Today, you are all in for a major treat. Treat I tell you! I somehow managed to twist the arm of the extremely talented and fabulous Julie Anne Long so much so, she agreed to give me an excerpt to post of her eagerly awaited January 2012 release, HOW THE MARQUESS WAS WON, the sixth book in her Pennyroyal Green series.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on the egalley of this fantastic book and thoroughly enjoyed it. The beautiful lyrical prose of Julie Anne Long doesn’t disappoint in this dry witted, tension wrought and emotional tale of the ruthless, cold Marquess Dryden, Julian Spenser, known as the Lord of Ice, falling for the most unsuitable Phoebe Vale, the paid companion to Lisbeth Redmond, the woman he firmly intends to marry.

Exclusive excerpt from HOW THE MARQUESS WAS WON

Coming January 2012 from Avon/HarperCollins

Copyright Julie Anne Long

 

Sparked by a single unforgettable encounter, tension—and forbidden fascination—have been building for days between The Marquess Dryden, the infamous Lord Ice, and Phoebe Vale, paid companion for the spoiled, exquisite heiress (and his prospective bride) Lisbeth Redmond. And then Lisbeth leads a group of house party guests, including the Marquess and her brother Jonathan, on a stroll to see picturesque ruins on Redmond Land and Phoebe becomes separated from the rest of the party…

 

What the devil—? A woman couldn’t just vanish into thin air. He scanned the pathway. Oaks had dropped their loads of leaves, but hawthorns were everywhere thick and rustling with tiny hidden creatures.

And then he saw the narrow passage between a Hawthorne and the trunk of a large oak.

He peeked through.

And there she stood, in an almost magical clearing , a circle of lush meadow grass not yet killed by frost bounded by, hidden by, Hawthorn and oaks and trees that hadn’t yet lost all of their leaves.

She was dappled in the shadows of leaves when she stood up, smiling, with a handful of green clutched in her fist.

“You see?” she presented, triumphantly. “I was right. Sage does grow here. And it smells heavenly.”

She pressed it to her nose and inhaled deeply.

He watched her close her eyes to isolate herself with the scent. All at once every corner, for some reason, filled with light.

He’d gone mute.

“There’s a region in France that claims sage helps in the easing of grief. They plant them around tombstones in their cemeteries,” she explained.

“How did you…”

But there really was no point in asking. She read things, she knew things, and out they came, little surprises. It was strangely like unwrapping little gifts, not all of which he appreciated. She clung to facts and information, like flotsam in a shipwreck. They’d saved her.

Mutely, he looked at her. Too full to speak. Her eyes were green. He knew that decisively now. A more facile man would have compared them flatteringly to something—leaves or moss or emeralds or some such—but all he would truthfully be able to say was that no one he’d ever known possessed eyes quite hers. It had little to do with their color. It was in the way that over the course of mere days he’d found himself saying things just to see how they would change: how humor would kindle them, and kindness soften them, and anger make them flash, and how he felt when the light of them was turned on him. How he wanted to hold up his hands before them and warm them.

“I read about it,” she told him anyway. She looked down at the bundle in her hand, indecisively. And then:

“Here.” She extended it to him. “A gift for you.”

He stared it.  All at once too many thoughts and impressions jostled for the exits, and none could escape in the form of words. So he did as she ordered: slowly, wordlessly, he reached for them.

And as she began to surrender them, her fingers brushed his.

He stopped breathing.

He’d once seen a man struck by lightning. He’d watched as the bolt held him helpless, motionless, arcing his body. Having its way with him.

It wasn’t unlike that.

Breathlessly, dumbly, they both stared at the place where their fingers met. Stunned to at last, at last, be touching. Skin to skin.

He dropped the herbs and seized her wrist. “Enough.”

The word was low and dark. And it thrummed command and something like a plea.

Slowly, slowly, she levered up her head, as if spooling courage on the way up. Her jaw was taut; her eyes were wide when they met his, but comprehension flickered in them.

The air suddenly seemed full of snapping sparks. One would have thought he’d captured a unicorn, for God’s sake, for how enervated he felt.

As he watched, a flush painted her from her collarbone upwards. Beneath his thumb, placed over a pale blue vein in that silky hand, her pulse raced.

He turned her palm up. He wished he could be certain she was the one who was trembling, for one of them was. Her hand was achingly soft, too vulnerable. It was cold, which struck him as poignant. He wanted to warm her. He needed to warm her.

And so he brought her palm to his mouth.

He softly opened his mouth against her skin, touched his tongue there, burned her with a kiss that was at once chaste and perhaps the most carnal he’d ever given.

Her head tipped back hard; her eyelids shuddered closed. She made a soft sound, a gasp of shock and pure sensual pleasure.

Mother of God.

He lifted his head with some effort. He curled her fingers closed over the place he kissed her, as if handing her a keepsake.

