Guest Author: Zoe Archer & Giveaway!

I’m pretty excited about my featured author today.  She’s Zoe Archer, and she’s the definition of a rising star in the romance genre.  Zoe is not only talented, hard-working, and way smart, she writes innovative, adventurous romance that both readers and critics have clutched to their collective bosoms with enthusiasm.  And no wonder – I fell in love with Zoe’s writing just from reading her bio!

From that bio, you will learn that Zoe has been writing since she was knee high to a grasshopper.  Many years and many stories later, she found herself in a PhD program for 18th century English Literature, before deciding that what she really wanted to do was write fiction.  Her decision was partly influenced by the fact that she couldn’t read French or Latin, a requirement for attaining her doctorate.  If I may be allowed to digress for a moment, I understand EXACTLY how Zoe felt.  I, too, was once a PhD candidate in 18th century English Literature, and the thought of learning both French and Latin made me weep.  Like Zoe, I also left grad school and…ahem.  I guess I should really get back to Zoe.

Anyway, Zoe eventually found herself in the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa.  She graduated with an MFA, moved back to L.A., and began writing.  Nose was applied to grindstone, books were sold, and she eventually made her way to Kensington Publishing, where a canny editor snapped up her totally cool adventure/romance series, Blades of the Rose.

Zoe describes her books as “high adventure.”  In her own words, the Blades are:

“Exotic settings.  Thrilling action.  Sexy men in waistcoats and tall boots.  Kick-ass women who carried rifles and knew how to use them.  Diabolical inventions made of brass, wood and leather.  And a bit of magic, just to keep things really interesting.”

Zounds!  Indiana Jones meets Victorian England – I am so there!

Zoe has received great critical acclaim for this series, including a Publishers Weekly Pick of the Week and starred review for Scoundrel, and a prestigious RITA nomination for Rebel. 

Isn’t that a fabulous cover?  Honestly, how can you resist it!  Here’s the blurb for Rebel:

On the Canadian frontier in 1875, nature is a harsh mistress. But the supernatural can really do you in…

A LONE WOLF

Nathan Lesperance is used to being different. He’s the first Native attorney in Vancouver, and welcome neither with white society nor his sometime tribe. Not to mention the powerful wildness he’s always felt inside him, too dangerous to set free. Then he met Astrid Bramfield and saw his like within her piercing eyes. Now, unless she helps him through the harsh terrain and the harsher unknowns of his true abilities, it could very well get him killed…

AND THE WOMAN WHO LEFT THE PACK

Astrid has traveled this path before. Once she was a Blade of the Rose, protecting the world’s magic from unscrupulous men, with her husband by her side. But she’s loved and lost, and as a world-class frontierswoman, she knows all about survival. Nathan’s searing gaze and long, lean muscles mean nothing but trouble. Yet something has ignited a forgotten flame inside her: a burning need for adventure, for life—and perhaps even for love…

There are four wonderful books and a novella in the  Blade series, so be sure to check out Zoe’s website for all the details.  While you’re visiting her website, take a look at her other books, including her Science Fiction novels and her backlist.

For my readers, Zoe will give away a copy of her RITA nominated book, Rebel.  Since Zoe’s books often take place in exotic settings, let’s talk about that.  Do you like historical romances that take the reader to settings like Mongolia, Canada, or Egypt?  Or do you prefer the glittering confines of the London ballroom and the gentility of the English countryside?  One person who comments will win a copy of Rebel.

And be sure to stop by the blog on Dec. 8.  Zoe will be back here to talk about her new series, The Hellraisers.

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: Tina Gabrielle & Giveaway!

I’m so pleased to be featuring one of my fellow Kensington authors on the blog today.  She’s Tina Gabrielle, and she writes wonderful Regency historical romances with fascinating settings and resourceful heroines.  In fact, Tina’s ambitious and intelligent heroines are a trademark of her fiction.  That’s no surprise, given that Tina herself was formerly a N.J. Deputy Attorney General AND a mechanical engineer!  With that type of pedigree, how could she not write strong heroines?

