I haven’t done one of these in awhile. Well it’s time to get back to them because excerpts–in my opinion–is one of the best ways to engage a reader. Today, please welcome the lovely Darcy Burke whose debut HER WICKED WAYS releases early May. Isn’t the cover just lovely? You can read a longer excerpt on her website.

~*~*~

She was his savior

Banished from London for her reckless behavior, Lady Miranda Sinclair is robbed by a dashing highwayman en route to the country. By offering him a kiss in lieu of the jewels she had to leave behind, she commits the very type of act that caused her exile. When her dour guardians extend her punishment to performing charitable work at the local orphanage, she’s further tempted by the home’s owner, a provincial gentleman who stirs her passion in a most wicked way.

He was her downfall

Desperate to save his orphanage from financial catastrophe, Montgomery “Fox” Foxcroft leads a double life as a highwayman. The arrival of wealthy, well-connected Miranda, whose kiss he can’t forget, presents a lawful opportunity to increase his coffers. His problems seem solved—until she rejects his suit. Out of options and falling for the heiress, Fox must risk what principles he has left and take advantage of her wicked ways—even if it ruins them both.

EXCERPT

Miranda stopped short on the small landing outside the back door. Though dark enough for her eyes to deceive her, she felt certain someone stood not twenty feet away.

Reason told her to turn around, but reason was vastly overrated. Besides, the nape of her neck tingled with anticipation. Somehow she knew who lingered in the yard. She stepped into the soft grass. “Who’s there?”

“You promised we would meet again. I got tired of waiting.”

The highwayman.

He sauntered toward her, pausing a few feet away.

The cool night breeze stirred her hair. Miranda brushed a stray lock from her face. “Have you been skulking about the back entrances of every house in the district, or did you somehow know to find me here?”

“I have ways of finding what I need.” He leaned against a pear tree.

Miranda heard the smile in his voice. Go inside, her mind screamed. But other, less sensible parts of her body drove her forward until she stood before him. A mask covered his entire head, save his mouth and chin. Pity, for she dearly wanted to see his face.

“Did you say need?”

“Mmm. I did.” His deep voice sounded husky, alluring. He stepped closer, and she could feel the warmth of his body.

Her throat went dry. “You risk a great deal coming here.”

“Perhaps some things are worth any risk.” He tucked her hair behind her ear, his finger tracing along her sensitive flesh.

She pulled her dressing gown tighter against the chill night air. So many nights she’d walked in the garden, and she’d never considered she might encounter someone. Let alone her highwayman.

“It’s cold.” The highwayman pulled his cloak from his shoulders and wrapped it around her. Immediately, she was ensconced in delicious heat.

“But now you’re cold.”

He reached out and pulled her against him, his arms encircling her back. His legs were parted and he positioned her between them. “Now, I am not.”

She should rip his cloak off and run back into the house, but she couldn’t move. Couldn’t do anything but gaze up into his masked face. “Have you come to ransom me?”

His hands held her close. “That hadn’t occurred to me, but that is an excellent notion.”

Her heart beat a staccato rhythm in her chest. “If you aren’t here to take me away, why have you come?”

“For another kiss, perhaps.” His warm breath caressed her temple.

Miranda shivered. “I should go back.”

His lips brushed her cheek. The rough cotton of his mask grazed the side of her face, her ear. “I won’t stop you.”

She placed her hands on his shoulders, opening the cloak, leaving less between them. Then his mouth touched hers, and her knees went weak. She gripped him tighter, lest she tumble to the earth.

Her frustration and loneliness—yes, loneliness she now realized—faded in his kiss. Where she’d been bold during their previous encounter, she let him lead her, content to do his will. One of his hands cupped the back of her head as his lips parted over hers. His tongue swept against her, and she opened for him, welcomed him inside.

His kiss deepened, his hands holding her firm, steady, captive. Her head dropped back under his onslaught. Yes, command me. Desire pulsed through her body, throbbed between her thighs. Make me yours.

He trailed kisses along her jaw. Finding her earlobe, he nipped it, eliciting a shudder of longing that seemed to make her body curl in upon itself. His right hand tangled in her hair while his left coasted over her shoulder and settled just above her breast, the warmth of his bare palm heating her flesh through the thin cotton of her nightrail.

She did falter then, slumping against him with a faint moan. His hand moved down her body, cradled her hip, pulled her against his hardness.

A thump from the house froze their movements. He stood straight, breathed against her forehead.

She pushed his cloak from her shoulders and thrust it at him. “You have to go. I can’t be caught out here with you. Please!” She shoved at him, and he stepped back.

She pivoted and hurried to the house. At the door she turned to see if he remained.

