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I thought today, as we’re going into the Labour Day weekend, I would give away a sample of each genre (except for Mystery because unfortunately I don’t have one to give) featured on the website. Comment to enter to win. I’m off to make my word count for the day (which is why the post is so short) 
**Click the cover for blurb, reviews, book trailer and buy links
Click to pre-order from Amazon
I decided it would be fun to move the Book Club to the blog. The thought is, it will get more readers participating if they don’t have to belong to a forum. At least, that’s my hope. Usually, I would have visitors vote and choose from about 8-10 releases. For September, I’m just going to choose because it’s a book I really want to read, and really want to know everyone’s opinion.
It won’t come as a huge surprise (given Friday’s post) that the September Book Club Pick is Zoë Archer’s WARRIOR. For all those who want to participate, the book officially releases Sept 7th and you’ll have one month to read. On October 5th, I will post the discussion on the blog. To have your comments included in the post, please email me at contact at theseasonforromance dot com at least 2 days prior to posting date. Of course, you can also wait until October 5th and add your thoughts in the comment section. I’ll also have a random drawing and 2 (two) participants will receive 2 (two) books each from the new crop of October releases.
I hope everyone will join me and take this trip with me to Mongolia!
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.
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.
Today, on top of the 150+ books, I’m giving away this week, I’m giving away both print books and eGalleys.
I’ll give you the print books first. 
To her surprise, Lady Mallory Byron finds herself walking down the aisle with the last man she ever expected to ask for her hand.
Everyone knows the Byron brothers are “mad, bad, and dangerous.” Now their sister shockingly discovers she’s the newest talk of the Ton when she marries the scandalous Earl of Gresham. Faced with a tragic loss, she’d sought comfort from him as a family friend. But soon consolation turned to passion, scandal––and a wedding! In the bridal bed, she finds pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. But can nights of wicked delight change friendship into true love?
Charming rakehell Adam, Earl of Gresham, has secretly loved Mallory for years. He lost her once to another man, but now he has a second chance to win her love––and plans to do so by any means necessary. Will Mallory’s heart give him what he so dearly desires? Or is the past too much to overcome?
~*~*~
Former FBI Special Agent Sloane Burbank is finally ready to take the next step in her relationship with her former colleague Derek Parker. The couple has already survived hardship, from breaking up to outwitting a crazed killer targeting Sloane. This second chance at love and happiness seems like a dream come true. But nothing is that easy.
Sloane’s father witnessed a crime over a decade ago that has come back to haunt him – and his family. After a vicious attack at the Burbank home, Sloane faces a tough decision: betray her father’s secret, or withhold vital information from him, especially when it impacts his job.until he is faced with the same tough choice.
Though they love each other deeply, can this couple who’s faced so much overcome this ultimate test of trust – and will they stay alive long enough to find the answer?
~*~*~
Legend has it that Armand Argeneau is a killer in the bedroom . . .
But with all three of his late wives meeting unfortunate and untimely ends, is this sexy immortal a lover or a murderer? That’s what Eshe d’Aureus intends to find out. As an enforcer, it’s her job to bring rogue vampires to justice, even if the rogue in question makes her blood race red hot.
Armand knew she was trouble the moment Eshe roared into town on her motorcycle, clad in tight black leather. She claims she’s hiding from dangerous fiends, though he suspects something more. But after three wives who’ve all had trouble remaining, well, undead, Armand is reluctant to open his heart again. Then strange accidents start to happen, each deadlier than the last, and Armand realizes he may not have much time to prove he’s a lover, not a slayer.
~**~**~
Indeed, you’re also going to get another chance to win eGalleys for 3 fabulous Avon October releases.
They call him Lord Lightning…for his shocking behavior. An unrepentant rogue with a wicked reputation, his outrageous conduct ensures no woman will get close enough to hurt him.
But demure and lovely astrologer Eliza Farrell casts a chart that tells her Lord Hartwood is capable of great, passionate love. When Hartwood indulges in one of this famous pranks and invites Eliza to become his new mistress, the virginal country miss must meet her fate armed only with her knowledge that the cynical lord will become the tender lover she sees predicted in the stars.