He knew he ought to. And yet he found he couldn’t relinquish her hand.

“Look at me, Miss Vale.” His voice a low demand.

A moment’s hesitation. She opened her eyes. He was absurdly thrilled to see them again. They were dazed and starry and wary. The sun haloed her, and the light both set her aglow and obscured her. As he stared, he withstood bolt after swift bolt of impression, each distinct and pure and primal:

Who kissed you first? I will kiss the memory of it away. I will run him through with a sword. I can’t recall kissing anyone before you. I am ruined. I am happy. I’m afraid. I need to leave. You need to leave.

He was holding her hand as though it was as delicate as an egg. Which rather contrasted his expression, which, little did he know, was edging toward the thunderous.

“I didn’t know I was going to do that,” he said finally.

“Do you always know what you’re going to do?”  Her voice was a low husk.

“Always.” He said shortly. It sounded like an accusation.

A heartbeat’s worth of silence passed.

“What are you going to do now?” And in her whisper was both sensual challenge and trepidation.

~*~*~

How great does that sound?! And that’s not the end. Julie Anne is generously agreed to give away an autographed copy of one of the other books in her Pennyroyal Green series and a signed coverflat of HOW THE MARQUESS WAS WON. Comment to enter to win!

I have several books I’m literally champing at the bit to read. They can’t come out soon enough for me.

1. HOW THE MARQUESS WAS WON

The Scandal Sheets call him Lord Ice.

Ruthless, cold, precise, Julian Spenser, Marquess Dryden, tolerates only the finest—in clothes, in horseflesh, in mistresses. And now he’s found the perfect bride, the one whose dowry will restore his family’s shattered legacy and bring him peace at last: the exquisite heiress Lisbeth Redmond.

She’s not afraid to play with fire…

But one unforgettable encounter with Lisbeth’s paid companion, Phoebe Vale, and the Marquess is undone: this quiet girl with the wicked smile and a wit to match is the first person to see through the icy façade to the fiery man beneath. But their irresistible attraction is a torment as sweet as it is dangerous: for surrendering to their desire could mean losing everything else they ever wanted.

There’s no cover yet (darn). I have to say, as anxious as I am to read this book, I’m a bit afraid. Has this ever happened to you? I mean WHAT I DID FOR A DUKE was sooooo good (5 Star Gold), I’m afraid I’ll compare. As it stands now, I just have to think of it this way, I don’t think any other historical will surpass my love of that book. The end. Enjoy all other books for being the wonderfully written and creative books that they are. You see, Julie Anne Long has spoiled me rotten.

2. The next Rachel Gibson book.  It’s going to be about Autumn’s (ANY MAN OF MINE) brother Vince, who by the way is an ex-Navy SEAL. I can find no title,  release date, cover or blurb for this book but I know it’s going to be goooood. Vince was my kind of hero, dark and brooding with a mysterious past. I can’t wait to see the heroine for his book.

3. THE SINNER

IRRESISTIBLE DESIRE

Alex MacDonald is known for his skill as a warrior, his prowess with women, and his vow to never take a wife. But now his chieftain has asked him to make the ultimate sacrifice: wed Glynis MacNeil, a lass famed throughout the Highlands for her exquisite beauty-and defiant ways.

Familiar with heartbreak, Glynis refuses to fall for another handsome scoundrel. Yet when Alex’s past sins force an unlikely union, Glynis gives in to temptation and becomes his wife. Will their newfound passion be strong enough to fight the enemy that threatens their home, their clan, and their very lives?

Now I have to say, this is the only book on this small list I’ve actually read. And it lived up to my expectations. As I’ve said before, I’m not terribly keen on medievals and tend to avoid most. However, Margaret Mallory’s I devour. She has a way with them that draws me right in and keeps me riveted and completely entertained. The romance between the hero and the heroine is dominant and never gets overshadowed by the intrigue element in her novels. The tension between them is also taut and the love scenes steamy. This is a not to be missed romance. 

4. The third book in Courtney Milan’s current series. Once again, I don’t have a release date, although I believe it’s before the end of this year. I don’t have the cover, I don’t know the title or the premise but the hero’s name is Smite–yes, as in you shall be  smited you, you heathen. He was the dark brooding brother in UNVEILED and I was immediately taken with him. Again, I’m anxious to see the heroine who will soften this seemingly hard-edged, unforgiving man.

What about you? Are there any upcoming books you’re champing at the bit to read?

If you know anything about me, you’ll know I’m always looking for good–no great single title contemporary romances. Well today I was on twitter tweeting my lately updated Top 20 Best Reviewed Books (by ranking) and author Inez Kelley replied to my tweet. This started an exchange in which I learned she is a Carina Press author. She said, I see you only do print books, and that’s really not the case. It may look that way because it’s the print publishers that always make sure I get ARCs for review. Also, what is reviewed depends on my reviewers and what they volunteer to review–I get a LOT of books each month so I can’t ensure a review for everything.

