RITA Award

Guest Author: Dana Marton & Giveaway!!

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I’m thrilled to have Dana Marton back on the blog today.  Dana writes fast-paced action-adventure romances that take her readers all over the globe. She is a Rita Award finalist and the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence, and she’s been published in seven languages in eleven different countries.  Obviously, she’s both a talented and accomplished writer!  Let’s find out what’s going on with Dana, shall we?

Many in the publishing biz say that romantic suspense is a genre on life support, but I think all the evidence is to the contrary.  Why do you think readers enjoy romantic suspense so much?

Suspense on its way out?! Never! I’m a huge fan of romantic suspense. They’ll have to pry RS out of my cold, dead fingers! And I know the genre has a lot of readers like me. Danger goes so beautifully with romance. What’s more romantic than a hero willing to risk anything, even lay down his life for the heroine? Thanks to my amazing readers, DEATHSCAPE, the first book in my Broslin Creek series was an Amazon bestseller when it came out last year. I hope that means my beloved genre is as strong as ever.

What’s the hook for this series?


Broslin is a small town in Pennsylvania with farmers and mushroom growers, horse farms, simple, honest people. It’s very much like the town I live in where people actually know their neighbors. (And we go to the country store for ice cream 🙂 My heroes all work for the Broslin Police Department. They are very different men, some deeply scarred, yet they form a brotherhood. They are true heroes who will go to any length to serve and protect. So on one hand, here is this sweet little town with the gazebo and the band stand on Main Square, a place where kids ride their bikes down the street. But things happen that will make your toes curl. I love the juxtaposition of that. I’m immensely enjoying writing this series.

What’s your new book, DEATHTRAP, about?

Sophie Curtis is a heart-transplant recipient with some spooky body memories. She’s been in her own antiseptic bubble for so long, she just might not be able to venture out into the real world again.

Whatever shred of optimism Ethan Bing had left after becoming Broslin Chief of Police has been seared out of him by the unsolved murder of his wife two years ago. Then Sophie pops into his life and gets through his defenses like no other before, but he doesn’t think he deserves to move on until he brought his wife’s killer to justice. He doesn’t know that Sophie has been selected as the killer’s next victim.

Sophie also has a secret, which truly tries Bing. How much would you be willing to accept/forgive for the person you love? Is there a limit?

I have to say, I loved writing these characters. They both have weaknesses, but they fight on regardless. I like writing characters that I’d like to be friends with, people who inspire me.

What’s next in Dana’s writing world?

Next up is DEATHWATCH in the Broslin Creek series.

She’s a government witness hunted by an assassin, the only person who can identify the most notorious hit man in the country. The witness protection program is supposed to protect her, but when her safety net fails, Kate Bridges has to run for her life. Murphy Dolan is in the Army Reserves, returning from his 2nd tour of duty, only to find a stranger hiding in his house. She’s scared spitless. He’s completely burned-out on violence. Neither of them has any trust left to give.

If the best of the FBI couldn’t protect her from the country’s most notorious assassin, does a burned-out small town cop have a prayer? 

For my readers today, Dana is giving away a digital copy of Deathscape, book one in her series.  Just tell us what you think about romantic suspense—one life support, or still alive and kicking?  One person who comments will win Dana’s wonderful book!

**Breaking News**  For a limited time, Deathscape is now free on Amazon!  You can download it here!

Guest Author: Elizabeth Essex & Giveaway!

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As you might have guessed by now, I love Regency-set historical romance. But there’s another period that’s dear to my heartand that’s the Georgian period, which immediately preceded the Regency.  It’s a wonderful setting for historical romance, lending itself to swashbuckling adventure and intrigue, and some truly spectacular clothing.

Elizabeth Essex, my guest author today, writes adventurous and sexy historical romance set during the Georgian period.  Her debut book was The Pursuit of Pleasure, which got great reviews:

“Elizabeth Essex’s The Pursuit of Pleasure is elegant, evocative, and absolutely dangerous to a good night’s sleep. Once you pick this book up, you won’t be able to set it aside until you’ve learned the last of its very satisfying secrets.” NYT bestselling author, Courtney Milan

Her last book, The Danger of Desire, was nominated for the prestigious RITA Award.