Though Eliza is nothing like the brazen strumpets he prefers the seemingly incorruptible seer excites Lord Lightning much more than the hard, calculating women he is accustomed to. Eliza’s trusting spirit and quick mind touch his cold heart-and when the bewitching innocent surprisingly agrees to be seen on his arm, neither can predict the sparks that fly between them–or resist the electric passion that threatens to transform them both.
*~**~*
Diana Fanshawe has always wanted to be a duchess. She uses Sebastian Iverley to get to his ducal cousin, but finds she cannot forget the brilliant, unconventional viscount and his sizzling kiss.
Sebastian Iverley has no time for women until he meets the beautiful Diana. When he learns she is trifling with him, the scholarly bookworm studies what it takes to please a lady. He initiates a game of seduction and revenge that can only end in disaster … or true love.
*~**~*
Elinor thought it would very simple to marry a duke, until she found them in short supply
Elinor Sterling is the second Standon widow ready to make the leap back into matrimony–but for her it is a different situation. Forcing her hand is her step-father who is threatening to take away her younger sister, and so it is up to Elinor to find a powerful husband to send this troublemaker packing–in other words, she needs a duke.
But what she discovers is that dukes are in very short supply so she hires solicitor James St. Maur to track down the most likely candidate. But the man she’s hired isn’t quite what he appears to be, and all too soon Elinor finds herself mad about the most unlikeliest of heroes.
Comment to enter to win either the print books–all 3 of them–or the eGalley for the October historical releases. Commenting will also double your chance to win 5 books from Friday’s selection of The Season One Year Anniversary Giveaway.
Today’s Question:
What specific sub-genre is Meljean’s Brooks’ novella Here There Be Monsters in the BURNING UP anthology?
Email your answer to contests at theseasonforromance dot com. Please include your first and last name.
**Hint: Answer can be found in the pop up review on the website. Double quotes around the search string helps limit the results.
Check out books 21, 22 and 23!
FORBIDDEN LOVE
Davina Montgomery is no ordinary English lady. For her own protection, she’s been locked away from society, her true identity the Crown’s most closely guarded secret. Until a shocking betrayal—and a bold rescue—land her in the arms of a fierce Highlander, a powerful warrior whose searing gaze and tantalizing touch awaken her body and soul.
UNDENIABLE DESIRE
As the firstborn son of a powerful Scottish laird, Robert MacGregor has no loyalty to the English throne, but he’s not the kind of man to leave a woman in distress, even if she is English. He vows to deliver Davina to safety, unharmed and untouched. Yet one stolen kiss leaves them both smoldering with desire… and desperate for more. With Davina’s secret threatening to destroy his clan, Rob must choose between everything he holds dear and the one woman he can’t live without.
~*~*~
The most combative—and tormented—of all the Ferals, Jag is a predator who hunts alone—until daemons terrorize the human population. To stop them, he partners with Olivia, a flame-haired Therian temptress as strong as she is beautiful. But Olivia is no ordinary immortal. The survivor of a vicious supernatural attack, she possesses a deadly and forbidden skill—one that must remain hidden, especially from the powerful Feral Warriors.
As Jag and Olivia’s sensual dance of dominance and seduction gets wilder and hotter, a dark force sets its sights on Olivia, threatening to destroy everything she has vowed to protect. And the only one who can save her soul is the arrogant jaguar shifter she lusts for but dares not love.
~*~*~
Emma Davenport was going to be a bride, and no one was going to stop her, not even an outlaw. Bound for a forbidden marriage, her scheme shatters when she is abducted and spirited away to a remote hideout. Any proper young woman would be frightened out of her wits, but she challenges her daring, seductive captor at every turn.
Major Jack Travis was used to the battlefield, not stealing spoiled, sheltered women from trains, but his orders have come from one of the most powerful men in Washington. The by-the-book soldier never doubted his ability to carry out orders until he laid eyes on Emma. His captive is intelligent, headstrong, beautiful – and forbidden. He risks his neck to protect her from the treacherous rake she’d planned to marry. But how can he protect her from himself?
Taken By Moonlight
Author: Dorothy McFalls
Publisher: Cobblestone Press
Pub. Date: May 25, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1600885440
Retail: $3.99
58 pagesBored of society’s ballrooms and events, Lady Amelia wants more from life. But not to be kidnapped! A rogue with a wildness that both frightens and excites her steals her away from the only family she’s ever known and tosses her into a world of werewolves and danger.
