What's on your Christmas Reading List? (+Giveaway)

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Beverley Kendall was not able to provide a scene for the event today. In lieu, I'll be putting together a small post featuring some of my favorite holiday reads and Beverley will be giving away some of HER fave holiday reads! Enjoy!

It's that time of year again! Mad dashes to Bath and Body works & Old Navy for last minute Xmas gifts, lots of studying late into the winter nights for finals, working retail while EVERYONE is last minute shopping as well-- this is what my last few winters have been like. Life can get crazy/overwhelming all year long- but especially when the snow hits the ground and your room starts to resemble the wrapping room at Santa's toy shop!

Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for June 2011

June is THE month. Not only is it my birthday month, but it's also going to be chock-full of amazing releases! I am so excited to see Johanna Lindsey gracing the shelves once again with a release that I KNOW will be as magical and romantic as all her earlier releases. We've got some debuting authors, old school vets showing them how it's done, and lovely new-to me's I can't wait to devour. Carina Press continues to put out QUALITY ebooks- one authored by Karen Erickson (who will also stop by the blog for guest post on 6/20) I am jumping up and down for! And Lorraine Heath's upcoming release looks like it'll be dark, original, and fresh. I am in BOOK HEAVEN!

Here are the Anticipated Releases for June 2011!!!

June 1st- She WOW'd the Historical Romance world with her debut book 'The Heir', and if the early reviews are anything to go by- Grace Burrowes is back for an encore performance! Tortured hero's are my favorite- and it looks like Devlin St.Just is as tortured as they come. Can't wait to see how Emmaline soothes his soul and sparks his passions!

(Unofficial) Johanna Lindsey News!

So, FantasticFiction is BOSS!! #That's NOT all.
I use the site all the time and while looking up a favauthor, I stumbled upon some unofficial-ish developments. To the right is the cover to Lindsey's upcoming June release, 'When Passion Rules'. I got this pic off of the books amazon page that was linked on it's fantasticfiction page (audio book edition -which seems to have more info than the regular paperback, hardcover and kindle pages).
If this is how the paperback/hardcover will come out, I can't complain. Hot guy-back with a decent rump and imperial looking clothes on a chair. Has a nice feel to it, no?

Rita's Favorite Holiday Reads

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

It only figures that I would have some most wonderful favorite holiday reads to share with you guys this season. The below books are all one that I've read in the past and absolutely adore. I know that once December rolls around, these books get dusted off and devoured in the name of all things jolly and bright!

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What type of "Rita's" list would this be without a pick from the beloved works of Lisa Kleypas!? If you know Kleypas novels, you know The Wallflowers. Chances are, your favorite is one of the Bowman sisters! (Mine is Lilith, of course) and this book features Rafe, one of their devil-may-care brothers from America! This is the story where all of our heroines make an appearance as they play matchmaker to an honorary Wallflower!

An impossible love gets some help from fate, and Christmas becomes a most magical time, indeed. I love this book so much! Perfect to start the holidays with!

'A Wallflower Christmas' by Lisa Kleypas
"It's Christmastime in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady in waiting and, if it weren't for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed. Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallflowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen. And winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants. However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts."

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This next Christmas-themed favorite of mine was actually the first book by this author that I ever read. Jo Beverley has tons of amazing historicals, I've read plenty, but this particular one will always be special to me and a favorite to crack open this time of year. I loved Judith as a heroine and as far as reluctant historical alpha males go, Leander is pretty cool, too! LOL. And I loved the kids and how they added so much MORE "ummhp" to the story!

'Christmas Angel' by Jo Beverley

"Leander, Lord Charrington has a problem. Raised to be a charming diplomat, women fall in love with him. He, however, seems unable to fall in love with them. For wife, therefore, he wants a woman he can live with on honest terms, and an impoverished widow seems ideal. Judith Rossiter thanks heaven for this escape from disaster. But can she keep to the terms of their agreement and not fall in love with her charming husband?"

