Speaking of HTF books

This week I have found: China Rose by Marsha Canham A Promise of Spring by Mary Balogh Give Me Tonight by Lisa Kleypas all for a $1 pretty cool if you don't think about the fact I don't need any of them... and that kleypas is the ONE old Kleypas I have (due to a shockingly kind online romance fan who sent it to me) But hey they were a DOLLAR! So I had to get them. Wasn't as impressed with A Promise of Spring as I thought I would be. The hero is very unbaoghlike and mucho beta, almost too much, hell it was too much. I was waiting for him to pull the heroine by her hair and say what the fuck chick? Maybe if he had beaten her or something it would have knocked some sense. LOL maybe that is just me...

Where is Walt when you need him....

Dear Reader: The novels you've enjoyed over the past ten years by such authors as Kathleen Woodiwiss, Rosemary Rogers, Johanna Lindsey and Laurie McBain are accountable to one thing above all others: Avon has never tried to force authors into any particular mold. Rather, Avon is a publisher that encourages individual talent and is always on the lookout for writers who will deliver real books, not packaged formulas. In 1982, we started a program to help readers pick out authors of exceptional promise. Called "The Avon Romance," the books were distinguished by a ribbon motif in the upper left-hand corner of the cover. Although every title was by a new author, and the settings could be either historical or contemporary, they were quickly discovered and became known as "the ribbon books." In 1984, "The Avon Romance" will be a feature on the Avon list. Each month, you will find novels with many different settings, each one by an author who is special. You will not find predictable characters, predictable plots and predictable endings. The only predictable thing about "The Avon Romance" will be the superior quality that Avon has always delivered in the field of romance! Sincerely, Walter Meade President & Publisher This letter is found on the first page of China Rose by Marsha Canham published in 1984 (that I found for a $1 the other day). I have to agree with walt here and it would be nice if they could find their way back to this. I don't see why Avon can't publish the 12000 Regency Historicals every month they feel we need and do one or two books in a line like "The Avon Romance". Does anyone remember these "ribbon" books? I would be interested in seeing who else was apart of the idea. LOL maybe the idea tanked and that is why Avon became all regency all the time.

What is this box with numbers on it and how does it work?

