RSVP for my fabulous release day party!!

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Are you ready to celebrate the release of Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard with me on January 7th?  Sure you are!  And you won’t be sorry, not with a line-up of guest authors like Shana Galen, Lila DiPasqua, Manda Collins, Sharon Page, and Juliana Stone.  Each of those ladies will be stopping by to chat and give away books.

SECRETS, SEDUCING,BODYGUARD

The party will run from 7:30 – 9:30 pm, EST, on facebook.  To RSVP and participate, simply click here or on the banner at the top of this blog.  That’s all you have to do!  I’ll be posting exclusive excerpts from Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard, talking about my inspiration for the book, and doing giveaways all evening.

I’ll also be awarding the following grand prize to one reader:  a full set of my backlist, which will include a rare, out-of-print copy of Sex and the Single Earl, historical romances by Eloisa James, Elizabeth Hoyt, and Madeline Hunter, an adorable travel manicure kit, chocolates, bath soaking “truffles,” a decorative notepad, AND an ARC of Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom, book two in my Renegade Royals series.

Confessions of A Ro#14B6A95

Who wouldn’t want to win a package like that, right?  Since I’ll also be giving away books at random all evening, as will my guest authors, there will be plenty of other chances to win, too!

So, head on over to facebook to RSVP.

See you at the party!

 

 


Guest Author: Shana Galen & Giveaway!!

Shana Galen H-R-2118

It goes without saying that readers can choose from a rich pool of historical romance writers these days, from Anna Campbell and Elizabeth Hoyt, to Katharine Ashe and Jennifer Ashley, and my eternal fan-girl crush, Loretta Chase.  But to my mind, one of the best historical authors currently writing is Shana Galen.

Shana writes fast-paced, adventurous Regencies that are also wonderful romances with a lot of emotional depth.  One of my favorite historical books in the last few years was Shana’s Lord and Lady Spy, which was a corking good adventure and also a truly sigh-inducing romance.

Lord and Lady Spy

Lord and Lady Spy also happened to be one Publisher Weekly’s top romantic picks for 2011.

Shana has a brand new book in her Spy Series, in stores today.  It’s called True Spies and I can’t wait to read it!  Here’s the blurb:

He’s weary of deception…

Baron Winslow Keating is honor-bound to finish one last mission as an elite spy for the Barbican group even though he just wants to go home and be with his family. But after years of secrecy and absence, his daughters hardly know him and his wife has given up on him. . .

She wants to try a little intrigue . . .

Elinor has had enough of domestic boredom. She contemplates an affair with a rakish spy, only to discover a world of intrigue and treachery that she never knew existed. Even more shocking, her neglectful husband is suddenly very attentive – quite the jealous type – and apparently there is much more to him than she ever knew . . .

True Spies

Sounds great, doesn’t it?  True Spies has already been getting great reviews, including this one from Gourmonde Girl:

True Spies is written for those who’ve been looking for a great romance that doesn’t involve a society come out or stereotypical ‘May-December’ romances but instead: a little action, a little sex and a lot of wooing and romance. This is a true love story for grown-ups and as such it exceeds my expectations.”

If you like your historical romances with depth, adventure, and characters with a lot of strength and heart, I suggest you treat yourself to Shana’s True Spies I guarantee you won’t regret it!

For my readers today, Shana is giving away a copy of True Spies.  To win a copy, simply tell us who your favorite spy is–in books, movies, or real life!


Odds and Ends

It’s only a few weeks till the release of His Mistletoe Bride, and I’ve got some fun stuff going on leading up to the release.  Are you on Pinterest?  If you are, please check out my board for His Mistletoe Bride.  It’s a chapter by chapter breakdown of the book, with quotes and pictures to illustrate the story.  I had a great time putting it together and I think you’ll enjoy it.  You might also want to check out my Cupcakes and Cakes board and my Regency Era Clothing board.  They’ve got some great pictures and the Cupcake board includes links to some wonderful recipes.

On my facebook page I’m running two contests.  The first is an amazing iPad contest, which also includes book giveaways by Eloisa James, Jane Porter, Elizabeth Hoyt, and Julia London.  What a lineup!  You can enter the iPad contest here.

My other facebook contest is to win an advanced reading copy of His Mistletoe Bride.  Just click here to enter.

Oh, and while you’re on my facebook page, don’t forget to check out my Vanessa’s Vixens page.  This is my new street team, a great group of readers who are hanging out with me and helping to spread the word about my books.  There will be swag!

Finally, the winner of Elyssa Patrick’s new book is Ann S.  Congratulations!  Thanks to everyone for stopping by my blog.  My guest author tomorrow is historical romance writer Tina Gabrielle.  Be sure to drop in to visit!


Contests & Winners!

Okay, folks, I’m participating in a really exciting contest with fellow authors Jane Porter, Eloisa James, Elizabeth Hoyt, and Julia London.  Zounds!  How cool is it be associated with that group?  The contest is currently running, and will wrap up on Sept. 19th with a grand prize giveaway of…drum roll, please…an iPad!

And in each week in the run up to the grand prize giveaway, we’ll also be giving away a prize packet of five of our books.  To get the details and to enter check out my facebook contest page, or the facebook pages of the other authors in the contest.

