Guest Author: Gina Robinson & Giveaway!

It looks like this is turning into Romantic Suspense week here on the blog!  My featured author today is Gina Robinson, who writes sassy romantic suspense with a good dollop of humor.  Like many romance authors,  Gina didn’t start out as a writer.  In fact, she worked for several large defense contractors as a software engineer – with a background like that, is it any wonder she was drawn to spies and romantic suspense?

When Gina got married and had children, she decided to be a stay-at-home mom.  Lucky for us, because that gave her the chance to begin her writing career.  Gina’s first book was Spy Candy – really good title, btw – which got great reviews.

Acclaimed romantic suspense author Beverly Barton called it “sassy and delightfully entertaining.”  And RT Book Reviews gave it 4 stars and said this:

“HOT! Robinson delivers with this excursion to spy camp!  With the perfect amount of suspense and humor, this story will stay with readers long after the book is over.”           

Here’s the blurb for Spy Candy, which is a whole lot of fun:

From her sensible shoes to her dating choices, bank officer Jenna Jarvis has always played it safe. But her fantasy life is a whole other story. And now Jenna’s got a golden opportunity to play a real-life secret agent, courtesy of her generous best friend and a fantasy spy camp set smack dab in the red-hot center of the Arizona desert…

The stay starts off with a bang—literally—as a car explodes to greet Jenna and her fellow covert trainees, each of whom have a spydentity based on an iconic undercover agent. But it’s the real-life operatives who capture Jenna’s attention, particularly super-buff ex-CIA agent-cum-instructor Torq Toricelli. Confidence boosted by playing a bold-as-brass hot babe, Jenna might just have a fighting chance with Torq—if she can make it through camp in once piece…

A few near-misses have made it frighteningly clear that someone is taking this fantasy way too seriously. Jenna’s mission: find out who’s gunning for her fellow spies—and live to die another day…

Don’t you want to read this book right now?!

Gina’s latest release is from St. Martin’s Press, and it’s the first book in a brand new series.

The Spy Who Left Me  has been getting great reviews, including this one from Publishers Weekly:

“Punctuated with Bondworthy downhill car and bike chases and near-death surfing parties, Robinson’s clever concoction of lust and longing is a refreshing tropical cocktail.”

Here’s the blurb:

If there’s one thing that can ruin a vacation, it’s running into your ex. Just ask Treflee Miller. If she’d only known that her husband Ty would be here in Hawaii—muscular, sun-bronzed, and infuriatingly gorgeous—she would have brought the divorce papers for him to sign. But life is full of surprises when you’re married to a world-class spy…

Ty Miller can understand why his wife is tired of playing Mrs. James Bond. He’s never home, he’s always on a mission, and he’s usually surrounded by exotic informants. He has to admit that the perfect spy makes a pretty lousy husband. But for the sake of Ty’s security and Treflee’s safety, they can’t blow his cover. Not here. Not now. Not when his longing is so strong, her lips so tempting—and his enemies so close…

Yum!  To get a good taste of Gina’s book, why don’t you watch the trailer for The Spy Who Left Me.

For one of my readers today, Gina is giving away a copy of her second book, Spy Games.  Just tell me who your favorite spy is – movie or TV – for  a chance to win the book!  And be sure to check out Gina’s books on her website – if you like fun, sexy romantic suspense, I think you’ll love her!

Guest Author: Beverley Kendall & Giveaway!

One of my favorite people in romancelandia is Beverley Kendall.  Not only is she smart and talented, she’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.  There’s another reason why I love her – she also writes sexy, Regency-set historical romances.  Oh, and did I mention her books are sexy?

Bev’s first book, which kicked off her Elusive Lords series, was Sinful Surrender.  RT Book Reviews gave it 4 stars:  “In her fresh, charming debut, Kendall’s natural wit and fine voice shine through.”

And New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell calls Bev’s writing “deliciously intense.”  Yum!

Bev’s second book in the Elusive Lords series is A Taste of Desire.  Take a look at her charming video, which gives you a sense of the fun that awaits you when you read this book.

Like many of us in the romance writing world, Bev has moved into the indie arena with her new novella, All’s Fair in Love & Seduction.  For those of you who have been following Bev’s Elusive Lords, this novella tells Derek and Elizabeth’s story.  I know for a fact that a lot of people have been waiting for this one, including me!