It scares me some times how alike cindys and I are, no really. It makes me shake my head and feel really really badly for her. And the rest of you guys that there are two of us running around in the world. Basically I have managed to completely turn my life upside down and I am sort of sitting back and seeing if I end up really regretting it. Or how I have to handle the fall out whenever that should happen. I have tons to talk about but really my mind is just a mess and I start on topic and end up with something so rambly I end up deleting it all for fear of scaring others and having to look at my own neurotic self later in print. Okay so mostly the second part is what makes me delete. Times like this I decide I should say I want to be a writer when I grow up. No really, because that would some how make the voices in my head okay, right? What? It works for JR Ward and Linda Howard damn it! I say that with much love for both authors really, so no need to throw your fangirlself out of wack or anything. YIKES this post was just suppose to say I was trying to fix my inner clock which is fucked as normal to try and make life easy with the new job. Working normal business hours sort of... 8-5. Monday - Friday and 9-1 some Saturdays... which I think will turn out to be lots of Saturdays because I don't care and need the cash. I was off last Wed, Thurs, Fri being sick sick sick. Worked Saturday like 2 to 2 and Sunday 3 to 2... only to be at the new nonhotel job on Monday at 8AM. So I ended up not sleeping at all Sunday night then came home only to fall asleep and wake up at midnight. Yep and have managed to do the same today. So I sit here looking at the clock knowing I should 'try' to go back to sleep. Thinking I could take something and go back to sleep but have to be up in six hours and can't see taking that chance. Ten to one I end up reading or blog hopping. I soooooooo want to talk about work and shit but can't make up my mind where I shall decide that is good to do. LOL well it isn't good to do anywhere but I know I will. I should go update my live journal. Or figure out how to lock posts here. Then I think about how silly that all is because dude... it is the internet. Which leads me to wanting to talk about the fuckedupness of stupid people, myspace, chatting at work and then I realize I would be doing exactly what I want to make fun of... sort of. The new job could be a slow fry in hell. I know this and I am fighting like mad to keep my fucking mouth shut about things I know nothing about, even when asked my opinion. It is very much a 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' type of place. Where you are suppose to do something, ask for clarification and are told "oh, hmmm I don't know, it has always been done like that' and omg if you ask what it is used for - blank stare that makes you want to define use - to be answered 'I am not really sure we just have always done it'. I know a big part of it is lazy and bigger part is something I tend to think is a lil more job protection, if no one really knows I work only an 1 hour out of my day score type thing. Of course I could be wrong. And man we are talking people who have been here for YEARS. But then you just have to blink as you walk around and people are on myspace (clear as day) chatting away on AIM (clear as day) and huff when you tell them they have someone to help, then try to think of a way to chat with the person standing on the other side of the counter who can clearly hear the people chatting away about their weekend while they wait to be helped. Sad thing is I will be making more money here than I was at the hotel. Which just leads me back to crap I need to figure out what the hell I am doing with my life or I will turn around in a year having killed it at job playing on the internet all day chatting with bam or jane or holly or I could go on a while here... while reading ebooks at work or something like that... ::blink:: See that sooooooooo has its appeal. LOL I am having the normal pull at 'omg I really need to get a life'. I am going to be 31, have no direction or goal driving me... I should do something. Go back to school. Sell my shit, pick a new state and move. Go run and hide in Kristie's Library. SOMETHING. I mean really who am I to laugh or stare in wonder while I lurk through the remains of two years of files and crap on a computer from two people I don't even know? But really WHO has a link to a 'cheating' discussion board in their favorites at work? WHO? Says she who at one time spent large parts of her day emailing and chatting with jay. Awww good times that... but of course jay has to fuck it up with getting her shit together and going to law school so she won't be around to play with. Then of course I start to think on books and blogs and what I could do with mine with the time... Things I can finish and such cuz I will be awake with mucho time to kill and will most likely have freedom of internet access and a computer in such a position that ctrl-alt-tab is your friend. Or there is the dive bar which is down the street (oddly enough I know I have been there once or twice but can't remember clearly when or why). I could be Norm! Only younger, female and thin until the smoke, alcohol, bar food kill it. See life is nothing but a bunch of random choices ;). Alcohol... whatever happened to the Barenaked Ladies? Alcohol, my permanent accessory Alcohol, a party-time necessity Alchool, alternative to feeling like yourself O Alcohol, I still drink to your health I love you more than I did the week before I discovered alcohol Forget the caffe latte, screw the raspberry iced tea A Malibu and Coke for you, a G&T for me Alcohol, Your songs resolve like my life never will When someone else is picking up the bill I love you more than I did the week before I discovered alcohol O Alcohol, would you please forgive me? For while I cannot love myself I'll use something else I thought that Alcohol was just for those with nothing else to do I thought that drinking just to get drunk was a waste of precious booze But now I know that there's a time and there's a place where I can choose To walk the fine line between self-control and self-abuse I love you more than I did the week before I discovered alcohol Would you please ignore that you found me on the floor Trying on your camisole? O Alcohol, would you please forgive me? For while I cannot love myself I'll use something else Would you please forgive me? Would you please forgive me? eh I so don't see myself returning to bars cuz smoke and alcohol tend to fuck up my migraines and really random sex with strangers gets old quick and is hardly ever worth the effort. I could start dating but good night that would involve work and is hardly ever worth the effort. And would make my mother far too happy. LOL if I bothered to tell her that is... I think I am turning in my notice tomorrow to my apartments. Sort of makes my flesh crawl in a omg what the fuck am I doing type way. But hey it will force me to make a choice by Jan. There is a crazy idea floating around in my head which involve a move to Dallas. Or at least decide to get a new apartment here or move home or something... I don't want to be here. But I don't want to pack. I just suck. Then there are the books... eek! The way I quit at work I am ending up getting a week of vacation so hopefully I will have a lil bit of cash to get the piles sent off to people and send out more books. Then I need to get bins I think... and figure out uh something. ten to one I just go read a book.

blerg

sick, sick, sick You name it, it has prolly been wrong with me in the last five days. I haven't been to work in four. Tried to twice, and they turned around and sent me home because I looked like death. I am trying to drag myself in right now... oh and I start another job on monday. Long story. I have over 300 emails to sort through. Ten to one if you have sent me on in the last week I owe you one. The good news is I am not dying ;).

Liquid into Samhain

I think I have asked this before... maybe... What's up with all the liquid silver books being republished at samhain? Are they just being cleaned up editing wise and then printed? Do they have to sell a certain number to go to print or is it a sure thing? And why didn't LSB print them? Does LSB not do print? But most importantly... does it say if the book is expanded and worth rebuying?

