Even though I have two pen names, I’m just one author. So I think it’s fair that I share this news on both of my websites. I wondered what it would be like to be nominated for a RITA award and now I know!

Wow, I couldn’t be more thrilled at the good news today!

The folks over at CataRomance have awarded my steamy novella, Siren Song, a 2011 Reviewer’s Choice Award. Based on Greek mythology, this novella is about a modern day siren who falls in love with a Naval Officer. Like all the parts of the Mythica Series, the story revolves around the horrors of war and how love helps heal those wounds.

One of the first things I remember about writing Siren Song is how uncooperative my heroine was. She was was supposed to be a super-smart-mouthed diva, a hard ass, a bitchy queen who would try to eat up the hero and spit him out. Given her troubled past, she had every reason to be walled up and in need of rescue.

But Chloe had a thing or two to teach me while I was writing. Sure, she had a bad past. But she didn’t take it out on others. In spite of her potty-mouth, she turned out to be one of the most soft-hearted, innocent, sweet heroines I’ve ever written. She was also stronger than I expected her to be. She didn’t need rescue. She rescues herself and the hero besides.

One of the many reasons I’m very proud of that novella!

Ok, I couldn’t be more tickled about this feature story in Romantic Times Magazine’s online blog today. The article goes through each of the stories in my Mythica series and compares them to the actual mythology and then demonstrates how I twisted each story to make it a romance.

Here’s just an example:

Book Four: “Siren Song”

Greek Myth Element: Sirens. The sirens are by far some of the most enchanting creatures in Greek mythology. Seductresses capable of luring sailors to their doom with their captivating singing, these Greek creatures are some of the most famous. However, according to Greek myth, they spend most of their time on land.

Draven’s Take: The author gives sirens a contemporary spin for her fourth story in the series. Chloe is the bombshell lead singer of a popular indie band. No one has resisted her soulful crooning except for naval officer Alex, so of course that’s the one man that Chloe is interested in. However, Alex knows a secret that not even Chloe has guessed, her voice is magical and that’s why she’s become so popular. Alex recognizes that his fellow navy forces can’t help but become entranced by Chloe’s song. But can Alex explain the truth to Chloe before he falls under her spell? It’s up to him to protect his men and hopefully get the girl.

Go read the rest!

This Giveaway Is Now Closed

My debut novel, Poisoned Kisses, has received a lot of attention, including a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nomination for Best First Series. But near and dear to my heart is my recent second-place finish for the New England Romance Writers Bean Pot award. To celebrate, I’ve decided to host a give-away. When I reach 25 new followers to my infrequent newsletter, I’ll be giving away a small box of about 10 new paranormal romance books including my own. (For those who don’t know about me yet, I write very smart books for very bad girls…)

To win, post in the comments below a link to where you helped spread the word to folks about me on twitter, facebook, your blog or any other social networking site including but not limited to goodreads.