Guest Author: Kathryn Shay & Giveaway!

I’m very pleased to feature author Kathryn Shay on the blog today.  Kathryn has an outstanding romance writing pedigree, having penned twenty-five books for Harlequin and nine mainstream contemporary romances for Berkley.  She also has a number of on-line novellas, some of which were subsequently published in print by Berkley.

Kathryn writes very emotional books with powerful, heart-wrenching characterizations.  And she’s won tons of accolades, too, including five RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Awards, four prestigious Holt Medallions, a Booksellers Best Award, and many more.

And here’s an even more impressive statistic – Kathryn has 40 books all told, with five million copies in print.  Wow!

Even better, Kathryn now has 16 formerly out-of-print backlist titles available as e-books.  For instance, if you haven’t read her well-loved Hidden Cove firefighter’s trilogy, here’s your chance.  Originally published by Berkley, here’s what Booklist had to say about the first book in the series, After The Fire:

“Powerful and compelling, this novel reinforces Shay’s well earned reputation as a first rate storyteller.”

And then there’s the popular O’Neil Family series, which garnered a ton of great reviews including this one from Fresh Fiction:

“Shay’s writing trademark is taking seemingly impossible relationships and developing them into classic tales of true love, which is what she does here.”

You can find all of Kathryn’s backlist on her website.

I’m also thrilled to report that Kathryn has a new book out – an indie published, woman’s fiction novel called A Price Worth Paying. 

Here’s the blurb:

Nick and Callie Muscato have been lovers since high school. They married at eighteen and Callie gave up Vassar to go on the road with Nick as he builds his major league baseball career. Once he becomes a superstar, their perfect life is marred by their inability to have children. And then a miracle happens and they adopt twin boys.

Both are happy until Nick gets hurt and is demoted to the minors. Instead of going with him, Callie takes the twins and returns to their home town to teach at the high school they both attended.

Eventually Nick is forced to give up his baseball career, gets his college degree and when the story opens, both he and Callie are teaching at their Alma Mater. Then tragedy strikes them with two major blows: Callie confesses she’s pregnant with another man’s child and, only an hour later, Nick is accused of sexual misconduct with a female student; he is suspended from teaching until hearings can be held.

Though this stress might split up a lesser couple, Nick and Callie fight the accusation and try to keep their marriage together.

I have to say, this sounds like a compelling and intense read.  I love novels that deal with married couples and the challenges life can throw in the path of a loving relationship.  Kathryn has already been receiving wonderful reviews for this book, so I can’t wait to read it!

You can check out Kathryn’s books, read excerpts, and find her buy links on her website.

Kathryn has graciously donated a copy of  A Price Worth Paying for my readers today.  Just tell me what kind of book you most like to read on a rainy day – historical romance, women’s fiction, a juicy mystery…enquiring minds want to know!  One person who comments will win a copy of this wonderful book!

 

Guest Author: Alix Rickloff & Giveaway!

Don’t you wish there were more historical paranormal romances out there?  I do.  I really do.  Especially Regency-set paranormal romances.  There have been some excellent ones, but they generally seem few and far between.  So imagine my excitement when I discovered Alix Rickloff, who started her career with Kensington Publishing penning Regency-set paranormal historical romances.

Alix’s first two books, Lost in You and Dangerous as Sin, are part of her Bligh Family Series. 

From the beginning, Alix was one of those talented newbies who got phenomenal reviews, including this one for Lost in You from Booklist, the prestigious review journal of the American Library Association:

“Rickloff presents a fascinating debut filled with sensory details and a deep sense of lore.”

Her second book, Dangerous as Sin, garnered this great review from the Chicago Tribune:

“Rickloff deftly blends equal measures of danger and desire into the intriguing plot of her latest paranormal-spiced, splendidly satisfying historical Regency.”

Now, big newspapers like the Chicago Tribune only occasionally review romance novels, much less paranormal romance novels, so I’m here to tell you how impressive that is!

I love the concept behind Alix’s books, where readers are introduced to the Other—mortals bearing the blood of the Fey, and who move in a world that lies beyond the glittering balls and scandals of the Regency that its inhabitants think they know so well.  How utterly cool is that?  Talk about Regency with a twist!

The first book in Alix’s new trilogy, The Heirs of Kilronan, is Earl of Darkness.

This book was a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews and got this tantalizing review from Publishers Weekly:

“Secret societies, baffling documents, monstrous stalkers—Rickloff has studied the textbook thoroughly, then added more sex.”

Oh, I am SO there!

Her next book, Lord of Shadows, will be released this month.

Here’s the blurb to give you a taste:

Who is working the demon arts . . .

Was it her murdered father? Her fugitive brother? It has been seven years since Lady Sabrina Douglas cloistered herself with the Sisters of High Danu, but the questions remain.  She is Other—a mixture of Fey and mortal—quietly using her powers to heal.  That is, until she saves a half-drowned man, his soldier’s body a roadmap of scars, his fathomless eyes filled with heartbreaking loneliness. The inexplicable connection overwhelms her defenses, touching her heart, mind  . . . and body.

