FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Duchess of Sin by Laurel McKee

Blonde and beautiful Lady Anna Blacknall is in the mood for mischief. Entering Dublin's most notorious den of vice, she finds herself in the arms of a mysterious, emerald-eyed Irishman. And although he is masked, his tender kiss is hauntingly familiar.

Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair, has come to Dublin to fight for a free Ireland. But he's suddenly reunited with the young Englishwoman who had once claimed his heart, and his passion turns from politics to pleasure. When their sizzling encounter brings danger to Anna's door, she must decide where her loyalties lie-and quickly. For someone will do whatever it takes to destroy Conlan . . . and anyone he dares to love. 

Available at Amazon

Previous Title: Countess of Scandal

About the Author:

LAUREL McKEE lives in Oklahoma with a menagerie of two cats, a Pug, and a bossy miniature poodle. She loves dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network-even though she doesn't cook. Writing as Amanda McCabe, her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. 

From Laurel McKee: 

Awhile back, I read a book by Paul Collins called Sixpence House: Lost in a Town of Books that stated that a writer’s characters can no more take over a story than an eggplant can take over a kitchen.  I had to laugh at the image of a bossy eggplant marching into my kitchen (and I sort of wish it could take over in there, because I’m a terrible cook), but I have to disagree about the characters.

Sometimes we’re lucky enough to meet a character who comes so vividly to life in our imagination that their story must be told—and they insist it has to be told their way!  One such character for me was Lady Anna Blacknall.

Anna was the sister of Eliza Blacknall, the heroine of my first “Daughters of Erin” book, Countess of Scandal.  When I started writing that first novel, I knew Anna would have her own story, but I wasn’t sure yet what it would be.  Then I really “met” her, and she was so many things that I wish I could be: blond, tall, extroverted, a good card player.  Even worse—she was really nice.  She practically sat down by my desk and told me what her story would be.  I just had to find the right hero for her, and he presented himself as the dark, strong, mysterious Duke of Adair.  A good match for the passionate and rebellious Anna, and the two of them were more than a match for me.  She told me their love story, and I just had to keep up and write it all down just as she wanted.  

Writing Duchess of Sin was a wild ride, and I was so sorry to say goodbye to Anna and Conlan at The End!  (Luckily we’ll see them again in the third book, Lady of Seduction.  You can also find excerpts and historical background on the books at my website, http://laurelmckee.net.)

GIVEAWAY:

Hachette very kindly offers up 5 copies for giveaways! US/Canada only. No P.O. Boxes, please.

Note:

Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. 

CONTEST RULES: 

1. Be a follower! (GFC, Facebook, Twitter, TRR review site)

2. Leave a question or a comment for Laurel, who will be dropping by the blog! You must then submit your email address here to enter the contest.

CONTEST ENDS: December 12, 1159 pm EST

CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: December 2010

Winners will be selected randomly by the system. Good luck!

Romantic Holiday Giveaway!

TO SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL

by Cara Elliott

Available at Amazon

A reclusive widow known for her scientific scholarship, Lady Ciara Sheffield is shadowed by rumors that she poisoned her husband . . . A rakehell rogue notorious for his devil-may-care antics, Lucas Bingham--the Earl of Hadley--is not accused of murdering anything--save for the rules of Polite Society. The only thing they have in common is seeing their names featured in the lurid gossip columns of London's newspapers. Until an ancient manuscript draws them together.

Ciara needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations which may send her to the gallows. Lucas needs brilliant scholar to help his elderly uncle decipher the secrets of the mysterious manuscript. So when her friends urge her to accept the earl's proposal of a temporary alliance, Ciara decides that she has no choice but to make a deal with the Devil. And so begins a seductive dance of sinful pleasures and hidden desires as the two of them waltz through the mansions of Mayfair. Lies, intrigue, treachery, sex. They find themselves facing slanderous whispers, unscrupulous relatives-not to speak of their own simmering passions, which quickly ignite into dangerous flames. It's a potent mix and the result may be explosive-and perhaps deadly-if they don't watch their step.

A TOUCH OF SCANDAL

by Jennifer Haymore

Available at Amazon

The last thing Garrett, Duke of Calton, expects to find while tracking his sworn enemy is the delectable, mysterious Kate. This beautiful servant girl rouses a longing the battle-scarred ex-soldier had never hoped to feel again. But when she turns out to be the sister of the man he seeks, he's convinced he's been betrayed.