Anyway, back to my story, Inez informed me she has a book coming out in August after I asked what she wrote and for whom. She tweeted the link to the blurb and I have to tell you I was HOOKED. Totally my kind of contemporary romance. I asked her to send me the eARC for review asap. I’m totally intrigued by the story and praying it lives up to my expectations. But I thought I’d share it with you as one of my eagerly anticipated August Reads.

TURN IT UP
Author: Inez Kelley
Publisher: Carina Press
Pub. Date: August  2011
Retail: $5.99
Word Count: 85, 000
Format: Digital

Sexual innuendos and tensions sizzle as Dr. Hot and the Honeypot, co-hosts of the raciest night-time talk show in three states, heat up the small station radio waves on ‘Let’s Talk About Sex’. Best friends Dr. Bastian Talbot and self-proclaimed sex-goddess Charlie Pierce share mattress-scorching banter in public but their personal lives are PG-friendly.

But Dr. Hot has a secret. He wants to be more than her medicine-man sidekick. He wants forever. Charlie doesn’t do forever. Sex is easy, love is temporary. She will be his lover, but never his wife. Undaunted, Bastian sets a plan in motion ON AIR to win her hand and puts a proverbial lock on his zipper: No sex without marriage. Charlie turns the tables and turns up the heat in an on-air wager.

Listeners in three states tune in to learn who will win in the Race to Wed or Bed.

Here are just some of the books I’m looking forward to reading–okay, two I’ve already read–WAKING UP WITH THE DUKE and SILK IS FOR SEDUCTION–and they come with my highest recommendations.

Which upcoming books are on your MUST READ list?

WAKING UP WITH THE DUKE
Author: Lorraine Heath
Publisher: HarperCollins/Avon
Pub. Date: June 28, 2011
Retail: $7.99
Pages: 384

They are masters of seduction, London’s greatest lovers . . .

Renowned for his bedchamber prowess, Ransom Seymour, the Duke of Ainsley, owes a debt to a friend. But the payment expected is most shocking, even to an unrepentant rake—for he’s being asked to provide his friend’s exquisite wife with what she most dearly covets: a child.

Living for pleasure, they will give their hearts to no one . . .

Lady Jayne Seymour, Marchioness of Walfort, is furious that such a scandalous agreement would be made. If she acquiesces, there must be rules: no kissing . . . and, certainly, no pleasure.

Until love takes them by surprise.

But unexpected things occur with the surprisingly tender duke—especially once Lady Jayne discovers the rogue can make her dream again . . . and Ransom realizes he’s found the one woman he truly cannot live without.

~*~*~

SILK IS FOR SEDUCTION
Author: Loretta Chase
Publisher: HarperCollins/Avon
Pub. Date: June 28, 2011
Retail: $7.99
Pages: 384

From the Design Book of Marcelline Noirot:
The allure of the perfect gown should be twofold:
ladies would die to wear it . . .
and gentlemen would kill to remove it!

Brilliant and ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot is London’s rising star. And who better to benefit from her talent than the worst-dressed lady in the ton, the Duke of Clevedon’s intended bride? Winning the future duchess’s patronage means prestige and fortune for Marcelline and her sisters. To get to the lady, though, Marcelline must win over Clevedon, whose standards are as high as his morals are . . . not.

The prize seems well worth the risk—but this time Marcelline’s met her match. Clevedon can design a seduction as irresistible as her dresses; and what begins as a flicker of desire between two of the most passionately stubborn charmers in London soon ignites into a delicious inferno . . . and a blazing scandal.

And now both their futures hang by an exquisite thread of silk . . .

~*~*~

THE MANY SINS OF LORD CAMERON
Author: Jennifer Ashley
Publisher: Berkley
Pub. Date: August 2, 2011
Retail: $7.99
Pages: 320

Lord Cameron Mackenzie is intrigued when he finds the pretty widow, Ainsley Douglas, hiding in the window seat of his bedchamber. Cam remembers Ainsley Douglas all right—six years ago, he’d caught her in this very bedchamber, during a house party in the Mackenzies’ Scottish manor. Enchanted by her ingenuous excuses, he decided to seduce her, but stopped shy when she’d made a rather touching appeal about her “good husband who didn’t deserve to be heartbroken.”

Later, Cameron learned that her visit to his bedchamber was part of some female intrigue against him, the kind his late wife used to practice. Ainsley protested her innocence, but Cameron’s anger made him never want to see her again. Now she’s back, at another house party—and Cameron finds the gray-eyed minx in his bedchamber, again. Her excuses are just as ingenuous, but this time Cameron is determined to teach her a lesson.

