Review Coming Soon: The Stranger I Married by Sylvia Day

The Stranger I Married By Sylvia Day They are London's most scandalous couple. Isabel, Lady Pelham, and Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson. Their union is a most agreeable sham, until a shocking turn of events sends Gerard away from Isabel. Four years later he comes back and will stop at nothing to win her love. excerpt review coming soon but not yet

The More the Merrier

NEW BOOKS! On His Knees By Beth Williamson **January 2, 2007** Recently divorced, Renny Johnson is discovering how independent she can be. Her husband of ten years, Nicholas, left her with a broken heart and shattered self-esteem. When a would-be robber turns out to be Nicholas invading her new home, Renny takes the situation, and him, into her own hands. She’s going to teach him what it means to be a man… on his knees. The Prince Kidnaps a Bride by Christina Dodd Betrothed in the cradle, Princess Sorcha and Prince Rainger were destined to rule their countries together. Then revolution sent Sorcha to a remote Scottish convent—and Rainger into a dungeon so deep rumor claimed he was dead. Now danger threatens, and Sorcha must travel home with a simple fisherman as her companion—Prince Rainger in disguise. Changed by his imprisonment from a careless lad to a dangerous man, he's determined to win back his kingdom—and the woman he wants more than life itself. But can he protect a woman who believes every person she meets is her friend, every tavern is an opportunity to sing bawdy songs, and each turn in the road hides new adventure? To keep his princess safe, he must resort to his most treacherous weapon: seduction. Play with Me by Janice Maynard **Jan 2007** It begins with a toast among three beautiful best friends-Catherine, who's used to putting business before pleasure; Kallie, who's in need of a casual lover; and Gina, a former party girl who's given up on romance. Their pact is to make their naughtiest fantasies come true before their thirtieth birthdays. They have one year to make it happen-and no position is too compromising. All it's going to take is finding the right man, capturing the perfect moment, and stirring up enough courage to issue the most provocative invitation of the year. The race is on. Who's going to cross the line first? Surviving Demon Island by Jaci Burton What's America's top female action star doing on a tropical island shrouded in secrecy? To Gina Bliss, competing in a survival-type reality show is a nice change from fending off on-screen villains. Until she meets real-life action hero Derek Marks. A survival specialist in a tight black T and sexy stubble, he's arousing every bad-boy fantasy she's ever had...and testing her survival skills to the max. Martial arts, jungle warfare - Derek's done it all. But his latest mission is more dangerous than a stick of dynamite. Try telling that to the sexy, adrenaline-pumped actress who's got his libido racing off the charts. As the heat rises between them and real-life violence erupts, suddenly Derek and Gina are on the run...and when they uncover a secret so explosive it could blow the lid of their so-called reality show, these two unlikely heroes are about to discover what surviving's really about.... For the Love of a Pirate by Edith Layton 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? The really interesting thing is I think this is a STAND ALONE. Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank I like the ARC cover much better... In this passionate debut--the first in a stunning new series--Frank creates an alternate world where moonlight creates a forbidden passion too overwhelming to ignore. Since time began, there have been Nightwalkers. Love with humans is absolutely forbidden, and Jacob, the Enforcer, makes certain to uphold this ancient law. For 700 years he has resisted temptation--until tonight. Original. Sun Kissed by Catherine Anderson **January 2, 2007** When Samantha Harrigan attends the local rodeo, she doesn't expect to wind up in jail. But that's what happens when she tries to stop a drunkard from abusing his horse. Tucker Coulter, a handsome local veterinarian, comes to her defense, and both of them are arrested. The charges are dropped, but Sam's troubles have only started... Salvation, Texas by Anna Jeffrey **January 2, 2007** Ever since he lost Elena, everything in Rusty's life has gone wrong. Her wealthy, influential father drove him out of Salvation, away from everyone he'd ever loved. Now he's back, elected by the people to one of the most powerful positions in the county. He isn't about to let the woman who once cost him everything get under his skin again. Not when there's a cold-blooded killer on the loose. And not unless he can find a way to live with her father and her millions. Elena Ryder knew of no better man than Sheriff Rusty Joplin-despite the fact that years back, he let her controlling father run him out of town. Now, she trusts no one else to investigate her sister's tragic death. And she won't even consider resisting Rusty's rugged presence if she gets a second chance… Pleasure for Pleasure by Eloisa James Fueled by the knowledge that notoriety is better than failure, witty, unconventional Josie does what no proper young lady should—she challenges fate. She discards her corset and flirts outrageously. She attends the horse races and allows an arrogant rakehell to whisk her behind the stables for a surreptitious kiss . . . and is caught! She doesn't want to marry the young hellion—but who's to help? Her chaperone keeps disappearing for mysterious appointments; her guardian is on his wedding trip; and his friend the Earl of Mayne is too busy staring into the eyes of his exquisite French fiancée. Can a marriage forced by stuffy convention and unwilling desire become the match of the season? And I need: Natalie Lambert's life has changed in the space of weeks—and she has no idea why. Her parents were murdered, she has her first taste of sexual desire—and she feels out of control, afraid, desperate to understand her changing world. She flees to New Orleans, hoping to lure the murderer out of the dark and bring to an end the trail of dead loved ones. Instead, she's attacked by crazed birds, swarmed by locusts, and saved by a Cajun cop who awakens all her latent desires. When Rene Broussard rescues a virgin vampire, he ends up in her bed and becomes hers for life in one lusty bite. Rene awakens the vampire within Natalie, and she awakes the passion within him. Together, they fight the evil threatening to destroy The Born vampires while they discover a treasure of love they can share for all eternity. Excerpt here

