Guest Author: Leslie Langtry!!

I’m so happy to have the fabulous Leslie Langtry back on my blog.  Leslie writes a “brilliantly original, laughter-rich mix of contemporary romance and suspense.”  And don’t just take my word for it, because that quote came from the acclaimed Chicago Tribune.  Shall we find out what’s going in this talented writer’s world?

Your Bombay Greatest Hits Books have been described as romantic suspense chick lit thriller.  How would you describe your writing?

I think of it more like comedy, mystery romance – but I’ve had people tell me it’s none of those things too.  My former publisher said I wrote ‘hybrid.’ It’s hard to say.  What I can say is that I write the stuff I’d like to read – something funny, with a bit of romance and a good mystery. I really want people to have an escape.  That’s what I get out of a book.  I hope they laugh along the way and are entertained.  That’s good too.

What’s the high concept for the series?

For the first book – it was a soccer mom/assassin comedy that I’d had a dream about. I wanted it to be a series – but I never thought I was smart enough to do multiple books featuring the same hero.  So each book features a different member of the Bombay Family of Assassins – The First Name in Assassination since 2000 BCE.  Sometimes it’s from a man’s point of view, sometimes it’s from a woman’s.  And each family member is unique. That makes it fun.  I like fun.

Tell us about ‘Scuse Me While I Kill This Guy

Gin Bombay – the main character – is a widowed soccer mom who divides her time between dealing with the bitchy PTA president at her daughter’s elementary school, housetraining a Pug puppy, and killing the occasional bad guy.  It was the first book I sold to New York, but the fourth book I’d written.  My critique partners told me that I’d finally found my voice.  It’s a special book to me. 

What’s up next in your writing world?

I’m almost finished with a collection of short stories featuring Bombay hits through history – SNUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON. I’m a history nerd so I’m having lots of fun with this.  I’m also working on a funny sci-fi serialization.  I got the rights back to my books a couple of years back and am exclusively indie pubbing at this point.  I love bringing out all these past projects my publisher loved but didn’t think marketable.  I think my fans will love them too.  At least, I hope they will…

 

Thanks for filling us in on the latest, Leslie!  Readers, you’ll be happy to hear that Leslie’s book, Stand By Your Hitman, is currently on sale for only 99 cents.  I’ve already downloaded it, and you I think you should too!  Here’s the scoop:

Assassin Missi Bombay is forced to be a contestant on SURVIVAL! (A cheap Canadian knock-off of SURVIVOR)  in order to identify and take out the bad guy – without getting attention on live TV. Check out why The Chicago Tribune said, “STAND BY YOUR HITMAN is another sure hit winner!”  It’s $.99 for a very short time! 

 Buy now:
Amazon Kindle: 
http://amzn.com/B004ELAH6I
Barnes & Noble Nook:  
http://tinyurl.com/cyg7ram
iTunes: 
http://tinyurl.com/bqceg4c
Kobo: 
http://tinyurl.com/cntwxzd

Don’t forget to check out Leslie’s website for info on all her books!

 


Guest Author: Kate Noble & Giveaway!

As you can imagine, I love historical romance and I love featuring historical romance authors on my blog.  And today I’ve got one of the best — She’s Kate Noble, and she’s one of the new breed of historical romance authors like Kieran Kramer and Kris Kennedy, writing one fantastic book after another.

Kate’s first book, Compromised, was published in 2008 to wide-ranging acclaim, including this stellar review from RT Book Reviews

“Noble’s dazzling debut is witty, filled with the atmosphere of the era and brimming with unforgettable characters and a refreshing plot.”

Subsequent books earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and were even named as a Kirkus Reviews Best Romance.  Kate also received a prestigious RITA nomination for Revealed, which is no surprise to anyone who’s read her books.

Kate’s most recent book, Follow My Lead, received some of her best reviews yet, including this amazing one from the Chicago Tribune:

“If Austen were alive and writing novels today the result might be something exactly like “Follow My Lead,” a wickedly witty and superbly satisfying romance.”

How awesome is that?!  As you can probably tell, Kate writes wonderfully witty and romantic books.  Even better, she has a new book out and I’m positive that If I Fall will receive the same fantastic accolades as her previous books.

