Available Now: YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET THE MARQUESS YOU WANT by Alexandra Hawkins

The weeks/months (years really) have just creeped right passed me! 

I am sure a million new releases have come and gone and I've been never the wiser. Other than awaiting that new Lisa Kleypas effort at the end of May and Tessa Dare novel in Sept., I am not sure what should be on my radar this year. But, be it luck or destiny, I came across a new release today from one of my FAVORITE authors. 

I am so excited to read and can't wait to get a copy- what about you?

YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET THE MARQUESS YOU WANT 

by Alexandra Hawkins

A MOST FORBIDDEN LOVE

They call him Chance, though in truth the Marquess of Fairlamb feels bitterly cursed: A long-ago family feud is standing in the way of his heart's desire. Lady Tempest is the daughter of his father's sworn enemy, the Marquess of Norgrave. She is beautiful, innocent, and utterly untouchable. But some seductions are just too good to resist...

Tempest is a woman of her own mind-and a true romantic who will overcome every obstacle to be with the man of her dreams. But the odds are against the handsome, wickedly charming Chance if he intends to win Tempest as his bride. Will he choose loyalty to his family-or risk everything he has for the woman he yearns for?

Get Your Copy Today:

Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)

Barnes & Noble (Paperback) | Barnes & Noble (Nook)

~*~

What book are you most excited for this Spring/Summer?

Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for February 2011

Just in time for the romance reader's national holiday: Valentine's Day. Tons of great books will be flooding the shelves this month! In case you need to nudge your lover in the right direction, send him the link to this list and tell him it's your Valentine's Day registry. Along with some delightful chocolates from the go to spot Chocolat Moderne (they've got stuff for him too!), [I've got my eye on: this and dark chocolate covered cherries (in vodka syrup)] nothing could make your day better, right?
And if there isn't someone special in your life, SPLURGE on yourself! Books & Chocolate= a match made in singles heaven!

Here are the Anticipated Releases for the Month of February 2011

"Hit & Run" Interview and Giveaway with: Alexandra Hawkins

She wow'd us with the first two books in her Lord of Vice series, and she's coming for our hearts once again in this newest installment. That's right, Alexandra Hawkins is stopping by today for a visit to celebrate her 3rd novel, 'After Dark With A Scoundrel', which was released yesterday, 2/1/11. We are one month into the new year and it's about time we had our first author appearance on the blog; And who better to feature first than the author of the book which I spotlighted as my best read in 2010!? Well, it looks like Hawkins is ready to deliver in 2011 as well with yet another Lord of Vice who falls victim to Cupid's arrow. For those who didn't catch my previous interview with Hawkins last year, you can check it out here; but just to recap, here's a bit about the author:

Author Bio:

"Alexandra Hawkins is an unrepentant Anglophile who discovered romance novels as a teenager and knew that one day she would be writing her own. In "The Lords of Vice" series, she has combined her love of English history, mythology, and romance to create sensual character-driven stories that, she hopes, will touch readers' hearts.

Alexandra lives in Georgia with her husband and three children. You can visit her website at www.alexandrahawkins.com."Source



You can find Alexandra on the web: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 About Alexandra's Latest Release:

'After Dark With A Scoundrel'

Released 02.01.11

Rita's Best Reads in 2010!

It was hard trying to narrow down the field for the Best Book that I read all year. As you guys should know, I visit my library almost weekly and I've read so many books from the 90's and even the 80's. I try to stay up to date on the latest, but sometimes the oldies really are goodies. This year's crop had some real pleasers and it was so hard to choose just one as my fav. But I did, so without further adieu, My Pick for the Best Book in 2010:

'Till Dawn With the Devil' by Alexandra Hawkins

Click for: My Review

This book was just gold! The heroine wasn't some simpering miss or sassy blue stocking. She had a quiet grace to her and astounding dignity despite the fact that she was nearly blind and everyone around her treated her like some delicate cripple. It captivated our hero almost as much as it inspired me. And speaking of the hero, he was great to read about. Being a Lord Of Vice, you wouldn't expect to feel empathy for him, but you do. And combined with the fact that he brings the best out of an already amazing heroine, you can't help but love this pair!

