“Vampires probably aren’t that big on Christmas, now that I think about it.”
Yes, it’s true. Vampires and Christmas—they go together like…well, vampires and Christmas. LOL
When it came to THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, I definitely didn’t make things easy on myself. Do vampires even celebrate Christmas, you’ve got to be wondering?
Well, the idea actually came about after a chat with the late Kate Duffy, who ran the Brava line for Kensington Publishing. It got me thinking, “What if vampires do celebrate Christmas? They’ve been around for a lot of years, right? So what if they’re even more sentimental about holiday traditions than the rest of us?” They certainly have a lot more memories and customs to build on!
That’s pretty much how the first novella in THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS came about. In “All I Vant for Christmas,” all Connor Drake wants is a nice, homey, traditional holiday.
For the second story in the collection, I have to admit I just really liked the title “A Vampire in her Stocking.” *snicker* But then I had to come up with a way to get one there. So I created Vivian Harrison, a female vamp who’s been in love with her mortal boss for as long as she can remember. But poor Sean turns out to be sick. Very, very sick. Once again riding to the matchmaking rescue, Angelina Ricci decides to do what a vampire has to do—she turns Sean and leaves him as an early Christmas gift for Vivian…complete with bright red bow.
Last but not least, how could I not put a spin on the much-beloved It’s a Wonderful Life concept of “What if I’d never been born?” Of course, in this case, it had to be “What if I’d never become a vampire?” In “It’s a Wonderful Bite,” Angelina gets her own shot at happily forever after—and I do mean forever—but not before going through the hell of seeing what life would be like if she and her long-time love, Ian, had never been turned in the first place. Let’s just say she gains a newfound respect for her fangs and immortality. ;-)
So that’s the run-down on my fun & sexy holiday vampire collection, which did indeed just come out from Kensington Brava. I’d love to answer any questions you have about THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS and chat with those of you who have hopefully already read it! (Hmm, that doesn’t sound quite right. I’ll chat with and answer questions from everybody, whether you’ve read the book yet or not. I’m just hoping a lot of you have read it already. ;-))
In addition, I’d like to invite everyone to enter the “Blood Good Holiday Giveaway” going on now at HeidiBetts.com.
It’s chock-full of fabulous Christmas and vampire goodies (photo above also a photo and list available on the Newsletter page of my site) and the only thing you have to do to enter is sign up for my Newsletter. (And stay subscribed, of course. ;-) But I’m not a pest, I swear!)
And finally, at the end of my visit today, I would like to reward one fabulous and enthusiastic reader with an autographed copy of THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, as well as a handful of very cool vampire goodies—(see photo abobe) glow-in-the-dark fangs, a vampire fangs whistle, and a tiny vial of Vampire Blood (which, surprisingly, can also be used as anti-bacterial gel ;-)).
If you haven’t yet read THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS or haven’t yet read me, all the better—I love dragging new victims over to The Dark Side. *vbg* And, yes, we do have cookies—especially at this time of year. (You don’t mind if the gingerbread men are anatomically correct, do you?)
Heidi Betts
Sexy. Sassy. Sensational.
Romance at its best!
HeidiBetts.com
HeidiBetts.com/WIPSandChains
Oh, and here are a few bonus questions from me to you: (why should I be the only one in the hot seat, right?)#1 – What’s your favorite vampire movie or TV show? (And don’t automatically pick Moonlight just because it’s more recent and Alex O’Loughlin is sexy hot. :-p)
#2 – Who is your favorite fictional vampire? (Extra special bonus points if you name one of the sexy heroes from THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. ;-))
#3 – Have you succumbed to Stephenie Meyer’s all-hypnotizing powers and become a rabid Twilight fan, or are you hanging on to your sanity & sticking with the sexier, more masculine examples of vampire-ness like Angel or Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer? (Okay, that was a little mean. Sorry, I have a strong aversion to teenage vampire angst. But if you’re a Twilight fan and proud of it, I promise not to stake you. Or ask you if you’re a member of Team Edward or Team Jacob…but mostly because I just don’t care. :-P)
#4 – Of the three vampire heroes in THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, who would you most like to settle down & nibble on?
