SquawkRadio Comments

Good morning, Squawkers~~

Anne (or judging from that photo, should I say Sister Chrissy, LOL?) IMO, if the motivation is right, you can make your characters do anything.

If it took climbing into bed with his prey for Peter to get the job done (oh, jeez, that’s a poor choice of words) um, eh, well, yeah, I guess a guy’s gotta do what a guy’s gotta do. I don’t have a problem with that.

I just hope he was well-protected.

Now, I’ve just gotta have a copy of that book so I can find out WHY he made the choices he made!

Have a great day, all...I’m off to suck the blood of college students!

I *love* controversy. Good for you, Sister Krissy. I had no idea this hero had such an unusual past. Sounds intriguing.

You pose a very interesting question. I think it’s one that makes a story interesting. As Sean Connery said in the movie “The Untouchables” .."What are you willing to do?” Do the ends justify the means? I think a lot of literature (and good TV and movies) pose this question. A character that is willing to cross a taboo line will make people squirm.  In the end I don’t think it’s about “that” line, as “that” line is very different for readers..one’s taboo is another’s norm.
I suppose if you can’t stand the heat, put down the book! Or some such mixed metaphor!

In a novel, I usually do not have any problems with a characters past choices when speaking about their sexual history. However, I do not know how I would honestly react in the real world. I’d like to think I’d be accepting of it, but until I was actually in the situation, have no clue how I’d react to it.

This book sounds HOT!  I personally don’t have a problem with a hero/heroine experimenting in their past.  I mean, I’m sure some people don’t know what they like until they try it.  I kinda like the idea of a hero with a “checkered” past.  If it was something he had to do then it would show me he truly is a hero if it is something he would not have regularly done and was doing it for the greater good.

And about the soldier/assassin/killer thing…
I think we like to romanticize about it when it is fictionalized but are horrified with the harsh reality of it.  In our minds we are able to control the experience when it is fictionalized but in reality we can only look on with no control over the experience.

I agree with Cinthia, I guess if you want to get the job done that badly…

I don’t know what the big deal is, I mean sleeping with the same sex is nothing compared to killing someone! That only makes the hero all the more ruthless and good at his job, right??

I usually judge my heroes and heroines after they have met each other because that it when they change to the better (most of the time) but if they still act as they did before they met, thats when I think they don’t deserve each other. Heroes only need to be nice to the heroine anyway ^__~

Pam

I had heard about Peter’s sexual past before reading the book and honestly didn’t know if I would like him or the book because of it.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that I absolutely loved him, which I think is a credit to the talent of Ms. Stuart.  (In fact, I liked him better than Bastien, whose behavior I had a harder time with).  But I always shake my head at those folks who have to express their outrage at a character an author has written.  If you don’t like it, fine, don’t like it, don’t recommend the book, but you don’t have to damn the author to hell for it either.  It’s only a book, people. 

In real life, I wonder if Peter would be more emotionally damaged than he appears to be in the book - not that he’s all sweetness and light there, by any means - but I am of the theory that casual sex is never casual.  “Sex in the line of duty” I think would be damaging too.

Welcome Anne/Sister Chrissy!  Anyone who has ever read my website or listened to me speak knows that you’ve been one of my favorite authors FOREVER!  I’m so thrilled that you could be with us today!

Oops, that would be “Sister Krissie” with a “K”.  It’s WAY too early to be posting yet!

I’ve never actually come across a character who has that kind of checkered past in a romance, so I can’t really say how I felt about it.  However, no doubt if there are explanations as to the character’s development as you are so skilled at doing, it will be an interesting read!

Hi, guys.  I love that line from The Untouchables.  Loved that movie, as a matter of fact.  David Mamet, isn’t it?  When he’s good he’s amazing.

Yes, I think the fantasy of a killer is what appeals to us.  It’s from a safe distance.  For me it’s also how I can go so dark with my heroes.  I have the sweetest husband in the world (except that he annoyed me last night when he complained I was tying up the tivo for both House and Veronica Mars).
But I digress—having such a safe, loving husband (of 31 years) allows me to go very very dark indeed.  And makes life much more interesting.

Sister K

Hmmm, I continue to be intrigued.

I had a terrible experience with a book (romance) that went into detail about same-sex sex. And I didn’t put it down soon enough. Those visuals will be with me for the rest of my life, but the scenes were a major part of the book.

First, I need to be warned to expect it. Second, I need to know that this past experience of the hero is a limited, short, non’detailed portion of the story. Is it?

I don’t have a problem with controversy as long as the author writes it well.

HOUSE WAS ON LAST NIGHT?!!! UGH!  I’ve been waiting for WEEKS for baseball to be over and now this!!  And I did NOT tape it!  Shoot!  I guess I’ll be bumming off of my sister!  I can’t believe I was out trick-or-treating with the kids instead!

This book sounds really intersting.  Is it a series that should be read in order?  I’ll check it out on Amazon.  I love it when a hero/heroine have done things in their past that aren’t pretty! Like with Lisa Kleypas’ Midnight Angel, Nikolas killed the man that killed his brother and it torments him...I just love that! 

I think this is what draws us to things like Court TV and E! True Hollywood Stories.  It’s fascinating from the outside looking in, but wouldn’t want it in our own lives.

Hi, Tami.  The things the hero has had to do in the past is never gone into.  He’s killed a great many people, but we don’t hear details.  He’s slept with men (or at least one man).  His reaction is “yeah, so what?” and that’s basically all that’s in the book.  No details. 
BTW, the image word on my previous post was “end69.” Are the squawkers trying to send a subliminal message <g>?
Sister K

The book sounds great, but I guess I should read Black Ice first.  I like the idea of a man (more sexually experienced than most!) needing to learn how to make love.

Can’t wait to read it.

I just started Cold as Ice, but I’m loving it! 

I think part of the appeal of your books, Anne, is that I definitely wouldn’t want to marry these guys (whereas pretty much I always want to marry my own heroes! *g*).  In fact, I get wrapped up in feeling sympathy for the heroine as she falls in love with them.

Can we talk marriage therapy?  But that’s the delicious part--seeing her fall in love when she absolutely KNOWS what she’s falling into.  It takes a really great writer to make that convincing.

Why, I don’t know, given that I, for one, am surrounded by girlfriends who have fallen for bad guys!  (not, luckily, amongst the squawkers or Anne, though)

Eloisa

Welcome Anne,

I am a newbie to contemps, so I haven’t read your series. From the description, I would say that your book reflects real life. No one has a perfect past, and hypocrites that we are, I ‘m certain we would run screaming into the night if we heard what is really “in the line of duty” for some members of our FBI or CIA.

