone's mind.

      As to hockey...oh boy...I just may have to incorporate that, especially now that the lockout is over! Thank God!!!

      Were's on ice...hmmmm. Maybe, or maybe one bitten while traveling...hmmmm... I need to think on it.

      I truly hope you do pick up the series. Enjoy!
      Marianne

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    3. +JMJ+

      Hi, Marianne! Thanks for replying to my comment. It's really good to know that there is no love triangle. =)

      Delete
  4. I love your comment about mean-spirited sarcasm. It can be a fine line between sassy and mean. I watch some shows on TV lately and they are not funny...they're just mean spirited.

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    Replies
    1. I like Marianne's comment too. I agree.
      It really is unnecessary to be mean and unfortunately it has become so commonplace these days.

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    2. You'd be surprised how many people just love that sarcastic, mean sense of humor. I find it disheartening...maybe because I've been on the receiving end of it from someone I thought was a friend. Kicked that one to the curb, let me tell you...

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  5. Brenda,

    Thanks you so very much for having me here today! Wow, do you get up early, girl! I'm thrilled you loved the book...it's definitely the one nearest and dearest to my heart, simply because of all the hours I put in interviewing NYC homicide detectives and reworking the story to get the flow right. I even visited the morgue, if you can believe that!

    If any of your members would like to be added to my mailing list for future giveaways, swag and my new releases, please don't hesitate to email me at marianne@mariannemorea.com. All are welcome!

    Cheers!
    Marianne

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    Replies
    1. Believe me I don't get up early because I like to. I am sooo not a morning person. My hubby and kids are though, unless it's a school day then the boys want to sleep. lol!

      I can not imagine going to the morgue but it must have been worth it because the scenes you wrote were very believable.

      Also I can't speak for any of the others but you better believe that I'll be signing up. You officially have a new obsessed fan!

      Thank you again for being here, for answering my questions, and for writing an awesome book. I look forward to reading the next one!

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    2. i can believe it and i'm sure it will be easy to see for those reading the book ^^

      i will be very happy to sign up for your mailing list! ( email sent)

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  6. Great interview. I've been a fan of Marianne's from the first book and am now proud to call her a friend as well. Added bonus is I get to brag and say things like, "I have a good friend who is a published author and...."

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    1. Penny... you are too much! Just so everyone knows, Penny and I belong to the Paranormal Romance Guild (I'm actually a former president of, and now a board member and Penny is the Treasurer) BUT...

      The best part about being a member of the PRG, is that READERS JOIN FOR FREE! It's a great place to interact with new authors and meet great people and we do giveaways every month! If you're interested, it's www.paranormalromance guild.com. We'd love to have some new...blood! LOL!

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    2. Also...Penny is one of our main reviewers and I run the Beta Reading part of the guild, so anyone looking to hook up as a beta reader for an up-n-coming new author, let me know!

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    3. It's very nice of Penny to stop by and support you. She must be a great gal! :)

      I have visited the Paranormal Romance Guild before but there seemed to be so much going on that I was overwhelmed.

      I'll have to visit it again sometime.

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  7. I hadn't heard of this series but it sounds really good! :)

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    1. It is really good!

      I am so glad that I reviewed it. I hadn't heard of it before either. I would have read it sooner if I had!

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  8. thanks for the giveaway

    kmichellec87(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  9. The book sounds good, though I defintely agree that it's always better to start at the beginning of the series. I've accidentally started a series in the middle and never wanted to go back to read the first books, but felt like I was missing something.
    Stephanie
    steph0828@hotmail dot com

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    1. Hey Stephanie,

      I wanted to ask do you ever go by Steph?

      My niece and my nephew's fiance both share your name. We usually call one of them Steph and I call my niece Stephy. I was just curious.

      I've done that with a series before too. I want to go backwards with this one though. I have to read the first book!

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  10. Not to worry guys...The first book, Hunter's Blood, is a novella...a quick read, almost like a prequel...much, much more going on in Twice Cursed. A couple of people wanted me to write one that goes back even farther, to cover Terry and Lily's friendship from the very beginning that spurred all her grief and need for revenge in Hunter's Blood. I've been thinking about it, but I think I need to get farther into the series first, then have something traumatic happen to spur the memories even more....

