Manda Collins

Cover Time

2011-06-13T12:48:00.000-05:00

Just got official permission to share by GORGEOUS cover with all you fabulous folks. It is, if I say so myself, a scrumptious confection of a cover! I am utterly humbled and grateful for the wonderful cover artists at St. Martins for giving me such a squee-worthy image for my book. Love it!

In other fabulous news, quotes are coming in from some truly awe-inspiring authors who have read H2DWAD and the good news is that they do not say it sucks! Whew! In fact, they say things that make me giddy/humble.

First up, there's Vanessa Kelly, who says: "Manda Collins writes sexy and smart historical romance, with a big dash of fun. Romance readers will adore How to Dance with a Duke!"

Then if that weren't blush-making enough, there's this quote from Keiran Kramer who writes: “Sexy, thrilling, and romantic—whether she’s writing of the mysteries of the heart or of the shady underworld of Egyptian relic smuggling, Manda Collins makes her Regency world a place any reader would want to dwell.”

And finally, there's this one from Julie Anne Long, whose writing I have been touting since I read her first book these many moons ago: "Warmth, wit and delicious chemistry shine through every word of of Manda Collins’s delightful debut. With a heroine to root for and a hero to die for, HOW TO DANCE WITH A DUKE is a romance to remember."

I must retire to my boudoir now and succumb to the swoon that has threatened ever since all this fabulous news arrived. Then, it's champagne time!

Changes and A Cover!

2011-05-30T13:54:00.000-05:00

First off, I can't believe it's been so long since I posted an update here. But I've been kind of busy. On May 2 I turned in the second book in my Ugly Ducklings' trilogy to my fabulous editor Holly Blanck. It was the first book I've ever written under contract. There is a HUGE difference between writing something on your own and writing something because someone has (gasp!) agreed to pay you for it! I can't explain how it differs, but it so does.

Next up, in HOW TO DANCE WITH A DUKE news, we have a cover!!! Unfortunately I can't show you just yet because it's not quite finished. But can I just say how AWESOME the art department at St. Martin's Press is? I mean, I was expecting something pretty because I've seen their covers in the past, but seriously, this cover is beyond my wildest imaginings. And I promise that as soon as I get the go-ahead I will post it here for all to see.

In other news, the lovely Frauke at Croco Designs is hard at work building a fabulous website which will soon be my home on the internets. I have no idea what it's going to look like, but I've given her some ideas. And having seen her work before on friends' sites, I have every faith that it's going to be brilliant.

Finally, I'm gearing up for the RWA National Conference at the end of June. I've been shopping and planning outfits and wishing I'd started a weight loss regimen earlier in the year. Ah well. I won't be signing anything at the Literacy signing this year since I don't even have the promise of an ARC yet. But there will be plenty of socializing and networking to do. Plus I get to go to my first ever publisher party! Also, the PASIC party is at the Algonquin which makes me feel faint every time I think of it. My inner Dorothy Parker is in alt.

Hope you and yours enjoy the Memorial Day holiday. I'll be thinking about the men and women who have given their lives so that you and I can be free.

We have a Date!!! (Sort of!)

2011-02-01T09:02:00.000-06:00

I am pleased to announce that St. Martin's has set a tentative publication date of February 2012 for HOW TO DANCE WITH A DUKE. So, one year from now I'll be celebrating the publication of my first book! To say that it's surreal to even contemplate this, is a vast understatement. Even though it's been four months since I got the "call" I have a moment every day where I have to remind myself that I'm no longer just another unpublished author. Now I'm just another pre-published author, heh.

In other news, I'll be guest blogging with the fabulous Cynthia Eden for her Deadly Valentine Celebration on February 8th. Stop by and say hello!

On Disability Awareness and Romance

2010-10-05T12:00:00.002-05:00

2010 has been a year of milestones for me.

August marked the 15th anniversary of the amputation of my left leg above the knee. And a little under two weeks ago, after years of hard work, I landed my first book deal with St. Martin's Press.

