Guest Author: Marilyn Brant & Giveaway!

I’m very happy to have one of my writing pals on the blog today.  She’s acclaimed women’s fiction author, Marilyn Brant.  Marilyn has spent most of her life immersed in the written word.  She’s a former teacher, a library staff member, freelance magazine writer, and national book reviewer.  It’s no wonder, then, that she writes award-wining books that are witty, smart, and totally engaging.

Marilyn burst onto the scene with her debut book, According to Jane, which won the prestigious Golden Heart Award from the Romance Writers of America.

Take a gander at the blurb for this book:

It begins one day in sophomore English class, just as Ellie Barnett’s teacher is assigning Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. From nowhere comes a quiet “tsk” of displeasure. The target: Sam Blaine, the cute bad boy who’s teasing Ellie mercilessly, just as he has since kindergarten. Entirely unbidden, as Jane might say, the author’s ghost has taken up residence in Ellie’s mind, and seems determined to stay there.

Jane’s wise and witty advice guides Ellie through the trauma of adolescence and beyond, serving as the voice she trusts, usually more than her own. Years and boyfriends come and go, but Jane’s counsel is constant, and on the subject of Sam, quite insistent. Stay away, Jane demands. He is your Mr. Wickham.

Still, everyone has something to learn about love — perhaps even Jane herself. And lately, the voice in Ellie’s head is being drowned out by another, urging her to look beyond all she thought she knew and seek out her very own, very unexpected, happy ending…

Seriously, doesn’t that sound great?  Readers can certainly see why reviewers called Marilyn’s debut smart and wildly inventive.  Marilyn’s second book, Friday Mornings at Nine, was a Doubleday Book Club & Book-of-the-Month Club Featured Alternate Selection for October 2010.  Wow!  Impressive, eh?

And here’s what NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Simone Elkeles had to say about Marilyn’s books:

“Reading a Marilyn Brant book is like eating a piece of rich chocolate – it gets you excited, it’s deliciously satisfying, and it leaves a smile on your face after you’ve finished it!”

Marilyn’s fans are eagerly anticipating her next book, A Summer in Europe, which will be released by Kensington Publishing on November 29.

This book has already been picked as a Literary Guild & Rhapsody Book Club Featured Alternate Selection for December 2011.  How cool is that?

Here’s the blurb for A Summer In Europe:

On her 30th birthday, Gwendolyn Reese receives and unexpected present from her widowed Aunt Bea: a grand tour of Europe in the company of Bea’s Sudoku and Mahjongg Club. The prospect isn’t entirely appealing. But when the gift she is expecting — an engagement ring from her boyfriend — doesn’t materialize, Gwen decides to go.

At first, Gwen approaches the trip as if it’s the math homework she assigns her students, diligently checking monuments off her must-see list. But amid the bougainvillea and beauty of southern Italy, something changes. Gwen begins to live in the moment — skipping down stone staircases in Capri, running her fingers over a glacier in view of the Matterhorn, racing through the Louvre and taste-testing pastries, wine and gelato. Reveling in every new experience — especially her attraction to a charismatic British physics professor — Gwen discovers that the ancient wonders around her are nothing compared to the renaissance unfolding within…

A Summer in Europe has already been getting fantastic reviews, which you can check out on Marilyn’s website.  If you like beautiful, warm stories with lots of wit and heart, I think you’ll really love Marilyn’s books.  And by the way, while you’re visiting Marilyn’s website, check out her ebooks – two really fun romantic comedies.

For my readers today, Marilyn has graciously donated a copy of A Summer in Europe.  Since the book takes place in Europe, let’s talk about that.  If there was only one country you could visit on that wonderful continent, which one would it be, and why?  One person who comments will win a copy of Marilyn’s book!

 

 

 

Guest Author: Dana Marton & Giveaway!

Frequent visitors to my blog know I love romantic suspense, which often vies with historical romance as my favorite genre.  So I’m really pleased to be featuring the wonderful Dana Marton on the blog today.  Dana writes fast-paced, action-adventure romances for Harlequin Intrigue.  Her books get great reviews, she’s finaled in many contests—including in the Rita Awards of the Romance Writers of America—and she’s won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence.