Devon Guest EBuzz: Mistress of Redemption by Joey Hill

Nature of Desire - Mistress of Redemption By Joey W. Hill The white-collar life Jonathan Powell created for himself is gone. Standing outside Wentworth prison after serving his five-year sentence, he knows he has to start over. No more hooking up with Dominant women so he can enjoy the challenge of screwing up their minds. But who knew his last target would be a psychopathic killer who tried to off two cops? No, it wasn't the game that was the problem. He just made some key mistakes. Mistakes he won't make again. Then Mistress Dona shows up to give him a ride from the prison into his new life, and his resolve goes out the window. She's everything he can't resist. Dona knows she has to help Jonathan make the right choice this time, because Hell doesn't offer options. He has to understand and accept what surrender truly means. His only hope is a Mistress of Redemption. The problem is she may lose her own soul in the attempt to save his. Reader Advisory: This book contains a very gritty and frank journey to Hell and contains many BDSM elements. Some of the situations and scenes may be disturbing to some readers. It is not for the faint of heart. Features Jonathan from Natural Law. Devon can be found at her blog, Is that a stake in your pocket? Devon's Ebuzz Mistress of Redemption by Joey Hill, is the author's most recent installment in her "Nature of Desire" series, in which she explores BDSM and what draws people to it. The hero of this book (and I use that term loosely), is Jonathan Powell, who previously appeared in Natural Law, and was mentioned in Holding All the Cards. Jonathan is an all-around bastard, and a sub who tops from the bottom. He manipulates his lovers into thinking that he cares about them, then destroys them emotionally. He ends up in prison for his role in the attempted murder of Mac Nighthorse (the hero of Natural Law.) MoR picks up with his release after five years in prison. He is picked up by the mysterious Mistress Dona, who takes him to Hell and back. Literally. This is Jonathan's journey through Hell, as Dona forces him to face his crimes, and hopefully cleanse his soul. Mistress Dona is not only Lucifer's minion and Jonthan's torturer, but also his soulmate. And she hopes that she can actually help him. But she's going to have to make him suffer at first, but that's cool, she's into that too. This was a fascinating read. Ellora's Cave gave it the X-treme rating, and it is that. Not for the faint of heart. There was some rough stuff here. I winced a couple of times, and I'm pretty hardened. But it never came off as exploitative or unnecessary. It was more like a bizarre form of therapy to help Jonathan to face his crimes and understand his true self. But therein also lay the problem for me. There was some heavy psychological stuff here, and I found the exploration of what motivated both Jonathan and Dona to be very interesting, but not particularly erotic. I was much more caught up in the psychological elements than the romantic ones. I was much more curious to read why Jonathan was so fucked up than in the HEA. I think the difficult subject matter required a certain amount of readerly distance, to make it more palatable. I was happy that they did find some happiness, though. So, in short, this was a very compelling read, but not so much a romance for me. But one thing is undeniable, I think that Hill is one of the strongest, most intelligent writers of romantica that I have read. She has a great grasp of what makes her characters tick and of the strange hold of BDSM on some people. If you're curious, try Natural Law. One's got to build up to this one. You can buy this here and find her other titles here. Thanks Devon!

The Inconvenient Duchess by Christine Merrill

The Inconvenient Duchess by Christine Merrill is a new to me HH author and even though it was a Regency novel I picked it up. Has anyone else read it? My copy is screwed up. Letters are missing at the end of some words and in places the end of sentences are gone. Really it isn't enough to make the book unreadable but it is annoying. Lady Miranda Grey was raised by a broken man who lost everything and a whore. Well by this point ex-whore, who blackmails a woman on her death bed (ex-school chum) into arranging a meeting between Miranda and soon to be dead woman's sons. One of those sons just happens to be a Duke. A Duke. You know the guy most of those marriage mart chits would happily open a vein to wed. Lady Miranda shows up at the house, alone, after walking in the rain with a letter of introduction from her guardian 'Lady Cecily' (you know the whore) only to find out that the mother is dead and the Duke of Haughleigh might as well be. I mentioned the alone part right? So now she is stuck, alone, with two rakes (we know they are rakes cuz they tell us so). Whatever is a girl to do? All in all this book should be F material but it works. Miranda does some pretty TSTL things for a woman who has 'worked', been exposed to real life and has a brain in her head. The Duke and Miranda spend too much time apart in the beginning so when he finds out the truth of her up bringing, really he has no reason to keep her. When you add in how he went about 'marrying her' it isn't really believable he would care much about her. And the little weasel St. John shouldn't be around near as much as he is. The brother should have kept a better eye on him and Miranda's background should have made it impossible for her to not see he was up to no good. But I was entertained, kept turning the pages and wanted to know what happened next. Maybe it had to do with the fact that the plot wasn't your typical regency. Or that the characters were charming and well fleshed out. Miranda isn't your perfect, beautiful diamond and Marcus isn't the over the top alpha or doormat beta. You have two people who have been dealt some shitty cards and are making the best play out of it they can. I enjoyed The Inconvenient Duchess and would recommend it if you are in the mood for a quick Regency read. But if you are a hard case for following the 'regency rules' you prolly want to skip it. As for me, I really want to read the next book, An Unladylike Offer (St. John's book). You can read an excerpt here and another here.