What do these two things have in common? Nothing on the surface. If you discount the fact that Regency Romance kept me sane during the aftermath of my amputation. That to this day when I think of certain books, I associate them with those months when I was struggling through the frustrations of learning to use a prosthesis properly. That my own desire to right sprang out of a desire to tell stories about women who struggle with hardship and come out the other side with their humor and perseverance intact.

While it's become common practice for romance authors to feature disabled heroes in their stories (after all, it makes for a much more powerful inner conflict to portray a big strong man dealing with the loss of control and autonomy that a disability can bring), disabled heroines have been fewer and more far between. Of course this is partly because men are more likely to take the sort of risks that lead to physical disability: they suffer the most war injuries, they like to drive fast and play hard. But there are disabled heroines, and they have been among my favorites in the genre.

Women like Henrietta Maclellan, from Eloisa James' wonderful novel FOOL FOR LOVE, who was born with a hip abnormality that she assumes will keep her from every marrying because it might prevent her from giving her husband an heir. Who ends up married to the delicious Simon Darby anyway, and having a healthy happy child.

Women like Lady Anne Peckworth, heroine of Jo Beverley's HAZARD, who has been jilted not once but twice, whose twisted foot keeps her from engaging in many of the societal past-times that most young ladies enjoy. Who ends up marrying the mysterious Race de Vere, who loves her for her strength.

Women like Lieutenant Magdalena Cruze, heroine of Raeanne Thayne's DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT, who returns home from the Iraq war with an amputated leg and a desire to be left alone. Who is pursued by Dr. Jake Dalton, who has always wanted her--something that doesn't change when he learns of her injury.

It's often been said that we like to read about characters we can connect with. As a disabled woman, I am perfectly content to read about heroines who are able-bodied, so long as I can relate to them on a personal level. But there is something so...compelling for me about reading heroines who know what it is like to be looked at askance because you walk with a limp. Or to see strangers try to puzzle out what, precisely is "the problem" with your leg. Or simply to know what a pain it the neck it is to have your crutch make a loud clatter as it falls to the floor in the middle of a lecture.

In my next book, I plan to write a heroine who will face these kinds of struggles. Not only because I think it will make for a compelling story, but because I think there is room in the genre for every sort of heroine. And if disabled authors don't write about disabled characters, then we get what we deserve when able-bodied authors gets it wrong or don't quite capture the reality of life with a disability.

This month, I challenge you to read a romance featuring a disabled hero or heroine. There's a less than comprehensive list of romances featuring Less Than Perfect heroes and heroines at AAR. And there's a list on the Eloisa James/Julia Quinn Bulletin Board called In Sickness and in Health that deals with both disability and illness in romance. In the meantime, what are some of your favorite books featuring disabled heroes and heroines? Inquiring minds want to know!

I got THE CALL!!!

2010-09-24T12:05:00.001-05:00

And I missed it!!!

Arrgh! I was brushing my teeth and didn't hear the phone ring until too late. And like a dummy I looked at the number and thought "hmm, wonder if that's Agent Holly?" (Because, I am that superstitious that I didn't program her number into my phone lest it would anger the publishing gods.)

Then in the hustle and bustle of getting myself dressed and out the door I forgot. Until I opened the door to go into my workplace. I thought, "hm, wonder if that was Agent Holly." Then I came in and booted up my computer.

And let me say, thank goodness for email! Because there in my inbox were two VERY IMPORTANT messages! 1. A Message from Agent Holly saying "Call Me!" and 2. A Message telling me that Holly Blanck, the editor at St. Martin's who had just asked for more reads on my MS, had friended me on Twitter.

Reader, I flipped the freak out! I called Agent Holly to learn that indeed, Editor Holly had offered me a three book deal for my regency historical HOW TO DANCE WITH A DUKE.

