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: 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: 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: Sophie Jordan & Giveaway!

Sophie Jordan is my featured author on the blog today, and this woman is so talented and versatile it’s hard to know where to start.  She writes in three genres, and she’s been phenomenally successful in each one.

Sophie spent several years as a high school English teacher before bursting onto the scene with her first book, a historical romance called Once Upon A Wedding Night.

Once Upon A Wedding Night was a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Nominee for Best First Historical Fiction.  Right from the beginning, Sophie got great reviews, including this one from Once Upon A Romance:

“…a well-written and compelling story in her debut. It’s sensuous. It’s fast paced and full of intense emotions with a few twists and turns thrown in along the way.”

Her second book, Too Wicked To Tame, broke out of the box as a USA Today Bestseller, and subsequent historical romances were New York Times bestselling books.  Sophie’s books have received numerous Top Picks from RT Book Reviews, have been featured as alternates in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Bookclubs, and—well, you get the picture!

As if that kind of career isn’t already busy enough, Sophie also writes YA fiction for Harper Teen, and contemporary paranormals for Pocket Books under the name of Sharie Kohler—all to great acclaim.  Seriously, I don’t know how the woman does it!  Her first YA book, Firelight, has already gone into its fourth printing and sold to seventeen countries, AND it’s been optioned for film by Mandalay Entertainment.

You can find out all the fascinating details on her website.

But Sophie hasn’t give up writing historical romance, thank goodness.  In fact, she has a new book out called Wicked In Your Arms.

Isn’t that a gorgeous cover?  Man, I love all of Sophie’s covers!  Here’s the blurb for Wicked In Your Arms:

One of the most notoriously eligible bachelors in Europe is finally ready to marry . . .

For fiercely independent Grier Hadley, being the illegitimate daughter of one of London’s most unsavory characters has only one advantage: an enormous, ill-gotten dowry.

Prince Sevastian Maksimi knows where his duty lies: he must find a well-bred young lady-one with a considerable fortune to her name-wed her promptly, and get to the business of producing an heir.

The last thing Grier needs is some unattainable prince curling her toes with his smoldering glances and wicked suggestions. As far as Sev is concerned, she lacks the breeding to become a princess. And yet one kiss from this arresting female is all it takes for him to realize that anyone else in his arms would be unthinkable . . .

Yum!  Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?  You can find out all the details and read an excerpt on Sophie’s website, and while you’re there, check out her YA website and also her books written as Sharie Kohler.  On all her sites, Sophie has posted a number of book trailers, and really cool videos in which she talks about her books.  If you have a few minutes, please do watch them.

For my readers in the United States today, Sophie has graciously donated a copy of Wicked In Your Arms.  Since Sophie has such gorgeous covers, let’s talk about that.  What kind of cover do you like on your romance novel?  Do you like a clinch cover, a man or woman alone, a naked chest, or something a little more discrete?  And what don’t you like on a cover?  One reader who comments will win a copy of the 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 Author: Kieran Kramer & Giveaway!

I’m so thrilled to have a special guest on my blog today—the fabulous author of humorous Regency romances, Kieran Kramer!  Kieran’s debut novel, When Harry Met Molly, was a breakout hit on the romance writing scene.  It’s the first book in her Impossible Bachelors series, and it garnered rave—and I do mean rave—reviews, including starred reviews from both the Library Journal and Booklist.

It also received this Top Pick Review from RT Book Reviews:

“You’ll smile and even laugh out loud reading Kramer’s delectable debut—even the title’s nod to the famous film elicits a grin. With her perfect sense of pacing, comic timing, poignancy and marvelous characterization, this utterly enchanting new voice will have you eager for more.”

Books two and three in the series are Dukes to the Left of Me, Princes to the Right and Cloudy With a Chance of Marriage.  Besides having FABULOUS titles, they also received great acclaim, including more Top Picks and starred reviews.  And no wonder—I can assure you that Kieran’s books are delightful, romantic reads.  If you haven’t read the first books in the Impossible Bachelors series, you really must!

Kieran has a new book coming out in November—If You Give a Girl a Viscount—and it promises to be just as much fun as her earlier books.

Kieran is here today for a fun little interview, giving us a glimpse into her writing life.  Please welcome the wonderful Kieran Kramer to the blog!

Hi Kieran!  It’s so great to have you here with us.  I have a question I’ve been dying to ask—who are some of your favorite Regency rakes, real or fictional?

Oh, my goodness, I have *one* huge Regency crush–who else but Mr. Darcy? But I also fall madly in love with Mary Balogh’s heroes!

When you’re writing a book, do you avoid reading other Regency historical romances?  What genres do you like to read instead?