Who Am I?

A book... not me... it is too early for any post that deep in thought *g* More about the book found here and here. I can't believe it hasn't been found... I am really thinking it is a mix of books but sadly it sounds soooooooo like a book I have read, I just don't know. this was posted at the Reader to Reader board by lgs and I KNOW I have read it but can't figure it out. The H & h marry in a marriage of convienance. Can't remember the circumstances. She is clumsy & he is uptight. She comes to see him in his study & this irritates him. She gives him two big clumsy dogs. He does not like them because when he was a child, his father made him kill his dog because it got hurt or something. Anyway, she helps orphans & he does not like this at first because it is not seemly for a Lady to go to places like that. He follows her one day because he thinks she is cheating on him or something like that. And then he eats dinner with them all. Set in regency time.

WoOT!

I am a winner. Go Team Me!

Ask Anne Stuart....

Hey did you guys know she is the author to question at RT this week? Ask the Author: Anne Stuart and I don't see one question from cindy or megan... ... Ask me any questions you like - I'm notoriously unguarded. I've been in the business for centuries - my first book came out when I was twenty-five - and I've seen trends, publishers, imprints and editors come and go. Nothing short of dynamite can dislodge me, and I'm gleefully certain I'm writing some of the best stuff of my career. So ask me anything, and I'll answer. complete Anne Stuart intro here what cha waiting for...

A couple more updated websites

Love Jo Goodman's new format. Madeline Hunter's site looks like it is still a work in progress. As is Meljean Brook's site. Have you seen any new or updated author sites? Have you updated or changed your site recently? What do you most want to see on an author's website? I WANT what is next. I don't care if it is a year away... just have something up. As for extra's I love tidbits about the books and how the author came about the story. Goodman's site is grand for this as is Elizabeth Boyle. recently mentioned site recap: Jennifer Ashley aka Allyson James Renee Bernard Donna Birdsell Karen Ranney

How To Abduct a Highland Lord by Karen Hawkins

This is so update your website month in romance land. Karen Hawkins has a new look at her site. The whole thing has a look funny author feel to it. Think this ties into "branding". I have never really thought of Hawkins as the funny girl romance writer. Maybe that was what I missed... I really like the new cover for her next book but it really doesn't scream historical to me. Maybe that is just me... How To Abduct a Highland Lord by Karen Hawkins Release: January 30th, 2007 Determined to save her family from a bloody clan war, Fiona MacLean kidnaps and marries their greatest enemy, Black Jack Kincaid. After a night of debauchery, the unsuspecting rogue is stunned to wake up married to the woman he once loved and has never stopped desiring. With the tense peace between their clans resting on their unlikely union, will Jack redeem himself, rekindle their passion, and win Fiona’s heart—which he finally realizes he has always desired?

You gonna write a letter?

I am guessing this is a cause now because the election is near. Or someone has a new book coming out? Since it hit newswires over two months ago. There were too many responses to read on AAR and I don't feel like googling... but does anyone know if it has been brought up that Combs isn't (wasn't?) really embracing her romance past? Don't get me wrong, I still think head's an ass (hee) but Combs didn't seem like the stand up proud romance novelist. I still think Mike is the man to vote for... well until I google him and find something about him I don't like. hee

