Monday, December 31, 2007

What's in Store for 2008!

Happy New Year!

There's lots coming to the Harlequin Romance Author blog in 2008!

Keep visiting back for the regular features like Monthly Releases, the Spotlight in Six and Foreign Releases and Reviews. But there's more coming!




2008 marks the 100 birthday of Mills and Boon! And we think it only appropriate to celebrate the company that keeps publishing these fantastic, romantic, satisfying books!



We'll be bringing you news of centenary celebrations, giving away books and prizes and more!


You're not going to want to miss it, so come back often and see what's up with Romance!

Happy New Year to you all!

Monday, December 24, 2007

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all of our fabulous readers from the authors of Harlequin Romance!

We wish you a blessed holiday season with your family and friends and thank you for continuing to supporting Romance, where happy endings are guaranteed!

And in case you haven't yet picked up the Christmas themed offerings from this month - here's a shortlist:

His Christmas Angel by Michelle Douglas (debut)

Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry

The Boss's Little Miracle by Barbara McMahon

and don't forget the collections:

Christmas Proposals

Christmas Weddings

Brides for Christmas

A Child's Christmas Wish

And if you click on this eharlequin link, you can get some really great deals!

Enjoy your holidays - good food, good drink and a great book!








Monday, December 17, 2007

Foreign Releases - December

UN AMORE SOTTO L'ALBERO - Judy Christenberry

E per regalo di Natale... Richard Anderson è un avvocato di successo. Tutta la sua vita ruota intorno al lavoro, anche durante il periodo natalizio. Quest'anno però è diverso. Qualcosa sconvolge la sua vita, o meglio, qualcuno: To­by, otto anni, suo nipote. Rimasto orfano, è stato affidato alle sue cure, ma per il piccolo Richard è quasi uno sconosciuto, mentre Molly, l'infermiera che l'ha accudito con amore durante la degenza in ospedale, rappresenta l'unico conforto sicuro. ... una famiglia tutta sua! Una lunga vacanza nell'imponente tenuta degli An­derson. È questa la proposta che Molly Sodering ha ricevuto dall'affascinante avvocato. Lei sa che la sua presenza potrà aiutare Toby ad ambientarsi meglio e la prospettiva di passare un Natale da sogno è molto allettante, ma non rischierà di innamorarsi?

(I had to pick this one, just for the heroine's hair!) For more Italian releases, click on this link.


UN MILLIONAIRE A SEDUIRE - Myrna Mackenzie

Le jour où elle rencontre enfin le Dr Donovan Barrett, Anna Nowell qui, depuis bientôt deux ans, tient en son absence la villa de ce célèbre millionnaire, comprend que sa vie est sur le point de basculer. Car Donovan, brisé par le décès accidentel de son petit garçon, ne tarde pas à lui annoncer qu’il a besoin d’être seul, et qu’il songe à la congédier. Désireuse d’aider cet homme blessé par la vie, dont elle se sent si proche – elle qui souffre depuis toujours de l’absence d’un enfant à ses côtés –, Anna décide alors de tout mettre en œuvre pour le convaincre de la garder à son service…

For more french translations, click here.


SECRETOS EN LA ISLA - Trish Wylie

En la isla irlandesa de Valentia, las nubes se acercaban a la tierra y de pronto apareció una figura entre la bruma… Era el hombre que llevaba toda la vida esperando sin siquiera saberlo
Garrett Kincaid podía ayudar a la bella Keelin O’Donnell a descubrir los secretos de su pasado, pero nunca podría entregarle su corazón. Garrett sabía que la vida de Keelin estaba en otro lugar.Lo que no imaginaba era que el poder de la isla iba a cautivar a Keelin y a darle el valor que necesitaba para enfrentarse al futuro. Un futuro que pensaba compartir con él.

For more Jazmin titles, go here.


and from Sweden - Två böcker i en:

Sin egen lyckas smed av Lucy Gordon

Hon är absolut inte intresserad av kärlek … Olympia Lincoln sätter omedelbart sin nye assistent i arbete. Fast hon har ingen aning om vem det är hon domderar över. Han är nämligen Primo Rinucci – hennes nye chef!

… men han har en annan syn på saken!Primo kan inte låta bli att spela med. Missförståndet ger honom en möjlighet att komma nära den tilldragande Olympia. Men frågan är om hon någonsin kommer att våga lita på honom när sanningen uppdagas?

