Q & A with Beverly Jenkins...and a giveaway!

1.       Tell us about your newest release.

Night Hawk is western and my 25th release from Avon Books. The hero is a gun totin’, Bible quoting bounty hunter known as the Preacher. The heroine, Maggie Freeman is a young woman falsely accused of killing a man. She meets Preacher when he’s given the task of taking her by train to Denver to stand before a judge. Neither are who they appear to be on the surface, and as the adventure takes them across the country, the sparks fly and passion blooms.

2.       Can you tell us a little about your favorite scene in the story?

I don’t have a particular favorite, because every scene with Maggie stands out. She’s feisty, charming, and a take no prisoners kind of lady. I had a ball writing her story.

3.       When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

The writing has always been in me. I was the editor of my elementary school newspaper in the 4th grade. The Jones School Comet! However, all I ever really wanted to do was work in a library.

      4.  Tell us a little about your daily writing routine. Are you a plotter or pantser?

I am a pantser. I love the surprises this form of writing brings to my stories.


     5.   What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Not sure if it’s a quirk but I usually do my writing after dark. In the early days of my career working at night was a necessity because I was a wife and mother with two growing children. Now that I’m a widow and the kids are grown and gone, writing at night is still the way.

6.     What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Because I do historicals, the research always comes with surprises. In Night Hawk, one of Preacher’s friends is Chinese. The history of her people in America was a real eye opener for me.

7.      What authors or friends influenced you in helping you become a writer?

I probably would never have been published had it not been for a friend named Laverne. After reading a manuscript of mine, she hounded me and hounded me to pursue publication and because I did, my very first Avon release, Night Song hit the stores in 1994. I will always be grateful to her and for her.

      8. What does your family think about your career as a published author?

My family loves having a writer in the family. My late husband was my biggest supporter, but no one is prouder than my mom. She reads all my work.

     9.      Besides writing, what other interests do you have?

I love gardening and am very active in my church. Also a BIG sports fan. Football in particular.

     10.  Can you tell us about what’s coming up next for you writing wise?

Up next is the April release of the fourth book in my Blessings series – A Wish and A Prayer. This is a contemporary women’s fiction series that began with the first book Bring on the Blessings. I’ll also begin writing the next historical which is scheduled for a fall 2012 release.

     11.       How can readers connect with you online?

Readers can email me at Indigo@beverlyjenkins.net. Check out my website at http://www.beverlyjenkins.net/  or come join me on Facebook. Just type in my name. When you see the gorgeous Night Hawk cover as my profile pic, you’ll know you’re in the right place. Big thanks to Romance Reviews Today for this opportunity.

 
 
THANK YOU, BEVERLY, FOR JOINING US!
 
READERS/COMMENTERS: SHE IS GOING TO GIVE AWAY A COPY OF MIDNIGHT TO ONE LUCKY POSTER FROM EITHER THE US OR CANADA.
 
POST AWAY AND A WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER IN THE WEEK.

Review Spotlight: THE CHRISTMAS WEDDING.... and a giveaway!

THE CHRISTMAS WEDDING – James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
Little, Brown & Co. (Hardcover)
ISBN: 978-0-346-09739-0
October 2011
General Fiction, Holiday

Mainly Stockbridge, Massachusetts – the Present

Abby Summerhill, a fifty-four year-old part-time teacher, farmer, food-blogger and all-around giving woman feels it's time to get all her family together. It would be the first time since her beloved husband Peter's funeral three years ago. She has just the bait to get her four children with their mates and children to come home for Christmas. Abby has many friends, but four are really close; they feed the homeless breakfast every morning in Abby's barn. There are: Stacey Lee Pashcow, her best female friend; Martin Summerehill, a builder and Peter's brother; Tom Haden, a farmer and a friend of Abby's since childhood; and lastly, liberal Rabbi Jacob Coleman with a highly developed sense of humor. One of the three men proposed to Abby and the other two quickly followed suit…seriously. Any one would make her a loving husband.

Abby sends videos to her family in which she invites them all to Christmas…and a wedding in her barn. If they wish to know the identity of the groom, they will just have to show up.

Abby and her suitors are delightful characters. The men's competition for Abby's hand is good natured; she's not telling them her choice until the day .

In a fast 260 pages, THE CHRISTMAS WEDDING also explores Abby's children and their families. Here is where some serious conflict arises, at least in the case of her oldest daughter. As in real life, all is not smooth sailing, but the story wraps up, as all holiday books should, on a light-hearted, happy note. For the most part, these are people one would be glad to call friends. Spend a few hours in their company in the coming season and enjoy!

Jane Bowers

@#@#@#@

Interested in winning a copy of this book? All you need to do is post a comment and I'll enter your name to win a copy.

Good luck!

Winners....we have some winners!

Today I am going to post a couple of winners.

First up...the winner of the Sylvia Day book is.... Miranda Grissom!


The winner of the RRT Blog anniversary gift card is.... poster #15...Kathleen O!

Ladies, please email me at pattifischer@yahoo.com by 11/5/11.

Congrats!

Q & A with Vonda Sinclair!

1. Tell us about your newest release.


My Wild Highlander is the second story in my Scottish historical romance series (My Fierce Highlander was the first.)


My Wild Highlander:

Lady Angelique Drummagan, a half-Scottish, half-French countess, has suffered much pain and betrayal in her past. She wants nothing to do with the sensual Scottish warrior that the king has ordered her to marry because the rogue could never be a faithful husband, but she has little choice in the matter. Dangerous, greedy enemies threaten her from all sides and she’s in dire need of his protection.

Sir Lachlan MacGrath, known as Seducer of the Highlands, possesses a charming wickedness and canny wit which has earned him much popularity. After the king decrees that he wed the fiery hellion, Lachlan discovers there is one woman who can resist him—Angelique. Can he break through her icy façade and melt her heart, or will the dark secrets lurking in her past not only cost them their future together, but their very lives?