Tina’s first book was Lady of Scandal, which features Victoria, a smart and savvy heroine who just happens to be an anonymous investor on the London Stock Exchange.

Tina received great reviews for her debut book, including this one from RT Book Reviews:

“Debuting with a tantalizing tale, Gabrielle employs themes of revenge, secrets and misunderstandings, blending them with sizzle and characters that engage readers’ emotions. Gabrielle has the opportunity to garner a strong fan base eager for her next novel.”

Lady of Scandal was also nominated by RT Book Reviews  for best first historical of 2009, and it made the Barnes & Noble long list as “one of the top 50 books, CDs and DVDs to know about now.”

Tina’s latest book has just come out, the first in her Regency Barrister’s Series.  This new series features four sexy lawyers and the women who cause havoc in their chambers and in their hearts.  It’s a fabulous idea for a series, and I’m really looking foward to reading them.

The title of the first book is In The Barrister’s Chambers, and I’m just loving the gorgeous cover.

Here’s the blurb for In The Barrister’s Chambers:

COURTING DANGER

Lady Evelyn Darlington’s first love was the law. But since a woman scholar meets nothing but ridicule from men, she has given up and chosen a future husband. Randolph seems adequate for the task: to provide intelligent conversation and not annoy her too much. Of course, before they can be engaged, she’ll have to do something about the murder charge hanging over his head. If only London’s top barrister wasn’t Jack Harding, object of all her unattainable girlhood fantasies…

AND SEDUCING SCANDAL

Jack Harding remembers Evelyn well—but the idea that the gorgeous woman standing before him is little Evie, the professor’s daughter, is incredible. He knows better than to enter a business relationship when he wants to pursue pleasure. Yet however desirable she is now, Evie is still Evie—stubborn, smart, and never willing to take no for an answer. Even though proving her betrothed’s innocence might just cost her her own…

Sounds great, doesn’t it?  Reviewers obviously agree with me, as you can see from this review from Publishers Weekly:

“Former attorney Gabrielle (Lady of Scandal) launches a Regency series with legal backbone…the tale is bolstered by tantalizing love scenes, enthusiastically detailed portrayals of England’s Regency-era legal system, and witty comradely repartee.”

I just know this series is going to be one that readers love, starting with In The Barrister’s Chambers.

And for my readers today, Tina has graciously donated a copy of her first book, the award-winning Lady of Scandal.  Just tell me what type of heroine you like to read in a historical romance.  Do you like the adventerous type who courts danger with a smile, the more traditional young virgin, or do you root for the intellectual bluestocking?  One person who comments will win a copy of Tina’s fabulous book!

Guest Author: Shana Galen & Giveaway!

I have a HUGE treat in store for my readers today.  I’m featuring the very talented author Shana Galen, who writes adventurous and romantic Regency-set historicals.  Shana is a wonderful writer who was first published in 2005, and she’s been wowing critics and readers ever since.

Interestingly enough, Shana’s first book was a contemporary romance called The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Men I’ve Dated, which she wrote under the pen name of Shane Bolks.  That book was nominated for a RITA, the prestigious award sponsored by the Romance Writers of America.  It’s the same book that Meg Cabot—yes, THAT Meg Cabot—said was a “fun, snappy read” that she couldn’t put down.

Oh, boy.  If I ever got a cover quote from Meg Cabot, I would probably faint on the spot!

Shana has garnered even more acclaim for her historical romances.  Take, for example, Blackthorne’s Bride, which was also nominated for a RITA.

Blackthorne’s Bride received a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews and tons of critical acclaim, including this review from the Chicago Tribune:

“Shana Galen adds a generous dash of action and adventure to the already irresistible mix of sexy romance and sharp wit in Blackthorne’s Bride, her latest fabulously fun Regency historical.”
—John Charles

This book is part of the popular Misadventures in Matrimony series, which was preceded by the Regency Spies series.  She also has a more recent series called The Sons of the Revolution, a trilogy about three brothers struggling to restore their noble heritage in the aftermath of the French Revolution.  Doesn’t that sound great?!