His silhouette was recognizable next to the tree. “Until next time, then.”

She stepped inside and pulled the door shut. There couldn’t be a next time.

Today I stumbled upon something I’ve never seen before: A single title romance from a NON inspirational line or publisher that had not ONE single solitary love scene. Yep, you heard it here first, this book did not have one love scene.

From what I gathered–I did start to skim once I realized the intrigue element would be central to the plot–they exchanged one kiss that was described in any significant detail. As I neared the end and realized there was only 26 pages left in the book, I thought, “Surely not. Is there only going to be one love scene in this entire book?” To say I was shocked that it didn’t even have one left me gobsmacked. I’m a romance reader that likes my love scenes. Not too many mind you and I NEED lots of sexual tension.

Anyway, I was really shocked that the publishing company would release a historical romance not geared toward the inspirational market without not even one love scene. I actually even did a search of the book and could find no instances of the word “breast” there either. My thought is this on the matter: There are readers out there who really don’t want the love scenes but don’t want an the inspirational slant either. To satisfy these readers you give them intrigue and a very, very sweet romance. A kiss or two and that’s it.

I want to know what you think. Would you read a romance novel (not inspirational) with absolutely no love scenes? If you knew this before you read the book, would it discourage or encourage you from purchasing it? Comment and enter to win all three books below.

Click on covers below for blurb, review and buy links.

by Katrina Latham

I want to share with you two different opinions I’ve received about stories I’ve written.

“The writing is so good and I’m so disappointed the story doesn’t match.” –Contest judge

“Although we enjoyed the characters, I’m afraid the writing isn’t as strong as other manuscripts currently under consideration.” – Editor

I received both of these comments over a year ago, and they’ve stuck in the back of my mind as I’ve worked hard to improve both my writing skills and my storytelling abilities.

Writers can be very thin-skinned. Although each of these comments manages to be both polite and honest, I still remember feeling my face burn as I read them. The second one made me a little nauseous (maybe because I’m a professional writer and read the rejection while I was at work).

I am an unpublished writer, and I am also a novel reviewer. I write honest reviews on my blog”, for the Season for Romance, and on Goodreads.

Is it smart for me to share my opinions on other writers’ work when I’m trying to break into their industry? Should I only share positive reviews and keep criticism to myself?

Many people would say this is a no-brainer. Of course writers, editors and agents have a long memory if you pan their work. What if I want to submit my own work to that agent or editor? What if that author and I share an agent or editor, or both have a professional opportunity to work together? Would they really want to work with me?

Honestly, I don’t have the answers to these questions, and I’m not sure that anyone does. Surely it depends on the individual author/editor/agent.

The absolutely brilliant author Roni Loren recently dealt with this question on her blog, talking about authors who tear others down or post scathing reviews. She cautions writers who would post negative reviews:

I’m NOT saying someone shouldn’t be allowed to post negative or even scathing reviews. That’s everyone’s right. It’s definitely a reader’s right. Honest reviews are needed for every book, and I know I count on them to help me making my buying decisions.

However, once you put on the writer hat, you’re in a different place whether you like it or not. You’re not simply a reader anymore. People are watching you. And karma may bite you in the butt. So you need to make a personal decision on what’s right for you. (My personal yardstick is that if you wouldn’t say whatever it is to the writer face to face, you probably shouldn’t put it on the internet.)

I totally agree, especially with the last sentence. But I actively seek books to review, and I do publish reviews of books I don’t like.

But there are things I keep in mind when I write reviews – not because I’m worried about whether writing a particular review will screw my writing career, but because life is too short to spend any of it being mean.

1. Even though I don’t get paid for reviews, I approach reviewing as a professional writer, not as a grouch hiding behind the anonymity of the internet.

Everyone I meet on- or offline should expect the same courtesy from me. It’s much easier to say “This person’s writing sucks” when you’re not looking them in the face, but easier doesn’t mean it’s right.

I keep my reviews focused on the book itself, not on the author. And when I criticize elements of a book, I always try to be honest but polite – just as I am when I give people feedback face-to-face at work.

Some writers can take this on the chin, mull over the criticism, and decide whether I’ve touched upon a weakness that they can improve (or whether I’m just full of crap). Others can’t. And really, that’s their issue, not mine.

2. Authors and publishers make their books available to reviewers because it makes good business sense, not because they expect everyone to throw confetti around them.

Okay, this isn’t so much a rule for myself, but it’s something I try to keep in mind. Because to be honest, it’s actually harder for me to say negative things about a book than positive. I don’t enjoy writing reviews of books I didn’t like. But I know that when I accept a book for review, I’ve entered into a sort of contract that I will be honest. And really, there are things I’ve criticized about novels that other people have said they liked. At least giving readers my full, honest impression allows them to decide for themselves whether they agree with that criticism.