You’ll be happy to know that Elizabeth has a brand new series called The Reckless Brides, released by St. Martin’s Press:

Bold, brazen and beautiful, the reckless brides refuse to play by society’s rules of courtship. But—come hell or high water—they always get their man.

She’s always ready for adventure. He’s almost ready for love

The first book in the series, Almost a Scandal, is available now.  Here’s what USA Today bestselling author Julianne MacLean had to say about it:

“Elizabeth Essex will dazzle you with her sophisticated blend of vivid historical detail, exquisite characterization and delicious sexual tension. Almost a Scandal is a breath-taking tale of rapturous romance and awe-inspiring adventure!”

Zounds!  Is that not a gorgeous cover?  Here’s the blurb:

A LADY IN DISGUISE

For generations, the Kents have served proudly with the British Royal Navy. So when her younger brother refuses to report for duty, Sally Kent slips into uniform and takes his place—at least until he comes to his senses. Boldly climbing aboard H.M.S. Audacious, Sally is as able-bodied as any sailor there. But one man is making her feel tantalizingly aware of the full-bodied woman beneath her navy blues…

A MAN OVERBOARD

Dedicated to his ship, sworn to his duty—and distractingly gorgeous—Lieutenant David Colyear sees through Sally’s charade, and he’s furious. But he must admit she’s the best midshipman on board—and a woman who tempts him like no other. With his own secrets to hide and his career at stake, Col agrees to keep her on. But can the passion they hide survive the perils of battle at sea? Soon, their love and devotion will be put to the test…

I told you, right?  Swashbuckling, adventurous, and sexy!  What’s not to like?  If you’ve never read any of Elizabeth’s books, this series is a great place to start.

For my readers today, Elizabeth is generously giving away two copies of Almost a Scandal.  Wow!  Since Elizabeth has such great covers, let’s talk about that.  What do you like to see on a romance cover?  Do you like the traditional clinch, the elegant lady, or the more discrete hearts and flowers? Two people who comment will win Almost a Scandal.

And don’t forget to check out Elizabeth’s website to read excerpts and find out about all her books!

 

 

Guest Author: Kate Noble & Giveaway!

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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: Deeanne Gist & Giveaway!

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I’m very excited about my guest blogger today.  She’s Deeanne Gist, and she writes “edgy” inspirational historical romances.  Her delightful books have received HUGE amounts of critical acclaim.  She’s won two consecutive Christy Awards, is a three-time nominee for the RITA Award, and has been nominated for or won an astounding number of other awards, too.

And here’s just one example of the reviews Deeanne consistently garners, this one for Deep in the Heart of Trouble, which received a Top Pick from RT Books Reviews:

“Gist does it again! Her signature prose is consistent and she delivers a thoroughly delightful and entertaining story that’s worthy of our time and attention. Not only won’t you want to put this book down, you’ll want to enjoy this story again and again.”

Deeanne has a new book out called Love on the Line, a historical romance starring a rural telephone operator and a dashing Texas Ranger.

And now I’m going to turn things over to Deeanne, so she can tell us all about her new book.

ONE RINGY-DINGY…

We have an old rotary pay phone hanging on a wall in our gameroom. I’d always get tickled when teenagers came over and asked how to use it. Yet I found myself in that exact same position while researching my new release, Love on the Line. It’s about a turn-of-the-century switchboard operator and a Texas Ranger who goes undercover as a telephone repairman.

The only exposure I’d had to switchboards was from the old Laugh-In episodes with Lily Tomlin (dating myself here). Suffice it to say, I had a lot to learn. Not just about switchboards, but about how telephones worked back in the day. Since my book is set in a rural Texas town, there were party lines. I wasn’t sure how those worked either.

Then, of course, my hero was an undercover telephone repairman. So, I also had to learn how to repair the phones, string the lines, climb a telephone pole, etc. It was quite the education. Did you know they didn’t use safety straps back then? The men simply climbed the pole, then wrapped one leg around it to hold them steady while they did their work. Crazy!