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This Christmas anthology/omnibus (whatever term you want to use) was wonderful to read. I really liked it. It did have romance on "speed" syndrome (points to the story of pregnant divorcee who gets trapped in a cabin, miracle doctor rolls along and helps her deliver, then he falls in loves and marries her) But I STILL enjoy this book. Woot to anthologies!

'Under The Mistletoe' by Linda Howard and Stephanie Bond

"BLUEBIRD WINTER by Linda Howard

Kathleen Fields had to reach the clinic, but a Christmas blizzard left her stranded, ready to give birth. Then Derek Taliferro arrived with his doctor's skill and caring heart. Together they brought Kathleen's child into the world and discovered love, the greatest gift of all.

NAUGHTY OR NICE? by Stephanie Bond

Eric Quinn Stanton has never let pleasure interfere with business - until now. His practice is to arrive early and incognito at a job, to see firsthand what's working. and what's not. But he can't seem to see past Cindy's beautiful green eyes or her other generous assets. And he can't stop himself from testing the general manager's skills - on the job and in the bedroom. But what will she think when she learns his true identity?"

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Okay, so I maybe, kind, DIDN'T read this yet....But it's right here. In the good ole TBR pile (and has been here for weeks, GAH!). I can't give much commentary, but I love Victoria Alexander, her lovely Effington series, and it DOES have a Rake's favorite Christmas tradition in it. Read it right with me and let's add it to our list of go-backs for the holidays!

'Let It Be Love' by Victoria Alexander

"Dashing Jonathon Effington, the Marquess of Helmsley, has had more than one lady willingly fall into his arms. But he's so delicious none has ever complained at their inevitable parting. And while Jonathon's no stranger to passion of the flesh, his heart has remained untouched. Until now ..
At each Christmas Ball, Jonathon selects a delectable lady to share the pleasures of the evening -- after all, it's a holiday tradition! But he is shocked to discover that his choice is replaced by an enchanting stranger who surprises him with a proposal of marriage. Beautiful Fiona Fairchild is desperate -- only a wedding will save her sisters and her inheritance. But Jonathon has no interest in marriage, and what starts as a shocking proposal turns into a scandalous proposition that might ruin them both ..."

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And of course I have to include my God Mama of Romance, Johanna Lindsey! I am featuring the omnibus which includes both the wonderful reunion-/mystery/time-travel-ish Christmas story with the beloved Mallory/Anderson family in 'The Present', and a lovely Christmas novel that I really read a year from today and fell in love with; 'Home For The Holidays'. If you love the Mallory's, you'll flip for this little revisit which has a diary plot line in which we learn of the unlikely love of their mysterious gypsy ancestor. And 'Home For The Holidays' is such a sweet book where a girl believe her father abandoned her and her little brother in mounds of debt and when the owner of her childhood home comes around, she's at her wits end. The new owner is a quintessential ass-and-hole, stick up the butt, responsibility-minded scrooge who slowly allows his heart to melt for the harpy who's held up in his newly acquired piece of property.

'The Holiday Present' by Johanna Lindsey

"In The Present, she gathers together her most popular creations, the Malorys, for a memorable family Christmas and the surprising discovery of a long-ago love affair between the first Malory and a wild gypsy.

In Home for the Holidays, two rival hearts are united by a Christmas miracle that would do Charles Dickens proud.

Enjoy these treasured gifts from the pen of one of the world's most beloved storytellers, a Holiday Present of tenderness, devotion, love, and ecstasy unbound!"

--

Those are my favorites and I hope a few of them become yours (or already are)! Share your personal favs with me!!

Happy Holidays!