Ebuzz: Good Deal for ebook reader peeps

Dance of the Gods by Nora Roberts Regular Club Reduced From: $8.56 $7.28 You Pay: $7.99 $6.79 Micropay Rebate:100% 100% Cost After Rebate:$0.00 $0.00 You Save: 100% 100% eBook Category: Romance eBook Description: Second in a new trilogy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author. As the Circle of Six prepares for its final clash with the dark army of the vampire Lilith, the battleground shifts. In Ireland, a stone circle serves as the portal to another land and an ancient time. It is in Geall that all will meet their fate-the sorcerer, the witch, the warrior, the scholar, the one of many forms, and the one who was lost. And as their courage is tested, hearts will bond as never

Love in a Bottle by Zoe Archer **new blurb and a excerpt**

Another website update... great month for readers! Love in a Bottle by Zoe Archer Release Date: November 28, 2006 from site: Sophie Andrews: She'd rather be in the fields with her hands deep in the earth, studying plants, than playing the coquette in the drawing room. A chance encounter with a rakish peddler has this unconventional spirit learning that she may be a lady in a man's world, but she's still a woman. Ian Blackpool: With his charming, roguish smile, he can sell you bottles of potion guaranteeing love. But he might not buy it himself. This mountebank's search for the secret of love has taken him all over the world, but one beautiful English botanist may hold the answer he's been pursuing. Dark Dan McGannon: The name says it all. The most ruthless kidnapper on the British Isles. excerpt I might even give in and read... So do you want to read it anymore than you did after reading the first blurb? Love the cover but the blurb is very eh... It was the most beautiful fungus botanist Sophie Andrews had ever seen. And the man who came with it was a pretty fine specimen, too: tall, handsome and flashing a grin that promised wickedness. Sophie knew the bottle of love potion the roguish peddler tried to push on her was a hoax, but she had no time to argue. One of England's most vicious criminals had kidnapped her favorite uncle, and something had to be done. Ian Blackpool refused to let the stubborn beauty who'd stumbled into his path track down the notorious Dark Dan McGannon alone. It was his duty to help. Surely it had nothing to do with the thrill he felt at her touch. After all, love was merely a specific chemical combination. But when Ian took Sophie in his arms, science went out the window. It was time to abandon bottled love and take a chance on something new-trusting his heart.

Victim of this, victim of that

Oddly enough Sandy doesn't agree with me. Shocking I know... There's No Sex in Your Violence Don't Go In There Oh Grow Up Just a note... I like like lawyers! Really! Get Over It by The Eagles From the album Hell Freezes Over (1994) I turn on the tube and what do I see A whole lotta people cryin' 'Don't blame me' They point their crooked little fingers ar everybody else Spend all their time feelin' sorry for themselves Victim of this, victim of that Your momma's too thin; your daddy's too fat Get over it Get over it All this whinin' and cryin' and pitchin' a fit Get over it, get over it You say you haven't been the same since you had your little crash But you might feel better if I gave you some cash The more I think about it, Old Billy was right Let's kill all the lawyers, kill 'em tonight You don't want to work, you want to live like a king But the big, bad world doesn't owe you a thing Get over it Get over it If you don't want to play, then you might as well split Get over it, Get over it It's like going to confession every time I hear you speak You're makin' the most of your losin' streak Some call it sick, but I call it weak You drag it around like a ball and chain You wallow in the guilt; you wallow in the pain You wave it like a flag, you wear it like a crown Got your mind in the gutter, bringin' everybody down Complain about the present and blame it on the past I'd like to find your inner child and kick its little ass Get over it Get over it All this bitchin' and moanin' and pitchin' a fit Get over it, get over it Get over it Get over it It's gotta stop sometime, so why don't you quit Get over it, get over it

Do it for your country

GO VOTE Sebastian St. Vincent - Devil in Winter, Sebastian St. Vincent - Devil in Winter, Sebastian St. Vincent - Devil in Winter, Sebastian St. Vincent - Devil in Winter, Sebastian St. Vincent - Devil in Winter, Sebastian St. Vincent - Devil in Winter

There's No Sex in Your Violence

The new at the back fence Don't Go In There is up. It talks about violence rating. You know those people who want other people to protect grown ups from scary things that go bump in the night or upset them. Of course who can say what will upset them. 'Them' would be a ton of different people wouldn't it... I need to go back and reread it because I am not sure how her opening paragraph wouldn't fit sensuality ratings as well. Thinking on that... how do you feel about sensuality ratings? Do you use them? Should reviewers use them? Should they matter? Are you pro violence ratings? It seems we would get to the point to where we are rating everything. And that seems wrong. I blogged about this a little in August, Oh Grow Up. LOL and am sure I will blog about it again *g*. oh in case you are wondering... the title comes from the song Everything Zen by Bush on the cd Sixteen Stone