Purchase My Wild Highlander

Purchase My Fierce Highlander

Be sure to check out the giveaway at the end of the interview.

2. Can you tell us a little about your favorite scene in the story?

This is part of my favorite scene:

The passage opened up and they moved through a large dim church filled with empty pews. Only a couple of candles lit the plain interior. Five of King James's retainers wearing royal livery waited near the pulpit along with a dour Protestant minister.

"What is happening?" Angelique asked.

"We are to be married, as you ken." Lachlan set her on her feet at the front of the church.

She pulled him aside. "Have you lost your mind? We cannot marry now. Not like this," she whispered loudly.

"Aye, 'tis necessary to marry in secret. Someone wishes to kill us. They are wanting your estate through any means, fair or foul." His harsh expression told her of the seriousness of the matter. "King James bid us to go ahead and marry. Now. We have the special license."

"But I must wear my wedding gown and I did not bring it. I will not marry in my shift and a blanket. Barefoot."

3. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

After reading romance novels nonstop for about a year. After that first one, I was addicted. Then one day, as I was reading an especially hot, amazing hero, I thought why don't I create a story featuring my own hot, yummilicious hero? I could make him do whatever I want. LOL As I was learning to write, I wrote a contemporary romance first. I didn't want to overwhelm myself learning to write AND doing historical research. I wanted to take it one step at a time and learn the novel writing process right.

4. Tell us a little about your daily writing routine. Are you a plotter or pantser?

I'm a hybrid plotter/pantser but I probably lean more toward the pantser side. I find I have to know before starting what the hero's and heroine's goals, motivations and conflicts are. I need a broad overall vision of where the story is going so I'll know beforehand that it will work out in the end and have a tight, fast-paced plot where everything ties in together. After that bare bones framework, I let my imagination take flight.

5. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I can't really share what I'm writing with anyone while I'm writing it. My muse insists that I keep it a secret until I'm finished. :)

6. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

At first, the idea of historical research intimidated me because I wanted everything to be spot on accurate. But once I went for it, I discovered the historical research wasn't so bad and I actually enjoyed it. One perk is research trips to Scotland. I find that my stories truly feel more Scottish since that first trip.

7. What authors or friends influenced you in helping you become a writer?

I was reading a Sandra Brown book when I said, hey, why don't I write a book? I don't know her but I have to say she inspired me to become a writer. As for friends, I have a wonderful critique group called Rebels I've been with for years. We always encourage and support each other on our writing journey.

8. What does your family think about your career as a published author?

My husband has always supported and encouraged me in my writing. He believed in me even more than I believed in myself at times. My parents and other relatives are happy about my publishing success.

9. Besides writing, what other interests do you have?

I enjoy photography, graphic art, hiking, swimming, jewelry making, travel, etc.

10. Can you tell us about what’s coming up next for you writing wise?

I'm working on the next Highlander novel in this series. It's about Lachlan's friend, Dirk, and a woman he meets in a mysterious way.

11. How can readers connect with you online?

They can find me at:

My website: http://www.vondasinclair.com/

Author group blog, Fierce Romance: http://fierceromance.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VondaSinclair

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/vondasinclair

Thanks so much for interviewing me! This was fun!

Vonda

*****

Thanks,, Vonda!

And as a treat for readers, Vonda says:

"I'll give away an ebook copy of My Fierce Highlander."

Okay, folks, Vonda has been grilled by me, so now it's your time to ask her questions.
That's how you'll get your name in the hat to win her book.

Chat Wed night with... Holli Winters!

Noble Romance author, Holli Winters, joins us to discuss her book, ARRESTED PLEASURE. Door prize: One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card! Moderated by CrazyMo.

When? Wed night at 9:00PM Eastern time

Where? http://client0.addonchat.com/sc.php?id=101222  or go to http://www.romrevtoday.com/  and click on RRT CHAT at the top. Once the login screen loads, just type your name and choose Mo's room from the chat room menu ;)

Hope to see you there! We might even have handcuffs ;)

Mo
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Mo's Book Buzz - weekly author chats over at www.romrevtoday.com!
Want chat reminders? Join my loop at MoBookBuzz-subscribe@yahoogroups.com http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Mos-Book-Buzz/159510224111495

Psst...

Friday sometime I will announce the big winners of the two contests currently running.

Stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!

New reviews posted at Romance Reviews Today

Check out the October reviews:

New reviews - October 2011

ANTHOLOGIES
A TEXAS CHRISTMAS – Jodi Thomas, Linda Broday, Phyllis Miranda, DeWanna Pace – 10/2011 – Jane - Historical - New 10/10
SILENT NIGHT, SINFUL NIGHT – Sharon Page, Chloe Harris, Melissa MacNeal – 10/2011 – Holly – Erotic Historical - New 10/24
THE UNQUIET – J.D. Robb , Mary Blayney, Patricia Gaffney, Ruth Ryan Langan, Mary Kay McComas – 10/2011 – Jennifer - New 10/24

CONTEMPORARY FICTION
THE CHRISTMAS WEDDING – James Patterson & Richard DiLallo – 10/2011 – Jane - New 10/10
LIFE STUDIES – Nancy Gotter Gates – 8/2011 - Deborah
ONCE UPON A TIME , THERE WAS YOU – Elizabeth Berg – 10/2011 - Marilyn
SLOW RIDE – Erin McCarthy – Fast Track Series, Book 5 – 10/2011 – Patti - New 10/24
THE SWEETEST THING – Christina Mandelski – 5/2011 – Rose May -New 10/10

