M&B on the BBC!

Huge thanks to Liz Fielding for passing along the following:


TIME SHIFT: HOW TO WRITE A MILLS & BOON
Sunday 2nd Nov, BBC4 at 8pm

What happens when a literary novelist tries to write popular romantic fiction? To mark 100 years of romance publishers Mills & Boon, author Stella Duffy takes on the challenge of writing for them. Romantic fiction is a global phenomenon, and Mills & Boon are among the biggest names in the business. The company welcomes submissions from new authors - but as Stella soon finds out, writing a Mills & Boon is harder than it looks. Help is at hand from the publishers themselves, a prolific Mills & Boon author and some avid romance fans, as Stella's quest to create the perfect Mills & Boon takes her from London to Italy. It's a revealing journey that's not only an insight into the art of romantic fiction, but also the joy and frustration of writing itself.


Consuming Passion – 100 Years Of Mills & Boon
Sunday 2 November, 9.00-10.30pm BBC FOUR

Funny, moving and very raunchy, Consuming Passion – 100 Years Of Mills & Boon, written by Emma Frost (Shameless), is a one-off drama that provides an insight into the world of romantic fiction, seen through the publishing phenomenon of Mills & Boon. They are two names synonymous with ripping bodices and one of the most recognisable and compelling genres in literature. So what is behind its phenomenal success?

Interweaving the stories of three very different women, Consuming Passion sheds light on the impact and influence the books have had on women's lives over the last century.

Tonight's first story, within the 90-minute drama, features Mary, wife of Charles Boon – the wheeler-dealer who co-founded the publishing imprint with his upright business partner and trusted friend Gerald Mills. Their decision to take a chance on the low-brow, high-romance genre proved to be so original and successful that it went on to alter the course of publishing history. Although Charles was brilliant at identifying the need for "romance" through literature in his publishing empire, he was less adept at identifying it at home. This story is inspired by the lives of the actual people behind the scenes.

Janet Bottomley is the heroine of tonight's second tale – an ordinary spinster devoted to her ailing mother at her own expense. Janet's life takes a U-turn when she meets a devastatingly handsome consultant, Dr Grant, who must operate on her mother. The meeting triggers Janet's fantastical yearning for romance and a comedy of errors ensues, changing her world for ever. This story is inspired by the real experience of many women in the Seventies, discovering their voices during a time of social and sexual revolution.

Finally, Kirstie's story brings the experience of Mills & Boon up to date. A university lecturer in literature and feminist studies, Kirstie is in a stagnating relationship with her partner, Nick. Thwarted, bored and frustrated, she is lecturing to students on romantic literature and its place within the literary canon when a sexy young stranger, Jack, enters her life.

Jodie Whittaker plays Mary, Daniel Mays plays Charles Boon, Patrick Kennedy plays Gerald Mills, Olivia Colman plays Janet, Patrick Baladi plays Dr Grant, Emilia Fox plays Kirstie, Nick Sidi plays Nick and OT Fagbenle plays Jack.

And the Romantic Novelists' Association take on the EGGHEADS on the Beeb on 4th November.

Foreign Releases for October

Here's a sampling of what's available in languages around the world this month!

In ITALY:

LA PRINCIPESSA SCALZA di CARA COLTER

APPUNTAMENTO A PALAZZO. Siete tutte invitate a un matrimonio da favola! Vi aspettiamo in una calda isola tropicale per celebrare delle incredibili nozze esotiche.

La principessa Shoshauna ha vissuto i suoi primi ventun anni nel massimo rispetto di tutte quelle regole che solo chi appartiene a una famiglia reale può capire. Improvvisamente, però, una minaccia alla sua persona la costringe a celare la regale identità, fingendosi una ragazza qualsiasi. Per Shoshauna è una rivelazione, si sente libera per la prima volta nella vita: può andare dove vuole, vestirsi come più le piace e trascorrere il tempo con Jake Ronan, chiamato a vegliare sulla sua incolumità. Visto che stare vicino a Jake le fa battere forte il cuore, sarà anche libera di sposarsi per amore?

In SWEDEN:

Tre böcker i en:

Lady Gabriellas hemliga liv av Liz Fielding

Den husliga adelsdamen lady Gabriella March är den perfekta förebilden och hennes krönikor inspirerar många läsare. I själva verket heter hon Ellie March och är en städare med författardrömmar. Inspirationen till krönikorna hämtar hon från det hus hon passar åt en bortrest professor.

Men när husägaren Ben Faulkner oväntat återvänder hem hotas Ellies nyvunna karriär. Och Faulkner är inte alls någon gammal tråkig akademiker utan ung, snygg och rolig. Nu har hon två goda skäl att stanna i huset. Det finns bara ett problem: Ben verkar vilja bli av med henne illa kvickt!

