If you’re a writer, you’ve experienced it at one time or another. If it was a disease, we’d all be wiped out by it. Thank goodness it only makes us human. Today please welcome Miranda Neville to the blog as she discusses the writers she most envies and celebrates the release of her sophomore book, THE WILD MARQUIS (You know you wouldn’t have your marquises any other way ).
Writer Envy: Who Do I Wish I Was?
I just read (I know, years late) The Smoke Thief by Shana Abé. One reason I knew it was a good book was that I kept thinking “This is so good. I should write a book like this.”
Of course I can’t. Abé’s prose is lyrical and lush and her subject matter is paranormal. My own writing style is more earthbound and ironic. But that doesn’t save me from committing the sin of writer envy. Certain writers regularly inspire me with jealous torments.
I love the way Liz Carlyle sets a scene, especially a sordid scene. The opening of Tempted All Night, for example. Without going into a lot of description, she makes you see the shady pub – and incidentally tells you a whole lot about her hero.
“It’s generally said that a man can be known by the company he keeps, and Tristan Talbot was likely the only fellow in London who went dicing with his manservant. That his servant disdained the Three Shovels as beneath his dignity served only to further illuminate the level to which Tristan sometimes sank. And illumination was direly needed at the Shovels, for the place was dark as a den of thieves.
Actually, it was a den of thieves. And rogues and sharps and bawds—even the occasional gentleman out for a low-class lark. From somewhere deep inside the low-ceilinged alehouse, raucous laughter rang out….”
I’m always telling people Janet Mullany is the funniest historical writer around, though why I bother to qualify the statement I don’t know. Can’t think of any funnier in any genre. Only Janet—in the Rules Of Gentility– would set her marriage proposal in the bathroom.
“What are you doing in there?”
“It’s a water closet. What sort of question is that?”
“Well hurry up. I want to propose to you.’ He thumps on the door again and mutters something about women taking so long in there. It must be all the petticoats.
My papa comments that he’s always thought it so too.
The Wild Marquis
Author: Miranda Neville
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Pub. Date: March 9, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061808708
384 pages
He is notorious for his wretched morals and never received in respectable houses. The ladies of the ton would never allow him in their drawing rooms . . . though some of them have welcomed him into their bedchambers. Rejected from his father’s house at the age of sixteen, he now lives a life of wanton pleasure. So what could the Marquis of Chase possibly want with Juliana Merton, a lovely, perfectly upstanding shopkeeper with a mysterious past?
A moment’s indiscretion?
A night’s passion?
Or a lifetime of love?
Even the wildest rakes have their weaknesses . . .
I envy Eloisa James’ ability to effortlessly convey romantic deliciousness, as in this random page from Desperate Duchesses, perhaps my favorite Eloisa.
“Damon was well aware he was consumed by lust. It was a dangerous state. He’d never before experienced it as a sort of waking fever dream, as the past few days when he walked the halls of Beaumont House merely so that he could catch a whiff of Roberta’s perfume, or see the flutter of her dress retreat around a corner.”
Anna Campbell’s dark sensuality leaves me gaping. How does she do that?
“He told himself her body was all he wanted.
The declaration sounded laughably hollow. The feverish encounter had bitten more deeply than the fleeting demands of flesh alone ever could, however much he wished it otherwise.
She took a shuddering breath as he settled at her side. He fought the urge to stroke the damp black hair back from her brow. She wouldn’t welcome his tenderness, he knew with piercing regret. (Claiming the Courtesan)
Among the many things I envy in Susan Elizabeth Phillips is her ability to construct a big multi-character ensemble scene. The most fun may the one where a horde of giant professional sportsmen invade the heroine’s house (“Get your big-ass shoes off my sofa cushions.”) My favorite is the dinner party in Ain’t She Sweet when Sugar Beth turns an event designed to humiliate her into a triumph. We see her emerge with grace and dignity and Colin’s emotions turn from revenge to shame to love. There’s nothing I find more satisfying than seeing the tables turned.
And then there’s Loretta Chase. I’d kill to write like Chase. All I can do after devouring one of her books is to pray that some of her genius rubs off on me.