Kate knows her duty to her family, yet how can she ignore Garrett's powerful pull on her heart? Or the heady temptation of his stolen-and sizzling-kisses? Scandal has followed the duke since the war. Now the greatest shock of all is on its way-the one that can separate Garrett and Kate forever.

BOUND TO PLEASE

by Lilli Feisty

Available at Amazon

FROM FANTASY TO ECSTASY

Ruby Scott is a beautiful, quiet event planner who leads an oh-so-respectable life. Yet the things that go on in her secret fantasies are anything but. She has every intention of keeping her hidden desires under wraps-until she meets a gorgeous, hard-muscled man ten years her junior.

Mark St. Crow is a gifted, up-and-coming musician who collects erotic art and loves to "play" women as much as his piano. After one night of uninhibited passion, Ruby realizes there's no turning back. But as she surrenders to her deepest needs and lets Mark control every forbidden thrill, her passion for him builds. Can the wild, intoxicating nights they share lead to a love that will last forever?

A HIGHLANDER NEVER SURRENDERS

by Paula Quinn

Available at Amazon

Defending Her Was His Duty

Skilled with a sword and quick with her wit, Scottish rebel Claire Stuart cannot be tamed. And nothing can deter her from rescuing her beloved sister and saving them both from arranged marriages--not even the handsome Highlander who vows to protect Claire. His scorching gaze and fiery kiss bring her to the brink of surrender, but she belongs to no man...

Seducing Her Would Be His Reward

Graham Grant has had his share of lasses. But he has never met one as headstrong or as bonnie as Claire--or one with such desperate, dnagerous plans. Helping her could betray his honor, his country, and more. Graham can't claim her. Yet everything in him says: Take her, make her yours, teach her pleasure, and never let her go. 

There are three (3) sets up for grabs! US/Canada only, and no P.O. Boxes, please.

Note: Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win in two or more contests, you will receive only one set of the grouped giveaway in the mail.

How to Enter: 

1. Be a follower! (GFC, TRR website)
2. Comment.

Additional Chances to Win: 

1. Each time you spread news of this contest (via Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc) earns you one point as well. Be sure to come back and give us the link of your tweet or announcement.

2. The Romance Reviews review site has launched! on October 12. Commenting on the review site earns you two additional points. 

Contest Duration: December 1 to 31, 1159pm EST 

Contest Winner Announcement: January 2011

The winner will be selected via Randomizer.org. Be sure to come back and check the Winner Announcement post because instructions to claim your prize will be written there.

Winners: Montana Glory and Stronger Than Sin

The winners are...

2love.stephanie

Alexa

VirginiaC

elaing8

teamjones5

Congratulations!

The winners are...

alterlisa

Teril

lenikaye

jackiebookaholic

rhoneise

Congratulations!

Please send me your name and mailing address, no P.O. Box, please. Send to caroletrr(@)gmail.com Thanks!

Note:

Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. 

GIVEAWAYS: Incredible Dreams, Cupid's Enchantment, Talker

Contests end on different dates for the following three books, but needless to say, go and enter before you're too late! International. Join here.

 * TRR Top Pick!

Incredible Dreams is the story of a modern-day ghost whisperer who travels through time to save the life of a WWII fighter pilot and ends up jeopardizing her own existence.

Izzy Miller prefers to call herself a spiritual therapist because she thinks it makes her sound more professional than plain old ghost-whisperer. She expects her latest project to be quick and easy because exorcising military personnel is pretty routine.

But there's nothing easy or routine about Captain Jack Baker—he's a rather forgetful spirit and somewhat mischievous. And even though he's intrigued by the US Government's latest attempt to remove him from the only place he can ever remember being...he has no intentions of going anywhere.

Plans to exorcise Jack are quickly sidelined when Izzy discovers a portal into the past inside her dreams and sets out to change his fate. Trouble is...when she gets back there, she can't remember anything but her name. She still sees ghosts, but is far less accepting of her gift. And, to make matters worse, a demonic force pretending to be the forgetful heroine's sister has her own plans—to steal Izzy's soul.

