The Season

Guest Author: Beverley Kendall & Giveaway!

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I’m thrilled today to have historical romance author Beverley Kendall on the blog.  Bev is a real powerhouse in the romance writing community.  Not only does she write wonderful books, she’s the publisher of a fantastic on-line magazine and blog called The Season, which is one of the go-to places on the web for romance reviews and news.

I’m going to turn the blog over to Bev so she can tell us what’s going on in her world.

Like A Mother, An Author Shouldn’t Have Favourites

You always remember your first, right? Your first boyfriend, your first kiss, your first marriage (if you went on to have more than one), your first job and most importantly, your first child.

I have only one son so he is my first and only. No fear of jealousy between siblings here. No sense of guilt that I may—and I say may—gravitate more toward one child than the other.

No, what I have are the characters I create—my heroes. They are the ones who demand my attention exclusively for a good 3-5 months. I get to know them; their likes and dislikes, their foibles and strengths. They charm me and entertain me, and at times, they make my heart wrench and lift my soul. I’m captivated by them and feel a sense of loss when my time with them is over.

Luckily, when authors writes a series, they are able to revisit with much loved heroes of past books and flirt with upcoming heroes as we anticipate writing their own book.

My first book was SINFUL SURRENDER and James Rutherford was my hero; my first ever. For that reason alone, James will always hold a special place in my heart. But even as I wrote SINFUL SURRENDER my mind was on Alex Cartwright. I knew his story three years prior to writing his story, AN HEIR OF DECEPTION. I became even better acquainted with him in A TASTE OF DESIRE, especially when he was having fun tormenting my second hero, Thomas Armstrong.

But I knew Alex’s road to HEA would be littered with heartbreak and loss. I knew that Alex would—for a time—lose his wit, his dry sense of humour and a piece (tiny) of his humanity when he loses the love of his life. And because I knew the journey Alex was to take, he rose above the others in my affections.

I felt for Alex. I felt his loss. I felt his pain. I felt his anger and sense of betrayal and abandonment. Alex immediately became my favourite.

When AN HEIR OF DECEPTION, which I once hoped to publish with one of the New York publishers, was roundly rejected, I wasn’t deterred. I knew with 100% certainty that no matter what, I’d finish writing this book and it would be published. Of all the books I’d written thus far, Alex’s story above all needed to be told. In April I finished telling Alex’s story and let it loose on the romance reading public. Whew!

Now, I’m saying a sad farewell to my favourite hero, Alex Cartwright. Fortunately for me, I’m working on a connecting series, The Temptresses, so I’ll be visiting with him again even if it will only for a brief period.

What about you? Have you ever felt guilty about favouring someone over the other? Comment and enter to win a digital copy of AN HEIR OF DECEPTION. I’m giving away 2 copies. 

Visit me at www.BeverleyKendall.com
Follow me on Twitter at @beverleykendall and @season4romance
Friend me on Facebook at authorbeverleykendall

Vanessa, here.  Be sure to visit Bev’s website for blurbs and excerpts for all her lovely books, and don’t forget to drop by The Season, too!

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.

Guest Author: Beverley Kendall & Giveaway!

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One of my favorite people in romancelandia is Beverley Kendall.  Not only is she smart and talented, she’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.  There’s another reason why I love her – she also writes sexy, Regency-set historical romances.  Oh, and did I mention her books are sexy?

Bev’s first book, which kicked off her Elusive Lords series, was Sinful Surrender.  RT Book Reviews gave it 4 stars:  “In her fresh, charming debut, Kendall’s natural wit and fine voice shine through.”

And New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell calls Bev’s writing “deliciously intense.”  Yum!

Bev’s second book in the Elusive Lords series is A Taste of Desire.  Take a look at her charming video, which gives you a sense of the fun that awaits you when you read this book.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV_rGv_2TMs&feature=player_embedded]

Like many of us in the romance writing world, Bev has moved into the indie arena with her new novella, All’s Fair in Love & Seduction.  For those of you who have been following Bev’s Elusive Lords, this novella tells Derek and Elizabeth’s story.  I know for a fact that a lot of people have been waiting for this one, including me!

Here’s the blurb:

With her seduction she hopes to gain his affections

For Miss Elizabeth Smith, sharing her first kiss with the charming Lord Derek Creswell is nothing short of a dream come true…that is, until she is spotted by one of the most influential gossips of the ton. With scandal nipping at her heels, to avoid total social ruin, Elizabeth must present a fiancé by the end of the Season. But when the viscount proves reluctant, Elizabeth is forced to employ a seduction of a different sort…

With his seduction he is determined to ruin her

Viscount Derek Creswell believes Elizabeth set out to trap him into marriage. After all, her sister attempted the very same thing with his brother six years before. Now the delectable Miss Smith expects a betrothal and a ring, while Derek finds her ruination infinitely more appealing…

But as Derek sets out to seduce only her body, Elizabeth is intent on claiming his jaded heart.

Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?  All’s Fair in Love & Seduction is available for just $1.49 on Amazon, and a host of other e-retailers.  You can find all the handy buy links on Bev’s website, and read an excerpt.  As an added bonus, you can take a look at the first three chapters of Bev’s next book in her Elusive Lords series, An Heir of Deception.  That book, which is Alex and Charlotte’s story, will be available in the Fall of 2011.   Can’t wait for this one!

While you’re visiting Bev’s website, there’s something else you should definitely check out – Bev’s online magazine, The Season.  It’s one of the best romance review journals on the web, and it’s packed with honest, thoughtful reviews of all the latest releases.  There are also tons of interesting features every month, including free reads, bestsellers, and links to all the places on the web to buy books.  The Season also has a blog, with daily updates and guest blogs from a huge range of wonderful romance writers.  You really need to check it out, especially since The Season will be celebrating its second anniversary this month.  Bev will be throwing a big party with lots of great prizes, including tons of books and a grand prize of an e-reader!

To celebrate the release of All’s Fair in Love & Seduction, Bev has donated a copy of the novella for a giveaway today.  Since today is August  1st – the height of summer vacation – let’s kick back a little.  Tell me where you’re going on vacation this summer, or tell if you intend to remain at home on a staycation!  One person who comments will win a copy of Bev’s fabulous novella.

His Wicked Revenge Now On Sale!

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I’m thrilled to announce that my short story, His Wicked Revenge, is now available as an e-book.  It’s a passionate, sexy story about reunited lovers, one of whom is keeping a very big secret.  Here’s the blurb:

Captain Anthony Barnett spent thirteen years plotting his revenge against Marissa, Lady Paget, the woman he once loved and who claimed to love him back. When her aristocratic family almost destroyed Anthony’s life, Marissa married another man and Anthony knew he’d been played for a fool.  Now he’s a wealthy and powerful trader while the widowed Marissa stands on the brink of financial ruin.  Soon, Anthony will make sure that Marissa owes him everything.

When her father and brother drove Anthony away thirteen years ago, Marissa had no choice but to marry another man.  Now Anthony is back in London, and he’s determined to have his revenge by forcing her to be his mistress.  He doesn’t realize that Marissa never stopped loving him, or that she’s hiding a secret that could tear them apart forever.

His Wicked Revenge is available at Amazon and Smashwords for 99 cents.  I’d be thrilled if you checked it out!

I’m also guest-blogging today at one of my favorite places on the web, The Season.  We’re talking about memorable characters, and I’m also giving away a copy of My Favorite Countess. 

For all my friends and readers in Canada, have a great Victoria Day!

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