Hi Kendra! Thanks so much for agreeing to participate in my Holiday Foreplay event! Kendra will be releasing the second book in her Dark Dynasties series in early January! I know that Midnight Reckoning is on my holiday wishlist, how about you?
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Author Bio
Kendra Leigh Castle was born and raised in the far and frozen reaches of Northern New York, where there was plenty of time to cultivate her love of reading thanks to the six-month-long winters. Sneaking off with selections from her mother’s vast collection of romance novels came naturally and fairly early, and a lifelong love of the Happily Ever After was born. After graduating from SUNY Oswego (where it also snowed a lot) with a teaching degree, Kendra ran off with a handsome young Navy fighter pilot and has somehow accumulated three children, three dogs, and one enormous cat during their many moves. |
| While stationed in a remote corner of the Nevada desert, Kendra penned her first romance, and a career often spent working in fuzzy slippers and pajamas was born. Her work has garnered both critical praise and award nominations, but the best part has been connecting with readers who share her love of dark romance (not to mention heroes with sharp, pointed teeth). Kendra currently lives in Maryland, and can usually be found curled up with her laptop and yet another cup of coffee working on her next book. She loves to hear from her readers, and can be contacted via email or her Facebook page.
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By Kendra Leigh Castle
Merry Christmas everyone! And thanks so much to Carmel for having me over today. Since the second installment in my Dark Dynasties series, MIDNIGHT RECKONING, comes out in just a few days, I thought I’d share the Christmas lists of a few of my favorite vampires from the Dark Dynasties world. Plenty of vampires still celebrate Christmas, after all, even if they get incredibly hard to shop for after a couple hundred years. And there are always things they’d like to have. What do you get for the vamp who has everything? Let’s have a look at what they gave me when I asked the question…
Lily Quinn, heroine of DARK AWAKENING, leader of the reborn Lilim dynasty:
This is the first Christmas I’ve had more than a couple of people asking what I want, honestly…it’s a little weird! All I really wanted is what I’ve got. Ty and I are safe and together. But since he’s determined to buy me something, I sent him shopping with Damien. Yes, the assassin who spent a lot of time trying to kill me not too long ago. I still don’t know how trustworthy he is, but he and Ty go way back, and honestly, the man has an eye for jewelry. I just hope no one steals anything. Or stabs anyone. Oh, God, now I’m going to worry about it…
Ty MacGillivray, hero of DARK AWAKENING, cat-shifting vampire, Lily’s husband:
What I’d really like is about a week alone with my wife, preferably in a locked room containing a comfortable bed. Since I’m not likely to get that, considering the traffic we’re getting through this place these days, I’ll settle for a weekend away with her. Oh, and maybe a new iPod. Left mine in the car I had when I was working for the bloody Ptolemy, and that didn’t take long to vanish after what happened. Damien and Jaden said they’re going in together to buy me a truckload of black tee-shirts. I told them what asses they are…but it’s actually not such a bad present. I’ll deny having said that, by the way.
Jaden Harrison, hero of MIDNIGHT RECKONING, Ty’s best friend:
I don’t need much. Maybe an alarm that goes off before I walk into a room full of things that can’t be unseen. I understand about newlyweds, but I never thought I’d have to live with two of them. Hmm…gift cards for Williams Sonoma. This place has a great kitchen, but it lacks a few things I’d use. Not that most of this crew is much interested in solid food anymore, but Lily’s friend Bay has been a great guinea pig for new recipes. I’d also like some brain bleach for getting this one, irritating thought out of my head…but she—er, that is none of your business.
Damien Tremaine, assassin, frequent uninvited houseguest of the Lilim:
Gift ideas? Well, I have a spreadsheet, if you’d like to see it. I’ve grouped the items according to type and price, with suggestions on where to find things for ease of shopping…
Oh, shut up.
Vlad Dracul, leader of the Dracul dynasty:
Since I can’t get a full retraction from that git Bram Stoker, I would prefer that no one got me anything. Every year I say that, and every year someone gets me a cape and bow tie. Hilarious. Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go light a copy of Dracula on fire. Again.