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
ANIMAL ATTRACTION – Jill Shalvis – An Animal Magnetism Novel, Book 2- 10/2011 – Jennifer –New 10/24
BAD BOYS DO – Victoria Dahl – Donovan Brothers Brewery , Book 2 –10/2011 - Patti
BREATHE – Donna Alward – 12/2011 - (ebook 10/2010) - Rose May
CHOCOLATE MUSE – Zelda Benjamin- A Love By Chocolate Romance – 10/2011 – Patti - New 10/10
DEFINITELY NOT MR. DARCY – Karen Doornebos – 9/2011 – Diana - New 10/10
FALLEN ANGEL – Logan Belle – Blue Angel Series, Book 2 – 10/2011 - CeCe – Erotic
HEARTSTRINGS AND DIAMOND RINGS – Jane Graves – 10/2011 - Patti
HOME SWEET HOME – Bella Riley – An Emerald Lake Novel – 10/2011 - Robin
HOMETOWN GIRL – Mariah Stewart – The Chesapeake Diaries , Book 4 – 10/2011 - Robin
ONLY HIS – Susan Mallery - Fool's Gold , Book 6 –10/2011 -Marilyn
SHUT UP AND KISS ME – Carolyn Hughey – 10/2011 - Jennifer
SLOW RIDE - Erin McCarthy - Fast Track Series, Book 5 - 10/2011 - Patti - New 10/24
UNTIL THERE WAS YOU – Kristan Higgins – 10/2011 – Marilyn - New 10/24

FANTASY
MARK OF THE SYLPH – Rosalie Lario – A Perfect 10 – 9/2011 – Rose May - New 10/10
ONE SALT SEA – Seanan McGuire – An October Daye Novel, Book 5 – A Perfect 10 – 10/2011 - Robin
SINS OF THE ANGELS – Linda Poitevin – The Grigori Legacy , Book 1 – 10/2011 - Robin
THE TRAITOR'S DAUGHTER – Paula Brandon – 10/2011 - Jani
FANTASY ROMANCE
DARKNESS DESCENDING – Devyn Quinn – Rose May

HISTORICAL FICTION
THE LADY OF THE RIVERS – Philippa Gregory – A Perfect 10 – 10/2011 – Jani - New 10/10

HISTORICAL ROMANCE
A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO RAKES – Suzanne Enoch – The Scandalous Brides , Book 1 – 10/2011 – Carolyn - New 10/10
A MOST DANGEROUS PROFESSION – Karen Hawkins – The Hurst Amulet, Book 3 -10/2011 – Jane - New 10/24
A TRICK OF THE LIGHT – Carolyn Brown – An Angels and Outlaws Book – 10/2011 - Jani
ALWAYS A TEMPTRESS – Eileen Dreyer – Drake's Rakes , Book 3 – A Perfect 10 – 10/2011 - Robin
EVERY SCANDALOUS SECRET – Gayle Callen – The Scandalous Lady Trilogy , Book 3 – 10/2011 - Jane - New 10/10
HIGHLAND HERO – Amanda Scott – The Scottish Knights Trilogy , Book 2 – 10.2011- Jane
HIS MISTRESS BY CHRISTMAS – Victoria Alexander – 10/2011- Jani
KISSING COMFORT – Jo Goodman – 9/2011 – Diana - New 10/2
KNIGHT EVERLASTING – Jackie Ivie – 10/2011 - Carolyn & Jani
SEDUCTION OF A HIGHLAND LASS – Maya Banks – The McCabe Trilogy , Book 2 – 10/2011 -Robin

INSPIRATIONAL
BELONGING – Robin Lee Hatcher – Where the Heart Lives, Book 1 – 8/2011 – Marilyn - New 10/24
THE PROTECTOR – Shelley Shepard Gray – Families of Honor , Book 2 – 8/2011 – Diana - New 10/10
THE SURVIVOR – Shelley Shepard Gray – Families of Honor , Book 3 – 9/2011 – Diana - New 10/10

PARNORMAL ROMANCE
A WEREWOLF IN THE NORTH WOODS – Vicki Lewis Thompson – A Wild About You Novel , Book 2 – 10/2011 – Jane - New 10/10
BLOOD TIES – Mari Mancusi – A Blood Coven Vampire Novel, Book 6- 8/2011 – Amanda – New 10/24
MUST LOVE VAMPIRES – Heidi Betts – 10/2011 - Carolyn - New 10/10

REGENCY ROMANCE
MISS FRANCIE'S FOLLY – Fran Baker – 10/2011 - Robin
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
DEEP DISCLOUSRES – Dee Davis – A-Tac Series, Book 5 – 9/2011 – Diana - New 10/10
IF YOU HEAR HER – Shiloh Walker, Ash Trilogy, Book 1 – 10/2011 – Jennifer - New 10/24
IN CLOSE – Brenda Novak – Bulletproof , Book 3 –10/2011 -Marilyn
NIGHT AFTETR NIGHT – Janelle Dennison – The Reliance Group , Book 2 – 10/2011 - Jennifer
NIGHT MOVES – Stephanie Tyler – Shadow Force Series , Book 4 – 10/2011 - Carolyn
SNAPPED – Laura Griffin – Tracer Series , Book 4 – 9/2011 - Terrie - New 10/10
SWEET REVENGE – Christy Reece – A Last Chance Rescue Novel – 10/2011 - Patti
SERIES ROMANCE
A WIN-WIN PROPOSITION – Cat Schield – 10/2011- Patti – HD #2116 - New 10/10
BILLIONAIRE'S JET SET BABIES – Catherine Mann – Billionaires and Babies Series – 10/2011 – Patti – HD#2115 - New 10/10
FEARLESS MAVERICK – Robyn Grady- Notorious Wolfes, Book 4 – 10/2011 - Diana – HP# 3018
HOW A COWBOY STOLE HER HEART – Donna Alward – 10/2011 – Rose May – HR #4270 - New 10/10
MILLIONAIRE PLAYBOY, MAVERICK HEIRESS – Robyn Grady – Texas Cattleman's Club: The Showdown , Book 4 – 10/2011 – Patti – HD #2114 - New 10/10
ONCE UPON A GROOM – Karen Rose Smith – Reunion Brides Series , Book 2 – 10/2011 - Jane – HSE#2146 - New 10/10
READY FOR KING'S SEDUCTION – Maureen Child – Kings of California , Book 9 – 10/2011 – Patti – HD#2113 - New 10/10
THE PREGNANCY CONTRACT – Yvonne Lindsay – 10/2011 – 10/2011 - Jennifer – HD #2117 - New 10/10