They have unfinished business, Cameron tells her. He asks her how many of her many buttons she’ll let him unclasp, promising that before the house party is over, she’ll be asking him to undo them all.

Ainsley’s dismay is real. She’s on a mission to prevent embarrassment to Queen Victoria, and time is running out. Though the needs he’d stirred long ago during her unhappy marriage rise again, she knows it would be foolish to fall for love-them-and-leave-them Cameron Mackenzie.

But he asks her a question that challenges her beliefs about love and happiness, and she finds herself risking all to be with the black sheep of the Mackenzie family.

~*~*~

CAN’T HURRY LOVE
Author: Christie Ridgway
Publisher: Berkley
Pub. Date: July 5, 2011
Retail: $7.99
Pages: 304

 

Liam Bennett staked his claim to Tanti Baci after stepping in to help the Baci sisters save their family legacy. But Giuliana Baci doubts his motives. They’ve been at odds since the hot summer long ago that ended in heartache. With the fate of the winery on the line, the former lovers need to get a handle on their barely leashed hostilities-and the attraction that still draws them toward each other.

I just want to preface by saying this is singularly one of the best books I will read this year!! Not only is it an incredibly passionate romance, full of emotion and a FABULOUS hero and heroine, but it’s so incredibly funny in places, I nearly split my sides reading some of the scenes. If there is a not-to-be-missed romance this year, this is definitely one you won’t want to miss! – Bev

What I Did For a Duke
Author: Julie Anne Long
Publisher: Avon
Pub. Date: February 22, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0061885686
Retail: $7.99

For years, he’s been an object of fear, fascination . . . and fantasy. But of all the wicked rumors that shadow the formidable Alexander Moncrieffe, Duke of Falconbridge, the ton knows one thing for certain: only fools dare cross him. And when Ian Eversea does just that, Moncrieffe knows the perfect revenge: he’ll seduce Ian’s innocent sister, Genevieve—the only Eversea as yet untouched by scandal. First he’ll capture her heart . . . and then he’ll break it.

But everything about Genevieve is unexpected: the passion simmering beneath her cool control, the sharp wit tempered by gentleness . . . And though Genevieve has heard the whispers about the duke’s dark past, and knows she trifles with him at her peril, one incendiary kiss tempts her deeper into a world of extraordinary sensuality. Until Genevieve is faced with a fateful choice . . . is there anything she won’t do for a duke?

~*~*~

A stunningly spectacular romance sure to be one of the best of 2011!

I can’t tell you how long it’s been since a book set my heart racing at a steady pace from beginning to end. What I did for a Duke not only had my heart racing, but my breath catching and my fingertips tingling. Brilliant characters, a near perfect romance, and a very well written story make this book one of the best books I have read in a very, very long time.

If you are not familiar with Julie Anne Long’s Pennyroyal Green series, I suggest that you find the previous four books and read them as soon as you can. Not because you have to in order to understand this book but because the series itself is very worth the read.

The Eversea’s and Redmond’s have had a silent war for as long as anyone in either family can remember. Something about a cow, a woman… Who knows! This series focuses on the young men and women of each family as they grow and find love in some very unusual and amusing situations. This fifth book focuses on the young Genevieve Eversea and the menacing Duke of Falconbridge. Genevieve’s brother Ian has wronged the Duke in an unmentionable way, an attempt to seduce his fiancée, and Alex Moncrieffe wants revenge. So, he arrives at an Eversea house party intending to seduce and abandon Ian’s broken hearted sister Genevieve.

Genevieve thinks she is in love with another man and Alex never wants to love again so there is not risk of attachment. What starts as a game for both of them turns into a love story with depth and passion that made me want to weep. Just for the record, I am not a crier. Usually…

The plot was simply wonderful, not complex but easy to follow and quick moving. The story has a great flow to it with absolutely no lag anywhere in sight and the most delicious tension between Alex and Gen. I could not stop turning pages.

Julie Anne Long has framed her characters perfectly, alternating the perspective from both the hero and heroine so that the reader gets a very intimate look at both of them. You feel their emotions; understand their thoughts as they drag you into the middle of the interesting dynamic of their blooming relationship.

Alex is one of those heroes that is just as dashing when he is brooding as when he smiles. He has a horrible reputation and his past is filled with bad rumors and innuendo. But beneath his ruthless façade lies a man deeply hurt and desperately in need of the right woman to charm him out of himself.

Genevieve is just the woman to do it, even if it is completely unintentional. She believes her heart to be set on a close friend but once this strong, understated girl gets close to the Duke everything changes. He shows her passion and love on a completely different level that she could have ever dreamed. The way that Julie Anne has written these two and the way their love grows, the reader can’t help but sigh with delight. The end is perfect, the story closing with the promise of the next book in the series coming soon to tempt the read. I don’t know who’s story it will be, but I can tell you it will be an auto-buy for me.

The love scenes were just right; heated, passionate, and filled with love and tension.

