Decadent Divas: #TessaDawn

The Vampire

A chance to win swag and an Amazon gift card

What is the sexy attraction to these mysterious creatures of the night that female readers seem to go gaga over?

The symbol of the enigmatic vampire is one that I find most intriguing. In the past, these creatures were portrayed as one of the classic horror villains. However, stories about these ancient myths date back to the Persians and ancient Babylonia. Vampires are steeped in a long, rich mythological history, and take many different forms that are both good and bad. The vampire has left an indelible mark on the world in most cultural and have been known by different names throughout history.

However, today's sexy version is a relatively new take on an old story. Anne Rice's Interview with The Vampire depicts Louis played by Brad Pitt, a man who is devastated over the death of his wife and unborn child. In the movie he has the misfortune of being bitten by Lestat, played by Tom Cruise, a narcissi vampire with no conscious. The story spins a new and interesting twist on today's vampire by depicting one vampire with a conscious, and another without.

My favorite, which I have mentioned before in a previous blog, was Bram Stroker's Dracula. Gary Oldman plays Count Dracula, who in the beginning of the movie is a diabolical and sinister character. His cunning cruelty, and the vile things he was capable of, made him a character you loved to hate. But when he starts to interact with Mina, the object of his affection, you begin to see a different side to his character, one that is both loving and tender. As the story progresses, you also begin to understand what caused his fate, and in the end, it is his intense love for her that eventually sets him free. I found this portrayal of the vampire to be a gothically romantic and sexy version of this classic tale.

I must say I'm also very excited to see Dracula Untold. Luke Evans plays Prince Vlad the Impaler, depicting, Dracula as a flawed hero in a tragic love story set in the dark ages of magic and war. It also puts a new spin on the origin of Count Dracula.

In ancient times though, sex appeal was not a characteristic attributed to the vampire. In the past, vampires were evil figures. Their evil nature made them frightening creatures and something to fear. More importantly, they all needed to feed off the life blood of the living which is still true today.

Looking at the mythology of the vampire today, their symbolism seems to have evolved into a modern day vampire that is now associated as a sex symbol, whose mysterious misunderstood nature becomes appealing instead of something to fear. No longer considered the monster, they've become a hero with a heart.

There are, however, some not so obvious things the vampire may symbolize, such as commitment to one person for eternity, ageless beauty, power and strength that most readers find seductively attractive. Many of today's vampires are not associated with evil anymore. Instead, they are perceived as a positive force for good or they are simply considered to be a charismatic, immortal creature possessing great power.

The vampire's strength is another component that makes them attractive to the reader and their need to fiercely protect those they love is a powerful draw.

I've had a lot of fun creating my vampire characters for my Immortal Embrace Series. I love the idea of sexy heroes with a heart much better than the sinister characters portrayed in the past. And, I love to write about these intriguing creatures as much as I enjoy reading stories about them. I also like watching them on the big screen which I am anxiously awaiting for this latest version to release in theaters this October.

If you are looking for a hot steamy vampire novel, I hope you will check out my Immortal Embrace Series. The third book in the series will hopefully be released this fall.

Finally, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my favorite mythical being. Tell me what you find intriguing about them and why you like to read these kind of stories.

I have some swag to give away and a $10 amazon gift card. I'll be stopping by to pick a winner at the end of the day.

Decadently yours,

Erin Simone, Author

www.ellorascave.com

Today, I am excited to welcome Guest Diva, Dark Fantasy Author Tessa Dawn as she reveals her latest release in The Blood Curse Series, Blood Father.

If you haven't yet had the chance to read Tessa's work, now is the time, with her sixth book in The Blood Curse Series releasing today, June 12th.

Blood Father - Blood Father - Blood Father - Blood Father - Blood Father - Blood Father - Blood Father - Blood Father - Blood Father

After my little chant, I sat down with Tessa, a glass of blood in hand, naturally, to discuss her latest release filled with sexy, dark, brooding vampires. I'm thrilled to bring it all to you today.