Since then, natch, I've been on cloud nine. I don't think it will go away any time soon. Or at least until I get my editorial notes. But even then I'll be pretty freaking excited.

I've waited a long time for this, readers. I started my first regency romance in 1994. Can you believe it? I finished my first novel in 2007. It didn't sell. HOW TO DANCE WITH A DUKE is my second completed manuscript. And I've sold it.

For all of you out there who are struggling. Who are wondering if you should get out of the writing game? I'm here to tell you that persistence pays. My agent has this lovely rule: keep your eyes on your own paper. And she's so right. Everybody's journey is different. Everybody's deal is different. No two sales are the same. But if you hang in there. If you hone your craft. If you keep writing, even when that little voice in your head tells you you're crazy to try, something good will come of it. You will succeed.

It's been a long hard slog. And I know that more slogging is on it's way. But at least I can say that I've sold. I got the call.

Even if I did miss it the first time!

Want to Win a Great Friends to Lovers Romance?

2010-09-16T11:10:00.001-05:00

Though I write Regency and Victorian, I am a sucker for contemporary romance. Heck, let's be honest. I'm a sucker for ANY romance.

Since I picked up a Silhouette Desire by Catherine Mann a few years ago (RICH MAN'S FAKE FIANCEE--brilliant!) I've blown through dozens of category romances, from Harlequin Blaze to Silhouette Special Edition to Harlequin Presents. One of my favorite authors in any line she chooses to write in, is Sarah Mayberry.

Whether she's writing a home and family style Harlequin Super Romance, like HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, about an Australian widower and the unconventional girl next door, or a sexy Blaze, like CAN'T GET ENOUGH, about two co-workers whose experience being trapped in an elevator changes their lives forever, Mayberry always creates real, likable, and vulnerable characters.

Her latest is the funny, warm and sexy HER BEST FRIEND, from Harlequin Super Romance. It's the story of Amy Parker, who has been in love with her best friend Quinn for years. But one fateful summer when they were fourteen he hooked up with their other friend, Lisa, whom he eventually married. Not wanting to upset the delicate balance of their friendship, Amy suppressed her feelings and stood by them both.

But now, Quinn and Lisa are divorcing, and when Quinn, now a successful attorney, comes to town to help Amy with some legal troubles, they find that there might be more to their friendship than they once thought.

HER BEST FRIEND is by turns funny, sexy, and heartwarming. There are very real obstacles to Quinn and Amy's romance--not the least of which is Lisa, Quinn's soon to be ex-wife, whom they both love and don't want to hurt. I liked that Lisa, though definitely in the wrong in the break-up of her marriage to Quinn, isn't an outright villain. And I liked that Quinn and Amy didn't just jump into a relationship without considering the consequences of their actions. These were two mature, caring, and responsible adults, who also happened to love each other.

How do you feel about friends-to-lovers romances? What are your favorites? Would you like to read HER BEST FRIEND? I've got copies to give away to five lucky commenters! Contest ends on Sunday, September 19 at midnight!

Review: BREATHLESS by Anne Stuart

2010-09-15T18:59:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure if it was because the Rohan in this book was a daughter, Miranda, and not a son (and therefore not quite as dreadful), or if it was perhaps the revenge theme, but I was not quite as enamored of BREATHLESS as I was of RUTHLESS and RECKLESS. There was also the squick factor that the hero engineered the heroine's ravishment by another man as part of his revenge plan--years before they even met, but still. And he didn't really ever show remorse about it--in fact more than once he reveled in the fact that she was no longer a virgin and therefore would not be such a drag to deflower. Don't get me wrong. I love me some jerky Anne Stuart heroines, but alas, Lucien was just a shade too jerky for my taste. Even so, BREATHLESS had a delicious Highborn Lady/Lowborn Gent secondary romance that was my favorite of this Rohan trilogy. And I loved Miranda's battles with the surly housekeeper at Lucien's Lake District estate. And when it comes down to it, I did enjoy the book. And Lucien, though a jerk for far too long, did redeem himself in the end. So, all in all, it was worth the read.

