Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for April 2012

Decided to knock the dust off this blog feature and highlight some spectacular reads I can't wait to get my hands on. May showers brings April flowers...

Time to shower all of you with April Releases!

Here are the anticipated releases for April 2012!!!

April 1st- A wonderful literary talent (and I am not just saying that because I like to call her 'friend'), Vicky Dreiling, is releasing her 3rd book on this day. We've followed these two characters the moment they stepped onto the page in Dreiling's previous books, How To Marry A Duke and How To Seduce A Scoundrel, and now it's time for them to shine in their own love story!

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':

Coffee Shop Conversations: Q&A and a Giveaway with author Tracy Anne Warren

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: Tracy Anne Warren

"Tracy Anne Warren is the New York Times Bestselling author of nine Regency historical romance novels, including At The Duke’s Pleasure and The Husband Trap. Her books have appeared on the USA Today Bestsellers’ list and the Borders’ Group List of Bestselling Single Title Romance Paperbacks. She has won numerous writing awards, including Romance Writers’ of America’s prestigious RITA® Award, the National Readers’ Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion, the Golden Quill, and others. Currently, Warren is at work on her new Regency historical Byrons of Braebourne series, which follows the sexy, scandalous goings-on of the tempestuous Byron siblings. At The Duke’s Pleasure is the newest release in the series with Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed arriving in stores in September 2010."Source

TAW on the web: Website | Facebook |  HarperCollins Author Page

Tracy's latest release:

'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed'

available on 8.31.10

"A touching and romantic love-story about overcoming grief and allowing true love to take root. ['Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed' was] A stellar read that will leave you VERY satisfied, indeed!" quote from my review

 

"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 from 'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed': here
-My Review of 'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed' can be found: here

Get Your Copy Today:

Barnes&Noble | Amazon | Borders

Books-A-Million | Powell's

-Q&A-

RJ: Hey Tracy! Thanks for stopping by for a little chat! Congratulations on your latest novel, 'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed', in stores August 31st, 2010 {Today!). What have the past few months been like with anticipating the release, and what have you experienced emotionally as well as professionally with the completion of this new book?

TAW: Hello, Rita, it’s great getting to take a few minutes away from my writing to chat with you and your readers! And thanks for the chance to talk about my latest Byrons of Braebourne novel, WICKED DELIGHTS OF A BRIDAL BED. It’s always hard waiting the last few months before the release of a new book. I get very excited with anticipation at the thought of seeing another of my novels hit the shelves.  And this book is a bit of a professional milestone, since it will be my tenth novel!  It just doesn’t seem that long ago that I was anticipating the release of my first novel, THE HUSBAND TRAP, back in 2006.

RJ: Why don't you tell the readers and I a little bit about your newest book from the author's point of view? This isn't your first book; how does it differ from your previous novels?  What were you trying to achieve with this book and do you feel like it's 'mission accomplished'?

TAW: As I mentioned, this is my tenth novel and the fourth installment in my Byrons of Braebourne series. When I start each new book I always strive to create distinctive characters and tell a unique, page-turning tale. WICKED DELIGHTS OF A BRIDAL BED is no different. As for how it differs from earlier novels, I’d have to say that it deals with some new themes and has a slightly darker tone. My goal for this latest addition to the series was to explore the strength of unconditional love and its healing powers, how friends can sometimes turn into lovers, and the possibilities for happiness that second chances can offer. I’m really pleased with the result and hope readers have as much fun with Mallory and Adam’s story as I had writing it.

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

TAW: The challenges I dealt with in writing WICKED DELIGHTS OF A BRIDAL BED are similar to those I usually face with each of my books: creating compelling, believable and sympathetic characters and storylines that will capture the interest of readers. In particular, I pushed my storytelling into new territory by exploring Mallory’s grief and her healing journey as she finds the strength and joy of new love.