En annorlunda jul av Barbara Hannay

Aldrig har något så spännande hänt i den sömniga byn Bindi Creek som när den rike engelsmannen Hugh Strickland gör entré. Han har kommit för att hämta hem den lilla flicka han just fått veta att han är far till.

Trots att de knappt känner varandra ber Hugh den jordnära Jo om hjälp att ta hand om sin dotter. Jo antar utmaningen, men lovar sig själv att förhållandet endast ska vara professionellt – bara inte Hugh vore så förbaskat snygg!

Men allt eftersom banden mellan far och dotter blir starkare blir det också svårare och svårare för Jo att hålla sitt löfte …

Monday, December 10, 2007

Spotlight in Six with...Lucy Gordon


This month we're pleased to have with us Lucy Gordon, whose current release is The Millionaire Tycoon's English Rose. Lucy was even kind enough to supply us with a few pictures to go along with her answers!





On to the questions!


Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

This is a real factor in my writing life at the moment, because I’ve decided to explore new territory. I’ll still be setting some of my books in Italy (the one I’m writing now is set in and around Florence) but there are other places in the world, and not all attractive men are Italians. (Don’t tell my Italian husband I said that!)
Earlier this year I went to China and saw some wonderful sights – the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors. I’m still working out a way to use China as a setting.

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

I definitely do this. Among American actors I use the younger Charlton Heston a lot. For English actors I use Nathaniel Parker (the Inspector Lynley Mysteries) and Richard Armitage (Guy of Gisborne in Robin Hood.)


Nathaniel Parker is the face of hero of the book I’ve just finished, The Italian’s Cinderella Bride, out next April. It’s set in Venice. The hero is a Venetian Count living alone in a deserted palace, trying to cope with his guilt over the death of his wife. The heroine is suffering partial amnesia, and her need of his help is the thing that draws him out of the shadows.

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

The beginning, when there seems to be such a huge task ahead. I often liken it to a plane heading down the runway at the start of a journey. At about 15,000 words I usually achieve take-off, and start to believe that I can actually do this. Then it becomes really enjoyable.

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

I love classical music, especially grand opera. I’ve got a collection of opera on DVD. I go for anything with Placido Domingo in it.

Imagine you’re stranded…where are you and who are you with?

I’m with my husband, who comes from Venice, and we’re floating in a gondola, onward and onward……

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

As part of exploring new territory, I’ve ventured into Presents, and my first one is coming out next May. This is a big thrill for me. Called ‘The Italian’s Passionate Revenge’ it concerns a man who lures a woman to Rome, seeking to revenge himself on her because he blames her for the death of his cousin. But things don’t go as he planned.

At this moment I’m writing a book that’s also a departure in that it covers darker territory than I usually write about. The hero looks like Charlton Heston. He’s an Italian called Drago, a harsh troubled man whose wife left him for her lover, and the two of them died together in an accident. A year later he chances to meet the other man’s fiancée, and they grow close because they understand each other as nobody else can. It’s a troubled relationship, and their love develops against all the odds.


Thanks for visiting with us Lucy! For more info on Lucy (including her incredibly romantic story of how she met her husband), visit her website at http://www.lucy-gordon.com/.

Friday, December 07, 2007

Introducing.....


This post is so much fun for me to put up because whenever a new author debuts it's exciting. Not only for that author but for all of us...from newbies like myself to line "veterans" - we all remember how it felt to see our books on the shelves for the first time.

The newest addition to the Romance authors is Michelle Douglas, whose debut release is His Christmas Angel, out now in the UK, North America and Australia!



Well - as soon as I heard about Michelle I knew I needed to know more about her! And once I caught sight of this GORGEOUS cover, I went out and bought a copy and I e-mailed Michelle to ask her to share a bit about herself with us!



So without further blathering on my part... Introducing....(drum roll please.....)



MICHELLE DOUGLAS!



Michelle grew up in the coalfields of NSW, Australia. She can’t remember a time when she couldn’t read... or a time when she hasn’t had a book or ten on her bedside table (or the dining table, coffee table, any spare occasional tables...)



