Dana Marie Bell wrote her first short story when she was thirteen years old. She attended the High School for Creative and Performing Arts for creative writing, where freedom of expression was the order of the day. When her parents moved out of the city and placed her in a Catholic high school for her senior year she tried desperately to get away, but the nuns held fast, and she graduated with honors despite herself.
Dana has lived primarily in the Northeast (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, to be precise), with a brief stint on the US Virgin Island of St. Croix. She lives with her soul-mate and husband Dusty, their two maniacal children, an evil ice-cream stealing cat and a bull terrier that thinks it’s a Pekinese.Links: Goodreads Website Facebook Twitter
Interview
1. Dana, you have quite a few series on the go. Is there one that
you are more attached to or more excited about? Is this one of those
questions your not supposed to ask, like which child you love the most.
It would either be the Gray Court series or the Maggie's Grove series. I
love the court structure, the way the different fae interract in the
Gray Court. I also have a love-love relationship with both Jaden
Blackthorn and The Hob. In Maggie's Grove, on the other hand, I'm not
bound by a particular race or set of powers the way I am in, say, the
Halle Shifters. It's fun to explore different paranormals, figure out
their powers and incorporate them into small town America. The second
Maggie's Grove book, Throne of Oak, is coming from Carina Press on June
10.
2. Why do you like to write Paranormal Romance?
I like that added element of being different. If I wrote contemporary,
I'd probably write spies and cops, people who deal with bad guys all the
time or have really cool toys. If I wrote westerns, they'd probably be
Steampunk westerns. And if I wrote sci-fi? Hello! Aliens to explore! So I
can't picture myself ever writing straight romance. There will always
be that added element for me to play with.
3. What was the response of your fans to your mm romance Finding Forgiveness? Was it as easy for you to write as your fm romance?
The ones who read it seemed to enjoy it, and I found it just as easy as
the M/F romances. I'd dabbled in M/M with Noble Blood, as Duncan and
Jaden have just as passionate a love as Duncan and Moira or Moira and
Jaden. In fact, I may do more M/M in the future, most notably with the
True Destiny series. I LOVED writing Jamie and Fenris, and decided that
Jormungandr (the world serpent, and one of Logan's missing children)
will also have a male partner. Morgan's twin, Magnus, will be with both
Sif, a goddess, and Sleipnir, Logan's son. So I'm nowhere near done
exploring M/M and M/M/F.
4. I love your Gray Court Series,I
absolutely can't wait to get my hands on the Hob, I have been dying for
his story for a while now. How far do you intend to go with it? Was it
all planned out from start to finish, or are you making/ finding new
stories as you go along?
Right now, it's an open-ended series, like
the Halle Shifters. When people start becoming bored with it, I'll
consider bringing it to an end. I do think that series have a life, and
that you shouldn't try and force it beyond that life. So it will
eventuallly come to an end, and will probably involve the death of the
Black Queen, Titannia.
5. I can see from your gr post that you are renovating your home, how is this going? Have you been driven to disrepair yet?
Nope! I'm working in my bedroom with my furbabies, and other than
having to run downstairs every time I want one of my diet Cherry
Pepsi's, I'm good. In fact, by the time you read this the renovations
will be done. You'll see pictures on my blog, http://danamariebell.blogspot.
6. The Halle shifters series seems
sweeter to me.When you started writing the Halle Shifters after the
Halle Puma's, was it a conscious decision to make them more adventurous,
or more erotic? I say this because Bear Necessities nearly knocked my
socks off.
By the time I'd finished the Halle Pumas, I'd just
started the True Destiny and Gray Court series. My writing got hotter as
time went on, but I doubt it will ever go Fifty Shades hot. But I'm
having fun with those scenes, and I might continue to explore the
possibilities. You never know...
