Archive for May 2011

There is something very intriguing about a horrible alpha hero. No matter how distusting and depraved, if they have an ounce of good looks and charisma there is a desire for redemption. When I was watching the HBO [amazon_link id="B001FA1OTU" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Deadwood[/amazon_link] series on DVD recently  I became entranced with the brothel owning anti hero played by (Ian McShane) who was utterly disgusting and deplorable, and a most beautiful foil for the good looking sheriff (played by Timothy Olyphant), who, dispite his upstanding integrity, falls for the seduction of infidelity. I desired to know what terrible childhood had created such a tough shell.  The show is filled with such cruel alpha males seeking to survive and find their fortunes in a brutal environment. None of the women featured were saved a measure of heartbreak, if they made the mistake of opening their hearts to these men.

When I began writing "[amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link]" I had no idea how my hero would take shape. His background was clear to me - wealthy descendant of old Montreal family, blessed with preternatural good looks, raised with the finest education and social experiences, taught to be a man by shooting big game in the wilds of Africa and learning to tame animals from native descendants on Black Lake. Hero Ramey Sandeley was not strictly of my imagination, as I have known similar men. But once he came alive in my novel he had a mind of his own.

There are many scenes in my book where I believe he is cruel and selfish with heroine, Alexandra Brighton. But it is also clear to me that his intense connection with Alexandra terrifies him, as well his her role in his unfolding fate. The fact that his mother abandoned him by taking her own life and his wife, Ruth, is an alcoholic who tricked him into marriage, makes him terrified of being emotionally close to a woman. So, the cruelties he exhibits appear to me more as boyish ways to fend off his own feelings of vulnerability and abandonment, as well as a fierce desire to help Alexandra grow out of her cocoon into a worthy counterpart -rather than the desire to hurt or destroy her.

Ramey has inherited a position within the power elite. He knows the ways of international commerce and government. His perceptions are skewed do to the nature of his position in society. Although Alexandra, world weary and reeling from a cruel divorce, is literally his captive during her stay on Black Lake and he is involved in her transformation inside the French Canadian underground, his goal is to release her from the psychological imprisonment of  society. In a dramatic scene in a shed behind the old Victorian on the island on Black Lake Ramey picks up a length of rope and asks Alexandra to tie his hands and do whatever she likes with him, so she can feel the power that drives her suppressors. When she declines and tells him he's acting crazy he responds: "How do you decide what's crazy? How do you determine what's good or bad unless you've tried it? Whose rules do you live by, anyway?  Who tells you how you should live your life or feel about anything. Is it you, Baby? Or is it your parents, your husband, your priest, or some fucking magistrate. Don't judge me until you can ask those questions of yourself and be completely honest with the answer." Ramey believes that by breaking Alexandra's shell her soul will be set free - but she does not share his insights. There is a tremendous power struggle between the two, and this struggle marks the beginning of Alexandra's growth as a woman.

On the other hand, the character of Georgie La Point, Ramey's cousin, a prominent French Canadian rock star, is another matter altogether. Also emotionally broken in childhood (his mother left his father for the stained glass craftsman hired to inlay the family crest in their front door), he is cruel and evil to the bone, with no hope of redemption. The man is a supreme narcissist who grooms his hair in the reflection in the eyes of his admirers, makes love to his own singing, and has never been with a woman more than once. No woman can tame this man and those who try will become damaged goods. So, Georgie is the villain in my story, and I had great fun having Alexandra challenge him in very provocative settings.

I have made a list of the top ten cruelest, meanest, most horrible heroes in romance novels (thanks to the Amazon Romance Community for their input).

1. Domenico, [amazon_link id="0345289927" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Silver Devil[/amazon_link], by Teresa Denys

2. Felipe, [amazon_link id="0312295839" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Flesh and the Devil[/amazon_link], by Teresa Denys

3.  Sean, [amazon_link id="038087668X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Stormfire[/amazon_link], by Christine Monsoon

4. Dillan,  [amazon_link id="1551666944" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Into the Fire[/amazon_link], by Anne Stuart

5. Bastian, [amazon_link id="0778303330" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Black Ice[/amazon_link], by Anne Stuart

6. Gray, [amazon_link id="0671019708" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]After the Night[/amazon_link], by Linda Howard

7. Steve, [amazon_link id="0739440128" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Sweet Savage Love[/amazon_link], by Rosemary Rogers

8. Rodrigo, [amazon_link id="0373773005" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Fearless[/amazon_link], Diane Palmer

9. Rolf, [amazon_link id="0821778838" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Risk Everything[/amazon_link], Sophia Johnson

10 Dominic, [amazon_link id="1551669277" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Wicked Loving Lies[/amazon_link], by Rosemary Johnson

Please Note: The House on Black Lake has been adapted to screenplay. To view provocative trailer by award winning cinematographer in gothic setting, go to Home Page.