After high school she spent a year working in a clothing factory (sewing the crotch in men’s knickers!) before embarking on a BA with a major in English Literature. She’s back at university now, fifteen years later, enrolled in a Creative Writing Masters.



Michelle has been writing romance for over ten years. In that time it has developed from a hobby into a passion. Three years ago, with a lot of prodding and encouragement from her husband, Greg, she decided to take a hiatus from paid employment and write full-time. HIS CHRISTMAS ANGEL is her first full-time writing effort. She sent the partial to the London office in July 2005. The full manuscript was eventually rejected, but with suggestions for improvements. She made said improvements and, after a couple of additional requests for revisions, the manuscript was accepted in February 2007 (on the 19th to be precise). Needless to say, the champagne flowed!



She and Greg live in Newcastle, Australia, with their full-to-overflowing, bursting-at-the-seams bookcases, and a Siamese fighting fish called Fernando. You can contact her at michelle@michelle-douglas.com or visit her website at http://www.michelle-douglas.com/.







There's also some other fab news to share....Nicola Marsh's book Wife and Mother Wanted has placed THIRD in the Laurel Wreath Contest, judged by booksellers in the Short Contemporary category. Congrats Nic!

Monday, December 03, 2007

Happy Holiday Releases!

The shopping craziness is underway, but hopefully so are some of the truly wonderful things about Christmas - including the smell of baking cookies, the glow of the lights and the warmth of spending time with family and friends. And that also means....

...it's time to reveal the December releases. There are some truly exciting offerings this month...ranging from authors we've read and loved for years to a brand new author to the Romance line! Pick some up for stocking stuffers or prezzies, but don't forget to treat yourself to one - or all - of this great titles!


Snowbound with Mr. Right by Judy Christenberry

Tempting the tycoon out of the city…just in time for Christmas! Sally Rogers's family store is the heart and soul of the small town of Bailey, and she's working all hours to keep her business afloat. So when city slicker Hunter Bedford arrives, determined to buy her out, Sally is furious. No way will she sell to a ruthless businessman like Hunter! Instead, with Christmas approaching, she'll show him the warmth and spirit of Bailey. But as the snow falls thick and fast, they are trapped together and Sally begins to wonder if she's snowbound with Mr. Right…

Read Excerpt


The Millionaire Tycoon's English Rose by Lucy Gordon

Swept into the Italian's arms…

Independent and strong-willed, Celia Ryland never lets her blindness affect the way she lives her life-she thrives on feeling free! Gorgeous Italian Francesco Rinucci has never met a woman with such a zest for life—he loves everything about Celia. But he finds himself wanting to wrap her in cotton wool to protect his precious English rose from all that's dangerous in the world… And although Celia is falling fast for passionate Francesco, she needs to show him that truly loving someone means letting them be free…

Read Excerpt


The Boss's Little Miracle by Barbara McMahon

Promoted and pregnant! Life is about choices—but, as Anna Larkin knows, sometimes life makes those choices for you. Knowing she can never have children, Anna has thrown herself into a high-flying career. She's poised for promotion when in walks her new CEO…the man who broke her heart a few weeks ago! As soon as Tanner realized he was going to be Anna's new boss he ended things—for both their sakes. He knows business and romance don't mix—and Anna agrees—But then Anna discovers that a little miracle has happened—and it changes everything!

Read Excerpt


Their Greek Island Reunion by Carol Grace

Olivia and Jack were the perfect couple—it was clear from the start they were meant for each other… Now, five years on, their fairy-tale wedding is a distant memory and their marriage seems to be almost over. But Jack's never stopped loving Olivia, and has planned for them to spend the summer on the beautiful Greek island where they first met. It's the perfect place to fall in love…the pretty villages, the gently lapping waves on miles of endless golden sand. But is it enough to help Jack and Olivia overcome their past and reunite…forever?

Read Excerpt


Win, Lose…or Wed! by Melissa McClone

This would be the most amazing and romantic race of their lives! After being dumped so publicly, Millie Kincaid never wanted to see Jace Westfall or be on reality TV ever again. But she finds herself on Cash Around the Globe—with Jace! Although she doesn't trust him, to win they must work as a team. They race around the world, tested to their limits, and everything is captured on camera—including their stolen kisses! Can they determine what is real and what is just for TV? And, with the finish line in sight, will they win the one thing that money cannot buy?