SUSPENSE
BREAKING SILENCE - Linda Castillo – Kate Burkholder Series , Book 3 – 7/2011 - Deborah
DARKNESS ALL AROUND – Doug Magee – 10/2011 – Terrie – New 10/24

Kat Martin Book Winner is......

Congrats to this poster!

Anonymous said...
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. I read 2 of the previous ones and enjoyed them.


lovesthemets@yahoo.com


Natalies Mama


11:39 AM


Please email by the end of this week at pattifischer@yahoo.com 

Book Giveaway:

Seven Years to Sin

The longer the resistance…


Seven years ago, on the eve of her wedding, proper Lady Jessica Sheffield witnessed a licentious scene no innocent young miss could imagine. Shocked, yet strangely titillated, she’d held her silence regarding scandalous Alistair Caulfield, and walked down the aisle as expected. But through years of serene, unremarkable marriage, Caulfield’s image remained burned into her imagination, fueling very illicit dreams…


…the sweeter the reward


Alistair ran far from the temptation of the prim debutante with the fire of passion in her eyes–all the way to the West Indies. As a successful merchant, he has little in common with the rakehell youth she knew. But when newly widowed Jessica steps aboard his ship for a transatlantic passage, seven years’ worth of denied pleasures are held in check by nothing more than a few layers of silk–and the certainty that surrender will consume them both…

Sounds like an intriguing book! A bad boy hero and the heroine who lights his fire.

Learn more by visiting the author's website at http://www.sylviaday.com/books/seven-years-sin/

Tell us about your favorite bad boys....
Post once and be entered to win a copy of this book.

One entry per person. US and Canada mailing addresses only.

Good luck!

Slow Ride winner is.....

Congrats to JODER, who wins the copy of SLOW RIDE by Erin McCarthy!

Congrats and email me at Luv2RdBks@aol.com by 11/1/11.

Guest Blog: WHAT DO READERS LOVE ABOUT ROMANCE? by Kat Martin

(Check out below for the chance to win a copy of AGAINST THE STORM.)

It’s a question that dozens of people have tried to answer. On Valentine’s Day, article after article attempted to explore the concept. Non-fiction books are written about it, essays are printed. Internet sites Chat about it.

The truth is there is no single answer.

From the time we’re teenagers, we’re thinking about finding a mate. When we’re old and alone, our spouse long gone, we’re remembering the romantic days when we fell in love, the days of our lives we spent with someone who loved us.

From the start, it’s a journey fraught with perils. Today, with people living in cities, the odds of finding the right mate are mind-boggling. Thousands of bars and restaurants, millions of people all searching for someone. People turn to Internet dating to improve their chances of finding a person with the same interests...someone they might have a chance to love.

The same journey happens in a Romance novel and it’s fraught with even more peril. As the reader turns the pages, for a very brief time, he or she gets to feel all the wonderful emotions a man or woman feels when they fall in love.

In my latest book, AGAINST THE STORM, the fourth in my AGAINST series, Trace Rawlins is a man who’s had rotten luck with women, especially redheads. So when Maggie O’Connell, a fiery tempered, red-headed photographer, comes to him for help against a stalker, Trace’s instincts warn him away. He doesn’t trust her and as some of her secrets come to life, Trace is even more determined to stay away from her--no matter how much he wants her in his bed.

But what if Maggie is telling the truth and she really is in danger? No matter his feelings, Trace is determined to keep her safe.

The best part about reading a Romance is that from the very first page, the reader secretly knows that whatever perils this couple faces, whatever suffering they endure, will be worth it.

Because by the last page of the book, these lovers are going to get the happy ending they deserve, the forever kind of love.

I hope you will watch for AGAINST THE STORM, and that you’ll look for AGAINST THE NIGHT and AGAINST THE SUN, coming after the first of the year.

Till then very best wishes and happy reading, Kat

*****

Learn more about AGAINST THE STORM by clicking here.

Here is the trailer:



Interview with Kat:






And finally...a treat for readers, as Kat is going to give away to one lucky reader am autographed copy of AGAINST THE STORM. But to be in the running for the book, you must comment!

Ask Kat any questions or just comment, she'll be by to respond.

Good luck, and THANK YOU to Kat Martin!

Chat with Bertrice Small!

Legendary author, Bertrice Small, joins us to discuss her book, BOND OF PASSION. Door prize: Six lucky winners will each receive a signed copy of BOND OF PASSION! Moderated by KatBos.

When? Oct 19th (Wed) at 9:00PM Eastern time

Where? http://client0.addonchat.com/sc.php?id=102122 or go to http://www.romrevtoday.com/  and click on RRT CHAT up at the top. When the login screen loads just type your name and choose Mo's room from the chat room menu ;)
Hope to see you for a passionately wonderful chat!