For the Love of a Pirate by Edith Layton

I have been looking for a summary for this book for a while now. And now that I found it... it is soooooooooo not what I thought it would be. What cha think? Nice of Avon to be consistent in giving us bad covers... For the Love of a Pirate by Edith Layton Release Date: December 2006 He's searching for a proper bride . . . Constantine, Lord Wylde, is a gentleman beyond reproach. Now it's time for him to find a suitable gentlewoman to wed-;a well-bred, well-behaved lady, as proper as . . . well, Constantine himself. But his plans are shattered when a fierce, aging pirate invades his home with shocking news: Constantine is already engaged . . . to the brigand's lovely granddaughter, Lisabeth! But finds a perfect passion instead Wildly independent Lisabeth, however, has no desire for marriage-;certainly not to a straightlaced nobleman bound to her by some long-ago promise . . . even if she's tantalized by his manly form and the sensuality he can't quite disguise. Though shocked by the lady's improprieties, Constantine soon finds himself acting as lustily as any outlaw. But how does a staid gentleman win the heart of a bewitching pirate?

random blog stuff

Note to Self: Release Date are a good thing to put on posts when the book isn't out yet. Links and more You prolly haven't noticed but I am screwing around with my side bars. Why I don't know since it is possible blogger will make me screw with my template but that is another blog... I have added a column on the right under reader blog for author and group blogs. They may stay there, I may cut the ones I don't go to at least once a month (week? day?) and leave the others as a reference on the 'authors in blogland' post which is currently in draft again. Two things: 1. Do you break out the 'group' blogs from the 'author' blogs? Right now I have them mixed. 2. Where do you put unsold authors, most of which are readers as well? With the Readers until they sell or the authors? I can't make up my mind. The Pretty Color... I am still trying to decide what background color to use. Any suggestions? Am I the only person who doesn't go to some sites because it is just too flipping our to read? There are a handful I will highlight the text so I can read the dark font on dark background. Label I am playing with the labels. YAY labels they are fun. Check out the right side bar - if you click 'Nifty Book Info' you should get any post labeled with ::Book Info::. I am playing with the labels right now to figure out what best makes sense to me. Like right now I have a 'book info' and an 'author info'. If you updated your website or changed genres - I would label that author info. If I posted about a book - excerpt, new cover, review or whatever - that would go under book info. yes I give this way too much thought. I will post a 'key' to all the labels at some point cuz god knows what makes sense in my head doesn't always make sense once it leaves my head. Amazon Associates Does anyone make any money off the amazon linky thing? Where if someone goes through you link to buy the book you get a penny (or whatever). I want a way to make a few bucks to cover postage to do contests. Media Mail is pretty cheap but I don't want to do it if I can't include outside the US. And I wonder... is it tacky? Review Format I keep going back and forth on many issues. Biggest one review format... I like my format for the 'ebuzz' books. But I am not sure I want to do it that way for print books. At the same time, I like the way I did reviews for AAR, but I think that is TOO much and TOO time consuming. I think I have decided wendy's rule of anything after page 50 (unless it is on the back of the book) is a spoiler is a good rule. Not to say I won't have spoilers but I wanetd to get a handle on what should go behind a cut. Very hard for a long time spoilerwhore to figure out *g*. But like everything else on my blog I can't make up my mind on I have decided to just do it and tweak as I go along. Link me to how you do it... what works for you... what must you have in your review... is there anything you make sure NOT to do? Feel free to give your imput on what works for you and what doesn't. There is a link at the top right to email me or you are welcome at any time to comment on blog on anything. Keep in mind... I blog because it amuses me, I love to read and plan to keep blogging until it is no longer fun. So if I don't take your suggestion it is nothing personal *g*. LOL yeah like I said I put too much thought into shit regarding things no one but me cares about and I doubt anyone notices.

