Recommendation of the Week: 09/05/10 - 09/12/10

'Ravished By A Highlander' by Paula Quinn

"FORBIDDEN LOVE...
Davina Montgomery is no ordinary English lady. For her own protection, she's been locked away from society, her true identity the Crown's most closely guarded secret. Until a shocking betrayal—and a bold rescue—land her in the arms of a fierce Highlander, a powerful warrior whose searing gaze and tantalizing touch awaken her body and soul.
UNDENIABLE DESIRE
As the firstborn son of a powerful Scottish laird, Robert MacGregor has no loyalty to the English throne, but he's not the kind of man to leave a woman in distress, even if she is English. He vows to deliver Davina to safety, unharmed and untouched. Yet one stolen kiss leaves them both smoldering with desire… and desperate for more. With Davina's secret threatening to destroy his clan, Rob must choose between everything he holds dear and the one woman he can't live without."Source

[Read an excerpt (THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS!!): here]

-I've wanted to read this book ever since it first came out. I was so excited to win it in a giveaway over at Martha's Bookshelf and it finally came in the mail this week! I am sneaking it to one of the top spots in my TBR pile and a review is forthcoming, but from all the buzz it stirred and wonderful reviews it garnered, I know I am in for a great highland tale! (and if you haven't read already, then you are too.)


-Read a review of 'Ravished By A Highlander' at Night Owl Romance: here

This is your Recommendation for the week of September 5th, 2010 thru September 12th, 2010

Until Next Post<3...

Coffee Shop Conversations: Q&A and a Giveaway with Author Michelle Willingham

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: Michelle Willingham

 

"RITA® Award Finalist Michelle Willingham grew up in a military household that took her all over the world, including Thailand, Germany, and England. She wrote her first historical romance at the age of twelve and was delighted to fill up eight pages of a legal pad. As her binders of stories grew, she was convinced that one day she would achieve her dream of being an author. Thankfully, most of her early stories have been destroyed and are unavailable for blackmail.

She attended the University of Notre Dame where she thought about studying medicine. Since Michelle passes out at the sight of blood, she decided that this was not a good career move. She studied English instead and graduated summa cum laude with the idea of becoming an editor. Her first part-time job involved editing mortgage handbooks, which sent her fleeing back to graduate school for a degree in middle school education. Michelle taught school for eleven years before retiring to stay home with her children and write full time.

She married a rocket scientist, and they live in southeastern Virginia. When she isn’t writing historical romances, she loves to cook, read, and avoid exercise at all costs."Source

Michelle Willingham on the web: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Michelle's Latest Release:

'Surrender To An Irish Warrior'

Released 09.01.2010

"An Irish warrior with a thirst for revenge…

Trahern MacEgan—his body is honed for fighting, his soul is black and tortured. Women want to tame him, but he has loved once, and now is lost.

A woman who has suffered in silence…

Morren Ó Reilly—she has known pain and shame, but holds her head high, even though she shrinks from a man’s touch.

Their passionate redemption

Can Morren be the light to Trahern’s darkness, and can she be made whole again by her surrender?"Source

-Read an excerpt from 'Surrender To An Irish Warrior': here

Get Your Copy Today:

Barnes&Noble | Amazon | Borders

Books-A-Million | Powell's

-Q&A-
RJ: Hey Michelle! Thanks so much for stopping by for a little chat. Firstly, congratulations on your new book, 'Surrender To An Irish Warrior', in stores as of 09.01.10! What have the past few months been like; with finishing the book and anticipating it's release? What have you experienced emotionally as well as professionally with the completion of this new book? 

MW: I completed Surrender to an Irish Warrior last January, and usually there are about 9 months before an accepted book goes through the publication process. Often, you’re so busy working on the next manuscript, the release date sneaks up on you! But this book was particularly challenging to me because I had to write darker than I’d ever written before. I’d never written characters like these before, and it was terrifying. I even wrote to my agent and asked, Am I taking this story too far? Should I pull back? She gave me the encouragement to be true to the storyline and trust that my heroine was strong enough to handle the worst. And so far, I’ve received some amazing reader feedback that made me feel like I made the right decisions.

RJ: Why don't you tell me and the readers a little bit about 'Surrender To An Irish Warrior' from the author's point of view?

MW: When I set out to write Surrender to an Irish Warrior, it was a book that caught me completely off-guard. I had written the story of Ewan MacEgan (Taming Her Irish Warrior) and I knew I wanted to bring in Trahern at the end of the book. In the previous books, he was a bard who was well-known for his storytelling and was a giant of a man. He had a teasing sense of humor and liked women.