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

TAW: The story for WICKED DELIGHTS OF A BRIDAL BED grew out of secondary characters who appeared in the earlier books in the Byrons of Braebourne series, beginning with book one, TEMPTED BY HIS KISS. As one of two Byron sisters, Mallory had to have her own book, since her brothers couldn’t be the only ones getting all of the attention! In TEMPTED BY HIS KISS, I also introduced rakish earl, Adam Gresham, who is a good friend of the Byron family, and who happens to have been secretly in love with Mallory for years. With WICKED DELIGHTS OF A BRIDAL BED, readers will find out why he never pursued Mallory, despite his deep love for her, and the lengths he goes to not to let her slip through his fingers again.

RJ: 'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed' is the fourth book in the Byrons of Braebourne Series. All I can say is: "Those Byrons, Those Byrons, Those Byrons!". What an enthralling family! How did this series come about and what do you believe makes this family so beloved among the readers?

pic of Lord Byron (quite the looker)

TAW: I’ve always loved the Caro Lamb quote about Lord Byron, the poet, where she said that he was “mad, bad and dangerous to know.” I also love sexy, devilish and dangerous heroes–and high-spirited heroines, so it seemed a natural fit to blend the bad, real-life reputation of an outrageous lord with the fictional antics of an entire family of scandal-making siblings. I think that readers respond to the all-too-human qualities of the Byrons, the familial interplay and the archetypal themes of courtship and finding true love.

RJ: Let's talk about the Hero and Heroine (Adam and Mallory). In your eyes, what are their flaws and what are their redeeming qualities? Also, what makes them attracted to one another (despite the obvious handsomeness and beauty)?

TAW: I don’t generally analyze the flaws and redeeming qualities of my characters, since their creation is far more organic than it is strategic. If pressed, I would say that Adam’s telling flaws would be his pride and the insecurity he feels and acts upon regarding his relationship with Mallory; his redeeming qualities are his loyalty, kindness, consideration of others, and his undying love and support of Mallory. As for Mallory, her flaws would be her naïveté and somewhat overindulged youth (she loves shopping, especially with her brother Edward’s money); her redeeming qualities are her sweet, generous nature, a practical, common sense wisdom and a steadfast devotion to those she loves–most especially Adam. Their attraction to each other grows from a deep liking and long-term friendship, which blossoms into a rich and enduring love.

RJ: The writing process differs from author to author. Some are planners while 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. What's your writing process and atmosphere like?

picture of TAW's Cat: Christofur!

TAW: I have a home office where I always work; it’s rare that I write outside of my office. Typically, I try to deal with administrative matters during the day (you’d be amazed at all the emails and writing-related business things authors do). In the evenings, I write my books–generally well past midnight and into the wee hours. I work five days a week–unless I have a deadline that’s getting close, then you’ll find me pounding the keyboard at all hours, seven days a week, until the manuscript gets completed. For atmosphere, I turn on my ipod and listen to instrumental movie scores and classical music. I love tea, so there’s always a mug nearby to keep me adequately caffeinated. I also have three little feline assistants who like to “help” me create. So far they’ve staked out most of my printer table, part of my desk and the top of my filing cabinet for use as cat beds. (To see photos of my furry assistants, please visit my website at http://www.tracyannewarren.com/)

RJ: When did you first start writing, and what inspired you to pick up a pen in the first place? 

TAW: My journey as a writer started back when I was 17 and I wrote my first novel-a time travel romance, which was ahead of its time in more ways than one. (And no, that manuscript has never been published and never will be). For as long as I can remember, I’ve always made up stories, so it seemed only natural to finally start writing them down on paper. I chose to write historical, Regency-set romances because I love the era––the social rules, the clothes, the glamour and excitement of the last great era before the start of the industrial revolution and the modern world.

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

TAW: I have lots of favorite love songs, but one I really adore is Celine Dion’s “Then You Look At Me.” My favorite scent on a man is no scent at all––just clean soap and water. Colognes and aftershave lotions are a real turn-off for me. My favorite romantic comedy is “Bridget Jones Diary” (the first movie, the second one is a disappointing mess). And you’re really cruel to make me choose just one favorite romance novel, but since you insist, I’d have to pick “His Lordship’s Mistress” by Joan Wolf. It was written years ago, but it’s a beautiful story.  