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    Replies
    1. Oh that is such a great idea! I will be waiting for that one. The only good thing about waiting for it is knowing that I'll have others to read first!

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  11. Stephanie and KMichelle, I've added you both to my readers email list!

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  12. That was a great interview (don't worry, I do plastic too - the paper ones attract roaches) and it sounds like a really great book! I definitely want to start at the beginning though. As someone else commented I hate to accidentally start in the middle of the series. You already know what happens, so reading the first one seems redundant, but you do feel like you are missing things. Thanks for the giveaway as well!

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    1. Eww gross! I have another reason to use plastic bags now.

      You really should try this series Rachel! I guarantee that it will keep you interested. And the books are really affordable too! :-)

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  13. Thanks for the chance to win and read these books.

    evanlea at gmail dot com

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  14. Cool interview! I haven't read anything by this author before but her books sound/ look awesome so can't wait to get started. I will have to check out the first book in the series although I've been known to skip books in a series if I don't particular care for the characters being wrote about. Awful I know.
    I've also met Sherrilyn Kenyon, twice. She is one of my favorite authors. She has signed a lot of my books. I enjoy kindle but nothing will ever replace my actual books :)
    Thanks,
    lorih824 at yahoo dot com

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    1. You'll like this series Lori. Marianne is an awesome author and I am glad that I found her.

      Don't feel bad about skipping, I've done that too. Although I usually feel guilty and end up reading the missed book. lol!

      I prefer actual books too. I think I always will!

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    2. Hey Lori...

      Thanks for the vote of confidence! I met Sherrilyn Kenyon in October at the Anne Rice UndeadCon. I was invited to be an author panelist at the conference where she was the keynote VIP author. She's a doll! I got to hand out with her at the Vampire Masquerade Ball as well...I swear, I was just short of a babbling idiot when I met her. All I can say is thank God she understood when I said I was so much better with the written word than the spoken! LOL!

      Cheers!
      Marianne

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  16. Since your now an Indie author, do you find it more difficult or easier?

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    1. Dione,

      That question is really two sided. Self Publishing is easier because I have complete control over my work, who distributes it and at what price, BUT, it also means 100% of the marketing is on my shoulders now, too. However, that's not such an unusual thing, especially when publishers (both big and small) rely on the author to promote themselves and their work, much more than they ever did before. They are looking for someone with a built in audience, hence why we see so many celebrity books out on the market. Hell, there are some celebrities with books out that I didn't know could read! My reason for going indy was I wanted the control, and since I had to do most of the marketing anyway, why should I keep the lion's share of my own royalties? Harlequin only pays their authors 1.5% of the list price, so you can see what I mean!

      The other grappling point is editing. I'm the one who is paying for editing now, and I've worked with some good ones and some bad ones. Luckily, I have an editor that will be working with me on my 2013/14 projects, and she comes highly recommended. I'm hoping we'll make a good team.

      I could go on and one, but I hope that answers your questions, somewhat.

      Cheers,
      Marianne Morea

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  17. Great interview. Looking for the books now :-)

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  18. I love the cover! your a new author for me but I will definitely be checking out your books!
    -Amber

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    1. It is a great cover, isn't it Amber?

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    2. **Huge Grin**
      Thanks you guys! I'm not ashamed to say that I designed the cover art for Twice Cursed AND my paranormal romance, Blood Legacy. Fantasy Frog Design did the final clean up and add a little sparkle, but it was definitely me.

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    3. Wow! I thought you were talented before.

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  19. Thanks for the great interview and I love the covers you designed Marianne! Well, I'll answer 2 of the questions:

    What is your favorite or least favorite veggie and Fruit?

    Least favorite veggie is a tossup between asparagus and Brussel Sprouts.

    Least favorite fruit: Melons. The only ones I can stand to eat are watermelons.

    Favorite veggie: Again, tossup between broccoli and green beans.

    Favorite fruit: Tossup between strawberries, blackberries and peaches.

    What is your favorite animal?

    Cats especially tigers (simple answer there :))

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  20. Emily, tossing strawberries, blackberries, and peaches sounds like that would be a nice fruit salad.

    I'm glad you liked the interview.

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