Fresh Fiction Blog | Cynthia Eden

Hi, everyone! It’s great to be blogging at Fresh Fiction today.

I have a secret to confess. I have a dark side. Very dark. When folks look at me, I’ve often been told I look (at least) semi-sweet and fairly innocent. Ha. Such a lie. Maybe it’s the soccer mom persona that fools them.

When I’m alone and I’m writing, that sweet act vanishes. Instead, I let the darkness out. That darkness really came out when I wrote my “Deadly” romantic suspense series for Grand Central Publishing. In those books, I jumped right into the minds of serial killers.

My husband worried that I was a bit too comfortable writing from the killer’s perspective. Actually, I still think he worries that—I’ve seen the suspicious glances that he gives to me.

However, it’s not just my villains who have such a lethal edge. Instead, my heroes and heroines often have some rather lethal characteristics, too. In DEADLY HEAT, my heroine is a fire fighter. Lora can’t be afraid of death—she faces it every day. But when her lover is killed in a blaze, the desire for vengeance consumes her, and it’s that lust for revenge that creates the shadows that surround her. As for Lora’s hero, FBI Special Agent Kenton Lake…well, his life *is* killers. He tracks serials, night and day, and he doesn’t really even think about the future—about that whole picket fence and dog life-style. At least, he doesn’t think about it until he meets Lora. Then he wonders if there might be more to the world that just darkness.

When I read (and write) books, I don’t look for easy stories. I liked twists, I like turns, and I like for my characters to fight for their happy endings. Sure, they have to walk through some dangerous times, but the good thing about a romance novel? Well, I can guarantee that no matter what they face, my hero and heroine will live happily ever after.

So give me some danger. Give me the darkness. Don’t be fooled by any unassuming exteriors. We’ve all got a bit of darkness inside us.

Besides, the thrill of danger can just make love that much more intense.

Now you tell me…how do you like your romance novels? With a dark edge? Humorous? What types of books do you enjoy? One commenter will be picked at random to win a copy of DEADLY HEAT.

Thanks for checking out my post!

Cynthia Eden

www.cynthiaeden.com
DEADLY HEAT—Available 1/25/11 from Grand Central Publishing
DEADLY LIES—Available 3/1/11 from Grand Central Publishing

Comments

It depends on my mood. Sometimes I like the dark and
mysterious, sometimes the light and fluffy, sometimes the
comedic. So long as the story is good and I like the
characters I am happy.
(Heather Sands 1:15am January 22, 2011)

Humor with a little dark.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 7:18am January 22, 2011)

I'm not a big fan of dark romance. Mysterious, yes but too dark and it seems too much.
(Pam Howell 8:31am January 22, 2011)

I like romance with twists, turns and the unexpected. I don't
want the read a recipe, I want some that makes me think. Even
if all I'm thinking is, "Wow".
(Tanja Haack 9:10am January 22, 2011)

I agree with Tanja; I like a book that makes me 'want' to peak at the ending because i have no idea (in a good way) how it is going to end.
(Barbara Studer 9:41am January 22, 2011)

Hi, Heather! I'm a mood reader, too. Sometimes I need humor
to pick me up, and sometimes I need darkness to scare me. :-)
(Cynthia Eden 9:54am January 22, 2011)

Marjorie, I think humor and darkness can blend well, too!
(Cynthia Eden 9:55am January 22, 2011)

I am a book eclectic...I like my books every which way. It really depends on my mood. There are times I want dark and nasty and times I crave humor and lightness. But the dark part of my nature wins out more often...
(Nikki Brandyberry 9:55am January 22, 2011)

Hi, Pam! I often wonder if there is a line in the darker
stories that some readers don't like to cross. I know as a
writer, there are lines I don't like to cross when I write
(like something bad happening to a child--that's just one of
my hot buttons).
(Cynthia Eden 9:56am January 22, 2011)

Tanja, I love the wow experience when I'm reading (or watching
movies). I love to be surprised by a story. Thanks for your
comment!
(Cynthia Eden 9:57am January 22, 2011)

I like a story with humor and twists and turns. Being able to laugh with a book is great.
(Lena Lee 9:58am January 22, 2011)

LOL, Barbara, I've been tempted to peak at endings, too!
Sometimes, I wonder how certain characters will survive when
I'm reading books.
(Cynthia Eden 9:58am January 22, 2011)

Morning, Nikki! I like the description of book eclectic--very
cool.
(Cynthia Eden 9:59am January 22, 2011)

Lena, laughter can make a day so much better. :-)
(Cynthia Eden 10:00am January 22, 2011)

I love books with a dark edge and lots of struggle with things to overcome and lines that need to be crossed. It grabs my attention and doesn't let me go
(Jolene Allcock 10:18am January 22, 2011)