Among your favorite authors, can you pinpoint exactly what aspects of their work you like the most? One answer will win a signed copy of The Wild Marquis.
Merry Stewart has had enough! Enough of her brothers, whose behavior would make even the most improper lady blush. Enough of their highland home, which would surely have fallen to ruin were it not for her. She dreams of escaping into the arms of her betrothed, Alexander d’Aumesbery—even though they haven’t yet met. But when they do, Merry is devastated. It seems he’s no better than the men in her family.
So beautiful, so brazen . . .
From the moment he meets Merry, Alexander is overcome with desire. Desperate to convince her he’s nothing like the members of her roguish clan, he will prove he is every bit the well-mannered gentleman. Yet beneath it all beats a heart as intense and uncontrollable as hers. And finally, when his life is threatened, Merry realizes he’s the husband she’s been waiting for . . . and their passion becomes the one thing that cannot be tamed.
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Taming the Highland Bride is a page turner in which the hero and heroine must overcome many obstacles to find love. Lynsay Sands’ light and easy prose makes this fast-paced story about mistrust and misunderstandings, a fluid read.
Alex is patient, sweet and loyal man and I like that a lot about him. Even though he has misgivings about Merry from rumors that she is a shrew, from the beginning he is attracted to her. He wants to make her happy to be his wife. My only problem with Alex is that he is not portrayed as a warrior. For the better part of the book, Merry runs the household and holds the men together, while Alex is constantly in harm’s way and banged up.
Merry is a strong, independent and caring woman. After suffering through years of taking care of her drunken brothers and father, she is desperately seeking a new life. I honestly felt Merry’s disappointment at her first encounter with her Alex, knowing she feels as though she’s traded one horrible situation for another.
As they both try to move forward from their awkward first encounter, they both have to learn to let go and find love. I enjoyed the way Alex worked to lower Merry’s guard and prove that he is not like the men in her family. He takes his time and doesn’t force her but rather shows her that he is a man of honor. Sure enough, on their adventure to Scotland, Merry sees her husband for the man he truly is and allows him to slowly enter her heart.
While they are both discovering their newfound feelings for one another, mystery and danger lurks around every corner. I felt the mystery incorporated throughout the story was interesting and at the end I was a little surprised at the villain. But I wanted them to dig around to discover who was behind the “mysterious” incidents, and was slightly disappointed that they just happen to stumble across the truth. No one else seemed to be concerned about the danger they were in except Merry.
Overall, I would recommend Taming the Highland Bride to anyone who wants a quick and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more book in this series.
The Marriage Ring
Author: Cathy Maxwell
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Pub. Date: February 23, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061771927
Retail Price: $7.99
368 pages
The woman who will one day wear Richard Lynsted’s ring will be genteel, dainty, and well-bred.
This eliminates Grace MacEachin on all three counts. A hellion of the first order, the alluring, infuriating woman would be nothing more than a passing temptation to an upstanding gentleman like Richard—if it weren’t for the fact that she’s trying to blackmail his father!
Or, as Grace sees it, trying to get justice—and maybe just the slightest hint of revenge on the family that tore her life asunder when she was just a girl. And as for Lynsted, well, the stuffy, humorless man wouldn’t suffer for time spent in company more exciting than that of his company ledgers. Only when Richard gets Grace alone, she discovers he may know a thing or two about excitement after all . . .
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The Marriage Ring is a touching story about love and trust between two people very much alone in the world. This book takes an overworked, stoic man and pits him against an independent, experienced woman— and let me tell you… the sparks are going to fly!
The Marriage Ring is an interesting tale of discovery, matching two very unlikely characters in a battle of stubborn wills. But this battle turns to a love that neither expects and a story that leaves the reader with a pleasant smile on their face. It is an odd romantic story, no less sweet, but a strange progression to love and perhaps a little rushed. You do feel the characters getting to know each other better – something I liked about this book. I often read books where you don’t get a sense of growth between the leading characters and their love then seems too forced. Cathy does not let us down with her loving tale.
Richard, our hero, is a rare breed; a celibate man with a hidden sensual side, a mix of naivety and daring. He is intelligent and hardworking but possesses an air of innocence about him that I have never seen before in a romance novel. I had a hard time warming up to him… just my personal taste as I like the strong, dominant male types in my stories.