Don’t you just adore Kate’s covers?  Here’s the blurb for If I Fall:

Every great romance comes with a risk…

After a duke’s betrayal, the resilient Sarah Forrester reinvents herself as the Golden Lady: society’s leading light, the beautiful and witty life of the party. It’s all a façade of course-one that protects her from another intimate disloyalty. When her old friend, Lieutenant Jackson Fletcher, returns to London, he is determined to rediscover the true and trusting Sarah he once knew. It’ll take more than a kiss and a promise. It might even call for an innocent and necessary deception.

Then Jackson is enlisted to help capture the lead suspect in a murder— a man who happens to be Sarah’s most ardent suitor. Jack must continue the deception, and weathering this newest and gravest betrayal will be Sarah’s ultimate test. But as Jack’s passion for her grows, he must also reveal his own secrets. And as the killer turns his attention to his pursuers, more than love and trust is put at risk.

If I Fall is now in stores.  Stop by Kate’s website for all the details, and to read an excerpt.  For those of you who are not familiar with Kate’s books, I know you won’t be disappointed!

For my readers today, Kate has graciously donated a copy of Follow My Lead.  Today’s question is a little silly but fun:  If you could only take one romance novel with you to a desert island, what would it be?  One person who comments will win Kate’s book.

 


Guest Author: Elisabeth Naughton & Giveaway!

One of my favorite authors is once again featured on the blog today.  She’s Elisabeth Naughton and she writes sexy romantic adventures, and hot and dangerous paranormal romance.  From the beginning, Elisabeth’s books have received tons of critical acclaim.  This is how the Chicago Tribune described her Stolen Series romantic suspense trilogy:

“Naughton deftly distills deadly intrigue, high adrenaline action and scorchingly hot passion.”

Yes, she does!  Her paranormal romance is fabulous too.  In fact, her next paranormal, Enraptured, just got a starred review from the prestigious Publisher’s Weekly:

“Filled with sizzling romance, heartbreaking drama, and a cast of multifaceted characters, this powerful and unusual retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice story is Naughton’s best book yet.”

And can we just pause a moment to ponder that awesome cover?  *Vanessa fans herself*

Where was I?  I remember!  With Elisabeth’s latest book, always good news for her readers.  Like many top-notch authors, Elisabeth has moved into the world of digital publishing, this time with an emotional contemporary romance called Wait For Me.

Here’s the blurb for this intriguing story:

A woman without a past…

After a tragic accident left her with no memory, Kate Alexander struggled to fit in with a husband and world that didn’t feel right. She’s had no reason to question what friends and family have told her, not until her husband is suddenly killed and she finds a photo of a young girl in his office. A girl who can’t be anyone but a daughter Kate didn’t know she had.

A man desperate for a reason to live…

Ryan Harrison lost his wife in a plane crash five years ago. To cope with the pain of her loss, he dedicated himself to his job and to raising their daughter. Now a successful pharmaceutical executive, Ryan has everything a man could want—money, fame and power—but he’d give it all up in a heartbeat for just one more day with the woman he still loves.

Two lives about to converge.

As Kate begins to dig into a past she doesn’t remember, evidence leads her to San Francisco and puts her on the path toward Ryan, a man who sees in her the woman he loved and lost. Kate feels a draw to Ryan, one she can’t explain, but is that feeling enough to convince her this is where she’s supposed to be? As Ryan and Kate search for answers, they uncover lies long buried, a passion hotter than either expected and a danger that threatens…even now…when the second chance they’ve both been searching for is finally within reach.

Doesn’t that sound awesome?  And I’m going to give you a little flavor of Elisabeth’s book with this excerpt:

Ryan tossed his keys on the entry table and closed the front door behind Kate. She wandered into his living room without a word and stopped in front of the fireplace, where a series of framed photos of their life together still sat on the mantel. Their wedding photo, the day they’d brought Julia home from the hospital, a picture of the two of them on a hiking trip up one of those stupid mountains she’d always been dragging him to.

What did she think when she looked at those pictures? Did she feel anything? His palms grew sweaty. His stomach churned like it was set on the spin cycle of a washing machine.

Guilt slithered in as he watched her look from photo to photo, clamped on tight to his heart. Guilt for not looking for her when he should have. Guilt for what was happening now. Guilt over the fact someone had purposely hurt her five years ago and that it could possibly be because of him.

He raked a hand through his hair, knowing dwelling on that guilt wasn’t going to change anything. The only thing that mattered now was keeping her safe. “Are you tired?”

