by Madison

Romance readers do devour books. I’m one of them. I would read on my lunch hour, on the subway and bus coming home from work, even at my doctor’s office waiting for an appointment. But, usually engrossed in my book, somebody would glance over and inevitably ask me that familiar question, while breaking their neck trying to look at the cover. I usually with some embarrassment would mumble a lie, or even sometime pretend that I didn’t hear them. Most of the time I had the cover folded over so prying eyes couldn’t see. The few times I did answer honestly or actually let them look at the cover, I would see the veil of judgment slide down their face. I quite frankly just didn’t want the hassle of trying to explain. I could hear the question, why this articulate well educated person was reading those trashy books? I even was ashamed to let my boyfriend know what I was reading. Granted this was when I was in my early twenties, and I don’t know if women are still doing the same thing, but I could have sure used e-books back then.

What has been your experience? Are romance books a guilty pleasure for your eyes only? If they are, have e-books helped you become a guilt free reader? Comment and enter to win an advance copy of ALONG CAME A DUKE by Elizabeth Boyle or A BLOOD SEDUCTION by Pamela Palmer. 

In a word, yes. Mine certainly was. My romance role models in childhood were not the best. My parents have a very volatile marriage and I never felt they loved each other; just stayed together out of obligation. I discovered romance novels when I was 12, and between them and romantic movies I would say my views of love slanted toward a one man for me, view. For that reason, I was very picky about what kind of guy I liked and or dated. As you can imagine I didn’t date much…lol. My standards for relationships had increased tenfold, thanks to romance novels, and I wasn’t going to waste my time with anyone who didn’t at least meet those standards. If you weren’t ready to talk about marriage or weren’t interested in marriage I didn’t want to waste my time. What is ironic when I finally picked someone they weren’t marriage material; quite the opposite in fact. Maybe I got tired of waiting and went for the opposite of what I really wanted. I think for me it was the age I started reading romance novel; I was on the cusp of dating/puberty. Maybe if I started reading them at a later age I might be telling a different story.

What about you? What kind of influence did romance books have on your perception? Comment and enter to win an advance copy of Julia Quinn’s A NIGHT LIKE THIS.

Hello and Good Morning Season readers. I would like to start by thanking all who came by and welcomed me into your group yesterday, as well as answered or replied to my question. The drawing will be held on Friday, so make sure you stop by to see if you’ve won!

I was going through my endless books of one of my favorite romance novelist, Janet Dailey. I stumbled onto a somewhat memorable tittle called, LEFTOVER LOVE. Why did this particular tittle stand out? The hero was, butt ugly! Of course this book first came out in 1984; I hope I’m not dating myself…lol. I digress. It really was a great book, but I do remember being a little uncomfortable with the fact that the hero was, not plain, but ugly. I think it was because it was Janet Dailey that I continued and read the whole book. Now, fast forward to 2012, I’m not sure that an ugly hero would fly in this day and age. With provocative covers and slick marketing I’m not sure if an ugly hero has a place in this millennium of romance novels. What do you think, would you pick up a book knowing the hero was ugly?

Comment to enter to win Maggie Robinson’s MASTER OF SIN and Zoë  Archer’s DEMON’S BRIDE. 

by Jodi Thomas

On April 3, 2012, my new story JUST DOWN THE ROAD was released.  I was walking the floor waiting for the birth of this book because I feel like it’s the best I’ve ever written.  A friend of mine commented that, over the last 36 books, I’ve said that a few times before, and I probably have, but I work to make each one better and this one shines.

For those readers who love stories that wrap around your heart, you’ll love this one.  It’s about the people of a small town who, though they think they live private lives also interact and change those around them.  I’ve really never thought of the people in my books as characters, for me they are people, as real in my mind as my neighbors.  They are wise and foolish, and loving…and unforgettable.

I think I fell in love with Tinch Turner when I first met him sitting outside the emergency room waiting to make sure all the guys he just beat up were going home with little more than bruised egos.  He’s the kind of guy Addison Spencer, the new town doctor, sees as tall, lean, walking trouble.  She thinks she wants nothing to do with him until she catches a glimpse of Tinch through his four year old nephew’s eyes.

JUST DOWN THE ROAD is about letting go of the past and stepping into new beginnings. It’s about learning to recognize what’s important in life. What lies closest to your heart. The stories in this little town blend together as the people touch each others’ lives and I think when the reader finishes, they’ll be surprised how much my characters have grown to matter to them.