But when Trahern arrived at the end of Taming, he was completely changed. Not only had he lost his teasing spirit, but he'd become a man consumed by grief. He shaved his head and was driven by vengeance. He no longer cared if he lived or died after losing the woman he loved. That image, of a man who had lost everything, became the inspiration for Surrender.

I always envisioned Trahern as a saint, type of character. He's a man who would give you the shirt off his own back if you needed one (and having a look that that chest and back, I'm thinking that he's already given that shirt away.). J I wanted to do a sinner and saint type of story, but Morren wasn't quite the "sinner" I'd expected. I had originally thought I'd write a bad girl sort of character, but I realized that it wouldn't fit Trahern. The best sort of heroine for him, would be a woman who would force him to openly face his worst fears.

Trahern believes that it's his fault that the woman he loved is dead. And Morren is a woman who survived the absolute worst conditions of war. In her, Trahern sees what might have happened to his betrothed wife. Morren is his second chance at redemption, and by saving her, he will save himself.

RJ: This newest book is the latest story in The MacEgan Brothers Mini-Series. Who are the MacEgan Brothers and what inspired their series?

MW: They are a group of five brothers, living in a fictional region outside of Waterford, Ireland. Patrick is king of their province Laochre and is the eldest. Then it’s Bevan (the stoic), Trahern (the storyteller), Connor (the flirt), and Ewan (the tormented youngest). I was inspired by Ireland, particularly after my visit to the country, and always wanted to set a romance there. The intense green land, the mystical quality of the country, gave me so many ideas!

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

MW: Truthfully, the story unfolds without any sort of plan. I knew Trahern wanted vengeance, and the heroine’s story emerged when he rescued her from nearly dying. Writing, for me, is like watching the movie running through my head. I never know where the ideas come from.

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

MW: It’s the first time I ever wrote about a rape survivor. I went to an online bulletin board and read some of the stories of women who have survived that kind of tragedy, and it broke my heart. But I wanted to give a voice to a character who has endured the worst and who has a courage unlike anyone else.

RJ: 'Surrender To An Irish Warrior' is not your debut novel or the first book in a new series. How is it different from the previous novels you've done so far? What were you trying to achieve with this book, and also, do you feel like it's "mission accomplished"?

MW: I always try to write a stronger book than the previous one. I’m so glad I was given the chance to finish up stories for all of the heroes, because it was important to me to give a happy ending to each man. Surrender was different for me, because of the darker themes, but it also pushed me to write a more emotionally-driven story. It’s the most difficult book I’ve ever attempted, and I hope I did it justice. I’ll leave it to the readers to decide if it’s mission accomplished. J

There is also a connected short novella “Pleasured by the Viking,” which picks up after the end of Surrender. It has a secondary character, Viking Gunnar Dalrata, and Auder O’Reilly, a friend to Morren. It’s available in e-book form in Kindle, Nook, Sony, and all e-book stores.

RJ: Let’s talk about your Hero and Heroine (Trahern & Morren). What are their flaws and what are their redeeming qualities? Also, why are they attracted to each other (aside from physical attraction)?

MW: Trahern’s biggest flaw is that he lets his grief sink into him to the point where he begins to lose his humanity. Morren’s flaw is that she doesn’t believe that there’s a happy ending for her—she lets her life revolve around others instead of considering her own needs. But Trahern’s storytelling is his unique talent, and his ability to draw people to him. Morren takes care of others, and her compassion brings Trahern back from the edge. In the end, they take care of each other.

RJ: How did your writing journey begin and how did you get here? What pit-stops, wrong turns, and perfect lane changes did you make on your road to publication? 

MW: I started writing romance in 1996 and failed miserably at it. I stopped writing from 1998-2000 and switched to writing children’s books after that because the length was more manageable. After I wrote four complete manuscripts, I realized that if I put them together, I’d have a full length romance novel. I decided to try again and finished another manuscript in 2003 which, although not publishable, had a solid beginning, middle, and end. I realized that if this was what I wanted, then I needed to focus on what I loved. I wrote another book in 2004, submitted it to Harlequin, and almost 2 years exactly, on September 15, 2006 at 10:03 in the morning, they called and wanted to buy it. I’ve been writing historical romance ever since.

RJ: The writing process differs from author to author. Some are planners, and 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?