You can find out about these series on Shana’s website, and read some fab excerpts from the books.  Trust me—you won’t be sorry you stopped by!

Shana has a new book out, and I’ve been waiting several months to read this one.  It’s called Lord and Lady Spy, and it features the adventures of two out-of-work spies who just happen to be married to each other.

It’s been getting great reviews, including this one from RT Book Reviews: “Lively, utterly delightful adventure romance. The witty, sexually charged dialogue fuels the rivalry between the realistic characters and sets the pages flying.”

AND the book was chosen as one of Publishers Weekly Top Romance Picks for Fall!

Here’s the blurb for Lord and Lady Spy:

Meet Lord and Lady Smythe, England’s preeminent spies. Their identities are guarded even from each other. After years of secrets and lies, their marriage is little more than a crumbling façade. But even love isn’t as important as The Mission—to defeat Napoleon Bonaparte.

But what happens when the mission is complete?

Meet Lord and Lady Smythe, out of work spies. Lady Sophia Smythe will scream if she has to attend another tea party. Lord Adrian Smythe will hit someone if he’s forced to while away another evening in Parliament. What are secret agents to do when the war is over?

There’s one chance left to get back into the game. The prime minister needs a murder investigated. The problem? Two spies. One position.

All’s fair in love and war.

Oh, my God!  Doesn’t that sound like so much fun?  I’ve got this one sitting right at the top of my teetering To Be Read pile.

You find read all about Lord and Lady Spy on Shana’s website.

To celebrate Shana’s new release, her publisher has donated two copies of Lord and Lady Spy for a giveaway to my readers in the U.S. and Canada.  Just tell me who your favorite book, movie, or TV spy is, and why.  Two people who comment will win copies of the book!

Guest Feature: Miranda Neville & Giveaway!

The tag line on Miranda Neville’s website is: Sexy Sophisticated Historical Romance.  And are they ever!  Miranda’s books are both sexy and sophisticated, and so beautifully written they are pure joy to read.

Miranda grew up in England, and like many historical romance writers she fell in love at an early age with the novels of Georgette Heyer and Jean Plaidy.  This misspent youth (as she refers to it) set her on a path to Oxford to study history.  She then went on to spend several years working for Sotheby’s, the famous auction house, writing catalogues of rare books, original letters, and manuscripts.  How cool is that?  Not to mention being a perfect background for a future historical romance writer.

And that background did pay off.  Miranda’s first published book was released by Avon Books in 2009 to great reviews.

Here’s what Publishers Weekly had to say about Never Resist Temptation:  “Neville throws disguises, secrets and vows of vengeance in the way of true love…the byplay between the hero and heroine is genuine, lusty and fun.”

Who doesn’t like genuine, lusty fun, I ask you?

One of the things I really love about Miranda’s writing is how skilfully she uses the conventions of the genre while creating unique characters and unusual storylines.  The Wild Marquis is the first book in The Burgundy Club series, and the heroine is not a society miss but a shopkeeper who owns a bookstore.  In Never Resist Temptation, the heroine is forced to disguise herself as a pastry chef in a royal kitchen—I love that!

Here’s what RT Book Reviews  had to say about The Wild Marquis and its wonderfully unusual setting:

“Neville brings on the sizzle along with an intriguing and unique Regency backdrop — a nobleman’s “addiction” to rare book collecting — in the well-crafted start to the Burgundy series.”

What a great idea for a story, don’t you think?  You can read all of Miranda’s blurbs and reviews, and check out her excerpts on her Books page.