Here’s what Noveltalk had to say about Dana’s books:

I have read nearly every book Dana Marton has ever written and I am amazed by her superb stories that just keep getting better and better with each book she writes. I have not been able to put down any one of her books until I have finished them in a matter of hours. Her stories intrigue me!

RT Book Reviews has consistently given Dana great reviews, including a Top Pick for Sheik Protector, which RT called “action-filled and riveting.”

I don’t know about you, but I love me a good sheik story—especially one with suspense and danger—and Dana is a master at writing these kinds of books.  Make sure you check out her Books page to get a full listing of her books, including those with her sexy sheiks!

In addition to her Intrigues for Harlequin, Dana has three new digital novellas she’s recently released, all part of her Agents Under Fire series.  The first in the series Guardian Agent.

Here’s the blurb for Guardian Agent:

When Gabe Cannon’s commando team is tasked with bringing down a rogue solider, he doesn’t expect to come face-to-face with the target’s sister at the showdown instead of the man himself.

Jasmine is trying to lead the team away from her injured brother. Recognizing one of the hunters as her teenage crush is definitely a shock to her system. To save her family, she must convince Gabe that her brother was framed. But can she stop from falling in love with him all over again?

Sexy commandos and first crushes—count me in!

The second book in the series is Avenging Agent, and the third book, Warrior Agent, was just released this month.

Here’s the blurb for Warrior Agent:

Troy Hill has been tirelessly working for months to bring down a corrupt congressman. When the man’s goons capture him and lock him up, he knows they can’t afford to leave him alive. His only chance at escape is the congressman’s new security guard, Claire Montgomery. He expects he’ll have to either manipulate her into setting him free or kill her. He doesn’t expect to fall in love with her.

You can’t go wrong with a story that New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery calls “action packed and breathtakingly romantic!”  If you haven’t ever read any of Dana’s books, these novellas are the perfect opportunity to try them out.

For my readers today, Dana will be giving away copies of her novellas.  Since we’re talking about suspense books, let’s stick with that.  Who are some of your favorite suspense or thriller authors?  Do you like Karen Rose or Brenda Novak, or do you go more for the thriller type book by someone like Lee Child or John Grisham?  Inquiring minds want to know!  Three people who comment will each win one of Dana’s fab novellas.

 

 

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 Author: Maggie Robinson & Giveaway!!

I’m so glad to have one of my good pals on the blog today.  She’s Maggie Robinson, author of fabulously sexy historical romances.  Maggie is on a whirlwind blog tour for her latest Kensington Brava release, Mistress by Marriage. 

Maggie’s books are wonderful reads.  As The Romance Dish said, “you’re always guaranteed sassy wit and sizzling sensuality when you pick up one of Maggie’s books.”

I’m going to turn the blog over to my friend now, as she gives us the inside scoop on her new book.

I had the pleasure of meeting Vanessa and her charming husband at the Romance Writers of America convention this June in New York City. They are sometime-writing partners, which absolutely flabbergasts me. I cannot imagine writing with my husband. In fact, he’s never read a word of what I’ve had published so far. (That’s a total of five novels and two novellas under my two writing names.) He’s just not at all romance-y, although he can be very thoughtful. We are total opposites when it comes to most things. He’s a jock—I only care about where the jockstrap goes. 😉 In fact, we’re a little like the characters in Mistress by Marriage (Brava, September 2011). I won’t say he’s as unyielding and rigid as Edward if he won’t call me flighty and temperamental like Caroline.

Marriage is a mysterious venture. It’s hard enough when the couple have similar backgrounds and goals. When you throw complete strangers at each other, there’s bound to be trouble. Because I am evil, I had my methodical, proper Baron Christie fall hopelessly in the thrall of  unsuitable, improper Caroline Parker at a ball, and they’ve both paid for it for six years. When Mistress by Marriage opens, they’ve been separated for five of them. Edward has bought a house for his estranged wife on Jane Street, London’s most exclusive neighborhood for courtesans. He wants a divorce. So does Caroline.