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

TAW: First, I’d like to thank all my fans for their wonderful support! It’s such a pleasure and blessing being able to write stories that people enjoy. I’d also like to let everyone know that I recently signed a new four-book contract with Avon Books. So for anyone wondering if there’s going to be a story for ALL the Byron siblings, the answer is yes! I’m busy writing Drake Byron’s book now, which will be in stores in 2011. After that, the irrepressible twins, Leo and Lawrence, and youngest daughter, Esme, will be all grown up and ready to find true loves of their own. I’m tremendously excited at the prospect of getting to share more Byron stories with my readers. To find out more about me and all my books, please visit my website at www.tracyannewarren.com. Look for me on Facebook as well.

RJ: Okay, (sad face) Final Question: Name something shocking or interesting about yourself that the readers may not know.

TAW: I lead a rather ordinary life these days (chained to the keyboard, remember?), but perhaps something most readers don’t know is that I was about 12 when I read my first romance novel…I’ve been reading them ever since.

--

TAW: In closing, I’d like to thank you for a great interview, Rita. This was lots of fun!

RJ: I had a blast too, Tracy! Thanks for stopping by and telling the readers and I all about your newest book!

~*~Giveaway Details~*~

Tracy Anne Warren has generously offered to giveaway a copy of 'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed' to (1) one lucky commenter! Follow the guidelines below and comment for your chance to win. The giveaway will end on Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 at 11:59:00 PM. The winner will be announced and contacted via email on Thursday, September 16th, 2010.

Giveaway Guidelines: To be entered in the giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment/question for Tracy and include your email address!
*(NO EMAIL= INVALID ENTRY)

For Extra Entries (do one or more of the following for extra shots at winning):
+2 'Like'  Tracy's Facebook Fan Page AND/or leave a nice message on her wall. (provide a link so I can check)
+2 'Like'  The 'Not Another Romance Blog' Blog on Facebook
+3  Leave a comment on My Review of 'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed'
+4 Spread the word: Tweet on Twitter, Post a Facebook status, or blog about this interview and giveaway (provide a link so I can check)
+5 Become a Follower/ Be a Follower

(How-to guide for providing links to a specific facebook or twitter status': here)

-Tell me in your comment which extra entries you are entitled to and include the necessary links so I can check, or they will not count!

*Restricted to U.S. and Canada residents only! No P.O. Boxes.
--
And make sure you enter the Swagilicious Giveaway for your chance to win 1 of 4 'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed' swag prize packs. Includes: Signed Coverflat, Bookmark, Commemorative post-its, and two Magnets. Fill out the form: here. -ends on September 30th-
--
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:  

the Swagilicious Giveaway (for 'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed' swag)

 The 'Swagilicious' Giveaway- 'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed'

In honor and in celebration of Tracy Anne Warren's newest novel, 'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed', I will be giving away (4) four swag prize packs at the end of the month!

Each prize pack includes: (1) signed cover flat, (1) bookmark, (1) commemorative post-its, and (2) magnets - ['Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed' and 'At The Duke's Pleasure' magnets] (***and possibly any goodies I decide to pick up during the course of the month!..book-lights, pretty note pads..ect)

Pretty cool, huh?
So, what do you have to do to enter? That's simple! Just fill out the form below (or click this link and fill it out directly there) and you (+ your extra entries) will be entered to win 1 of 4 swag prize packs.