She turned to face him. Moonlight spilled through the picture window, illuminating her features. Those deep green eyes, the high-set cheekbones, that mass of curly hair that fell to her shoulders and which he ached to slide his fingers through. “Exhausted.”

Her tired voice was like velvet and sandpaper all wrapped up together. He wanted to hear her say his name in that same sleepy tone like she had so many times before. Wanted to pick her up and take her to his bed. Wanted to wrap her in his arms, slide inside her body, and block out the rest of the world.

But he knew he couldn’t. She still wasn’t sure of him. He’d been an ass to her when he’d first found out who she was, and now they both knew he was indirectly responsible for her accident. Her wariness was warranted, and he didn’t want to push her. As much as he wanted—needed—to touch her, he wanted her to want him back. Even if it was only a fraction of his want for her.

“Come on,” he said, gesturing for her to follow. “I’ll show you the guest room.”

He picked up her bag, the one they’d driven out to Moss Beach to get, and headed up the stairs. Her feet shuffled behind him, her sweet scent of lilacs drifted in the air. He hardened at just the thought of her lying in a bed down the hall from him tonight, so very close. So completely alive.

Cold shower. That’s what he needed right now. Maybe two. Or ten.

He pushed the guest-room door open, and when she eased by him, those silky strands of hair brushed his shoulder. His stomach clenched, and heavy tingling sensations shot straight to his groin.

“This is nice,” she said, turning a slow circle as she took in the pale blue walls, the white comforter on the queen-sized bed, the whitewashed furniture a decorator had picked out.

But nice wasn’t the word he was thinking of. Dressed in jeans and a fitted T-shirt, she was gorgeous. Curvy at her hips, tight through her legs and ass, and when she turned, the swell of her breasts tempted not only his body but his control. He’d had his hands on those luscious breasts earlier today, wanted his lips there now.

“Ryan?”

He glanced up and noticed her curious expression. “Sorry. Punchy. It’s been a long day.”

“Yeah, I guess it has.”

He set her bag on the bed, moved to open the adjacent door, and flipped on the light. Tried like hell to stop being so aware of every sound and movement she made. Couldn’t. “Bathroom’s through here.”

“Did I live here before?”

The soft-spoken question drew him around. What would it be like not to remember who or what you were? To have to rely on others to fill in the gaps? For the first time since she’d come back into his life, he realized how hard this must be for her.

He checked the urge to reach out to her and instead shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “No. I bought this house about four years ago.”

“Oh.”

She ran her hand over the blue-checked bedspread. He wished she’d touch him like that, couldn’t help but remember the way heat had sizzled all along his skin when her hands had brushed over him earlier in the day.

“Where did we live before?”

“We had a place in the city. After you…left…I couldn’t stand being there by myself.”

That was partly true. The real truth was he hadn’t been able to step foot in a single room in that house without remembering her being there, smiling at him, making love with him. Being in that house without her had almost killed him.

“Oh,” she said again. On a deep breath, she dropped her hand and looked at her feet.

Talking about the past wasn’t putting her at ease. And he didn’t want her uncomfortable. He went into the bathroom and pulled towels out of the linen closet, then set them on the counter. When he made his way back out into the bedroom, she was already going through her bag.

Her face was drawn, her mascara smudged under her eyes. She looked like she could nod off to sleep at any moment. “I guess I’ll just let you get some rest, then.”

“Ryan?”

“Yeah?” He stopped at the open door, glanced back.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For this…for putting you out.”

“You’re not.”

She shook her head. “Yes, I am. I’m sorry about all of this. I shouldn’t have come to San Francisco. I didn’t stop to think about how this would affect anyone but myself. I’ve sucked you into this nightmare. I’ve caused nothing but confusion and heartache for Julia and Reed. And now I’ve put Simone and Shannon in danger.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” he said softly.

“Yeah, I did. I told myself I had to know the truth. Now…” She lifted her arms, dropped them in defeat, and sank down onto the edge of the bed. “Now, I’m not so sure I want to know anymore. Maybe it would just be better if I packed up and left.”

A knot twisted in his stomach. Panic pumped through him. He wouldn’t survive it if she walked out on him now. Losing her the first time had broken him. A second time would kill him.

He knelt in front of her, knowing if he touched her, he wasn’t going to be able to stop. But he needed that connection, needed to show her how much she meant to him. With shaking fingers, he clasped her hand in her lap. “You can’t leave now.”