When Tinch Turner lost his wife, he gave up on living. Now he spends his nights brooding, boozing and brawl-ing. When one of his escapades lands him in the ER, he finds himself staring up at the beautiful new doctor in town. For the first time in years, he feels a spark, but Addison Spencer wants nothing to do with the unruly rancher—or any man for that matter. She’s only in Harmony four months, long enough for the trouble she left behind to be over. But then a vulnerable little boy barrels into both of their lives, forcing them out of the past —and into a future where love is just down the road…

JUST DOWN THE ROAD
Sell date: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Berkley
ISBN: 978-0425246924
Retail price: USA $ 7.99

I hope everyone will walk into Harmony with me, stop off at the diner and stay a while.  You might just feel right at home.

Enjoy my newest story, 

Jodi Thomas

Comment and enter to win an autographed copy!
**U.S. Residents only

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by Miranda Neville

It seems like an age since I blogged at The Season for Romance about The Wild Marquis, the first book in the Burgundy Club series. Now, just over two years later, the fourth and final book is out.  Minerva and Blake, the couple in Confessions from an Arranged Marriage, weren’t even a gleam in my eye when I conceived the Burgundy Club. They appeared as secondary characters in book 2, The Dangerous Viscount, and instantly struck sparks, though not in a particularly good way. So naturally I decided they were made for each other and set out to figure out why!

I’m sad saying goodbye to a group of characters I’ve lived with so long, but I was also ready to make the break. I’m now happily involved with a new group of a hot men and strong women whom I hope readers will love as much as I do.

Some series end, some don’t, and some should. Leaving aside books, I thought of Star Wars. I love the “first” trilogy. I’ve seen each of those movies a dozen times and always have a blast. I’m sitting at my computer now and savoring some favorite moments: the bar scene; the collapsing garbage dump; Leia telling Luke he’s awfully short for a star trooper; just about any scene with Yoda in it; Han frozen in a block of carbon (sob). And, for us romance aficionados, Han Solo and Princess Leia as the ultimate bantering couple.

And then they had to go and ruin it. That prequel trilogy was an abomination that I’d like to erase from my memory cells. (Except for Yoda fighting, which was awesome.)  George Lucas just didn’t know when to say no.

What do you think about series? Do you prefer long or short ones? Or, if you prefer, you can just tell me your favorite bit from Star Wars. One commenter will win the first three Burgundy Club books: The Wild Marquis, The Dangerous Viscount, and The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton. (Sorry, due to postage costs this drawing is open to US residents only).

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!

by Kate Noble

Have you ever had a crush?  Well, of course you have, we are all human.  And I’m willing to bet that the crush that you remember most fondly is that first crush. The one that woke you up to the possibilities of romance and adventure.  The one that had you practicing kissing on your pillow.  For me, it was Indiana Jones.  For Sarah Forrester, it was the Blue Raven.

The Blue Raven is the infamous, anonymous British spy – one whose exploits in the Peninsular Wars were turned into adventure stories in the newspaper.  Which, thusly, turned the Blue Raven into a legend.

And Miss Sarah Forrester is madly in love with him.  Or at least, she was when she was a girl.  Nowadays, Sarah is the leading light of the ton.  After she was cruelly dumped by her Duke ex-fiance, she reinvented herself as the Golden Lady – the sparkling, shining leader of all things fashionable.  A creature very far removed from the sweet, kind girl who had played pirates with her sisters and mooned over the Blue Raven – or is she?

When Lieutenant Jackson Fletcher returns home from his time at sea, he is shocked to find that his childhood friend Sarah has turned into this cruel, cutting creature of society.  It seems as if only he can see beyond the façade to the pain that created it.  But just how is he supposed to go about bringing the happy, selfless Sarah Forrester back out from hiding?  After all, nothing seems to pique her interest… nothing that is, except for when Jackson, at the end of his tether, pretends to be the Blue Raven.

Too bad the real Blue Raven doesn’t find the disguise all that funny.

If I Fall is a tale of friends who become enemies, lovers who don’t know they’re in love, secret identities, intrigue, mute Burmese aristocrats, mysterious paintings, murder, and finding the one who will be there to catch you when you fall.  No matter what.

Not bad for a first crush, eh?

If I Fall

Every great romance comes with a risk…

After a duke’s betrayal, the resilient Sarah Forrester reinvents herself as the Golden Lady: society’s leading light, the beautiful and witty life of the party. It’s all a façade of course-one that protects her from another intimate disloyalty. When her old friend, Lieutenant Jackson Fletcher, returns to London, he is determined to rediscover the true and trusting Sarah he once knew. It’ll take more than a kiss and a promise. It might even call for an innocent and necessary deception.