A divorce was hard to obtain, hideously expensive and reputation-ruining in Regency times. It was far more common for people to live apart and wish each other dead, LOL. So I faced legal challenges as well as emotional ones. Once Edward discovers things were not what they appeared to be, he realizes his grounds for divorce don’t exist. His honor and heart are at stake. He wants Caro back. But does she fall into his arms? No, that would be too easy and end the book well before page 278.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, so at last Edward reads one of Caroline’s naughty novels. (Did I tell you she writes lurid gothic romances? Do you think this means I want my husband to read my books?) He alters one of her plots, expecting a happy ending. Uh, no such luck. But don’t worry, by page 278 everything is more than okay. Defrosting “Cold Christie” was one of the most fun things I’ve done as a writer. He’s baffled by love—it does not fit into his logical worldview. And even though Caroline writes romances, she doesn’t think she deserves love, but Edward is happy to prove her wrong.

I have a friend who says “There’s a lid for every pot.”

Do you believe there’s someone out there for everyone? How did you meet your partner? I have a signed copy of Mistress by Marriage for one commenter.

Vanessa, here.  Be sure to check out Maggie’s website, which includes excerpts and details on all her books.  And don’t forget to answer her question for a chance to win Mistress by Marriage!

 

Guest Author: Maggie Shayne & Her Vampires For Grown-up Girls

I’m thrilled to be hosting a guest blogger – New York Times bestselling author Maggie Shayne.  Maggie has been writing paranormal romance and romantic suspense since 1993, and she’s won oddles of awards and accolades along the way, including Career Achievment Awards from Romantic Times and the prestigious Rita Award from the Romance Writers of America.  You can read all about Maggie and her achievements here.

I’m going to turn the blog over to Maggie now, as she tells us all about her vampires for grown-up girls.

Dear Readers,

It’s very hard for me to fathom that Wings in the Night, my vampire series, is coming to a close.  It has within it 20 stories, including the series finale, TWILIGHT FULFILLED which goes on sale September 20th in print, October 1st in all electronic versions.  And the first review has just come in.  The reviewer calls the end of this series “Like the breaking up of the Beatles” and says that by the end, she “was a blubbering mess.”  So I guess she liked it.  🙂

When I started writing my first “Twilight” vampire novel, way back in the early 90’s, I had no idea it was going to be a series.  I didn’t even know whether it would be published, for that matter.  I was an aspiring writer with a growing pile of rejection letters the only evidence of my work.

But I had this idea for a vampire romance.  I’d only read one other.  As far as I know, there only was one other.  A book called OBSESSION, the first of a fabulous trilogy by Lori Herter.

Of course, at the time, I could barely give such a story away.  Then, I heard about a new line–Silhouette Shadows.  And I submitted Twilight Phantasies to editor Melissa Senate there.  (Melissa’s gone on to become an author in her own right, and has penned a number of novels, including SEE JANE DATE, which was made into a fabulous movie.)

I then took several other steps guaranteed to result in a sale.  I suggested that my local writers group should host a conference.  I volunteered to be the speaker coordinator.  And I invited Ms. Senate to speak.  She accepted.  Which, to my mind, meant that she couldn’t possibly be intending to reject my story.  She’d already had it for a few weeks by then.  Surely she had read it.  She’d have turned down the speaking gig if she were going to reject me.  Wouldn’t she?  So she must be intending to buy the book.  She was probably waiting to tell me the good news in person.  She would probably make the big announcement from the podium, and all my writing pals would burst into a spontaneous standing O, hoist me up onto their shoulders to carry me around the room.  Ms. Senate would likely then drag a giant sized check from somewhere out of sight–you know, like the ones on the Publisher’s Clearinghouse commercials.

It didn’t quite work out that way.  In fact, the day before the con, Ms. Senate phoned to tell me she had to reject the story.  It needed revisions, and it was against company policy for her to offer me a contract before those revisions were done, since I was an unproven author.  The main problem with the story was too much focus the hero’s best friend, Roland.  I said, “But I love this character!” and Melissa said, “Save him for a book of his own.”  The proverbial lightbulb went on over my head.  And suddenly, this was more than just one book.  The Wings in the Night Series was born.

I did the revisions, and while I was doing them, Melissa Senate offered me a contract on another of my projects–a romantic suspense called RECKLESS ANGEL for the Intimate Moments line,(now known as Harlequin Romantic Suspense.) And then, shortly thereafter, she also bought the revised TWILIGHT PHANTASIES for the Shadows line.  They were published in August and September 1993, and although TP was the second book out, and technically the second sale, it was actually written first, and I’ve always considered it the book that started my career.