Contrary to popular belief, Cupid is not a cute little cherub. And he'll take revenge on any who say differently. Just ask Ilar, Commander of the Lycaon guard…

Lady Rhiannon's beauty is distracting suitors from her older sister and ruining her chances at marriage, so her father has her locked her away in a tower. Believing she is going crazy from the isolation, Rhiannon hears a frightful voice. The next thing she knows, she's waken up in a strange forest pursued by mythical wolf men. And, worst of all, their leader is taking her home with him.

Ilar is irritated to discover an enchanted female—a human, their ancient hunters—disrupting his Lycan Guards. One sniff of this mortal's enchantment and the men go insane, trying to kill each for her hand. Only in making her his lover can the spell be broken. Ilar has no choice but to claim the female for his own. But who knows what will happen when Cupid's Enchantment is broken.

 
Tate "Talker" Walker has spent most of his life hiding his scars under a bright punk facade, and until he sat next to Brian Cooper on a bus, it worked. But Brian has spent his whole life being the invisible man, and he's used to looking below the surface. What he sees in Talker is a fragile and lovable human being. Brian is outwardly straight, but Talker is desperate for love, and when Talker's behavior leads to some painful consequences, Brian is forced to come out of his closet--in dramatic fashion. He'll do anything to make sure Talker sees that he's the Prince Charming Talker has always needed.

REVIEW: The Icing on the Cake by Alison Kent

My enjoyment of the book was definitely enhanced by Alison Kent's superb writing which flows so effortlessly. She brilliantly captures all the subtle nuances in Michelle and Todd's relationship: sharing, respect, trust, commitment, intimacy and passion. Her narrative is so evocative and she is able to paint such wonderful pictures with her words. For example, I love Todd's impressions of Michelle when he first meets her and I could just imagine his mouth watering at the sight before him!

Read more.

GIVEAWAYS: The Barbarian Prince and American Cool

Contests run from Nov 17 to 19, 1159pm EST. International. Join here.

Breaking up was never so hard...

Going undercover at Galaxy Brides as one of the prospective mates to these Viking-like barbarians, Morrigan has no intention of getting chosen to stay. But when Ualan of the Draig picks her to be his wife with the aid of his mystically glowing crystal, it is all she can do to say no.

Waking up from a drug-induced night of torturous and unfulfilling pleasures, Morrigan discovers her spaceship has left without her and Ualan is claiming she is his wife. It's not exactly the story this reporter had in mind. And to make matters worse, Ualan refuses to take no for an answer.

Being cursed by the gods was never so frustrating...

Prince Ualan is like all others of his race on the male dominated planet of Qurilixen. He is raised to trust the mystic powers around him and when it comes time to marry, he is ready to follow those powers to choose his life mate. When the stubborn, yet achingly beautiful, Morrigan refuses to accept their shared fate and his supreme authority over her, it is all he can do not to break her lovely neck.

When characters meet every roll of the dice with grit, humor and determination, is it enough to change the stakes?

Enter the world of American Cool, where risk, rejection, romance are played to win. In these stories you'll discover …

Lana, a tough gangster's daughter who's out to vanquish the ghost of her father's legacy while on a winning streak in Vegas. To separate herself from his violent past, she'll have to sever all ties to her future.

Miguel, a minor league ballplayer with a penchant for choking in pressure situations. When he meets the girl of his dreams, will he botch that play too?

An aging singleton, Marie, who's tired of being passed over for her pretty friends. But succumbing to the lure of plastic surgery may scar her psyche.

GIVEAWAYS: Perfect Score and Alaska Bride on the Run

Contests run from Nov 11 to 13, 1159pm EST. International. Join here.

Feckless, exasperating Alex Finch is a rich, handsome and talented singer/songwriter who longs for two things: a career as a professional rock singer, and to have his love for Sam Barrowdale reciprocated. But drifter Sam's two aims are simply to earn enough money to pay his sister's medical bills and to hide from the world his reading/writing and speech disability. At this time the word "dyslexia" is generally unknown so to most people he's just a "retard". From the severe knocks life's dealt him, Sam's developed a tough outer coating and he has no time for a spoilt, selfish guitar player.

Despite his defects, Alex's love for Sam never wavers and when Sam unexpectedly disappears, Alex begins a somewhat bungling quest to find him, only to discover that Sam has a fearful enemy: Alex's powerful and influential yet sociopathic uncle.