Review: LAST TO DIE by Kate Brady

2010-09-15T18:57:00.004-05:00

A fabulous follow up to RITA Winner ONE SCREAM AWAY, LAST TO DIE follows Sergeant Danielle Cole as she tries to figure out who is killing young prostitutes and former prostitutes in Lancaster, Maryland. Early on in the case she is confronted by her first love, Mitch Sheridan, who is now a celebrated photojournalist whose mentor is somehow involved in the murders. Brady does a great job of blending a credible romance between Mitch and Dani with their quest to find the killer. Her prose is edgy and often lovely despite the dark subject matter. And her ability to create three dimensional characters is impressive given this is only her second published novel. If you are a fan of Karen Rose's intricately plotted romantic suspense, then I think you'll have no trouble getting hooked on Kate Brady. My only disappointment is that there's no long backlist for me to glom.

Micro-Review: SECRET MISTRESS ARRANGEMENT by Kimberly Lang

2010-09-15T18:56:00.001-05:00

This was a quick, un-HP-like read involving a best man/maid of honor post-wedding hookup that lasted months afterward. I liked that the hero was *just* a lawyer and that the heroine was a professional with career goals of her own. Also loved that it was partly set in Fort Morgan, Alabama, a locale I am very familiar with:)

Review: CRUSH ON YOU by Christie Ridgway

2010-09-15T18:54:00.004-05:00

Really enjoyed this book. The setting in Napa Valley was fun. The pairing of a TV Home Repair guy with a woman determined to keep her family's winery in business was sweet. Especially since the hero, Penn, is determined to be a hard ass and the heroine, Allie, is her small town's favorite daughter. There was also a fabulous secondary friends to lovers romance between Allie's friend Clare (who is set to become the first bride married in the winery's new wedding destination venture) and her BFF, Allie's cousin Gil. Ridgway's writing is multi-layered and there were some surprisingly heavy issues dealt with in this romantic comedy. Which I loved. I'm looking forward to Stevie, the next Baci sister's, story in January.

Review: JUST RIGHT by Erin Nicholas

2010-09-15T18:53:00.001-05:00

Fun sexy contemporary from Erin Nicholas. The heroine, Jessica, has been walking the straight and narrow ever since her father died when she was twenty, leaving her to raise her younger brother and sister. She's an emergency room nurse and oozes responsibility, so she's the first one the hospital administration chooses to babysit hottie Dr. Ben Torres, who's just put the hospital at risk for a huge lawsuit by punching out a patient. Since Jess has been crushing on Ben for a while she's more than happy to comply. Until she realizes that formerly upstanding Ben is hell bent on tossing aside his respectability and being very, very bad. With her!

JUST RIGHT was a funny, sexy, entertaining read that could have veered off into preachy territory, but fortunately never did. With a colorful cast of characters including Jessica's siblings, the local paramedics and the staff of St. Anthony's Hospital, Nicholas has the great beginning to a series here.

Micro-Review: DEADLY FEAR by Cynthia Eden

2010-09-15T18:51:00.004-05:00

Great romantic suspense debut. I loved the chemistry between Luke and Monica. I especially loved that Luke and Monica worked together to solve the case, and didn't let their relationship worries interfere with their jobs. I'm a sucker for a hero and heroine joining forces to fight evil. And this is one EVIL villain.And the twists and turns of the plot kept me guessing. Anybody who loves tortured heroines, reunited lovers, or sexy, sexy romantic suspense will adore this book.