Luckily for us, Miranda has a new book out:  The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton.  First of all, great title!  Second of all, check out this fabulous cover:

Rowr!  Already the book has been getting great reviews, including this one from the New York Journal of Books:

“The best description for this new novel from Miranda Neville is wonderfully adorable. The spirit, the joie-de-vivre, and the wit make the dialogue sparkle and the characters pop… Readers looking to be delighted won’t have to look any further than this novel.”

And here’s the blurb:

Being kidnapped teaches Miss Celia Seaton a few things about life

LESSON ONE

Never disrobe in front of a gentleman … unless his request comes at gunpoint.

LESSON TWO

If, when lost on the moors, you encounter Tarquin Compton, the leader of London society who ruined your marriage prospects, deny any previous acquaintance.

LESSON THREE

If offered an opportunity to get back at Mr. Compton, the bigger the lie, the better. A faux engagement should do nicely.

LESSON FOUR

Not all knowledge is found between the covers of a book. But an improper book may further your education in ways you never guessed.

And while an erotic novel may be entertaining, the real thing is even better

Oh, I am so there!

You can find The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton on Amazon and at all the usual booksellers.  Just check out Miranda’s website for all the handy buy links.  While you’re looking around her website, check out Miranda’s group blog, The Ballroom.  New to the blogosphere, The Ballroom is home to six noted Avon authors, including Katharine Ashe and Sarah MacLean, plus Lady B and Albert the parrot.  Stop on by to check out the gossip and dancing!

Miranda has very graciously donated a copy of The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton for my readers today.  Since Miranda’s first book involves pastry, let’s do something with that.  What is your favorite kind of pastry?  Petit fours, a chocolate croissant, or are there some days when nothing else but a Krispy Kreme donut will fit the bill?  One person who comments will win a copy of Miranda’s book.

Guest Author: Emma Wildes & Giveaway!

Emma Wildes is a very talented, very prolific writer of historical romance, and she’s my guest author today on the blog.  I knew Emma was a very productive writer, but when I was checking out her website I was astonished to read that she had five releases in 2010, including several full-length novels.  At that point, I had to resist the urge to have a nap because just reading Emma’s release schedule tired me out!

Even more amazing, all those books were very well reviewed.  In fact, if you check out the books on her Bookshelf, you’ll see that she’s been winning awards and finaling in contests from the beginning of her career.  Ever since she started out in e-publishing, she’s won various awards such as the Eppie, a Lories Best Published, a WisRWA’s Reader’s Choice Award, and the prestigious Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, which she received for her book, An Indecent Proposition.

Here’s what the prestigious Publishers Weekly had to say about this novel:

“Regency fans will thrill to this superbly sensual tale of an icy widow and two decadent rakes…balancing deliciously erotic encounters with compelling romantic tension and populating a convincing historical setting with a strong cast of well-developed characters, prolific romance author Wildes provides a spectacular and skilfully handled story that stands head and shoulders about the average historical romance.

Wow!  It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?  And may I also underscore the point that this story has not one, but two decadent rakes?  Talk about a great fantasy for your average Regency miss!

Emma’s latest release is One Whisper Away, the first in her Ladies In Waiting series.  Like Emma’s previous books, One Whisper Away has been getting great reviews.  Again, from Publishers Weekly:

“Readers will love the strong cast of intriguing supporting characters and the passionate and well-balanced central romance.”

Here’s the blurb for One Whisper Away:

Lady Cecily Francis is resigned to become the wife of Lord Drury, the man she suspects her sister is pining for. But upon her first scandalous encounter with the exotic Earl of Augustine–the American everyone is whispering about–Cecily is intrigued by the possibility of a more exciting life. If only she could contrive some way to marry the unconventional earl instead…

Around town he’s known as Earl Savage. Although he inherited his title legitimately–and with it the responsibility for his three half-sisters–Augustine is half American and part Iroquois. He can’t wait to settle his father’s estate, marry his sisters off, and return to his native soil. Until charming Lady Cecily has him considering a prolonged stay in England…

Now that’s an intriguing storyline!  I think we’d all better head out to the bookstore to check this one out, don’t you think?  You can find One Whisper Away at Amazon and all the usual on-line retailers and in bookstores.