MW: I’m a morning person, and there’s nothing I love more than to have my pages written before noon so I can enjoy the rest of the day guilt-free. I usually listen to movie soundtracks when I write (The Tudors, Braveheart, Gladiator, etc.) and I write on my laptop.

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 romance picks of the following:

MW:
Favorite Love Song? When We Dance by Sting
Favorite Scent on a man? Old Spice
Favorite Romantic Comedy? “Date Night” and of course
Favorite Romance Novel? Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer

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

MW: My next book, Claimed by the Highlander, is set in medieval Scotland just around the death of William Wallace (think Braveheart). It will be released in the spring of 2011.

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

MW: Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the MacEgan brothers series and my books. I will be speaking at the Chesapeake Romance Writers conference this November (details at http://www.crwrwa.org/), and anyone is welcome to come. If you’d like to be notified when new books are available, you can sign up for my newsletter on my website. 

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

Germany's Wartburg Castle

MW: I used to work for a German count in a castle (his international business was in the basement) one summer when my family was stationed overseas. I was in charge of proofreading the English translations and handling calls for English-speaking clients. We worked in the dungeon—literally!

--
RJ: Thanks so much Michelle, for stopping by and sharing today! I had a lot of fun asking you all these questions, and even more fun reading your responses! I am sure the readers will gobble up this newest addition to the MacEgan Brothers series!

MW: Thanks so much for having me, and I’m happy to offer two giveaways to anyone who posts a comment or question. To be eligible for a signed copy of Surrender to an Irish Warrior or a free download of “Pleasured by the Viking,” just tell me the name of a great romance novel you’ve read recently. Or you can ask any questions you like, and I’m happy to answer.

~*~Giveaway Details~*~

Michelle Willingham has generously offered to giveaway a copy of 'Surrender To An Irish Warrior' to (1) one lucky commenter as well as a free download of 'Pleasured By The Viking' for another commenter (Both International)! Follow the guidelines below and comment for your chance to win. The giveaway will end on Friday, September 24th, 2010 at 11:59:00 PM. The winners will be announced and contacted via email on Saturday, September 25th, 2010.

Giveaway Guidelines: To be entered in the giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment/question for Michelle 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' Michelle's Facebook Fan Page and/or leave a nice message on her wall. (provide a link to status)
+2 'Like' The 'Not Another Romance Blog' Blog on Facebook
+3 Visit Michelle's website and look through her Photo Gallery. Then in your comment, write about a picture or album that caught your eye.
+4 Spread the word: Tweet on Twitter, Post a Facebook status, or blog about this interview and giveaway (provide a link to where/what you did)
+5 Become a Follower/ Be a Follower

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

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

*INTERNATIONAL-this giveaway is open to residence all over the world (*wherever the Book Depository ships* You can check if BD will ship to your country: here)
--
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:  

Author Of The Month: September 2010

Sabrina Jeffries

"In the last 11 years, New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries has penned 18 Regency romances and four novellas — becoming a regular on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists and winning more than a dozen industry awards in the process.  

    

Photo by David McNeese, McNeese Fitzgerald Photography

New Orleans-born, Thailand-reared, Jeffries attributes her success to listening to what peers, her publisher and her own common sense told her she should be writing: “I write what I enjoy reading: lighter, sexier historical romances, with more dialogue and more sensuality.”  

Writing about 19th-century English life comes naturally for Jeffries.  Not only is she a lifelong Jane Austen fan, but she has a doctorate in English lit from Tulane and a specialty in Early Modern British literature.  Yet the impetus for her stories, Jeffries says, is always “what if” — not what if her hero likes this or that, but what if this happened and this happened ... what would it do to a person?

And she writes, she says, because “I can't not write . . . I have stories in my head, and I have to get them out.”

Today, the novelist has more than 4.5 million Sabrina Jeffries books in print.  She writes at her home in Cary, N.C., where she lives with husband, Rene, and their son, Nick.  When not answering e-mails as she logs miles on her treadmill or doing jigsaw puzzles (“my reward for finishing a book”), Jeffries can be found championing the cause of autistic children in the name of her son." sourced from the author's page on Jeffries' website

-I personally LOVE this author to distraction! All of her books are just butter-to-bread beauties! I think what Jeffries does with a pen (or keyboard) is what John Travolta did for Grease (huh? lol). My first read by her was 'A Dangerous Love' and I just loved it! I will be featuring Sabrina's books in review form on the blog a lot in the coming weeks, so look forward to that!