Overall, this is one of the best books I have ever read… hands down a must read!

Rating: 10 (Perfect)

Heat Level: 3.5 (Sensual)

Reviewed by: Danielle

When I was down in Orlando attending the RWA National Conference, I met the very lovely Zoë Archer; we share the same agent. Now I knew that Zoë had four books coming out from Kensington back-to-back beginning in September. I knew the books are historical and not only are they not set in England–I think we’ve seen many books not set in jolly ole England–but they’ve been dubbed by RT Book Reviews ‘part Indiana Jones part The Mummy‘. I have to say I loved and have both movies on DVD.

I’ll tell you what got me though, really interested, those gorgeous covers. To me, they’re a flashback to those Nancy Drew covers from the 50s. Kensington’s art department really did a fabulous job here.

So the first book out in September is WARRIOR. Where’s it set you ask? Mongolia. What, you’re thinking, ‘so not romantic’. I say we give it a chance and spread our wings well past the grey, coal-sodden air of England. I’m the first to admit, I’m like many of you and I love my British historical romances. Above all else, however,  it’s the story that pulls me in, and I’m so ready to go with Zoë to Mongolia. I’m so ready to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in The Blades of the Roses series. I also fully recognize that if we, the consumers, the readers don’t go out and support these new types of endeavours by the publishers, they’ll stop stretching their wings by buying stories ‘outside of the box‘. Currently, I may not write outside of that same box, but I sure as heck appreciate writers who do.

WARRIOR
Author: Zoë Archer
Publisher: Zebra / Kensington
Pub. Date: September 7, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1420106794
Retail: $6.99
Pages: 370

To most people, the realm of magic is the stuff of nursery rhymes and dusty libraries. But for Capt. Gabriel Huntley, it’s become quite real and quite dangerous…

IN HOT PURSUIT…

The vicious attack Capt. Gabriel Huntley witnesses in a dark alley sparks a chain of events that will take him to the ends of the Earth and beyond—where what is real and what is imagined become terribly confused. And frankly, Huntley couldn’t be more pleased. Intrigue, danger, and a beautiful woman in distress—just what he needs.

IN HOTTER WATER…

Raised thousands of miles from England, Thalia Burgess is no typical Victorian lady. A good thing, because a proper lady would have no hope of recovering the priceless magical artifact Thalia is after. Huntley’s assistance might come in handy, though she has to keep him in the dark. But this distractingly handsome soldier isn’t easy to deceive…

~*~*~

Anyone else ready to give The Blades of Roses series a go–at the very least WARRIOR to see if it takes? Comment today and you’ll be entered to win 3 (three) books  from my Anniversary Giveaway stash.

I currently have a bunch of books on my must-buy list the moment they hit the streets. By all accounts, I should be the type of person to pre-order to ensure nothing goes awry on release day. I’m too impatient for that. I’d rather hit my favourite bookstore on release day and cart my long awaited book home in hand. Actually, the stores around here tend to have the books out early so on one of my frequent shopping days, I’ll probably spot long awaited book on the shelf, half of them probably already gone (because, as you might have guessed, I’m not the only one waiting for said book).

Below are 3 of the books on this ever growing list, and for good reason.

~*~*~

Sherry Thomas has dazzled me with her prose since I devoured Private Arrangements for the first of many times. To me, her latest offering, His At Night, is a slight departure than what I expect from her, as there seems to be a solid intrigue element to the story (he is a spy for the Crown). But this is Sherry Thomas, and she has always delivered above all else, a wonderful love story, so I expect nothing less from His At Night.

His At Night
Author: Sherry Thomas
Publisher: Bantam
Pub. Date: May 25, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0553592443
Retail: $7.99
432 pages

Love is hottest in the darkness before dawn.

Elissande Edgerton is a desperate woman, a virtual prisoner in the home of her tyrannical uncle. Only through marriage can she claim the freedom she craves. But how to catch the perfect man?

Lord Vere is used to baiting irresistible traps. As a secret agent for the government, he’s tracked down some of the most devious criminals in London, all the while maintaining his cover as one of Society’s most harmless—and idiotic—bachelors. But nothing can prepare him for the scandal of being ensnared by Elissande.

Forced into a marriage of convenience, Elissande and Vere are each about to discover that they’re not the only one with a hidden agenda. With seduction their only weapon—and a dark secret from the past endangering both their lives—can they learn to trust each other even as they surrender to a passion that won’t be denied?

~*~*~

Debut author, Tessa Dare, burst on the scene last year with, Goddess of the Hunt, the first book in her back-to-back trilogy. Sigh. I adored that book. The dark brooding hero and the heroine who was able to crack his reserve and open his heart to love. Well this year Tessa has yet another back to back trilogy, which begins with One Dance With a Duke. Again, like Sherry, Tessa seems to have taken a departure from her first three books as this trilogy seems to also have an intrigue element. The three heroes are connected by their share in a horse and are members of a very exclusive club. The club’s owner is murdered, so there is a murderer afoot. Again, I’m sure the romance will take center stage and Tessa’s lyrical prose and her ability to tap readers’ emotions promises a wonderful read.