Her eyes were full of anguish and remorse. The sadness he saw there tightened his chest to painful levels. He ached to wrap his arms around her and pull her close, to take away the pain for both of them.

“You can’t possibly tell me any of this is what you want,” she said quietly.

“I don’t want this mess, no. But in some insane way, it brought you back to us. I wouldn’t change it now for anything. What I want is to see you smile again, to figure out a way to make this easier for all of us. Walking away from me and the kids isn’t going to do that. It’ll just make things worse.”

Her eyes slid shut. “I know.”

Hearing the crack in her voice did him in. He could see himself pushing her back on the bed, tugging her clothes off, pressing inside her and driving the worry away. Wanted that so bad he could barely breathe.

Gently, she pulled her hand from his and ran it over her hair. “I’m just tired and not thinking clearly. I need some rest.”

He didn’t want to break the connection, but she’d already done it, was putting up those barriers again and blocking him out. Why couldn’t he read her? Why couldn’t he figure out what she was thinking? He’d always been able to do that with her. He didn’t want to admit she was different, but she was. So much about her was different from what he remembered.

Reluctantly, he pushed to his feet. “Okay. I guess I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Thanks.”

She smiled when he didn’t move. Not a seductive, made-for-him grin, but a forced, uncomfortable curl of her luscious lips that said it was way past time he left.

He pulled the bedroom door closed behind him, then gripped the handle for support. And alone in the empty hall, he closed his eyes and rested his head against the door. Everything he’d ever wanted was inside that room, and he didn’t know how to get it. Every move he made was the wrong one. Each step he took seemed to push her further away instead of draw her closer. Was he fooling himself into thinking he could ever win her back?

He sure the hell hoped not. Because he knew for certain he’d never survive losing her again.

Vanessa, here.  Doesn’t that book sound great?  Please check out Elisabeth’s website for details on Wait For Me, and for info on all her books.

For my readers today, Elisabeth is giving away a digital copy of her book, Wait For Me.  Just tell me which genre you prefer – contemporary romance, paranormal romance, or romantic suspense for a chance to win a copy of Elisabeth’s book!

And don’t forget that I’m participating in the Romance at Random Reader Rally

Just click on this link  to participate and for chances to win some fabulous books.  Or go directly to the Romance at Random contest page!


Guest Author: Shana Galen & Giveaway!

I have a HUGE treat in store for my readers today.  I’m featuring the very talented author Shana Galen, who writes adventurous and romantic Regency-set historicals.  Shana is a wonderful writer who was first published in 2005, and she’s been wowing critics and readers ever since.

Interestingly enough, Shana’s first book was a contemporary romance called The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Men I’ve Dated, which she wrote under the pen name of Shane Bolks.  That book was nominated for a RITA, the prestigious award sponsored by the Romance Writers of AmericaIt’s the same book that Meg Cabot—yes, THAT Meg Cabot—said was a “fun, snappy read” that she couldn’t put down.

Oh, boy.  If I ever got a cover quote from Meg Cabot, I would probably faint on the spot!

Shana has garnered even more acclaim for her historical romances.  Take, for example, Blackthorne’s Bride, which was also nominated for a RITA.


Blackthorne’s Bride received a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews and tons of critical acclaim, including this review from the Chicago Tribune:

“Shana Galen adds a generous dash of action and adventure to the already irresistible mix of sexy romance and sharp wit in Blackthorne’s Bride, her latest fabulously fun Regency historical.”
—John Charles

This book is part of the popular Misadventures in Matrimony series, which was preceded by the Regency Spies series.  She also has a more recent series called The Sons of the Revolution, a trilogy about three brothers struggling to restore their noble heritage in the aftermath of the French Revolution.  Doesn’t that sound great?!

You can find out about these series on Shana’s website, and read some fab excerpts from the books.  Trust me—you won’t be sorry you stopped by!

Shana has a new book out, and I’ve been waiting several months to read this one.  It’s called Lord and Lady Spy, and it features the adventures of two out-of-work spies who just happen to be married to each other.


It’s been getting great reviews, including this one from RT Book Reviews: “Lively, utterly delightful adventure romance. The witty, sexually charged dialogue fuels the rivalry between the realistic characters and sets the pages flying.”

AND the book was chosen as one of Publishers Weekly Top Romance Picks for Fall!