Review: LAST NIGHT'S SCANDAL by Loretta Chase

2010-09-15T18:49:00.001-05:00

*Happy sigh* When I first heard Chase was writing Peregrine and Olivia's story I was thrilled, but I did wonder if it would live up to the hype. I shouldn't have worried. I was wearing a big goofy grin the whole time I was reading. She aged Olivia and Lisle skillfully, keeping the traits they'd had in childhood, but allowing them to grow into them, change, adapt. Their pairing was inevitable, but it was so delicious to see them negotiate and bicker and realize just how much they needed each other. Olivia to temper Lisle's stuffiness and Lisle to temper Olivia's mad starts. And the chemistry! The attraction zinged off the page--in fact this book was sexier than Chase has been in a while. Just so many wonderful details and moments. I'm not going to forget this one any time soon. *Happy sigh*

Review: RECKLESS by Anne Stuart

2010-09-15T18:46:00.004-05:00

Not as dark as RUTHLESS, but a whole lot sexier, RECKLESS tells the story of Adrian, the son of the couple from the first book in this series. The heroine, Charlotte, is a tall, gawky spinster who follows her widowed cousin to a Hellfire Club-like gathering and is swept off her feet by Adrian, Viscount Rohan, whom she has worshiped from afar for years. The dynamic between Adrian and Charlotte is similar to that of his parents in the earlier book: Mad, bad rake convinces innocent spinster to walk on the wild side and is then tamed by love. If you enjoy that dynamic then you will probably enjoy this book. There is also an entertaining secondary romance between Charlotte's merry widow cousin and a vicar who just happens to be a reformed rake. I loved seeing the devil-may-care Adrian brought to his knees by the headstrong, spinster Charlotte--even if it did take him forever to admit his love for her. I'm loving this House of Rohan series and can't wait to read the next installment. Anne Stuart's rake/reformer pairings might be a bit old school, but I am not ashamed to admit that I'm digging them. Hard.

Review: RUTHLESS by Anne Stuart

2010-09-15T18:45:00.002-05:00

The only other Anne Stuart I've read was her dark Regency THE DEVIL'S WALTZ that came out several years ago, which I really enjoyed. She writes dowdy, spinster-ish heroines paired with baaaaaaaaad boys quite well. This one is quite dark, and the backstory of the heroine, Elinor, is particularly bleak. And the hero, Rohan, aka The King of Hell, is not just a rake in name only. He's jaded for a reason. But because of his genuine badassness, his affection for Elinor seems stronger, more powerful. Even when he's trying his darndest to resist it. Coupled with a sweet secondary romance between Rohan's best friend and Elinor's younger sister, the tale of Elinor and Rohan's love is an often tumultuous one. But by the time it's over, you feel like they've earned their HEA. 4.5 stars.

Review: LONG TIME GONE by Meg Benjamin

2010-09-15T18:42:00.001-05:00

Another great installment in the Konigsburg, Texas series, this time featuring the eldest and most troubled of the Toleffson brothers, Erik. I loved the way that Erik and Morgan's relationship was allowed to develop gradually. No big misunderstanding, just two adults, attracted to one another and making the transition from friends to lovers. Their ease with one another made their difficulties dealing with their respective families seem even more fraught. Watching Morgan deal with her parents and Ciro and Carmen was painfully realistic--anyone who has dealt with well meaning but condescending parents can relate. And Erik's continued awkwardness with his brothers was heartbreaking. Erik and Morgan's relationship became (for me, at least) a comfort zone and I loved them together. Knowing some of Erik Toleffson's background from the previous books in this series, I knew his book would be a bit darker than the others. And it was, but Benjamin's usual humor and charm made for some laugh out loud moments to complement the darker tones. I especially loved Morgan's ill-tempered cat, Arthur and his quest to clear every flat surface in Erik's apartment. I have heard rumors that there may be more Konigsburg books in the future. I sincerely hope it's true. I'd hate to think I'd seen the last of Konigsburg and the Toleffson clan. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