When I decided to get published, I thought, “I should do what the successful people do, and maybe I’ll be successful, too.” And so I listened to every word that came out of Debbie Macomber’s mouth. One thing she said was that she reads outside her genre when she writes (which is why she loves Regencies, LOL!). Anyway, that habit really resonated with me. So I have missed out on lots of great Regencies. I’m dying to read Sarah MacLean’s ELEVEN book, Julia Quinn’s ALMOST LIKE HEAVEN, and loads of other Regencies.

To be honest, when I got published, I wasn’t reading a whole lot of Regency historicals other than Julia Quinn and Mary Balogh’s. I had read a huge stack of Signet Regencies in college, but then I moved away from historical romance in general for a long time. Mary Balogh, Amanda Quick, and Julia Quinn brought me back, not that others couldn’t have done the same, but I had lots of other reading interests to indulge, too, all those years. During that more “contemporary “era,” I was reading lots of Jennifer Crusie, Jayne Anne Krentz, and Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I also fell in love with Janet Evanovich and Sue Grafton. I also read a lot of non-fiction and re-read some classics, including children’s classics with my kids.

Does music help you write? Do you put together play lists for each book? If not music, what other creative techniques do you use to spark your imagination?

Yes, music helps me a lot when I write. But I’d say 50% of the time I write in total silence. It depends what is required in the scene and what my brain needs to get creative. The closer I get to deadline, the more I listen to music. I don’t come up with playlists book by book–I tend to stick with the songs that inspire me all the time. This list I came up with on my Spinsters Club blog covers some of the basic tunes that rev my Muse.  Music, movies, going on a walk with my dog, hanging out and listening to stories from family and friends, reading the newspaper, surfing the Net…those are my indulgences that grease the rusty cogs of my imagination.

Thanks so much for being with us today, Kieran!  Just for my readers, Kieran will be giving away an extra special treat–a Regency-inspired porcelain tea bag rest along with some “tea time” goodies and a signed copy of Cloudy With a Chance of Marriage.  (Kieran’s cat Joon is not part of the giveaway!)

 

Kieran and I thought it would be fun to talk about books—what have you read recently that really knocked your socks off?  And if you have any questions for Kieran, feel free to ask!

Guest Author: Mary Campisi & Giveaway!

Do you like emotional stories filled with love and laughter, compassion and hope, passion and warmth?  Then I think you’ll really enjoy my guest author today – Mary Campisi, who writes wonderful historical and contemporary romances.

Like many romance authors, Mary came to writing by a circuitous route.  She’s held a number of jobs, including registered nurse, manager for an ob/gyn, receptionist in a swanky hair salon, and she even worked as an accounts payable clerk (not her favorite job!).  But the lure of fiction always called to her and she finally gave in to her muse, eventually going on to be published with a number of publishers, including Kensington Zebra and Carina Press.  Her books have garnered loyal readers and critical acclaim, including a Romantic Times Top Pick for her contemporary romance, Paradise Found.

And here’s what The Season for Romance had to say about her recent Carina Press novella, The Sweetest Deal:

“Smart, sexy, and seductive; this novella is a great read for any contemporary romance fan.”

Mary also writes wonderful historical romances, which romance reviewers have called “absolutely delicious” and “not to be missed!”  Fortunately for her readers, Mary has a new book out, an ebook original called The Seduction of Sophie Seacrest.

Here’s the blurb:

Love and Betrayal . . . Regency Style

When Holt Langford, the new Earl of Westover, returns to England after twelve years at sea, he resembles more pirate than nobleman, a far cry from the scrawny youth shipped off by his father to become a man. No one recognizes him and he’ll use this anonymity to enter a game of subterfuge in order to expose the scoundrel who has vowed to destroy Holt’s family business.

Unfortunately, that scoundrel has a devoted daughter – Sophie Seacrest. Sophie can’t deny her attraction to the unorthodox stranger who stirs her blood and makes her think things no proper lady should. Holt and Sophie are drawn into a seductive tangle and just when he’s about to reveal his true identity and his honorable intentions, she discovers the truth and must choose between love and family duty.

I don’t know about you, but I love a nobleman who has a touch of the pirate in him!  I think Mary’s readers (and mine) are going to love this book.  Read all about The Seduction of Sophie Seacrest on Mary’s website, and don’t forget to check out the excerpt.

And while you’re there, check out Pieces of You, book one in Mary’s new contemporary romance trilogy,The Betrayed.

For my readers, Mary will be giving away a copy of The Seduction of Sophie Seacrest.  Just tell me what book you’re looking forward to reading this September.  One commenter will win a copy of Mary’s wonderful new release!

Guest Author: Monica Burns & Giveaway!

It’s my absolute pleasure to be featuring paranormal and historical romance author Monica Burns on the blog today.  Monica is one of my favorite people in the romance world.  Not only is she a super-talented writer, she’s a strong and courageous woman who has overcome a lot of adversity in her life – I mean, a lot.  And she’s not shy about talking about these challenges because she knows that being up front about her experiences is a way to both heal and help others.