I love books with a dark edge and humor every once in awhile. Can't wait for the next book. Keep 'em coming! Have a great week.
(Taylor Zaborney 10:44am January 22, 2011)

Well, I like a little bit of everything. It depends on my mood. My only requirements are a HEA and a good story.
(Marlene Breakfield 10:57am January 22, 2011)

I like my books in all shapes and sizes so to speak. In fact I really love those that blend it all - a little bit of humor with darkness. Yes, I like that.
(Victoria Sloboda 11:34am January 22, 2011)

Got to love danger and passion it makes a great recipe for love.
(Anthonia Sharp 11:42am January 22, 2011)

It depends upon my mood. Sometimes I prefer humor added as an ingredient and other times I enjoy one with the darker edge. It depends upon the story as to what is needed. Just let me have a combination of mystery and romance.
(Anna Speed 12:29pm January 22, 2011)

The book has to have heat. Not necessarily sex-on-end, but the passion that burns between the characters. I don't usually enjoy humor; a touch here and there -- okay. Give me dark, edgy; yeah, that's me. Love your work Cynthia!
(Cynthia Netherton 12:35pm January 22, 2011)

I really enjoy the variety of romances out there... all depending on my mood at the time on which I prefer. Sometimes I want sweet and funny... other times dark and dangerous... great interaction between characters is a must!
(Colleen Conklin 12:45pm January 22, 2011)

Right now, I'm enjoying humorous romances. It won't be long where my mood will change and I'll prefer the darker, more mysterious type of romance!
(Michele Lawrence 12:48pm January 22, 2011)

I like my books to have some humor, lots of heat and/or sex, misunderstandings, a villain, and a lot of twists and turns. Of course these stories must also have an HEA.
(Cathy Phillips 12:49pm January 22, 2011)

I love humorous romances too. Just not overly suggestive; sometimes I am in the mood to read those books, but mostly not.
(Cheri Oggy 1:04pm January 22, 2011)

I like variety. Sometimes I'm in the mood for humor, sometimes for dark and gritty, and sometimes paranormal. Characters make the book special, though.
(G S Moch 1:08pm January 22, 2011)

When I read a "dark" romance I am concerned if it is not love but adrenaline and
lust affecting the protagonists. I try to visualize how things will be for them a
year out. I, too, am an eclectic reader with mood thrown in. I guess the age of
the reader (and the writer) affect how any book will be received. After saying all
that I must say I really enjoy your books. Thank you.
(Sandra Spilecki 1:46pm January 22, 2011)

HI. Like most readers, I read a large variety of types, but I will admit my favorites will always include some humor. Even the dark, mysterious story lines often have an off guard, off the wall, humorous moment. Still other favorites are dark and moody. I often get caught up in the traits of the characters themselves and their dark history is extremely appealing. Thank you for the contest.
(Lisa Kendall 1:48pm January 22, 2011)

I tend to read suspense and physiological thrillers. I blend in a light romance novel that has a few belly laughs
to off set the morbid. I also read one best seller, fiction only) to keep up on current novels.
(Rosemary Simm 1:50pm January 22, 2011)

I like to read a variety of books. I'm sorry I have'nt read one of your books. Thank You for giving me a chance to win it.
(Linda Hall 1:56pm January 22, 2011)

its like 10 degrees here i wish i had this book now
(Debbi Shaw 1:57pm January 22, 2011)

I tend to like a variety. It depends on my mood. The main thing I like, no matter the variety, is for the author to sweep me away, from whatever is going on in my life, and to catch me up in the storyline, so that I actually feel as if I am "living" the story myself. When I finally finish turning the last page, I want to feel glad that I chose that book, whether it made me laugh, cry, or whatever. I just don't want to feel let down. I have read books that have made me feel good months after reading them, and I can't tell you what a wonderful feeling that is. Congratulations on your new book. I can't wait to read it!!
(Peggy Roberson 2:02pm January 22, 2011)

I'm also one of the "mood" readers. Sometimes dark appeals. Sometimes I like humorous. The careful combination of light and dark is always a pleasure. I've noticed that I really want something humorous and light if I've read several dark romances in a row.
(r w 2:06pm January 22, 2011)

I read of mix of styles in romance. Really it just depends on how I feel when I am choosing my next book. Must say that I wasn't introduced to darker romance books until the last few years but I love them.
(G. Bisbjerg 2:10pm January 22, 2011)

I like a touch of danger with my romance, but nothing too dark or too kinky.
(Sue Farrell 2:18pm January 22, 2011)

I seem to prefer dark romance more right now, but they can have a touch of humor too. I still like a light, fluffy book every now and again especially when I start having dark dreams, then I know I have to lighten up for a while.