3. Readers should be warned about books that aren’t worth paying for.

Obviously, “not worth paying for” is a subjective opinion. And I haven’t run into many of these in my time as a reviewer. Mostly I’ve been lucky enough to discover new favorite authors or, at worst, books that just left me feeling “meh”.

But I have run across a handful of books that seemed to me to be an insult to readers. I mean, they actually felt like very rough first drafts that only got published because the author had built up a big brand name. To me, this is an insult to readers. And if I’m given the responsibility to review one of these books, then I will (politely, honestly) explain what I didn’t like and give it a low rating.

Will this give people a negative impression of me as a writer? Possibly. But they should probably worry more about having lost me as a reader.

I’d be really interested to hear from other writers who review books. Do you find it a difficult balance? And from agents and publishers – would you shy away from a writer who has posted negative reviews? And published authors – how do you feel about other writers who find fault with your books?

Kat Latham has been reading romance for a couple of decades. With degrees in English lit and human rights, she loves stories that reflect the depth, humor and emotion of real life. When she’s not writing contemporary romance novels, she can usually be found blogging or tweeting overly personal information. She loves meeting other readers and writers online, so follow her on Twitter or check out her blog and say hello!

After months of posting the reviews only on the blog, The Season site is up with 6 months - January 2012 thru June 2012 – of new books. As I get more books in, you will see them featured on the site–and that includes the corresponding reviews.

A Rogue By Any Other Name
Author: Sarah MacLean
Publisher: HarperCollins/Avon
Pub. Date: February 28, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0062068521
Pages: 400
Digital Price: $4.99
Print Retail Price: $7.99
Amazon ~ B&N ~ iBookstore

What a scoundrel wants, a scoundrel gets. . .

A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London’s most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance—including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.

A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to an unexplored world of pleasures.

Bourne may be a prince of London’s illicit underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness—a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them . . . .even her heart.

~*~*~

REVIEW

In 1821 the Marquess of Bourne lost everything in a game of Vingt et deux. It was the eight of hearts that both ruined him and changed him completely. Bourne, who lost his parents at a young age, vows to take revenge on the man who cheated him out of his legacy. When Bourne discovers that Langford lost Falconwell to the Marquess of Needham and Dolby, his former childhood neighbors, he sets out to regain his inheritance even if it means taking a wife.

Lady Penelope Marbury has vivid and loving memories of her childhood friend Michael and dreams of the day she will see him again. After surviving the scandal of a broken engagement, Lady Penelope has turned down suitors offering marriage in effort to gain something for herself in a marriage. Penelope, whose engagement was broken for a love match, desires to have the opportunity for at least half that. When her friend Tommy proposes, Penelope is shocked and refuses. Tommy, who is like a brother to Penelope, only wishes to protect her from those who wish to obtain Falconwell, which her father recently won and attached to her dowry. When her father commands she marry before the years end in order to give her two younger sisters the chance to proper marriages, Penelope realizes her dreams of love will likely stay dreams. What she doesn’t expect is to meet and be forced into marriage by a man she once knew, still loves and is the picture of scandal itself.

Sparks fly throughout A Rogue by Any Other Name. The romance is full of heat and sexual tension that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved these characters! Bourne and Penelope are two characters who were meant to be together though time and scandal have kept them apart. When they return to each other they are not the same people they were but as they peel the layers back and let down their walls they find the people they were inside of themselves. This book is so unique; it’s unlike other romances in the sense that its story is original yet believable. The story came alive on the pages, making me feel as if they really lived.

With a pace that kept me turning the pages and a story that kept my interest peaked, I found myself unwilling to put this book down. When I did, I was drawn back to it quickly. I thought about it when I wasn’t reading it. I ached to discover what would happen. Michael is a sexy and enticing character. The natural push and pull the characters have with each other was passionate and sexy. When the passion heated up it was hot! I loved Sarah MacLean’s writing and can’t wait to read more. The cliff hanger in the epilogue did not go unnoticed! I only hope I don’t have to wait too long to read the next installment!

Rating: 4.5 (Excellent)

Heat-Level: 4 (Hot)

Reviewed by Tiffany

Comment and enter to win your own copy of A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME.

You bet I was pleased as punch about this. I can safely say Rachel Gibson’s books are, hands down, my favourite single title contemporary romances. I have the lot of them in print and by April 1, 2012, I’ll have them all in digital too. Just want to share the good news.