S: Tessa, Thank you so much for joining us here on The Decadent Divas, to share in the celebration of your newest release, Blood Father!

T: Thanks for having me - so happy to be here! :)

S: I have to start with the one question everyone wants to know when they hear vampires are involved; what would you say is the heat level in Blood Father?

T: I would say the love-scenes sizzle! Although, interestingly enough, they're not designed to - they just come out that way. (That's the best Tessa!) Here's the thing: My writing style (or voice) is very sensory and detailed. I bring the reader into my stories, walk them step-by-step in the characters' shoes, and let them feel, taste, hear and smell everything the characters' encounter. I don't pull back on the joy, the darker scenes, or the heart-wrenching moments - it's all in vivid color. So I made a calculation early on to carry that through to the love scenes. If the characters' feel it, or experience it, so will the reader. (Amen!)

T: Can you share a little hint about Blood Father?

T: Sure! Here goes!

“May the rivers run crimson with their blood.”

~ Kagen Silivasi

Kagen Silivasi is a powerful, ancient vampire with a unique gift for healing – he is also a son, a brother, and a loner who has survived unspeakable tragedy and loss: Beneath his handsome, well-mannered exterior lies an alter ego consumed by rage and an overwhelming impulse to “kill them all…”

Arielle Nightsong is a brave human, a rebel spirit, and an accomplished healer in her own right. Born into a harsh world of violence, cruelty, and danger, she was enslaved at the age of ten and given as a gift to the most depraved being in Mhier – the infamous king of the lycans. If not for her enduring friendship with a captive vampire, she might not have survived to escape the slave encampment…or to discover her mysterious role in an ancient Blood Curse.

When Kagen and his brothers voyage into Mhier in search of their long lost father, it will take more than stealth and cunning to get out alive: Secrets will be revealed; loyalties will be tested; and an indomitable spirit will fracture beneath the weight of an impossible choice.

BLOOD FATHER ~

where destiny and duty collide.

S: *sitting on the edge of my seat* Can I say wow? So, given your obvious talent, when did you first start writing?

T: I've been writing since I could hold a pencil, so I think I was simply born doing it. And loving it. :)

S: What has been your biggest writing influence? (A book or another Author?)

T: There are simply too many to count. Right now, I would have to say that I'm in awe of George R. R. Martin (Game of Thrones). Why? Because he also writes a form of Dark Fantasy, he knows how to pen extremely compelling characters, evil-to-the-bone villains, and he never, ever pulls his punches. I love bold, courageous writing.

S: Can you tell us a little about your current project?

T: I'm about to release book #6 in my Blood Curse Series on June 12th, and I've already started seven. (Glad to hear it!) In addition, I'm playing around with a similar dragon-themed series (These won't be your typical dragons but sexy, hot, alpha males), a single-title epic fantasy, and maybe a little short-story horror. I love my deep, emotional male-female relationships, but I also love the DARK. (And we LOVE to read it!)

S: Do you write full-time?

T: Well, I'm a full-time writer, but it's not the same thing. LOL I try to write a little every day, but it doesn't always happen.

S: Now, just for fun, I'll rattle off a question and answer the first thing that comes to mind. *Tessa cringes and laughs*

T: Okay, it's on!

Last book you read? The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison

Cake or pie? BOTH! Oh, and cookies!

Favorite vacation spot? Anywhere I can soak in a hot tub!

Hairy chest or smooth? SMOOTH.

Stand alone or series? Mostly series, but stand-alone is fun to stretch your wings (as a writer).

Novel or novella? Novel.

Tattoo or piercing? Nope.

Once Upon a Time or The End? Once Upon a Time.

S: Thank you so much for stopping by The Decadent Divas to share your new release with us Tessa! We were thrilled to have you and wish you the best of success with your new release, Blood Father!

T: Thanks for having me! ;)

Below, I have listed a video showcasing another book in Tessa's Blood Curse Series, as well as all of her social media links - and of course, the links you need to purchase Blood Father - I already have!