Love your Kensington books, I'll have to give this new series a try.
(Anne Muller 2:21pm January 22, 2011)

Love that you call yourself "fairly innocent" but I don't know what's fair about that. I love my romances to have some humor and food in them, especially good recipes that I can whip up.
(Alyson Widen 2:43pm January 22, 2011)

I like romance with humor and romance with suspense. But then, I like to read almost anything!
(Edwina Cowgill 3:32pm January 22, 2011)

Hi, Jolene! Oh, I love it when a book grabs me that way! I
can't read those pages fast enough.

Thank you, Taylor!! I hope you have a great week, too!

Marlene, I am addicted to the HEA ending. Real life can be
so uncertain--I *need* that ending!
(Cynthia Eden 3:59pm January 22, 2011)

Hi, Victoria! Humor and darkness can be such a fun blend.

Hey, Anthonia! Definitely a good recipe in my opinion!

Anna, I love that so many of us are mood readers. Light
books can be a perfect pick-me-up, and dark books can be
great for those stormy nights.
(Cynthia Eden 3:59pm January 22, 2011)

Thank you, Cynthia!! And I'd like to cast a vote for books
with heat, too!

Hi, Colleen! I LOVE that so many book varieties are out
there. Truly something for everyone.

Michele, do you have a favorite humorous writer? Jill
Barnett has always been my favorite--I love her historicals.
(Cynthia Eden 4:00pm January 22, 2011)

Cathy--I am so glad you brought up the villain! I think a
wonderfully wicked villain can add so much to a story.

Thanks for sharing your favorite type with me, Cheri!

GS--such a good point. What is a book without great
characters?
(Cynthia Eden 4:00pm January 22, 2011)

I love almost any genre--romance, rom/com, murder mystery, paranormal, as long as it keeps my interest and I really can't figure out how it's going to end. And no, I don't peek at the ending, that would ruin the suspense.
(Lynne Mauro 4:01pm January 22, 2011)

Thank you, Sandra! And you have brought up some great
points. I think age is an important factor that can
influence our expectations of stories.

Thanks for checking out the post, Lisa! I love discovering
a character's tangled history as I read a book. Love that
surprise secrets that are uncovered.

Rosemary, your comment totally had me grinning! It is very
important to balance the morbid! (I do that, too!)
(Cynthia Eden 4:10pm January 22, 2011)

Hi, Linda! Thanks for entering the contest!

10 Degrees? Oh, Debbi, I just hurt for you.

Another edgy reader! Thanks, Vikki!
(Cynthia Eden 4:10pm January 22, 2011)

Thank you, Peggy! And thanks for such a great comment--I so
love the escapism that is offered by a wonderful book.

Another mood reader! Robin, we should all form a club.

G. Bisbjerg, I am so excited by the variety offered in
romance today. So many books--truly something for everyone.
(Cynthia Eden 4:10pm January 22, 2011)

HI, Sue! I'm all for a touch of danger--it can add some
great excitemetn to a read.

Thank you, Anne! :-)

Alsyon, I could use some recipe help. I am kitchen
challenged.
(Cynthia Eden 4:11pm January 22, 2011)

Hey, Edwina (Love your name!). My overflowing book shelves
say that I agree with you.

Thanks so much for all of the comments, everyone! I hope you
are all having a great weekend!
(Cynthia Eden 4:11pm January 22, 2011)

Fire Fighters seem like such a great topic. I usually lean to law enforcement romances, ie Kylie Brant, which definately have a dark side.
(Kathleen Bianchi 4:15pm January 22, 2011)

I like the dark edge, with humor sprinkled in. It makes the tension not too overwhelming, and the characters seem more realistic.
(Debbie Penny 4:16pm January 22, 2011)

I'm a "glass half empty" kinda person, so I like my books with a dark edge, lots
of angst and turmoil.
(Sue Ahn 4:20pm January 22, 2011)

I like my romance novels With a dark edge?, and Humorous. I love to laugh so when I need a pick me up I love to have humor in the book I am reading. If I want a serious mystery romance I like a dark edge. Of course having both in the same book would be great. I would love to win Deadly Heat. Sounds like a great mystery. Thanks
(Brenda Hill 4:35pm January 22, 2011)

I like all kinds of romance novels..time travel, historical,
edgy, humorous...but I like romance novels with suspense
probably the best. (I don't care for the paranormal as in
vampire-type stories...just a bit too "over the edge" for me!)
Enjoyed your interview..thanks for the insight!
(Leanna Morris 4:37pm January 22, 2011)

Congrats on the upcoming release, Cynthia. I'm usually in the mood for a dark and edgy kind of read, but I do enjoy humorous books, too.
(Jane Cheung 4:49pm January 22, 2011)

I like wit, humour, dark at times is good.
(Mary Preston 5:01pm January 22, 2011)