Some other 'Best of the Best':

'Till Dawn With the Devil' by Alexandra Hawkins -Review-

   Till Dawn With The Devil was a sensational read! Period! I enjoyed this book immensely and only found disappointment when I realized I’d turned the last page. Alexandra Hawkins did a splendid job of weaving believable characters, palpable attraction, and a soundly satisfying plot line that will leave you panting for more!

   Lady Sophia Northam lives in a world of constant shadows and blurs. Partially blinded in an incident from her childhood, Sophia is use to the pitying glances and whispered criticisms by the ton. In the care of her spend thrifty and neglectful brothers; Sophia strives for her few freedoms and doesn’t believe she will ever obtain full independence (or a love match on the marriage mart).

   The Earl of Rainecourt is rumored to have murdered his pregnant wife in violent rage 8 years ago. The public's opinion of him doesn't matter anymore and he’s given up his life to the allures of vice. "Reign" is adamant that he will never relive his unfortunate family past with another unsuspecting innocent ever again.

   As we all know: Fate has a funny way of setting us up with our polar opposites. A rogue and an angel will travel down a path that leads to the happiness they both secretly covet, but will a deceptive and dangerous past derail them on their journey to passion and unconditional love?  

[Read an excerpt: here]

At a very young age, Lady Sophia Northam lost her parents in a scandalous murder. Young Sophia was nearby at the time, attacked, and partially blinded by the murder. Ever since, society has treated her like an unfortunate cripple and Sophia resigns her hope of ever marrying or finding a love match.. Although she can partly see at close range out of one eye, for the most part, Sophia lives in a murky blur. Despite her eyesight impediment, and the careless, neglectful treatment by her vice-ridden brothers, Sophia has a quiet dignity and graceful disposition that will soon enchant one of the most notorious Lords of Vice.

Life hasn’t been too kind to Gabriel “Reign” Housely, the fifth Earl of Rainecourt. Sure, he’s sinfully handsome, wonderfully wealthy, and an earl to boot; but what does any of that mean to the hallow man beneath the veneer? A dark and sinister family past, an impulsive and disastrous marriage to a shrew, and the untimely and mysterious death of said shrew (while 7 months pregnant), has all taken it’s toll on Reign. The ton believes he has followed in his violent father’s footsteps and killed his wife-and Reign isn’t too concerned with contradicting them. 8 years have pass and Reign now lives for his vices and has no intention of taking another bride anytime soon (or starting the family he sorely lacked and secretly yearns for).

To the annoyance of her thoughtless brothers, Sophia decides to come to London and enjoy the Season with two friends; even though she detests social gatherings where all of society waits on baited breath for her poor eyesight to cause an embarrassing episode. At a town ball, Sophia captures Reign’s attention from afar and their paths are then firmly intertwined for a lifetime. Try as he may, Reign can’t shake his infatuation with the lovely and gentle Sophia. Even though the ultimate demise of their parents are directly related, the bond of attraction grows to a full on inferno and when Reign sees an opportunity to play hero to the strong-willed Sophia, the confirmed bachelor will do what he must.  

The past will come back to haunt our couple as they struggle to grasp the chance at happiness they never thought they would have. Will love be enough to bring our angel and devil together?

Rating: 5 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Was the camaraderie between the Lords of Vice! What a sinfully satisfying group of men! I think Chillingworth (Frost) is an ass, but he will probably end up being my favorite character in the series! I am still chanting "A toast, a bawdy boast..."

This book enchants from the prologue and makes an instant fan out of anyone reading Alexandra Hawkins for the first time. I enjoyed the flawed characters with their hidden inner strength and dizzying chemistry. I am always a fan of the dark hero, so seeing a vice-ridden Reign work through his issues and find love with Sophia was satisfying and endearing. This has been yet another book in which finding fault has proven difficult.. The plot was well developed and engaging while making the reader sit on the edge of their reading chairs and raptly drinking in all the action. I only wish it would have lasted longer. The protagonists’ relationship was one I would have liked to have seen developed a bit more after it reached it's new level towards the end. I wanted a bit more from them in the new phase of their relationship before we reached the climax in the story.
You simply must read this book! I’ll be on the look out for the next Lord of Vice story without a doubt!

[A special thanks to the author
for sending a copy for review]

*Want more Hawkins? Yeah, I know you do. Try the first book in the Lord of Vice series, 'All Night With A Rogue'!