Mo

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Mo's Book Buzz - weekly author chats over at http://www.romrevtoday.com/ !
Want chat reminders? Join my loop at MoBookBuzz-subscribe@yahoogroups.com  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Mos-Book-Buzz/159510224111495

A Perfect 10:

ONE SALT SEA - Seanan McGuire
An October Daye Novel , Book 5
A Perfect 10
Daw
ISBN: 978-0-7564-0683-7
October 2011
Urban Fantasy

San Francisco - The Present

After many trials and tribulations, October Daye is now Countess of Goldengreen, a knowe of her own. (A knowe is a hidden realm with a slight variation in space-time—who knew San Francisco had such depths?) She is also a knight of her liege Sylvester Torquill, Duke of the Shadowed Hills, who has just given her a young man she knows, Quentin, to train as her squire. Her situation has changed from the disreputable changeling, or half-bred human-sidhe (shee) child, and even enjoys a relationship with a Selkie (sell-key), Connor O'Dell. Things aren't perfect but better. Some sidhe still look down their noses at her and think her undeserving of her honors. However, everything is about to go downhill…fast.

One of the first born, a daughter of Maeve and Oberon, the Luidaeg (Lou-sha-k), a very scary fae, comes to October with dire news. War is about to break out between the land fae and the sea fae. It will be devastating. The two sons of the Duchess of Saltmist, the coastal realm running along the northern California coast, have been kidnapped. The Duchess of Lorden, of the aquatic Merrow sidhe, believes the Queen of the Mists of the land realms took them. If the boys aren't returned within three days, she promises war. Since the Luidaeg feels October owes her, she demands October find the boys.

October has a reputation as a sleuth, so this type of investigation is right up her alley. She is also cheeky and finds diplomacy difficult. The Queen of the Mists holds a particular antipathy toward October, so she won't help. Connor can't help as his liege is the Duchess of Lorden. Luckily, the king of the Cait (Kay-th) sidhe, Tybalt, gives his support. His fae shift into cats, and everyone knows about a cat's curiosity and propensity for discovering secrets.

If you love fantasy, and particularly urban fantasy, do not miss this series. The author possesses great depth in her vision. You will find this story more enjoyable if you have read a few of the previous October Daye novels as this world expands with each story. Previous stories will also familiarize you with the large cast of characters and the different sidhe. The mystery and the sleuthing are suspenseful. The action is fast paced, and the characters interesting. Imaginative, first-rate world building adds to this story's allure. Yet it is the dimensions and ties between characters that make it a riveting read. It's a complicated story. It's sometimes difficult to read. It's emotional. It's high drama with a dollop of romance. It's family complications. It's a Perfect 10.

Previous titles: ROSEMARY AND RUE; A LOCAL HABITATION; AN ARTIFICIAL NIGHT, and LATE ECLIPSES.

Robin Lee

Book Giveaway: SLOW RIDE by Erin McCarthy

SLOW RIDE by Erin McCarthy
Part of the Fast Track series
Out now!

As a tribute to her late journalist father, Tuesday Jones is planning a career benefit, auctioning off racing memorabilia and meet-and-greets with drivers. Ex-racing star Diesel Lange has had his own brush with death, and is determined not to waste another minute of his life- especially when he meets Tuesday. He wants nothing more than to shift their romance into high gear, but he knows she's still grieving. Can Diesel do the one thing he could never do on the track and take it slow?

Learn more by visiting Erin's website at http://www.erinmccarthy.net/

Interested in winning a copy?

Just post once.
One entry per person.
US and Canada mailing addresses only.
Winner to be announced later in the week.

Book winner..... oops!

I meant to post Logan Belle's winner on Friday, but spaced it out.

http://romrevtoday.blogspot.com/2011/10/q-with-logan-belleand-giveaway.html

Anyway, the winner is........... CATSLADY!!!

Please emai me at Luv2RdBks@aol.com with your mailing info and I will pass onto Logan.

Congrats!!!

Read Pink

PENGUIN GROUP (USA) IS IN THE PINK FOR

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

It’s time to think pink to shrink cancer

What’s black and white and pink all over? The initiative by the Penguin Group (USA) called Read Pink™ in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This literary embrace of a life-saving cause last year resulted in nearly 400,000 best-selling romances shipped with Read Pink seals and information about the charity it supports – the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. In 2010 and 2011, some 12,000 floor displays also carried the Read Pink message. The result raised awareness for BCRF, the only cancer organization to receive A+ from the Institute for Philanthropy.



“We are delighted to be able to continue this initiative in support of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation for a second time. We hope that awareness for the Foundation’s work will only grow by bringing more attention to this important cause,” said Leslie Gelbman, President of Mass Market Publishing, Penguin Group (USA). To mark the occasion, Penguin Group (USA) is again making a $25,000 donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.



“The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is very grateful to be part of Penguin’s Read Pink program again this year,” said Myra J. Biblowit, President, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. “This visible initiative will certainly raise awareness about BCRF.”



The donation provides vital funds to support the mission of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. As Dr. Laura J. Esserman, director of the Carole Franc Buck Breast Cancer Center at the University of California at San Francisco said,. “[BCRF] awards support leaders in translational science and assume that they will be able to best dispense the funds. This is invaluable. Most grants require a year’s lead time before ideas can be funded. The BCRF funds allow you to plan ideas a few months ahead, and are flexible in support. The awards also come with the promise of continuity to explore new ideas as they arise. I also really appreciate the annual awards ceremony and the expression of thanks to the scientists. We don’t often get that and it really is rewarding and inspiring to see that people appreciate us, even if we don’t come up with all of the answers. It is an expression of thanks for the efforts we put forward to try to find answers.”



The novels chosen for Read Pink 2011 are eight bestselling mass market titles by some of Penguin Group (USA)’s most beloved female authors. Included this year are Nora Roberts, Catherine Anderson, Christina Dodd, Jillian Hunter, Lynn Kurland, Amanda Quick, Bertrice Small and Lauren Willig. More than 300,000 copies of the special editions will be printed featuring Read Pink seals on the covers. In addition, Penguin Group (USA) is including information in the back of each book in an effort to make readers aware of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and encourage them to become actively involved in supporting the organization.