Emma has very graciously donated a copy of One Whisper Away for my readers.  Let’s do something a bit different today.  Since Emma’s career spans both traditional and e-publishing, let’s talk about that.  Which reading format do you prefer, print or digital?  And if it’s digital, please tell me what device you read on.  One person who comments will win a copy of Emma’s wonderful book.

Guest Author: Lila Di Pasqua & A Midnight Dance

Today’s guest author is Lila DiPasqua, who writes lush and sexy historical romance with a fairy tale twist.  In fact, she writes “Fiery Tales,” classic fairy tales cleverly reimagined into sensual and sophisticated romances.  The first in her Fiery Tales collection is Awakened by a Kiss, which retells Sleeping Beauty, Puss In Boots, and Little Red Riding Hood.  This debut collection got great reviews, including a 5 star review from The Romance Dish:

“Every now and then a debut author knocks my socks off with her first novel. . . AWAKENED BY A KISS is a magnificent debut!!!! …Purchase it right now!!!” — The Romance Dish

I have to tell you, I love the idea of taking classic fairy tales from our childhood and retelling them as sensual and romantic adult tales.  It’s one of those great high concepts that makes a writer think…damn, I wish I’d thought of that!

Here’s the book trailer for Awakened By A Kiss, which gives you a sense of what these stories are about.

Lila’s second collection of Fiery Tales is The Princess in His Bed, which got phenomenal reviews including this one from Publishers Weekly:   “Ripe with steamy affairs, these lusty stories are hot enough to warm the coldest winter night.”

Wow!  Or steam things up on a hot summer night too, eh?  Romance Junkies gave the collection a coveted 5 ribbon review:

“Lila DiPasqua weaves another sumptuous collection. The heroines are ladies in every way, the heroes just rakish enough to be adored… I recommend this to all adult fairytale lovers. – 5 RIBBONS!

For historical romance lovers, what could be more enticing than all those handsome princes from days gone by, coming back to life as sexy romance heroes between the pages of Lila’s books – fun!

Lila has a new book coming out in August. A Midnight Dance is a full-length historical romance, inspired by the tale of Cinderella.

Of all the fairy tales we know, Cinderella is perhaps the most romantic and just perfect for Lila’s unique talents.  Here’s the blurb:

Born into wealth, Sabine Laurent and her twin sister lived a life of luxury, their father’s prestigious theater frequented by royalty and aristocracy alike. And Sabine dreamed of her own prince charming—the devastatingly handsome Jules de Moutier.

That was before the loss of her sister and her family’s fall from grace—a disaster Sabine blames on the Moutier family. Now, with her father’s death, she’s inherited his sizable debt and the responsibility of caring for his spoiled long-time mistress and her two wastrel daughters. But with the help of Sabine’s eccentric friends—the balance of her father’s acting troupe—she plans to get very close to her old infatuation, seduce the rake—and make away with a fortune.

Resisting Jules’s skillful mouth and tantalizing touch is not as easy as Sabine supposed. And soon she must decide whether her desire for vengeance is greater than her desire for her one and only prince…

Doesn’t that sound great?  Jennifer Ashley, the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie would agree:

“A MIDNIGHT DANCE is a fun, spicy, historical romp that’s sure to delight! A lovely twist on the Cinderella fairy tale, with a deliciously dark hero and a heroine who’s more than a match for him.”— Jennifer Ashley, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

A Midnight Dance is available for pre-order on Amazon, and at all your favorite booksellers.  You can find more info about the book, including an excerpt, on Lila’s website.  And while you’re on Lila’s website, be sure to check out her amazing contest for her upcoming blog tour and party.  And here’s another one of Lila’s interesting and totally fun twists – the blog party is being hosted by her husband, and will feature interviews with the husbands of romance writers, including mine!  Yes, DH will be appearing on Lila’s blog on July 21.  Mr. DiPasqua will also be hosting the husbands of Sophie Jordan, Kris Kennedy, Kate Noble, and Kieran Kramer, among many others.  The whole thing sounds like a riot, so you’d best get yourself over to Lila’s blog and check out the details.

