I have a few personal barometers to determine if someone is a good pastime…
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1. People who like Las Vegas.
2. People who like pit bulls.
3. People who like my books.
I joke (mostly), but I really enjoy writing, even when I write thrillers, so it will definitely be dark and scary. But I always make sure there are plenty of scenes where my characters have a blast – like in my latest novel, We love the nightlifewhich is about disco vampires in London. Yes, they love dancing as much as they love chasing men outside the club who they can seduce.
I think we need more women letting loose in literature of all genres. It may sound trite, but joy and humor balance out the less fun sides of life, so why shouldn’t they be a priority in a story, even one that is dark in both theme and content? Moments of levity, including laugh-out-loud scenes, are one of the things I wanted to achieve in the vampire genre.
I am of course a fan of anything to do with vampires (especially when it comes to Anne Rice and Charlaine Harris), but the stories often revolve around the nervous and brooding male type – who I of course love and appreciate in his own way. But I asked myself: “Where was the girlypop vampires?“ When I saw a Really I decided to write a few myself and luckily I know I am not the only one. I can not Wait about Rachel Harrison’s So thirsty in October!
But aside from vampires, I have a special place in my heart for any thriller that keeps its characters true to themselves despite the drama, intrigue, murder and all the other good stuff we readers And Authors love this genre. As I always say, if we’re not laughing, we’re probably crying! So let’s get to some of my favorites:
The hunting women by May Cobb
A modern classic that will soon be available as a television series on Starz, in case you haven’t thought about it Deadline or diversity lately. May Cobb has hit the jackpot here. Wild women with hard cash in Texas, drinking with younger men on the outskirts of town. Hello. Need I say more? Well, I will. They’re as funny as they are dangerous. The best combination.
It had to be you by Eliza Jane Brazier
I loved this steamy take on a spy thriller by Eliza Jane Brazier. I must say, she lets her characters have FUN, and with a big S And U in their latest. Keep a fan at the poolside while you dance with these sexy MCs who walk the line between wanting to kill each other and, well, You know…it’s hot!
Kismet by Amina Akhtar
Everything that has to do with wellness almost always makes me laugh because so much of it So ridiculous, and Amina Akhtar kills it with her take on Sedona’s woo-woo culture. MC Ronnie really embraces the finer things of the “clean girl aesthetic” and finds herself in that lifestyle with aplomb – before the bodies start showing up. I also have to mention the very entertaining ravens of the world, who are also on their own hunting spree!
The next Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
There is just something in the Mrs. Parrish universe that Screams Fun and I think it is because Constantine lets the characters be shameful and naughty in such bubbly and snappy. You can just tell that they are having as much fun as the readers. If you have a Desperate HousewivesThis book will fill every big hole in your fun-loving heart.
Love letters to a serial killerby Tasha Coryell
How I had to laugh out loud several times in this book. The character Hannah is a total madwoman, but I know that she is Enjoy herself as she unabashedly pursues a handsome and charming, er, suspected serial killer. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on in the minds of “those women” we all see on true crime documentaries, here’s your answer. Crazy!
The guest room by Andrea Bartz
You know that in a book by Andrea Bartz dark and shady things are going to happen… but this time she let her characters be a little scary at first and honestly, the MC Kelly earned to have some hot fun considering where she’s starting from: no friends, no job, no fiancé anymore. So what if this hot couple opens up their marriage to her? Good luck, baby!
Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor
I mean, it’s right in the name! The characters in Deepti Kapoor’s epic saga of gangsters and lovers in India are often addicted to their vices, and damn if it’s not fun to read about. From the sparkling beaches of Goa to the exclusive parties in the incredible properties of New Delhi, it’s easy to enjoy those heart-stopping moments as the notoriously violent Wadia family do whatever it takes to get what they want.
The Astrology House by Carinn Jade
The characters in this book are messy and full of drama, but since they are attending an astrology retreat, it is definitely entertaining too. I loved seeing how each of them interacted with the practice, because even “non-believers” are always curious. Astrology never does not entertain and neither does this fabulous debut! Oh, you are not in Astrology? That’s a typical Taurus statement. Come on, join in!
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