The Mad, Bad Duke by Jennifer Ashley

The Mad, Bad Duke by Jennifer Ashley Release Date: December 2006 Meagan Tavistock could easily see how Alexander had earned the nickname Mad, Bad Duke. His deep blue eyes promised sinful pleasure, his touch burned through the silk of her dress, and his rich voice intimated that as soon as they were skin to skin, he’d fulfill desires she didn’t even know she had. When a love spell missed its intended target, Meagan could no longer resist the temptation...until the magic wore off, leaving the pair in a most compromising position. Their only option was a marriage that thrust Meagan into a new world of high danger, dark secrets, and a passion so intense she couldn’t help wondering: Was it the lingering power of the spell or true love at last? Hey another author with an updated website look. Cool! Go read the excerpt an d tell me if it is any good. Must. Resist. The. Power. Of. The. Excerpt.

The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory

The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory Release Date: December 2006 (already out in UK) ANNE OF CLEVES She runs from her tiny country, her hateful mother, and her abusive brother to a throne whose last three occupants are dead. King Henry VIII, her new husband, instantly dislikes her. Without friends, family, or even an understanding of the language being spoken around her, she must literally save her neck in a court ruled by a deadly game of politics and the terror of an unpredictable and vengeful king. Her Boleyn Inheritance: accusations and false witnesses. KATHERINE HOWARD She catches the king's eye within moments of arriving at court, setting in motion the dreadful machine of politics, intrigue, and treason that she does not understand. She only knows that she is beautiful, that men desire her, that she is young and in love -- but not with the diseased old man who made her queen, beds her night after night, and killed her cousin Anne. Her Boleyn Inheritance: the threat of the axe. JANE ROCHFORD She is the Boleyn girl whose testimony sent her husband and sister-in-law to their deaths. She is the trusted friend of two threatened queens, the perfectly loyal spy for her uncle, the Duke of Norfolk, and a canny survivor in the murderous court of a most dangerous king. Throughout Europe, her name is a byword for malice, jealousy, and twisted lust. Her Boleyn Inheritance: a fortune and a title, in exchange for her soul. The Boleyn Inheritance is a novel drawn tight as a lute string about a court ruled by the gallows and three women whose positions brought them wealth, admiration, and power as well as deceit, betrayal, and terror. Once again, Philippa Gregory has brought a vanished world to life -- the whisper of a silk skirt on a stone stair, the yellow glow of candlelight illuminating a hastily written note, the murmurs of the crowd gathering on Tower Green below the newly built scaffold. In The Boleyn Inheritance Gregory is at her intelligent and page-turning best. Philippa Gregory has the first chapter up and some nifty background info on the book.

If Only In My Dreams by Wendy Markham **now with excerpt**

Excerpt here Never read Wendy Markam, is this suppost to be chick lit/romantic? If Only In My Dreams by Wendy Markham Release Date: December 2006 From USA Today bestselling author Wendy Markham comes a Christmas love story starring a woman whose dreams are about to come true-sixty years too soon... Actress Clara McCallum isn't looking forward to spending Christmas alone in New York-especially since she's still reeling after a diagnosis of breast cancer. But she has to be on location in the city for her next big movie. She's playing a woman in love with Jed Landry-an American soldier who' doomed to die at Pearl Harbor... Imagine Clara's astonishment when she steps off an old-fashioned locomotive from the set and finds herself whisked back in time-and into the arms of the real-life Jed. She's convinced it's some sort of hallucination brought on by her diagnosis. But before long she finds herself swept away by this handsome soldier, and wondering if maybe her plunge into the past could change the course of the future-and turn out to be the best Christmas present ever From her site... in my alternate identity as chick lit/romantic comedy author Wendy Markham, I recently finished writing IF ONLY IN MY DREAMS, a paranormal Christmas time travel romance coming from Signet this December. Filming a movie based on actual events, actress Clara McCallum plays the imaginary love interest of doomed World War II soldier Jed Landry. Now, unexpectedly faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, Clara finds herself journeying back to the first week of December, 1941, where she meets--and falls in love with--the real Jed Landry. She alone knows Pearl Harbor looms, and that Jed won't survive the war. Going home to the present will mean saying goodbye to Jed forever. Yet if Clara stays in the past, where Jed's fate is already sealed and there is no effective treatment for her cancer, she'll die, too. Faced with an excruciating choice, Clara can only hope for a Christmas miracle.

Sasha White

Tis blogging at May's Place Only click here if you are may milady if you see this drop me an email, if you don't mind, I can't find an addy for you ;) And yes, all you other people... I know you clicked anyway... see how you people are? LOL you are welcome to drop me an email as well, but I warn you now I am behind on returning email. But I lurve email!