*Also, check out the Sabrina Jeffries content I have right here on the blog: click here

And there is your Author of the Month for September 2010
*For more info on Sabrina Jeffries, you can visit her website: http://www.sabrinajeffries.com/

Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for September 2010

 Okay! It's Sexy September and the releases this month are MOUTH-WATERING! The lovely Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, Emma Wildes and scores of other authors have some amazing novels heading our way. I think this month has some of the most delicious and beautiful covers I've ever seen! The month of September is always a difficult one. Most of us are making the transition from summer to school-time, and personally, I will have to say goodbye to my beloved Grandfather (R.I.P Boyzie Thomas Jr.). But life continues and changes constantly, so it's best to remember the past (whether it's memories of the recent summer, or those of a loved one), and make way for a positive future. So without further adieu, let's embrace and salivate over September's must-haves!

Here are the Anticipated Releases for September 2010!!!

September 1st- Hey, that's today!! LOL. Time to start the new month off RIGHT. And what's more right than a smexy Irish warrior to whom you surrender? | appearance note: The wonderful Michelle Willingham has a new release out today and will be stopping by the blog on Sept. 3rd for some Coffee Shop Conversation and to give away a copy of her latest novel to one lucky commenter. The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL (as long as the book depository delivers to your home) so all of my Australian readers (yes, I know about you lot!) and fans of my blog from near and far have the chance to win this great book by this great author!

'Surrender To An Irish Warrior' by Michelle Willingham

"An Irish warrior with a thirst for revenge…

Trahern MacEgan—his body is honed for fighting, his soul is black and tortured. Women want to tame him, but he has loved once, and now is lost.

A woman who has suffered in silence…

Morren Ó Reilly—she has known pain and shame, but holds her head high, even though she shrinks from a man’s touch.

Their passionate redemption

Can Morren be the light to Trahern’s darkness, and can she be made whole again by her surrender?"Source 

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

September 7th- Will see two stellar novels hitting the shelves and leaving said shelves just as quickly. The incomparable Emma Wildes has a new book (the first in a new series) waiting in the wings, and Christina Phillips' Roman/Druid romance threatens to prolong this exceedingly hot and steamy summer-autumn. | appearance note: Christina Phillips will be hi-jacking the blog on this day (the 7th) and guest posting! She'll also be interviewed and offering a copy of her latest book to one lucky commenter!

'My Lord Scandal' by Emma Wildes

"Alexander St. James may be a thief of hearts, but he is no burglar. Nevertheless, he must recover and item belonging to his family to avoid a scandal, and so he has stolen into the home of Lord Hathaway, only to come upon the beguiling and chaste Lady Amelia in her bedroom, wearing little but a look of surprise. Alexander leaves Amelia breathless-but is it from fear or excitement? Captivated by her beauty and charmed by her intellect, he ignores the scandalous whispers as he sets out to seduce the woman of his dreams..."Source  

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'Forbidden' by Christina Phillips

"First in a new erotic historical series of magical heroines and sexy warriors.
Carys knew from the moment she first spied on Maximus in his naked barbarian glory that he was a dangerous Roman centurion-his taut, battle-scarred flesh marking him as a fearless warrior. But her desire for him was as undeniable as it was illicit.

Charged by his emperor to eliminate a clan of powerful Druids in Britain, Maximus never expects his mission to be thwarted by the clan's ethereal princess, Carys. Falling under her spell, he doesn't realize her true heritage-until he captures her heart as well as her body.

Now Carys and Maximus must overcome the devastation of war and face the ultimate sacrifice if their forbidden love is to survive."Source  

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

September 21st- Oh, Ms.Jeffries! SJ will be coming out with the second book in her 'Hellions Of Halstead Hall' series. Everyone was blown away by 'The Truth About Lord Stoneville', and since I am reading it now, my review will be up soon. This newest book is the story of Oliver's brother, Jarret, and his love.

'A Hellion In Her Bed' by Sabrina Jeffries

"Furious at his grandmother's ultimatum to marry or lose his inheritance, Lord Jarret Sharpe wagers his luck - and his heart - at the card table against a most unlikely opponent. 