Recommendation of the Week: 09/19/2010 - 09/26/2010

'All Night With A Rogue' by Alexandra Hawkins

"Notorious, handsome, and decadent, the Lords of Vice prowl the glittering ballrooms of Regency London - breaking rules and hearts with equal aplomb. But even the wildest rogue must eventually meet his match."

"Seduce Lady Juliana Ivers and then cast her aside: Those are his sister's instructions. Alexius Braverton, Marquess of Sinclair - known as Sin to the ton - is happy enough to oblige, especially when he catches a glimpse of his target. Juliana is completely unlike the empty-headed chits who barely hold his attention for a week. A true gentleman would leave her to find a worthy suitor. But then, a Lord of Vice would never claim to be a gentleman.

Juliana is expected to marry well to improve her family's finances, even if she secretly longs to make a living through her musical compositions. A dalliance can only complicate matters, though not even practical Juliana can help succumbing to the aptly named Sin. But one unforgettable night will draw her into a scandalous affair - and a seduction begun as sport will soon become deliciously, dangerously real."Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

 Read a review of 'All Night With A Rogue' on Romance Novel News: here

This is your Recommendation for the Week of September 19th, 2010 thru September 26th, 2010

Until Next Post<3...

Coffee Shop Conversations: Q&A and a Giveaway with Author Alexandra Hawkins

Hello all you fabulous Dames, and welcome to Coffee Shop Conversations!

On this segment of the blog I will be conducting interviews with Authors, Bloggers and anyone else relative to the literary world and willing to answer my questions. Coffee Shops are great places to just relax, let the hair down and talk about life, love and good books! So without further adieu, let's get to chatting with my special guest:
 

Author: Alexandra Hawkins

"Alexandra Hawkins is an unrepentant Anglophile who discovered romance novels as a teenager and knew that one day she would be writing her own. In "The Lords of Vice" series, she has combined her love of English history, mythology, and romance to create sensual character-driven stories that, she hopes, will touch readers' hearts.

Alexandra lives in Georgia with her husband and three children. You can visit her website at www.alexandrahawkins.com."Source

Alexandra Hawkins on the web:  Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads 

Alexandra's Latest Release:

Till Dawn With The Devil'

Released 8.3.10 (TODAY)

"Few women can resist a man like Gabriel “Reign” Housely, the Earl of Rainecourt. With divine good looks, delectable charms, and delicious wealth, he would seem to be every marriage-minded mother’s dream match for their daughters. But not so, given the mysterious death of his first wife. Fortunately for Gabriel, he has no plans to seriously court any of the London ladies ever again. That is, until he shares one unforgettable dance with a mysterious stranger…
Exquisitely beautiful though decidedly modest, Lady Sophia usually shuns the festive ballrooms of London society. But when a man who calls himself “Reign” enters her life—seemingly from out of nowhere—and shows her true kindness, her wary young heart begins to melt. Of course, Sophia would be shocked to learn the truth about Reign’s past. But when scandal strikes, this devilish stranger may be her only salvation…"

Book Trailer:

 

Get Your Copy Today:

Barnes&Noble | Borders | Amazon

Books-A-Million | Powell's

 -Q&A-

RJ:Hey Alexandra! Thank you so much for stopping by for a little chat. Firstly, congratulations on your latest book, 'Till Dawn With The Devil', in stores as of today (August 3rd)! What have the past few months been like; with finishing the book and anticipating its release? What have you experienced emotionally as well as professionally with the completion of this new book?

AH: Thanks for inviting me to drop by, Rita!  The past few months have been busy.  If I wasn’t working on production related tasks for “Till Dawn With the Devil”, I was writing the first draft for “After Dark With a Scoundrel”.  There were also promotional tasks such as updating my website, creating marketing materials, and social networking that needed to be addressed to help get the word out on the series.  There hasn’t been much time for a break between books but all the hard work [h]as been worth it.

RJ: Why don't you tell me and the readers a little bit about 'Till Dawn With The Devil' from the author's point of view?

AH: “Till Dawn With the Devil” is Reign’s story.  Unlike the hero in the first book, Reign has been married and has known loss.  By the time Reign encounters Lady Sophia, it is not surprising that he has more or less given up on love, but he is less mercenary about it than Sin was in “All Night With a Rogue”.

RJ:Where did the inspirations for your plot, characters and setting come from? 