Review: A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James

2010-07-20T16:28:00.001-05:00

Fabulous retelling of Cinderella with all the wit and charm one would expect from Eloisa James. I loved the little tweaks she gave to the traditional fairy tale elements--an earthy godmother, a not so ugly stepsister, and a not-quite-glass slipper. And of course there was more to the relationship between Kate and her handsome prince than just one evening together at the ball. From their prickly first meeting to their growing attraction to one another, their chemistry zings off the page. James does a fabulous job of building their appreciation for one another and that combined with their wanting makes their HEA not only expected, but inevitable. These two belong together, and unlike the all too brief original fairy tale, James tells us, beautifully, why. This is going straight to my keeper shelf. (As soon as I buy my own copy--this one I read was an ARC loaned to me by a friend who, oddly enough, wants it back;) Loved. This. Book. See my original review at Goodreads

Review: CaddyGirls by V.K. Sykes

2010-07-20T16:23:00.002-05:00

Wow. Sexy and surprisingly poignant contemporary romance debut from V.K. Sykes. Aspiring pro golfer Torrey Green is working two jobs in Las Vegas to save up for LPGA qualifying school. But what she really needs is a corporate sponsor to foot the bill. When she's booked through CaddyGirls.com to caddy for billionaire video game company CEO, Julian Grant, she can't help but feel like she's finally catching a break. Things get complicated when they meet and can't keep the attraction between them from burning out of control. But Torrey's need for a sponsor and Julian's participation in an immature bet soon has them at odds. Though there are enough steamy scenes to keep your average Blaze reader happy, it's the conflict between Torrey and Julian that adds chest-tightening intensity to CADDY GIRLS. I loved the fact that Torrey was strong enough to do the right thing, even if it meant throwing away her dream. And watching Julian come to the realization that he couldn't live without Torrey was sweet, indeed. Great book. Hope to see more like this from Sykes. See my original review on Goodreads

Micro Review: Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn

2010-07-20T16:20:00.001-05:00

TEN THINGS is classic Julia Quinn, pairing a forthright country-bred debutante with a charming but feckless secret-novelist. The dialogue sparkles, the chemistry between the hero and heroine crackles and the very real threat that keeps them apart is loathsome enough that I breathed a sigh of relief when these two were finally able to declare themselves betrothed. A frothy, yet poignant and satisfying read.
See my original review at Goodreads

Micro Review: Double Play by Jill Shalvis

2010-07-20T16:18:00.001-05:00

Fun, sexy read, pitting an injured MLB Baseball pitcher against the straight-laced reporter who's been tasked to write a series of articles about his team. Shalvis did a great job of building the chemistry between these two to a fever pitch, and though none of the developments were particularly surprising, I felt compelled to keep on reading to see how things would work out. Looking forward to the second book in this series.
See my original review at Goodreads.

Review: Finding Perfect by Susan Mallery

2010-07-20T16:14:00.002-05:00

What can I say about a book that should have annoyed me at every turn, but ended up winning me over? When Pia learns that her friend Crystal, who just recently died of cancer, left her her three frozen embryos, I knew this was going to be a tough sell. Because it was pretty much a given that the book would involve Pia having the embryos implanted and then pregnancy/dating hijinks would ensue--and that's pretty much what happened. And yet, I found the relationship she formed with retired pro-football player, Raoul, incredibly sweet. What Mallery gives the reader is the old "another man's baby" plot from a different angle. And it works. For all that I found Pia's initial disclosure of her situation to Raoul problematic, once their partnership (he called himself her "Pregnancy Buddy") got going, it just worked. There were a couple of times when Pia's decisions stretched credibility (there seemed to be no real reason for her to go through with the implantation immediately besides the necessary timeline for the story) I found her to be an endearing and surprisingly strong heroine. And like the heroes in the two previous books in this series, Raoul tended toward the stubbornly foolish end of the hero spectrum, he was ultimately a likable alpha. See my original review at Goodreads

Review: CHASING PERFECT by Susan Mallery

2010-05-06T19:36:00.003-05:00

This was my first read by Susan Mallery, and it definitely will not be my last. CHASING PERFECT is the first in a new small town series set in Fool's Gold, California. The heroine, Charity Jones, is a city planner, who comes to the little town to take a new job with the city and to escape a bad breakup. When her first presentation is interrupted and helped considerably by a handsome stranger, she has no idea that he is world-famous cyclist, Josh Golden, the town's favorite son. Having sworn off unreliable men, Charity immediately pegs him as an ego-driven celebrity type who enjoys his fame a little too much, but the zing of attraction between them is tough to resist.