In a word, Monica is a survivor.  She survived date rape at the age of 19 and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder many years later.  But rather than giving into a sense of victimhood, Monica used her indomitable will and her belief in happy endings to craft a good life – a life which includes fabulous romances.  In fact, Monica will tell you that writing erotic romance aided in her life-long process of healing and reclaiming her self-worth.  Her courage leaves me awestruck, and very grateful that she has poured her creative energies into writing such wonderful romances.

And let’s talk about those books, shall we?  The first Monica Burns novel I read was Kismet, and I loved it.  It’s a historical romance which builds on that beloved old romance trope, the desert sheikh book.  Monica brings several interesting twists to the sheikh myth, and the result is an adventurous, very sexy, very emotional book.

Kismet won the 2010 CAPA from The Romance Studio for Best Erotic Historical, and garnered oodles of great reviews.  Like this one from RT Book Reviews:

“Burns’ story is hotter than the desert sands! She succeeds with a classic captive/captor romance akin to a Johanna Lindsey classic. Relax and enjoy the sizzling show — complete with a lesson in bananas and seduction.” 

Bananas and seduction?  How can you resist that?!

As I mentioned, Monica also writes fantastic paranormal romance, and she has a new novel out next month, which will be the third book in her acclaimed Order of the Sicari series.  This series (which is SO cool) explores a very old and very deadly feud between the Roman Praetorian Guard and the legendary Sicari assassins.  The first two books—Assassin’s Honor and Assassin’s Heart—received rave reviews and picked up some awards, too.  You can check them out and also read the first three chapters of the books on Monica’s website.

The third book in the series, Inferno’s Kiss, will be released by Berkley Books on October 4^th.

Already, Inferno’s Kiss is getting great reviews, just like the other two books in the series.  Here’s the blurb:

The laws of desire…

Dante Condellaire, heir apparent to the Sicari Lords, knows that being a true leader means sacrifice. For Dante it was relinquishing all erotic pleasures. But he never expected his willpower to be tested so fiercely by Cleopatra Vorenus, expert assassin of the Order, and daughter of the man he is positioned to succeed. 

The rules of battle…

Cleo prefers working alone—until she meets Dante who shares her goal: to destroy a Praetorian stronghold where Sicari women are imprisoned for devious purposes. Bringing the mission off without a hitch pumps up more than their resolve. It sets off a sexual spark too combustible to ignore. 

Are all made to be broken.

 As their attraction flares like an inferno, the stakes are raised. So are the risks. Before the mission is over, Dante and Cleo will be plunged into a dangerous conspiracy where a traitor threatens the very foundation of the Order, as well as the fiery bond between Dante and Cleo—warriors and lovers now torn between duty and desire.

Sounds great, doesn’t it?  I’m really looking forward to this book!  You can read the first three chapters of Inferno’s Kiss on Monica’s website.  And while you’re there be sure to check out the other features – including some great articles – and also make sure you stop by her blog.  There’s always something interesting going on in Monica’s house!

For my readers, Monica is giving away a copy of her historical romance, Pleasure Me, and a copy of Inferno’s Kiss.  Just tell me what your favorite romance movie is—old or new!  Two people will win the books!

 

Guest Author: JoAnn Ross & Giveaway!

I’m so thrilled to be featuring one of my favorite authors today – JoAnn Ross, the acclaimed writer of dozens of contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels.  To date, JoAnn has written around one hundred novels (she stopped keeping track a while ago), and her books have been published in twenty-six countries.  Two of her titles were excerpted in Cosmopolitan Magazine – which definitely makes her a Cosmo Girl – and her books have been published by the Doubleday, Rhapsody, Literary Guild, and Mystery Guild book clubs.

Not bad for someone whose first career choice was to play center field for the New York Yankees!  JoAnn swears that writing was intended to be her backup occupation, something she was only going to resort to after her retirement from baseball.  Luckily for us, the Yankees never called and JoAnn was forced to write all those wonderful books, going on to win (more than once) the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and eventually making it onto the Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll for best-selling authors.

I could wax on and on about JoAnn’s truly distinguished career and her fascinating personal history – she married the same man twice, for instance – but you can find that stuff out for yourself on her great website.

Okay, you DO have to check out her 10 things you probably didn’t know about JoAnn page, which includes such fascinating tidbits as the fact that her early years were spent in a bungalow on Santa Monica Beach.  The best part about that?  Her babysitters were the bulked up bodyguards from L.A.’s Muscle Beach!  And then there’s the fact that…well, you get the idea!

What I really want to talk about are JoAnn’s books, which are fabulous.  As readers of my blog already know, I’m a huge fan of romantic suspense and JoAnn’s are among my favorites.  The books in her recent High Risk series are suspenseful and fast-paced, with a compelling group of military heroes who generate a whole lot of heat and chemistry with their heroines.