. . .  and to what end?

A man with no memory, Daigh MacLir seeks his past, even as unknown threats fill him with monstrous rage and inhuman abilities. But as a desperate game of hunter and hunted is played out from ballrooms to bedrooms, what Daigh discovers is more chilling than anyone could possibly imagine. Defying death was only the first step in the task he has been set, and Sabrina his last hope. But dare he risk involving her? Daigh has been summoned to find an ancient king, and even the powers of love may not be enough to win the battle against the powers of darkness.

Yep.  Sounds great, doesn’t it?  You know you want this book!

You can read an excerpt of Lord of Shadows on Alix’s website, plus check out her other books and her latest news as well.

To celebrate her upcoming release, Alix is giving away a copy of Lord of Shadows.  Just tell me if you like your historical romance straight-up, or with a paranormal twist.  One commenter will receive a copy of this awesome book!

Guest Author: Katharine Ashe & Giveaway!

I have a real treat for my readers today – I’m featuring the wonderful historical romance writer, Katharine Ashe.  If you’ve never read any of Katharine’s lush and sexy romances, you should know that she was named by Booklist, the prestigious review journal of the American Library Association as one of “the new stars of historical romance.”  And Katharine does know her history, since she holds a Ph.D. in the subject and is a professor of European History.  How cool is that?

Katharine’s first book was Swept Away By A Kiss.  It received great critical acclaim, and was a top pick from RT Book Reviews and a nominee for the “Best First Historical Romance” Reviewer’s Choice Awards.  And Romance Junkies gave it a Blue Ribbon Rating, calling it “Rompalicious!”

Packed full with adventure, witty repartee, an intriguing plot, wonderful characters, steamy hot love scenes and even pirates, this story is unforgettable.” –Romance Junkies

 

Oh, my God!  Witty repartee, hot love scenes, and pirates.  Seriously, what more could romance readers ask for?

Katharine’s latest book is Captured By A Rogue Lord.  It also received a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews:  “Ashe knows how to captivate readers with her action-packed romance brimming over with marvelous characters, sexual tension, witty repartee and action, action, action. Her take on the pirate tale is novel, exciting and highly romantic.”

Here’s the blurb for Captured By A Rogue Lord:

She would marry no man…
Serena Carlyle dreams of a happily ever after. Firmly on the shelf at twenty-five, instead she’s determined to find the perfect match for her beautiful younger sister. What better prospect than their neighbor, the wealthy, rakishly handsome Earl of Savege? Now Serena can beg his help in halting a local band of smugglers. Then, one night, stealing away from yet another disappointing ball, Serena finds herself trapped alone with a stranger …

Until he captured her—body and soul
His kiss was irresistible, his caress unforgettable, and he hides a devastating secret. A Robin Hood upon the sea, Alex Savege is the brazen pirate Redstone, seizing the yachts of spoiled noblemen to settle an old debt. Serena needs a hero, but her heart is in the gravest danger—for it is soon to be captured by a man as skilled at seduction as he is at plunder.

Smugglers, people!  Sexy smugglers!

Captured By A Rogue Lord is now in bookstores and available from Amazon and other on-line retailers.  You can find all the buy links on Katharine’s website.

Katharine has very graciously donated a copy of Captured By A Rogue Lord for today’s feature.  Let’s talk about outlaw heroes.  Do you love them as much as I do?  Who’s your favorite pirate, or smuggler, or highwayman hero?  One commenter will win a copy of the book.

 

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!

An Invitation To Sin: Introducing My Fellow Authors

Tomorrow marks the release of my novella in the anthology, An Invitation To Sin. There are four stories in this collection; the lead author is Jo Beverley, showcased on the blog on Friday.  Today I’d like to introduce you to the other authors in the anthology (although you likely already know who they are!):  Sally MacKenzie and Kaitlin O’Riley.

Sally MacKenzie is the USA Today bestselling author of the Naked nobility series, funny, sexy, Regency-set historicals.  As the NYT bestselling author Eloisa James said, “Naked, noble, and irresistible–who could resist one of Sally MacKenzie’s heroes?”  Her last book, The Naked Viscount, got a starred review from Booklist, and Sally’s books are published in Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, and even Slovakian!  Clearly, readers around the world agree that the Naked books are great, sexy fun.

Sally’s novella in An Invitation To Sin is called “The Naked Prince,”  and you can read an excerpt here.

Acclaimed author Kaitlin O’Riley writes passionate love stories filled with romantic intrigue. Publisher’s Weekly had this to say about her book, When His Kiss Is Wicked:  “O’Riley’s believable, charismatic characters…set this novel well apart from the usual romance fare.”

Her latest book, Desire In His Eyes, is book two in the Hamilton sisters series.  You can read an excerpt here.

The title of Kaitlin’s novells “A Summer Love Affair.” You can read an excerpt here.

One book and all these great authors!  Stop by my blog tomorrow for the release of An Invitation To Sin. I’ll be giving away two copies of the anthology to celebrate.