In the last year since my novel was published I have spoken with many readers who crave gothic novels and movies, but are tired of the paranormal variety - particularly those with a vampire slant, since it is so overdone. It is hard to find good gothic literature these days, but the classics are still just as powerful as they were when written by the best gothic writers.

When I set out to write "[amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class= ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link]" I had no intention of writing a contemporary gothic romance/suspense. In fact, I was shocked when my editor told me that is exactly what I had written. Only when I went to the specific description of the genre did I realize that my novel was clearly contemporary gothic in all aspects.  It contains the dark, brooding hero, remote location, heroine in distress, deserted Victorian, hints of the supernatural, dark secrets, transgression, heredity curses, mystics, gypsies, and supersticious rituals. To inhabit this world is to leave leave behind modern cultural mores and venture to a place where lessons about life are learned on a much deeper level. It has been asserted that early gothic literature gave a voice to women's deep rooted fear about their own powerlessness and imprisonment within patriarchy. I can also assert that my story reflects this concern, centuries later. It has also been asserted that too much of the rational can leave one blind to supernatural truths. A tale is also a  source of empowerment,  a safe place to fight the villains, face fear, and potentially win. Gothic romance has been described "a pleasurable terror". In my case I perceive it as "enticing danger".

I have listed the best authors from this genre, some also write in different genres, but all are excellent in their craft. So, whichever book you read, you will be satisfied with the journey.

1. [amazon_link id="090571251X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Victoria Holt[/amazon_link]

2. [amazon_link id="1556526180" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Mary Stewart[/amazon_link]

3. [amazon_link id="0743486269" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Jennifer St. Giles[/amazon_link]

4. [amazon_link id="B000GH2YPG" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Daphne Du Maurier[/amazon_link]

5. [amazon_link id="1456534831" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Charlotte Bronte[/amazon_link]

6. [amazon_link id="1936594285" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Emily Bronte[/amazon_link]

7.[amazon_link id="0821781294" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Eve Silver[/amazon_link]

8. [amazon_link id="0312949804" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Lisa Kleypas[/amazon_link]

9. [amazon_link id="0060878169" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Barbara Michaels[/amazon_link]

10. [amazon_link id="0140437592" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Anne Radcliffe[/amazon_link] - Her novel, the Mysteries of Udolpho is said to the a classic archetypal gothic romance that was to inspire many others.

I must also single out a male who is said to be the father of the genre. Horace Walpole wrote [amazon_link id="0199537216" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Castle of Otranto[/amazon_link] in 1764, and it is said to be the first gothic romance.

Scene from House on Black Lake Trailer.

Please Note: [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] has been adapted to screenplay. View provocative cinematic trailer, filmed by Sundance/Spirit/Venice/Gotham award winning cinematographer, on Home Page.

Chris Hemsworth offers up the best alpha male in movies with his break-out performance in "Thor". Blessed with a gorgeous physique, resonating baritone, aqua blue eyes rimmed with black lashes, and lush fair hair, he is also a powerful actor, who overshadows one the most venerated actors of all time, Sir Anthony Hopkins, and makes  acadamy award winner Natalie Portman appear a novice.

With screenplay for "The House on Black Lake" in development I have visions of Chris playing the part of Ramey Sandeley's arch rival cousin Georgie La Pointe.  Born to wealth and status, Georgie is a narcissist rock god with charismatic good looks, who has never bedded a woman more than once, stages concerts designed like extra terrestrial launching pads that have him flying through the air and performing satyrical acts with thundrous special effects, grooms his hair in the reflection of his admirers, and uses his own music as background for his seductions. He also has more than one dark secret and is as dangerous as he is alluring.  Georgie La Pointe is an alpha male that few actors could fulfill, and certainly Chris tops the list. This one is rated R.

Check the sexy actor out in trailer for movie, "Thor":

http://youtu.be/JOddp-nlNvQ

r.

Ramey Sandeley and Alexandra Brighton Reunite in Scene from Trailer

ATTENTION READERS: New Romantic Fantasy, The Chamber of Curiosities is NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER. The e-book will be delivered to your Kindle on Sunday, May 14, 2017. Be the first to read, review, and start discussions on forums. The epic story, set in a carnival in an ancient land, features characters forced to abandon love, but fight to reunite, against all odds.