#5 – Of the three heroines in THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, who would you most like to be?
To enter to win Heidi's Bite Before Christmas prize pack leave a comment on this post- please answer one of the questions above
Posts
41 comments:
Well Id have to answer number 1. My favorite vampire movie would have to be Interview with a Vampire and Eclipse and as for TV shows it would have to be True Blood. Thanks for a chance at winning this book. It looks like a wonderful read and it would make Christmas even more exciting this year :)
afrailey@hotmail.com
#1 I love watching Vampire Diaries!
#2 Damon Salvatore
#3 I've read Twilight, but I'm not much of a fan.
+2 I'm a Fang-tastic GFC Follower
aikychien at yahoo dot com
#1 – What’s your favorite vampire movie or TV show? (And don’t automatically pick Moonlight just because it’s more recent and Alex O’Loughlin is sexy hot. :-p) I loved Henry on Blood Ties although Wesly Snipes as Blade was HOT
#2 – Who is your favorite fictional vampire? (Extra special bonus points if you name one of the sexy heroes from THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. ;-)) Oooh to many to name. LKH's Jean Claude, Charlaine Harris' Eric Northman, Jeaniene Frost's Bones...
#3 – Have you succumbed to Stephenie Meyer’s all-hypnotizing powers and become a rabid Twilight fan, or are you hanging on to your sanity & sticking with the sexier, more masculine examples of vampire-ness like Angel or Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer? (Okay, that was a little mean. Sorry, I have a strong aversion to teenage vampire angst. But if you’re a Twilight fan and proud of it, I promise not to stake you. Or ask you if you’re a member of Team Edward or Team Jacob…but mostly because I just don’t care. :-P)I've read them & seen the movies. I still don't get the rabid fanaticism
#4 – Of the three vampire heroes in THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, who would you most like to settle down & nibble on? Um haven't read it.
#5 – Of the three heroines in THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, who would you most like to be? See #4
As much as I hate to admit it the only thing of yours I've read is your blog. Which is great and this book is on my to be picked up list.
Hi Heidi! I love your writing and I love vampires, so what's not to love when they are put together, right? I don't think there's anything sexier than a Vampire who has feelings and isn't afraid to express them with the person they love.
Oh and the anatomically correct gingerbread cookies are a hoot!
1. I'm seriously loving Vampire Diaries. But my favorite Vampire movie will always be Fright Night! Chris Sarandon made the Perfect vampire, in my opinion. I can't ever get enough of that movie.
2. Damon Salvatore- he is just delicious to look at. Those eyes of his are mesmerizing.
3. I haven't read any of the Twilight books, yet. I am wanting to see all of the movies first and then read the books. But I do like the movies.
4-5..I haven't read this one yet...planning on ordering it from Amazon very soon though, so I can't answer these questions...yet :)
miztik_rose@yahoo.com
+2 GFC follower.
I liked Nick Night on the Forever Night TV series. My favorite movie vampire is Frank Langella as Dracula.
This looks like a fun holiday read.
GFC blog follower.
sgiden at verizon.net
Hi Heidi. Your book sounds great. My favorite vampire tv show at the moment is The Vampire Diaries.
I am a GFC follower.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot}com
1.I think my favorite vampire movie is the lost boys.
+2 I am a old gfc follower.
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Thanks for the giveaway.
1. My fav vmapire show is True Blood.
2. My fav vampire is Eric Northman
3. Yes, I have fallen under the Twilight spell.
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
Since I already won an autographed copy from the Dungeon, I won't include my email addy. But here are my answers...
#1 – What’s your favorite vampire movie or TV show? (And don’t automatically pick Moonlight just because it’s more recent and Alex O’Loughlin is sexy hot. :-p)
I would have to say the few episodes of Buffy I've seen for TV and Interview with a Vampire for movie.
