I’m super excited to celebrate my release day for West of Want, Book 2 in my Hearts of the Anemoi series, here at The Readiacs! The Anemoi were directional wind gods that the Greeks associated with the seasons—and book two focuses on Zephyros Martius, the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring. This is the first time I’ve based characters and a world around Greek mythology, and honestly it’s just been so much fun! There is a rich selection of romance based on mythology, including series by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Alyssa Day, Elisabeth Naughton, Gena Showalter, Stephanie Draven, Stephanie Julian, and others. And here are some reasons I especially love this particular brand of paranormal romance:
Compelling Characters. Greek mythology is filled with a compelling cast of characters. Some are tortured and tormented. Some are jilted and heartbroken. Some are triumphant and heroic. All are powerful and beautiful. The gods, monsters, and other characters associated with Greek mythology offer up a huge bounty for an author!
Rich Backstory. Because every character from Greek mythology either played a certain role, possessed particular powers or starred in a particular mythological tale, they all have hugely rich backstories an author can use to shape the goals, motivations and conflicts of characters based on mythological beings. This is certainly true of the Anemoi, who family was characterized by daddy drama, fraternal feuds, competition over lovers, and more.
Cool Powers. Greek gods possessed the full gamut of supernatural powers—and seeing those in action is one of the reasons I particularly enjoy reading paranormal romance. And this was true of the Anemoi, too. The Greeks attributed the power of the winds, weather and seasons to the four Cardinal (N, S, E, W) Anemoi, who also possessed the power to assume multiple forms (god, elements, human, animal) as well as powers relevant to their season.
Built-in Conflict. Greek mythology reads like the soap opera of the ancient world! Adultery, revenge, power plays, secret babies, and jilted lovers are just a few of the many examples you’ll find in mythology. And this makes for a rich field of problems to throw at your characters—including my characters in West of Want!
High Drama. Put supremely powerful beings together with huge egos together with competitions over power, control, love, and territory and you have all the ingredients for high drama, a great foundation for good storytelling!
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GIVEAWAY!: Do you have a favorite mythology romance novel or series? Comment with your email address and enter to win a West of Want ebook and swag set (bookmark, trading cards, cover magnets). Open to international! Good luck!
West of Want Swag Giveaway
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Don’t miss the West of Want Scavenger Hunt (thru 7/14) and the West of Want in the Wild (thru 8/24) giveaway events, too!
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Thanks for reading!
Laura Kaye
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“Laura Kaye’s captivating writing and vibrant world-building will have readers hooked on the gods of the Anemoi. WEST OF WANT is steamy, spellbinding, and a must-read for all romance fantasy fans.” ~Elisabeth Naughton, author of the Eternal Guardians series
About West of Want:
Betrayal is all he’s ever known, but in her, he’ll find a love strong enough to be trusted…
When Marcella Raines’ twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Though she’s gravely injured–and still emotionally damaged from her recent divorce–Ella fights to survive.
Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn’t protected him from betrayal and loss. Worse, he’s sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph’s heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt forces him to save her.
Ella is drawn to the vulnerability Zeph hides beneath his otherworldly masculinity and ancient blue eyes. And her honesty, empathy, and unique, calming influence leave Zeph wanting…everything. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want–a love that can be trusted.
About Laura Kaye:
Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura
Laura Kaye
is the bestselling and award-winning author of over a half-dozen books in paranormal,
contemporary and erotic romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with all things paranormal. A published non-fiction author, Laura’s work as an historian and training as an archaeologist help her create vivid and accurate portrayals of other times and places. She lives inMarylandwith her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of theChesapeake Bayevery day.
I have a bunch so I’ll list my top 3
You, sherrilyn Kenyon & Gina Showalt
Mythology was my 1st love in reading and what started my life long love in PNR
Aw, Missie! What a thing to say! Thank you so much! And so cool that mythology is what led you into paranormal romance! Love that!
My favorite greek mythology romance series is the Dark Hunter series, I can’t tell you just how much I do love this series, to the point I am obsessed LOL.
vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com
The Dark Hunters series is at the top of my mythology romance list, too!
I haven’t really read a mythology series, unless you count Lyndsay Sands Argenaut Vampires.
Well, awesome! Something new for you to look forward to!
My favorite mythology series is Gena Showalters Lords of the Underworld I’m a William fan even though he is a bit of a slut! lol its great that authors can make you interested in all the mythology not just the characters they’ve come up with
its not your everyday series and i really enjoy that 
amieesnow(at)gmail(dot)com
This one’s on my TBR pile for sure! Thanks for commenting!
I have to say that Laura’s Hearts of the Aneomi series is currently my favorite!! Ok, I’ve enjoyed all her books that I’ve read so far
Sarah
Sjune2721(@)gmail(.)com
xoxoxo!!! LOL Thanks so much, Sarah! (the check is in the mail…
)
But of course it’s this series; I so loved North of Need & hv been waiting eagerly for West of Want!
xoxo Linda! Thanks so much!
The only one that comes to mind is Dark Hunter’s series but I LOVED North of Need so I can’t wait to read West of Want!
Samantha
samanthadacier(at)gmail(.)com
Dark Hunters is my favorite, too! Acheron… *swoon* LOL Thanks so much, Samantha!
I love mythology of China such as White Snake Legend. That’s what I called true love
I’m intrigued! Thanks for sharing!
Gena Showalter’s LOTU series is my favorite. I like how she has both the Greek and Roman mythology in the series. Thank you.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
That’s on my TBR list, Viki! Thanks for commenting!
I really loved reading all of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunter and Dream Hunter series. It reminded me how much I loved learning about Greek mythology when I was younger. So cool!
sankofa0509@yahoo.com
I am a HUGE fan of the Dark Hunter, but I see that Lord of the Underworld needs to make it onto my list!!! CANNOT WAIT to get West of Want
I can’t even think to pick one, I love Any kind of novel!
christina.marie24@live.com
Reasons to love Mythology
-Details
-Romance
-Sceens
-Gentleman
-Finally the way of life
I haven’t read a mythological series, but I have loved any kind of mytholOgy since I was young.
Wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I read the Mythos Academy books which has some greek mythology tied in and also the Dark Hunter series! SO good!
Thomason0912(@)msn(.)com
My favourite mythological based series would be the Lords of Deliverance series by Larissa Ione. I’m also a big fan of her Demonica books as well
chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com
This series sounds so interesting! I love Greek mythology and I try to read anything that features it. Lately I’ve read the Starcrossed series by Josephine Angelini and the Mythos Academy by Jennifer Estep.
Thanks for the giveaway!
whitewolfreads AT gmail DOT com
I love Sherrilyn Kenyon and Laura Kaye
I love Greek Mythology in general, it is so interesting!
The only mythological book I have read is Double Trouble by Allyson James. It has Castor & Pollux (the Gemini twins) as heroes.
Wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I love the Dark Hunter series. Yours sound great too.
mythic021@gmail.com