Read Excerpt


His Christmas Angel by Michelle Douglas

Once Sol Adams and Cassie Campbell had been inseparable, drawn to each other when times were tough. Cassie has spent the last ten years trying to move on from her life back then, but now Sol is home for Christmas, more gorgeous than ever, and she can't avoid him—or her memories… Sol can see Cassie's changed—she's now a widow, a woman who tirelessly cares for others. But he knows her too well—he can see the hurt and yearning behind her cheerful smile. Can he get to the bottom of her troubled heart and make this Christmas angel his much-loved wife?

Read Excerpt

Monday, November 26, 2007

Reviews and Foreign Releases - November

A couple of reviews have found their way to me for this month's books.


"Jessica Hart’s Appointment at the Altar provides the perfect ending to the Bridegroom Boss duo and give readers their much desired happily ever after with a few twists and some comical situations along the way." Romance Junkies, 4.5 Blue Ribbons




"Shirley Jump's Miracle on Christmas Eve has a solid plot and involving conflict, and the characters are wonderful." Romantic Times Magazine




And this month in translation:


Une famille pour Brendan + 1 roman réédité gratuitde

Trish WYLIE

Collection Horizon -->
Horizon n° 2139 15 novembre 2007 Prix : 3,60 € / Sfr. 6,10

Une famille pour Brendan, de Trish WylieSimple hasard ou signe du destin ? Brendan McNamara ne sait que penser de ce qu’il vient de découvrir : sa nouvelle maison est voisine de celle de Teagan Delaney, son amie de jeunesse. Teagan, qu’il n’a jamais pu oublier, et dont il était secrètement amoureux au lycée. Mais quand celle-ci lui demande de l’aider à s’occuper de ses neveux, qu’elle garde en l’absence de sa sœur, Brendan hésite. Car malgré plusieurs expériences malheureuses, son rêve le plus cher reste toujours de fonder une famille. Or, il sent, à côtoyer ces bambins malicieux et Teagan, qui est encore plus belle que dans son souvenir, qu’il ne supportera pas de voir ses espoirs à nouveau brisés…

La fiancée d’un soir, de Elizabeth Harbison (roman réédité gratuit)Quand son patron lui demande de jouer – très provisoirement – le rôle de sa fiancée, Jane ne peut refuser. Mais elle ne tarde pas à le regretter car au fil des jours, elle tombe amoureuse de cet homme qui, elle le sait, ne partage pas et ne partagera jamais ses sentiments…


Cuéntame tus secretos

DONNA ALWARD

Es difícil guardar secretos en una ciudad tan pequeña…

Grace Lundquist quería ocultar su dolor. Bella, trabajadora y siempre alegre, todo el mundo la adoraba…

Mike Gardner sabía que Grace escondía algo. Por mucho que intentara alejar al guapo y fuerte ranchero, Grace no podía negar la atracción que había entre ellos. El problema era que nunca podría darle lo que Mike más necesitaba: su propia familia. Lo que ella no sabía era que lo que Mike realmente deseaba era estar con ella.

In Viaggio Con Il Capo
JENNIE ADAMS

Harmony
Jolly Romance
November 2007
PREZZO: EUR 2.9
C.T.F.S. 6.2

Appunto in agenda: ricordati di baciarmi! Il lavoro della mia agenzia consiste nel fornire la segretaria perfetta a ogni ufficio che ne abbia bisogno. Ma quando Zach Swift si è trovato in difficoltà, per colpa di una mia dipendente, l'unica soluzione accettabile è stata propormi io stessa come candidata. Ed è stato un errore! Perché lui non è pignolo ed esigente come un qualsiasi manager di successo, ma ge­neroso e incredibilmente gentile. E ora mi ha anche chiesto di accompagnarlo in un viaggio d'affari. Già ho i miei problemi a nascondere l'attrazione che pro­vo per lui dalle 9 del mattino alle 5 del pomeriggio, figuriamoci fuori orario! Senza contare che mi ha appena comunicato che stasera, a cena, mi farà una "proposta". Auguratemi buona fortuna!