7. Out of all your shifter characters
Bear Necessities 's Alex has been my favorite, this could be because I
have a weakness for bear shifters. What is your favorite animal shifter
to write about? Hmm. I've done Bears, Pumas, Foxes (Chloe), and
Wolves. Right now, it's probably Bears, but that might change as I add
more shifters. Lions and Tigers (and Bears), oh my! Plus I hope to
someday soon start writing about the New York Coyotes, another full
length shifter series. But... not yet. I have other series to finish
first, like the True Destiny and Heart's Desire series, which have
definite ends.
8. What were your favorite books growing up as a child?
I read a lot of Greek and Norse mythology, as well as The Hobbit and
The Lord of the Rings. So I guess you could say they helped shape my
love of fantasy and the paranormal. I also loved Stephen King and John
Saul when I was a little older, like my mid-teens.
9. Where do you write? Do you have a
favourite spot? Do you have to pull yourself away from the world or are
you quite happy to type away in the middle of family chaos?
Hmm. I
like to write with noise, like the TV on or music playing. I don't have a
favorite spot, but I find there are certain things I need to work, like
some place comfortable where my back isn't being stressed. For the most
part I work in my family room, sitting in my chaise, with either the ID
Channel or HGTV on and a cup of coffee or a diet Cherry Pepsi right
next to me.
Books
Halle Pumas
Is Emma ready for a bite?
Emma Carter has been in love with Max Cannon since high school, but he barely knew she existed. Now she runs her own unique curio shop, and she's finally come out her shell and into her own.
When Max returns to his small home town to take up his duties as the Halle Pride's Alpha, he finds that shy little Emma has grown up. That small spark of something he'd always felt around the teenager has blossomed into something more--his mate!
Taking her--out for a bite--ensures that the luscious Emma will be permanently his.
But Max's ex has plans of her own. Plans that don't include Emma being around to interfere. To keep her Alpha, Emma must prove to the Pride that she has what it takes to be Max's mate
Warning: This title contains explicit sex, graphic language, loads of giggles and a hot, blond Alpha male. 
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Sweet dreams can easily become nightmares. Getting attacked by some crazed she-devil, complete with claws and fangs, certainly wasn't on Rebecca Yaeger's agenda when she agreed to attend a local masquerade. In a few slashing moments, Becky learns things about her friends and the man she loves that she never would have suspected. When Simon rescues Becky from an unprovoked attack by one of his Pride, he finally confirms what he's long suspected: she's his mate. Carrying her off to his home and dressing her wounds gives him the chance he's been waiting for--to taste her and mark her as his. And she's far sweeter than anything, or anyone, he's ever had before. Just as their problems seem a thing of the past, a strange illness begins to haunt Becky, threatening to turn their sweet dreams into a nightmare. Warning: This title contains explicit sex, graphic language, Godiva chocolates and a tall, dark and handsome shifter.
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Hell do whatever it takes to protect his mate. Halle Pumas, Book 3 Dr. Adrian Giordano is quite happy with the way his life is going. His two best friends are happily mated, and hes still sanely single. He has friends, a thriving business, and the occasional Saturday night date. Then Sheridan Montgomery comes to town. His inner Puma responds to the husky-voiced snow princess in a way that tells him his life is about to be turned upside down. Sheri cant believe her luck could be this bad. Instinct tells her Adrian is her mate, but the last thing she wants to do is drag him into her messy life. Shes on the run from a big bad wolfan ex who wont take no for an answer. Worse, if he catches her, hes got the teeth (and the Pack ) to take what he wants. She doesnt stand a chance alone, but with her friendsand the persistent Adrianby her side, she might just survive. If her ex doesnt eat the yummy Dr. Giordano for lunch, that is] Warning: This title contains explicit sex, graphic language, a handsome, dark-eyed shifter and a couple of bites to remember.