'That Perfect Someone' by Johanna Lindsey -Review-

   This one was a nice novel to curl up with on a rainy day and get swept away. It was as action-packed and full of twists and turns as any novel we can expect from Lindsey, and I really liked it. 'That Perfect Someone' wasn't as affecting as some of the other Mallory novels in the series, but it still holds solid merit.
   Julia Miller is shocked to find the battered up face of her elusive fiancee' staring back at her after he left England and disappeared without a trace all those years ago.
   Richard Allen is dangerously in love with the wife of a formidable English nobleman (the beloved James Mallory, see 'Gentle Rogue') and can't help himself when an opportunity to clap eyes on James' wife again comes about.
   He fled England 9 years ago to escape the controlling manipulations of his father, the Earl of Manford, and is now dismayed when his precarious foray back to London puts him face to face with the one woman he detests the most; his fiancee'.


   For 9 long years, Julia Miller and her fortune were held firmly on the shelf. Betrothed practically from infancy, Julia held no illusions as to why her presumable husband-to-be left England and never came back. They threatened each other with consequences of death multiple times, and Julia even managed to draw blood from Richard on more than one occasion when their tempers couldn't be reigned in. Finally determined to put the past behind her and take the reigns of her future, Julia begins to contemplate the best way to rid herself of her troublesome marriage contract to Richard Allen and start her life anew. She hopes for the chance to engage all of society as a woman in search of a husband of her choosing, but fate had other plans.
   At the masquerade ball being thrown in honor of Georgina Mallory's birthday, friends and family from near and far all come together to celebrate. Little do they know, amidst the crush of party-goers, the 'Frenchmen sailor' moving among them is not only a party crasher, but the missing son of an Earl. Richard Allen left home 9 years ago, determined to make it on his own, fell into piracy and came out on the other side of things with the help of his loyal friends. Richard was the second son of the Earl of Manford and once his eldest brother married well-socially-,  it was up to him to marry well-financially-. His father never showed him any semblance of love or affection and tried to control every aspect of Richard's life until one day, he had enough and took matters into his own hands. 
   Back in London for a short visit, Richard tries to avoid detection by both those from his former life and the husband of the woman he is dangerously infatuated with. Suffice to say, nothing goes according to plan and he comes face to fist with James Mallory and face to face with the woman he left behind.
   Julia is in a rage once she discovers Richard is back and she tries to settle the matter of their betrothal before he get the chance to takes off again. When Richard is also discovered by his father, he is given an ultimatum: either marry Julia or be 'taught a lesson' and transported to Australia as a 'convict'. The latter is forced on him when he refuses to marry just to fill his father's pockets, and it is Julia (with the help of a reluctant James Mallory & friends) who saves him from his horrid fate.
   Once Richard is safely off the transport ship, he and Julia come to a 'truce' of sorts and put their differences aside so that they may devise a plan to steal the marriage contract which has ruled their lives thus far and destroy it. The plan was simple: pretend to be in love to gain entry into the Earl's home, search for the contract and dispose of it, and FINALLY move on with their lives. But, as their feelings for each other start to grow more intense, their plan backfired and they now have to face the consequences together. The hero and heroine are both stubborn as mules, but eventually they learn to be honest with themselves and each other and soon realize that they are with their 'Perfect Someone'.

Rating: 3 1/2 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Richard is saved from being transported to Australia, and at first has no knowledge that it is Julia who helped put the rescue party together. He says something mean to her and then she gets upset and runs off. The others in the cabin who witness this call him out on his stupidity and he goes after her to try and make things right. In the heat of his apology, some old feelings are stirred up and as Richard comforts Julia, they begin to feel some undeniable sexual tension. The whole sequence of scenes were sweet, sensual and full of emotion and I loved them!

   Overall, you're guaranteed to find something to love about this book. Like the main character's struggle to remember exactly why they hated each other all those years ago, the side plot of Richard's true paternity, or the wonderful cameos by some Mallory series favorites. Towards the end of the novel, it feels as though the story is being prolonged. Once Julia and Richard decide to be honest about their feelings, the whole point of the second ship voyage to the Caribbean is misleading and pointless. I thought something more dramatic was going to happen. The book tried to do a little too much, and some elements weren't developed pace-wise to their full potential, which threw the book off a little, but you'll still find plenty of reasons to finish the book with a smile on your face.