Enslaved by Hope Tarr **June 2007**

Enslaved is the follow up novel to Vanquished and the second book in Hope's "Men of Roxbury House" historical romance trilogy. Daisy Lake is only a memory to successful barrister Gavin Carmichael. But a memory he cannot forget. "Through thick and thin, forever and ever, come what may, we'll stay together…" is the pact the young orphans made over a decade ago, before the wide-eyed little girl was torn from his arms. Only a precious, painful memory … until Gavin walks into an East End supper club where the headlining act is the infamous nightingale of the Montmartre music halls, Delilah du Lac. Overcome, Gavin storms on stage and carries her off, determined to save her from the lifestyle she has apparently embraced. But Daisy wants no part of him. She has only one desire: to act on a proper London stage. It is a dream Gavin can make come true. He promises to employ every resource at his disposal to see she gets a part in the upcoming run of Shakespeare's "As You Like It" … provided she agrees to live with him for one month. Daisy has slept with men for far less. And Gavin has matured into an exceedingly handsome man. But as their sensual games increase in intensity, Gavin is the one in danger of being … ENSLAVED

Can old news be the sign of new things?

From the RT newsletter: And speaking of historicals... we predict that a comeback is on the horizon. With authors like Karen Robards, Judith McNaught and now Julie Garwood returning to the much-beloved genre, it won't be long before all publishers will jump on the bandwagon to cash in on this returning trend. Add to that the recent news that suspense authors Tess Gerritsen and (of all people) Dennis Lehane will have historicals out in the next two years and you can see the trend is already in motion. If you're an author, dust off those historicals and get them ready for submission and if you're a fan of historicals, rejoice in the knowledge that authors and/or publishers have heard your pleas! Let's hope the new historicals live up to what fans want: lush, historically accurate detail, strong, independent heroines, heroes to die for, palpable sexual tension with tender sensuality and books overflowing with old-fashioned romance! FYI: Keep in mind that when these historicals hit stores it will be up to you (and your buying power) to determine how long the trend lasts. That means you MUST show your support for historicals by purchasing them new and not buying them on sites like half.com or used. "New" book sales is the only measure publishers use to determine if they will continue to publish more historicals. Create the demand and they will supply the product. It may be winter but we have sprung ahead with a sneak preview of some blockbuster books to anticipate this spring including ones from Lisa Kleypas, Karen Robards, Gaelen Foley, Kelly Armstrong and Brenda Joyce to name a few. I could be way wrong but didn't Karen Robards new historical (the wrap up to her long ago started trilogy which is currently on hold with no publishing date) get announced in the RT last year? As well as the HUGE news that Garwood would be returning to historicals (although maybe that was an AAR interview?). But Judith McNaught I didn't know about and I am way interested in the Lehane although I doubt it is a romance. LOL unless he is gonna give sparks a run for his money and really Lehane could so kick Sparks ass. Sez I. So what do you guys think? Is the historical the new black for 2007? Or still the same shade of gray it has been for the last few years?