It really was, because I’m more well known for these vampire books than for anything else I’ve done.  And here I am, just reaching the culmination of this series 18 years later.   It’s hard to believe.  I started the first book before my youngest daughter started kindergarten.  She’s nearly through with college now.

And yet, unlike those old days, today, everyone is writing vampire romance.  It’s a very crowded field, but I fear some may be writing it because they see it as a lucrative, popular theme, and a shortcut to bestsellerdom, and not because these are the tales burning in their souls to be told.  And a vampire novel really needs to be that, in order for it to work (for me, that is.)  A tale burning to be told, almost with a life of its own beyond the author.  That’s the way Anne Rice’s vampires always felt to me.  As if she were just the channel being used by these beings to tell their tales.  And that’s how I have felt about this series of mine, too.  I’ve never believed I was just making them up.  These stories are given to me from . . . somewhere else.

At any rate, that’s just my weirdness seeping through.

I’ve said often that this is the end of the series “for now.” I always qualify it that way, because I know these characters will never stop speaking to me, or through me.  We’re just…going on hiatus.

I feel very blessed and very lucky to have been the conduit through which these stories were delivered.  They’re very real to me, and I think they mean something, though I have yet to figure out just what.  I believe there are messages deeply engrained in each of the books, for every individual who reads them.  Indeed, I had a fan letter from a reader who had been advised to abort a pregnancy in order to save her own life, and told that the fetus she carried was not viable anyway.  Depressed, and in mourning as she approached this decision, one of her daughters gave her one of my books to read–EDGE OF TWILIGHT, a story with a hopeless pregnancy storyline.  Its ending made her decide to go against the doctors and follow through with her own pregnancy.  She and the baby were both fine.  Amazing!

I believe these books have magick in them for everyone they touch.

Their magick has certainly touched me.  And yes, Rhiannon is alive and well, somewhere.  She speaks to me every single day.

Right now, we’re running a video contest, with details at my website.  Viewers have been entering videos telling what they love about Wings in the Night.  Some are funny, some clever, and some made me cry.  Winners are chosen by viewer vote.  Details, including a link to see all the entries, and the email addy to vote for your faves, are at my website.

Much love,

Maggie

For the full list of Maggie’s Classic Vampire Series, visit her website.

And coming soon….

TWILIGHT FULFILLED (Sept 20th print, Oct. 1 in E)

Maggie Shayne

Twilight Vampires since 1993…

The ones for grown up girls

www.maggieshayne.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MaggieShayneAuthor & www.facebook.com/WingsintheNightNovels

Twitter: www.twitter.com/maggieshayne

Blogs: www.shaynesshenanigans.com & www.storybroads.com

You can also find Maggie at Linked-in, Goodreads, Shelfari, Smashwords, and on an Amazon at her Author Page as well.

 

 

Guest Author: Lena Diaz & Giveaway!

I’m so pleased to have a good friend of mine on the blog today – debut author Lena Diaz.  Lena’s romantic suspense novel, He Kills Me, He Kills Me Not, is one of the launch books for Avon Impulse, the new Harper Collins digital-first imprint.  Exciting stuff!

Lena is a truly talented writer, whose manuscripts were winning accolades even before publication.  She’s won the Tara, the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in Romantic Suspense, and finaled in the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious contest for unpublished authors, The Golden Heart.   I’m going to turn the blog over to Lena now – she has some thoughts about heroes she’d like to share with us!

What Makes A Romance Hero Romantic?

Vanessa, thank you so much for hosting me on your blog! I’ll jump right into my topic, which is — What makes a romance novel hero romantic?

Recently, two of my friends critiqued a scene I’d just written. Without seeing each other’s comments, they both highlighted the same line of dialogue, and they both said it was so romantic. I was surprised, because that line seemed ordinary, nothing special. What was it about that one line that sounded romantic? Neither of my friends could explain why it felt romantic. They just knew that it did.

I looked back through the scene, which was the first meet between the hero and heroine. I tried to figure out why that line seemed so special. All through the scene the hero was cold, almost to the point of being mean, because he despised the choices the heroine had made in her life. But at the very end of the scene, he couldn’t walk away without offering the heroine some kind of consolation. He had to say that one little line, trying to make her feel better.