He is a good match for our bold, independent heroine Grace. She is full of fire and spunk and takes nonsense from no one. But a troubled past and a lot of heartache has left her unable to trust, just the ticket when she is traveling in a carriage with a straight-laced man who keeps telling himself he wants nothing to do with her… but we all know what he is really thinking…
The love scenes in this book are tame but loving, great for those who don’t like the graphic descriptions found in some other books.
Overall, this story was a mild tale that missed the mark on my excitement scale. If a book is “light on the love” it needs to be strong in plot to hold a reader’s interest. That being said, I would still recommend Cathy Maxwell as an author. I have read at least half of her books and thoroughly enjoyed them all.
Congratulations, ladies! And the ladies with the ** beside their name, please select another book from the books shown at the bottom. First come, first chose.
Stop by tomorrow, when historical author Rose Lerner will be joining me to chat about costume drama monster movies and giving away a copy of her debut book, IN FOR A PENNY.
It’s my pleasure to have Cathy Maxwell join me today on the blog. She has graciously agreed to a virtual interview as she celebrates the release of THE MARRIAGE RING, the third book in her Scandals and Seductions series. Please extend a warm welcome to Cathy.
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Hi Cathy, welcome! I absolutely adore opposite attract stories. Please tell us about Grace and Richard in THE MARRIAGE RING.
Opposites do attract, don’t they? But do they stay together? That’s the question I was wondering as I developed Grace and Richard’s story. Many of my readers will remember Grace from IN A HIGHLANDER’S BED. She was the camp slut, poor child. A willing one–until Fiona put a good dose of common sense in her head. Grace also makes an appearance in SEDUCTION AT CHRISTMAS and THE EARL CLAIMS HIS WIFE. She’s been developing confidence along the way but she does consider herself damaged goods.
Richard has always done the right thing, and it has made him boring. He’s a square peg in a square hole–and a part of him resents it. In many ways, Grace represents freedom . . . and isn’t that what often happens with us even today? We are going along thinking we have a handle on the world until we meet someone who challenges everything we thought about ourselves? Who is it that said, often the person who frustrates you the most is your soul mate?
But Grace does more than question and infuriate Richard. She is forbidden fruit. The Scarlet Woman.
Poor boy.
By the way, THE MARRIAGE RING takes up minutes after THE EARL CLAIMS HIS WIFE ends. So if a reader cares about the order of stories, I’d advise reading THE EARL CLAIMS HIS WIFE first. It’s not necessary. My books do stand alone–but for the whole backstory . . .
THE MARRIAGE RING is the third book in your current series. Is this the end or can we expect more?
I have two more in this series after THE MARRIAGE RING. HIS CHRISTMAS PLEASURE (Dec ’10 Avon Books) will be Andres’s story. I have a host of fans waiting for him to have redemption. And then, I close the series with the book following Andres. My readers will meet the final book’s main character in HIS CHRISTMAS PLEASURE.
I see you have a book trailer for THE MARRIAGE RING. Did you enjoy doing it?
I had fun doing the book trailer but my on camera days are long behind me. When I started writing, all I wanted to do was write. I didn’t imagine the business exploding the directions it has. What an incredible world we live in today! I am constantly amazed. One thing I’m learning is that stories will always be with us.
Now here is a question running through my mind, are book trailers all that important? I don’t think so. Content is important. We are bombarded with information so we start wondering if all of this has personal importance–and book trailers seem impersonal. I’m loving social media. I have my clan of readers and friends on Facebook plus a cadre of the really loyal I-get-what-you-are-doing readers. I admit I write to please them.
But the secret, or what I long for, is meaningful dialogue with anyone. Even the guy that pours my coffee. I am a people person. In that trailer, I skimmed a vein. I didn’t open it, not quite . . . was surprised I went there . . . . and have some mixed thoughts about it. The camera catches everything, not just that five extra pounds.
What was it like the first time you found out you made the New York Times bestseller list?
Making the list was good, all good–but surprising. When I started selling, the NYT wasn’t even including romance novels in the list so it wasn’t something I aspired to. My goal was and continues to be to focus on the reader and giving the best story experience I have to offer.
