Hera St. Aubyn

I've been Giggled!

2007-08-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

In Hera St Aubyn's Undead In The City, our vampire hero Malveaux is unusual in that he has a craving for both blood and sex. Okay, that makes him "unusual" in the sense that there are probably a thousand similarly "unusual" heroes out there in the erotic paranormal romance subgenre, but for the sake of this review, let's assume that he is, in some way, unusual.

At any rate, our poor hero is currently plagued by an erection so painful that he thinks it can only mean one thing. No, it's not that he has drained the blood from someone who has overdosed on Viagra, he's going to have to create an "offspring" soon (turn someone into a vampire, that is) or he will go mad. Insanity from an overheated erection - now that's something new. Meanwhile, a naughty vampire called Quade is sending his henchmen after Malveaux. I'd think someone with a hard-on that won't go down and a bisexual tendency will enjoy buggering those hapless vampire goons but Malveaux just kills them, alas. It's amazing though that his erection persists while he's killing those goons. Maybe that's why he is "unusual".

Our heroine Tempest Moon is a rocker gal in a band. She's more like Anne Wilson or Stevie Nicks when it comes to sexual appetite, which is good as it makes her come off like a "real" rocker instead of some silly virginal Goth girl wannabe. When her world and Malveaux's collide, baby, it's rock and roll.

Don't be fooled by the overemphasis of the story on Malveaux's erection in the first few chapters of the story - Undead In The City soon morphs into a beautifully gory horror story spiced with plenty of naughtiness. Hera St Aubyn is channeling Nancy A Collins rather than any random current "I shag my way through all the werewolves and vampires in the city because I'm a Mary Sue that way" urban fantasy authors out there and the result is unexpectedly good. Tempest is a complete man-eating slut and I so adore her as she gets down to business with Malveaux with style and plenty of sass. Malveaux is pretty fun too as he's a vampire who is bad-ass rather than whiny-ass. He rips people's head off without remorse while becoming only a little bit mushy when it comes to his adoration of Tempest.

Undead In The City is too much fun for words. It needs to be longer, though, if only because I hate how it ends in what seems like a most premature manner.

Rating: 85

One Year Anniversary Giveaway!

2007-08-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

My alter ego is giving away a signed copy of her upcoming trade paperback, "The Vampire Shrink."

Check out the details on her blog:

http://paranormalityuniverse.blogspot.com/

Coffeetime Romance Review, "Undead in the City"

2007-07-02T23:26:00.000-07:00

Rating: 5 cups

Tempest Moon is the lead guitarist in a rock band. All she wants to do is play her gigs, have sex with whoever strikes her fancy, and be in total control of her life while she and the band wait to be discovered. That all changes though when her fancy takes her to Malveaux.

Malveaux is a 200 year old vampire who is just looking for a place to get out of the cold when he enters the dive that Tempest and her band are playing in. He takes an instant liking to Tempest and decides that she will be his first offspring.

When Malveaux’s enemy Quade sends a couple of vampire thugs to do him in, it interrupts his and Tempest’s fun. But these newly undead are not the only ones after him, even his mob boss has it in for him. As he and Tempest attempt to work out their relationship, again and again his enemies attack them. Malveaux does not count on actually caring for Tempest, nor she for him. When Quade comes up with a truly devious plot, will Tempest and Malveaux survive this latest attack? Or will they lose each other forever?

Undead in the City follows the Dracula theme, but with its own unique flavor. Ms. St. Aubyn does a fantastic job of following the vampire myth carefully, and then adding her own spin to it. I adored reading about Tempest and her “damn the torpedos” attitude. Malveaux’s confusion about the best way to deal with her is hilarious. The sex is hot enough to fry eggs on the side walk making this an exciting read. The villains are just as entertaining as the good guys, and all personalities are well defined. This is one fun read that no one should miss!