That one line of dialogue showed the hero’s true character, his compassion. It gave the reader a glimpse into the hero’s true self. In that one line, we saw that the hero cared for the weak and downtrodden, even if he didn’t want to. The line itself wasn’t romantic. The reasons behind the hero’s words were romantic.

Let’s look at a scene where the hero and heroine dance together. By itself, the scene is nothing special. But let’s change it up a bit. Let’s say the heroine just got dumped by her boyfriend, very publicly, and he walks across the dance floor with another woman. Our heroine is sitting alone, humiliated. Other women she knows are giggling and making fun of her at the next table. They’re also flirting outrageously with our gorgeous hero.

Disgusted at how the women, and the boyfriend, treated the heroine, the hero asks the heroine to dance. He treats her like a princess, lavishing her with attention. By dancing with her, he gives her revenge against everyone who treated her so badly, and he helps her self-esteem.

Suddenly that scene is far more romantic. Or, at least, it is to me! The hero is no longer just a cute guy. He’s sexy, hot, appealing, romantic–not because of his looks–but because of the person he is inside.

So tell me, what do you think makes a romance novel hero romantic? Is it all looks? His voice? The way he gazes into a woman’s eyes, as if she’s the only person in the room? Or is it his character, his moral convictions, his compassion for others? Or something else entirely? I’d love to hear your opinions!

He Kills Me, He Kills Me Not

Four years ago, Amanda Stockton was forced to play a serial killer’s twisted game of chance. Since then, she has retreated from the world, bearing the scar from her ordeal and the burden of a terrible secret. But when another woman is found dead, clutching a long-stemmed red rose, Amanda knows she can hide no longer.

If there were any other way, Chief Logan Richards would never ask the only surviving victim for help. But it’s clear this killer will not be stopped and Amanda is the only link. Torn between catching a madman and winning the trust of the woman he’s come to love, Logan is caught in a dangerous game with Amanda. And there’s no guarantee they’ll come out on top.

Vanessa, here.  Lena will be giving away one copy of He Kills Me, He Kills Me Not, to one of my readers today.  Just answer her question to win!  But that’s not all.  Five readers who comment today will also win a set of Lena’s romance trading cards.  There are four cards to a set, including this dreamy one of her romantic hero, Logan Richards.  Yum!

Never heard about romance trading cards, the latest thing sweeping through romancelandia?  You can check them out on the romance trading card website.

Guest Author: Susan Lyons & Giveaway!

I’m really happy to be showcasing a fellow Canadian today – Susan Lyons, who also writes as Susan Fox.  Susan is one of those extraordinary women you often find in the romance world, a multi-talented, multi-tasking person who had at least one successful career before becoming a writer.  In Susan’s case, she was a project manager, a computer consultant, a legal editor, and a lawyer (she says becoming a lawyer was way easier than becoming a published writer).  She eventually found her way to writing, and has been penning fiction for 15 years.  In additional to her novels, she’s had stories published in Canadian literary journals, England’s Women’s Weekly, and Australia’s Woman’s Day.

In 2005, Susan finaled in the Golden Heart, the prestigious contest for unpublished authors sponsored by the Romance Writers of America.  A year later her first book, Champagne Rules, was released, and she has subsequently published over 16 novels and novellas for a number of publishing houses.  Susan has also won a whole slew of awards, including the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, The Book Buyers Best, The Booksellers Best, and the Laurel Wreath.  Her book, Sex Drive, was a Cosmopolitan Magazine Red-Hot Read.

As if you couldn’t tell by that last bit, Susan writes really sexy books, with great titles like Touch Me, and She’s On Top.  Readers and reviewers alike love her books, and rightly so.  Her stories are steamy and passionate, but they also have a lot of heart and truly wonderful characters.  For instance, RT Book Reviews gave She’s On Top a 4-1/2 stars, Top Pick review:

“Full of internal conflict, good friends and delicious sensuality, this book is hard to put down.”

By the way, this book also won the Aspen Gold Readers’ Choice Award for Best Erotic Romance, the Golden Quill for Best Erotic Romance, and finaled in the Maggies, the Laurel Wreath, the…well, you get the idea!  If I listed all the awards and accolades Susan has received we’d be here all day!  You should definitely check out her website, which has tons of info about her books, novellas, and short stories, and some really cool features like recipes for each of her books.