Oss vänner emellan av Lucy Monroe

Regel nr. 1: Inga kyssarRegel nr. 2: Inget sexGrant Cortez är inte direkt känd för att leva i celibat, men när det handlar om Zoe, hans bästa vän sedan barnsben, gäller andra regler. Inte ens en oskyldig kyss kan komma på fråga, för vänskapen får inte på något sätt riskeras. Men regeln mot kyssar bryter han snart, och det där med sex … Ja, det återstår att se!

Julens finaste gåva av Jennifer Taylor (åter i tryck)

Trots att hon själv inte har någon större erfarenhet av julfirande går Emma med på att hjälpa Daniel att göra julen minnesvärd för hans systerdotter. Daniels bedjande blickar går ju knappast att motstå och lilla Amy är en riktig sötnos. Det blir en tid av glädje och känslor – Emma inser snart att hon inte vill att deras tid tillsammans ska ta slut!

In PORTUGAL:

Quando se encontra o amor (Minissérie: As flechas de Cupido) por Susan Meier

Nem toda a gente procura o amor… mas e se o amor andar à procura das pessoas?

Surpreendentemente, Bel Capriotti decidiu casar-se com Drew Wallace, todavia, segundo alguns rumores que circulavam pela cidade, por causa da sua ex-mulher, Drew não via o casamento com bons olhos. Embora houvesse outros rumores que diziam que havia um bebé a caminho.

Mas o que toda a gente se perguntava era: porque é que de repente Drew reparara em Bel, que toda a vida estivera apaixonada por ele? Teria Bel conseguido finalmente fazer com que Drew se apaixonasse por ela? Ou estava a acontecer mais alguma coisa...?

In POLAND:

NA ETACIE ŻONY - JESSICA HART

Tyler jest człowiekiem sukcesu, jednak uważa, że gdyby założył rodzinę, jego status i wiarygodność jeszcze by na tym zyskały. Stać go na wynajęcie specjalisty, który znajdzie mu odpowiednią kandydatkę. Zleca to zadanie Mary, poznanej na przyjęciu samotnej matce, zajmującej się rekrutacją pracowników. W końcu bycie żoną to praca na pełnym etacie... Po kilku spotkaniach Mary uznaje, że Tyler żyje w sztucznym świecie, dlatego nie jest gotowy do założenia rodziny. Postanawia zaprosić go go pod swój dach, by przekonał się na własnej skórze, jak wygląda zwykłe, codzienne życie...

In FRANCE:

Un pari sur l'amour de Shirley Jump

Echaudée par l’échec de son premier mariage, Callie se méfie des hommes, et hésite à s’engager de nouveau. Jusqu’à ce qu’elle fasse la connaissance de Harry Faulkner, un chercheur aux allures de top model dont le charme sexy la séduit dès le premier regard. Très vite, les rendez-vous s'enchaînent et pourtant, Callie a l’impression que son compagnon, s'il se dit très amoureux, hésite à donner un tour plus sérieux à leur relation. Intriguée, elle cherche à en savoir plus et ne tarde pas à découvrir que leur rencontre ne doit rien au hasard, et que Harry s'est servi d'elle...

In SPAIN:

Atrapada en el pasado (TRAMA: AMNESIA) por Lucy Gordon

Jamás habría sospechado que aquella pobre inglesa sin memoria pudiera sacarlo de la oscuridad de su vida

Cuando el conde Pietro Bagnelli vio a aquella joven con su vieja maleta a la puerta de su palazzo italiano, supo al instante que debía ayudarla. Le había dado la espalda al mundo, pero no podía ignorar a aquella criatura empapada y abandonada.

Ruth había vuelto a Venecia para recuperar la memoria que había perdido, pero encontró un gran consuelo en aquel conde herido por la vida. Mientras el Carnaval invadía la ciudad, dentro del palazzo se desataba la pasión…

In the NETHERLANDS:

LIEFDE DE BAAS / ITALIAANSE BRUID
Door: JESSICA STEELE, REBECCA WINTERS

Liefde de baas

Liefde en werk gaan niet samen, vindt Taryn Webster, ook al is ze tot over haar oren verliefd op haar baas, de aantrekkelijke Jake Nash. Hij doet er alles aan om haar ook buiten het werk te ontmoeten. Om haar om zich heen te hebben, wringt hij zich in de raarste bochten. Maar zal het hem ook lukken haar ervan te overtuigen dat ze haar principes moet laten varen?