Please explain Sister Krissie.

Enjoy your day at Squawk. It’s a fun place!

Ann

I don’t think anybody does the Alpha male or the modern Gothic better than you, Anne.  Like your heroines, I put up with a lot of stuff from your heroes that I wouldn’t tolerate from any other guy just because they’re so well motivated and beautifully written.

And I do agree that having a wonderful teddy bear of husband only makes our little side trips to the dark side more fun

Morning, All.
I’m about to throw ... well...perhaps a fox into the hen house? I think our society is WAY too focused on sex and far too dismissive of “real” love and committment. Let me be more explicit:  Sex is a physical response to stimuli, and, as any woman who has ever used a vibrator can attest, it doesn’t even have to be a HUMAN stimuli!!!

Love is a marvellous emotion, but without the committment to stick past the rough, tough and numbingly boring times, love is just an emotion [hence our 50% + divorce rate???]. I am willing to give up neither sex NOR emotion, thank you, but I do think we need to put things in perspective.

So my argument is that sex = physical response to stimuli [even moreso with males than females].  Love [and for me, you have to add committment to the woman and the relationship] is rare and wonderful and priceless.

Maybe we need to re-popularize another word or phrase: Peter was a sex partner, not a “lover.”

OH, Lordy.  All that pontificating and I neglected to say “Welcome! Sister Krissy/Anne.” Have loved your books forever!

I think I’m really going to love this book, because Peter really jumped out at me in Black Ice.

Personally, I think you’re right. When someone takes on a job such as that, it’s usually with a certain resolve to do whatever it takes to finish that job, and the story should be honest about that.

Glad to “meet” you Anne.

Anne:

I’d personally be disappointed if your characters weren’t dangerous and unpredictable.  I discovered your writing with NIGHTFALL, and after being thoroughly shocked!!!, I went back and read it two more times.  I’ve been hooked on your work ever since.

Hey, and don’t bother drawing my name for the book because I snatched that baby up as soon as it hit the shelves at Barnes & Noble!

Krissie, Peter having sex with a man earlier in his career was completely consistent with his character’s work focus.  To me, it was no different than any time he might have had sex with a woman as part of his deep cover jobs.  His mission successes depended on him maintaining 100% perfect cover and doing whatever necessary to get the job done.

I think Cold As Ice is fantastic!

Hypothetically speaking I’d say it takes much more commitment and guts to pretend to be homosexual when the guy is actually straight..I’m truly intrigued and heading out for my copy right away!

I’m with the majority here.  I love for my heroes to have an edge, the more dangerous, the better.  A past?  Definitely.  In real life, though?  Not so much.  I also have a teddy bear husband.

I haven’t read any Anne Stuart books, yet.  I’m anxious to start.  One of the best things about this site is finding a new (to me) author and going back to read all of her books!

Pamela,
I remember nearly falling off the couch when I was reading that scene in the rain from NIGHTFALL! 

As far as my personal opinion…
I don’t really care what the characters in a book go through as long as it FEELS real when I read it.  I love nothing better than a book where the scene description is so vivid that I am standing in the same room with the characters.  As long as I have that I can handle anything else.  Dragons, demons, elves, killers, flighty flirts, the whole nine yards just give me something to sink my teeth into and I’m hooked!  So I guess that means that I don’t care about the hero having had a colorful past, or even a slightly off color present.  I just want to experience it with him.

I love stories where the hero learns that making love is entirely different than having sex.

Di

I’m with Carolyn. The more dangerous the Hero the better. The more tortured the better. The more they have to go through for redemption, the more I want to read about him.

While I’m not interested in reading any detail about same sex “relationships”, if it’s the experience that forms the person, it has to be part of the story.

Looking foward to discovering these books!

For me, the appeal of the assassin/soldier character is his/her potential for an emotional depth not found in other characters. That the character has crossed the ultimate line--killing another human being--just screams emotional fallout. I’m drawn to that fallout, its consequences. I don’t buy the “hardened beyond redemption” or the “simple redemption by the power of love” cliches. I am awed however, by the balance between the two that you achieve. Peter is not melted by his love for Genevieve. He is simply given back his heartbeat, his pulse. There’s a difference. Even if I can’t find the words for it.

This book sounds very good.  I must admit that Anne is a new-to-me author and I have not yet read any of her work.

What a thought-provoking question! If it fits the character, then I don’t mind a bit, even if we do read all the details in the book. I get squeamish only with rape scenes and incest/underage scenes, even if it is the bad guy doing it, I just don’t want to read about it.

As for the attraction with soldiers and such, they are the ultimate alpha male. Strong, determined, with a very strong sense of belief in something, justice, rightness, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make the world a better place for the rest of us, without expecting tons of gratitude and adoration. That strength of character is a huge turn on, and with the tendency towards type a personalities along with strong alpha-male vibes and a guaranteed physically fit male at that, mmmmm yummy.

I should know - I’m married to a Navy man.

This would be outrage!

So, according to all your nay-sayers, if a person is working undercover, it’s okay to have sex with the opposite gender in order to manipulate, weasel, provoke and just generally USE said person in order to gain information/maintain a cover, but it’s not okay with a member of the same sex?

Well, I say you should just “go all Buffy on their heads”, Anne!

Totally intrigued!  Bought them both!

I guess I can’t really say how I feel about the same sex do what you have to do element in this book. I’ve never read anything like this, but I will definetly check it out! Alot of times I am surprised that I like something that I never thought I would like when it’s well written.

No one does “bad-boy” heroes better than Anne Stuart! I loved Black Ice, and can’t wait to read Cold as Ice.

Hey Sister Krissie!

As far as I’m concerned, Anne Stuart writes the most intense heroes out there. And I’ve thought about them alot. When I wrote Jack Seward in ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT especially and the thing I concluded she does is the whole rebirth arc. Takes a charcater, puts them in extreme situations, forces them to make impossible choices which result in the death of the spirit. They then continue tthrough life, like militant zombies-- weapons at some else’s disposal, who no longer affected by what they do or is done to them whether it’s as simple as sleeping, or as complicated as sex. Then she throfts some spark into their life and the rebirth begins.

But then, I could be wrong.

First, welcome to Squawk Radio

Admittedly, I have never read one of your books, but you have definitely peaked my curiosity now.  I’m not at all opposed to a author taking risks with their characters.  Those are the ones who usually get my attention anyway. In what little bit of recreational writing I do (especially role play type stuff), I’m always accused of pushing the envelop or doing ‘dastardly’ things to my characters just to keep things interesting.  I say hats off to you for daring to be different. Be interesting to see if you can move me enough with what you do with your character to have me throw the book across the room like George R. R. Martin.