Around the time I made the list, a friend and I were arguing about goals. Her goal was the make the NYT list. I contend (and still do) a “good” goal is one you have control over. I have no control over making a list. I prefer to focus on what I do control. Then I made the list. I felt vindicated in my viewpoint. And humbled. It is an honor. It carries cache.
But to the romance reader? I’m not certain NYT matters. Romance readers (RRs) are avid readers. I have discussions with booksellers who assume RRs only read in their genre in the same way mystery and sci-fi and literary readers do. Not true! RRs read everything. They are after story wherever they can find it. They come to Romance because we have loads of good stories hitting the shelves every month. And we embrace all genres. We’ll do action-adventure, fantasy, futuristic, westerns, mystery . . . we’ll even go literary. So will the RR. Give them Story.
Digressing here . . . I think alot of the success of the Paranormal romances is that the writers were writing with a fresh eye, building strong worlds, and being imaginative with story. I come across Historical writers all the time who don’t realize how important the “world” they are creating is. I recently did a Romance Radio interview with Vampire writer Jeaniene Frost on her latest book (www.authorsonair.com). Hearing her conviction in discussing the parameters of her characters’ “world”, reminded me of how important that level of authenticity is. I’d just finished vetting a manuscript by a first time author where she was loosey goosey about the history in her time period. There are things the RR will let you do and things that will get you blasted, and every writer should know what the margins are for her genre.
By the way, Jeaniene felt the Historical writers had it tough for research. I think the Contemporary writers must be more wary. It’s hard for a reader to go back in time . . . but very easy to know that people don’t sit side-by-side in Space Mountain or folks don’t pump their own gas in Oregon–and woe to the writer who gets those every day facts wrong.
Oh, what were we talking about?
Yes, thank you very much, I like being on the NYT list. And I don’t think the fam and I did anything special. It was a good moment, and then we moved on.
~~~
The Marriage Ring
Author: Cathy Maxwell
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Pub. Date: February 23, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061771927
368 pages
The woman who will one day wear Richard Lynsted’s ring will be genteel, dainty, and well-bred.
This eliminates Grace MacEachin on all three counts. A hellion of the first order, the alluring, infuriating woman would be nothing more than a passing temptation to an upstanding gentleman like Richard—if it weren’t for the fact that she’s trying to blackmail his father!
Or, as Grace sees it, trying to get justice—and maybe just the slightest hint of revenge on the family that tore her life asunder when she was just a girl. And as for Lynsted, well, the stuffy, humorless man wouldn’t suffer for time spent in company more exciting than that of his company ledgers. Only when Richard gets Grace alone, she discovers he may know a thing or two about excitement after all . . .
~~~
How do you like writing novella compared to writing single titles? Does the word count make it an easier go?
I like the intensity of writing a shorter story and I hope the exercise translates to my full length books. My favorites are “Flanna and the Lawman” and “Nightingale.” I actually think it is harder to write shorter. Every word must count.
Do you have a daughter? If so, does she read your books? Do any of your children want to follow in your footsteps and become an author?
I have two daughters, both RRs! They do read my books. I wrote about one of them in the essay “Bedside Reading” that can be found at my website (www.cathymaxwell.com) I don’t know if I have any future authors amongst my children although each (I have three) is a very good writer. They know words convey more than just facts. If anything holds them back from writing, it is the sight of their mother sitting in one spot for hours, days at a time.
You state that you married a man you knew for less than a month. Do you believe in love at first sight?
I do not believe in love at first sight. I do believe in “Lust at First Sight”–but I wasn’t in love or lust with my husband. I couldn’t get rid of him. Every time I turned around, he was there. Kevin was a real Alpha guy, which is interesting because I’m an Alpha gal. And then, I just found myself agreeing to all of his ideas–including marriage. I knew I’d met my match and jumped in before I thought too much about it. I’m glad I did. We had a great synergy.
THE MARRIAGE RING Book trailer
Would you like to write in another genre someday, perhaps contemporary?
I don’t know what the future holds. It’s been six years since Kevin died, a real roller coaster of emotion. Anyone who has lost someone dear to them knows what I’m talking about. I had my career mapped out with all sorts of possibilities before his death and then I spent a good deal of time just hanging on.