Here’s the blurb for Lord and Lady Spy:

Meet Lord and Lady Smythe, England’s preeminent spies. Their identities are guarded even from each other. After years of secrets and lies, their marriage is little more than a crumbling façade. But even love isn’t as important as The Mission—to defeat Napoleon Bonaparte.

But what happens when the mission is complete?

Meet Lord and Lady Smythe, out of work spies. Lady Sophia Smythe will scream if she has to attend another tea party. Lord Adrian Smythe will hit someone if he’s forced to while away another evening in Parliament. What are secret agents to do when the war is over?

There’s one chance left to get back into the game. The prime minister needs a murder investigated. The problem? Two spies. One position.

All’s fair in love and war.

Oh, my God!  Doesn’t that sound like so much fun?  I’ve got this one sitting right at the top of my teetering To Be Read pile.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGiC2TmbQBo&feature=player_embedded]

You find read all about Lord and Lady Spy on Shana’s website.

To celebrate Shana’s new release, her publisher has donated two copies of Lord and Lady Spy for a giveaway to my readers in the U.S. and Canada.  Just tell me who your favorite book, movie, or TV spy is, and why.  Two people who comment will win copies of the book!


Guest Author: Alix Rickloff & Giveaway!

Don’t you wish there were more historical paranormal romances out there?  I do.  I really do.  Especially Regency-set paranormal romances.  There have been some excellent ones, but they generally seem few and far between.  So imagine my excitement when I discovered Alix Rickloff, who started her career with Kensington Publishing penning Regency-set paranormal historical romances.

Alix’s first two books, Lost in You and Dangerous as Sin, are part of her Bligh Family Series. 


From the beginning, Alix was one of those talented newbies who got phenomenal reviews, including this one for Lost in You from Booklist, the prestigious review journal of the American Library Association:

Rickloff presents a fascinating debut filled with sensory details and a deep sense of lore.”

Her second book, Dangerous as Sin, garnered this great review from the Chicago Tribune:

“Rickloff deftly blends equal measures of danger and desire into the intriguing plot of her latest paranormal-spiced, splendidly satisfying historical Regency.”

Now, big newspapers like the Chicago Tribune only occasionally review romance novels, much less paranormal romance novels, so I’m here to tell you how impressive that is!

I love the concept behind Alix’s books, where readers are introduced to the Other—mortals bearing the blood of the Fey, and who move in a world that lies beyond the glittering balls and scandals of the Regency that its inhabitants think they know so well.  How utterly cool is that?  Talk about Regency with a twist!

The first book in Alix’s new trilogy, The Heirs of Kilronan, is Earl of Darkness.


This book was a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews and got this tantalizing review from Publishers Weekly:

“Secret societies, baffling documents, monstrous stalkers—Rickloff has studied the textbook thoroughly, then added more sex.”

Oh, I am SO there!

Her next book, Lord of Shadows, will be released this month.


Here’s the blurb to give you a taste:

Who is working the demon arts . . .

Was it her murdered father? Her fugitive brother? It has been seven years since Lady Sabrina Douglas cloistered herself with the Sisters of High Danu, but the questions remain.  She is Other—a mixture of Fey and mortal—quietly using her powers to heal.  That is, until she saves a half-drowned man, his soldier’s body a roadmap of scars, his fathomless eyes filled with heartbreaking loneliness. The inexplicable connection overwhelms her defenses, touching her heart, mind  . . . and body.

. . .  and to what end?

A man with no memory, Daigh MacLir seeks his past, even as unknown threats fill him with monstrous rage and inhuman abilities. But as a desperate game of hunter and hunted is played out from ballrooms to bedrooms, what Daigh discovers is more chilling than anyone could possibly imagine. Defying death was only the first step in the task he has been set, and Sabrina his last hope. But dare he risk involving her? Daigh has been summoned to find an ancient king, and even the powers of love may not be enough to win the battle against the powers of darkness.

Yep.  Sounds great, doesn’t it?  You know you want this book!

You can read an excerpt of Lord of Shadows on Alix’s website, plus check out her other books and her latest news as well.

To celebrate her upcoming release, Alix is giving away a copy of Lord of Shadows.  Just tell me if you like your historical romance straight-up, or with a paranormal twist.  One commenter will receive a copy of this awesome book!


SIGN UP AND RECEIVE A FREE SHORT STORY!