As Alex spirals downwards towards alcoholism, many questions need answering. Just why did Alex's evil uncle adopt him at age eleven yet deny him any affection? And what's the mystery behind Alex's father's death?

When he advertises for a bartender, Harrison Rowlan doesn't expect a woman in a torn wedding gown to apply! He couldn't save his own wife, but he's determined to protect this damsel in distress.

Willa Somerset desperately needs to find safety, and the sleepy Alaskan town of Eagle's Cliff seems like the perfect refuge. Only now she's in danger of falling for her knight in cowboy boots and denim.

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Stronger Than Sin by Caridad Piñeiro

Dr. Liliana Carrera nearly lost her life to Wardwell scientists. She won't let them harm other innocent victims, like her new patient, Jesse Bradford. The former pro athlete had the best hands in the NFL . . . until an injury forced him to undergo Wardwell's experimental gene therapy. Now Jesse's gorgeous body is superhuman-but his strength comes at a price.

With Wardwell threatening his family, Jesse can't tell Liliana all he knows. Yet he can't resist her compassion . . . or her healing, erotic touch. As their passion flares, Jesse's body becomes dangerous and volatile. For evil men are plotting to change the face of humanity-and will destroy whoever stands in their way.

Availabe at Amazon (print, Kindle) and Book Depository.

Caridad Piñeiro® is a multi-published and award-winning author whose love of the written word developed when her fifth grade teacher assigned a project – to write a book that would be placed in a class lending library. She has been hooked on writing ever since.

On crafting the idea for the SINS series, she said, "I was a science major in college and took some courses in genetics.  I loved the subject and even after college, I kept up on what was happening, especially since I saw that there was a lot of concern about genetically modified organisms and their introduction into the human food chain. My brain immediately started wondering what would happen if someone decided to create the ultimate genetically modified organism – a human with special powers. I thought about the immense power someone would have if they could create a stronger and nearly perfect human and that’s how the basic premise of the SINS series began."

The first book, SINS OF THE FLESH, is about Caterina Shaw, whose days are numbered. Her only chance for survival is a highly experimental gene treatment – a risk she willingly takes. But now Caterina barely recognizes herself. She has new, terrifying powers, an exotic, arresting body — and she’s been accused of a savage murder, sending her on the run.

 

Mick Carrera is a mercenary and an expert at capturing elusive, clever prey. Yet the woman he’s hunting down is far from the vicious killer he’s been told to expect: Caterina is wounded, vulnerable, and a startling mystery of medical science. Even more, she’s a beautiful woman whose innocent sensuality tempts Mick to show her exactly how thrilling pleasure can be. The heat that builds between them is irresistible, but surrendering to it could kill them both . . . for a dangerous group is plotting its next move using Caterina as its deadly pawn.

Caridad further revealed that "there is no overall plot per se. Instead there is the constant reminder of the battle of good versus evil and the reader discovering that the “demons” in the books aren’t necessarily the genetically altered people, but rather the humans seeking to control them.  Ultimately, the battle to save each person in the book is also about the battle to save humanity and restore what we know is right about the treatment of other people."

In the second book, STRONGER THAN SIN, Liliana and Jesse "are truly perfect for each other, although a lot stands in the way initially. Jesse Bradford is a lonely man who has lost his way and all that he knew when he allowed the cult of celebrity to overwhelm his family values. But as the story develops, we come to know that Jesse is a loving man and still embraces many of those values and is deeply attached to the family that has disowned him.  Liliana’s life is one of responsibility, family, honor and loyalty. She is strong and compassionate and although she’s had a hard life, she’s never doubted the basic values with which she has been raised – until Jesse comes along.  Jesse represents all that she sees as wrong in society – materialism, selfishness and violence.  But as time passes and the real Jesse emerges, it turns out that they have many of the same values about family, honor and loyalty and many of the same wishes.  That just made them perfect together!"

To do research on the Jersey Shore, Caridad spent many a weekend traveling around the various towns in which Stronger Than Sin is set.  You can check out the photos of the locations here and here.

More Fun Facts on STRONGER THAN SIN.

More info on Caridad and her books at Caridad's website.

GIVEAWAY:

Hachette very kindly offers up 5 copies for giveaways! US/Canada only. No P.O. Boxes, please.