Oh, and the cover of One Dance With a Duke is one of the most GORGEOUS I’ve ever seen. Ballantine’s art department really hit a grand slam on this one.

One Dance With a Duke
Author: Tessa Dare
Publisher: Ballantine
Pub. Date: May 25, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0345518859
Retail: $7.99
Pages: 400

True temptation begins at midnight…

A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members — yet membership is attainable to anyone with luck. And Spencer has plenty of it, along with an obsession with a prize horse, a dark secret, and, now, a reputation as the dashing “Duke of Midnight.” Each evening he selects one lady for a breathtaking midnight waltz. But none of the women catch his interest, and nobody ever bests the duke — until Lady Amelia d’Orsay tries her luck.

In a moment of desperation, the unconventional beauty claims the duke’s dance and unwittingly steals his heart. When Amelia demands that Spencer forgive her scapegrace brother’s debts, she never imagines that her game of wits and words will lead to breathless passion and a steamy proposal. Still, Spencer is a man of mystery, perhaps connected to the shocking murder of the Stud Club’s founder. Will Amelia lose her heart in this reckless wager or win everlasting love?

~*~*~

Last, but certainly not least is the final book in Margaret Mallory’s trilogy, Knight of Passion. Margaret also burst onto the historical romance scene last year and turned me onto medievals despite my fierce aversion to fighting, war and intrigue, with her debut book, Knight of Desire. I loved Knight of Desire because the romance was center stage, and the love story elicited every conceivable emotion in me. My heart was wrenched–and I love a good heart wrenching. The hero and heroine, just like the hero and heroine in the second book, Knight of Pleasure, are introduced in the prior book when they were just children. I absolutely love seeing this kind of transition, the evolution of their feelings as they become adults. I expect that Knight of Passion will be a smashing end to a fabulous series.

Knight of Passion
Author: Margaret Mallory
Publisher: Grand Central
Pub. Date: June 1, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0446559867
Retail: $7.99
416 pages

HOW CAN THIS PASSIONATE KNIGHT…

Renowned beauty Lady Linnet is torn between two desires: revenge on those who destroyed her family or marriage to her childhood sweetheart Sir James Rayburn. One fateful night, she makes a misguided choice: she sacrifices Jamie’s love for a chance at vengeance.

TRUST A BEAUTY WITH A PAST?

Jamie Rayburn returns to England in search of a virtuous wife-only to find the lovely Linnet as bewitching as ever. Their reckless affair ignites anew, even hotter than before, although Jamie vows to never again trust her with his heart. Then just as Linnet begins to make amends, she’s tempted by one last opportunity to settle old scores. But a final retribution could cost her Jamie’s love – this time forever.

Today I have 2 copies of Tessa’s debut book, GODDESS OF THE HUNT, to give away. If for some reason, you’ve missed this wonderful book, just comment to enter for a chance to get a copy of your own.

As many of you know, this year the RWA National Conference is in TN. This year we will pay tribute to the brightest in romantic fiction and on March 25th we in the romance community discovered who those would be. First, I’d like to congratulate ALL the RITA and Golden Heart Finalists.

I’m happy to say that I know several of the finalists, and today I’m sending out an extra special congratulations to Sherry Thomas, Margaret Mallory, Tessa Dare, Courtney Milan and Gillian Layne for making that very competitive cut. These are uber-talented authors, and except for Sherry, who was nominated 3 times last year for her first book, Private Arrangements and her second book, Delicious, this is the first RITA nod for Margaret, Tessa and Courtney who all debuted last year.  It is also Gillian’s first Golden Heart nod. Stay tuned, because Tessa, Margaret and Sherry all have books coming out within the next 3 months and they’re all going to be on my next ‘Anticipated’ post.

Historical Romance Finalists

Regency Historical Finalist

Romance Novella Finalist

Golden Heart Finalist – Regency Historical Romance

To Seduce A Proper Rogue – Gillian Layne

To celebrate their RITA nods, I’ll be giving away their books to  4 lucky commenters. You’ll have to wait until Gillian’s book is in a bookstore near you!

My anticipation list just continues to grow. I can only pray that means there are many hours of fantastic reading ahead for me. Today, I’m going to showcase 3 (three) more books on that growing list.