Anura, owner of recently renovated Chicago vampire club Mabon:
Realistically? A check from Damien for setting my club on fire. Oh, wait, this is Damien we’re talking about. That’s not realistic at all. Well, in that case, what I really want is Mr. Assassin-Who-Shouldn’t-Play-With-Matches earning back what he owes me by cage dancing at Mabon. In day-glo body paint and go-go boots. To Lady Ga Ga. I think that’s going to be at the top of my wish list for the next hundred years or so. Beyond that, I’d like to find a way to make Jaden smile. Hmm, maybe I’ll tell him about the first item on my list…
Hope you enjoyed the vampire Christmas lists! What are you wishing for this year? I’ll be around to chat all day, so feel free to ask me whatever you like! One commenter will be selected to receive a signed copy of Jaden’s story, MIDNIGHT RECKONING, which hits shelves January 1st. So be sure to say hello…and Merry Christmas everyone!
Kendra is giving away a signed copy of Midnight Reckoning! All you have to do is fill out the form below and leave a comment answering her question. International. Please read my Giveaway Policy before entering. Good luck!
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About the Blogger
I review Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books with a focus all things werewolf. Based out of Ottawa, Canada
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I am wishing for a family filled Christmas and for everyone to know the real reason for the season.. Also, wouldn’t mind some jewelry as I LOVE jewelry 🙂
mrsworldwidewebbATcoxDOTnet
aka Kathy
Hi Kathy! That’s a nice wish:) And I’m with you on the jewelry! Thanks for stopping by!
My real Christmas wish is that two of my friends will get their wishes in this coming year. 🙂 I want to be an auntie and for them to be happy. Thank you for having the giveaway, and Merry Christmas!
~DJL
djlibrarian3(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi DJL! That’s sweet…being an auntie is a wonderful thing, too:) Merry Christmas!
Hi Kendra,
I just wish that the next year will be better than this one. It was a really bad year for my family, 2 deaths in the close family, severe health problems.
Merry Christmas to you all
I too wish for a better year for my beloved ones and me. All hapiness for once
as for a material things… books books
i’m really happy to discover new authors and new books
So i would be delighted if i won this prize, thanks you for making it international
all the best
Merry Christmas
Hi Kendra
What I am wishing for this year is a miracle. I am wishing that I can become pregnant and have a baby. Tore923@aol.com
Im wishing for books books more books and gift cards for books
flanagan@mebtel.net
My Christmas wish is to spend a wonderful week with my family. Being stationed all over the country sometimes makes it hard to get home for the holidays. I’m thankful for the time I get to spend with them! All I want for Christmas is time with my family!
I’ve asked everyone for gift cards for eBooks this year. There are way more books that I want than I can buy with my book budget!
I am wishing for our family to enjoy Christmas. My Dad died in October, so it has not seemed much like the holidays to us. I am like a zombie. I’m going through the motions for the kids, but my heart just isn’t in it. I’m hoping that the hubby will get me some of the books on my tbr list, because they help distract me from thinking about my Dad not being here. Thank you for the giveaway! Kendra is a new author to me. I seen the words vampire and shifter, so I’m sure her books are right up my alley. I can’t wait to explore them!
Dannyfiredragon, I’m sorry it was such a rough year…hopefully 2012 will be a lot better!
Miki, you’re very welcome! Happiness is always a good thing to wish for…books too!
Tore, best of luck making that dream come true. I’ve got three, and as crazy as they make me sometimes, children really are a gift:)
wanda, hope you get lots of those for Christmas!
Traemac, I completely understand…I’m a Navy wife, and we never get stationed that close to family. This is a “solo” year for us, unfortunately, but the kids make it fun. I hope you enjoy your time with your family!
mk, you’re right, there’s a LOT of good stuff out there right now! Hope you make out well and enjoy all those stories:)
I’m wishing for an eReader! I’ve been wanting one so bad…it makes doing reviews for eBooks difficult when you can only read them on a computer you’re barely ever able to get onto.
Brenda, I’m so sorry. The first Christmas after you lose somebody so close is…well, I suppose there aren’t even good words to describe it, but I know what you mean. I hope the kids make it a little brighter for you when the day comes, and that you find some peaceful moments, whether through some good stories or otherwise:) Take care!
Christina, I hope you get one! I still love paper, but my overflowing bookcase made an e-reader look a lot more necessary…and I do love it!
Well I did get my Christmas present early from my husband, a new DSLR camera and I freaking love it. He gave it to me early so I could go through my photography class and learn my camera. Such a wonderful husband. But I still would like other things for my camera 🙂 this isn’t going to be a cheap hobby, I might just have to get good enough to make some money off of my photography. Other than camera stuff I have a lot of books on my wishlist.