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She's everything a big bad wolf could want. Coping with a devastating injury is hard enough for Belinda--Belle--Campbell. Forced separation from her destined mate while she heals is almost more than she can endure. Until she is strong enough to take up her duties as Luna of the Poconos Wolf Pack, however, the safest place for her is Halle. Now, after months of being alone, she is more than ready to be claimed. But is the pack ready for a Puma Luna? Rick Lowell has waited long enough to bring Belle home where she belongs. He's aware of the danger, as well--and it isn't long before a bitch with an eye on Belle's position issues a challenge. The only way to put down the threat is for Belle to defeat the usurper in combat. There's only one problem. Thanks to the pins in her broken hip, Belle can't shift. Without that tactical advantage, it won't be a fair fight. With his new mate's life on the line, Rick is forced to make a decision that will change everything. That is, if Belle gives him the chance to make it. Warning: This title contains explicit sex, graphic language, lots of doggie (or is that kitty?) style and some songs Rick will never want to hear again. Ever.
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Delayed gratification has its place. This wouldn't be it. Halle Pumas, Book 5 Gabriel Anderson has accepted a unique position in the shifter world. He's about to become a Hunter, one of the few trained and sanctioned to hunt down the rare rogue shifter dangerous to humans and shifters alike. There's one catch: until his training is complete, he must hold off on marking his mate. No problem...after all, she probably couldn't handle the sexual demands he dreams of making on her. Her mate's apparent desertion devastates Sarah. And his friendship with another woman threatens the bond they should be sharing and building. Maybe flirting with another man will make him sit up and take notice--and finally win Gabe's heart. It works. Almost too well. One touch of another man's hand on Sarah's tempting body brings every ounce of Gabe's possessiveness roaring to the surface. He wastes no time making his erotic dreams of dominating her a reality--whether she's ready for it or not. If she's not, the only place he'll ever have her is in his dreams.
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To hold onto his love, he must release his beast. Halle Shifters, Book 1 Once a Bear sets his mind on a mission, it's best to stay out of his way. Alexander "Bunny" Bunsun is that Bear. Something's not right with his cousin Chloe, and he's come to Halle, PA, to sort it out, turn his Harley around and head home to Oregon. Until an enticing scent lures him into the local tattoo shop. There she is. An inked, Southern-drawled she-Wolf with lime-green hair. His perfect mate. Tabitha Garwood's rotten day just got worse. Her Outcast status makes her a target for harassment with alarming regularity. And now, in the middle of a root touch-up, looking like a half-melted Skittle, she's met her destined mate. The only upside? She finally has a protector in the form of a huge, tattooed, shaved-head Bear who vibrates with carefully restrained power. When Chloe is left for dead and Tabby is threatened, only Alex can keep his growing family safe. Giving Tabby the loving home she needs, though, could come at a price-Alex must give up the control he's worked a lifetime to attain. Which means someone could die at the hands-and claws-of his beast. Warning: This novel contains explicit sex, graphic language, a hunky Bear named Bunny and . . . Yes. I said a Bear. Goodreads Amazon Barnes & Noble
To save the woman he loves, he must push his gifts to the brink.
Halle Shifters, Book 2
Julian DuCharme, a rare Spirit Bear with legendary healing powers, is finally free from the threat of death, finally free to claim his mate—but she’s not having it. While his Bear screams it’s time to mate, the love of his life wants to date.
Holding his Bear in check while convincing her he’s not out to control her won’t be easy. She’s stubborn and a closeted geek—in other words, perfect for him.
Cynthia “Cyn” Reyes, owner of Living Art Tattoos, thinks Julian is the hottest thing on two legs. That doesn’t mean she’s going to roll over for his masculine charm. She watched her mother flounder when her father passed away, and she’s determined to never lose herself to someone else. Not even a man who would jump the moon for her, if she asked that of him.
When the women of Living Art are targeted by a killer, Julian doesn’t think twice about pouring out his last drop of power
to keep Cyn safe. But it’s Cyn who’ll give up everything—her independence, even her humanity—to keep a terrifying vision
from coming true.
One of his death.
Warning: This novel contains explicit sex, graphic language, a tattooed heroine and the Bear who loves her. Maybe he’ll finally convince her to tattoo him with “Property of Cyn”. Goodreads Amazon Barnes & Noble Gray Court
He'll fulfill her wildest fantasies- but only if she believes.