Mired in scandal after his parents' mysterious deaths, notorious gambler Lord Jarret Sharpe agrees to tamely run the family brewery for a year if his Machiavellian grandmother rescinds her ultimatum that he marry. But the gambler in him can't resist when beguiling Annabel Lake proposes a wager. If she wins their card game, he must help save her family's foundering brewery. But if he wins, she must spend a night in his bed. The outcome sets off a chain of events that threatens to destroy all his plans . . . and unveils the secret Annabel has held for so long. When Jarret discovers the darker reason behind her wager, he forces her into another one - and this time he intends to win not just her body, but her heart."Source 

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

The M.Y.C day will now be called/referred to as Fat Tuesday (for books). I think this new name for the one day where all of us bookies/avid readers pig out on tons of new releases is very appropriate ;). As I was saying, the Fat Tuesday (for books) in the month of September is obviously the 28th. On Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 , the following novels will all be released (and what an incredible line-up to behold!). | appearance note: Miranda Neville is scheduled to appear on 9.28.10 to celebrate and talk about her latest release. And Avon newbie Jenny Brown will be by on October 3rd for a little Coffee Shop Conversation as well! Make sure to put in your pre-order today, so you don't have to wrestle with fellow romance junkies in the middle of Borders for the last copy of these books!

'Sinful In Satin' by Madeline Hunter

"When famed London courtesan Alessandra Northrope passes away, her daughter Celia Pennifold inherits little more than a hopelessly contaminated reputation, a house in a middle class neighborhood, and an education that prepared her to take her mother’s place the way Alessandra intended. Celia hopes to make her own life on her own terms, however, and moves into the house only to discover one more legacy—an enigmatic, handsome tenant who knows her mother’s plans for her future rather too well. It does not help that Jonathan Albrighton’s mere presence creates delicious excitements that remind her of the thrilling pleasure that Alessandra taught her to arouse in others and enjoy herself. When new claims on her mother’s estate threaten her hold on the property, she is forced to fulfill her deathbed promise to Alessandra—to give fair consideration to the future for which she was trained. Unfortunately, she discovers that the only man with whom she really wants to share the secrets of her erotic education is unsuitable for a role in any future she might claim.

Jonathan thinks he is on a simple mission to discover whether Celia’s mother left accounts of her lovers that might embarrass important men. Instead he finds himself embroiled in a mystery full of dangerous betrayals and secrets, old and new, that touch on his life as well as Celia’s. The chamber that he leases in Celia’s home becomes convenient for protecting her, but their proximity only fuels his desire to seduce the radiant, beautiful woman she has become. With his first touch and stolen kiss, he decides that she will have no lover except him, whether she considers him suitable or not."Source 

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'The Dangerous Viscount' by Miranda Neville

"She is determined to find a husband ...now!

Diana Fanshawe's impeccable bloodline doesn't stop society from laughing at the antics of her eccentric family. She knows the right marriage is her one chance to make her way in the world--which is precisely why she will Marry Lord Blakeney. But then she's kissed by the brilliant ansd unconventional Sebastian Iverley, and her well-laid plans tumble into disarray.

Sebastian wants absolutely nothing to do with love or marriage. He likes his books, his male friends in the Burgundy Club, and he avoids women. But when he arrives at his hated cousin Blakeney's house party, he's smitten by the tantalizing Diana.

Should the lady follow her heart and try to win Iverley's, though it seems hardened against her–or should she sacrifice love for respectability?"Source   

 [Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'Lord Lightening' by Jenny Brown

 "They call him Lord Lightning

...for his shocking behavior. An unrepentant rogue with a wicked reputation, his outrageous conduct ensures no woman will get close enough to hurt him.

But demure and lovely astrologer Eliza Farrell casts a chart that tells her Lord Hartwood is capable of great, passionate love. When Hartwood indulges in one of his famous pranks and invites Eliza to become his new mistress, the virginal country miss must meet her fate armed only with her knowledge that the cynical lord will become the tender lover she sees predicted in the stars.

Though Eliza is nothing like the brazen strumpets he prefers, the seemingly incorruptible seer excites Lord Lightning much more than the hard, calculating women he is accustomed to. Eliza's trusting spirit and quick mind touch his cold heart—and when the bewitching innocent surprisingly agrees to be seen on his arm, neither can predict the sparks that fly between them—or resist the electric passion that threatens to transform them both."Source   

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'Scoundrel In My Dreams' by Celeste Bradley

"The child is his: Jack, or rather, Lord John Redgrave knows it the instant he glimpses the blue-eyed girl who was abandoned on the steps of his gentleman’s club. Her mother came to his room one dark night more than three years ago—and spurned his proposal the very next day. But when Jack visits Amaryllis Clarke to demand an explanation, he receives the shock of his life. For it wasn’t proud, worldly Amaryllis with whom he spent that soul-stirring night. It was her infatuated younger sister, Laurel.