What Regency Readers Want

posted at AAR on one of their message boards by author Julia Justiss ... Recently I've heard (Sue Grimshaw, the romance book buyer for Borders Group just mentioned this in a talk) that tho readers still love the Regency, they are bored with "traditional" genre themes and treatments... Gee ya think? That Sue is quick. I want her job! I would rock at her job! hee Full post here

They say it's your birthday

well was anyway... Happy Belated Birthday! Samhain Publishing is over a year old and it seems just like yesterday... To celebrate go buy a book! “Devil's Kiss” by Brenda Williamson U.S. Marshal Jack McCay tracks outlaws for a profession and sweet-talks women out of their clothes for pleasure. When he begins to hunt a vicious killer, he meets one beautiful woman resistant to his charm. Tessa Jane Creager searches for her family’s murderer. The wanted poster says dead or alive—she’d prefer dead. While on the trail, she gains the unwanted help of a marshal-turned-bounty hunter intent on catching the killer and bedding her. In pursuit of the renegade, Jack and Tessa Jane have to deal with the harshness of the Wild West and with their shared desires. However, can a handsome man with secrets and a beautiful woman with a violent past overcome their stubborn ways to share everlasting love? Or will an outlaw destroy them by revealing all their secrets? “Project: Man” by Alexis Fleming So is he, or isn’t he? Gay, that is! Forced to take Federal Agent Nicholas Farley into her home while she translates a mysterious ancient Egyptian papyrus, Professor Emily Payne finds herself the centre of a federal government case, not to mention the unwitting target for a thief bent on stealing the papyrus. If that isn’t bad enough, she finds herself seriously lusting after the agent, a man she believes is gay, a man who seems to react as strongly to her as she does to him. There’s only one thing for a learned girl like Emily to do—start a new project, the aim to initiate Nicholas into the joys of loving a woman. Could there possible be a future for the crazy professor and the sexy, macho federal agent? Honestly they are both new and I have no clue if they are good or not. But Samhain is almost alway good. You can always buy it for me and I will read it for you and tell you if it is any good. Yeah I know... I am good people. Or try: The Bounty by Beth Williamson (western), Learning Charity by Summer Devon (historical), 72 Hours by Shannon Stacey (romantic suspense), Hunter's Pride by Shiloh Walker(paranormal), Colters' Woman by Maya Banks (Red Hot!), Betting Hearts by Dee Tenorio (Romantic Comedy), and/or Joker's Wild:Call Me by Lena Matthews (Contemporary). I have read and would recommend any of those. hmmm well I haven't read this version of Call Me by Lena Matthews. I do believe the author said it has been edited and expanded from its LSB vs. So read it and tell me if it is better *g*. Or if you would rather go print... Gypsy Heart by Sash White or Screwing with Perfect by Louisa Trent are great to add to your library.

A Lady's Pleasure by Renee Bernard

Not only does Renee now have a website but she now has a blog as well. Go check it out. Anyone read this yet? I haven't seen it out.... poor sybil Renee Bernard's website seems to be having issues. But it has been updated since the last I checked it. I think this was titled A WIDOW'S PLEASURE but is now A Lady's Pleasure. Set in Victorian London. A shy widow, Merriam Everett, sets out to experience just a little bit of forbidden pleasure, and discovers that there's really no going back. Especially when her erotic path puts her into the arms of Drake Sotherton, a man with no intentions of letting go. Drake is a man with vengeance on his mind, and Merriam unintentionally fuels his quest. Drake is convinced that Merriam is an enemy he's underestimated, but one that he can't ignore. The strategy of keeping an enemy close has pitfalls, and Merriam risks everything to claim 'A WIDOW'S PLEASURE.' Not sure if I will read this sort of eh from the summary but it is a new historical! And Bernard will also be in the December release The School for Heiresses along with Sabrina Jeffries, Liz Carlyle and Julia London.

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.

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?

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?