She’s 33, unmarried, and stuffed into a Bubble Yum pink bridesmaid dress. And the whole town wants to fix her up with anyone with a dental plan… Who’s going to rescue Sadie Hollowell now? Everyone in Lovett, Texas knows Sadie has always been a ‘notional’ kind of gal. She got a notion to leave town asap , and never visit her daddy (bless his heart). Now, she’s back and got the notion to invite a good-looking, hard-muscled, total stranger to her cousin’s wedding. Better a stranger than some of the losers she’s dated.

Vince Haven got his muscles the hard way—as a Navy SEAL in Afghanistan. He’s staying in Lovett to visit his crazy aunt—the proprietor of the local Gas N Go. Before he can get the heck back out of the small town, his aunt makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Maybe he’ll stick around Lovett for a while. Maybe he’ll make a ‘go’ of the Gas N Go. Maybe he’ll rescue Sadie out of that pink dress!

Don’t forget RESCUE ME, the first chapter in Gibson’s new series on men of the military, will be on-sale 5/29/12.

NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DISCOUNTED PROMOTIONAL PRICE OF $5.99

True Love and Other Disasters

Nothing But Trouble

True Confessions

Sex, Lies and Online Dating

I’m in No Mood for Love

Tangled Up in You

Not Another Bad Date

Lola Carlyle Reveals All

Any Man of Mine ($4.99)

NEW TO EPUB RELEASES ON 4/1/12 ALL ONLY $3.99!

Simply Irresistible

It Must Be Love

See Jane Score

The Trouble with Valentine’s Day

Truly Madly Yours

Daisy’s Back in Town

It looks like I’m getting very very close to giving away that Kindle Fire. This morning I added up all the free downloads for ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE & SEDUCTION and as of today, they are currently at 232, 260. I said I would give away a Kindle Fire once they reached 250,000 so I’m only 17,740 downloads away. At the current pace, that’s approximately 2 to 3 weeks away.  For anyone who posted my ad on the sidebar on their site or blog back when I was giving away the iPad 2 in December, you will automatically be entered to win with 10 entries (as it was through your help I’ve gotten this far). All you have to do is comment on the post when it goes up and mention you had the ad up in December to win the iPad 2 (I have all the emails from the people who posted, so I’ll be able to match you up).

I honestly didn’t think I would reach this goal until mid year so I’m pleased as punch that I’m this close to not only my goal, but giving away the Kindle Fire. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that I have the best fans, most loyal visitors as well as the most supportive. Thanks so much, everyone!!!

So last year, when I had Kim Killion of HotDamnDesigns create the cover for my upcoming release, AN HEIR OF DECEPTION, only one other author had used that particular stock photo. And the good thing about the Mary Jo Putney cover was that 2/3 of the photo was covered. You could barely tell the photo was the same. Well, fast forward a year later and that photo is super popular and has been used on about 8 (eight) more covers.

When I saw the last beautiful rendition of this photo I wanted to cry. Yes, it was beautiful, but my cover could now be mistaken for a good half dozen other books. What was I going to do? I decided I needed to commission Kim to make another cover but this time I bought all rights to the photo. Unfortunately, although Kim created a lovely cover for me, it wasn’t as good as the one I have and there was no way I would replace my current cover unless the new cover was either as good or better.

So I tried once again to get another cover made and that didn’t even make it off the floor. I swear, I wanted to cry. What was I going to do? So then a fan emailed me to kindly let me know she’d seen my photo on another cover. I thanked her and told her that I intended to have a new cover made. She pleaded with me to please think about changing it because she loves the current cover. To her, the couple on the cover is Alex and Charlotte and she suggested I open up the question to my readers. So today, that’s what I’m doing. The question is simple: do I commission someone to create a new cover for the third time or do I keep the cover I have with the firm knowledge, it won’t be unique?

Help me make the right choice. I think I’m too close to the issue and I trust your collective judgement.

“When was he born?” he asked quietly, bracing his hands on the pillow at the sides of her face as he closed the gap between them. “And this time I want the truth.” His tone held a warning note.

As if the truth was alien to her tongue, Charlotte started to speak several times before the word finally emerged breathless and broken. “February.”

Alex said nothing for several seconds, just held her captive in his flat, empty stare before lowering his head until his mouth brushed the lobe of her right ear. “See, that wasn’t so hard was it?” 

~ AN HEIR OF DECEPTION
    Coming Spring 2012 

A random commenter will receive a $10 eGift Certificate.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. KING

“ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL”

“I HAVE A DREAM”

Avon Books has created a quick, 10-minute survey asking readers their reading habits—how they find and buy their books, how they engage with authors, publishers, and other readers online, what they like about romance novels specifically, at what price point they will buy who and what etc. Please take a little time out of your day (or weekend) and offer your valuable input.   Here’s the link to the survey, which can be found on Avon’s  Facebook page.