Currently, there are two books I’m greatly anticipating reading in the coming months. As in bug the publicist so she knows how much I want–no need to read these books.

The first book, which is the second book in Sherry Thomas’s FitzHugh Trilogy, is titled, RAVISHING THE HEIRESS. I was immediately turned onto this book when I read the first book, BEGUILING THE BEAUTY. This story of Millicent and Fitz completely intrigued me. She was married to him at the age of 16–an arranged marriage he greatly resented. He was 19 and desperately in love with Isabelle at the time he unexpectedly inherited an earldom. But duty calls because of the crushing 80,000 pound debt he also inherited. When we meet them in BEGUILING THE BEAUTY they’ve been married for 8 years and they have this warm friendship. But here’s the thing, they haven’t consummated their marriage and made a pledge before their wedding, they would do so in 8 years time and ONLY to beget an heir. He in the meanwhile is NOT celibate. And get this, they chat about the women he sleeps with. It’s like their roommates and not husband and wife.

Millicent, on the other hand, is totally in love with her husband but never says a word to him about that. She doesn’t want to ruin the friendship they have. And she’d rather that than nothing. So she lives a life of unrequited love. Well in a month the time will arrive for them to consummate the marriage and get her good and pregnant. However, here’s the catch, the love of his life, who married a year after he did, is now widowed and has returned to London with her children. He’s found a house for her and is eager to see her the moment she’s back. As you can see this is a book that will be fraught with emotion. I for one canNOT wait to journey with Millicent and Fitz on their road to their HEA. Sherry as a wonderful excerpt (three great scenes) up on her website. The writing is–as in all her books–top notch superb! To me it’s a writer’s dream to read books written so well. Sometimes I just read her for that.

Also in BEGUILING THE BEAUTY we meet Hastings and Helena. OMG can I say how I utterly fell for Hastings. I mean just tumbled fathoms deep in love with this charming utterly witty and beguiling man. Some of the scenes between them were the best in the book. The tension, chemistry and animosity (on Helena’s part) between them had me riveted and dying to get my hands on this book well before its October 3rd release.

What’s the deal with Hastings and Helena? Well Hastings is the best friend of Helena’s twin brother, Fitz (of RAVISHING THE HEIRESS). He has had a thing for Helena since he was a teenager. She wants nothing to do with him. When he discovers she’s on the verge of ruination, he informs her brother. She thinks he’s a double crossing, double dealing rat who will sleep with anything in skirts. He’s never tried to court her because of his pride–fear of being rejected. But he does infuriate her like no other.

Here’s a small sample of a conversation between them from BEGUILING THE BEAUTY:

“All the same,” she said, giving him her falsest smile, “you duplicitous pig.”

“Admit it–you enjoyed the kiss.”

“I would rather eat a live snail than endure anything of the sort again.”

“Ooh,” he murmured, his eyes alight with speculation. “With or without its shell?”

She flicked a dismissive finger. “Save what you think of as your wit for a more gullible woman. What do you want from me, Hastings?”

“I’ve never wanted anything from you, Miss Fitzhugh–I’ve only wished to be of service.”

She snorted, this from the little snot who used to try to maneuver her into cupboards and steal kisses.

“Seeing as it was I who introduced Andrew Martin to you,” he continued, “I feel a deep sense of responsibility toward your welfare. At the risk of damaging my health, I have decided to offer to see to your needs.”

She’d been refraining from the moment he arrived, but she could no longer: Her eyes rolled of their own accord.  ”Your altruism astounds, Hastings. I am shocked you haven’t been canonized yet.”

“I quite share your opinion, my dear Miss Fitzhugh.” He leaned in and lowered his voice. “An unmarried woman passionate enough to flout all rules and into a man’s bed? Your needs just might cripple me.”

LOVE THIS SCENE!!! Hastings is so my kind of hero. As I said, canNOT WAIT for Hastings and Helena’s story in TEMPTING THE BRIDE!!

 What about you? What are your most anticipated books in 2012? Comment and enter to win any mass market digital book from Amazon!