Leo Dunne has been searching his entire life for the one person born just for him. He finds her working in his own company, but the shy little Ruby Halloway constantly hides from him. He hatches a devilish plot with her best friend to bring her out of her shell, and the result proves her desire is more than a match for his own.
Ruby has had the hots for her boss for some time now, but she knows business and pleasure shouldn't mix. While that can't stop a girl from dreaming, she sticks by her guns and does her best never to be alone with the handsome CEO. Until the company masquerade party, where she discovers a passion with him that leaves a mark on her soul.
A family emergency calls Leo away, and rather than spend one night out of Ruby's arms, he convinces her to go with him. With his brother's life on the line, it's vital she learn how to deal with who, and what, her new lover really is--before it's too late.
Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, some violence, a bit of bondage, and a Sidhe Lord determined to claim and protect what is his. Goodreads Amazon Barnes & Noble
Nobility has its privileges and its price. Sometimes it just sucks. The Gray Court, Book 2 For Lord Duncan Malmayne, it was love at first sight with his true bond, the lovely half-Sidhe, half-leprechaun Moira Dunne. Yet something is missing from his relationship with the fiery redhead, something that prevents him from completing the Claiming and making Moira his forever. As problems multiply in what should be a magical, idyllic time, the depression weighing on Moira s Sidhe heart signals a potentially devastating condition. Mate sickness. Her instinct tells her what s missing: Jaden Blackthorn, Gray Court vampire, Duncan s bond brother and closest friend who tactfully withdrew from their lives after Duncan declared his love. Jaden is both heartbroken and elated that the two people he loves most in the world are together. It s best he cut off all contact to give them space to complete the Claiming. But trouble is brewing in the Malmayne clan, and when Jaden s forced back into their lives by the Hob, their extremely rare tribond clicks with a reaction that s swift, sensual and all-consuming. But not everyone looks upon it as a blessing. In fact, the price of their love could be a potentially fatal shift of power Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, and M/M/F love scenes between a Sidhe lord, a vampire and a leprechaun. And no, that s not the start of a dirty joke no matter what my Beta readers said.
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Akane Russo, part dragon, part Seer and one of Robin’s top Blades, has been given a job to do, and damn it she’s going to do it. The Malmaynes are up to their old tricks, and the Dunne family still has no plans to accommodate them. She’s been tasked with keeping Shane Dunne safe from the Malmaynes and their kidnapping ways. But can anyone keep her safe from the heat in Shane’s gaze? Shane knows the woman meant for him will never come to him willingly. Luckily for him she’s been ordered by none other than the Hob to guard him, and he’s going to use that to his advantage every chance he gets. He knows it’s only a matter of time before the dragoness succumbs and lets Shane Claim her like they both want. When they come together he knows the results will be beyond his wildest imaginings. When Akane winds up poisoned by gold and forced into temporary heat, marking Shane suddenly takes top priority. Keeping her new mate safe, and sane, will be a brand new puzzle, one the Blade isn’t sure she can solve in time.
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Robin Goodfellow has met his match. The Gray Court Book 4 When the Black Queen kidnaps one of the White Queen's nephews, Robin Goodfellow is sent to ensure that the young prince safely returns to the bosom of his family. True to his role as Oberon’s Hobgoblin, he is ready for anything…except meeting his truebond, the very delicious, very human Michaela Exton. Michaela has dreamed about a flame-haired rogue named Robin Goodfellow since she was a little girl, but everyone knows Puck doesn’t really exist. In real life, it’s a dark-eyed man named Ringo who makes her heart beat faster. She is closer to her dream man than she thinks, and nobody knows it better than Robin, who wears the guise of Ringo. But there’s competition for her love in the form of Lord Raven, who holds a secret that will rock the foundation of Robin’s world. As a Black Court delegate does the unthinkable, leaving an enraged, grief-stricken Robin hanging onto his humanity by a thread, only Michaela has the power to bring him back from the killing edge—if she survives. Product Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, Robin Goodfellow and... Really. Do I need to say any more?