#2 – Who is your favorite fictional vampire? (Extra special bonus points if you name one of the sexy heroes from THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. ;-))
Lestat because I liked his moral ambiguity and Sean Spicer of course. ;)
#3 – Have you succumbed to Stephenie Meyer’s all-hypnotizing powers and become a rabid Twilight fan, or are you hanging on to your sanity & sticking with the sexier, more masculine examples of vampire-ness like Angel or Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer?
Never wanted to and don't get the hype.
#4 – Of the three vampire heroes in THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, who would you most like to settle down & nibble on?
Sean Spicer
#5 – Of the three heroines in THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, who would you most like to be?
Vivian - because I think she is the closest to my actual personality
1. Angel (I still cry several times when I watch the last season)
2. Connor from All I Vant for Christmas
3. I read all the Twilight books, but would only rate them as average. Not bothered to see the films, both male actors leave me ice cold.
4. Connor Drake
5. Jillian cause she has Connor.
+2 follower
acm05atjuno.com
Hi, all! Thanks so much for having me today. I'm loving all of your answer to my vampy questions. ;-)
Lost Boys gets a big thumbs-up from me, too! And Anne, you get bonus points for your #5 response. Awww.
Diana~ If you have not seen ALL of Buffy, you must, must, must. Please promise me you will make that one of your New Year's resolutions!
Spike from Buffy is one of my faves, & also Kindred: The Embraced. Does anyone remember that awesome show when it was ever-so-briefly on TV? :-(
I love the show True Blood and I'm a big Twilight fan! tWarner419@aol.com
I will make that a resolution.
#3 – No, I haven't read the Twilight series and don't plan to. I like my vamp hot, big, and bad-a**.
I'm a GFC follower.
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
I forgot to leave my email addy - 1_trouble at msn dot com
Hi Heidi,
I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Spike is my favorite vampire from TV. Blade is my favorite vampire from the movies. I haven't read Stephanie Meyer yet or seen the movies.
I'm a follower.
janie1215 AT excite DOT com
#1 –movie- Interview with a vampire
tv- Buffy or Angel- sorry I just can't get into the new tv stuff..I watched the first season of True Blood though, it wasn't bad
#2 – Hmm..That's hard, because I follow a bunch of series, and most of the series I follow, have a different vamp in each book. I'd have to say..uhm either Dracula or Lestat or Jean-Claude from LKHamilton
#3 – yes I have, only to see what the big hoopla was.. I enjoyed them, read all of them, saw only the first movie, but they aren't my FAVORITE! and i don't get the hoopla of Edward, but whatever:)
#4 – hmm. haven't read it, but I really want to..the synopsis sounds awesome.
#5 –
ditto to number 4
and +2 for being a follower:)
I haven't read any of the Twilight books or seen any of the movies. I love the genre and not sure if I'll check this series out or not.
lenikaye@yahoo.com
1. my fav vampire movie hmmm i love them all ;) vampire in brooklyn for fun, and blade for the bad a** vamp, I'm a die hard angel and spike kinda gal, I can't get into these new shows (mainly because freeview don't show em :)
2. I love Lynsay Sand's Vamp's think Bastien and Vincent are the best, but I must confess I have not yet picked up on of yours Heidi :( (will correct that little slight soon)
3, I have seen the first two twilight films and since i brought the third fr my daughters xmas, i will see the third soon, however answer one should have cleared up this question anyways :)
4. I haven't managed to read it yet between question 2 and 4 but I promise i will ;)
5. see answer 4 :)
Must...get....to.... bookshop....
Hi Heidi! Happy Holidays! I would have to say that my favorite vampire show is and always has been Dark Shadows. Your book sounds like a fun read and would make a lovely Christmas present to myself. bpatrick64113@sbcglobal.net
1. fave TV vamp show-Forever Knight(haven't seen any of the newer ones other than Angel)
2. have to say Rhage of Black Dagger Brotherhood.
3. Nope. Not even tempted.
4&5 Haven't read it yet-hope to cure that if I win.
GFC follower
carolcobun(at)yahoo(dot)com
1.My Favorite Vampire show is Buffy of Coures Moonlight is right up there as my Secound Fave.
2.My Favorite Fictional Vampire is Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon but I have not read your book yet will see,
3.I'm for The More Masculin Vampires.