@mrsworldwidewebb – That’s a great wish. I’m hoping to jewelry too… LOL 😉
@DJL – Aaww, that’d be a great Christmas gift!
@Dannyfiredragon – I’m sorry to hear that. I hope 2012 is better for you.
@miki – I’m hoping for a book or two as well but I think I might be out of luck. Ooh well!
@Tore – Good luck with your wish and the giveaway. 🙂
@wanda f – Haha, aren’t we all!?
@Traemac – Family is the most important part of the holidays IMO. Ooh, and the food.
@mk – I hear ya!
@Brenda Demko – I’m in the same boat except for me it’s my mom and she passed away 2 years ago. It’s definitely tough. *hugs*
@Christina @ Twin Dragons – I want a new eReader. They’ve evolved so much since I bought mine…
Hi Kristina! That is an AWESOME present! As for making it more than a hobby, go for it…I have friends who started off taking pictures just because they enjoyed it, and they now run a successful wedding photography business:) Have fun with the camera!
I’m loving it, but he is threatening to take it away from me till Christmas so I have to be snicky when I use it. I take a different book picture every week and post it on my blog, that has been both fun and challenging.
My friend approached me about taking their engagement photos, which I really want to but it depends on when they want their photos taken and how much experience I have by that date. I need to get a few volunteer models so I can practice with. Having an off camera flash and a different lens would be nice as well, right now I just have the kit lens which works well enough right now.
My wish for the new year is to finally find a great hat for myself – I’ve been looking for it for a while and I start to think it’ impossible to find one that would be right for my taste 🙂 And also, I wish everybody merry Christmas and a happy new year! 🙂
mikki-mano@hotmail.com
Kristina, LOL, yeah, I have a present that my husband made me wrap until Christmas too:)
Vojalyn, cool! I wish you success in your hat hunt:) And Merry Christmas to you too!
My only wish is to pass my exams :] It would be great, but right now I don’t even know where to start studying :]
Merry Christmas to everybody!
creature-in-night@hotmail.com
I am selfishly wishing for an Ereader that reads all Ebook formats!! I want it more than I wanted the Easy Bake Oven when I was 10 years old, and that was REALLY bad, lol.
Another new to me author – and the book sounds simply delightful! Carmel never leads me wrong!
Thanks for the giveaway chance!
Gena Robertson
robertsongena@hotmail.com
HuntsWoman, good luck on the exams!
Gena, that’s not selfish…it’s a practical gift for a reader! I have a first generation Nook, which the frame has cracked on at one of the pressure points…but otherwise it’s a nice machine. Still, now I’m plagued by wanting to upgrade. I like color! What I really want is an iPad (I want it more than I wanted the Snoopy Sno Cone Maker, which was my own personal childhood Holy Grail of Presents), but I think that may be a ways off. Hope you get the e-reader, they’re very handy! And I’m glad to have piqued your interest:) Thanks for being here!
I am wishing for a new kitchen floor, lol. We’ve been without now for over two years, and my hubby keeps hintings that Santa really listened this year, so here’s hoping. For the fun gifts, always have an Amazon gc on my list.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
I am boring! Apart from books and more books I want a lovely pair of warm lined boots for winter.
Irene
irgl7(at)bonzo15(dot)plus(dot)com
I don’t think I can have enough books (well, I can!) but I love getting them. They are gifts that keep on giving because I can re-read them or take from them a really good feeling.
A tablet would be nice as well, but I don’t really need one. Happy Holidays.
I am wishing for to be able to visit my best friend, who haven’t seen in over a year. Though she just lives only 45 minutes away I don’t drive anymore and no car anyway to be able to go is my wish.
as for material things, I wish for a Kindle or money for a trip to NJ next may(always wanted to go and haven’t been able)Bon Jovi is playing and anyone that knows me how much a huge fan I am. LOL
Cathy, hopefully Santa really did listen! New flooring is always a good thing:)
IreneRJ, that’s not boring! I love shoes (much to my husband’s chagrin).
Na, I’m not sure you can ever really have enough books. I have my keepers, and share the rest…and somehow keep adding to my TBR pile too! My bookcase is in a state, even WITH the addition of my e-reader. I’m a sucker for books on sale at Target:)
BLHmistress, I hope some of your wishes come true:) Also, Bon Jovi is AWESOME.
My biggest wish is just for my family to have a safe & happy holiday! I would love a Kindle Fire but that is not going to happen this year. So, gift cards to help support my book habit is great.