For more details about the Read Pink initiative and to view a complete list of the participating retail outlets, please visit www.penguin.com/readpink .

###

About The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research. In October 2011, BCRF will award $36.5 million to 186 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and China. Currently, more than 90 cents of every dollar donated is directed to breast cancer research and awareness programs. With exceptionally low administrative costs, BCRF continues to be one of the most efficient organizations in the country. BCRF has received an “A+” from The American Institute of Philanthropy. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.



About Penguin Group (USA)

Penguin Group (USA) Inc. is the U.S. member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group. Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children's trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks, including Viking, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, The Penguin Press, Riverhead Books, Dutton, Penguin Books, Berkley Books, Gotham Books, Portfolio, New American Library, Plume, Tarcher, Philomel, Grosset & Dunlap, Puffin, and Frederick Warne, among others. The Penguin Group (http://www.penguin.com/ ) is part of Pearson plc, the international media company.

Chat Wednesday night with... Janelle Denison!!

St Martins Press, and USA Today Bestselling author, Janelle Denison joins us to discuss her book, NIGHT AFTER NIGHT. Door prize: One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card! Moderated by CrazyMo.

When? Wed (10/12) night at 9:00PM Eastern time

Where? http://client0.addonchat.com/sc.php?id=102122  or go to http://www.romrevtoday.com/  and click on RRT CHAT at the top. Once the login screen loads, just type in your name and choose Mo's room from the chat room menu ;)

Hope to see you for a great chat NIGHT ;)

Mo
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Mo's Book Buzz - weekly author chats over at www.romrevtoday.com!
Want chat reminders? Join my loop at MoBookBuzz-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

It's...Party Time!

Hard to believe it, but five years ago this blog came into existence. Yes, FIVE YEARS ago.

To help celebrate five years, I'm giving away a $25 egiftcard to one lucky winner to their choice of Amazon or B&N.

You can enter once and I'll draw a winner the week of October 24th.

Just answer this question:

What would you spend the $25 on? :D

Q&A with Logan Belle....and a giveaway!

1. Tell us about your newest release.

My newest release is FALLEN ANGEL, the second novel in a series about a young New York lawyer who becomes a burlesque dancer, and how the burlesque scene creates challenges in her relationship with her boyfriend. This novel follows the same characters I introduced in the first novel, and introduces a new dancer, Violet, who I guess you could call the villainess.

Learn more about the series by clicking here

2. Can you tell us a little about your favorite scene in the story?

One of my favorite scenes shows the villainess, Violet, in her “day” job as a dominatrix. When I was beginning this novel, I had just read a memoir called Whip Smart by a New York woman who became a dominatrix to make extra money, and it fascinated me. This character let me explore that subculture in a way that was very creative and fun for me as a writer. The scene I’m thinking of – in which she plays out the more outlandish fantasies of one of the other characters – is very sexual but also extremely comical.

3. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always known. I literally can’t remember a time when I didn’t know I wanted to be a writer. By the time I was ten I was typing up novels in my bedroom. The first one I ever wrote was inspired by S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders but it was about two girl runaways.

4. Tell us a little about your daily writing routine. Are you a plotter or pantser?

I am a major plotter. I spend a month on it before each novel. The idea that some writers just sit down and go for it is incredible to me. I have to know the beginning, middle, and end, and I usually have the first five chapters fully outlined before I write the first line. I think the reason I do this is because I have always worked in book publishing (not as interesting a job as dominatrix, admittedly J ) and I have seen many promising writers tripped up by lack of narrative structure.


5. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Sometimes, when I am blocked, I look through a magazine and try to find someone who looks like one of my characters. Then I start “feeling” it again.

6. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

In researching my books, I spoke to a lot of burlesque performers in New York and a few in Los Angeles. One of the most interesting women I met was Jo Weldon, who runs the New York School of Burlesque. Apparently, quite a lot of women take burlesque classes just for fun and to stay in shape, the way some women take yoga!

7. What authors or friends influenced you in helping you become a writer?

I grew up reading Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, and I fell in love with their stories of strong women and great sex. Even in college, when I was an English major and reading all the great classics, all I wanted was to write like Judith Krantz.

8. What does your family think about your career as a published author?

That’s an interesting question. I think they could do without all the sex scenes. My father hasn’t read any of my novels, and I think my brother might have made it through a chapter in the first book, Blue Angel. (My Uncle Paul, however, read Blue Angel in one sitting on the beach!)

9. Besides writing, what other interests do you have?

I love food, sex, and fashion. And not necessarily in that order J

10. Can you tell us about what’s coming up next for you writing wise?

The third burlesque novel, NAKED ANGEL, will publish in March. After that, I’d love to set an erotic novel either in Coco Chanel’s Paris or New York during prohibition. We’ll see.

11. How can readers connect with you online?

They can find me at http://www.loganbelle.com/  or on twitter @loganbelle.

****

Thank you for joining us, Logan!

And Logan is generously giving away a copy of her book to one lucky winner.

Got a question or comment for Logan? Ask away!

Do you tweet?

If you are on twitter, be sure to follow us:

http://twitter.com/#!/RomRevToday

For this week here on the blog.... we have a guest and giveaway tomorrow.

Another giveaway from me coming on Tuesday....

Mo has a chat on Wednesday night. More info to come!

And if you haven't visited the new Romance Reviews Today website, get thee over there! Terrie has a book a week contest going on.
Here is the website address:

http://www.romrevtoday.com/

Happy Reading!!!!

Q&A with Francine Thomas Howard!

1. Tell us about your newest release.

Ahh, Paris Noire. I know it’s subtle, maybe too subtle, but the title says it all. I carefully chose the feminine form of ‘black’ or ‘dark’ in the French language to convey the story of a biracial woman immigrant living in Paris on the day the city is finally liberated from Nazi occupation—August 25, 1944.