Dimitri, a lone wolf who plays by his own rules, agreed to capture Lia and bring her to back to his former wolf pack. According to his sister, Lia is the pack’s last hope for survival. But once Dimitri has her, will he be able to let this beguiling she-wolf go?
~*~*~
Dorothy McFalls has crafted a suspenseful Regency paranormal novella that will keep you turning the pages until the end.
Dimitri, Lord Carew, is the new catch of the London season—but everything about him contains an air of mystery, from the manner he came by his title to his sensuous, dark looks and strange accent.
Lady Amelia Routledge is tired of senseless admirers and yearns to fill a powerful restlessness in her that cannot be named.
At a ball, she locks eyes with the enigmatic Carew and soon finds herself in the garden kissing him—and compromised.
But bad goes to worse when she is kidnapped and taken to be the mate of the alpha wolf of Dimitri’s pack—a wild, untamed wolf who wants to mate with her and possess her by brute force, because according to prophecy, only she can save the pack.
Dimitri is a lone wolf/man who must obey his leader unquestionably or pay with his life. But what will he do if his feelings for Lia get in the way? And what will happen if the only way he can save her from the alpha is to possess her himself?
Why does the pack want Lia? What is the strange restlessness that drives her?
McFalls has created a page-turning story that seamlessly blends the Regency world with paranormal elements. The dark, paranormal world she builds in this short time is filled with authentic Regency details. The characters are well drawn. But be forewarned—the story is billed as erotic and heats up quickly! I thought this was a really fun read!
Rating: 8.5 (Very Very Good)
Heat-Level: 6 (Erotic)
Forbidden Passion
Author: Rita Herron
Publisher: Grand Central
Pub. Date: April 1, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0446199490
Retail: $6.99
352 pagesSHE SEES HIM IN HER DREAMS…
Fueled by her family’s murder years ago, Dr. Marlena Bender has devoted her life to understanding violent criminals. But when a serial killer in this small Southern town starts taking the lives of women in diabolical ways–leaving trophies of his kills on Marlena’s doorstep–it all hits too close to home. Terrified, Marlena turns to the only man she can trust…the man who saved her life.
BUT HIS SECRET IS HER WORST NIGHTMARE.
Sheriff Dante Valtrez would move heaven and earth to keep Marlena safe, but he’s not the savior she thinks he is. A dark legacy runs through his blood and a dangerous secret lies within him. Now a fierce, hot, ruthless desire draws Dante and Marlena together–as a demonic force from his past threatens to rip them apart, destroying everything they hold dear.
~*~*~
Action-packed, exciting and sexy…Rita Herron continues her Demonborn series with a compelling story of a demon walking the fine line of good and evil who finds his soul mate in Forbidden Passion.
Forbidden Passion is book three in Herron’s Demonborn series. While the characters from book one and two are mentioned in this book, their stories do not have to be read to enjoy this novel. It could very easily be considered a stand alone book. This is not an ongoing battle against the same villain that uses the same characters in each story. This is a series that focuses on each brother’s battle with his evil side and how the women in their lives help them win that battle. Our main character in Forbidden Passion is Dante, who has been an outsider from his demon family since he refused to kill our heroine, Marlena, years ago.
This book follows his quest to protect her years later, as his evil family rises up to draw Dante back to the dark side. He struggles against his evil father and at the same time, discovers the family he never knew he had who are working on the side of good. Dante and Marlena fight against everything trying to push them together; their bond, their history and their passion. Are both of them so damaged from events in their past, they can never find the courage to love again?
Herrron takes paranormal to a different arena, which is something completely refreshing. Most paranormal series can or will take place in a large city with multiple characters whereas this novel has the feeling of a small quiet town and focuses on the two main characters. There are other characters introduced along the way, but they don’t deter the story from its main focus and still makes it all flow very nicely.
Dante and Marlena have a relationship that begins more on instinct rather than feeling. It’s easily described as something along the lines of love at first sight. The action moves so fast in this story they hardly have time to sit down and communicate what’s going on between them, so its develops more by their physical attraction to each other. As in most cases, they have personal baggage that is holding them back, but as the story develops, they find it’s becoming harder and harder to resist one another:
He swallowed again, disturbed by his reaction to her. The slow burn of arousal heated his blood. Her scent enveloped him, the scent of an animal on the prowl recognizing its mate.