June M.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
Hi Kendra,
What do I wish for this year. Just to know that my family is safe.
As for material things….it has to be books…I should be asking for things to replace what we lost, but Hey! It’s Christmas! LOL
Happy Holidays!
Deb
mammy3114@yahoo.com
I’m wishing for a great year to come. If an iPad 2 fits into that, I’ll take it.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
My Christmas wish is to lose weight miraculously hahahaha and a lot of YA books will make my Christmas wonderful 🙂
June, The Kindle Fire does look very cool:)
DL Thomas, yes, it is Christmas…hope you get something nice just for you!
marybelle, I heartily second that!
Gwen Ee, if there were a Weight Loss Fairy, we’d all be writing her letters!:)
Merry Christmas, all of you, and thanks for being here!
My main wish for Christmas would be to have my entire family together… That is easier said than done… But as long as everyone is safe and happy I am good with that…
I’m wishing for a miracle – that my 53 yr old brother-in-law is cured of terminal lung cancer.
On the light side – that my boys are always happy and healthy.
Thank you and Have A Happy Holiday!
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
Simply wishing that my family stays safe and healthy.
I’m hoping for a Kindle Fire! 🙂
I’m wishing that my family would have a safe holiday season since I won’t be able to spend time with them this year. I’m going to spend a quiet weekend with my b/f, after work that is.
I’m wishing for a new pair of running shoes, mine broke 🙁
Jessica @ Taking It One book
I’m wishing for more health and wealth for my family!
Can’t wait for Midnight Reckoning! Read the first and LOVED IT!!! Congrats on the upcoming release! Thanks for the giveaway & Happy Holidays!!!
yadkny@hotmail.com
It sounds selfish after all of these nice posts but I’ve been hoping for a kick ass pair of boots.
Thanks for this and happy holidays!
jennblogs(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m wishing for a lot of things, but I hope that my boyfriend will ask me to marry him… but a girl can dream! LOL thanks for this giveaway!
Proserpine
proserpinecravedfor(at)hotmail.com
I wish Amazon Kindle would allow downloads to the geo I live in. It’s so doggonedly frustrating that I can’t buy or receive any kindle books,,,grrrrrrrr! Otherwise I’m going to have to wish for a new bookshelf.
Health & happiness for my family would be nice too. Very. Nice.. 🙂
Here’s hoping that everyone’s wishes come true!
for christmas i would like.. well, what i got actually .. Clay to use with my new hobby of sculpting!!
alainala AT hotmail DOt ca
I am wishing for a new phone and a safe winter.
Carmel, I’m sorry to hear about your mom. I did manage to get through Christmas somehow! I hope you found some holiday spirit too.
I am wishing for a hunky vampire to take me on a tour of all the UK castles. Little blood bites here and make out sessions there….it’s gonna happen!
Happy New Year!
I just moved back to our home state and am now just minutes away from the home my grandparents are in. I’m loving all the quality time I get with them and am happy that my kids love spending time with them as well. For the new year I hope they will stay in good health so we gwet more time with them
I’m wishing for health for all my family. I also wish nobody I’m close to loses their jobs.
My wish is that my 7 older kids continue to be healthy and happy. Happy New Year.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
I wish for some luck. And Health. Also more courage to do the things I want to!
I wish I can lose more weight, read more and keep my blog going. 🙂
I’m wishing that I will be able to lose fifteen pounds this year, as well as to make up a better work out schedule. I also hope to be able to read many fantastic books throughout 2012.
What am I wishing for this year? Peace on Earth? Is that too much?
How about to lose some weight?
Thanks for the giveaway!
GFC Darlene
darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com
Wishing for a better reading year – 2011 was awful for me. I definately lost my reading mojo. Hopefully this year will be better!
baychriz at gmail dot com
Looking forward to reading your work! Always good to support a fellow Navy family!
I’m wishing for books! 🙂
catchingashootingstar[at]hotmail[dot]ca
I wish for my to read pile of books to get smaller have so many to read 🙂
Thank you very much for the giveaway!
I’m wishing for waay too many things to actually list, but I’ll go with the top of my wish list:
I’m wishing to find true happiness and deep-seated contentment this year:)
I love the post, especially Anura’s wish!
Happy New Year!
I’m wishing for waay too many things to actually list, but I’ll go with the top of my wish list:
I’m wishing to find true happiness and deep-seated contentment this year:)
I love the post, especially Anura’s wish!
Happy New Year!