Here’s what RT Book Reviews had to say about Shattered, JoAnn’s third book in the High Risk series:

“The third book in Ross’ High Risk series is a fine addition to her oeuvre dealing with veterans of our current conflicts. The story is compelling, and showing characters dealing with some of the issues men and women face when they return from war adds depth.  Highly recommended. ”  *4 1/2 Stars*

JoAnn’s new series leaves the action of the battlefield for the small town of Shelter Bay, Oregon.

Fortunately, she hasn’t left behind the fantastic, emotional stories her readers have come to love.  The latest book in the Shelter Bay series is One Summer, which made the New York Times, the USA Today, and the Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.

See what I mean?  This woman knows her stuff!

Here’s the blurb for One Summer:

It was supposed to be nothing more than a brief encounter…

Former U.S. Marine photojournalist Gabriel St. James doesn’t see the world as others do. His work reflects the heart of a dispirited, disillusioned loner. When he arrives in Shelter Bay to help out a fellow Marine, the last thing he expects is for that cynical veneer to crack. Then again, he never expected to meet a woman like Charity Tiernan.

A veterinarian with a past that would have defeated a less resilient woman, Charity still possesses a heart as generous as her name. She’s known men like Gabe before—a guarded soul with an elusive nature. With a shared attraction impossible to deny, Charity and Gabe agree to a simple affair with no expectations.

But as summer unfolds, and Gabe finds reasons to extend his stay in Shelter Bay, he and Charity realize that there’s nothing simple about falling in love, and nothing easy about the choices of the heart.

I’m reading One Summer right now, and I can tell you that I fell straight in love with Gabe.  I know you will too, and you’ll also fall in love with the small town of Shelter Bay.  Trust me – this series is fantastic.

For my readers today, JoAnn has graciously donated a copy of One Summer.  Naturally, you have to answer a question first!  On JoAnn’s very cool website she has a number of recipes that match up to her books.  Just check out her recipes pages and pick one you think looks really great (well, they all do – but just pick one).  Then hop on back here and tell me what it is.  One lucky commenter will win the book, and we’ll all get to savor JoAnn’s wonderful recipes!

Guest Author: Phoebe Matthews & Giveaway!

I have a fascinating guest author on the blog today – Phoebe Matthews, a very talented writer whose work spans several genres, including Regency historical romance, young adult, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy.  Her YA, When September Returns, was first published by Silhouette and was #1 on the national B. Dalton YA bestseller list.  Oh, and she writes short stories, too, in genres that include Steampunk and paranormal.

To say that Phoebe has serious writing creds is an understatement!

After years of writing more traditional romances, Phoebe is now writing in her favorite genres – urban fantasy and paranormal suspense.  In addition to all her other work, she currently has three series on the go:  the Turning Vampire series (urban fantasy), the  Mudflat series (urban fantasy), and the Sunspinner series (paranormal suspense).

Here’s what RT Book Reviews had to say about the Mudflat series:

“…Mudflat series is a supernatural comic romp full of non-stop action, fantastic characters and a hero you’ll love…” 4.5 rating, RT Book Reviews

The first book in the Mudflat series, Tarbaby Trouble, won the 2009 Eppie Award for best fantasy, and two subsequent books in the series, Welcome To Mudflat, Baby and Mudflat Toy Boy, were both Eppie finalists.

And for you vampire lovers out there (I’m one of them!), you’ll really enjoy Vampire Career, which kicks off the first book in her urban fantasy series, Turning Vampire.

Here’s the blurb for Vampire Career:

A begining vampire… A gnawing hunger… A friendly guy… Disaster…just a heartbeat away. Newly turned vampire Gerogia can deal with the “dead all day” part, but she definitely wished the rest of her new lifestyle came with a training manual. Despite all the legends, she definitely can’t turn into a bat at night and finding a vein to suck doesn’t come easy. Luckily, she’s got a new boyfriend willing to help her. Unluckily, a vampire hunter with a stake may prove at least one myth true: how to kill an undead girl.

Sounds great, doesn’t it?  I think both readers of urban fantasy and paranormal romance will love this book.

Fortunately for us, all of Phoebe’s books – including her backlist – are now available, either in e-book or print.  You can check them all out on her website, or on her Amazon page.

And just for my readers today, Phoebe is giving away a digital copy of Vampire Career.  Just tell me who your favorite vampire is, either in movies or fiction.  I have to say, I fell in love with vampires way back when I watched the vamp soap opera, Dark Shadows.  I loved Barnabas Collins!  So tell, me – who do you love?  Or do you firmly believe that vampires remain on the creepy side of the line?  One person who comments will win a copy of Vampire Career!