Regina, Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance

Romance Junkies Review, "Undead in the City"

2007-06-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

UNDEAD IN THE CITY starts off at a fast pace and doesn’t slow down until the last page. Malveaux is the sinfully sensual hero that will hold readers captivated. Tempest is the kick butt heroine that believes in going after what she wants and not stopping until she gets it. The plot is packed full of adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seat. The love scenes are a volcanic eruption of passion that will melt your circuits. Hera St. Aubyn has done an incredible job of creating characters that are unpredictable and a plot that sizzles. I can’t wait to see what St. Aubyn will come up with for her next book.

By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Angel

Two Lips Reviews, "Undead in the City"

2007-06-25T20:20:00.001-07:00

Undead in the City, by Hera St. Aubyn draws you into the world of Malveaux and Tempest and will not let go. These two characters have their own agenda; each one thinking the other is prey. Are they in for a surprise and so is the reader. You cannot help but fall into this story with both feet and your eyes wide open. So if you like a story with not a lot distraction from the main theme, SEX, this is your story. Undead in the City gets right to the point. The sex is hard and the characters are strong. I thoroughly love this story, and never got bored.
Barb, TwoLipsReviews.com

Summer Solstice Giveaway Winners!

2007-06-21T16:03:00.000-07:00

Here are the 3 winners:

T-shirt: Christy

Tote Bag: Stephanie Bennett

Download of "Undead in the City": Jeanne Andrew

Congratulations everyone!! Thanks so much for participating!

(This guy is the consolation prize. I gave him to myself!)

Another Good Review for "Vampire of my Dreams"

2007-06-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

Alana Fairfax has avoided the area she now finds herself in; it was in this very spot her husband had been taken from her four years ago. She cannot even remember how she arrived here tonight. But when mysterious, unseen hands begin to caress and arouse her; she begins to feel dizzy, until she is swept up in the arms of a very gorgeous, very dark stranger.

This dark stranger, Winston Grayson has known Alana since her childhood, in fact he was a part of her life then, but has kept his distance since. Now that she has come to him, he refuses to loose her again. Can Alana accept that the man she loves is in fact just like the characters she writes about in her books; that he is not exactly alive.

Hera St. Aubyn has written a hot sexy story, that I found entertaining and fun from page one. Alana was such a well-written character the reader will feel her pain as well as her happiness and her need. And her dark stranger, well he is just gorgeous and every woman’s fantasy. Anyone who enjoys a good vampire story with a little spice will love this one.
Overall rating: 5 hearts
Sensuality rating: Very sensual
Reviewer: Sandra, The Romance Studio
June 14, 2007

"Undead in the City" First Review!

2007-06-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

Title: Undead in the City
Author: Hera St. Aubyn
Publisher: Loose Id
Publisher URL: www.loose-id.net
ISBN: 978-1-59632-466-4
Reviewer: Suni Farrar, Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Heat level: O

Malveaux was a vampire, who, thanks to his sire, was in heat. He not only needed blood to survive, he craved sex. Due to Detroit’s horrendous blizzard, there were not many humans who Malveaux wanted to sink his teeth and other body parts into on the streets. Ducking into a local bar found Malveaux just what he was looking for, Tempest Moon. The leader of the rock n’ roll band commanded attention and he was just the vampire to give it to her.

My heart is still trying to recover after reading Undead in the City. The plot kept me on the edge. Malveaux was one dangerous vampire when angered. I would not want to be on his bad side. It was his interesting sense of justice that kept me reading, that and his uncanny ability to give Tempest multiple orgasms. Tempest was big on keeping the upper hand in life and in bed. Meeting up with Malveaux proved challenging for the musician. Undead in the City surpassed hot and went straight to raging boil. I recommend you read this one at night with your favorite toys on hand. The characters are that sexy. Both Tempest and Malveaux radiate power. It was great to watch their relationship unfold. Two muscle bound gladiators could not have provided as much entertainment as this couple, which made their coming together all the more gratifying. Ms. Aubyn did a fantastic job with Undead in the City. I’m looking forward to reading more novels from the author. The characters she created will stay with me for a long time to come. Congratulations to Ms. Aubyn on a novel well written.