AH: As a reader, I’ve always loved bad boy stories so it was only natural that I would one day want to try to write my own.  The original concept for the Lords of Vice series started out as a Seven Deadly Sins’ theme.  Unfortunately, while I was working on my proposal, another author announced that she had just sold a series based on—yeah, you guessed it-- the Seven Deadly Sins.  I was bummed for about five seconds, but quickly realized that I didn’t have to scrap my entire idea because all I had really lost was a possible name for my series. 

RJ:What challenges or difficulties did you face with the writing of this particular novel? 

AH: For me, it was writing the book under a tight deadline.  I don’t view myself as a fast writer so I had to be very disciplined about my writing schedule. 

RJ: This latest book is the second installment to the Lord of Vice series, the first being 'All Night With A Rogue'. How does it differ from your previous novel and what were you trying to accomplish with this book? Also, do you feel like it's "mission accomplished"? 

AH: In my opinion, “Till Dawn With the Devil” has a distinctly darker tone than the first book, and it also includes a mystery subplot.  Although it is the second book of a series, I wanted the book to stand on its own, and I feel that I have accomplished that goal.

RJ:Lets talk about your Hero and Heroine (Lady Sophia and Reign). What are their flaws and what are their redeeming qualities? Also, why are they attracted to each other?

AH: Readers will discover from the first page that Reign has some trust issues when it comes to women.  After a disastrous first marriage, Reign is convinced that love is a frivolous emotion that not only ruined his life but also his parents’.  Nevertheless, Reign is not a coward.  He is not the type to allow old fears to hinder him from seizing what he wants in life.  For Lady Sophia, her greatest flaw is that she is too trusting, especially with regards to her brothers.  A redeeming quality would be her unflagging spirit.  She has never allowed the tragedies in her life to hold her back. 

As for attraction, I believe Reign and Lady Sophia intuitively recognized that they are kindred spirits in many ways.

RJ: How did your writing journey begin and how did you get here? 

AH: Although I didn’t know it at the time, my writing journey began in my early teens.  Back then, I loved writing poetry and short stories.  Throughout high school and college, I took writing and literature classes solely for the creative outlet.  Back then, the notion of becoming published seemed like a ‘pie in the sky’ ambition.  However, it wasn’t until I decided to quit my day job and stay at home with my daughter that I seriously considered writing a book. 

Initially my goal wasn’t to get published. I just wanted to see if I could actually complete a manuscript.  It took me several years to reach my goal.  By then, I had learned a lot about the publishing industry, and I was ready to take my writing to the next step.  I started submitting to agents, which I found to be a slow process.  My persistence, however, eventually paid off and I secured an agent.  A few months later, she sold my manuscript.

RJ:The writing process differs from author to author. Some are planners, others just jump right in. Some consider themselves night writers, while others need daylight and a park bench or a coffee shop (wink) to set the mood for creativity; whats your writing process and atmosphere like?

Weird Beethoven

AH: I’m not a morning person.  I wish I was, but my creativity seems to kick into high gear at night.  So if I was given a choice, I’d write at night.  Nevertheless, to keep up with deadlines and my kids’ schedules, I’ve learned to be flexible.  

As for my process, I’m a plotter.  Since my editor prefers synopses, the fact that I am a plotter works out for both of us! 

I do like to set the mood.  When I’m working on a first draft, I listen to classical music. 

RJ:Romances has transcended many different sectors of pop culture. I think the Beatles said it best, "All you need is love". This being a Romance Blog, I've got to ask: what are your favorite picks of the following:  Favorite Love Song? Favorite Scent on a man? Favorite Romantic Comedy? and of course, Favorite Romance Novel?  

AH: Favorite love song—Faith Hill’s “Breathe”.  Favorite scent on a man—Polo.  Favorite Romantic Comedy—“There’s Something About Mary”.  Favorite Romance Novel—Tough one because I love so many.  I guess I’ll have to go with an old favorite.  Johanna Lindsey’s “Gentle Rogue”.

RJ: What's coming up next for you (book-wise or otherwise)? 

AH: The next installment in the series, “After Dark With the Scoundrel” will be coming out February 2011.  This is Dare’s story.  The heroine is Frost’s younger sister, Lady Regan.  I’m also working on the plots for the next Lords of Vice books.