*Why not try one of the earlier novels in the Mallory/Anderson Series, 'Gentle Rogue', Georgina and James' Story!

*And if pirates tales are your poison, try one of Johanna Lindsey's!:'A Pirate's Love'!

Recommendation of the Week: 06/27/10 - 07/04/10

'A Loving Scoundrel' 
by Johanna Lindsey

"When Danny, a young woman who grew up on the streets of London with no memory of her real family, is banished from her gang because she helped handsome rakehell Jeremy Malory steal back the jewels his friend lost in a card game, Danny demands that Jeremy give her a job. She is determined to become respectable in order to fulfill her dream of marrying and starting a family. Intrigued by her beauty and spunk, Jeremy hires Danny as his upstairs maid, although he wants her as his mistress.

Under the tutelage of Jeremy and his cousin Regina, Danny blossoms into a lady. Although she is drawn to Jeremy by passionate feelings she has never experienced before, she refuses to be anything more than a servant to him because she knows he is not the marrying kind. When Danny undergoes a Cinderella-like transformation and poses as Jeremy's new love in an attempt to help him avert a scandal, a few highly placed members of the ton remark on how familiar Danny looks. Now tongues are wagging, raising the question of her true identity, which threatens not only Danny's chances of capturing Jeremy's heart but her very life."Source

-I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this novel. It's definitely one of my favorites. It was so passionate and adventurous with just the right sprinkling of mortal peril. The characters (both primary and secondary) were so engaging and intriguing, the plot was one that kept me on my toes, and the love scenes were VERY steamy! Don't call yourself a romance fan until you've given 'A Loving Scoundrel' a read.

This is your Recommendation for the Week of June 27th, 2010 thru July 4th, 2010

Until Next Post<3...

Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for June 2010

   Let's Jump For Joy! It's Finally June! May has come and gone and brought with it, a lot of fabulously new books which are now perched somewhere in our bookshelves. In June we will see some wonderfully new additions coming our way! Like the new Johanna Lindsey novel for instance! I know, I can hardly wait!





 Here's what you should look out for in the Month of June:

-June 1st  is today! The following are the new releases scheduled to come out today! Run out and go bother the cashiers at your local B&N, Borders, or convenient drug store with a romance rack!

'Taste Of Temptation' by Cheryl Holt

"Helen Hamilton is a twenty-five-year old spinster, with no income and no prospects, who struggles to care for her two orphaned sisters. Destitute and only a heartbeat away from the streets, Helen applies for a position as a governess to the younger siblings of Captain Tristan Odell, the oldest and illegitimate son of the notorious philanderer, Earl of Hastings. But when Tristan turns Helen away, her future seems as desperate as her options.

Determined to do whatever it takes to support her sisters, Helen ends up at a brothel, where she agrees to sell herself as a mistress to a client of wealth and prestige. She even drinks a potion to make men desire her — and is shocked when the man who buys her is none other than Tristan. He too is shocked — and aroused by the possibilities. He hires Helen, but offers her more than a position as governess. Enmeshed in an affair of unrestrained desire, their passion quickly grows, as does an unexpected danger that could soon destroy them both..."Source

-Read an excerpt from 'Taste Of Temptation': here (click 'Sneak Preview')

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'The Forbidden Rose' by Joanna Bourne

"A career is blooming...