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True Destiny
Her destiny rests in their hands...
True Destiny, Book 1
Kiran Tate and Logan Saeter have been on the run from Oliver Grimm for so long they've forgotten what it's like to be free. Ending Grimm's power games won't be easy, but this time they have an ace in the hole. PI Jordan Grey, Guardian Investigation's resident hot shot--and Grimm's step-granddaughter.
Jordan Grey has her doubts when Logan and Kir show up in her office with a tall tale of how her step-grandfather has framed them for murder. And to top it all off, they're claiming that they're really the ancient Norse gods Loki and Baldur, and that Grimm is Odin!
When the two lovers see the sexy detective for the first time, stopping Grimm suddenly takes a back seat to seducing her into their arms. But Grimm never rests, and when his anger spills over onto Jordan, it sets them all on a collision course with a destiny that will rock their world..
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Justice isn’t blind anymore. True Destiny, Book 2 Travis Yardley-Rudiger deliberately stayed away from Jamie Grimm, desperate not to pull her into the petty war of wills between him and her grandfather, Oliver Grimm. Unfortunately the reemergence of Baldur and Loki and their claiming of Jamie’s sister Jordan put her squarely in Grimm’s sights. Her torture at Grimm’s hands left Travis determined to claim and protect the woman he’s loved for years—but first he has to find a way to break the news that Travis is actually Tyr. Jamie keeps seeing the weirdest things. Flames in her sister’s eyes, for instance…even Travis’s entire body glowing. Then there are the recurring nightmares she just can’t shake. One thing is certain: Travis’s usual standoffish attitude has done an abrupt one-eighty. He’s even gone so far as to move with her into her sister’s condo while she convalesces. And when he reveals who—and what—he is, Jamie is left to wonder what the Norse God of Justice could possibly want with a crazy redhead with severe family issues. As far as he’s concerned, it will be Travis’s pleasure to show her… Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, a real blond god and a woman with reasons to have trust issues.
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"For a love that will last through the ages, they must fight an evil older than time. " "True Destiny, Book 3" Jeffrey Grimm s grandfather, Odin, tortured and nearly killed his twin sister. He s on a mission to return the favor. To get the job done, he needs the world's oldest living laser-hair-removal candidate: Fenris lfr, the werewolf prophecy has decreed will kill Odin at Ragnarrok. When he gets to Norway, though, he discovers the wolf can change into a man a man so sexy that Jeff is blindsided with lust. And, despite his blood ties to Odin, Fen wants him with equal ferocity. An attraction to the blood kin of his oldest enemy? Fenris figures he must have been caged far too long. Yet as soon as the magical phrase that frees him leaves Jeff s lips, Fenris has no choice. He is bound to protect Jeff at all costs, even if it means giving up his hatred of the man who betrayed him and learning to live with the horrors of toothpaste and the Internet. Odin isn t through with him, though. And when he gets his hands on Jeff, Fen calls upon everything within him to fulfill the prophecy... even if it means his own death. Warning: This book contains explicit male/male sex, graphic language, a redhead with a temper and the ultimate werewolf. Caution, drooling may be an unfortunate side effect.
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Poconos Pack
To forgive is divine...if he can pin his lover down long enough to beg for it. "Poconos Pack, Book 1" Ben Malone's role as Marshall attunes him to every nuance of the pack's wellbeing-which means he's forced to feel every one of his mate's hangovers. It's the one reason Ben will never claim Dave Maldonado. Being alone is better than being with someone who lives in a bottle. Dave was destined to be a pack Alpha until his first migraine hit at age fifteen, the day he caught his future mate holding hands with another boy. In the nine agonizing years since, he's contented himself as Beta, but never learned to live with the pain and confusion of Ben's rejection. Dave's worst attack yet sends him to the hospital-and brings them both face to face with the misunderstanding that's kept them apart all these years. It's too late, though. Dave is headed for Gay Pride Week at Disney World with one goal in mind. "Forget Ben Malone." Ben's got a problem with that. Only one man is destined to hold "his" David. And he'll give anything, even his last shred of pride, to win forgiveness-and the right to finally claim his mate. Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, and male/male love scenes between two top dogs. Who knew Rock Paper Scissors could be such fun?