Then Jackson is enlisted to help capture the lead suspect in a murder— a man who happens to be Sarah’s most ardent suitor. Jack must continue the deception, and weathering this newest and gravest betrayal will be Sarah’s ultimate test. But as Jack’s passion for her grows, he must also reveal his own secrets. And as the killer turns his attention to his pursuers, more than love and trust is put at risk.

So tell me about your first crush!  Leave a comment below and we’ll chose one lucky winner to receive an autographed copy of IF I FALL!

by Maggie Robinson

Bev, thanks so much for having me back again to discuss the last book in the Courtesan Court series, Master of Sin! I’ve moved off Jane Street with this one—very far off. The story is set on a remote island in the Sea of the Hebrides off the coast of Scotland. There are no expensive mistresses around, just sheep and seagulls and Gaelic-speaking fishermen. How did sophisticated sinner Andrew wind up there?

You met Andrew in Mistress by Marriage—he was as far from hero material as could possibly be. He was Caroline Christie’s unhappy past, and his own amoral present. As the back cover of the book says: “Andrew Rossiter has used his gorgeous body and angelic face for all they’re worth – shocking the proper, seducing the willing, and pleasuring the wealthy.” But all that changes when his secret son’s life is threatened. Andrew has to rise to the occasion and find the man he was always meant to be.

He thinks if he can hide, he can protect his child. But he can’t hide and protect himself from Gemma Peartree, the unusual governess that Edward Christie has hired to help him. She teaches him the one thing he’s never known—love.

Gemma believes in destiny, and her duty to see that Andrew’s soul is saved…one kiss at a time. Here’s an excerpt:

Fate had not been kind to him thus far. But she was here now.

He had been saved for her, but she didn’t dare tell him that. He would think her quite mad, but she was a big believer in Fate. Her mother had often said things happen for a reason, even if the reason was not immediately apparent or seemed hopelessly wrong. It had been Fate that caused her to see the London List advertisement for a governess buried amongst the others, Fate that brought her to this isolated island splendor, Fate that had her standing trembling with nerves and cold by the side of Andrew’s bed.

Redeeming Andrew was not an easy job for Gemma or me, LOL. But I hope readers will enjoy his journey to a much-deserved happily-ever-after.

Do you believe in Fate like Gemma does? Do all things happen for a reason, or is life just a compilation of random events? I’ve got a signed copy of Master of Sin for one commenter!

Comment to enter to win a copy of THE HAUNTING OF MADDY CLARE and please welcome Simone St. James (a fellow Canadian) to the blog. I’m also going to throw in the second season of Downton Abbey–love it, have it, watch it often; can’t wait until third season.

~*~*~

Why the 1920′s?

Having set my gothic historical ghost story romance, The Haunting of Maddy Clare, in 1920s England, I sometimes get the question asked – why set my story in the 1920s? What is it about that era that readers should be interested in?

A lot! I think the popularity of Downton Abbey speaks for itself – though the first seasons were set in the pre-World War I and World War I years, it’s easy to see the appeal of the early 20^th century for today’s audience.

First – it’s modern, but not too modern. We recognize a world with radios, cars, and telephones, but we can still be swept away to an era in without relentless cell phones, video games, airport security, traffic jams, and blaring TV’s. (Personally, I read historicals just to get away from these things!)

Second – the clothes. Dresses, heels, and stockings for women, topped with gorgeous cloche hats. Spunky bobbed hairdos, dark eyes, and bright lipstick. For men – oh my. Who can resist a man in a suit and hat? Yum.

Third – The role of women in society. Times were changing, and with all the men away at war, more women worked for a living. With so many men who never came home, thousands of women were left single or widowed, supporting themselves, sometimes with children. Women got the vote, learned to be independent, and built careers – a great opportunity to create heroines.

Fourth – Did I mention the clothes?

Fifth – The aftermath of the Great War. The war had a far-reaching effect on almost every aspect of society. An entire generation of men – the ones who came home at all, that is – was left with injuries both physical and psychological, and terrible memories that none of them could ever speak of. The women who loved these heroes were just as brave. Courage, heroism, cowardice, fear, and sacrifice – it’s a deep, rewarding well for any writer or reader to jump into.

I love this era, and it’s been wonderful to see Downtown Abbey bring it to the forefront, helping lots of other people discover it too. Here’s hoping for lots more early twentieth century settings!