Italiaanse bruid

Ally Parker vertrekt naar Italië om vragen beantwoord te krijgen over het verleden van haar overleden man. Via Gino, hertog van Montefalco, hoopt ze de geheimen die haar teisteren te ontsluieren. Gino stelt echter iets heel anders voor: een huwelijk. Daarmee hoopt hij zijn familie en het familiekapitaal veilig te stellen. Ally staat in dubio, want intussen is ze van hem gaan houden. Maar hoe zit het met zíjn gevoelens

In GERMANY:

INSEL, AUS TRÄUMEN GEBORENvon: CAROL GRACE

Wird auf Hermapolis die Liebe neu erwachen? Hier, auf der traumhaft schönen Insel in der Ägäis, lagen sie einander das erste Mal in den Armen – und hier will Jack seine Frau Olivia zurückerobern! Seit zwei Jahren leben sie getrennt, aber es verging kein Tag, an dem er sich nicht nach ihr gesehnt hat. Und dann stehen sie gemeinsam am weißen Strand, eine warme Brise streichelt ihre Haut, und ihre Blicke versinken ineinander. Stürmisch erwidert Olivia seinen Kuss, doch plötzlich wendet sie sich ab – verzweifelt fragt Jack sich: Gibt sie unserem Glück keine zweite Chance?

Celebrate a Golden Milestone

This month is a very special month for one Harlequin Romance author. That's because award-winning author Jessica Hart is celebrating the release of her FIFTIETH book.

Jessica hosted a party for friends to celebrate and you can get a bit of an account and see pictures - including one of all fifty books lined up on her mantle - on her blog. And there are all sorts of guests and well wishers there, so do pop over and offer your congratulations! You might even have a chance to win something....

Now, let's get a taste of what number 50 is all about:

Last-Minute Proposal by Jessica Hart

Single city girl…

Cake-baker Tilly is taking part in a charity job-swap, and when she's paired with ex-military maverick Campbell Sanderson, they get off to a rather sticky start….

Rugged billionaire tycoon…

Campbell is all hard angles to Tilly's cozy curves. It's the winning that counts for him, and it's clear Tilly will need her hand held every step of the way….

Whirlwind wedding wish!

Despite himself, Campbell finds that something about Tilly always coaxes a smile. But he refuses to be tempted, no matter how bright and bubbly she is! That's before they share a showstopping kiss….

You can read a note from Jessica, reviews, and a cracking excerpt on her site.

Congratulations Jessica!

Do You Want to Write for Harlequin Romance?

The authors at Harlequin Romance think it's the best place in the world to be...writing heartfelt, emotional stories that pair classic themes with a contemporary feel.

The editors clearly think so too. The latest podcast at eharlequin is all about writing for the Romance line:

Editors Kimberly Young and Meg Lewis reveal the secrets to writing a Harlequin Romance. These are short, romantic reads with a lower sensuality level but contemporary and 100% relevant to today's woman.

If you're an aspiring author and want to see what makes a Harlequin Romance, just click on this link to be taken to the podcast page. It runs about 30 minutes and is chock full of great hints about writing for this fantastic line!

Spotlight in October - Ally Blake

This month our Spotlight shines on Harlequin Romance, and new Harlequin Presents author Ally Blake.

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

Everywhere. They come to me in the shower, watching the news, talking with friends, listening to music, going for a walk. The first idea can be the smallest thing; an image of a beautiful indoor pool, a couple locked in a building in the dark, a restaurant that makes you hand in your mobile phone to the cloak room, these ideas all gave me stories.

My current Harlequin Romance HIRED: THE BOSS’S BRIDE came about after I went to a fine art auction with a friend who had a painting for sale. It was very elegant, very cool, and lots of fun!

Writers often use photos of celebrities as "casting". Do you do this, and who has inspired some of your characters?

Since my very first book, since before I even knew it was a thing writers did! I had Chris Noth of Mr Big fame very much in mind in writing my first hero, and funnily enough Charlotte from Sex and the City looked so much like my heroine it was uncanny. Having those pictures in mind to ground me has meant I’ve done the same thing on every book since! My most used inspiration would be Christian Bale. I’ve been a fan of his since I was 13 years old so I think I can claim him all for my very own!

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel? Is there a particular section that you struggle with?

I love the beginning, when everything is new and fresh and exciting, when the page is blank, the possibilities are endless, and I feel blithely unaware of what my hero and heroine are going to put me through. (You’d think after 18 books I’d have leant by now!) I also love typing those two magical words “the end”. To have gone through the wringer with my characters and have all come out the other end in pretty much one piece is always a thrill. My least favourite part? Now that I have a beautiful 10 month old daughter, when deadlines are close I have to lock myself away for a couple of days and let my hubby get to do all the fun cuddly kissy stuff with her while I’m strapped to my computer ;).