Here’s the blurb:

With her seduction she hopes to gain his affections

For Miss Elizabeth Smith, sharing her first kiss with the charming Lord Derek Creswell is nothing short of a dream come true…that is, until she is spotted by one of the most influential gossips of the ton. With scandal nipping at her heels, to avoid total social ruin, Elizabeth must present a fiancé by the end of the Season. But when the viscount proves reluctant, Elizabeth is forced to employ a seduction of a different sort…

With his seduction he is determined to ruin her

Viscount Derek Creswell believes Elizabeth set out to trap him into marriage. After all, her sister attempted the very same thing with his brother six years before. Now the delectable Miss Smith expects a betrothal and a ring, while Derek finds her ruination infinitely more appealing…

But as Derek sets out to seduce only her body, Elizabeth is intent on claiming his jaded heart.

Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?  All’s Fair in Love & Seduction is available for just $1.49 on Amazon, and a host of other e-retailers.  You can find all the handy buy links on Bev’s website, and read an excerpt.  As an added bonus, you can take a look at the first three chapters of Bev’s next book in her Elusive Lords series, An Heir of Deception.  That book, which is Alex and Charlotte’s story, will be available in the Fall of 2011.   Can’t wait for this one!

While you’re visiting Bev’s website, there’s something else you should definitely check out – Bev’s online magazine, The Season.  It’s one of the best romance review journals on the web, and it’s packed with honest, thoughtful reviews of all the latest releases.  There are also tons of interesting features every month, including free reads, bestsellers, and links to all the places on the web to buy books.  The Season also has a blog, with daily updates and guest blogs from a huge range of wonderful romance writers.  You really need to check it out, especially since The Season will be celebrating its second anniversary this month.  Bev will be throwing a big party with lots of great prizes, including tons of books and a grand prize of an e-reader!

To celebrate the release of All’s Fair in Love & Seduction, Bev has donated a copy of the novella for a giveaway today.  Since today is August  1st – the height of summer vacation – let’s kick back a little.  Tell me where you’re going on vacation this summer, or tell if you intend to remain at home on a staycation!  One person who comments will win a copy of Bev’s fabulous novella.

Regency Friday Fun and Kate Noble Giveaway!

It’s a special Regency Friday Fun on the blog today because I’m featuring the uber-talented Kate Noble.  Kate’s books are wonderfully romantic and beautifully written, with great stories and unique, engaging characters.  Her first book, Compromised, became a national bestseller and received a starred review from Booklist, the prestigious review journal of the American Library Association.  Kate went on to write Revealed, which was nominated for a RITA Award from The Romance Writers of America, and The Summer of You, which was named a Kirkus Reviews Best Romance of 2010.  As you can tell from this short writing bio, Kate is truly one of the new stars of historical romance!

Follow My Lead is Kate’s latest book, which came out on May 3rd.

Aside from having one of the prettiest covers I’ve ever seen, the book has been getting phenomenal reviews.  It got a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly, and a starred review from Library Journal:

“The classic titled-hero-falls-for-independent-bluestocking-heroine plot gets a refreshing spin as Noble propels her characters on a passionate, whirlwind adventure. It will keep readers thrilled and on edge until the very end.”  — Library Journal, April 2011

Here’s the blurb for Follow My Lead:

Jason Cummings, Duke of Rayne is feeling the weight of his responsibilities – one of which is to get married. Being the most sought after bachelor in London can be trying, so who can blame him if he seeks refuge from the voracious hordes of young debutantes at the decidedly female-free Historical Society? Female-free, that is, until Winnifred Crane marches up to the door, demanding entrance.

Despite her prowess as a historian, Winn is denied membership to the Society. So she daringly offers an unusual bargain: if she can prove the authenticity of a certain painting, she’ll be granted recognition, fame, and respect. But to do that, she must go abroad. And to go abroad, she must have an escort, even a stubbornly unwilling one…

Jason has no desire to accompany Winn on her adventure across Europe, but even he is not immune to Winn’s passion for her profession. As the journey proves more difficult than planned, they must work together to stay one step ahead of their rivals… and the closer they get to the proof Winn seeks, the closer she and Jason become. But as their adventure turns dangerous, can Jason keep this headstrong bluestocking safe? And what will become of their growing bond when the adventure ends?

Now, does that not sound like a heck of a fun read?  I’m a sucker for a good road story/romance, so I’m telling you that I’m running out to buy this book today!

Kate also has one of the cutest book trailers I’ve seen in a long time, which you can view on her website.  And while you’re looking around Kate’s website make sure you check out her contest page.  She’s giving away great prize bundles of books to celebrate the release of Follow My Lead.  One of those bundles contains a copy of My Favorite Countess, by yours truly.