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Hearts Desire
Christopher Beckett is tired of being alone. His wolf is howling for his mate, and Chris knows it is only a matter of time before his needs override everything else in his life. He casts the spell all the Becketts have used to call their mates to them. What he wants is a woman of an older lineage, of power to equal his own. And she has to accept the one aspect that sets him apart from almost every other wizard: his wolf. What Chris gets is Alannah Evans, a powerful witch of the Evans Coven. The petite, dark haired woman has no problems with the wolf. What she does have a problem with is the fact that Chris is a wizard. Since wizards and witches don’t get along very well, neither should they, but the sparks flying between them can’t be denied. Chris isn’t taking no for an answer. When it becomes clear that an old enemy has targeted them both Chris will wind up engaging his enemy in a duel that could cost him his life. Or worse: Lana.
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When a witch is hot for teacher, the sparks are sure to fly. Zachary Beckett has been a screw-up most of his life, but he's finally done something right. He saved his brother's life at great personal cost, and now he's on his way to Cleveland to rain as a witch. There he meets Johra Yashodar, a teacher with the belief that Zach is still a screw-up. It isn't long before Zach realizes he's hot for teacher. Jo has never met someone like Zachary Beckett. His blue eyes haunt her, his body is made for sin and his magic... well. The less said about that the better. He's the worst witch she's ever met, bar none. But Jo is determined to help him, and to do that she'll fight the attraction she feels towards him tooth and nail. But things aren't always what they seem, and when Zach realizes he's under a hex he comes into his own... as one of Hecate's Own. Chosen by the Goddess Herself to fight evil, it's up to Zach and his brothers to save Jo from a fate worse than death. Warning: This novel contains explicit sex, graphic language, a sexy, awkward, blue-eyed wolf-witch and a woman who can make his dreams come true.
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Maggie's Grove
A seduction-gone-wrong leaves vampire Parker Hollis with a new vegetarian lifestyle and on the run from a vengeful witch. Moving to small-town Maggie's Grove, Parker meets a redheaded dryad with green, leafy blood that draws him in a way he hasn't experienced in decades. His new neighbor smells divine, and it isn't long before craving gives in to need. In a unique community of supernaturals, tree-loving outcast Amara Schwedler has never quite fit in. She's scarred by a traumatic incident and feared by the local townsfolk. She's convinced Parker will look elsewhere for a mate once he discovers she's not one of the O-positive set, and can't believe it when Parker finds her irresistible. When the witch who's been plaguing Parker's life discovers the newfound attraction between Parker and Amara, she takes out her anger on the town. Can the supernaturals of Maggie's Grove accept Amara and band together in time to withstand the assaults of the enraged witch?
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The Nephilim
He will keep her safe, no matter what it takes. Someone—or something—is stalking Abby Marcheson. Luckily, she as her brother’s hunky friend Seth to keep her safe. Abby falls easily into her protected life, with Seth constantly by her side, and when he asks her out on a date, she’s eager to accept. But Seth is much more than he seems. A Nephilim, a son of Angels with wings of his own, Seth is bound to spend his life hunting the Shemyaza, evil descendants of Angels. He’s kept his wings hidden from Abby in order not to frighten her, but as her stalker becomes bolder, Seth begins to suspect that a Shem has Abby in its sights… As their flirtation escalates into full-blown passion, Seth is torn. Should he reveal his true nature to the beautiful, trusting Abby? Will she accept him, wings and all, or will Abby flee her guardian angel and fall prey to the sinister force that wishes her harm? Warning: This book contains explicit sex and graphic language.
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For a full list of Danas books including short stories check out her website.
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