And the telephone operator did much more than connect two parties together. She served as News Central and answered a huge range of questions. What’s playing at the opera house? Who came in on the afternoon train? Where’s the doc? Are the streets outside of town dry or muddy? I lost my cow, will you find out if anyone has seen her?

Talk about having to know everybody’s business! And the party lines were a hoot. Several people would share the same line. Each family had a specific ring. For example, the Smiths might have three short rings. But the Jones had two shorts and one long. Even still, everyone on your line heard the ring and if they wished to pick up and listen in, they certainly could.

Bottom line, I no longer rib the kids when they don’t know how to use our rotary. I simply show them how it works and feel rewarded that I’m passing along a little slice of history to this generation of techno-wizards.

Vanessa, here.  Deeanne, thanks for that lovely glimpse into the past.  Readers, I bet that whetted your appetite for Love on the Line, didn’t it?  And here’s the blurb to pique your interest even more:

Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man’s world … which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.

Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He’s a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.

Sounds awesome, doesn’t it?  And what an original sounding story!  For more about Love on the Line, visit Deeanne’s beautiful website.  While you’re there, make sure to check out her blog and sign up for her newsletter.

For my readers today, Deeanne is giving away a copy of Love on the Line.  Just tell me if you remember having a rotary phone in your house, or whether you’ve only ever used a mobile or walk-around phone.  One person who comments will win a copy of Deeanne’s wonderful book.

 

Guest Author: Margaret Mallory & Giveaway!

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I’m very pleased to have a superbly talented author featured on my blog today.  She’s Margaret Mallory, and she writes award-winning historical romance.  And when I say award-winning, I mean it!

Margaret burst onto the historical romance writing scene in 2009, with her medieval series, All The King’s Men.  The first book in that series, Knight of Desire, won the Beacon Contest for best historical, and finaled in the Readers’ Crown and Golden Quill contests.  Her second book, Knight of Pleasure, won the Maggie Award and the Beacon, and finaled in the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA contest.  And her third book, Knight of Passion, won three contests and finaled in seven more.  Along the way, she’s picked up stellar reviews, including Top Picks from sites like RT Book Reviews, Fresh Fiction, and The Season.

You get the picture, eh?

Margaret has a new series out, called The Return of the Highlanders:

Four fearless warriors return to the Highlands to claim their lands and legacies. But all their trials on the battlefield can’t prepare them for their greatest challenge yet: winning the hearts of four willful Scottish beauties.

Sounds great, doesn’t it?  The first book is The Guardian, released by Grand Central Publishing in May, 2011.

Well, he looks pretty grand, doesn’t he?  And the reviews for this book were grand, too.  It got a Top Pick from The Season, who said this about The Guardian:

“This extraordinary medieval novel absolutely encompasses the 3 Cs: clans, chieftains and castles in a perfect indulgence for readers wanting a hint of paranormal with the intoxicating combination of fearless warriors, loyal family, and the unmistakable pull of the Scottish Highlands.”

You can find all the details on Margaret’s website, including more reviews, buy links, and an excerpt.

Margaret has a new book out in this series, called The Sinner.

Oh, boy.  I can think of some sinning I’d like to do with that guy!  Here’s the blurb:

IRRESISTIBLE DESIRE

Alex MacDonald is known for his skill as a warrior, his prowess with women, and his vow to never take a wife. But now his chieftain has asked him to make the ultimate sacrifice: wed Glynis MacNeil, a lass famed throughout the Highlands for her exquisite beauty—and defiant ways.

Familiar with heartbreak, Glynis refuses to fall for another handsome scoundrel. Yet when Alex’s past sins force an unlikely union, Glynis gives in to temptation and becomes his wife. Will their newfound passion be strong enough to fight the enemy that threatens their home, their clan, and their very lives?

Sounds like a great combination of adventure and romance, doesn’t it?  Visit Margaret’s website for all the details on The Sinner, including an excerpt.  Trust me – you won’t regret it!

For my readers today, Margaret is graciously giving away a copy of The Guardian.  Let’s stick with the Highlands – more specifically, men from the Highlands!  Who’s your favorite guy in a kilt?  Sean Connery, Mel Gibson, or is there a fictional Highlander who you adore?  Just tell me for a chance to win a copy of The Guardian.

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