THat’s awesome - I’m curious now too! It sounds super interesting and on my monthly trek to the bookstore (or many Amazon is silly Borders doesn’t get their new books out - i hate them, grr) it will be on my list!

It sounds very interesting.  It makes me want to run out to the bookstore right now and buy them all.  I love intense books because it makes me feel like I am really there with the characters.  I bought “Cold as Ice” (you can leave me out of the drawing) because it sounded so interesting.  I suppose I should go out and get “Black Ice” to read first.  I read the acknowledgments in your book and was surprised to read “blow a kiss to Clive Owen.” Is Peter supposed to resemble him or do you just have a celebrity crush?  Clive is a good choice for either.

I admit it (please don’t throw tomatoes at me): I haven’t read any of your books, Anne, but DAMN....I will now! 

So here are my thoughts about your hero’s past.  I think Americans get REALLY caught up with homosexuality, even those who supposedly support it as a valid lifestyle.  The majority of Americans tend to think that one homosexual experience is an indicator that that person is a bonafide Homosexual.  Not true.  In other countries, one can have a homosexual experience and never be socially forced to consider the gay lifestyle as his only option.  He’s just experimenting.  But here, people are forced to believe they must make an all or nothing sort of choice--gay or not gay--particularly if we’re talking about men (it’s that penetration thing which tends to emasculate men in terms of the American perspective).  Girls, however, can have same-gender experiences and still be considered hetero.  Weird.  Perhaps that may account for some of the controversy surrounding your book. 

That said, what gives me pause even more than your hero’s homosexual dallyings, is that he is willing to use sex in his job in the first place.  That’s the ethical thing for me, at least.  But I think it takes a lot of (pardon me)…balls to make those writing choices.  No wonder your books are intense.  I’m already thinking about your characters’ ethical dilemmas and I haven’t even read it yet.  How will he change to soften her heart?  What about him makes her stay all the while she is repelled?  It’s a fine line you tread, huh?  Too bad to be redeemed wouldn’t work, but just bad enough makes the chemistry really smoke.  Have you ever gone too far?? 

J Perry Stone

And then, of course, killing is another matter altogether, but we’re so desensitized about killing nowadays, that wouldn’t be the button pusher--though is should be. 

How many of us feel more revulsion towards sexual preditors than murderers? 
We are a recovering puritanical society--sex is still our scarlet letter.

I like how this book sounds. I’m always intrigued by obnoxious or even villainous characters who are still somehow good—or at least hold to a very definite honor code of their own. (Charles Winchester from MASH, Dr. House, even Hannibal Lector!)

I can forgive a lot in a bad-turned-good (or better, at least) character. A man having sex with another man to preserve his cover? Eh. In a book character, that wouldn’t even faze me. In real life? Well, I have inferiority issues enough without adding that into the mix ... but I could probably deal with it.

I agree with Andi, though, that one of the things I could never “forgive” or “get over” in a villain-turned-hero is if he ever raped someone, tortured or killed a child, something like that. There are a few things I consider unforgiveable, and no one will ever be able to write a character who does these things and then becomes a hero, or a likeable gent. It just won’t happen for me.

Is “throft” a word, Connie, because I really love the sound of it?

Teresa, who suspects her hero and heroine will be doing a lot of “throfting” today

It wouldn’t be an Anne Stuart book if the hero wasn’t dark and dangerous, now, would it? Peter’s past simply makes him who he is.

I can’t wait to start this one. It’s on my nightstand. I adored Black Ice. Just read Into the Fire and loved loved loved it! This is next on the list, since I had to wait for it.

I like to think I am open minded (don’t we all) but I could not see past a mans past homosexual encounters in a book or in real life. I will however be requesting a copy from the library just to see how the author handles the transformation of the hero.

"""""""Is sex with another man a deal-breaker for you in a hero?  Or is it (gasp)a turn on?"""""""

Sex with another man is not quite a deal-breaker for me but it’s not a subject I usually want to read about but I vehemently defended that CAI should be approached with an open mind when some conservative readers couldn’t get beyond expressing “homosexuality is disgusting” over and over again in thread on the ROMANTIC TIMES board that eventually got locked.

J Perry Stone asked if sexual predators push buttons worse than killers do, and in my case, I’d have to say it depends. (Ooh, there’s a definitive answer!)

Some characters kill the bad guys, are contract killers who research their targets before making the choice to accept the job, are trapped in a kill-or-be-killed situation, are in a military war zone, etc. These all can be mitigating circumstances, in my mind.

I can’t possibly think of a “mitigating circumstance” for rape. I’m literally feeling sick to my stomach just thinking about it.

After previewing this, I deleted a big, scary rant about rape, but it’s not needed.

Sister Krissy’s character didn’t rape someone, he just used consensual sex to get the job done (oh, and there it is again! Ha!). Nothing criminal there. It didn’t mess up the guy he had sex with, and he chose to participate and doesn’t seem to think it messed himself up too badly.

Now I really want to pick up this book. Payday Friday, I’m off to the bookstore!

Admitting I’m a newbie to Anne Stuart but the discussion has gotten me interested.  Gosh I have to be honest ---- based on what’s been said I think I’ll try be as open minded as much as possible but I think I have to read her stuff in small doses.  Don’t like graphic sex/violence but willing to give this a try based on the glowing recommendations.

Also, why I’m willing to give this a try is because I want to see if the author is that good at manipulating the readers perspective about the hero as everyone is saying and to see if I can walk away with that HEA feeling that romance writers all aim for.  I do have pretty strong feelings about certain things so I’m excited to see how good she really is.  However, looks like before I get to CAI, I have to read Black Ice first.

Welcome, Krissie! I’ve been a fan for more years than either of us want to count, and I have a whole Anne Stuart shelf. I even have two Candlelight romances, THE DEMON COUNT and THE DEMON COUNT’S DAUGHTER. (Are those your first books?)

Wirdald....I hear you on your points.  Very well made. 

I must explain, however, that I do NOT consider homosexuals sexual preditors AT ALL.  I was merely making the point that as a country, we tend to get the most wigged out about sex matters (which is off) and perhaps that is why her book is so controversial.  She’s right to make the point we should be more concerned, like her heroine, with his killing habit. 

Actually, I can see how you might have misunderstood my point, though. 

But I must admit...I’m on the GASP side of this debate.

I actually find the issue fascinating and am looking forward to reading the book.  I’m eager to see how the hero goes from essentially an automaton, doing whatever it takes to get the job done, to discovering his humanity through love of the heroine.  My only requirement is that I believe in the transformation, which requires a heroine strong enough or funny enough or smart enough to make me understand how and why her love thaws the previously cold as ice hero.