The first comes from one of my favourite authors, Sophie Jordan. She became an instant buy author to me when I read her sophomore book, TOO WICKED TO TAME. Sigh. I adore that book. And as luck may have it I got my hand on an advance e-galley copy of her upcoming release, IN SCANDAL THEY WED, and I loved it! Sophie Jordan does sexual tension exactly the way I like it. Her male leads are these nicely balanced alpha heroes–it’s important to me they aren’t over the top. IN SCANDAL THEY WED is the second book in her Penwich School for Virtuous Girls series and it’s a treat not to be missed.

In Scandal They Wed
Author: Sophie Jordan
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Pub. Date: March 30, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061579219
384 pages

What kind of woman would marry a man she just met? A woman with nothing to lose.

Long ago, Evelyn Cross sacrificed her good name, her freedom, and any hope for love. Now, in the remote English countryside, she struggles to survive and avoid the scandal threatening to destry all she holds dear…until a sinfully handsome viscount arrives on her doorstep, offering marriage, salvation, and tempting her with so much more.

What kind of man would marry a woman he just met? The kind bound by duty.

Fresh from the war, Spencer Lockhart returns home to claim his title and right the wrong his cousin perpetrated upon Evelyn Cross. In need of a wife, marrying her is a small price to pay for duty. But When he meets her, the fiery chit is not what he expects to find in a ruined lady. As desire flares hotly between them, honor is the last thing on his mind…

What kind of man and woman would marry when they’ve only jet met? The kind who could ignite a scandal with just one touch.

~*~*~

The next book came to my attention when I received the ARC (Advanced Readers’ Copy). The plot intrigued me and I love the cover. IN PURSUIT OF A SCANDALOUS LADY will be my first foray into the historical world of Gayle Callen, and I’m very much looking forward to the trip.

In Pursuit of a Scandalous Lady
Author: Gayle Callen
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Pub. Date: April 27, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061783418
384 pages

The biggest secret in London is about to be…revealed.

Every gentleman is wondering: Who is the beauty in the scandalous nude portrait hanging in one of London’s most fashionable clubs? Is it true that she’s a member of the ton? Who would be so daring, so reckless?

Julian Delane, Earl of Parkhurst, has a good idea. So good, in fact, that he’s willing to make a wager on it. If only the bet were all that’s at stake…

Determined to clear the family name from a scandal that claimed his father’s life, Julian believes the ravishing model will lead him to answers. Rebecca Leland–spirited, adventurous, with a bit of a wild streak–is just as determined to evade his questions. But when Julian finally corners his quarry, he may find Rebecca well worth the pursuit.

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Last, but certainly not least because this author is in fact my favourite historical author, is a book I’ve been anticipating and champing at the bit to read for the past two years. And last October, Lisa Kleypas left her readers literally hanging on the edge of their seats in the last scene of TEMPT ME AT TWILIGHT (shame on you, Lisa). Well thank goodness soon the wait will be over because on May 25^th MARRIED BY MORNING will be released. All I can say about this book is that I can’t remember anticipating a book more. Finally, we get Leo and Catherine Marks’ story. FINALLY! The blurb is short and straight to the point and the sparks are already flying (have long been flying truthfully).

Married By Morning
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pub. Date: May 25, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0312605384
352 pages

Leo, Lord Ramsay, makes the unwelcome discovery that he and the other Hathaways may lose their beloved Ramsay House . . . unless he marries immediately and sires a son within a year . . .

Nope, I’m not talking ketchup or Carly Simon’s song. Last night I tweeted to get a sense of what historical romances coming out this year are being anticipated with bated breath. And there were plenty. I’m going to start out with the 5 (five) that came at me first, then every week or two I’ll continue with my Anticipation posts. The books will come from the responses I receive whenever I happen to ask the question on Twitter.

I’m going to start with the one I chose and the book I read and  ADORE. It’s absolutely wonderful. It’s the kind of book I’ll read over and over again, until the pages are dog-eared and worn. Suffice enough to say I’ll need an electronic copy of this book too. What gem am I speaking about? It’s Maggie Robinson’s fantastic debut, MISTRESS BY MISTAKE. I’m going to say this, you don’t want to miss this one. It is a KEEPER as well as the first in a series of 4 (four) books. What does that mean? It’s means there’s more for me to anticipate and gobble up the second each hits the book stores. Pre-order this one now.  Maggie Robinson is definitely an author to watch.