Paris Noire carries fifty-year-old Martinique-born Marie-Therese and her two grown children through the tumultuous year of 1944-45. Along the way our heroine confronts jubilation, loss, a ménage a trois, betrayal, love, and a possible murder—all from the point of view of a black Frenchwoman. In this maelstrom, Marie-Therese turns for help to a second group of gens de colour living in Paris. But unlike her family and other marginalized former French colonials from the West Indies and North Africa, these people of color are Americans-- remnants of the lionized African-American ex-patriate artistic community managed to evade Hitler’s edict. Though the French hold them in exalted status, the Americans, including the flamboyant chanteuse, Glovia Johnson, reach out to Marie-Therese.

2. Can you tell us a little about your favorite scene in the story?

That’s a tough one. I like them all, obviously, but I suppose I’m partial to Glovia. Though she’s modeled after Josephine Baker, Ms. Johnson is a tribute to the second of my three grandmothers.

In an early scene, Glovia invites a group of black American truck-driving soldiers (soon to be called the Red Ball Express) to join her and her fellow African-American ex-pats in her first soiree since the liberation of Paris. Starved for news of the outside world, the ex-pats watch in admiration as the soldiers sing, play, and dance the latest 1944 hits from America. When one of the soldiers grabs Marie-Therese for an impromptu and vigorous ‘boogie-woogie-, the immigrant, never having seen such a dance, lurches around Glovia’s living room, dumfounded. With the soldier pushing and pulling her in all directions, she quick steps to save her toes from American army boots. Not to be out-done, Glovia climbs to her knees atop her grand piano and displays her trademark shimmy. Her first real performance since before the War, the singer drops her top dangerously low, hikes her skirt past her gartered nylons (a spy of the French Resistance, Glovia enticed a German colonel into revealing pillow talk—thus the nylons) and croons out Body and Soul Man by Billie Holiday. Yes, there’s quite a bit of singing and showing in Paris Noire. The American soldiers go wild. One tries to drink champagne from Glovia’s shoe. Her response? “Fool! It’s a sandal. That thing can’t hold no champagne, but I’ll tell you what I will do for you!”

3. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A writer? I’m not sure. A published author--eight years ago. After taking early retirement from my career as a pediatric occupational therapist. I decided now was the time to write down my family stories. When I finished the first, Page from a Tennessee Journal, I was both relieved and curious. Could my grandmother’s story, based upon a family secret, possibly interest anyone other than family members? Maybe. That’s when I knew I’d better learn a thing or two about the craft of writing. Lucky for me, I had excellent mentors including Theresa LeYung Ryan (Love Made of Heart) who generously pounded the tools of writing into my head.

4. Where do you get your information or ideas for your stories?

Family stories. I’m not sure if I’m blessed or cursed, but I’ve got some extremely curious branches on my family tree. And I discovered I’m not alone. Paris Noire popped into my head after a friend told me the scandal of his own family’s oral history. As I tossed around the idea of suicide vs. murder, I researched to find the right neighborhood in which to put immigrants of color in the 1920s through the 40s. I stumbled upon Montmartre in Paris. That accidental find expanded Paris Noire into a direction I hadn’t originally intended.

Montmartre was the center of the ex-pat African-American artists who flocked to France from America after World War I because they felt their talents under-appreciated at home. That’s when Grandma #2 entered the pages of Paris Noire. My operatically trained grandmother spent a lifetime dreaming of singing in Paris. She even made an attempt to get there despite living on a horse ranch in Montana with her Buffalo Soldier husband and two children. I imbued the character of Glovia Johnson with the spirit of my own grandmother.

5. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I absolutely love writing against stereotype. That’s not to say I always accomplish my goal, but I dearly love to try. Hopefully, I’ve made a successful stab at it in Paris Noire when husband Alain-Hugo—a hero of the French Reisitance--is portrayed as a man of great courage who may or may not have committed a murder.

6. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

The dichotomy between the treatment of black French colonials (immigrants from North Africa/the West Indies) and African-Americans. Most Americans are familiar with the story of Josephine Baker, the black American singer/dancer who rocked Paris in the roaring twenties. She, and other black Americans were lionized in France. Even today, their names are spoken with great reverence. In France they remain the stuff of legends.

But the French reception of their own colonials of color was decidedly different. One surprising detail I learned was the segregation of the French military forces. I think most people realize that France fell to German occupation in 1940 after an extremely short time. As the Germans were preparing to invade, French officials put out frantic calls for every “able-bodied” French male to report to the nearest Army recruiting office to “save France.”

With France staring straight into the guns of the Nazi war machine, Frenchmen of color who answered the call to “save France” were promptly rejected for service in the French army and told to go down the street and volunteer for the Afrika Corps. There are a couple of references to this in Paris Noire.

7. What authors or friends influenced you in helping you become a writer?

I’ve been a voracious reader of fiction since childhood. I loved most of the James Michener epics. Thus, my penchant for historical novels. I suppose my earliest influence was Thomas B. Costain and his “The Rose.” That novel, set during the English crusades, awakened in me an appetite to experience history. My latest ‘favorite book’ has been Annette Gordon-Reed’s The Hemings of Monticello. While not fiction, it fits right in with my need to “feel” history.

And, of course, I’ve read The Help. I know it’s bold of me, but I think my Page from a Tennessee Journal belongs as part of a trilogy of black/white relationships through the years of slavery and Jim Crow: Wench (pre-Civil War era) by Dolan Perkins-Valdez, Page from a Tennessee Journal (mid-Jim Crow era), and The Help (dawn of the Civil Rights movement). by Katherine Stockett.

8. What does your family think about your career as a published author?

I don’t think they quite believe it. Remember, I had an entirely different career as an occupational therapist delivering services to children with physical disabilities. My family supports my new career in the same vein as “anything to keep the old lady busy during her golden years.”