RJ: Do you have anything that you would like to address to your fans and the readers? 

AH: Readers can connect with me through various sites. I can be found at: 
www.lordsofvice.com
www.facebook.com/author.alexandra.hawkins
www.twitter.com/lordsofvice
www.myspace.com/lordsofvice
www.goodreads.com/author/show/3026532.Alexandra_Hawkins 
I also have a periodic ‘announce-only’ newsletter on Yahoo Groups. 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alexandra_hawkins_newsletter/ 

RJ: Final Question: Name something shocking or interesting about yourself that the readers may not know. 

AH: I met my husband at McDonald’s.  When I was nineteen, I was working as an assistant manager at McDonald’s to help with college expenses, and this gorgeous guy came into the restaurant looking for a job.  It took him six months to work up the nerve to ask me out.  When he did, I told him that I couldn’t date employees so he quit the next day.  Four years later, we were married.

 -Thanks once again to my special guest, Alexandra Hawkins, for stopping by and telling me all about life as an author and her new book!

~*~ Giveaway Details ~*~

Alexandra Hawkins has generously offered to giveaway a copy of 'Till Dawn With The Devil' to one (1) lucky commenter! Follow the guidelines below and comment for your chance to win. The giveaway will run until Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 at 11:59:00. The winner will be announced and contacted on Wednesday, August 11th, 2010.

Giveaway Guidelines:

To be entered in the giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment! Make sure to include your email! (NO EMAIL= INVALID ENTRY!)

-To get extra entries (do one or more of the following for extra shots at winning. Please specify in your comment which extra entries you are entitled to or I will not count them!):

+2 'Like' Alexandra on Facebook and leave her a nice note on her wall (provide a link in your comment)

+2 'Like' 'the Not Another Romance Blog blog' on Facebook and tell me if you have/are in your comment (there's a like button here)

+4 Spread the word! Tweet on twitter or Share on Facebook about this giveaway (provide a link in your comment)

+5 Be a Follower/ Become a Follower of Not Another Romance Blog (on GoogleFriendConnect) and tell me in your comment

(How to providing links: Just hover your pointer over the time stamp (the-2 seconds ago-words at the bottom of your tweet or wall post), right-click and select 'copy link location' from the menu, then come back here and paste it into your entry comment)...Still having trouble? Email me what you have done and where and I'll do my best to verify.

*You do not have to post separate comments for each extra entry unless you want them in different chronological order. All one comment with a list of your entitled entries is fine.

-Restricted to US residence only (sorry), & No P.O boxes-

--
To all the readers, be sure to make use of those 'on the web' links above to better acquaint yourself with this fabulous author! This has been great! Good luck to all of the giveaway contestants and I hope all of you have enjoyed this edition of: 

Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for August 2010

Okay! Say it with me- "Aloha August"! No sad faces permitted past this point in the year! What is there to be sad about? Can you say 'super sexy & sensual releases coming your way"? Some wonderful additions to some stellar series, a debut, and a few new-to-me authors are all waiting to present you with their new novels this month. Sadly, it's time to cage up the banshees settle the children into their new routines, gearing them up for the start of a new school year (oh, dear), and say goodbye to summer. Look at these upcoming releases as your summer parting-gifts.

Here are some Anticipated Releases for the Month of August 2010!

August 1st- Yep, that's today! There's a great new novel hitting the shelves by new-to-me author, Sophia James! The blurb is way too tempting. One word: "add to cart" (or wait, that's three?)

'One Unashamed Night' by Sophia James

"Living in a gray world of silhouette, Lord Taris Wellingham conceals his fading eyesight from society. He has long protected himself from any intimate relationships.
Plain twenty-eight-year-old Beatrice-Maude Bassingstoke does not expect to attract any man, especially not one as good-looking as her remote traveling companion.
Forced by a snowstorm to spend the night together, these two lonely people seek solace in each other's arms. The passion they unleash surprises them both. Then a new day dawns…."Source[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

August 3rd- Will 'reign' in some really good books by two authors scheduled to stop by for some Q&A's and Giveaways (Alexandra Hawkins-Aug 3rd & Lila DiPasqua-Aug 13th)! I already read one of these books, and the other is on my list of 'TO GET NOW'! Another Aug 3rd title is the beginning book in a new series by new-to-me author, Victoria Dahl.