And let me interject right here about how wonderful Avon and HarperCollins was during this period. Sometimes you will hear writers complain about how heartless publishers can be. That has not been my experience. Ever. Even before Kev’s death. Decisions have to be made because publishing is a business. At the same time, the majority of people I have met in publishing have great hearts. They are passionate and professional (passionately professional? Professionally passionate? Maybe both!) about what they do.
My goal has been to get right side up on my deadlines, then stretch ahead, and then see what is on the horizon. I’m really tired of paddling as fast as I can.
One thing I do know–I won’t leave Romance. I have many goals for my writing and I haven’t attained what I set out to do. I’m working on it, but I’m not there.
What’s coming up next for you? Can you give us a miniature blurb?
This December (2010) Andres’s story will be on the shelves–HIS CHRISTMAS PLEASURE. Remember, titles can, and do, change but that is where we are now. I love that book. Many of you remember Andres from SEDUCTION AT CHRISTMAS and THE EARL CLAIMS HIS WIFE. I’ve had boatload of mail from readers asking when they can expect his book. I hope they are not disappointed. I really love this character–a silver-eyed Spaniard who has been both villain and lover. Doesn’t get better than that!
And right now in in the beginning stages of the last book in the “Scandals and Seductions” series. It will be out in 2011 and feature a character from HIS CHRISTMAS PLEASURE. After that–I want to head to Scotland again. I’ve got a new series brewing in my mind that will be great fun.
Thank you, Bev, for this interview. It’s been fun. By the way, please remind your fans that I’ll be interviewing you March 25, 2010 1 p.m. EST on Romance Radio. We have a series of shows that live forever at Romance Radio (www.authorsonair.com) featuring the movers and shakers of in this special genre that we all love so well. Hope everyone can join us.
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Isn’t she sweet? Cathy, thank you so much for joining me today and sharing a bit of yourself with us.
Cathy will be popping in now and again throughout the day (February 22nd), so please feel free to ask questions. Also, make sure you enter to win 1 of 5 copies of THE MARRIAGE RING and corresponding signed book cover posters, which Avon Bookshas graciously offered up for raffle. Click here for entry details.
Comment today and 4 entrants for THE MARRIAGE RING will also receive a copy of one of the following books:
I’m getting the March/April issue of The Seasonready for launch tomorrow, so I’m super busy. In the meanwhile, how about a devilishly sexy highlander to hold you over? An advanced copy of New York Times bestselling author, Lynsay Sands’ The Hellion and the Highlander. Just comment to enter to win.
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The Hellion and the Highlander
Author: Lynsay Sands
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Pub. Date: February 23, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061344794
416 pages
Only one man could set her heart ablaze . . .
Lady Averill Mortagne learned to control her fierce temper as a young girl. But if her father insists on parading her before one more English lord who looks askance at her flame-colored hair, she’ll simply scream! Her only respite is the time she spends with Kade Stewart, the wounded Scot her brother brought home from the Crusades. Who could have imagined a Highland warrior would be the only gentleman around?
Lady Averill helped save his life, and for that Kade is truly grateful. She is also almost unbearably beautiful, but he could never subject such a sweet and gentle lady to the rough life of a Stewart laird’s bride . . . or could he? When she braves an unexpected danger by his side, Averill will prove to Kade that her heart is as fiery as her hair . . . and that submitting to their scorching passion would be heaven indeed.
Does anyone remember that Spam jingle from way long ago?
Kids and Spam go together like going fishing with your older brother. You can’t find one without the other.
Well I was reminded of jingle as I was putting together this paranormal and historical giveaway. I mean don’t most paranormal feature someone from another time, who has lived like say three hundred or so years ago? That’s historical right? Just an inane aside as I was humming that tune when I started doing this post.
Anyway, today I have 2 (two) books to giveaway. The first is a copy of BITTEN BY CUPID, an anthology by NYT bestselling author Lynsay Sands and newcomers Pamela Palmerand Jaime Rush. Just perfect for Valentine’s Day, ladies. But if you’re looking for something with less bite, I also have NYT bestselling author Stephanie Laurens’ THE ELUSIVE BRIDE, the second book in her Black Cobra series.