Laurel was only seventeen when she gave her innocence to Jack—and paid a steep price. She might be overjoyed about her reunion with little Melody, but Laurel won’t surrender to her desires again. Jack, meanwhile, has no wish to give up the daughter he never knew he had. Nor will he part with the sensual woman who makes him feel alive with longing. He intends to use any means possible to convince Laurel to stay. After all, all’s fair in matters of seduction—especially to a scoundrel in love…"Source   

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'One Touch Of Scandal' by Liz Carlyle

"Desperation drove her into the arms of a devil…

Grace Gauthier had taken a position as governess hoping to find security and peace in a life that had very little of either. She’s always yearned for a good marriage, a family, and a home, but it was not to be.  And when the brutal murder of her employer leaves her unprotected and alone—as Scotland Yard’s prime suspect—she has no one to turn to except the mysterious and reclusive Lord Ruthveyn.

A dark-eyed Lucifer, Ruthveyn guards his secrets carefully. His shadowed past as the Queen’s most trusted agent in India is the stuff of whispered rumor, as is his mixed ancestry.  Deeply moved by her plight—and haunted by her beauty—Ruthveyn is determined to save Grace by unmasking a killer. But his growing passion for her soon places his own heart at risk and threatens to expose his dark gifts—and his dark society—to the world . . ."Source    

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'The Surrender Of A Lady' by Tiffany Clare

"THE PRICE OF PASSION…
Sold. With one word, Lady Elena Ravenscliffe’s destiny changes forever. Forced into Constantinople’s slave market to pay off her late husband’s debts and save her son, Elena reinvents herself as Jinan—a harem girl adored by the rich lords who bid on her favors. But one man instantly sees through her façade.
…IS COMPLETE SURRENDER
Griffin Summerfield, Marquess of Rothburn, let Elena slip through his fingers years ago. When he recognizes her on the auction block, he pays an outrageous sum to possess her even if it is for a short period of time. But when his deadline looms, Griffin will risk all in a desperate bid to make her his—and his alone…"Source   

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

-And there you go. The Must-Have's for September 2010! Go to any online book retailer and get your pre-order on (yes, pre-order on is a verb), enter some of the contest/giveaways being hosted for this month's featured authors (a few on here), marry the guy who owns HarperCollins and get all the ARC's you can read; Do what ever you gotta do to make sure that these books have a home in your personal library!

New Month, New Material: September 2010

   It's September and it's time to get a little sexy. The weather hasn't begun it's inevitable changing, but it looms on the horizon. Same thing goes for the blog. It's a never-ending metamorphosis when you want to actively keep up and improve yourself in the blogging world. I've learned a lot so far, many of those lessons the hard way, but I have also felt the fruits of that labor. Activity and traffic on the blog has been its highest in August than it has ever been! I am truly honored by everyone's support and blessed beyond measure to count you guys as my followers!
   It has been a crazy couple of weeks! I have been SWAMPED with this or that and admit to neglecting the blog a bit. I didn't get half of the reviews done that I wanted to, but at least I was able to give you guys a few great interviews and giveaways, right? I'll be finishing up the projects and things that I committed to before this point, but once everything is squared away, I will be getting back to the blogging roots and focusing solely on putting up reviews. There will still be Interviews/Giveaways, 5 memorable quotes, new additions to my personal harem ;), and loads of other things to look forward to, but I am determined to up the number of reviews I get out weekly.
   That being said, I also want to thank the new followers of the blog, facebook page, and twitter account (and everywhere else I have an account on). And of course, the continued patronage of those 'old school followers' who have been with me through it all. My thanks will always lie with you!
   The month may change, but the mission stays the same: To make your followership of Not Another Romance Blog worthwhile!

Here's some of what to expect this month:
-Because I never tire of saying it: MORE REVIEWS
-That darn Online Resources post for helpful reader websites (going on 2 months of putting this one off)
-More Coffee Shop Conversations & Book Giveaways (a duh!)
-A few addition to Rita's Harem ;)
-Some more Guilty Pleasures
-More 5 memorable quotes (plus special poet/famous writer editions)
-That update on my TV-Top Bookshelf
-Some more book trailer features and video content
-A little more literary news

...And so much more...

I look forward to the month of September and the boat load of great books I'll get to gush with you guys about!

Until Next Post<3...

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.

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