Hi Anne,

Yeah I was so happy when I saw you would blog today. I discovered you a few years ago on someone’s Top 10 list. I had to search for a few of your out of print books but it was worth it. I bought Black Ice at Walgreen’s forgetting I had read Cold as Ice. Loved Bastian even through I found him so frustrating. And I remember thinking that Peter was a very intriguing character. I don’t think the same sex thing was a big deal in your book. He touched on it very briefly. It was more clinical in his mind and he didn’t go into detail either physically or emotionally. I think that would have been an interesting angle to take, but that probably would have taken the book in a whole other direction. I have noticed that the theme of same sex has arisen more often in some books pushing the envelope and all that. I also find a story line very intriguing that JR Ward has started in her Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Her very alpha cold non-feeling Vampire male has feelings for a human male that he finds very confusing. She said it is more emotional than physical. And through his awakening feelings for this male he is able to find his female mate and love her fully. And that is infinitely more interesting to me.

Ohhh Duhh, I loved Black Ice. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship. And I loved that Peter was very honest with himself that he had feelings for her from the start and wasn’t trying to pretend they didn’t exist. Thank you Anne for a great book.

Hi Anne, kudos on Black As Ice making waves. The hero sounds very intriguing and I plan to pick this up as soon as budget allows.

Duh, that should have been Cold As Ice. I confused it with your other book Black Ice obviously. 

Honestly, I mostly read historicals, with very few contemps thrown in, and I have never come across this particular quandry before. I don’t know how I would handle it, but he seems more like a man slut than anything. I mean, using sex to get the job done? Women would be burnt at the stake for that and it is amazing to me that more people haven’t mentioned that aspect of it. I would seriously have to read the book before I judged it. But the dilemma for me is his willingness to have sex to get where he needs than who he is sleeping with because I want the sex in my romances to show the love between the h/h, not just fill a gap.

*Blushing* Gap in the book, page filler. Stopping now.

Just stopping by to say how much I loved Black Ice and can’t wait to read Cold As Ice.

As for Peter’s sexual history, I’m of the “so what?” group. It doesn’t bother me who the hero’s slept with in the past, as long as once he gets his HEA his heroine’s the only one he’s sleeping with.

Oh Anne “The demon count” was the first romance book I ever read. I loved it and it was a big drama when I had to get it back to the library! Only some years ago did I find the book second hand and I was over the moon about it!

Anyway, to the questions: Are sexually “flexible” heros or killer a dealbreaker?

The first is absolutely no deal breaker for me. In fact, I find it so unusal that my interest for this picked by this fact alone. I love opened mindedness in heros, so this is a definite plus for me.

Actually it´s the same with the hero being pretty casual about killing. Not that I appreciate that as a character trait, but it is interesting to me how an author deals with that and makes the hero sympathetic. So it´s another thing that would rather make me buy the book.

I haven´t read this series, so I am wondering is it necessary t read them in order? Or can I just jump into it?

to me, at least, it doesn’t really matter what the hero has done in the past, but what he is doing and will do in the future that makes the difference.  now, if the3re were to be man-on-man while he was with the heroine, i think that i would be a bit creeped out. 

for the most part, though, it doesn’t really matter.

I’ve read Cold As Ice and never gave thought to Peter’s past.  He was a deep undercover operative with a built in reputation and you either do the job or die.  Not much of a choice in his profession.  I thought he did very well avoiding Harry’s twisted bent. [the villain]

The past points were not dwelled on, and Peter did admit parts of his past to the heroine.  Now that dialogue was interesting.  You could just feel her thinking about it then thinking better of asking about the touchy topic.  They had more urgent things on their minds-- staying alive.

I enjoyed the read....and matter of fact, have enjoyed all of Anne’s work.  I just wish Cold As Ice was longer

Anne/Sister Krissy,

Thanks for clarifying that for me that the same sex sex is just part of the hero’s past. Believe me, it makes a huge difference.

How the heck have I not read what sounds like a fabulous author’s work? Are they in the romance section?

What is it about the book NIGHTFALL that was so shocking? Without giving the story away..

Finally, I don’t think anyone has mentioned that isn’t it really a matter of good vs evil with respect to the assasin/murderer plot lines?

I am really looking forward to digging into these books

An interesting perspective from a military sniper and FBI hostage team sharpshooter-- When asked if it bothered him to kill someone-- he told me, “You don’t go there.  It’s an objective, a target.  Take out the target/objective and move one.  If you think about it, you’re toast.”

Fun facts to uncover in research!

Picked up Black Ice today...trying to get my hands on Cold As Ice.  That song keeps running through my head. 

Having a hero with homosexual or bi-sexual tendancies really doesn’t bother me.  Is his sexuality grounded to whomever he is with at that time?  Does his bi-sexuality mean he’s permiscuous and will not be faithful to the heroine?  I don’t think so, I’d have to ask around.

Is m/m sex hot?  Depends on how it’s written .  I’m all for the hoyay, but having sex in order to get a different job done sounds a bit cold to me; if it were a more typical romance novel wouldn’t the hero have fallen in love with whomever he was forced to sleep with?

I have Cold as Ice now, which I’ll get to as soon as I’m done with the pesky reading assignments and essays.  I don’t seek out gay romance, but I don’t think I’d have a problem with it (esp. not with the couples I’m ‘shipping ).  I like Diana Gabaldon’s LJG series, but they’re not exactly romances, although there is usually some romance (or unrequited love) involved. 

“HOUSE WAS ON LAST NIGHT?!!!”

Speaking of hoyay… I think the subtext has turned into text, perhaps even bold-text.  As much as I’m ‘shipping H/W, I think sexuality is more of a spectrum than simply straight, bi or gay, and to paraphrase House, “Sleeping with another man doesn’t make you gay.” Willow’s “I’m gay now” line bothers me a bit for that reason because I prefer to think that she falls in love with the person regardless of his or her gender.

Hi, guys.  I had to go off to the shrink so I’m jumping back in.
Thanks for all the kind words.  I’m drinking them up.
BLACK ICE does take place before COLD AS ICE, and if you read the second one first you’ll know that the characters in BI have a happy ending (but you’d know that anyway), and you’d know one of the characters is undercover, but that’s about it. 

Clive Owen—yum!  He was the original model for the hero but then, as usual, my character morphed and became his own man,

Sexual predators, rapists etc.  I have trouble with sexual predators who prey on children.  I don’t want to go there—don’t want to hear about it, don’t want to use it (except very distantly) in a book.
In my personal life, however, I’d rather be raped than dead.  And I could accept an adult murderer better than I could accept an adult who molested children.  But it’s all a question of personal values.
Children get protected at all costs, and I really don’t want to know how a child molester thinks <shudder>.