'Till Dawn With The Devil' by Alexandra Hawkins

"Few women can resist a man like Gabriel “Reign” Housely, the Earl of Rainecourt. With divine good looks, delectable charms, and delicious wealth, he would seem to be every marriage-minded mother’s dream match for their daughters. But not so, given the mysterious death of his first wife. Fortunately for Gabriel, he has no plans to seriously court any of the London ladies ever again. That is, until he shares one unforgettable dance with a mysterious stranger…

Exquisitely beautiful though decidedly modest, Lady Sophia usually shuns the festive ballrooms of London society. But when a man who calls himself “Reign” enters her life—seemingly from out of nowhere—and shows her true kindness, her wary young heart begins to melt. Of course, Sophia would be shocked to learn the truth about Reign’s past. But when scandal strikes, this devilish stranger may be her only salvation…"Source

~*~

'Awakened By A Kiss' by Lila DiPasqua

"Three classic fairytales--"Sleeping Beauty," "Puss in Boots," and "Little Red Riding Hood"--cleverly retold with enough sensual twists to prove wickedly ever after does exist...

Once upon a wicked time...

Sleeping Beau: Five years ago, notorious rake Adrien d'Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss-and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory. Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress-and this time, he has no intention of letting her go...  

Little Red Writing: Nicolas de Savignac, Comte de Lambelle, has been assigned by the King to uncover the secret identity of the author writing scandalous stories about powerful courtiers. He never expected his investigation would lead to his grandmother's house, or to a ravishing woman who would stir his deepest hunger...  

Bewitching in Boots: Elisabeth de Roussel, daughter of the King, is accustomed to getting what she wants-and she wants Tristan de Tiersonnier, Comte de Saint-Marcel, an ex-commander of the King's private Guard. A recent injury has forced Tristan to leave his distinguished position, but Elisabeth is determined to make him see he's every bit the man he once was-and more than man enough for her..."Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'A Little Bit Wild' by Victoria Dahl

"Jude Bertrand is not an excellent dancer. Nor does he wear the most fashionable coats. But when Marissa York's brother approaches him, desperate to preserve Marissa's tenuous reputation, Jude does prove heroic enough to offer to marry the girl. In fact, the union should more than make up for his lack of social graces - and his own scandalous past...Marissa knows that betrothal to the son of a duke - even one as raw and masculine as Jude - will save her from ruin, but that doesn't mean she's happy about it. Soon, though, she finds that Jude has a surprisingly gentle touch - and plans to use it to persuade Marissa that their wedding day cannot come soon enough..."Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

August 24th- The darling Teresa Medeiros comes out with another stellar highland romance to titillate you brogue-loving wenches! I, personally, can not WAIT for the release of her first contemporary 'Goodnight Tweetheart' (February 2011). It's sure to be a winner, as will this latest historical by her.

'The Devil Wears Plaid' by Teresa Medeiros 

"AN INNOCENT WOMAN
Emmaline Marlow is about to wed the ancient patriarch of the Hepburn clan to save her father from debtor's prison when the Hepburn's sworn enemy Jamie Sinclair bursts into the abbey on a magnificent black horse and whisks her away. Jamie is everything her bridegroom is not--young, handsome, virile...and a perilous temptation for her yearning heart.
A DANGEROUS MAN
Jamie expects Emma to be some milksop English miss, not a spirited beauty who will defy him at every turn. All of his plans to use her as a pawn in the centuries old Highland feud begin to go awry when irresistible passion flares between the two of them. A man can kidnap a bride, but is it possible for him to steal her innocence without losing his own heart?"Source

~*~

The M.Y.C day in August 2010 is the 31st. All books with release dates closer to the end of the month are sometimes considered the next month's release (ex. some of the following books are advertised as being September 2010 release). I am a stickler, and even though the day following these releases will be September 1st, I still consider them August's books! With that weird technicality out of the way, let's get to the over-flowing shelf fare that this day will have to offer! (note: Tracy Anne Warren will be stopping by on this day, the 31st, for an interview and a giveaway!) The following books are all being released on Tuesday, August 31th, 2010: 