Summer Solstice Giveaway!!

2007-06-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

In honor of the time of year vampires like least (long days and relentless sunshine!), I'm having a Summer Solstice Giveaway!!

I'm giving away a t-shirt, with the cover of "Undead in the City" on the front (extra large, so you can use it for sleepwear if you're a petite soul), a tote bag featuring a picture of the cover, and a download of "Undead in the City."

Three prizes!!

Whoot!

How do you grab the goods?

Go here:

http://www.loose-id.net/detail.aspx?ID=461

Read the excerpt from "Undead in the City"

Answer these questions:

1. What was a hand job the equivalent of?

2. What did the relentlessly escalating urge mean?

3. He'd heard Quade had a what?

4. How would the hapless fools end their worthless existences as?

Send your answers to my email address:

herastaubyn@yahoo.com

I'll randomly select 3 winners on the evening of the Summer Solstice, June 21. Winners will be notified individually and their names posted here.

Happy Solstice!

Vampires!

2007-05-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

I'm helping Lynda Hilburn gather information about a topic of crucial importance: Vampires!

She's going to put together some information for an article or two, and I'm pitching in.

My questions are:
How many kinds of vampires do you think there are (monster-type, angsty, warrior, gorgeous lover, superior to humans?, what else?)?
Of those, which kind is your favorite?
Why?

If you'd like to put in your two cents, we'd love to know! Feel free to comment.

Wouldn't Nacho (above) make a great vampire?

Here's Lynda's blog, if you haven't read her part yet:
http://paranormalityuniverse.blogspot.com

Undead in the City Released Today!!

2007-05-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to read a blurb/excerpt and to buy the book!!

http://www.loose-id.net/detail.aspx?ID=461

Great Surprise! Fallen Angel Review

2007-05-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

Awesome Surprise!

I was googling myself and found this review that I'd totally missed. How cool when this stuff happens:

Alana Fairfax has lived with the tortured memory of her husband’s horrible death for the last four years. That New Year’s Eve that he died, her life ended with him. She stopped writing the vampire romance stories that she loved so much and just lived day to day. Now on the anniversary of the tragedy, she finds herself alone and walking the same dark and eerie path. Tonight things are different and on the spot of his murder she finds herself caught up in the moment and losing track of time. The dark stranger who finds her has the looks of a romance cover model. After their meeting things will never be the same for Alana.

This book was delicious. One can’t help but feel the Alana’s pain at the loss of her husband due to tragic circumstances. Winston is every paranormal fan’s dream hero. He is dark and brooding with a sentimental and caring side. The attraction between the two is almost immediate, and the way Alana’s past in entwined into the story was a delightful twist. Ms. St. Aubyn pens a great vampire tale, and this reviewer would love to read a longer more in depth paranormal by this author.

Reviewed by: JoAnn
Fallen Angel Reviews
5 angels

Cover Art For My Novella "Undead in the City"

2007-05-07T16:22:00.000-07:00

One Month And Counting

2007-04-13T22:29:00.000-07:00

I've been very naughty about keeping up on my blog. I thought I'd wait until I had the cover art for "Undead in the City" before I wrote again, but that might still take a while. So, I'll blather here a bit in the meantime. The novella is scheduled to be released on May 15, 2007.

I've been watching "Blood Ties" on Lifetime TV -- the series based on Tanya Huff's books. I'm such a vampire fan, that I usually like most grown-up, relationship/character-focused vamp stories. I'm still enjoying the show, but I wish Henry was a bit more interesting. More vampiric. More magnetic. More dangerous. I understand the need to keep the tension building between the three charactes in the love triangle, but I'd appreciate more information about why the female character is commitment phobic. Hey, I'da been jumping on both those guys long before this point.

What do you think about Blood Ties? Here's a little John DeSalvo eye-candy, just for the pleasure of it.

I sold my novella!