What follows is a sexy, funny, and sometimes poignant romance between two people who have to get past their own misconceptions and self-doubts to get to their HEA. Charity's realization that she's been dressing down because of her career and her subsequent mini-makeover is handled particularly well, without the "ta-da" moments that so often accompany these kinds of plots. The glimpses into the dark side of Josh's celebrity are disturbing, and go a long way toward explaining Josh's distrust of women. The only problem I had with the story was with Charity's continued distrust of Josh after they had both declared their love. Even after she was told twice by two friends that he couldn't read her mind and guess what she wanted from their relationship, she continued to turn him away. It felt like an artificial roadblock that Mallery used to prolong the conflict and didn't ring true. Otherwise this is a well-written, charming story that fans of Rachel Gibson and Toni Blake should enjoy.

In which the Author is Inundated with ARCs

2010-04-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever felt lucky? Like really, really lucky?

It's no secret that I am a squeeing fangirl for certain authors. And in the past month or so I have been lucky enough, through no fault of my own, to receive ARCs of eagerly awaited upcoming books from three of my favorites: Toni Blake, Karen Rose and Julie Anne Long. Three wonderful authors, three completely different sub-genres.

Since, for me, part of the deal with receiving an ARC is writing a review (only if it's positive though--I don't do reviews for books I dislike, mostly because I am a writer myself and I don't like to pan my colleagues) I did so posthaste.

Trouble is, that it's lonely at the top of the ARC line. You can't share your favorite moments with other readers. You can't speculate about the next book. You can't even gush without feeling like a jerk for rubbing it in to all the poor slobs who weren't lucky enough to get an ARC. Not that I'm complaining;) I looooved all three books.

I'm curious about how other people feel about ARCs. Do you feel guilty like I do--despite the unmitigated joy of being able to read the book early? Do you revel in the knowledge that you're getting to read something before the teeming masses? Or do you just chalk it up to luck and enjoy the opportunity? Inquiring minds want to know!

Review: I KISSED AN EARL by Julie Anne Long

2010-04-18T12:42:00.000-05:00

This latest installment in Julie Anne Long's Pennyroyal Green series, I KISSED AN EARL is Violet Redmond's book. If you're familiar with the series, you'll remember Violet as a key player in LIKE NO OTHER LOVER. When she is introduced at a ball to the newly elevated sea captain, the Earl of Ardmay, and his first mate Lord Lavay, Violet is intrigued. After all, hadn't the gypsy girl said the name Lavay to her? And hadn't she foretold that Violet would go on a long journey over water? But what intrigues her more is the fact that Ardmay has been charged by the king to stop a pirate calling himself Le Chat from stealing the cargo of English sailing vessels. When she hears that Le Chat's ship is called THE OLIVIA, which just so happens to be the name of the woman who broke her brother Lyon's heart, Violet is convinced that there is a real possibility that Le Chat is her missing brother. So, she sneaks herself onto Ardmay's ship and well, you can guess how well that goes over with the Earl.

What follows is the best sort of cabin/seafaring romance written with the witty, crisp, lyrical prose that Long has become known for. I loved the way that Olivia and Ardmay fell for one another despite themselves, and the conflicts that genuinely stand in the way of their ever being able to be together. The HEA comes with compromises on both sides, but the result is sigh-inducing satisfaction. Wonderful read.