Madame's Deception by Renee Bernard **Aug 2007**

I mentioned this cover in this post. Madame's Deception by Renee Bernard Release Date: Aug 2007 When naïve bookworm and virgin Jocelyn Tolliver learns that her mother is the notorious madame of an elite London brothel she is stunned, but grants her mother’s dying wish and promises to take care of the brothel and its ladies. With the help of her mother’s loyal butler, she transforms herself, and becomes the beautiful but reclusive Madame DeBourcier. After an unexpected feud breaks out between the Crimson Belle and a rival brothel, Jocelyn needs a titled lover to gain political clout to protect her housemates so she befriends the handsome and wealthy Lord Colwick, who of course, views this as an invitation to seduce her…

Wolf's Temptation by Donna Birdsell **Now with Updated Website**

Donna Birdsell has updated her website, really it is more of a website overhaul. And she has added a blog. Wolf's Temptation by Donna Birdsell Release Date: October 3, 2006 Out to prove he hasn't lost his edge, spymaster Ethan Gray-known as the Wolf-is on the hunt for a smuggler shipping arms to colonial rebels in America. Instead, he finds himself frustrated at every turn by a mysterious woman whom he can only recognize by the alluring scent she leaves behind. I haven't read, hmmm or even bought Falcon's Mistress the first book in this series. Look more spies... which so far as much as I have whined about them I have liked the books I have read recently with them. Go Figure. But am I correct in reading this will take place in America? Or will they be fighting colonial rebels in England? ::waits for kristie:: Donna Birdsell site sez: If you like your danger and intrigue set in historical times, keep an eye out for WOLF'S TEMPTATION (Oct. '06), the second in the Georgian Spies trilogy. Spymaster Ethan Gray, known as the Wolf, is on the trail of an arms smuggler shipping weapons to colonial rebels in America. Against his judgment, he's partnered with a woman spy, Maris Winter, known as the Raven. The Wolf has a connection with the Raven from the past-a connection he'd like to keep from her. But the Raven has a secret of her own. She's determined to protect the very man the Wolf is hunting. Will their secrets endanger their mission? Will their attraction for each other endanger their lives?

Hey it finally works...

Renee Bernard's website Renee Bernard is a freelance writer for Romantic Times Bookclub magazine. A Lady's Pleasure is her first novel. She has also written a story, "Mischief's Holiday," for the anthology The School for Heiresses, coming soon from Pocket Books. Renee lives in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California. Visit her website at www.reneebernardauthor.com we shall ignore the lil thing about the website not working... STILL BUT is this a typo on simon's part or did they forget she wrote two other books already? Oddly enough the last time I waybacked this website, there was info on the new book. And it is no longer cached on google and that month brings up nada now on the way back site. I can't imagine they are trying to 'reinvent' the author since it is the same name and all. Anyone read BLIND APHRODITE? Was it any good?

Autumn in Scotland

Abandoned by a rogue Betrothed to an earl she had never met, Charlotte Haversham arrived at Balfurin, hoping to find love at the legendary Scottish castle. Instead she found decaying towers and no husband among the ruins. So Charlotte worked a miracle, transforming the rotting fortress into a prestigious girls' school. And now, five years later, her life is filled with purpose-;until . . . Seduced by a stranger A man storms Charlotte's castle-;and he is not the reprehensible Earl of Marne, the one who stole her dowry and dignity, but rather the absent lord's handsome, worldly cousin Dixon MacKinnon. Mesmerized by the fiery Charlotte, Dixon is reluctant to correct her mistake. And though she's determined not to play the fool again, Charlotte finds herself strangely thrilled by the scoundrel's amorous attentions. But a dangerous intrigue has drawn Dixon to Balfurin. And if his ruse is prematurely revealed, a passionate, blossoming love affair could crumble into ruin. I have posted once or twice about this book and am looking forward to reading it. I might even give into my no excerpt rule and go check her new one out. And if you are like me and try and stay away from excerpts because it screws with your OCD. Or if you just haven't been there in a bit. Go take a look see at her website has been updated and is nifty. Her FAQ's has a great a great answer to the question: "Why I write Romance". There is a message board that isn't a train wreck and she seems to answer reader questions. And her FWIW is interesting to check out. But my person fave part is what I love, love, love to see on author websites, on her books page she gives some back 'behind the scene info on her books. As she says on the front of her site: Snapshots I've always been fascinated in the history behind a book. Why those characters? Why that time? Why that place? Periodically, I'll be giving the background - or interesting facts - about some of my own books.