'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed' by Tracy Anne Warren

"To her surprise, Lady Mallory Byron finds herself walking down the aisle with the last man she ever expected to ask for her hand . . . .
Everyone knows the Byron brothers are "mad, bad and dangerous." Now their sister shockingly discovers she's the newest talk of the Ton when she marries the scandalous Earl of Gresham. Faced with a tragic loss, she'd sought comfort from him as a family friend. But soon consolation turned to passion, scandal—and a wedding! In the bridal bed, she finds pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. But can nights of wicked delight change friendship into true love?
Charming rakehell Adam, Earl of Gresham, has secretly loved Mallory for years. He lost her once to another man, but now he has a second chance to win her love—and plans to do so by any means necessary. Will Mallory's heart give him what he so dearly desires? Or is the past too much to overcome?"Source
[Read an excerpt :here]

~*~

'The Unclaimed Duchess' by Jenna Petersen

"The life of a duchess has its ups and downs.
Betrothed at birth to the heir of one of England's loftiest titles, Lady Anne Danvers has been raised to run grand estates and host glittering parties. Which leaves her ill-prepared when her husband of one week rides off without a word, with no intention of returning.
Rhys Carlisle, Duke of Waverly, never wanted a love match—but he never dreamed he'd be abandoning his beautiful bride right after their blissful honeymoon. Alas, a terrible secret has shattered his world and he cannot face the truth . . . or the people he cares about most.
To entice back the husband she's long desired but barely knows, Anne will employ any means necessary—a surprisingly pleasurable proposition for them both. But the dangerous swirl of lies, deceits, and blackmail surrounding them merely grows stronger as their hearts grow closer, threatening to tear apart the passionate love affair they've only just begun . . ."Source
[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'Bound To A Warrior' by Donna Fletcher

"It has been prophesied that four men, raised as brothers, will bring Scotland back to her rightful glory. The first is running for his life.

Charged with the restoration of Scotland's one true king, Duncan MacAlpin isn't surprised to find himself fleeing an army across the verdant hills of his homeland. But having to do so while shackled to a woman . . . that is a true challenge to Duncan's ingenuity and self-control. For the lovely, untouched maiden he's chained to is far too captivating to resist.
Despite her innocence, Mercy guards her own dangerous secrets. Proud and unafraid—hunted and imperiled for who she is and what she knows—she is determined to regain her freedom and never let it be taken from her again. Yet locked so tightly to her imposed escort, tempted by the warmth of the powerful Highlander's body, she aches to give herself over completely to desire . . . and risk the heart she has fought so hard to protect."Source

~*~

'You Only Love Once' by Caroline Linden

"The most dangerous pursuit . . . is passion.
Devilishly handsome and absolutely fearless, Nate Avery is in London on an important mission—and paired with an English spy, who is meant to watch him as much as aid him. But much to his surprise, that spy turns out to be an alluring and enigmatic temptress.
Angelique Martand may be a beauty, but she's also the most dangerous agent in England—and this job is far beneath her. She doesn't like the way the dashing American looks at her, or the way he makes her feel—like a woman, not like a spy. She can't afford to fall under Nate's spell and indulge her desires, no matter how desperately she wants to. But soon it becomes clear that there's more to this job than either of them knows . . . and the secret they uncover could cost them their lives as well as the once-in-a-lifetime passion that burns between them."Source
[Read an excerpt: here]

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'Never Trust A Rogue' by Olivia Drake

"The wealthiest heiress of the season, Miss Lindsey Crompton finds detective work far more fascinating than social engagements—at least until she meets Thane Parker, the Earl of Mansfield. Thane is a paradox: a war hero and a cad, a wicked scoundrel and an indulgent guardian of his young ward. When Lindsey sneaks into his house to investigate his role in a series of murders, he blackmails her into a betrothal.

Thane has a secret life he keeps hidden from everyone, especially the infernally curious—and curiously alluring—Miss Crompton. Working with the Bow Street Runners, Thane is tracking a killer who may be one of Lindsey’s suitors. Even if their engagement is a ruse, the heat between Thane and Lindsey is undeniably real. And with a murderer on the loose, desire has never been so dangerous…"Source

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And there you have it. 10 of the most anticipated releases for the month of August. So what are you waiting for? Head down to your local bookstore and see if you can finagle your way to the back storeroom where they keep all the books until their release days. ;) 
[note: N.A.R.B and its affiliates will not be held responsible if you get arrested and/or face criminal charges for trying to sneak-a-peek at privacy protected materials]