Christina—The Demon Count and The Demon Count’s Daughter were my fourth and fifth books (actually it was one long book and they cut it in half).  I’ve bee around forever.

What’s so shocking about NIGHTFALL?  It’s extremely intense, and people find the scene in the mud and rain quite ... interesting.  It’s one of my most beloved books, but it never found its audience.  It’s a very dark, intense ride.

The thing I like about my heroes, which seems to differ from other warrior/hero types, is that my characters are bruised, damaged, twisted by what they’ve had to do in life. 

I’ve been reading the Tara Janzen books and adoring them, but her heroes never question what they do, never have doubts about what’s right and what’s wrong.  They’re wonderful characters, but just from a different country than mine are.

Once you kill another human being it takes something away from you, no matter how you run from it, ignore it, etc.

And that permanent wounding fascinates me.

Krissie

*grins* That’s awesome!  I’m now more intrigued to read it (since I’m a historical junkie and don’t usually peruse the contemporaries...but throw in a controversy--and I’m on board, baby!)-- *makes note to pick up this book when she goes by the book store tonight*

Dealbreakers.  If the hero hits her.  I’m not cool with that, definitely.  Even once.  Even if “she deserved it”.  There have been a couple authors I’ve read, historicals, that do that...and while perhaps historically accurate, not exactly my cup of tea.  I lose respect for both characters--and am drawn out of the story.

I’m not sure I’d be too game with him not rescusing her until she was almost dead, just standing by...but I’d have to read it in context to be sure.  *LOL* If he could care less she’s being tortured, I might have a problem; if he’s still a bit torn, but doesn’t want to give up the gig--that motivation I can understand and go on to like him.  And so long as we had the HEA where he didn’t cheat on her with another man (because how can you, as a woman, compete with another man?)--okay, sure…

Love the nun outfit...*grins* Totally fitting.

I think it’s great that you can be true to the character.  Some of the best books I’ve read have subject matters that disturb me.  Though I may not be part of the “turned on” category when it comes to the hero’s past, I definitely can say I’m not “turned off” either.

Oh the joys of working in a public library.  I popped downstairs and picked Black Ice off the shelf and started reading it over lunch.  My first Anne Stuart book.  (It must be good because someone started chewing on the corner) I’m not much for suspense so I might have to do a lot of skimming over the tense parts. 

As to the allusions to homosexual sex, so what.  As long as it was between two (or even more) consenting adults I don’t have a problem with it as long as it makes sense for the character. 

Violence is much more disturbing to me then what two men or two women choose to do together.

Even though I’m only 33, I guess I’m more of a traditional kind of gal. To be honest, it would be a dealbreaker for me. If this guy is just a secondary character, then that is fine. If he’s the hero, then I definitely don’t want to know that he’s been with another guy, even if it was just because he was undercover. It would ruin the romance part of it for me. That being said, I haven’t read the book so I don’t know all of the circumstances. Maybe I should give it a read and see how it goes. Everyone else seems to like the series. 

“And that permanent wounding fascinates me.”

Me too.  Why are broken or anti-heros so fascinating?

Lanie—everyone has their own dealbreakers, and I respect that.  It might not be to your taste.  In fact, however, I think the intensity and the darkness is the more challenging aspect of the book.

As for hitting, I think it depends on the circumstances.  If a hero knocks a heroine out to save her life, then its okay (except that knocking someone out isn’t that straightforward)

And there was a wonderful book from long ago called A MESSAGE FROM ABSALOM where the hero, a Russian bad guy, had to slap the heroine in front of his superiors while he was interrogating her.  It was fascinating and strangely erotic.  That someone would go that far to save her life.

A man who hits a woman because she pisses him off is unacceptable.  (However he can kidnap her and hold her hostage until she falls madly in love with him <g>.

Krissie

Anne,
I’ve read every book you’ve written (that I know of) and while occasionally I am uncomfortable with the choices the hero’s make, there must be something about them that keeps making me come back for more.

As for some of the more controversial things that they do, if it isn’t written into the story, I like to think that the hero’s would have remorse or regrets, and that those experiences made them better men for it.

"Anne Stuart said…

Once you kill another human being it takes something away from you, no matter how you run from it, ignore it, etc.

And that permanent wounding fascinates me.”

Yes, I agree.  I am a fan of the TV show “The Unit” (about US Special Forces) and the creator of the show, who was one of the original Delta special force soldiers (and has killed people), said almost the exact same thing about killing people.  One of the reasons he wanted to do the TV show was not only to show what the Special Forces do to serve our country, but how it affects them and affects their home lives. 

I think it IS fascinating.  I think it’s the nurse in me that wants to try to heal them…

Hey, for this I’ve got to come out of the woodwork!  This hero is never going to be boring… He is not the first, of course.  Remember Lymond from Dorothy Dunnett’s fabulous series?  The Master of Culter, at the end of the six book series, positively smoked off the pages and into the sunset with his chosen woman.  I am definitely ordering the Anne’s ‘Ice’ series.  Keep pushing that evelope I say!

I have not read many contemporaries but have lately started adding them to my shelf.  I seem to be stuck in a historical rut and am looking to broaden my horizons. 

This book definitely sounds like something I would like to read.  The hero’s past is not a deal breaker for me.  I agree that American’s as a whole are way hung up on sexual identity.  I was raised in the Bible Belt where sex is afer marriage only, missionary position, with one foot on the floor.  Anything else is deviant.  12 years of marriage to a completely open-minded guy has really mellowed me out.  DH’s opinion:  Anything between 2 (or more) consenting ADULTS is OK, just leave children out of it.

My verification word is “physical74”.  Is this another subliminal message?

HI Squawkers!

I’m meant to be limiting the typing as I have tendonitis in both wrists, but I couldn’t resist commenting.

Anne - Peter sounds VERY intriguing and I for one am going to head out and hunt down your book (although I’m not sure if it will have reached New Zealand yet - we’re slightly off the map )

Hmmm, as ms. mary said ‘does the end justify the means’. In this case I’m talking about the individual costs (not the overall cost). What has it cost Peter?

orannia

OK, I’m interested! I’ve never read one of your books, either, but this...is worth checking out.

And as for what brownone said…
HOUSE WAS ON LAST NIGHT?!!! UGH!  I’ve been waiting for WEEKS for baseball to be over and now this!!  And I did NOT tape it!  Shoot!  I guess I’ll be bumming off of my sister!  I can’t believe I was out trick-or-treating with the kids instead!