For extra entries in the Swagilicious Giveaway, you can do the following:
 +2 Become a Follwer of the blog (+4 if you already are one as of 8-30-10)
+4 Comment on My Reviews of TAW's books (+2 for 'At The Duke's Pleasure' ,+2 for 'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed', +4 for both)
+3 Comment on my interview with Tracy Anne Warren
+5 Spread the word! Tweet on Twitter or Post a Status/Share on Facebook. (+6 for an actual Blog POST and +3 if you link to giveaway in your sidebar) you can copy & paste this if you'd like: Tracy Anne Warren-Swagilicious Giveaway at Not Another Romance Blog..http://tiny.cc/kajql..signed coverflats, bookmarks & more~ends 09.30.10


Highest possible amount of extra entires:  16


-Restriction-
-Only U.S residents (so sorry! Broke college student + Expensive postage costs = no-can-do, China)


*I may not be able to mail all the prize packs immediately following the announcing of the winners, but THEY WILL be sent in a timely fashion. (end of the month is a pricey time: bills, ect..may take a week or two to mail them off)
-I can not be held responsible if the post office losses/damages your prize. It will be in a bubble-wrapped envelope, but it may sustain damage en route. If it arrives to you damaged (horribly bent, water leaked, ect) email me and I will do my best to re-mail you another prize pack (my quantity is limited).
--


Enjoy the site, see what other Tracy Anne Warren content I have on here, and I hope you have a Swagilicious September! ;)

The M.Y.C Day for August 2010... One single day, SO many books!

As all of you know, on the 1st of every month, I come out with a list of anticipated upcoming releases you should definitely add to your bookshelves. A pretty common occurrence I noticed was, that for each month, there always seems to be one day where the number of great new releases are all bundled up. I have taken to calling such days with these occurrences M.Y.C Days. M.Y.C stands for Mark Your Calendar, and should you be hoping to kill more than one bird with one stone, the M.Y.C day is that time to do it.
   In August, the M.Y.C day is Tuesday, August 31st 2010 (TODAY). That day is upon us now, so hire your hackney and mosey on down to ye ole Barnes&Noble to get your copy of the following titles (as featured in the Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for August 2010):

~*~

 1.) 'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed' by Tracy Anne Warren

 -Stop by later today for an Interview/Giveaway with TAW and make sure to enter the 'Swagilicious Giveaway' for some awesome 'Wicked Delights..' swag packs!

~*~

2.) 'The Unclaimed Duchess' by Jenna Petersen

~*~

3.) 'Bound To A Warrior' by Donna Fletcher

~*~

4.) 'You Love Only Once' by Caroline Linden

~*~

5.)  'Never Trust A Rogue' by Olivia Drake

--
As stated, the titles listed above are ALL being released today! Have fun lugging home your arm full of new releases ;)!

Until Next Post<3... 

'Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed' by Tracy Anne Warren -[ARC] Review-

   A touching and romantic love-story about overcoming grief and allowing true love to take root. A stellar read that will leave you VERY satisfied, indeed!
   Mallory Byron is knee deep in the throes of grief after the loss of her beloved fiancee', Major Michael Hargreaves. She won't take dinner with the house guest anymore, she hardly speaks at length with members of her own family, and the tears and nightmares still plague her lonely nights.
   Who would have thought it would take the 'notorious rake' and family friend, Adam Gresham, Earl of Gresham, to work a smile on her face. But little does she know, he plans to work way more than a smile out of her and plans to see to her future happiness...with him. Mallory isn't sure if she's ready to abandon her 'comfortable' isolation and take a chance on a man whom she may never be able to love, but Adam is persistent and soon she may find her self become well acquainted with the wondrous, amazing and Wicked Delights Of A Bridal Bed.