Reunited romance is popular in fiction, as in real life. Often a highly charged attraction cannot be realized as one or both are in a committed relationship. Or, one spurns, and then returns to woo or be won. Time apart can bring great change in individuals and offer opportunity for grown and maturity. Fate usually has its way, one way or another, so if an attraction is strong enoughh generally there will be a reunion at some point in the future.

In [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] Alexandra Brighton meets Ramey Sandeley months after they have each married another. When he first takes her eyes she experiences a powerful connection.That night she makes love to her husband and pretends she is making love to Ramey. Nine months to the day she gives birth to a son.

Nearly 12 years later, now in the throes of a vicious divorce battle, she is invited to vacation at the Sandeley’s summer home on Black Lake. Alexandra does not make the journey to seduce Ramey Sandeley, as he is married with 5 children.  Rather, she makes the journey to release herself from him. However, she does not bargain on the fact that he is just as obsessed and tormented by the fateful evening, and their attempts to find resolution draw them into a dangerous web of betrayal and deceit.

Other popular novels featuring second hand love (thanks to Amazon romance form for input) are listed below.  None of the heroines are easily won back.

1. [amazon_link id="0373775059" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Libertine’s Kiss[/amazon_link] by Judith James – the couple were childhood playmates/sweethearts and got separated, she went on to get married and widowed and finds the H again when she goes to petition for her lands, H helps her

2. [amazon_link id="0804119759" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Devil Takes a Bride[/amazon_link] by Gaelen Foley  -H spurns h, then has to woo her back

3. [amazon_link id="1416567038" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Duke of Shadows [/amazon_link]by Meredith Moran - h thinks the H abandoned her, H thinks the h is dead, when they meet the h doesn't want to rekindle because it brings up bad memories, so the H pursues

4. [amazon_link id="0061136093" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Tempt Me Tonight [/amazon_link]by Toni Blake - H and h were high school sweethearts, H cheated on h and they broke up. Years later she returns to town and they rekindle, lots of groveling by H.

5. [amazon_link id="0446566586" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Edge of Sight [/amazon_link](The Guardian Angelinos) by Roxanne St. Clare - H and h hook up and then split up due to H. Three years later h needs help in a situation and H becomes bodyguard.

6. [amazon_link id="0446614823" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Forget Me Not[/amazon_link] (Navy Seals, Book 1) by Marliss Melton - H is solider captured for a year, presumed dead, then returns with amnesia. h has moved on with life.

7. [amazon_link id="0425235459" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage [/amazon_link]by Jennifer Ashley - H and h separated for years, after H treated her badly. H wants to reunite.

8. [amazon_link id="0440243963" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Sins of Lord Easterbrook[/amazon_link] by Madeline Hunter - H and h intrigued by one another, but circumstances prevent them getting together. They meet up again and he pursues.

9. [amazon_link id="0060561661" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Three Nights [/amazon_link]by Debra Mullins - H and h have arrangement for three nights of sex to forgive father’s dept.  h gets pregnant and thinks H abandons her, but actually he is captured away for years. When he gets back and finds out about the child he wants a real relationship.

10. [amazon_link id="0312945795" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Wild Card[/amazon_link] by Lora Leigh - H is a Navy Seal who is forced to assume new identity. h believes he is dead, but when he returns to protect her from trouble, they must pretend to not know each other.

11. [amazon_link id="1419953249" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Sweet Gum Tree[/amazon_link] by Catherine Allred – Couple meet as children and friendship turns to love. H suddenly departs after death of father. H has fifteen years of struggles and family heartbreak, then one day H shows up in town.
12. [amazon_link id="0373605285" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Addicted[/amazon_link] by Charlotte Featherstone - historical – Young friends and lover find their relationship ruined by H’s opium addiction, h later tries to help him get over his addiction.

14. [amazon_link id="0553578138" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]A Place to Call Home[/amazon_link] by Deborah Smith – Star crossed lovers meet as children on opposite side of tracks. H is son of abusive father, h is his champion. Twenty years pass until they meet again.

15. [amazon_link id="B0020MMBP8" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Missing[/amazon_link] by Shiloh Ward - psychic, paranormal about troubled young woman with psychic powers and young man who helps her define her gifts by befriending, then leaving her, and returning when he needs help

15. [amazon_link id="0345476255" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]To Die For: a Novel[/amazon_link] by Linda Howard  - H breaks off with her because he thinks she's "high maintenance". He's a cop and when he thinks she's been killed at her place of business, he realizes he loves her. Light hearted.

More to come . . .

To view trailer with Tosh Yanez filmed by esteem cinematographer Frazer Bradshaw go HOME PAGE.

International model and actor Tosh Yanez is featured in "The House on Black Lake" trailer for novel/screenplay. The handsome star can be seen in magazines, billboards, and on commercials throughout the world.