EIN CROISSANT FÜR ZWEITIERISCH VERLIEBTNEUER JOB, NEUES GLÜCK
ELAINE WINTER / LIZ FIELDING / MIA JACOBS
TIFFANY LIEBEN & LACHEN
Erscheint am: 02.11.07
Bestellnummer 0828070039
Preis EUR 5,30

Ein Croissant für zwei

Dieser Mann sieht zwar wahnsinnig gut aus, macht aber nur Ärger! Das denkt zumindest Miriam, die Erik jeden Morgen beim Bäcker trifft. Ständig schnappt er ihr das letzte Croissant vor der Nase weg. Und nun soll ausgerechnet er bei einem Werbespot ihren Ehemann spielen ...

Tierisch verliebt

In Sophies Leben geht es drunter und drüber: Als Hunde-Sitterin verdient sie sich ein wenig Geld und merkt bald, dass ihr nicht nur die Vierbeiner, sondern vor allem ihr Herrchen Gabriel ans Herz gewachsen ist. Doch kommt ihre chaotische Art bei dem Arzt an?

Neuer Job, neues Glück

Anna will den Job als Hochzeitsplanerin bei ""Happy Weddings"" unbedingt! Und das nicht nur, weil Agenturchef Sebastian ihr Herz höher schlagen lässt. Doch es gibt noch eine andere Bewerberin. Und die hat nichts anderes im Sinn, als Anna Steine in den Weg zu legen ..."

Monday, November 19, 2007

Special Releases with a holiday flavour!

The only thing better than chocolate at Christmas is books. And the only thing better than books is books that feature multiple authors!

Here are some of the collections offered this season, featuring your favourite Harlequin Romance Authors!

CHRISTMAS PROPOSALS - Carol Mortimer, Rebecca Winters, and Marion Lennox

HER CHRISTMAS ROMEO by Carole Mortimer

Italian executive Roberto Romeo seems very taken by his pretty sales assistant. So as the snow falls and the Christmas festivities begin, he sets about finding a new role for her…as his fiancée!

THE TYCOON'S CHRISTMAS ENGAGEMENT by Rebecca Winters

Annie can scarcely believe it when her dynamic boss, Mitch Reynolds, bestows a kiss beneath the Christmas party mistletoe. Could the tycoon really be thinking about making Annie's Christmas dreams come true?

A BRIDE FOR CHRISTMAS by Marion Lennox

After wealthy Guy Carver arrives in Australia to take over Jenny Westmere's wedding salon, he finds he has only one piece of business in mind: to make Jenny and her little boy his family—by Christmas!


A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS WISH - Susan Meier, Julianna Morris, Janet Tronstad

SNOWBOUND BABY by Susan Meier

When rugged Cooper Bryant rescued Zoe Montgomery and her adorable baby from a deadly blizzard, the cynical bachelor was soon wishing that this Christmas family could be more lasting…

MEET ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Julianna Morris

Single dad Alex McKenzie’s four-year-old son had chosen a new mummy – in time for Christmas! Their vibrant neighbour, Shannon O’Rourke, wasn’t typical mummy-material, but her warmth with his little boy tempted Alex to kiss her…

STRANDED WITH SANTA by Janet Tronstad

Dressing up as Santa to deliver the mail wasn’t heart- throb Zach Lucas’s idea of Christmas fun. Nor had he expected to be stranded with lovely Jenny Collins and her two cute kids. Would the new year mean a new future for them all – together?

CHRISTMAS WEDDINGS - Carole Mortimer, Shirley Jump, Margaret McDonagh

His Christmas Eve Proposal by Carole Mortimer

Hollywood movie star Joshua Hawkley wanted a quiet holiday… and irresistible redhead Rosie Harrison certainly wasn’t on his Christmas gift list! But once they met, nothing could tame their desire.

Snowbound Bride by Shirley Jump

When snow started to fall, Marietta realised she was about to be stranded with the man who broke her heart, gorgeous Reed Hartstone. Could rekindling the past be their perfect Christmas present?

Their Christmas Vows by Margaret McDonagh

Frazer McIntosh has a reputation as a fun-loving Romeo. But he’s serious about his beautiful colleague, Callie Grogan. Serious enough to ask her to be his Christmas bride…


BRIDES FOR CHRISTMAS - Carole Mortimer, Jessica Hart, Liz Fielding

Claiming His Christmas Bride by Carole Mortimer

When Gideon Webber first meets Molly Barton he wants her! Three years on, a chance meeting throws Molly back in his path, and this time he’s determined to take what he desires. He’ll claim Molly once and for all – as his wife!