I prefer a more intense romance so I don't mind if the book swings to the dark side. I also like when wit and humor are added to keep it light.
(Christine Stack 5:55pm January 22, 2011)

I enjoy almost anything that has a good story. I like paranormals, romance, mysteries and suspense. I prefer lighter fare, though. I like humor a lot, too.
thanks for the blog and excerpt. i look forward to reading the book.
(Debra Mowatt 6:33pm January 22, 2011)

I find somethime times I like something deep and mysterious and other times I want something light and easy to read. I look forward to reading your book.
(Diane Castiglione 6:38pm January 22, 2011)

I enjoy reading all kinds of novels...A book that I can't put down...Romance, Mysteries and Suspense along with humor...I look forward to reading your book.
(Susan Oliver 6:55pm January 22, 2011)

I like both the dark and humorous romances. When I need a good laugh I'll grab a book that is going to make me laugh. When I have more time that's when I read the darker stories.
(Leni Kaye 7:05pm January 22, 2011)

I read a bit of every type of book. I enjoy humor, but read just every book I can get my hands on and then share them with others.
(Gladys Paradowski 7:12pm January 22, 2011)

I like a variety: contemporary, historical, adventure, western, mystery. But always romance & some humor is always welcome.
(Diane Sallans 7:59pm January 22, 2011)

I want it all: humor, danger, craziness, twists and turna and at the end a happy romantic ending!
(Diane Sadler 8:33pm January 22, 2011)

I love it all - variety - that's the best...but, I do enjoy lots of twists and turns - keep me guessing...and end up Happily everafter...
(Sara Brockunier 9:03pm January 22, 2011)

For me, depends on what's going on at the time. If I'm stressed beyond
reason, I love to go for humorous but most of the time, I like that dark, edgy
lots of action kind of thing. I can't wait to read your book!

Val Pearson
[email protected]
(Val Pearson 9:27pm January 22, 2011)

I like my romances with lots of emotion, conflict, duality, long road to love and lots of sex until and after you get there!! I think your books give me that.
(Clicia Tremblay 10:54pm January 22, 2011)

Oh, I got so excited about this contest that I forgot to say that to me "Midnight Sins" is my ideal- type novel.
(Maria Antunes 10:57pm January 22, 2011)

Can't wait to read this next instalment in this series. Great stuff.
(Clio Teixeira 11:15pm January 22, 2011)

Lynne, I admire your restraint! I am trying to get better at
the whole no-peeking thing. :-)

Hi, Kathleen! It was so great to be able to research fire
fighters. They work so hard--and do much good.

Debbie--excellent point! Humor can be a great tension
breaker in those high-intensity reads.
(Cynthia Eden 9:33am January 23, 2011)

LOL, Sue Ahn, I like your description!

Thank you, Brenda! I appreciate you checking out the post!

Glad you enjoyed the interview, Leanna! Thank you!
(Cynthia Eden 9:34am January 23, 2011)

Thank you, Jane! Right now, I am dying for a good dark and
edgy read, too.

What a great blend, Mary!

Hi, Christine! I love that dark swing.
(Cynthia Eden 9:34am January 23, 2011)

Hey, Brenda! It's so wonderful that romances can give us
that guaranteed HEA.

Thank you, Debra! Good stories are so key to hooking me
into a book.

Thanks, Diane! Sounds like you are a mood reader, too. I
love that moods can influence the books we choose to curl up
with after a long day.
(Cynthia Eden 9:34am January 23, 2011)

Hi, Susan! "A book that I can't put down"--now that is the
perfect description of a must read.

Leni, glad to hear you enjoy them both!

Gladys, I've been trying to branch out more with my reading.
Romance is also my dominant choice, but I've been picking up
some horrors lately so that I can spread out my reading
love.
(Cynthia Eden 9:35am January 23, 2011)

That's a great variety, Diane!

Daine, if you want it all--then you should have it all!

Sara, I'm such a fan of those twists. I'm a twist addict.
:-)
(Cynthia Eden 9:35am January 23, 2011)

Thank you, Val! Action and adventure can sure pump up a
quiet night (they do for me!).

Thank you, Maria! And I am so glad that you enjoyed
Midnight Sins. Cara was such a fun character to write.

Hi, Clicia-thank you! I try to write books that will
entertain and keep readers interested, and I'm very happy to
hear that you enjoy them!
(Cynthia Eden 9:35am January 23, 2011)

Thank you, Clio! I had a blast writing my 3 Deadly books.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my post and to
comment. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
(Cynthia Eden 9:35am January 23, 2011)

Honestly i like all kids. I like them all with a little humor whether they are basic romance, historical, paranormal, romantic suspense. You get what i'm saying lol Even teh darker stuff needs just a tad bit of comic reliefe here and there.

Lisa B
(Lisa Boggs 1:34pm January 23, 2011)

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