Midnight Eyes by Sarah Brophy Jan 2007

During the turbulent, decadent reign of William II, a royal mercenary finds himself caught in the throes of an unexpected passion—and played as a pawn in a treacherous game... The bastard son of a Norman nobleman, Robert Beaumont has blossomed into one of England’s fiercest killers—and has found himself well paid for his talents. But now the time has come for him to set aside his sword. The king has agreed to reward him for his last service with an estate...on one condition: Robert must marry the sitting tenant—the infamous Lady Deformed. For years, Imogen Colebrook has lived in the ramshackle Saxon keep, the virtual prisoner of her cruel, sadistic brother, the man responsible for her deformity—and for wedding her to a dangerous man. Yet, on Robert’s arrival, Imogen nearly brings the hardened warrior to his knees. For she is a vision of unparalleled beauty—living in a world without sight. Drawn to her courageous spirit, Robert gently draws Imogen out of her tortured past. But with her brother always lurking in the shadows, Imogen’s newfound sanctuary in Robert’s arms is in danger of being destroyed—unless her salvaged heart can find a way out of the darkness... Anyone know if Sarah Brophy has a site? I couldn't find one...

shocking...

From Shari with Harper Collins Those pesky rumors that keep circulating about the death of the historical are wrong, wrong, wrong! Avon is happy to announce that romance fans resoundly have announced their support of this subgenre, as part of voting for the AvonFanLit.com story premise. Given the choice between paranormal, contemporary, romantic suspense, medieval, Victorian or Regency – the Regency story idea won…by a mile! Visit to check out the online writing/voting/blogging action. Interesting that all these tech-savvy chicks are into good old-fashioned love and romance! le sigh... I love a good regency setting but really people... would it have killed you to pick something that doesn't make up 96.5% of the historical books on the shelves? Did people just not get out and vote? Or is this really really what the people want? The Story A couple of weeks back, we asked you to vote for your favorite story premise and your response was overwhelming. 2,400+ votes later, in a close election, you decided on Regency as the basis for your Avon FanLit novella. The Premise A beautiful young lady takes society by storm, fascinating the male members of the town and intriguing the female members. She claims she is a "lady," the daughter of an earl long-gone from London society, and her seductive charms seduce every gentleman she meets — all except one. This striking aristocrat doesn't believe a word she says. Is she truly a lady? Or, is she a desperate damsel in some sort of disguise?

One Real Cowboy by Jan Kenny March 2007

New Western! From Zebra! At the really cool debut price! But it doesn't come out until March 2007. Straight From The Heart Cord Tanner has a very simple plan: get paid to be Beatrix Northroupe's husband for a month so the prim, but sexy, Englishwoman can gain rightful ownership of her family's stud farm. Money in hand, he's going to get as far away from Revolt, Kansas, as a fast horse can take him. But Cord soon finds that he admires his Trixie's reckless courage--not to mention she's one great kisser. Maybe he's crazy to hope for a real future with her instead of heading for the hills, but now that someone's staking a dangerous claim to her farm, Cord's decided to stick around as long as the lady needs protecting. That wedding ring he put on her finger means her reputation is safe--and he's determinded to win her heart. Cord Tanner may not be the most refined man on the frontier, but he sure is the lovingest... You can check out Janette Kenny's site here.

CLAIMING THE COURTESAN **APR 2007** now with more ho'ness

He would marry her, and possess her in every way possible. The Duke of Kylemore knows her as Soraya, London’s most celebrated courtesan. Men fight duels to spend an hour in her company. And only he comes close to taming her. Flying in the face of society, he decides to make her his bride; then, she vanishes, seemingly into thin air. Dire circumstances have forced Verity Ashton to barter her innocence and change her name for the sake of her family. But Kylemore destroys her plans for a respectable life when he discovers her safe haven. He kidnaps her, sweeping her away to his isolated hunting lodge in Scotland, where he vows to bend her to his will. There he seduces her anew. Verity spends night after night in his bed… and though she still plans her escape, she knows she can never flee the unexpected, unwelcome love for the proud, powerful lover who claims her both body and soul. No cover yet but there is an excerpt on Anna Campbell's site. This is her first book and is being released as a Avon Romantic Treasure in April, 2007 - which I guess is a big deal. (I know nothing about avon's lines)

Scandal's Daughter by Christine Wells

This is another new to me, historical author with a book coming out November 2007. I need to finish the list of upcoming books I want to keep an eye on because man there are lots. I just hope some turn out to be grand reads! The Earl of Carleton’s sole commitment is to his hedonistic lifestyle until he makes a promise to a dying man. He must find his childhood friend a husband in three months or marry her himself. The daughter of a notorious femme fatale, Gemma Maitland has the body of a siren, a morbid aversion to matrimony and a knack for fixing people’s lives. He needs to marry her off before she starts fixing him, but when practical Gemma suddenly discovers her inner temptress, is Carleton man enough to resist? There is an excerpt here and you can find Wells on her blog. I really like the excerpt, which I have no business reading this far out! I love a friends to lovers story and adore it when they are childhoold sweethearts. The biggest factor I have to over come with these types of stories is the wasted time. But that is another post ;).