Christmas Eve Marriage by Jessica Hart

The only thing Thea is looking for on holiday is a little R & R – she certainly doesn’t expect to find herself pretending to be Rhys Kingsford’s fiance´e! It turns out to be everything Thea’s ever wanted. But perhaps it was just a holiday fling to Rhys…

A Surprise Christmas Proposal by Liz Fielding

A much-needed job brings sassy Sophie Harrington up close and personal with rugged bachelor Gabriel York. He ends up taking her in as a temporary lodger. How long before he realises that Sophie isn’t just for Christmas – but for life…?


And finally...let's not forget the Mills and Boon Annual....

SHORT STORIES – pages and pages of brand new romances for you to enjoy from some of your favourite authors including Debbie Macomber, Jane Porter, Elizabth Rolls, Kate Walker, Rebecca Winters and many more!

RECIPES & GIFT IDEAS – make your festive season spectacular with our easy-to-follow recipes and delightful home-made gift ideas.

THE MILLS & BOON DIARY – spend 2008 with Mills & Boon with our fantastic diary section.

PUZZLES & HOROSCOPES – challenge your brain with our fiendish puzzles and find out what the year ahead has in store with horoscopes from Dadhichi Toth.

GARDENING – let gardener Ed guide you through the making of your garden this year.
…and much, much more!
Click on each title for a link to that book's page on the Mills and Boon or eharlequin site.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Spotlight In Six - Rebecca Winters

One of the very best things about November and December are Christmas books and anthologies. I'm so pleased to bring you this spotlight...Rebecca is one of the authors I have read for a long time and now she's taken part in a gorgeous collection just in time for the holidays.

Christmas Proposals is out this month with other superstar authors CaroleMortimer and Marion Lennox. Here's a teaser:


HER CHRISTMAS ROMEO by Carole Mortimer

Italian executive Roberto Romeo seems very taken by his pretty sales assistant. So as the snow falls and the Christmas festivities begin, he sets about finding a new role for her…as his fiancée!

THE TYCOON'S CHRISTMAS ENGAGEMENT by Rebecca Winters

Annie can scarcely believe it when her dynamic boss, Mitch Reynolds, bestows a kiss beneath the Christmas party mistletoe. Could the tycoon really be thinking about making Annie's Christmas dreams come true?

A BRIDE FOR CHRISTMAS by Marion Lennox

After wealthy Guy Carver arrives in Australia to take over Jenny Westmere's wedding salon, he finds he has only one piece of business in mind: to make Jenny and her little boy his family—by Christmas!


Now....without further ado....your SPOTLIGHT IN SIX WITH REBECCA WINTERS

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

From television programs like the discovery and history channels, from trips, from personal experiences, even a trip to the grocery store.

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

I’m afraid I don’t. A picture is too confining for me. In my heart of hearts I believe I’ve always seen the ultimate hero in my mind. He’s Errol Flynn of the Sea Hawk and Captain Blood. He shows up with different colored hair and eyes, but he’s the same dashing, noble, thrilling, handsome, fantastic hero underneath.

What are your favourite and least favourite parts of writing a novel?

Each part has its own fascination for me. I love the research, the first moment the hero and heroine meet, their light and dark moments, but I have to say that if there’s a struggle, it’s in the first three chapters where I’m layering the problems they have to overcome. That can be a real challenge. You know—to dig deep enough into their character.

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

I read a lot and listen to music of all kinds, but particularly classical. My grandchildren take up a lot of my time and I love spending hours with my children. Occasionally I go out to lunch with friends which is a real high point.

Imagine you’re stranded…where are you and who are you with?

That’s easy. I’m on the French Rivera with Errol Flynn. (When he was 26 and I was 23) He’s at home at the helm of his yacht the Sirocco, a fabulous swimmer and a devil may care adventurer. I would be endlessly enchanted.

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

Nov, 07, THE TYCOON’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL from the Christmas Proposals anthology.

Jan 08, The Vow, Harlequin Everlasting Romance

Feb 08, Adopted Baby, Convenient Wife- an anthology

March 08, Along Came a Daughter- a Mother’s Day anthology

Apr 08, The Italian Tycoon and the Nanny

July 08, The Italian Playboy’s Secret Son

Oct 08, The Unexpected Bride

Look at those releases!