As you can tell, I’m a huge fan of Kate’s books and if you haven’t read her I’d like you to be, too!  So I’ll be giving away a copy of Follow My Lead to one person who leaves a comment by Saturday evening.  Just let me know what your favorite historical romance of all time is for a chance to win this fabulous book!

Sarah MacLean & Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart

I love Sarah Maclean, and even a quick visit to her website will tell you why.  First of all, there are her taglines:

I write books.  There’s smooching in them.

Best. Taglines. Ever.

But wait!  She has a Regecy-specific tagline, too:

Fetch the smelling salts.

And you’d best have your maid fetch those smelling salts because you just might swoon from reading her books – she’s that good.  Sarah is smart, funny, and her writing is impossibly accomplished.  Her first book, a Regency YA, debuted to enthusiastic reviews and her first adult romance, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, landed on the New York Times bestseller list, the USA Today bestseller list, and won the Romantic Times “Historical Romance of the Year” award.  Yowzers!

Sarah has a new book out this week.  It’s Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart, which is book 3 in the Love By Numbers series.  It’s already gotten phenomenal reviews, including a starred review from Booklist, a top pick from Romantic Times, and a coveted “A” rating from Dear Author.

Sarah’s books are witty, romantic, poignant, and utterly charming.  If you haven’t yet read her, you simply must!

There were some other fantastic books released this week, including Kris Kennedy’s Defiant, Mia Marlowe’s Touch of a Thief, and Anna Campbell’s Midnight’s Wild Passion.  In fact, Anna will be here on my blog this Friday to talk about her latest book and to give away a copy.  It’s always a good time when Anna is in the house, so be sure to stop back.

To celebrate the release of Sarah’s book and my own release of My Favorite Countess on May 3rd, I’m giving away a copy of Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart.  Just tell me what books you’re looking forward to reading in the next few weeks.  One commentor will win a copy of this wonderful book!

Regency Friday Fun and ARC Giveaway

My next Regency-set historical romance, My Favorite Countess, will be released from Kensington Zebra on May 3rd.  I’m very excited about this book, and it’s already been getting some great reviews.  It got a starred review from Booklist, and 4-1/2 stars from RT Book Reviews. You can read all about My Favorite Countess and take a look at the reviews on my website.

In advance of the book’s release, I’ve set up a Vanessa Kelly Author Page on Facebook. I do have a regular profile page, but the Author Page will be the go-to place for my book news, announcements, and contests.  I would be thrilled if you would visit my new page and “like” it.   As an added incentive, anyone who “likes” my Author Page today will be eligible to win an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) of My Favorite Countess. Folks who have already “liked” my page this week are also eligible to win the ARC.

I only have a few of these ARCS left, so you don’t want to miss out on this!  Hope to see you on my Facebook page soon!

On The Road Again

Today I’ll be participating in Joyfully Reviewed’s Author Chat Days, which is just what it sounds like – a chance to chat with me, and ask any questions you might have about my books or my writing.  I’ll be on from 2pm to 3pm, U.S. Eastern Standard Time.  The yahoo link for the chat group is here.

But you might want to check in earlier than 2pm, because there’s a great line-up of authors all day, including New York Times bestselling author, Kat Martin.  Rumor also has it that there might be some prizes given away!  Please stop by and join in the fun.

As you might know, my next Regency-set historical romance, My Favorite Countess, is set to be released on May 3rd.

The reviews for MFC are starting to come on, and I received two fabulous ones this week.  The first was from RT Book Reviews, the premier romance and mass market review publication.  RT gave MFC 4-1/2 stars – one of their highest ratings!  The reviewer had this to say:

Kelly’s well-written and powerful love story will keep readers entertained with a captivating plot. The strong protagonists, deep emotional intensity and rising sexual tension all make the fast-paced romance memorable.

Wow!  Pretty cool, right?

The other review came from Booklist, the review journal of the prestigious American Library Association.  The reviewer gave MFC a starred review, and had this to say:

In her latest sublimely sensual Regency historical, Kelly delivers wit, a tightly knit plot, a refreshingly different hero, and a realistically complicated heroine, who could give Scarlett O’Hara a good run for her money.

Scarlett O’Hara, no less!  Needless to say, I was pretty thrilled by both reviews.

If you want to talk about My Favorite Countess, please join me today at the Author Chat – 2pm!