OK. Was just talking with my wife and I believe that she has nailed the "why?" question I asked.
They're trying to cash in on the vampire craze started by Twilight. I don't know if people have noticed, but every book store seems to have a "If you liked Twilight . . ." section with books by L.J. Smith (who's fantastic, BTW), Rachel Meade, PC Cast, etc.
Twilight is like crazy popular, especially with middle aged women (strangely--not just teens/tweens). They read and re-read the Twilight books, and watch the movie continuously, like dozens of times. And all of the "If you liked Twilight" books are doing very well, too. In fact, L.J. Smith's "The Vampire Diaries" (which is what Twilight
wishes it could be) is going to be made into a television series this fall. She must be so psyched about that! She was never all that popular, but had a devoted following in the 90's or thereabouts, but now all of a sudden there is a resurgence of interest in her work. Personally, I quite like her Nightworld books, and the Secret Circle books, as well as the Vampire Diaries. Better than freaking Twilight. God, I wish Bella would frigging realize that there is such a thing as life without Edward. She turns into such a pathetic character by the 2nd book. Boo-freaking-hoo.
Twilight is really a series of romance novels disguised as vampire books. Of course, you might say the same about the LJ Smith books.
Nothing wrong with Romance, of course. Just works a bit better if the female lead isn't pathetic. For me, anyway.