A glittering French aristocrat is on the run, disguised as a British governess. England's top spy has a score to settle with her family. But as they're drawn inexorably into the intrigue and madness of Revolutionary Paris, they gamble on a love to which neither of them will admit."Source

Read an excerpt from 'Forbidden Rose': here

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'To Kiss A Count' by Amanda McCabe

 "Leaving exotic Sicily behind, and with it her heart, Thalia Chase returns to England to visit her sister—and to try to forget the enigmatic Italian Count di Fabrizzi. She's shocked to suddenly see him in Bath—and in the company of a suspected thief!
Marco, Count di Fabrizzi, is on a dangerous mission and doesn't need the beautiful Lady Chase hindering his progress. But she is intent on adventure—so what is a gentleman to do when a lady is so insistent, and so very passionate?" Source

-Read an excerpt from 'To Kiss A Count': here

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'To Surrender To A Rouge' by Cara Elliott

"An expert in antiquities, Lady Alessandra della Giamatti arrives in Bath to excavate newly discovered Roman ruins-only to find herself caught in a web of evil intrigue by a blackmailer threatening to expose her scandalous past. The one man who can help her is Lord James "Black Jack" Pierson, a fellow member of the expedition and a sinfully handsome rogue whose tempting presence ignites a different sort of danger.

Jack has clashed with Alessandra in the past, so when she suddenly surrenders her body he can't help being suspicious. Is she a scheming temptress? Or is she truly a lady in trouble? As desire and deceptions swirl around them, Alessandra and Jack must find a way to win each other's trust. For if they don't work together to uncover a shocking truth, their enemy-and their own simmering passions-may destroy them and everything they cherish."Source

-Read an excerpt from 'To Surrender To A Rouge': here

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-June 8th

'Tempting A Proper Lady' by Debra Mullins

"A Most Improper Alliance

Two years ago, dashing Captain Samuel Breedlove disappeared without a word. But he's resurfaced in London a wealthy man, only to discover his fiancée preparing to wed another. Now Samuel needs to restore his good name and expose a villain—and tempting, temptable Cilla seems an ideal accomplice.

Priscilla Burke knows the marriage of her charge, Annabelle Bailey, to the Earl of Raventhorpe must be perfect. It would be madness for her to even consider doing anything that would mar this beautiful day and destroy her fledgling career as a wedding planner. Why then is she so drawn to this irresistible stranger who insists she help him sabotage the impending affair?

But a proper lady's desire is nothing to toy with. And a man whose character has been questioned cannot allow himself to dream of happily ever after. This not-so-innocent seduction may have unforeseen consequences . . ."Source

-Read an excerpt from 'Tempting A Proper Lady': here

-June 15th will mark the release of yet another Johanna Lindsey novel. This one is listed as being apart of the beloved Mallory series; all you JL fans can stop salivating now (or at least until you reach the epilogue)!
 

'That Perfect Someone' by Johanna Lindsey

"Nine years ago, Richard Allen fled England and his controlling father. Determined to live his own life, he took to the sea and settled in the Caribbean, joining a band of treasure-hunting pirates and adopting the persona of a carefree, seductive Frenchman named Jean Paul to guard the secrets of his past. When he slips back into England to carry out an urgent task, Richard becomes infatuated with a married woman, Georgina Malory. But his reckless attempt to woo Georgina at a masked ball turns out to be the worst mistake of his life because it brings him face to face with another beautiful woman.
Thrilled that her solicitors have finally come up with a way to free her from her betrothal contract to the Earl of Manford’s son who abandoned her years ago, heiress Julia Miller is ready for the marriage mart and hopes to find that perfect someone at her friend Georgina’s ball. Charmed by a masked Frenchman who gives her her first kiss, she can’t help but pursue this mysterious man—until she makes a shocking discovery. Now, to avoid falling into a ruthless nobleman’s trap, Julia must enter a risky, intimate charade with a man she never believed she could love."Source

-Read an excerpt from 'That Perfect Someone': here

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-June 22nd

'Twice Tempted By A Rouge' by Tessa Dare

"Luck is a double-edged sword for brooding war hero Rhys St. Maur. His death wish went unanswered on the battlefield, while fate allowed the murder of his friend in the elite gentlemen’s society known as the Stud Club. Out of options, Rhys returns to his ancestral home on the moors of Devonshire, expecting anything but a chance at redemption in the arms of a beautiful innkeeper, who dares him to take on the demons of his past — and the sweet temptation of a woman’s love.