Read an excerpt: here

   Mallory Byron is the sister to Duke of Clybourne. She has a loving and supportive family, albeit with their "mad,bad and dangerous" reputations, all of whom have settled and benefited from marriages filled with love, passion, and understanding. That was all she wanted out of life as well, but after her fiancee' is reported dead on the front lines of war, she can't help but feel the acute pain as her deepest desire begins to slips from grasp. Her mourning period has come and gone, but still, Mallory feels Major Michael Hargreaves' passing keenly. Somehow, the tears keep falling, and her heart fall further and further to the point of no return.
   At a house party (designed with working Mallory out of her funk in mind), in walks the dashing and deliciously rakish Adam, Earl of Gresham, who has been a friend of the family for many years and silently in love with Mallory for what feels like just as long (although Mallory hasn't a clue). When he first realized his feelings for Mallory, he was nothing more than a financially deprived heir who was poised to inherit his father's outstanding debt and damn-near decrepit house along with the Earl's title. He didn't have much to offer Mallory, so he decided to hold out until his circumstances improve before starting any courtship. While he kept his distance, the young Major stole Mallory's heart, and Adam had to fight every impulse and let her go.
   As unfortunate as Hargreaves' death is, it provides a window of opportunity for Adam which he can't pass up. But first, he must coax the reluctant Mallory out of her depression and bring some sunshine and laughter back into her life.
   Being found in Mallory's bed, in a compromising state, by all 4 of her intimidating brothers, and forcing the hand of his pal, the Duke of Clybourne, wasn't exactly what Adam had in mind for his grand woo-ing. The circumstances ties our Hero and Heroine together for a lifetime of passion, desire, and mutual healing and understanding as they begin to develop love for one another; but how will Mallory ever be able to let go of her past and embrace this new future?
   In this beautiful love story (and you can not read this book and not call it that), Adam will have to learn that if he truly loves someone, sometimes he just has to let them go-a second time-; and hope that the Wicked Delight of a Bridal Bed and his unconditional love will be enough to have them coming back and staying where they belonged all along. 

Rating: 4 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is the general beginning as Adam begins to work Mallory out of her depression. She hardly eats or socializes, choosing to isolate herself from those who love her most in her time of grief. She has been unhappy for so long, that the family is desperate to bring some warmth and happiness back into her life. Adam loves her, and wants to see her happy again, and you can feel the genuineness of his actions. He barges into her rooms all casual-like and convinces her to eat dinner with everyone else, he helps pick out her dresses and takes her for intimate picnics when she's had enough of everyone else. It is just so heart warming to recount Adam's actions in regards to his Mallory. *sigh*

   In the end, when you open a romance book, you want to see some romance. The love Adam has for Mallory, and the love Mallory develops for Adam, is really believable. I love the concept of Mallory's grieving over a lost love and being granted a second chance at a new one. There is a plot twist towards the end that will have you gasping and "OMG"-ing like crazy and you'll have to read the story to find out what it is (my lips are sealed. =X), but this was one of the more genuine stories I've read in a while. It was deep and dark without letting  those elements overwhelm the plot, and you're sure to fall in love by the time you reach the back cover!

*Check out my Interview (and giveaway) with Tracy Anne Warren where she'll answer some of my questions on the book and more!: -Tentative date- scheduled to be up on the day Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed is release, August 31st, 2010!

[special thanks to Tracy's publicist, Christine

for sending the

egalley for review.]

*Want some more of the Byrons of Braebourne? Check out 'At The Duke's Pleasure', Mallory's brother (the Duke of Cylbourne), Edward's Story! My Review can be found: here

*Also try Book # 1 from Warren's The Trap Trilogy, 'The Husband Trap'!

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]

~*~

'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

~*~

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]

'At The Duke's Pleasure' by Tracy Anne Warren -Review-

   What an engaging novel! The beginning had me hooked and the ending solidified this author in my ever-growing list of 'author's to look-out for'. I enjoyed the zany plots by the heroine to get out of a marriage she thinks will break her, and the hero slowly letting go of his 'ducal mask' so that he can embrace his love before it's too late.
   Claire Marsden was scarcely out of the womb before her father and the previous Duke of Clybourne came to an 'understanding' concerning their eldest children. They were to be married, and all Claire's life, she had been brought up and prepared for her future life as a duchess. It isn't until she realizes her fiancee' has no intention of trying to make a love match from the union that she decides if she can't have his heart, she doesn't want his last name.
   Claire has to pull out all the stops if she wants to end this damnable marriage, but Edward Byron won't let her out of it that easy. He tries to be lenient with her as she acts out, but can't understand her maddening resistances to the marriage; or how she suddenly became the most important thing in his life.