First of all, I thought it started Nov 7th myself. Apparently we were wrong. Second, it was an AWESOME episode! And what an ending! Holy crap! Get thee to your sister’s! Or download it. I’m pretty sure you can either get it from iTunes or the network’s website. Or maybe even YouTube...these crazy kids and their technology!

Anne! As always, I am late to the party. But hi! And I personally cannot WAIT to read COLD AS ICE. I agree with you on all counts. Including the fascination with violence and such when I am such a pacifist myself. I have no idea where that comes from, but I love true crime, and I’m an organized crime groupie, and I just find the whole “dark side of the mind” an extremely interesting place to visit. Probably why I love your books so much, come to think of it.

Anyway, welcome to Squawk, and thanks for visiting us. And thanks for giving us such a “provocative” blog.

Anne—I knew we were soul-mates!  MESSAGE FROM ABSALOM is one of my all-time favorite books!  It’s by Anne Armstrong Thompson.

When I was teenager, I fell fell fell in love with her books.  I was desperate to read every one, but the one-horse town I was in didn’t have them.  So—my very first Amazon-esque purchase:  I got up my nerve and wrote a second hand book place whose ad I found in the back of a magazine.

I’ve never forgotten the sense of awe and discovery I got when that book arrived in the mail. 

WHAT A WONDERFUL BOOK!

Eloisa, raving (obviously)

Actually, I think that the sexual flexibility is a turn-on. Also, it makes the entire story much more interesting. Most romance heroes are sooooo vanilla!

Okay Lacey...tell me HOW good it is so I’ll feel EVEN WORSE about missing it!!  I’ll check thier website to see if they offer it online! 

Now...I’ve read another book where the guy is in a gay relationship with another guy falls for this girl.  I liked it, it pushed the envelope and was pretty refreshing!

I do agree with the attractiveness of a person who can,has and will kill. It’s a bit perverted, considering that I too, abhor violence, yet the thought of such a hero is fascinating. And as far as his sexuality is concerned,well, it was sth he had to do bc of his job.It was his choice, and he can and must live with it. I don’t think I’d like a romantic hero to be bisexual(unless reading an erotica book), but I don’t mind him doing it for “alterior” motives. Like Mrz Stuart said:"A man’t got to do,what a man’s got to do”. And the finality of such an action is truly intriguing.

I just picked up my Waldenbooks’ last copy of Black Ice!  I’m so lucky.  I would have hated the wait it would take to order it.  I’m looking forward to reading it.  It looks like such a great book.

I love dark, complicated heroes so I will definitely be getting Cold As Ice too.

Sounds like a great book.  I know some people who would be MORE interested because of his sexual history.  As to the Amazon review - it takes all kinds.

Alice

Janelle - you said exactly what I was thinking and couldn’t put into words.  In fact, I think that’s why I got away from reading historicals.  They were all starting to run together for me because they were so similar. I’m an ecclectic reader anyway (romances, mysteries, action, military, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, etc) so I need a variety of spice.

I haven’t seen The Unit yet but I keep meaning to.  Bob Mayer, Jenny Crusie’s collaborator who was in the Special Forces says it’s the only show that’s gotten it right.  I figure it’ll be painless research after reading three books about mercenaries (for the new book, ICE STORM). 
And I’m afraid the hero (Killian) may kill a child, which many of you said was the ultimate taboo.  I’ll have to see how it unfolds.  Since he’s worked as a mercenary in Africa, where things are incredibly awful, it could happen, given the number of child soldiers there.

I’m not sure that’s what’s going to happen though.  It’ll only be if necessary.  I want something to horrify the heroine (and the hero) before we find out why.  I don’t know if he’d kill a child to save himself.  But he might kill a child to save a busload of children.

Interesting moral choices.  With luck that’ll never come up and I won’t have to deal with it—I’m not going to put something like that in just for shock value.  But if the story and characters end up making it necessary, then I won’t chicken out of doing it either.

But I’m hoping I won’t have to.

Krissie

Well I must confess that my first taste of darkness came when I read MARA, DAUGHTER OF THE NILE when I was 11 and the hero subdued the heroine by grabbing her from behind and holding a dagger to her throat.  I thought it was wildly sexy and I didn’t even know what “sexy” was back then.

I must admit to being intrigued.  If all I had heard was about the hero’s past, I might not be as interested (I’m more of a historical genre reader anyway).  But after your explanantions, especially about examining how some actions scar us, I am very curious.  I think that it’s the mark of a gifted writer to turn someone I would usually be turned off by into a hero who truly deserves his happy ending.

Specifically addressing the sexuality issue:  I would personally be a bit turned off by his past, but more so as a symptom of a man who is also willing to do anything to get what he wants.  But I would also have the same problem if he were sleeping with women as part of his job.  It takes a talented auther to make me really believe that this guy has changed and will be all that the heroine deserves.

"MARA, DAUGHTER OF THE NILE”

I *loved* that book.  Probably one of my first romances, before I even knew there was a separate genre for them.

I think, for me, part of what’s so attractive about hoyay is that it shows characters who have chemistry with each other, even if it’s not so romantically inclined.  But for some reason, they ping off each other, much like Angel and Spike do.

Sheftu!!!!  Oh, be still my heart.  Did you guys know you can still buy MARA (at least you could a few years ago when I got my latest copy).
I have no secrets.  When I was a kid I’d pour myself a small glass of grapejuice and do Hatchepsut’s death speech. 
“Yes, I will drink and forget, but you will not forget, son of the lesser wife.”

Of course nowadays I think Hatchepsut is cool and shoulda been pharoah, but that’s another story.  Nothing, but nothing is cooler than when Sheftu (who’s actually <gasp> 19) grabs her and plans to kill her and she twists around and kisses him, making him drop the knife.

God, it’s no wonder we love books!

For those of you who’ve never read it, it’s MARA DAUGHTER OF THE NILE by Eloise Jarvis McGraw and it still holds up after all these years.

Krissie

Yep, that’s the one, Krissie!  I have a copy on my shelf too!  Got me hooked on hot and dangerous heroes at an early age

I’m in the “So what” category too.  But I’m like Hellion in the sense that if a hero slaps a woman, I lose all respect for the story and h/h.  I don’t care - I don’t like physical violence in between couples.  Yes, kill the bad guy/gal but don’t do it to one another.

I’m so off to get Nightfall and these other two!

I haven’t read any of your books yet, Anne.  Is this book part of a series?  Do you have a favorite of your books that you would recommend I start with?

I don’t have any problem with what the hero feels he has to do if it makes a better story.