The winner of Thursday’s guest blog post with Terri Brisbin is Evelyn W.  Congratulations!  I’ll be in touch.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the blog.  My featured guests next week will be paranormal romance author Karen Whiddon and historical romance author Diana Cosby.  Be sure to come visit!


Guest Author: Darcy Burke & Giveaway!

I love hosting debut authors on the blog, especially historical romance authors.  And I have an exciting new writer blogging with me today – she’s Darcy Burke, and her first book has been getting great buzz.  Here’s a quote from New York Times bestselling author Courtney Milan, on Her Wicked Ways:

“A bad girl heroine steals both the show and a highwayman’s heart in Darcy Burke’s deliciously wicked debut.”

I’ll turn the blog over to Darcy now, so she can tell you all about her wonderful books.  And don’t forget to the read the exclusive excerpt at the end of her post!

Series, Linked Books, and Recurring Characters, Oh My!

First, let me thank Vanessa for having me here today. I’m delighted to partake of her generous hospitality! And now, about books! In recent years, most historical romances are part of a linked series of books. Each book stands alone (usually) and offers a happily ever after for the hero and heroine of that story, while introducing the reader to a cast of secondary characters who may get their own story, or who may appear in other stories. I know I love reading books where I “know” characters from previous stories. It’s like being in on things with the author, which every reader loves, no?

With that in mind, I tend to write stories that have continuing characters. My debut, Her Wicked Ways, features Lady Miranda Sinclair and her brother, Jasper, who is the “star” of his own book, His Wicked Heart, in which Jasper befriends a scoundrel, Lord Sevrin, who in turn gets his own book, To Seduce a Scoundrel. In that book, readers will meet both the heroes and heroines of the next two books. It’s partly intentional and partly not, at least for me. As a writer, I find myself looking ahead to future projects. It’s hard not to think of what you might write next. Plus, by the time you’re actually writing words (especially as you near The End), you’re excited and ready for new blood, so to speak. In addition, sometimes you introduce a character who just leaps off the page, and you can’t wait to write about them.

I was very excited to write Jasper’s story as I finished up Her Wicked Ways. In an earlier version, Jasper was a lot more uptight (and there was a third brother, but he wound up on the cutting room floor—never fear, that character is alive and well in another book I hope to get back to next year!). Miranda and Jasper’s father plays a larger role in His Wicked Heart, so while you may not be salivating for more of his character (um, he’s a pompous jerk), I think readers will really enjoy the part he plays in Jasper’s story.

As the Duke of Holborn’s heir, Jasper is expected to live completely above reproach and marry exceedingly well. Aside from one major misstep a decade ago, he’s been the model heir. Until he meets Olivia West, a seamstress and sometimes actress he’d like to make his mistress. But Olivia balks at his offer; she refuses to sell her body as her mother did before her. She’ll make her way in the world by working hard and keeping her virtue intact. However, when her financial circumstances hit rock bottom she allows a friend to talk her into a scheme that will seemingly satisfy everyone: Jasper’s desire to bed her, the friend’s desire to bed Jasper, and Olivia’s need for money. Naturally, things don’t work out at all as they planned. Here’s a snippet when Jasper realizes what’s happened, that Olivia and Tilly have traded places:

“Go out and tell her you’re done.” He gave Tilly a dark look. “Don’t warn her.”

She nodded jerkily. He moved to stand behind the door.

She went into the hallway. Jasper leaned close to the wall.

Olivia’s voice drifted through the crack near the hinges. “Did he suspect anything?”

“No,” Tilly answered

“Thank you, Tilly. I’ll bring your share down later.” There was a pause, then, “Was he, that is…”

“Worth it? ‘Course. I told you you’d regret not doing him yourself.”

There was a loud exhalation then feet scraping across the floorboards. Olivia stepped through the doorway.

Jasper slammed the portal and flattened his back against it. He glared at her with the weight of his wrath. “If you don’t yet regret deceiving me, I promise you will.”

His Wicked Heart will be available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords next week! In the meantime, pick up Her Wicked Ways now! Kindle | Nook | Smashwords

What series or linked books are your favorites? Any current series where you’re dying for the next installment? I can’t wait for Elizabeth Hoyt’s Thief of Shadows, she teed that up perfectly! One lucky commenter will receive the book they’re dying to read next (now, or when it’s available if it’s not out yet) and an ebook of my debut, Her Wicked Ways.

Darcy Burke wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. An RWA Golden Heart® Finalist, Darcy loves all things British (except tomatoes for breakfast, or any other time of day, actually) and happy ever afters.

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her devoted husband, their two great kids, and three cats. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. She’s also a fair-weather runner, and her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge. Visit Darcy online at http://www.darcy-burke.com, follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/darcyburkefans.

Vanessa, here.  Darcy, thanks for that tantalizing excerpt!  And what a generous offer!  So, readers, tell us what book in a current series you’re dying to read, for a chance to win that book and Darcy’s wonderful debut.

P.S.  I’m blogging over at Romancing Rakes today, talking about my VK Sykes contemporary romances and doing a giveaway.  After you’ve read and commented on Darcy’s guest blog, come on over and visit me at Romancing Rakes!


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