+2 For Being a fang-Tastic GfC Follower
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
Heidi, I recently watched the whole series of Kindred: The Embraced when it was in re-runs on the Syfy channel. I can't for the life of me understand why it got cancelled right when it was getting good..
Sorry I disappeared yesterday. Had a bad reaction to a pill & ended up sick as a dog. It seems to have passed now, tho, so I'll try to catch up.
@Diana~ Do try to see Buffy from the beginning & in order, okay? They're kind of like LKH books...one long, ongoing storyline, & you'll be so confused if you watch them out of order. They're repeating right now on Chiller Channel, btw; you might be able to catch them.
For the record, I did try to read Twilight. Got about 1/3 thru before I decided life was too short. Writing was okay, but I just couldn't stand how slow it was, the teenage angst, how every guy in school lusted after this little nothing nobody girl... Yeah, right. I may still watch the movies just to get to the sparkled & Ed vs. Jacob thing, but otherwise, I SO do not give a bat's patoot. :-P
@Mary~ I know, Kindred was SO good! It was on Fox, tho, so you know how that goes. (They are such idiot--they canceled Firefly, for God's sake, & now I think The Good Guys. And yet House lingers on. x-0)
I was so hoping one of the other channels would pick up Kindred & keep it going, but then the lead actor (name escapes me at the moment) went & got himself killed, the idiot. Grrr.
#1 – What’s your favorite vampire movie or TV show?
Right now it's True Blood. Eric is so freaking hot and I can't wait to see who they pick to play Quinn!! :)
#2 – Who is your favorite fictional vampire?
WEll there's Eric and Quinn from Southern Vampire series but there's also Eden BRadley's Ever. He hasn't even gotten his own book yet and I love him!!!
#3 – Have you succumbed to Stephenie Meyer’s all-hypnotizing powers and become a rabid Twilight fan, or are you hanging on to your sanity & sticking with the sexier, more masculine examples of vampire-ness like Angel or Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer?
I enjoy the Twilight books and movies but I am not in love with them. I'm not a fan of my vamps sparkling. lol
That was fun thnaks fo rasking us questions!
I'm a follower :)
Kelly
kittykelly28 @ hotmail.com
#1 – Right now I am enjoying Vampire Diaries and TruBlood
#2 – Jean Claude in the Anita Blake Series
#3 – Twilight is okay but not the same as the HOT vampires
#4 – I havent decided yet
#5 – Not sure yet
lisa.mcgeen@hotmail.com
I am a follower GFC
lisa.mcgeen@Hotmail.com
I'm sorry to have to say but I have never read any of your books before :( That's why I love book blogs like this because it's a way for me to find out about awesome books like this ;) I'll answer question #2 My favorite fictional vamp is Dante baptiste from "The Maker's Song series by Adrian Phoenix" If I had read your books, I'm sure I'd pick one of yours ;) I'd love a chance to win your book. Thanks for the chance to win.
Tanyaw1224(at)yahoo(dot)com
+2 follow blog as Tanyaw1224
My fave vampire tv show is currently Vampire Diaries as I am entranced by Damon Salvatore's gorgeous blue eyes and bad boy charm
True Blood is good too though I am pro werewolf on that show. Alcide is just too damn sexy for words- love a man with a little rough around the edges appeal
I have not read the Twilight books though I have seen the movies (several times). I am not a big fan of the sparkly vamps, I think I am pro werewolf there too. Sad but true a vamp loving girl is crossing boundaries.
As far as old time vamp shows- Angel originally stole my heart but I am a sucker for the bad boys and Spike's charm quickly earned my adoration. Henry on Blood Ties was also fab. I think I like the guys that don't brood too much- they accept they are a "monster" and make the best out of it.
Books- I love Jeanienne Frost's Bones most of all. Again the cocky bad boy wins my heart- I also seem to have a thing for British accents :-)
And Heidi yes I do remember Kindrid. I adored that show, reently watched it all again on DVD. So sad that is was short lived. The main vamp Julien was killed in a motorcycle accident in real life- I think that is one reason the show ended so soon. Plus it was ahead of it's time (i think it was even pre-Buffy was it not?).