About the Author:

Simone St. James wrote her first ghost story, about a haunted library, when she was in high school.  Unaware that real people actually became writers, she pursued a career behind the scenes in the television business. She now writes in her off hours and lives with her husband just outside Toronto, Canada.  To learn more about the author, visit her website at www.simonestjames.com.

Debut author Leigh LaValle is making a splash with THE RUNAWAY COUNTESS. Please welcome her warmly to the blog and comment to enter to win her fabulous debut!

“A powerful debut. With THE RUNAWAY COUNTESS, Leigh LaValle weaves an enthralling tale of passion and deception, laced with charm and wit. Leigh LaValle is a captivating new voice in historical romance.”
-Tessa Dare USA TODAY Bestselling Author

“THE RUNAWAY COUNTESS is an enchanting debut, full of passion, angst, danger, and the promise of true love.”
-Courtney Milan NYT Bestselling Author

“LaValle’s debut is exciting and action packed, with a hero and heroine who play well off each other.”
-RT Book Reviews 4 stars

Making Merry on Midsummer’s Eve by Leigh LaValle

Spring is in the air! As the sun shines brighter and the temperatures rise, I feel my blood stirring. Summertime, with her vibrant, sweaty nights, is coming soon. I love every season, but I find summer by far the sexiest. Indeed, I set my debut novel, THE RUNAWAY COUNTESS, during the hot, sultry summer of 1821.

Summer brings long days spent out-of-doors, succulent berries fresh from the garden, and boisterous open air festivals. The most popular summertime festival in Europe is the lover’s holiday of Midsummer’s Eve. Celebrated on the solstice, Midsummer’s Eve is a pre-Christian holiday with strong ties to fertility rituals. (You can see where I am going with this )

On Midsummer’s Day, revelers came together in an open field to celebrate. Flowers were gathered for decoration, participants engaged in games and activities (such as dancing around a maypole or competing in footraces) and villagers hawked their wares to other villagers.

But, it was as the sun set for the shortest night of the year that the true celebrations began. Under the light of the June moon (called the Honey Moon due to harvesting honey from the bees) inhibitions were cast aside and revelry echoed through the sultry night air.

Bonfires were lit and villagers leapt over the flames for luck. Musicians tuned their instruments and a procession of merrymakers, often dressed in costume, wandered through the festivities carrying lanterns. Wheels were set aflame and tossed into the air or sent rolling down hillsides.

To add to the allure of the night, courting couples were encouraged to wander into the woods. Together, they would look for faeries and pixies, and gather the herbs thought to be most potent on Midsummer’s Eve. Indeed, many couples would stroll off and not return for quite some time. (And, I should guess, without any herbs in hand or pixie sightings to report.)

A night for lovers, divination spells also existed on Midsummers Eve. A woman might glimpse her next lover by dipping cloth in rose water and letting it dry before the fire with salt. (The more I research the more I think spells were not needed to see one’s lover at all ) Or, a man might go to a churchyard with his sword and, turning nine times, recite “Here’s the sword; where’s the sheath?” Subtle, isn’t it?

I had a lot of fun researching the Midsummer’s Eve festival, and used many of the traditions in THE RUNAWAY COUNTESS. I added a pond for skinny dipping and hero and heroine who have been sparking off each other for weeks. Voila- a night is created full of mischief and romance. A night the hero and heroine will never forget.

Tell me, Dear Reader, which season do you find the sexiest? Do you love cozy winter nights? The awakening of spring? One lucky commenter will win a digital copy of THE RUNAWAY COUNTESS!

Blurb:  THE RUNAWAY COUNTESS

Once the darling of high society, Mazie Chetwyn knows firsthand how quickly the rich and powerful turn their backs on the less fortunate. Orphaned, penniless and determined to defy their ruthless whims, she joins forces with a local highwayman who steals from the rich to give to the poor.

Then the pawn broker snitches, and Mazie is captured by the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire. A man who is far too handsome, far too observant…and surely as corrupt as his father once was.

Sensible, rule-driven Trent Carthwick, twelfth Earl of Radford, is certain the threat of the gallows will prompt the villagers’ beloved Angel of Kindness to reveal the highwayman’s identity. But his bewitching captive volunteers nothing—except a sultry, bewildering kiss.

And so the games begin. Trent feints, Mazie parries. He threatens, she pretends nonchalance. He cajoles, she rebuffs. Thwarted at every turn, Trent probes deep into her one vulnerability—her past. There he finds the leverage he needs and a searing truth that challenges all he believes about right and wrong.

 Buy links: Amazon ~ B&N ~ Samhain ~ iBookstore