Review available at Goodreads

Review: SILENT SCREAM by Karen Rose

2010-04-18T12:39:00.000-05:00

Karen Rose delivers another page-turning blend of gut-churning suspense and bone-melting romance in SILENT SCREAM, which finally gives her fans the story of David Hunter, who has played a secondary role in several of her previous books. Having moved to Minneapolis in the previous book I CAN SEE YOU, the sexy firefighter's company is called to the scene of what looks to be an environmental arson case, where he is unable to rescue a young woman from the burning building. As luck would have it, the homicide detective assigned the case is Olivia Sutherland, whom David has been admiring from a distance for quite some time. Their relationship is complicated, but their chemistry is undeniable, and as they both edge closer to finding out just who is behind the string of arsons, their budding romance becomes the one thing they can rely on.

As always, Rose tells a story that is intricate but eminently readable. The mystery plot here is diabolical, and all the more chilling because it could happen anywhere. The twists and turns are deftly written and genuinely surprising enough to keep even the most jaded suspense reader guessing.

I really enjoyed the banter between Olivia and David--they are both strong characters, but they hold their own, and it's easy to see why these two would be drawn to each other. They each have some pretty compelling reasons to be shy of relationships, so watching them move past their fears and come together is emotionally satisfying. The multilayered story features some wonderfully funny and poignant moments punctuated by great dialogue. The conversations between David and his various male friends and relatives are especially entertaining. As are Olivia's with her partner, Kane, and her friends Brie and Paige.

Of course, I'm left wondering who the NEXT book will be about. There are some definite possibilities here, but it's never smart to predict where Karen Rose will go next. I just know that I for one want to be along for the ride!

Review can be found at Goodreads

Review: SUGAR CREEK by Toni Blake

2010-04-18T12:30:00.001-05:00

Wonderful, sexy read. I loved how Toni Blake breathed new life into the opposites attract trope, pairing up ambitious city girl, Rachel Farris, with straight-arrow small town cop, Mike Romo. Alongside Rachel and Mike's story, Rachel's grandmother, Edna (who is hilarious, BTW), tells the story of how the Farris/Romo feud started, and how the Farris family ended up with the Romo apple farm. Watching Mike and Rachel reveal themselves to one another, layer by layer, secret by secret was surprisingly poignant. And the chemistry between these two sparks off the page. By the end of the book I was cheering them on to their HEA. With a colorful cast of locals, including a fat cat named Shakespeare, lovers of Robyn Carr's Virgin River series will adore this second installment in the Destiny, Ohio series. I can't wait to see who is up next!

Review available at Goodreads

Only a Few More Days for Early Registration

2010-01-26T16:14:00.000-06:00

So, there are only a few more days to get the early registration discount for the Silken Sands Conference.

On February 1, the conference fee for non-GCCRWA members goes from $170 to $180.

And, if you're strapped for cash, you might consider just signing up for the Saturday Only package for only $70.

For less than the cost of 3 chapter contests, where you have no guarantee that your MS will even be seen by an agent or editor, you can sign up for a whole day of workshops AND get a chance to pitch your MS to (if there are enough slots) both an agent AND an editor.

It's a great deal.

Plus, you'll get to hear great talks from Karen Rose (squee) and Dianna Love (squee)! And we'll have other great authors like Cynthia Eden, Catherine Mann, Sheri Cobb South, Vanessa Kelly and many, many more!

Check it out at http://www.gccrwa.com/silkensands

We'd love to see you there! It's going to ROCK!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T08:36:00.001-06:00

There are so many things to be thankful for this year.

My family is happy and healthy. I am blessed with friends who are supportive and lovely. I've got a wonderful job doing something that I love. And to top it off, I've got an agent who believes in my work and encourages me every step of the way.

For these and all the blessings that have been given to me, I am so thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving, All!

New Digs

2009-10-16T15:00:00.000-05:00

Since the Romance Vagabonds are now embarking on our own personal journeys, I've decided to pitch my tent here at my webpage. I'll only post here often enough to keep you up to date on what's happening in my writing life though. And the twitter feed will always be new.

So, stop in when you can to see what's going on with me! I'll keep the blog on for you;)