Susan’s latest book is Heat Waves, which is two-story, interwoven anthology that is part of her Destination Wedding Series.

As usual, Susan has garnered wonderful reviews.  According to Romance Reviews Today, Susan has “created a perfect blend of interesting characters, romance, intrigue and, of course, hot sex.”

Sounds like my kind of book!  Here’s the blurb for Heat Waves:

Get ready to sizzle…

Liz and Peter can’t think of a more fun, sexy place to get married than the Greek Islands. And they’re not the only ones looking for a steamy holiday, cruising in the sun…

“Rock the Boat”
For widowed wedding planner Gwen Austin, the charismatic Santos Michaelides is the perfect man to help her rediscover herself as a sexy single woman. At least until she finds out there’s more to the cruise director than meets the eye—in more ways than she believed possible. In fact, he’s an insurance investigator, working undercover to get the goods on one of the passengers. How is control-freak Gwen going to cope when she discovers Santos has the potential to mess up the wedding—and mess with her heart?

“Making Waves”
When prosecutor Kendra Kirk meets up again with Flynn Kavanagh, the sexy IT consultant she’d unsuccessfully prosecuted for white collar crime, sparks of all kinds fly. When he professes his innocence, she believes him and soon they’re lovers—secret ones, because if her boss ever found out, she’d be seen as sleeping with the enemy. Kendra’s job is the most important thing in her life, so what will she do when she learns the truth about the crime and must choose between work and love?

Heat Waves is available on Amazon and at all the usual booksellers.  Check out Susan’s site for the buy links and to read an excerpt.

For my readers, Susan has graciously donated a copy of Heat Waves to the blog.  Since Susan is a sexy writer, let’s talk about sex!  When reading romance novels, how hot do you like to go?  Full-on and steamy passionate encounters, or do you prefer sex in novels behind closed doors?  Enquiring minds want to know!  One person who comments will win a copy of Heat Waves.

Guest Feature: Cheryl Alldredge & Giveaway

One of the best things about being a romance writer is that you have the opportunity to meet all kinds of great people, interesting women (and a few men!) who genuinely love what they do and bring that joy to their work and to their friendships with other writers.  Today I’m hosting one of my favorite writer pals:  Cheryl Alldredge, who I met when I joined the Jacksonville, Florida chapter of the Romance Writers of America.  Not only is Cheryl smart and kind, she’s a talented writer who has recently released her contemporary romance, Ladybugs and Fireflies, which is set in her home state of Florida.

Now, lots of people visit Florida and come away thinking they know all there is to know about that state.  But that’s only the Florida of ocean resorts and tourist playgrounds.  The Florida that Cheryl uses for the settings of her stories is quite different from Miama, or Disneyworld, or Tampa, or all those other places where tourists flock for vacation.  I’m going to turn the blog over to Cheryl now, and let her tell you about the Florida she loves and uses for the settings of her books:

When I was younger I used to like to say I was a California girl. It’s true that I was born in California, but we moved away when I was a tot. My desire to claim the state probably had more to do with that old Beach Boys song than any sentimental feelings. I actually grew up in Florida. Not the part with the beaches. My Florida was more about swamps and gators and rednecks, oh my! I didn’t realize how much Florida had shaped me until other people started reading my writing. One of my trunk novels (as in tossed in a trunk and all but forgotten) was accused of sounding like a Florida travelogue. A more tactful beta reader said I made Florida a character in my book. The no-nonsense comment came from a ‘Yankee’ friend and the gentler comment came from a southern gentleman. If that’s not cliché come to life I don’t know what is!

So how did Florida shape me? I suppose it taught me not to be too vain. If you wear too much make-up in the summer, it’ll just drip right off when you walk out the door. It also taught me that fun is never far away—we do have a lot of theme parks around here. I think fun is mostly a state of mind, one theme parks have learned how to tap into and turn on at will. It also taught me to tread carefully to avoid snakes on the ground and to look more deeply at things. Florida may be all glitz, beaches, and theme parks in the brochures but it also home to wondrous natural beauty. We have springs so clear you can watch the fish frolic in the river-bottom grasses and oak trees so big they look like old giants with their mossy gray beards scrapping the ground.