Note:

Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. 

CONTEST RULES: 

1. Be a follower! (GFC, Facebook, Twitter, TRR review site)

2. Leave a question or a comment for Caridad, who will be dropping by the blog! You must then submit your email address here to enter the contest.

CONTEST ENDS: November 22, 1159 pm EST

CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: November 23

Winners will be selected randomly by the system. Good luck!

WINNERS: True Vows and Hachette October Paranormal Romance Giveaway

Hey folks, sorry for the delay, but finally we have the winners for the set of True Vows books and the Hachette October Paranormal Romance Giveaway!

*drum roll*

TRUE VOWS set of books winner....

PoCoKat! 

Hachette October Paranormal Romance Giveaway...

dor
Lustee
Stephanie G


Congratulations, and thanks to all for participating!

Winners, please send your name and mailing address to me at caroletrr @ gmail.com 

US/Canada only, and no P.O. Boxes, please.

Note: Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win in two or more contests, you will receive only one set of the grouped giveaway in the mail.

GIVEAWAYS: Space Junque, Shuffle Up and Deal, and May Day

Contests run from Nov 8 to 11, 1159pm EST. International. Join here.

Space Junque is a paranormal space opera romance.

Char Meadowlark accepts an invitation to visit the Imperial Space Station from Mike Augustine, her dead sister's fiancé. While she's in orbit eco-terrorists start a planet-wide war.

Stranded above the earth, Char and Mike are thrown together. He wants more from her than friendship, but she can't stop thinking about Jake, the man who saved her life.

Jake Ardri is the bastard son of the Emperor's favorite courtesan. He hates politics and keeps to himself, running the rich and powerful to off-planet vacations in his shuttle, the Space Junque. When Mike Augustine asks for yet another favor, Jake thinks nothing of it -- just see that Mike's friend gets off planet safely. Jake doesn't expect to fall so hard and fast for the privileged "blue-carder" he finds in his Junque.

But is love even possible in flagrante apocalypto?

Meet Izzy Santillo. She's a charming-but-lonely thirty-four year old woman who loves poker and harbors a secret crush on the reigning king of Hold 'em.

Meet Nick Nolan, the reigning king of Hold 'em. On the tables, he's fast and loose and almost always wins. But when it comes to women, playboy Nick holds his cards too close and always loses.

When Izzy and Nick meet in embarrassing fashion at a Las Vegas poker tournament, Izzy's secret dreams turn into a public nightmare. But despite her humiliation, she may have finally sparked Nick's interest in something other than cards.

Before long, Nick takes a gamble on Izzy and raises the stakes when he offers to help her sharpen her game. But Izzy's convinced that Nick is bluffing and will fold his hand. Then a string of outrageous proposition bets and steamy trips on the poker tour, from Vegas to Miami, make these two fierce competitors realize that it may be time to put all their chips on the table. Will Izzy and Nick pair up? Or will they lose it all if they go all-in for each other? Sit down and ante up as Nick and Izzy get ready to Shuffle Up and Deal.

His forty-ninth birthday approaching, Ed is expecting nothing more than his usual stiff drink and an anonymous fuck in the back room of Yancy's Crossings. What he never expected was to be picked up by two college students and taken for a ride that would change his life forever.

GIVEAWAYS: Sin Undone, 24/7 and Blast from the Past

Larissa Ione is giving away a print copy SIN UNDONE plus a Demonica tote bag!

Join here! International. Contest ends 11/7, 1159pm EST.

HER TOUCH IS DEADLY

As the only female Seminus demon ever born, master assassin Sinead Donnelly is used to being treated like an outcast. She spent decades enslaved, and now vows she'll die before she'll relinquish her freedom again. Then Sin's innate ability to kill her enemies goes awry: She creates a lethal new werewolf virus that sparks a firestorm of panic and violence.

HIS HUNGER CAN'T BE DENIED

Half-werewolf, half-vampire Conall Dearghul is charged with bringing in Sin to face punishment for the plague. And she's no stranger: He's bound to her by blood, and the one sexual encounter they shared has left him hungering for her raw sensuality. Worse, Sin is the underworld's most wanted and Con soon learns he's the only one who can help her . . . and that saving her life might mean sacrificing his own.

