It’s my absolute pleasure to be featuring paranormal and historical romance author Monica Burns on the blog today. Monica is one of my favorite people in the romance world. Not only is she a super-talented writer, she’s a strong and courageous woman who has overcome a lot of adversity in her life – I mean, a lot. And she’s not shy about talking about these challenges because she knows that being up front about her experiences is a way to both heal and help others.
In a word, Monica is a survivor. She survived date rape at the age of 19 and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder many years later. But rather than giving into a sense of victimhood, Monica used her indomitable will and her belief in happy endings to craft a good life – a life which includes fabulous romances. In fact, Monica will tell you that writing erotic romance aided in her life-long process of healing and reclaiming her self-worth. Her courage leaves me awestruck, and very grateful that she has poured her creative energies into writing such wonderful romances.
And let’s talk about those books, shall we? The first Monica Burns novel I read was Kismet, and I loved it. It’s a historical romance which builds on that beloved old romance trope, the desert sheikh book. Monica brings several interesting twists to the sheikh myth, and the result is an adventurous, very sexy, very emotional book.
Kismet won the 2010 CAPA from The Romance Studio for Best Erotic Historical, and garnered oodles of great reviews. Like this one from RT Book Reviews:
“Burns’ story is hotter than the desert sands! She succeeds with a classic captive/captor romance akin to a Johanna Lindsey classic. Relax and enjoy the sizzling show — complete with a lesson in bananas and seduction.”
Bananas and seduction? How can you resist that?!
As I mentioned, Monica also writes fantastic paranormal romance, and she has a new novel out next month, which will be the third book in her acclaimed Order of the Sicari series. This series (which is SO cool) explores a very old and very deadly feud between the Roman Praetorian Guard and the legendary Sicari assassins. The first two books—Assassin’s Honor and Assassin’s Heart—received rave reviews and picked up some awards, too. You can check them out and also read the first three chapters of the books on Monica’s website.
The third book in the series, Inferno’s Kiss, will be released by Berkley Books on October 4th.
Already, Inferno’s Kiss is getting great reviews, just like the other two books in the series. Here’s the blurb:
The laws of desire…
Dante Condellaire, heir apparent to the Sicari Lords, knows that being a true leader means sacrifice. For Dante it was relinquishing all erotic pleasures. But he never expected his willpower to be tested so fiercely by Cleopatra Vorenus, expert assassin of the Order, and daughter of the man he is positioned to succeed.
The rules of battle…
Cleo prefers working alone—until she meets Dante who shares her goal: to destroy a Praetorian stronghold where Sicari women are imprisoned for devious purposes. Bringing the mission off without a hitch pumps up more than their resolve. It sets off a sexual spark too combustible to ignore.
Are all made to be broken.
As their attraction flares like an inferno, the stakes are raised. So are the risks. Before the mission is over, Dante and Cleo will be plunged into a dangerous conspiracy where a traitor threatens the very foundation of the Order, as well as the fiery bond between Dante and Cleo—warriors and lovers now torn between duty and desire.
Sounds great, doesn’t it? I’m really looking forward to this book! You can read the first three chapters of Inferno’s Kiss on Monica’s website. And while you’re there be sure to check out the other features – including some great articles – and also make sure you stop by her blog. There’s always something interesting going on in Monica’s house!
For my readers, Monica is giving away a copy of her historical romance, Pleasure Me, and a copy of Inferno’s Kiss. Just tell me what your favorite romance movie is—old or new! Two people will win the books!