Meredith Maddox believes in hard work, not fate, and romance isn’t part of her plan. But when Rhys returns, battle-scarred, world-weary, and more dangerously attractive than ever, the lovely widow is torn between determination and desire. As a deep mystery and dangerous smugglers threaten much more than their passionate reckoning, Meredith discovers that she must trust everything to a wager her heart placed long ago."Source

-Read an excerpt from 'Twice Tempted By A Rouge': here
-For a funny video made about the Stud Club Trilogy (from which this book is apart of) featuring the Author Tessa Dare click: here

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-June 29th looks to be the M.Y.C (mark your calender) a.k.a 'Big Day' in June 2010. A lot of amazing authors had a meeting where they discussed the perfect day to suffocate us avid readers with their much sought-after new releases. The following books are set to be released on Tuesday, June 29th 2010!!

'My Dangerous Duke' by Gaelen Foley

"The Inferno Club: In public, this scandalous society of London aristocrats is notorious for pursuing all manner of debauchery. But in private, they are warriors who would do anything to protect king and country . . .

They say that the very name of Warrington is cursed . . .

From a time as old as the cold stone of the duke's ancestral castle, the Warrington men have been plagued by tragedy. But Rohan Kilburn, the Duke of Warrington, has vowed to escape the predestined torment by forsaking love and devoting his life to the Inferno Club and its secret mission.

And then she is brought to him unbidden by cutthroats hoping to calm the duke's infamous temper—a sacrificial virgin of sorts. But even overpowered, Kate Madsen will be no man's sacrifice. And the duke's price for claiming her may be what he has sworn never to give—the heart he has so long and fiercely guarded—to the beautiful hostage he was never meant to love." Source

-Read an excerpt from 'My Dangerous Duke': here
-Watch this INCREDIBLE book trailer for the Inferno Club series: here

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'Love In The Afternoon' by Lisa Kleypas

"As a lover of animals and nature, Beatrix Hathaway has always been more comfortable outdoors than in the ballroom. Even though she participated in the London season in the past, the classic beauty and free-spirited Beatrix has never been swept away or seriously courted…and she has resigned herself to the fate of never finding love. Has the time come for the most unconventional of the Hathaway sisters to settle for an ordinary man—just to avoid spinsterhood?

Captain Christopher Phelan is a handsome, daring soldier who plans to marry Beatrix’s friend, the vivacious flirt Prudence Mercer, when he returns from fighting abroad. But, as he explains in his letters to Pru, life on the battlefield has darkened his soul—and it’s becoming clear that Christopher won’t come back as the same man. When Beatrix learns of Pru’s disappointment, she decides to help by concocting Pru’s letters to Christopher for her. Soon the correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher develops into something fulfilling and deep…and when Christopher comes home, he’s determined to claim the woman he loves. What began as Beatrix’s innocent deception has resulted in the agony of unfulfilled love—and a passion that can’t be denied…"Source

-Read an excerpt from 'Love In The Afternoon': here

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'The Brazen Bride' by Stephanie Laurens

"Shipwrecked, wounded, he risks all to pursue his mission - only to discover a partner as daring and brazen as he.

Fiery, tempestuous, a queen in her own realm, she rescues a warrior - only to find her heart under siege.

Bound by passion, linked by need, together they must brave the enemy's gauntlet to win all their hearts' desire." Source

-Read an excerpt from 'The Brazen Bride': here

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'A Groom Of One's Own' by Maya Rodale

"Miss Harlow's Marriage In High Life
London, 1823

A handsome duke. His beautiful soon-to-be duchess. A whirlwind courtship. It is this author's privilege to report on the event all of London is talking about: the upcoming wedding of the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon to the only daughter of the Duke of Richmond. Every details of the "Wedding of the Year" will be reported in these pages as a London Weekly exclusive.