Lila has very graciously donated a copy of A Midnight Dance, which I will give away to one person who stops by the blog today or tomorrow morning.  Just tell me what’s your favorite fairy tale, either as a child or as an adult.

 

Guest Author: Kristina McMorris & Letters From Home

I’m featuring someone a bit different on the blog today, and something very cool:  author Kristina McMorris and her moving historical fiction novel, Letters From Home.

This is Kristina’s debut novel, set during World War II.  It’s the story of a lonely serviceman stationed overseas, who falls in love over the course of a year through the exchange of letters with a young woman back Stateside.  That’s the main thread of the novel, but it’s so much more than that:  it’s also the story of three young women, friends who must all face challenges and make difficult choices during a time of sweeping change and upheaval.

One of the things that fascinates me about Letters From Home is that it does take place during WW II.  The most popular historical fiction these days is usually set much earlier, often in the Elizabethan, Tudor, or Georgian periods.  Just as interesting is Kristina’s inspiration for this book.  In 2000, she began gathering hundreds of her grandmother’s favorite recipes to compile in a cookbook, which she indie published as Grandma Jean’s Rainy Day Recipes (all proceeds benefiting the Food Bank).  While gathering information for the biographical section of the cookbook, Kristina came across a letter from her grandfather to a girlfriend during his wartime naval service.  It was this letter that later served as inspiration for Letters From Home.

Kristina’s novel has received fantastic reviews and garnered significant critical acclaim.  It was a 2007 Golden Heart Finalist, and to date has won a dozen national literary awards.  The book got wonderful reviews from both Publishers Weekly and RT Book Reviews, and authors have been quick to rave about it too.  New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs called it:  “wholly original…and tender and heartfelt.”  And Jill Barnett, also a NY Times bestselling author, called the novel an “intimate, touching, and romantic story of the Greatest Generation.”

But my favorite accolade comes from Buck Compton, author and one of the famed Band of Brothers WW II veterans:  “Skillfully written…sweeps the reader away.  The research and attention to detail commendably honors veterans of WWII.”

You can read all about Kristina’s reviews and awards on her website.

Here’s the blurb for Letters From Home:

In love and war, nothing is as it seems…

Chicago, 1944. Liz Stephens has little interest in attending a USO club dance with her friends Betty and Julia. She doesn’t need a flirtation with a lonely serviceman when she’s set to marry her childhood sweetheart. Yet something happens the moment Liz glimpses Morgan McClain. They share only a brief conversation – cut short by the soldier’s evident interest in Betty – but Liz can’t forget him. Thus, when Betty asks her to ghostwrite a letter to Morgan, stationed overseas, Liz reluctantly agrees.

Thousands of miles away, Morgan struggles to adjust to the brutality of war. His letters from “Betty” are a comfort, their soul-baring correspondence a revelation to them both. While Liz is torn by her feelings for a man who doesn’t know her true identity, Betty and Julia each become immersed in their own romantic entanglements. And as the war draws to a close, all three will face heart-wrenching choices, painful losses, and the bittersweet joy of new beginnings.

Just reading the blurb makes me want to choke up!  For readers who love historical and women’s fiction, and just an all around great story, I think you’ll love Letters From Home.  To find out more about this truly lovely novel, visit Kristina’s website for more details and to read an excerpt.

And to those who stop by the blog today, Kristina has very graciously donated a copy of Letters From Home for a giveaway.  Just tell me what your favorite period of history is to study or read about.  If you’re so inclined, tell us why!  One person who comments will win the 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!

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!