2007-02-19T21:11:00.000-08:00

"Undead in the City," a vampire erotic urban fantasy novella, has been bought by Loose Id. Tentative release date: May, 2007. Yay! I hope everyone likes the tale of the sassy musician, Tempest Moon, and the moody assassin vampire, Malveaux.

Novella is finished! Hopefully, good news will follow.

2007-01-25T18:09:00.000-08:00

This artwork reminds me of the characters in the novella I just finished. Yes. I just finished. Now I have to give the last chapter to my crit group, do edits, and then submit! Yes!

Are these banners gorgeous, or what!

2007-01-15T17:28:00.000-08:00

2007-01-09T23:27:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged much lately. I've been trying to finish my erotic vampire urban fantasy romance and have been slogging along. But I'm happy to report that I'm only a couple of chapters away from the end. Now, if I only had a clue about what the end is going to be!!

The epub who asked for the full didn't seem to mind that it wasn't finished, so I look forward to submitting it by the end of January.

Just a little Johnny for motivation.

Novella, Reviews and Stuff

2006-12-25T20:57:00.000-08:00

My work-in-progress, a hot vampire urban fantasy novella, has been requested by an epub. I love when that happens. I told the editor it wasn't finished, so I'll have to type my little butt off to finish it! And, if they pass on it, at least it will be all ready to be sent to the next pub! I think it's pretty good, if I say so myself.

I'm really looking forward to 2007 because I have the feeling it's going to be a great year for me. So many stories to write -- so little time!!

Here are some reviews by CK2S Kwips and Kritiques:

"Trick or Treat"

A black rose and a spooky old mansion… what more could a woman ask for on a first date with a mysterious man? Natasha’s excitement at this bold adventure is tempered by a bit of anxiety. And then she sees him. Victor is absolutely gorgeous and he’s about to show Natasha a truly spectacular and unforgettable first date together.

TRICK OR TREAT is a bit of a misnomer as this hauntingly beautiful tale transcends any holiday theme. The attraction between the couple is instantaneous and sizzling hot. While very short, TRICK OR TREAT manages to convey a very believable level of sensuality between Natasha and Victor. Not much information is given on either character initially, but this adds a layer of mystique and makes the ending’s twist so much more fulfilling.

TRICK OR TREAT is a cleverly written tale. The storyline does contain very explicit scenes but the attraction just simmering off the pages is undeniably realistic. Hera St. Aubyn is to be commended for crafting such an ingenious tale in so few words. TRICK OR TREAT is the sort of story that, once the reader has completed, he or she will read and reread multiple times to capture each little detail that was woven into the storyline. Kudos to Hera St. Aubyn for the haunting atmosphere and the clever ending of this very spicy tale!
Reviewed by Anne

Review of "Vampire of my Dreams":

Hera St. Aubyn has a gift at incorporating sizzling sensuality in the most unusual of situations. VAMPIRE IN MY DREAMS has an almost dreamlike quality that lures the reader in before taking a rather unique turn in the plot. Some of the unusual twists in this tale may make sensitive readers a bit uncomfortable but all of the pieces fit together and are appropriate in context. Atmosphere is critical for VAMPIRE OF MY DREAMS to work and the haunting ambiance is well interspersed between the instant chemistry between Alana and Winston.

VAMPIRE IN MY DREAMS is an enthralling tale that should please fans of this genre. While Hera St. Aubyn does require the reader to suspend disbelief quite a bit, the overall tone makes this possible and therefore makes VAMPIRE IN MY DREAMS believable. Hera St. Aubyn is certainly an author to keep an eye on as she crafts quite an interesting little story!
Reviewed by Anne

What turns you on?

2006-12-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

Gift Certificate Winner: Elaine Breault. Congratulations, Elaine!!

I've been thinking about why certain passages in certain books really DO it for me, and others -- perhaps much more graphic -- don't. For me, I think it's a combination of vulnerability (nothing more of a turn-on for me than a strong male figure who is willing to acknowledge his inner world), intimacy (emotional/mental rather than only physical) and sensuous word/sentence choices. And, the long hair thing, of course.