But I, Miss Sophie Harlow, must confess to a secret infatuation with this "double duke" that can only lead to trouble. It is impossible that this notoriously upstanding gentleman would ever jilt his bride for a scandalous female newspaper writer. And yet...the arrival of a foreign prince, the discovery of a shocking secret, and one passionate kiss could change everything. Will this perfect duke risk the scandal of the year to marry the woman his heart desires?

There are only just three more weeks until the wedding…" Source

-Read an excerpt from 'A Groom Of One's Own': here

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'I Kissed An Earl' by Julia Anne Long

"Violet Redmond's family and fortune might be formidable and her beauty and wit matchless—but her infamous flare for mischief keeps all but the most lionhearted suitors at bay. Only Violet knows what will assuage her restlessness: a man who doesn't bore her to tears, and a clue to the fate of her missing brother. She never dreamed she'd find both with a man whose own pedigree is far from impeccable.

"Savage" is what the women of the ton whisper about the newly styled Earl of Ardmay—albeit with shivers of pleasure. Born an English bastard, raised on the high seas, he's on a mission to capture a notorious pirate for vengeance. But while Violet's belief in her brother's innocence maddens him, her courage awes him . . . and her sensuality finally undoes him. Now the man who once lost everything and the girl who has everything to lose are bound by a passion that could either end in betrayal . . . or become everything they ever dreamed."Source

-Read an excerpt from 'I Kissed An Earl': here

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'The Duke's Captive' by Adele Ashworth

"Vengeance would be his . . .

Ian Wentworth arrives in London with one goal: revenge. Now a duke of enormous wealth, he should settle down to the business of marrying and producing heirs. But nightmares of an ordeal from his past haunt him at every turn. All those he believes responsible have paid with their lives. All but one: Viola Bennington-Jones, the lovely Lady Cheshire. And he will not rest until he sees the tempting beauty suffer.

Viola keeps her secrets—and there are many—safe from society's prying eyes. When she first spies Ian at a glittering ball, the rush of recognition immediately turns to panic. Does he remember the tender touches that once passed between them? Does he feel the electric passion that binds them still? Or does he blame her for the awful horrors her kin bestowed upon him? The enigmatic duke holds her captive: in desperate thrall to his powerful sensuality, her future—and her heart—in his hands."Source

So mark your calenders and get ready to clean off the reading glasses; because June 2010 looks to be THE month to blow your life's savings at Barnes and Noble!

Author of the Month- May 2010

My God Mama of Historical Romance:

Johanna Lindsey

This author is a GOD SENT! All of her works speak to me on different levels. Lindsey is responsible for giving me the introduction to GREAT HR's that have made me such a picky reader to this day. When you start of with the best, you think nothing of the rest!

   Since her first book in 1977, 'Captive Bride', Johanna Lindsey has become a raving success! The 40+ novels that have followed 'Captive Bride' have all reached the New York Times Bestseller List; many coming in at number 1.
   Lindsey has been around for a while and as the times changed, her writing evolved as well. She has weaved seamlessly in and out of many different sub-genres in the Romance world. From classic Historicals that hold her their own essences and makes them stand out in a crowd of other novels on the self, to stories of pirates and vikings that put Disney to shame, Lindsey has dabbled in a little bit of everything. There are exotic Arabian tales, medieval masterpieces, gloriously rustic Western American sagas and even some Time-Traveling and Deep Space exploration.
   Lindsey has done it all, but that doesn't mean were finished with her yet. Some of her most well known works and series are: the 'Mallory-Anderson Series', the 'Reid-Locke Series' and the 'Sherring-Cross Series'. Poised to come out in June 2010 with yet another addition to the critically acclaimed 'Mallory Series'- 'That Perfect Someone'  will undoubtedly be anticipated like a stimulus package until the day of release.
   And is it any wonder that our first 'Author of the Month' is the one that started it all for me? Someone with as impeccable a writing style and as captivating a story-telling ability such as Johanna Lindsey only comes by every so once in an often.

     So, there is your May 2010 'Author of the Month' !