~ o O o ~ 

Susan DiPlacido is giving away a print copy of her book, 24/7.

Join here! International. Contest ends 11/7, 1159pm EST.

Marina Martino is a bright, young woman who has a talent for counting cards. Miguel Rodriguez is a charming Las Vegas casino dealer. Sparks fly when they meet during a serendipitous game of blackjack. But as they become entangled in a dizzying romance through Sin City, details about Miguel's dark past surface and Marina begins to doubt his intentions as the stakes rise and danger unfolds. In the city of illusion, the normally calculating Marina has to make a decision to trust her brains or her heart-to bet on her skill or push her luck.

~ o O o ~

Giveaway: Blast from the Past by Stephanie Hecht.

Join here! International. Contest ends 11/7, 1159pm EST.

Laid off from his dream job and broke, Bailey Hall goes back home with his tail between his legs and a severely bruised ego. It doesn't help matters that the only work he can find is at his older sister's day care. Now, instead of spending the day teaching high school students Shakespeare and Keats, he's wiping snotty noses and tripping on building blocks. Then one rainy afternoon, his humiliation reaches a whole new low when David Walker comes in to pick up his baby nephew. Not only was David the most popular guy in high school, but Bailey harbored a secret crush on the guy.

Bailey is both horrified and excited to see that, eight years later, David is just as hot as ever. He's also very successful and wealthy, neither of which Bailey is.

David spent the past years fulfilling his dream of becoming a successful lawyer and he finally has almost everything he's ever wanted within his grasp. Then he goes into the daycare center and spots the one thing his libido has never been able to resist--Bailey. All through his senior year of high school, David lusted after the shy, dark-haired, freshman scholar. He'd been too afraid to act on his feelings at the time. Not only was Bailey too young for a relationship, but the teen had also been struggling with his sexuality. Although it was the hardest thing he'd ever done, David forced himself not to act on his feelings and kept his hands off Bailey. Now that they are both adults and he has Bailey in his sights again, David vows to finally give into his desires. But will Bailey welcome his attraction or will David have to live with nothing but his regrets to keep him company at night?

FEATURE and GIVEAWAY: Montana Glory by R. C. Ryan

The last thing in the world Zane McCord wants is a wife. But after returning home to the family ranch in Montana to help his cousins search for the lost treasure that is their legacy, Zane can't help notice that love and marriage seem to be contagious. Both his cousins have succumbed, but he refuses. Determined to stay a bachelor till he dies, Zane wants to devote his time to filming documentaries and taking care of the ranch...and then Riley Mason walks into his life.

The last thing on Riley Mason's mind is romance. Sent to the McCord ranch to save the family's accounting problems, she only wants to impress her firm in Helena and be on her way. Life as a single mother isn't easy and she needs to impress her bosses for a raise. But when Zane McCord opens the door, her breath catches in her throat and a desire she's never experienced before takes over her. When the McCords insist that she and her daughter, Summer stay at the ranch, she's forced to give in and before long, she's pulled into their search for the long lost treasure. But she absolutely draws the line at getting involved with Zane McCord, playboy and heartbreaker extraordinaire.

But as they all get closer to finding Coot's lost treasure, a dangerous series of accidents target Riley and her daughter Summer. Can Zane keep her safe while trying to win her heart? 

Available now at The Book Depository.

From R.C. Ryan: 

In my original plan, Riley's child was going to be a boy. I could envision these three tough cowboys having lots of fun with a miniature wrangler. But then I realized how much more fun I could have watching the interplay between three tough cowboys and a little girl who had never set foot on a ranch before. That's how Summer was born in my imagination.

Don't you just love when characters take on a life of their own and lead us along paths we never expected? This is what happened with Cal Randall, ranch foreman. I thought I knew everything there was to know about him. After all, I created this life-long friend of Coot McCoy. But single-mother Riley's presence on the ranch taught me some things about Cal that I hadn't known. Midway through this story, I realized why Cal had such empathy for Riley.

Check out the other fun facts!

R.C. Ryan is the author of has written more than ninety fiction novels, both contemporary and historical. Quite an accomplishment for someone who, after her fifth child started school, gave herself the gift of an hour a day to follow her dream to become a writer. Check out her website here.

GIVEAWAY:

Hachette very kindly offers up 5 copies for giveaways! US/Canada only. No P.O. Boxes, please.