In my short novel, Ladybugs and Fireflies, Callie Roberts and Taylor Powers meet when Taylor returns to his home state of Florida after establishing his career in the North.  Taylor is a high powered attorney and Callie is a small fry investigator on the opposite side of a case. It’s an impossible relationship on the surface. To find love they will have to look deeper and see who they are in their hearts.  Florida is very much a part of this story, but hopefully not in a travelogue-ish way.

I’d love to hear how your home has shaped you!

Vanessa, here.  Doesn’t Ladybugs and Fireflies sound great?  I love stories with characters who return to their hometown after life in the big city, especially in romance novels.  Coming home, rediscovering a life that seemed gone forever, is one of my favorite themes and Cheryl does a great job with it.  It’s a lovely story and a perfect summer read.  Ladybugs and Fireflies is available on Amazon, and at a number of other retailers.  Get all the details and read an excerpt on Cheryl’s website.

Cheryl also has two short stories available in e-book and anthology formats, which you can check out on her website.  She also blogs about books, life, and Florida on her Cheryl Alldredge blog, and about all things SciFi on her Smart Girls Love Sci Fi blog.  I really love this blog, which covers Sci Fi from all different angles, including books, movies, TV, and Sci Fi geekery!

On my blog today, Cheryl will be giving away a copy of Ladybugs and Fireflies, in either e-format or print book.  Let’s answer her question, which I think is a great one:  how has your hometown or state shaped your life?  One person who comments will win a copy of Ladybugs and Fireflies.

Guest Author Monica Burns & Giveaway!

I’m so pleased to feature one of my favorite romance authors today, Monica Burns.  Monica is not only a talented writer, she’s a strong, intelligent, and wonderful person – one of my favorite in all of romancelandia.  I met her several years ago at a Romance Writers of America conference, and I was immediately struck by her combination of wit, maturity, and heart, which shines through in her writing.  The first book I read of hers was Kismet, and I adored it.   It’s the story of a courtesan and a sheikh, which is totally cool to begin with, but it also has some interesting twists and a deeply sexy, emotional story.

Kismet won a CAPA in 2010 from The Romance Studio for Best Erotic Historical Romance, and garnered wonderful reviews, including this one from the Sacremento Book Review:

“Kismet is a strong debut, and a strong historical romance in general, and Burns has a charismatic and confident writing style.”

You can check out all of Monica’s earlier books on her Wicked Bookshelf. 

Monica’s latest book is Pleasure Me, and it’s another passionate, deeply emotional love story with an unusual heroine and hero.  And that’s one of the things I love about Monica – she always brings something new to the table.  She writes great love stories, fulfilling all the conventions of the genre, but with incredible intelligence and sensitivity, and with striking characters or settings.

Here’s the cover for Pleasure Me, which is truly beautiful.

Pleasure Me has been garnering wonderful reviews, including the coveted Desert Island Keeper status from the review site, All About Romance.  You can check out all of  Monica’s great reviews for the book on her website.

Here’s the blurb for Pleasure Me:

Youth and beauty are a courtesan’s greatest assets. At forty-one, Lady Ruth Attwood appears to have lost both, as her latest lover just abandoned her for a younger mistress. Struggling with the knowledge that she’s no longer considered desirable, she’s uncertain whether to be offended or flattered when a younger man makes her an unusual offer. In need of funds, she agrees. But then she does the unthinkable. She falls in love.

Despite his reputation as a man’s man, Baron Garrick Stratfield has never been with a woman. His physical impairment is such that he knows not even a whore will touch him, and he needs a mistress who’s willing to be kept without sharing his bed. But passion is just a delicious kiss away because his new mistress is wreaking havoc with his senses.  Worse yet, someone is not only out to ruin his reputation, but frame him for murder. 

Doesn’t that sound like a FABULOUS story?  You know you want to read this one!  Pleasure Me is now in bookstores, and available from Amazon and other on-line retailers. And you can read an excerpt on Monica’s website.

And we’re giving away a copy of the book!  Let’s talk about unusual settings.  Just tell me what kind of unusual settings you like, or would like to see, in historical romance.  One person who comments will win a copy of Pleasure Me.

 

 

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!