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The Elusive Bride
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Pub. Date: January 26, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061795152
436 pages
A second battle-hardened, completely unstoppable, all-male hero, an ex-officer of the Crown, confronts the deadly enemy known only as the Black Cobra.
He’s focused on his mission, then sees a lady he never dreamed he’d see again—with an assassin on her heels.
She secretly followed him, unaware her path is deadly—or that she’ll join him to battle a treacherous foe.
Through ever-present peril, through passion, desire, and ecstasy, they race to reach England—and their destiny.
Mirabeau LaRouche knew she had a job to do, but she never expected her assignment to take her through New York City′s dark, dank underground-in her bridesmaid gown, no less! And when her partner turns out to be mortal private investigator Tiny McGraw, Mireabeau knows it′s no ordinary Cupid′s arrow that has struck her heart this Valentine′s Day.
Ten years ago Zeeland left D.C. to join the Therian Guard, needing to put some distance between himself and the still-too-young Julianne. Now he′s returned, in the midst of a Valentine′s celebration to find Julianne more beautiful than ever, still angry at him for leaving, and up to her lovely eyebrows in an intrigue that threatens both of their immortal lives.
Kat Morgan has no use for Valentine′s Day, since hearing other people′s thoughts puts a real damper on any kind of intimate relationship. When she overhears the Killer Cupid serial killer targeting her for his Valentine′s Day murder, Kat is terrified. But is Adrian, the one man whose thoughts she can′t hear, her savior, or killer?
To enter to win, just leave a comment. Please indicate in your comment whether either book would be acceptable. If you’re entering for a specific book, please indicate which one.
Today, I’m over on Farrah Rochon’s Blog, chatting about one of my favourite things–my total love of series. And I’m giving away a copy of Sinful Surrender. Stop by, meet Farrah (she’s fabulous), and say hi!
In other news, wouldn’t you love to plot a Regency novella without actually writing it? Well you can and win a $1000 American Gift Card while you’re at it. What’s going on?
Four stories, four authors, one theme: that was the idea behind the bestselling anthologyIt Happened One Night. Now, Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh, Jacquie D’Alessandroand Candice Hern return to write four stories ultimately chosen by readers, in IT HAPPENED ONE SEASON.
Interested? Please visit www.ItHappenedOneSeason.com to suggest your story. It must take place during the Regency social season. And you must include three specific plot points (such as these used for the anthology It Happened One Night: (1) a couple meets at an inn 2) they had met before but not within the past ten years 3) the whole story takes place within a 24 hour period.)
About the Contest
Submit three specific plot elements and your ideas could create the theme of the four tales in the new anthology collection, IT HAPPENED ONE SEASON.
The authors choose the four finalists.
The readers vote on the ultimate favorite and one lucky winner will see their dream come true.
The grand prize winner will be acknowledged on the dedication page of IT HAPPENED ONE SEASONand receive a $1,000 American Express gift card and a copy signed by all 4 authors. Semi-finalists will receive $100 American Express gift cards and a set of personalized autographed books.
Deadline for ideas: February 14, 2010 Round two/general voting begins: February 25, 2010
Winner announced: March 14, 2010
Note: Contest is open to US residents only, age 18 or older.
I am on page 171 of VIKING IN LOVE. My intention was to have it read before I posted about it today. Alas, that didn’t happen. But I can tell you this, as I’m approximately half way through the book, I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
I confess, I approached this book cautiously as I’m not one for medievals. I opened the book Sunday night and saw 935 A.D. and thought, ‘Oh dear Lord, this is waaay earlier than I ever expected.’ I seriously didn’t know what to expect as I’ve never read Sandra Hill before. Well to say I was happily surprised would be a mild understatement. I absolutely love how she begins this book. Her cast of characters couldn’t be more amusing. I honestly never thought I was going to laughing this much–laughing at all–when reading VIKING IN LOVE. And believe when I say this is the good kind of amusing, not the insipid silly. Of course, I’m wondering about her backlist. Are they all this good? Where should I start after I finish this one? And boy do I hope I love the last half of the book as much as I love the first. I’ve got this chant going in my head, “Sandra honey, don’t fail me now.” LOL.