9. Besides writing, what other interests do you have?

Travel ranks high on my list along with the usual pursuits with family and friends.

10. Can you tell us what’s coming up next for you writing wise?

Glad you asked. I’m currently writing a five-book series spanning three-hundred years and two continents. Here, I’ve hit it lucky again. With this project I’m able to combine three of my passions—science, history, and family oral stories.

The series, tentatively called Scattered Seed, describes the kidnap of three young women of noble birth from the Timbuktu of 1706; their horrendous march to Goree Island in Senegal; their transport across the Atlantic Ocean; and their final sale into slavery at the newly erected port of New Orleans. Fortunately for our ladies, each carries a special genetic trait inherited from their father, a linguistics professor at the great Sankore University in Timbuktu—an ability to master foreign languages quickly (Book One).

Books Two through Four follow our heroines’ descendants through three hundred years of American history. The eldest girl has been purchased by a family of the Spanish Conquistadores living in Alta Mexico (eventually, New Mexico). By the twentieth-first century, her descendants have no oral history of an African ancestress. Surprise, surprise, when her modern-day relative discovers the truth.

Sister Number Three’s descendants become the dominant families of the Louisiana Creoles (Book 3). The youngest girl’s modern day kin have merged into the black/Cherokee culture.

They consider themselves black Americans (Book #4).

I wrote Book Number Five first. (I had to know the sisters’ story would have a happy ending.) Set in the current day, the saga follows four women as they discover one another through the internet and the magic of DNA. Light-hearted after the heaviness of Book #1, Scattered Seed. Timbuktu Redux, follows the descendants of the original three—each believing herself to be “pure” Spanish-American, Creole, White American, or African-American--as they make their way back to the beginning—Timbuktu. And yes, these four still carry the genetic trait for language skills which sustained their ancestors for three centuries.

11. How can readers connect with you online?

I think I’ve just about got the hang of this blogging thing. You can connect with me through http://www.francinethomashoward.wordpress/ . Just leave me your email and I’ll get back to you.

The winner is....

The winner of THE DRAGON WHO LOVED ME is.....

Christine A.

Congrats and contact me at Luv2RdBks@aol.com by 10/16/11!

October chat schedule:

Oct 5th: Francine Thomas Howard
Oct 12th: Janelle Denisen
Oct 19th: Bertrice Small
Oct 26th: Holli Winters

Be sure to go to http://www.romrevtoday.com/ and then click on the chat link and head into Mo's Book Buzz. All chats are on Wednesday nights and begin at 9:00 PM EST.

A Perfect 10:

ALWAYS A TEMPTRESS - Eileen Dreyer
A Perfect 10
Drake's Rakes , Book 3
Grand Central's Forever
USBN: 978-0-446-54205-0
October 2011
Historical Romance

England, 1815

Since the battle of Waterloo, Major Sir Harry Lidge has had one desire: to travel the world and study architecture. Before he can follow his dream he must go to a friend's wedding as the groom is a fellow member of Drake's Rakes, a few men working to save the realm from a traitorous, well-disguised group. At the wedding, Harry encounters the woman who betrayed him ten years previously, Lady Kate Seaton. When the man the Drake's Rakes is seeking suddenly dies, he implicates the whore, who Harry assumes to be Kate, as part of the conspiracy. Harry is told to protect Kate and find out what she knows. Harry hears this as kidnap Kate and hold her until she talks.

Kate is the daughter of a duke and the widow of a duke. She takes pleasure in taking precedence before her hypocritical brother, the present duke, and his wife, Glynis. All her siblings and much of society hold Kate in contempt for her behavior, but not all is as it seems. After Harry kidnaps her, Kate's past begins to unravel. Can she overcome this and beat Harry at his own game, or will she end up in an insane asylum?

The characterizations make ALWAYS A TEMPTRESS an awesome read. While they remain true to the limited mores of Regency society, both Harry and Kate have depth beyond mere good or bad behavior. Kate's sister-in-law, Bea, and the servants in her employ make fun, imaginative characters. The mystery of who is behind the traitorous group, the Lions, threads through the story involving both hero and heroine. Yet the main thrust focuses on their efforts to overcome the past and reestablish the relationship they once shared. Family secrets expose danger beyond the explosive situation between Harry and Kate. While the characters command the story, both the sumptuous and the wretched locations and the thread of this story interwoven with those from characters in previous books, weave ALWAYS A TEMPTRESS into a tantalizing tapestry of romance.

Robin Lee

Book Giveaway: THE DRAGON WHO LOVED ME by G.A. Aiken

The Dragon Who Loved Me is out now!

Here is the blurb:

I was raised for battle. And as the first daughter of a warrior family, I’ve earned my reputation the hard way. Yet now I fight alongside uncivilized male Northland dragons who think a female is only good for breeding and waiting back home in the cave. But it’s the foolish and foolhardy who would try to stop me, Rhona the Fearless, from doing what I do best—destroying the enemies of my kind.


So the smartest thing wily barbarian Vigholf the Abhorrent can do for me is stay out of my way as we risk all on a deadly mission in enemy territory. I don’t care if he’s fascinated by me, even though he is as attractive as he is resourceful. He’s having far too much fun putting me in difficult situations and testing my sense of duty to the limit. And I’m going to enjoy challenging his insufferable confidence, outwitting his schemes, and making him surrender in the wildest ways…

Learn more by visiting the author's website by clicking here.


Contest to win this book is open to US and Canada mailing addresses only.

Here is what you do...

Answer this question and post the request in comments;

How many books do you read on average per week?

One entry per person and winner announced later in the week.

Check out the new Romance Reviews Today!

Terrie has redid the site and be sure to check it out, along with October reviews:

http://romrevtoday.com/