When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?

I follow my little girl around. I clean the spots atop the kitchen cupboards where she manages to fling food. I wash her clothes – which she has far more of than I do. And we read, and cuddle, and dance, and play with her little friends. And every now and then when I’m really lucky my other mum friends and I get to leave the kids at home and go on a shopping date for a whole afternoon!

Imagine you're stranded - where are you and who are you with?

You know what? I’ve love to be stranded right where I am. Snug in my home, with my husband and little girl, our plethora of pets, the sun shining, the sounds of the neighbourhood filtering through the open windows, and a cupboard full of chocolate! My star sign is Cancer. Obvious, huh?

Finally, Ally, please tell us what's up and coming for you in the months ahead!

September, October and November see three releases across North America in three months, which is really exciting.

In September THE MAGNATE’S INDECENT PROPOSAL was my first ever Harlequin Presents release. My latest Harlequin Romance, HIRED: THE BOSS’S BRIDE is out in October in the UK and North America. And A NIGHT WITH THE SOCIETY PLAYBOY is out now in the UK as a Modern Heat, and next month through Harlequin Presents across North America.

October Releases

What a fantastic lineup we have for you this month!

Found: His Royal Baby by Raye Morgan

Crown Prince Dane of Montenevada has just heard the rumors of a secret baby of regal birth. With the kingdom in an uproar, his only choice is to confront the sister of his sworn enemy—the woman who still haunts his dreams.

Alexandra Acredonna has always feared her precious son would be taken from her. Now Dane is furious that she's kept the result of their lost week of passion from him. He offers her an ultimatum, one that will keep her identity hidden from their feuding families. But Alexandra wants more: a place at his side…as his beloved bride.

Read Excerpt

Bride at Briar's Ridge by Margaret Way

Sought-after bachelor Linc Mastermann is used to women falling at his feet. But past experience has taught this handsome sheep baron that women aren't to be trusted. Daniela Adami has come to beautiful Briar's Ridge to escape from her life in London. She's been hurt and her heart is guarded, but when Linc strides into her world he turns it upside down….

Linc only wants to marry to produce heirs to his fortune. He isn't interested in falling in love. Or so he thinks….

Read Excerpt

The Millionaire's Nanny Arrangement by Linda Goodnight

A supersuccessful businessman, the only thing Ryan Storm can't quite get a handle on is his daughter, Mariah. All she really wants is a mom. So he hires the next best thing…. Pregnant, widowed Kelsey Mason isn't Ryan's idea of the perfect nanny, but little Mariah bonds with her straightaway.

Even Ryan starts to fall under Kelsey's spell as she tempts the workaholic to take time off to enjoy his family—a family that might grow into something even more special if Ryan can open his heart again….

Read Excerpt

Last-Minute Proposal by Jessica Hart

Single city girl…

Cake-baker Tilly is taking part in a charity job-swap, and when she's paired with ex-military maverick Campbell Sanderson, they get off to a rather sticky start….

Rugged billionaire tycoon…

Campbell is all hard angles to Tilly's cozy curves. It's the winning that counts for him, and it's clear Tilly will need her hand held every step of the way….

Whirlwind wedding wish!

Despite himself, Campbell finds that something about Tilly always coaxes a smile. But he refuses to be tempted, no matter how bright and bubbly she is! That's before they share a showstopping kiss….

Read Excerpt

Hired: The Boss's Bride by Ally Blake

Mitch Hanover needed someone to bring life to his business!

When Veronica Bing roared up in her pink Corvette, waltzed in wearing skinny jeans and high boots and told him she was the girl for the job—Mitch couldn't help but agree!

But he hadn't bargained on her bringing him back to life!

Veronica had learned the hard way that relationships at work were a bad idea. And gorgeous Mitch had "Bad News" written across his forehead. Even if the attraction zinged between them, and his kisses made Veronica melt, Mitch had lost his beloved wife—and sworn never to love again….

Unless this sassy brunette could change his mind!

Read Excerpt

The Single Mom and the Tycoon by Caroline Anderson

Handsome millionaire David Cauldwell is blown away by sexy and lovely single mom Molly Blythe. He can see she and her young son need his love as much as he yearns for theirs. But falling in love and raising a family means taking risks—for both of them—and first David must face the secret that changed his life….

Read Excerpt

Our September Winner!

Congratulations to Kathleen Evans, our Spotlight in Six prize winner!



Kathleen has won a signed copy of Trish Wylie's THE MILLIONAIRE'S PROPOSAL. Kathleen - if you can e-mail the blog (hrablog@hotmail.com) with your mailing address, we'll pass it on to Trish and she'll send out your prize!