While I've been known to write graphic things (the heroine in my novella -- now being subbed to publishers -- swears like a . . . well, a swearer), as a reader, if the strong language and graphic body motions don't come tied up with the aforementioned turn-on things, I tend to skim.

I've probably said this before, but some of the most arousing sections of books I've read have been about Jean-Claude, Laurell K. Hamilton's multi-layered vampire. I don't want to see the new comic book she has out because I don't want anyone else's interpretation of what JC looks like in my head.

Just to make things fun, I'll pick a comment on the Winter Solstice (Dec. 21) and give away a $5 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press.

What turns you on?

Fallen Angel Review of "Trick or Treat" (Not just a Halloween story!)

2006-11-30T18:03:00.000-08:00

Each has their reasons for agreeing to the first date, but can a meeting that begins in a deserted house really lead to anything? Natasha is about to find out when she steps foot into the house and then into the arms of Victor.

I have to admit I am impressed that Hera St. Aubyn was able to create this story in a mere eight pages. While not an overly original idea, Ms. St. Aubyn still puts her own unique touch to the story. She conveys a descriptive setting that intensifies the attraction between Natasha and Victor. The foreplay and sensual liaison is nothing short of pure heat. The author’s expressive phrasing will pull readers into the story as she captures Natasha’s emotional and physical reaction to Victor. As the story comes to a close, readers will be left with a satisfying read.

Reviewed by: Amanda

"Vampire of my Dreams" is for sale today!!!

2006-11-22T13:49:00.000-08:00

You can purchase my latest at The Wild Rose Press: www.thewildrosepress.com

Review of "Trick or Treat" from The Romance Studio

2006-11-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

Trick or Treat is a quirky Halloween-oriented tale about a couple's very odd first date. Natasha has received a black rose, her favourite, with a note promising her an unforgettable night! What woman could resist such an invitation? Natasha dresses in Halloween sexy mode for the meeting in an abandoned, deserted, dusty mansion. Once there, she encounters a gorgeous hunk, with platinum hair, a huge erection, and eyes that constantly change colour.

Their interaction is immediate and very arousing and fulfilling to both; but it's the twist in the denouement that will incite readers to return to this story again and again! Natasha has secrets of her own, as does her lover, and coming together can make them both whole and eternal.

This is an arousing tiny tale with a Halloween theme which also makes for a great read-at-bedtime tale. The sensuality is graphic and very fiery; this is a couple that really makes good music together! I recommend this one both for the sensual nature and for the quirky plot twists.

Sensuality rating: Explicit
Reviewer: Annie, The Romance Studio
November 14, 2006

Excerpt: "Vampire of my Dreams"

2006-11-02T20:19:00.000-08:00

As she stood there, lost in her painful reverie, she had the eerie feeling that someone was watching her. Chills crawled up and down her arms. Snapping out of her tortured recollections, she lifted her head, searching the area for the presence she sensed. Holding her breath, she steeled herself for yet another terrible thing to happen at this spot. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a flutter of movement. She swiveled toward the disturbance. Nobody was there.

She took a few tentative steps, still braced for danger. Half expecting the same murdering drug addicts to jump out and grab her, she readied herself to pull the dagger out of her pocket. Her heart thumped so forcefully in her chest that she swore she could hear it. Sweat broke out on her forehead. There it was again. That ripple of movement at the edge of her vision. And a soft sound, like breathing.

Walking suddenly seemed difficult – as if lifting one foot, then the other, was more complicated than she could manage. She felt too tired to take another step. Her head was filled with cotton, her mind fuzzy. Stumbling over to the iron fence, she leaned back, resting her head against the bars. A wave of heat poured through her body and she opened the front of her cloak. It didn’t make any sense to her that she was burning up out in the cold night air. Maybe she was having one of those hot flashes Vivian always talked about.

"Trick or Treat" Available Today!