Note:

Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. 

CONTEST RULES: 

Leave a question or a comment for R.C. Ryan, who will be dropping by the blog! You must then submit your email address here to enter the contest.

CONTEST ENDS: November 15, 1159 pm EST

CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: November 16

Winners will be selected randomly by the system. Good luck!

GIVEAWAYS: Down in Flames and Hardware

Sarah Ballance is giving away a copy of her book, DOWN IN FLAMES.

Join here! International. Contest ends 11/4, 1159pm EST.

 
When Jack Gellar returns to Jefferson Heights after five long years and an unforgettable betrayal, is his appearance the last thing Molly Coleman needs in her tragedy-stricken life . . . or the first?

Molly just lost her entire family, and now her home and business are both on the line. An unexpected encounter with the one man who can put the pieces back together leaves her reeling, for he can just as easily destroy what little she has left. Jack has a lot to prove to win her back, but when a lapse in judgment turns into an ultimatum he can't refuse, will his choice bring them together or tear them apart for good?

 

~  o  O  o  ~

Sara Brookes is giving away a copy of her book, HARDWARE.

Join here! International. Contest ends 11/4, 1159pm EST.

 

 

Women aren't supposed to be geeks. They aren't supposed to fix computer networks with expert ease either, but tell that to Allison—the resident computer guru in the small town of Gatlin Falls, Virginia. 

Enthralled by watching her work so effortlessly, Patrick agrees to accompany Allison for a night at the movies so he can learn more about her. Even though he's a perfect gentleman who prides himself on knowing exactly what a woman wants—and when she wants it—he can't keep away from her. 

One scorching kiss in a dark theater changes everything. 

Allison quickly learns Patrick's definition of hardware is vastly different than her own and she allows him guide her on a path where she discovers new heights of passion she's never imagined before. Taken by the calm she feels when she is around him, she is pulled into a world where there is comfort in wearing a pair of cuffs and sanctuary in accepting a collar.

REVIEW: Ruthless by Anne Stuart

Rating: 4 stars

Reviewed by Ashia

Dark and sexy, provocative and riveting, Ruthless holds you in its grip from the first page to the last....[Francis Rohan's] character was so strong and beautifully depcited that by the end of the book, I find myself with contradictory feelings about him...But then, such is the brilliance of Anne Stuart's characterization...

A thread of mystery and suspense is woven into the fabric of the story, as well as a secondary romance, but they didn't take the focus away from Rohan and Elinor. Instead, they added depth to the story, and the unravelling of the mystery did prompt Rohan into action. All in all, if you like dark, sexy romance with a moody hero who is utterly bad, then this is the book for you.

Read more.

REVIEW: The Wanderer by Jan Irving

Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by Celine

The Wanderer has something that other books only pretend to offer. It has a perfect balance--between characters that feel like real people, action and suspense, romance and last but not least, sex. It is one of the best books in this genre I have ever read...I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for an erotic romance with a well thought-out story. It's fast-paced, very nicely written with clear descriptions, and is just a great book overall. Its bitter-sweet ending was absolutely perfect. You will not be disappointed...

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REVIEW: Only in the City by Eric Del Carlo, Elizabeth Coldwell, Shanna Germain, Renatto Garcia, Elizabeth Hyder and Kaysee Renee Robichaud

Rating: 4 stars

Reviewed by Kenjii 

These stories are fairly short and so I only give an impression of each. I did enjoy this collection enough to want to add the authors to my must buy list. Also looking up more titles from Circlet Press. Finally the overall appeal of the collection will be for all tastes. Each story is very different from the next, a satisfying blend. 

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REVIEW: The Spurned Viscountess by Shelley Munro

Rating: 4 stars

Reviewed by CarolAnn

Take one gloomy cliff top castle, mix in several mysterious happenings, a band of smugglers and an unsolved murder. Then add a generous helping of romance, top it off with the special gift of "sight" and voila! - Shelley Munroe has created the perfect recipe for an enthralling read...

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REVIEW: Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin

Rating: 4 stars

Reviewed by Leslie

This is a wonderful story of family and how they come together; it is about learning to trust yourself as well as those around you. Jeannie Lin brings the time and place together in such an amazing way, almost as though you were watching it through the words...

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