He’d never expected Marlena to make him feel like this, to have this instant attraction to her. This dark…lust.
This damn need…
This novel moves very fast, which leads to the one and only complaint with the story; it moves too fast. As a reader, some areas lacked the proper description to create an emotional involvement in what was happening in the story and with the characters. So much happened so quickly, it was hard to process everything that was going on and the character development suffered for it. Overall though, it was a fun exciting read, with quite a few surprises along the way.
Rating: 7 (Good )
Heat-Level: 3 (Sensual)
Dane: Lords of Satyr
Author: Elizabeth Amber
Publisher: Aphrodisia/Kensington
Pub. Date: June 1, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0758241283
Retail: $14.00
256 pagesAs he searches for his missing brother in 1880s Rome, the arrogant Lord Dane Satyr wrestles with his fiery inner demon, Dante. Dane has little patience for the ElseWorld Council’s insistence that he must take a human wife to safeguard his ancestral lands.
Eva, a beautiful social climber with a gift for matchmaking, is determined to throw her humble beginnings in the faces of an Italian society that once scorned her mother. She schemes to wed a human from among their ranks. But she is far from human herself. And if Dane, his brothers, her best friend, or anyone learns what she truly is, all hell will break loose.
When Dane and Eva first meet, they are consumed by intense needs they cannot satisfy alone. Can their scorching passion and growing love for one another overcome the dangers that keep them apart?
~*~*~
A childhood mystery and secrets abound in this super, sexy story with memorable characters that leaves readers excited for the next installment.
This is the fifth book in Elizabeth Amber’s sexy series of creatures from the ElseWorld that act as protectors to the secrets of their kind along the vineyards of 1880′s Italy. The Lords of Satyr in this book consist of Dane who came to the area in search of his missing brother Lucien, and his other brothers, Bastian and Sevin, who are helping him with the search. The brothers are popular in society but have secrets if discovered could lead to their death. They are creatures called Satyrs, who on every Moonful must give in to their baser nature in an attempt to find a mate.
On one such Moonful, Dane comes across a woman who makes him feel things he’s never felt before. He longs to see her again, but he first has a mission to complete. He’s illegally left the military to find his brother, Luc, who’s been missing for ten years. Dane and he were kidnapped as children, but Dane escaped after a year of brutality unable to help his brother. Dane has no memory of that time and as a coping mechanism, he is left with two other personalities, Dante and Daniel, who struggle for dominance throughout the story. In order to remain in town legally, the ElseWorld Council tells Dane to wed and breed children to protect his family’s place in society and thus all ElseKind’s secrets. To do that, he’s sent to matchmaker Evangeline Delacorte who has secrets of her own.
Eva has longed to reconnect with the mystery man who made her heart and body melt on the last Moonful and is extremely surprised to find he’s her latest client. Their meeting is again combustible, and even though Eva knows that being around him could be dangerous to keeping her own secrets, she agrees to help him find a wife. Eva too has a mission, that of finding her birth father to shed light on why she’s the way she is. She also swore to her mother that she’d marry a man of wealth and not someone who’d abandon her with nothing. So while showing Dane prospective wives, she sets her sights on her best friend’s brother Gaetano. As they work to find their prospective mates, they grow closer and closer to unlocking the secrets in Dane’s mind. Secrets that bring their enemies closer and ultimately leads to a disturbing reveal that affects entire families and leaves the reader clamoring for more.
This is a very steamy read with strong-willed characters and an intriguing mystery. The villains are truly vile and their cruelty is cringe-worthy. The story is fast-paced and has your heart pumping during the final chapters. The ending promises more to come by leaving some very interesting questions unanswered and with three handsome brothers still to tell their own story, you’ll definitely want to pick up the next Lords of Satyr book.
Rating: 8 (Very Good)
Heat-Level: 6 (Erotic)
The winners of Jaime Rush’s TOUCHING DARKNESS are…
Carol L.
Louisa Cornell
Donna S.
Congrats, ladies! Please email your contact information to me at historicals at historicalromancereleases dot com. You have one week to claim your book.
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