2006-10-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

My short story, Trick or Treat, is available for sale!

Excerpt:

Just as she passed a set of etched-glass windows, the full moon emerged from behind a cloud and illuminated the room.

She gasped, pressing a hand to her breast.

A man stood before her. And what a man. He was over six feet tall, with broad shoulders and a muscular chest. The state of his chest was apparent because he wasn’t wearing a shirt. His hair was very light and long enough to brush his elbows. He had amazing eyes. They seemed to shift in the ever-changing moonlight that played over his face, flowing from blue to silver and back again. She’d never seen their like before.

He smiled, the corners of his lush lips rising.

Her heart beat like a ritual drum, the rhythm escalating as her breathing quickened. What an astoundingly-desirable man. Almost unnaturally so. Hot juices dampened the silk thong she’d purchased for this special occasion. Her bra-less nipples hardened and pushed through the fabric of her black velvet blouse as her breasts swelled in anticipation.

(Of course, if this yummy fellow was really a vampire, he'd have combusted by now. But let's pretend . . .)

October Contest! Friday the 13th through Halloween!

2006-10-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

Winners! I picked two names from the comments for the contest and the winners are:
Jenny brat
Teresa

Congratulations, ladies! Would you please contact me, so I can find out which one of the stories (mine or Lynda's) you'd like?

Lynda Hilburn and Hera St. Aubyn are having a contest!

Imagine that your Fairy Godmother pops in and says she’s going to grant you one incredible Halloween night. She says you can select the spooky location and activity of your choice, and you get to take the luscious male of your dreams with you. (Hey! Be wild and crazy, this is a fantasy!)

So, leave a comment here telling us:
Where’s the spooky location you wish to visit?
What’s your planned activity? (As if we didn’t know!)
Which bewitchingly gorgeous male are you taking with you and why?

We’ll choose 2 names from Lynda’s blog and 2 names from Hera’s blog to receive a free download of any of our stories from The Wild Rose Press. Winners will be selected on Halloween night and posted on our blogs.

The Wild Rose Press Bought Another Story from Hera!

2006-10-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

Vampire of my Dreams has been purchased! It's a spicy/hot short-story about my favorite topic: vampire love. Hera loves being an author! Here's a blurb:

Alana Fairfax wrapped her cloak tightly around her as she hurried down the dark, empty street toward home. The full moon cast long, eerie shadows as she passed the old, nightmarish cemetery surrounding the gothic mansion she’d avoided for the last four years. The place her husband had died. As if her feet had a will of their own, she found herself standing in front of the hated place. Overcome and feeling strangely dizzy, she slumped against the cold bars of the iron fence. Struggling to rouse herself, she gasped as imaginary hands caressed her body and a sensuous voice whispered in her mind. Surrendering to the otherworldly seduction, she opened her eyes to discover an extraordinarily handsome stranger only inches away. He lifted her into his arms, and Alana’s life changed forever.

Excerpt from "Trick or Treat"

2006-10-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

He eased his pants down his legs and kicked them aside, finally giving her a full view of his long, muscular body. His beautiful form reminded her of an alabaster statue of one of the gods she’d seen in Europe years ago. But this god was hers for the taking.

The Infamous Pumpkin Butt

2006-09-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

What would Halloween be without him?
Yes, you're right. Hera has a very strange
sense of humor.

Coming Soon From The Wild Rose Press!

2006-09-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Halloween!

A Taste of Things to Come

2006-09-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

This delightful photo is just to get you in the mood for what's to come. And to show you what's on Hera's mind these days.

Welcome to My World!

2006-09-03T15:42:00.000-07:00

You have entered the magical, paranormal, wicked world of author Hera St. Aubyn. Put on something comfortable, unplug the phone, send the kids next door and relax a while. Life can be so . . . exciting. So . . . arousing. Don't you think? Check back often. This is a new blog and I'll be adding posts quickly as soon as my stories are available. Don't do anything I wouldn't do.