Avon goes medievals again

Gayle Callen will be writing medievals again for Avon. Only not under Gayle Callen... her medieval name is Julia Latham. Wonder why since 'Gayle Callen' has medievals already. I haven't really liked her last few books so I hope Julia Latham will be a return of what was grand in His Bride. I have Callen's medievals tbr Do I even ask if you are gonna read it kristie ;)

One Forbidden Evening by Jo Goodman

Another great review for Jo Goodman's book One Forbidden Evening

Sabrina Take Five

Five Most Often Asked Questions [click the question to see answer] 1) How do your parents feel about your writing steamy romances? I get asked this when people find out that my parents areSouthern Baptist missionaries. And the answer is, they're fine with it. Really. They just don't read them. Too much sex and cussing, you know. *G* But otherwise, they're proud as punch. Sort of. 2) Are you planning to stick with historicals? As far as I know. I suppose I might wake up tomorrow with a burning urge to write a Sex Goddess Werewolf book, but until it happens, I'll keep writing historicals. I grew up devouring Barbara Cartlands (my mom disapproved, but she let me read them, thank God) and my favorite authors are mostly Regency historical writers, so I really do love the period. I know some readers are sick of it, but I never get tired of it. Then again, I eat the same cereal every day for breakfast, too. 3) Is the historical dead? Not for me. And obviously not for readers of Lisa Kleypas or Julia Quinn or Madeline Hunter or Mary Balogh or Jo Beverley . . . I'm just saying, there's a lot of authors still selling out there. But then I'm not very good with predicting trends--I wrote paranormal contemporary romantic suspense when you couldn't sell one to save your life (as Deborah Nicholas), so I sure hope somebody taps me on the shoulder and lets me know before all the readers leave the room and turn out the lights. I'm really not keen on standing alone in the dark, dreaming up stories nobody cares about. 4) Will the Scottish Scourge (from Never Seduce a Scoundrel) get a book? Yes. I'm writing it now. It's set in Scotland, and that's all I can say or I'll have to kill you. But not before you give me a spiffy title for the book. Sadly, it still has none. 5) Will Charlotte and Cousin Michael get a book? Yes, assuming they don't kill each other first. The letters between them that serve as epigrams for all the chapters of every book in this series (except the anthology) are getting downright testy. I'm going to have to slap them around a bit.

Dukes Do It Better

Okay, so I have a new book coming out. . It finishes up a secondary romance left hanging in the second book of the Royal Brotherhood trilogy, even though THIS series is called The School for Heiresses. Sigh. I can never travel in a straight line. But this time I can blame it on my publisher. I TOLD them that readers would want Simon and Louisa's book after reading To Pleasure a Prince (I sure wanted to write it), but the Powers That Be didn't believe me and they were too excited about the new series to let me waste time writing a book that was essentially an offshoot of the old series. Then To Pleasure a Prince took off and the e-mails started and . . . turns out I was right. Hah! That hardly ever happens. So I compromised. I worked it into the new series. And that's how I came to write a book that straddles two series. I'm just praying readers don't find it too weird. Only a Duke Will Do Louisa North isn't that interested in marriage. Not only would it would ruin her work with her ladies reform group, but she likes her independence very much, despite her royal father's protests. So when Simon Tremaine, the dashing Duke of Foxmoor whom she'd once loved--and had exiled from England--returns bent on making her his wife, she's resistant, not to mention skeptical. Does he truly care for her, or does he simply want revenge? Unfortunately, he still excites her as much as she does him and that leads them both into trouble, especially when his ulterior motive for marriage is exposed. But there's more to Simon than meets the eye and once Louisa unveils the deeply buried secrets of his past, she vows to make him pay…and the price will be his heart.