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Viking In Love
Authors: Sandra Hill
Publisher: Avon Books
Release date: January 26, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061673498
400 pages
All Lord Caedmon of Larkspur wants, after nine long months in the king’s service, is a bit of peace…not five bothersome Viking princesses who invade his keep, especially not the fiery redhead, Breanne. He has half a mind to kick her tempting arse out the door…but wait…he has a much more wickedly delightful plan for this thorn in his…um, side.
Princess Breanne of Stoneheim is shocked at Larkspur’s rundown condition with servants and children running wild whilst Caedmon lies abed after a night of mead and, no doubt, wanton bedsport. Breanne must endure the loathsome lout to protect her four sisters. She can hardly imagine what this knight will demand of her in return.
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To celebrate Sandra Hill’s first book with HarperCollins, Avon Books is giving away advance copies to 3 (three) lucky commenters. And tell me this while you’re commenting, like me, are you new to Sandra Hill novels?
Who reads paranormal? Tons of readers do. Well today it’s your lucky day because I’m giving away 2 (two) fabulous reads. How about the anthology BITTEN BY CUPID with novellas by Lynsay Sands,Pamela Palmer, and Jaime Rush, and Joss Ware’sBEYOND THE NIGHT. Just comment to enter to win.
With their very lives at stake, love was the last thing on their minds. But then they were bitten by cupid . . .
A daring vampire thinks she can conquer anything, but when she’s paired with a mortal detective, she’ll find her life – and her heart – in grave danger . . .
He’s a private detective, fantastic cook, gentle, funny and built like a linebacker. What immortal woman wouldn’t fall for Tiny?
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Beyond The Night
Authors: Joss Ware
Publisher: Avon Books
Release date: January 12, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061734014
400 pages
A man with no future…
When Dr. Elliott Drake wakes from a mysterious fifty-year sleep, the world as he knew it is gone. Cities are now desolate, and civilization is controlled by deadly immortals. Stranger still is Elliott’s extraordinary new “gift” – he has the power to heal, but it comes with fatal consequences.
A woman with a past
Jade barely escaped the immortals and is now hell-bent on revenge. She trusts no one… until Elliott. His piercing gaze and tempting touch shatter her defenses, but the handsome doctor seems to have dangerous secrets of his own. Is it safe to trust him with her heart?
If they are to survive in this dark new world, Jade and Elliott must work together to fight the forces that takes them beyond danger. Beyond desire. Beyond the night.
10 - Perfect! - Goes on keeper shelf forever. 9 - Excellent - Sooo close to perfection, it hurts. 8 - Very Good - Highly recommend 7 - Good - Solid read. Would recommend. 6 - Satisfactory - Okay. Would recommend with caveats. 5 - Fair – Wouldn’t recommend. 4 – Fatally Flawed 1-3 Poor (1 being one of the worst books I've ever read) - Didn't find much in it to like. DNF - Did Not Finish (Yes, it was that bad)
Heat Level
6 - Erotic – Extremely explicit language and lovemaking scenes. This includes BDSM, ménage a trios. 5 – Scorching – Explicit lovemaking scenes and language. 4 – Hot – Very hot lovemaking scenes. This includes oral sex but no more. 3 – Sensual – Lovemaking scenes are hot but not as detailed or long as Heat Level 4 2 – Mild – Lovemaking scenes are short. Very little detail. 1 – Inspy – Lovemaking scenes are practically non-existent. Kissing but definite closed door policy.
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I just read (I know, years late) The Smoke Thief by Shana Abé. One reason I knew it was a good book was that I kept thinking “This is so good. I should write a book like this.”The Wild Marquis
Congratulations, ladies! And the ladies with the ** beside their name, please select another book from the books shown at the bottom. First come, first chose. 
Hi Cathy, welcome! I absolutely adore opposite attract stories. Please tell us about Grace and Richard in 
Opposites do attract, don’t they? But do they stay together? That’s the question I was wondering as I developed Grace and Richard’s story. Many of my readers will remember Grace from 
The Elusive Bride
Viking In Love
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