I used to think that a hero who’s had sex with a man would be a definite deal breaker - and I’m pretty open. But COLD AS ICE really made me reconsider what sexy is. Peter is sexy, no question. So cold and stoic that even sex with a man doesn’t affect him.  So lethal that he wouldn’t hesitate to take a life.

I’m sure our attraction to such a hero is hard-wired somewhere in our DNA.  We all want to be protected. And personally, if I were dodging bullets, I’d hang close to the hero who has no qualms about killing on my behalf.

Anne/Sister Krissie ~ I love your dark tormented hero’s. You’ve done a fabulous job and I am glad you are brave enough to push the envelope – makes for a much more compelling story.

Kate

I’ve definitely never read any romance (or any other genre, for that matter) in which the hero has had any sort of homosexual encounters. It’s somewhat hard to say, but I’m guessing that it would only serve to make the hero more interesting to me. (As long as it’s presented as it apparently is here - as the job.)

From what everyone has said, however, I don’t even think that is the part of the book I would be focusing on. Your characters sound so dark and intense, and I think that would be the main aspect I would pay attention to. I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t read any of your novels, but they definitely sound worth reading. It’s always wonderful finding new-to-you authors, because there’s a huge backlist to go through. Even if they are a little too intense to read in one go.

"And that permanent wounding fascinates me.”

And it most certainly shows in your writing and in the people in your books.  I love the darker heros that you do, Anne, and how they suffer (sometimes without knowing they’re suffering) and the changes they go through to find love on the other side.  But even though a part of them has changed, they remain true to character in sooo many ways, and you bet your sweet bippy they’d revert to form to save the woman who just salvaged their soul! 

“Interesting moral choices.” Kids definitely can’t be harmed or killed.  Unless.... What if, in a war-torn country, a child wearing a coat loaded with enough explosives to take out a small town walks into an orphanage or a hospital ward full of wounded children?  Does the hero sacrifice all lives or one life?  The split second decision that hero is going to make, would be the slowest, most agonizing second of his life, as all the options flash rapidly through his mind, as his finger hovers over the hair trigger of his weapon.  Does he or doesn’t he?  As you say Anne, “Interesting moral choices.”

While not all dark heros are faced with that kind of moral choice, isn’t moral choice what it’s all about?  Choosing the lesser of the evils, so to speak, to cross from the darkest of worlds into a world where the hero learns to trust his soulmate as he would no other. 

Ahhh I do love Anne Stuart books!  You provoke wonderfully rich characters and images, as well as thought provoking squawking!  Keep up the great work Anne.  Looking forward to Cold as Ice, AND Ice Storm.

Kris Ann

Anne, I own all of your books except for the first Maggie Bennet.  I hope that you will eventually find a publisher who will want to re-issue them.  It saddens that you haven’t.
I am currently re-reading A Rose at Midnight.  I haven’t read this book since my brother passed away, so naturally I cried during the scene with Ghislaine and her brother.
Thank you for writing such wonderful books.  I absolutely cannot wait for the next
book!

Hey, I heard MARA, DAUGHTER OF THEN NILE all the way from my corner of the blogosphere!  I love that book and I know that Krissie does too.  Teresa, I knew there was a reason I liked you so much.  I have to get a new copy of that book.  I left my old one at home and my mom can’t find it.

Speaking of great books, I adored BLACK ICE and COLD AS ICE is just as wonderful.  Peter’s past only added spice to an already great character.  Thanks for such great reads, Krissie.

I can’t believe I didn’t remember Aral Vorkosigan as an example of a bisexual hero until now.  There’s a great exchange in “Cordelia’s Honour” between Cordelia and Vordarian:

“He’s bisexual, you know.” He took a delicate sip of his wine.
“Was bisexual,” she corrected absently, looking fondly across the room.  “Now he’s monogamous.”

I can’t believe I didn’t remember Aral Vorkosigan until now.  There’s a great exchange in “Cordelia’s Honour” between Cordelia and Vordarian:

“He’s bisexual, you know.” He took a delicate sip of his wine.
“Was bisexual,” she corrected absently, looking fondly across the room.  “Now he’s monogamous.”

What a great question- Living in the SF bay area, I’m not the best judge of what will squick most readers. 

I do think you’re doing something right when you get such a strong reaction.

I think the reason killers/assassins are fascinating is that we assume their abilities come from hard-won skill and super-human control.  They’ve been tried in a harder school and, one assumes, faced their essential self.  We all want to know how we’d react if tested-- we hope we’d rise to the occasion, but don’t really know and are unlikely to find out.  Talent is sexy. Detachment is mysterious.  And what is more powerful than holding life or death in your hands. Plus killing gives you great abs.

Yes, I deleted and re-pasted that last sentence several times-- dark humor is so hard to convey in print.

This certainly is a touchy subject, but if you want my opinion, there is nothing wrong with same sex...sex. I can’t say that it turns me on, but hell, whatever floats your boat. It’s a shame that people get so wrapped up in something like that and miss the real essence of the story. Oh well, what can you do, right?

I’m glad that you didn’t sacrifice anything in your story for the sake of who might hypothetically offend. That in itself is refreshing!

This is a very interesting subject today!  It was pinging with me that it reminds me of an old favorite TV show, “La Femme Nikita”..that whole show was about a tortured (litterally, sometimes) two-some, Michael and Nikita.  It was a facinating chemistry they had, love, hate, doing what one must to stay alive..ahhh...miss that show..

it was pretty sad to find out that people actually forget what the story is about, and stick on the one thing just to make a problem out of nothing. same sex is a persons choice, it is none of anybody’s business, but the person involved. people should get over it, nobody is forcing them to have same sex!!!!, anyway i think it is a kind of turn on in a man.....if i love a man i would not care if he had slept with a man, it is just something that makes him who he is.

Anne and Ladies:

I think the issue of hetero versus homosexual encounters is a non issue for this book.  Peter was doing a job!  His duties were not connected to his personal sexual choices.  He was definitely heterosexual in my interpretation.

Now if the encounter happened as a betrayal of a relationship, issues arise.  Even then, it’s not really an issue of same sex encounters, but the betrayal.

I was once in one of those odd girlfriend discussions about affairs.  The women were discussing which would devastate them more, a husband’s affair with another woman, or a man.  My friends were leaned more toward the affair with a man.

I found out that I was odd woman out.  I would be more devastated by the affair with a woman.  I would feel rejected personally, if the affair was with another woman.  “What’s she giving him that I don’t?”
If the affair was with a man, well, he’s looking for something else entirely.  The question is not the same. 
Yes, both would hurt. Would I remain married after either kind of betrayal?  Who knows?