I recently watched all of the old episodes of Angel and Buffy after I got Netflix(they have them ALL)I was amazed at how many episodes I missed back in the day when I had a life and no DVR. LOL
Just a PS is anyone wants to see all the episodes of Angel and Buffy netflix has them on DVD and on instant viewing. I keep them in my queque and watch them whenever I am bored and in need of a vamp fix.
I love the whole Netflix on demand movie and tv episode thing. They also have shows like Bones. I even saw old Addams Family shows listed in the television shows once. So cool.
Though sometimes my internet connection makes things slow.
Roxanne, my library has the whole Buffy and Angel collection in DVD. I have been known to show up at closing time to snag a video when I am really having a jones! I'll have to check out netflix. I can only watch on the computer; I haven't fallen to the Roku YET.
Great post, Heidi. I always go old-school when people ask me about my favorite vampire TV show and bring out: Forever Knight.
I have succumbed, in that I have read all of the Twilight series books and seen all of the movies to date, but... I've been reading paranormal for the last 17 years, so there is more and better out there for me. Even with teenagers. Just less awkwardness and angst. And better writing.
Thanks for the contest, Heidi and Roxanne!
+2 GFC follower
PolarisGreen at gmail dot com
Favorite vampire movie would be the Lost Boys and Interveiw with a Vampire. The only movie I liked Tom Cruise in! My favorite TV show with vamps is true Blood! I really like Bill I know he gets a bad rap but I love the way he says Sookie. I like the books too! I also like the hot vamps from the Love at Stake series by Kerrelyn SparksL! Jean-Luc is my fav. Yes, I have read the twilight books but since I'm a 35 year old mom I can't say I'm Team Edward, can I? I only watched the first movie it was kinda corny! I have not read your book yet but it looks awesome something I would really enjoy! I will be adding to my list! Thanks for sharing today!
follower
evjochum[AT]aol[DOT]com
Moonlight for me too! I also love Edward!
+2 Fang-tastic GFC Follower
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
My favorite TV show was Forever Knight. I loved that the vampire, Nick Knight, was a cop, but he could only work on the night shift. I also enjoyed Blood Ties, although the vampire was a bit more traditional, he was pretty awesome.
My favorite fictional vampire is Jeaniene Frost's Bones.
I've never read, nor seen the Twilight movies and don't intend to.
Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
True Blood. I love Eric. I liked him in the books but I really like him in the show.
Thanks for sharing! Your book sounds like a great holiday read. Looking forward to it.
GFC follower
bacchus76 at myself dot com
I lovee Heidi's books! this is also on my wish list
#1 – What’s your favorite vampire movie or TV show?Movie is easy John Carpenters Vampires , tv show its atoss up between blood ties and Vampire Diaries
#2 – Who is your favorite fictional vampire? Damon Salvatore,
#3 – Have you succumbed to Stephenie Meyer’s all-hypnotizing powers and become a rabid Twilight fan, or are you hanging on to your sanity & sticking with the sexier, more masculine examples of vampire-ness like Angel or Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer? honestly I hate stephanie myers work all of it i willnever ever read any ofthem in away they are an insult to true author and vampire fiction every where Vampires DO NOT SPARKLE
#4 – Of the three vampire heroes in THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, who would you most like to settle down & nibble on? honestly i dont know yetr havent read this books is on my wish list tho
#5 – Of the three heroines in THE BITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, who would you most like to be? same thing as +4
+2 im a follower
mortalsinn@yahoo.com
Those cookies are awesome!!!
#1: Vampire Diaries
#2: Jeaniene Frost's Bones
#3: I wouldn't say I've succumbed to all of Stephenie Meyer’s all-hypnotizing powers and become a rabid Twilight fan, but she's definitely assisted in getting me to read more paranormal.
+2 Fang-tastic GFC Follower
yadkny@hotmail.com
My favorite movie would be Interview with a Vampire and my favorite TV series would of course be Buffy :)
GFC follower
juliecookies(at)gmail.com
Post a Comment