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Mistress By Mistake
Author: Maggie Robinson
Publisher: Kensington/Brava
Pub. Date: April 27, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0758250995
352 pages

Scandal is only the beginning…

Charlotte Fallon let her guarded virtue fall once—and she’s paid dearly for it ever since. She swore she’d never succumb to men’s desires again. But even a village spinster’s life miles from temptation can’t save her from a sister with no shame whatsoever. Or a heart that longs for more, whatever the cost…

Sir Michael Bayard found more than he expected in his bed when he finally joined his new mistress. He’d fantasized about her dewy skin and luscious curves, assured her understanding that what passed between them was mere dalliance. But he didn’t expect the innocence and heat of her response in his arms. Nor her surprisingly sharp tongue once she was out of them…

A few days of abandon cannot undo the hard-learned lessons of a lifetime. Nor can an honest passion burn away the restraints of society’s judgments. Unless, of course, one believes in nonsense like true love…

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Katiebabs offered up this next one, er, actually the next two. I’m going to start with Meredith Duran’s WICKED BECOMES YOU. This was one that wasn’t even on my radar, but I loved Meredith’s BOUND BY YOUR TOUCH so I knew I needed to give it a looksy. I was not disappointed. This one immediately jumped onto my TBB pile. It’s exactly the kind of storyline I adore. Pre-order this one too, ladies, it sounds like it’s going to be a naughty, thrilling ride.

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Wicked Becomes You
Author: Meredith Duran
Publisher: Pocket
Pub. Date: April 27, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1416593126
352 pages

She’s pretty enough to be popular, and Lord knows she’s rich enough for it. But what society loves best about Gwen Maudsley is how very, very nice she is. So when a cad jilts her at the altar—again—an outraged London brays for blood. Only Gwen has a different plan. If nice no longer works for her, then it’s time to learn to be naughty. Happily, she knows the perfect tutor—Alexander Ramsey, her late brother’s best friend and a notorious rogue.

Unbeknownst to Gwen, Alex’s aloof demeanor veils a very personal interest in her. He has no desire to see her change, nor to tempt himself with her presence when his own secrets make any future between them impossible. But on an educational tour through the glittering casinos of the Riviera, their friendship gives way to something hotter, darker, and altogether more dangerous. With Alex’s past and Gwen’s wildness on a collision course, Gwen must convince Alex that his wickedest intentions are exactly what she needs.

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Now if you’re into a bit of paranormal in your historicals, Katiebabs also suggests Gail Carriger’s CHANGELESS. From what I heard, Gail’s first book, SOULLESS took the reader audience by storm and it would appear she’s determined to level us with this next book in her Parasol Protectorate Series (got to love the series name!). I don’t do this often, but I may just take a walk on the dark side.

~~~

Changeless
Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher: Orbit
Pub. Date: March 30, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0316074148
400 pages

Alexia Tarabotti, the Lady Woolsey, awakens in the wee hours of the mid-afternoon to find her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he disappears – leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts, and an angry Queen Victoria.

But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, the latest fashions, and an arsenal of biting civility.Even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared: upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can.

She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.

~*~*~

Vanessa Kelly, author of Mastering the Marquess and soon to be released Sex and the Single Earl, offered up our perennial favourite, Christina Dodd. Yep, you heard it right, Christina has a historical coming out titled IN BED WITH THE DUKE! The first in several years–since 2006 if I’m not correct. It sounds like a positively delicious read with Christina at her sensuous best. Ladies, make sure to add this one to your TBB list.

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In Bed With The Duke
Author: Christina Dodd
Publisher: NAL/Signet
Pub. Date: March 2, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0451229335
400 pages

Demure lady’s companion Emma Chegwidden never defies society’s rules. Until the night she runs straight into the arms of the mysterious and menacing Reaper . . . a man who rides the night-shadowed countryside and conceals his identity behind a mask. His goal is justice . . . or is it vengeance? Only one thing is certain: nothing will stop him from his dark purpose.

Michael Durant, long-lost heir to the duke of Nevitt, has a score to settle. Cynical, dangerous and ruthless, Michael is the last man on earth that sensible Emma should defy. But some challenges are too tempting to resist . . . and some passions too fierce to ignore. Soon Michael discovers in Emma the woman he has always longed for . . . a woman whose beauty and courage reach through to his tortured soul . . . and he will defy anything, even fate itself, to claim her . . .

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The final book for today, Connie Brockway’s THE GOLDEN SEASON, was offered up by kaligolf (her Twitter name). Now, to be honest with you, while I have heard of Connie Brockway I’ve never read any of her books. But after reading the back cover blurb of THE GOLDEN SEASON, I know exactly where I’m going to start. I love a story when the hero and heroine are operating at cross purposes. And the good thing about this book is we don’t have to wait for it, it was released yesterday. Ladies, I say we go forth and purchase.

~~~

The Golden Season
Author: Connie Brockway
Publisher: NAL/Onyx
Pub. Date: February 2, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0451412836
400 pages

Wealthy, orphaned Lady Lydia Eastlake reigns over Regency England as the ton’s most celebrated beauty. But she must face losing the only life she’s ever known when her fortune suddenly disappears—and the only solution is to find a wealthy husband.

Enter Captain Ned Lockton, a rich and dashing war hero who sends Lydia’s pulse racing. Little does she know that the enigmatic captain’s family estate is secretly on the selling block—and he’s on the hunt for a rich bride who will rescue his family from poverty…

What about you? What are some of you most anticipated reads for 2010?