Without going into spoilers, Peter’s job was costly to him personally.  But everything worked wonderfully for the book.

I loved it!

Thanks again Squawkers.  I have another (two) book for my TBR list.
Oh my, the word is zipper67 how appropro!

I have not yet read the book, but it sounds highly intriguing! As for the sexual stuff, I have no real problem with it. After all, it wasn’t for his pleasure. It was his job. Just because someone does something doesn’t mean they like it.

Sure, some could argue that he should have some pride left and say no, but he was UNDERCOVER. It’s what they do!

Few. Ok, my rant is done. 

I’m not sure if anyone is really frowning on *same sex sex*. I certainly don’t!  BUT, I know for me, as a Romance connassieur, lol, I can NOT handle reading detailed scene after scene of it, in the name of love or not. The most I can accept is DG’s OULANDER scene with that monster of a captain. And that was really just heart-wrenchingly tragic! No details, please, lol.

Molly, interesting take on “the reason for the fascination with killer /assasins.

The most I can accept is DG’s OULANDER scene with that monster of a captain. And that was really just heart-wrenchingly tragic!

Have you read any of her LJG stories?  I think the love scenes in there are more in-line with a “normal” (whatever that is) lovemaking scene rather than Jamie and BJR, which is closer, IMO, to rape.

Sorry for the double post above.  Got a bit excited.  LOL.

Ooh, ooh, ooh!  Pick me! I’m dying to read COLD AS ICE and am a big Anne Stuart fan.  And yes, it’s (gasp) a turn on…

hey i think its great for the whole male on male i have always wondered if a romance novel would tackle that. I haven’t read any of anne’s book yet , but now i will most certainly check it out!

Now one more thing .....what about girl on girl?.....what if she was in the line duty or something , that would be something to read....

i love anne stuart books.  i think there’s something so compelling about her heroes that are cold, deadly, and morally detached because when they do finally care about someone else more than “the job”, their intensity and strength is channeled in a much more positive and meaningful way. 

it’s the tortured heroes that really demonstrate what love can overcome.

Picking one thing out of context of an entire book seems wrong.  If it’s part of the whole character then I have no problem with it.

Anne - I am a recent “fan convert”, having “found” you through “Well-Behaved at All Times”. Just finished your SHADOWS AT SUNSET...Great book. Looking forward to BLACK ICE and COLD AS ICE.

AND I can’t wait for The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes. I had the pleasure of hearing the three of you speak at RWA - so glad you haven’t killed Crusie yet...sounds like she might have needed it at times!!!  LOL

You are definitely worth GLOMMING!

The book sounds like a good read. Nothing should be censored. There’s enough books out there for everyone.

Hi, Ms Krissy..

In the world of black ops, M/M may be as prevalent as M/F.
I liked the “through-a-way “ mention of Peter’s past sexual partners that you used in “Cold as Ice”

I re-read “Black Ice” before I read “Cold As Ice”. This is definitely an excellent series. Are ther more to come ?

Have read a goodly percentage of your books...really liked the “Catspaw” series.

Keep on writing.

When I began reading about this I didn’t know I was going to hit the floor...ouch that hurt.

But you know Anne Rice truly had Lestat and Loui in love..sort of haha. And in several of her books she talks about such love affairs.

So my opinion is, if it makes for a great read, why not. It can truly be one more “bump” in the road, which can make for great drama.

And whoever thinks that it’s not ok...perhaps they should read Anne Rice or James Reese.

Anyhow, go for the shock value, wow the crowds with your twists...in the end you’ll have fun knowing that you amazed your readers..after all isn’t that what its about?

Hi Anne!
Last year, I just loved “Black Ice” and was glad to see that you were writing “Cold As Ice” with Peter’s story.  He is totally a hero out of the norm.  What everyone forgets is that an International Secret Agent will do whatever it takes to get the mission done and Peter has done that and more.

Hi, guys.  Back again.  Jacksmom—I lost my own brother, so I’ve often had brothers in my books.  It keeps me close to him.

Best book to start with?  Probably BLACK ICE since it’s readily available.  If you’re in a used bookstores there are tons of ones I loved—NIGHTFALL is one of my favorites.  On my website I talk about some of my most favorite older books.

I loved the series of La Femme Nikita—particularly the first year and the first episode of year two.  Great stuff!

Leanna—that’s a very interesting point.  I could seen how having one’s man have an affair with another man might seem like less of a betrayal than with another woman.

Cyndi—I’d never kill Jenny—she’s too much fun to shop with.  We finally finished THE UNFORTUNATE MISS FORTUNES—at least, I hope so.

Louis—yes, more to come.  ICE BLUE in April, ICE STORM next November (I think—I’m still writing it) and then another ICE book the following spring.  It’s a world I’m very happy in right now.

That’s really interesting thinking that there might be a lot of m/m stuff in black ops.  It makes sense to me.

Thanks, guys.

Krissie

I know I’m late to this topic and, Anne, I hope you read this.  I LOVE it when a writer tackles issues not normally seen in “mainstream” fiction.  Having the guts to step outside of the expected is an absolute treat for me.  I have read Gennita Low’s books, which also tackles controversial topics/life events, and I truly enjoy these stories.  By taking this risk, you invite the reader to travel on a different type of journey to see a different side of life.  Whether I would or would not do the things I read about is irrelevant.  The characters, fictionalized characters, are allowed to live and experience life most of us have no clue about and, many of us, are terrified of.  It’s educational and hopefully seen as a study in compassion that should not be ignored.

I have no qualms about man-love or woman-love.  IT IS.  It is what is happening whether we agree or not.  It’s putting emotion and a realness to it other than sexual and I hope that people will see that no matter they feel or believe, by writing about situations like this you bring enlightenment to us.  You evoke a reaction from us.  That is what literature is about.

You are officially on my list of things to by at Barnes-n-Nobles as soon as I leave work today.  Thank you for your courage.

Deb

I just found this site in the last week and WOW!  What a topic.
First I want to say that I am in no way a prude, but I am not into man on man sex.  It squicks me out, however what I find even worse is judgementas people and haters. 
I have been a big Anne Stuart Historical fan for many years. 
I am not very good with titles but, my favorites are the one with the guy with the had that was messed up and he couldn’t use it and then at the end he did...sigh....
and the one where the hero dressed as a monk (I think it was a monk) and ended up falling hard for the girl he was trying to keep safe...be still my beating heart…
Anyway, man love = squick. 
Anne Stuart = Awesome!  So I will run out and pick up the Cold series this weekend!
Thanks all for the great discussion!

judgemental (sorry).

this sort of discussion was a subject at the Lunatic Cafe, with some interesting posts as well