[Read an excerpt: here]

   The duke's son was a pragmatic and mature youngster for all his age of 10 years old. The Byron family make the trip to Nottinghamshire to visit with their good friends, the Marsdens, and little Edward Byron is about to meet the newest addition to the Marsden family. A squirming, red-faced, screaming baby is laid in Edward's arms and a few seconds later, he is informed that he is holding his future wife. Shocked and dismayed, Edward already sees Claire Marsden as an 'obligation' and is set in his ways to do what is expected of him and leave it at that.
   Claire on the other hand, had different ideas when it came to what kind of marriage she wanted. She didn't just want to be wedded one day and carted off to the country to be forgotten the next. At the age of 16, during one of her rare visits with her betrothed, Claire overhears him talking about her (speaking of her as if she were a child 'barley out of leading strings' and his having no intention of falling in love with her) and her fairy tale romance is quickly spun into a horrid nightmare.
   At 33, Edward finally decides he is ready to follow up on his duty to marry Claire. He visits her at her home, is pleasantly surprised by her transformation into a full-grown and attractive woman, and equally stunned by her adamant desire not to be wed. He believes Clarie is upset about having to miss out on all the society functions because she was already promised to a duke and her father saw no reason to 'waste' money on a come-out. He speaks to Claire's father and volunteers to finance her trip to London. She will soon find herself in the whirlwind of the season and in a boat load of scandalous ploys aimed at extricating herself from an inevitably loveless marriage.
   Through Claire's numerous and notorious escapades during the season, Edward indulges her and is patient and lenient when most men would have buckled under the embarrassment and freed her from the marriage contract. Somewhere down the road, he finds himself falling in love with the woman he is to wed and isn't pleased about it. Like most men in historicals, Edward has some unconvincing 'reason' for wanting to keep love separate from marriage, but fate had other things in mind. His secret work for the crown as a spy soon puts his curious Claire in mortal danger, and he will have to find a way to face his feelings and allow happiness back into his life before it's too late.

Rating: 3 1/2 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is the beginning, where Edward and his family are visiting the Marsdens and he is given the newborn Claire to hold. You can sense the tension in the scene like something major is about to happen. Baby Claire was wailing and squirming and acting like any baby would, and Edward had some pretty funny commentary about that. Once the baby is settled in his arms, however, she quiets up and Edward beings to see the more charming qualities babies possess. It is all ruin though, when Edward is inform that the infant he is holding is his fiancee'. I couldn't stop laughing and marveling in the brilliance of this particular scene. And it happened right at the start, so the book had me hooked from page 1!

   Overall, this was an excellent read. I couldn't get over how marvelous it was in the beginning, and how fast I became a Tracy Anne Warren fan. Her writing style is superb and easy to follow. It had a flow to it that made each page turn itself. Some con's to this novel would have to be the annoying traits of some of the characters. Flaws are an important part to any novel's characters, but I found myself rolling my eyes at Claire's back and forth between whiny young miss and level-headed maverick. Her character was great at some points, a bit trying at others, and Edward's reason for staving off love wasn't overwhelmingly compelling, but at the end of the book, I was in love. I also enjoyed the ending as well. So many authors would have gone the other direction just to avoid cliche' and predictability, but the story was all the better for Warren's biting the bullet (kind of literally) and it was one of the high points in the story for me (a reason I may just have to re-read).

*And also check out the next book in the series, 'Wicked Delights In A Bridal Bed', Mallory's story! My Review can be found: here

-And check out my Interview with Tracy Anne Warren where she talks all about WDOABB and more!: here

 *Or give one of the other novels from  The Byrons of Braebourne Series a read!:

'Four Dukes And A Devil' (Novella)

'Tempted by His Kiss'

'Seduced By His Touch'