Thank you so much Rebecca for being with us!

Monday, November 05, 2007

November Releases!

It's that month before Christmas and time to think about getting in the spirit for the holidays! Harlequin Romance is no exception...there are some truly great offerings this month to kick off the holiday season!


Winter Roses
by Diana Palmer

Handsome, eligible ranch owner Stuart York was not one to mince words. Ivy Conley, his younger sister's best friend, found out the hard way. During a night's stay at his Jacobsville ranch, Ivy wound up in Stuart's arms. The resulting fireworks singed them both…and knowing she was too young, Stuart closed his heart to her.

Now, years later, Ivy is determined not to be treated like a little girl anymore. Although still an innocent, Ivy knows she has to fight her own battles, but for some reason Stuart is always fighting them for her, and keeping her from harm. And, safe in Stuart's arms, Ivy feels like a woman—a woman who belongs to him.

Read Excerpt



Appointment at the Altar
by Jessica Hart

Three steps to the altar!

Monday—Buy stylish suit.

Bubbly Lucy West has always thought she can handle anything. That's before she meets charismatic and utterly irresistible tycoon Guy Dangerfield, who challenges her to find a "real" job for a change

Tuesday—Find proper job

So, determined to prove she has what it takes, Lucy secures a top job—working for Guy!

Wednesday—Fall in love with the boss

Lucy thrives in her new role…and it's all down to her gorgeous boss. Lucy has a smile on her face, a spring in her step—and maybe, just maybe, Guy will put a ring on her finger!

Read Excerpt




Caring for His Baby
by Caroline Anderson

For the love of a tiny baby…Emily thought she'd never see Harry again. Then he's suddenly on her doorstep—cradling a little baby in his arms! The man she once knew, so strong and sure, now looks lost, and when Emily discovers why he's come to her with this premature baby, she melts.

For the love of a good man…Harry once broke her heart and, now a single mom, Emily can't afford to let Harry and his child into her life. But she can't deny the growing love she feels for this special man and for their patchwork family…

Read Excerpt



The Boss's Double Trouble Twins
by Raye Morgan

The last person Mitch Carver expects to walk into his office is Darcy—the woman who haunted his sleep for months. Despite the attraction, he knows they are just too different. She's happily ever after and he's here today, gone tomorrow. Darcy Connors can't believe it! It's been hard enough trying to track Mitch down, but now she must tell her new boss that their weekend in Paris has turned into a lifetime commitment…and it's double trouble! Mitch is about to trade in his playboy past for fatherhood and family!

Read Excerpt


Miracle on Christmas Eve
by Shirley Jump

Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is a family…

Jessica Patterson has tried to put on a brave face, but she misses the joy that love can bring at Christmastime. Until a handsome stranger in need of a Christmas miracle touches her heart…

Single dad C. J. Hamilton has discovered fatherhood is a little harder than bachelorhood! But he's mesmerized by Jessica's enchanting beauty and sincerity. She's perfect with his daughter—is it possible she's perfect for him?

It's lucky that Jessica can't resist a plea for help, because C.J. has a twinkle in his blue eyes that suggests her Christmas dreams will come true…

Read Excerpt


The Cowboy's Christmas Proposal
by Judy Christenberry

One snowy Christmas, wedding bells ring! Penny Bradford has inherited her family ranch, but she has no idea how to run it! So she hires rugged rancher Jake Larson to train her up and show her the ropes. Jake thinks it will be easy—he'll run the ranch and hold Penny's hand until she realizes she isn't cut out for ranching. Trouble is, Jake realizes he doesn't want to let Penny's hand go! As the snow falls thick and fast, Christmas begins to work its magic on the boss and her rancher…

Read Excerpt

Monday, October 22, 2007

Foreign Releases!

One of the very cool thing about writing for Harlequin Romance is seeing titles come out in a variety of languages. Every so often we're going to be showing some of the translations just before they are released, and today I'm going to put up just a few of the great romances coming out in the international market right now.

FROM SPAIN:

24 de Octubre 2007
ISBN: 9788467155150
Precio: 2,90 €

Valoración: Libro sin puntuar
Añadir a la lista personal

Mis tres amores

Tenía que hacerse cargo de dos bebés... y de su tutor

La vida de Rachel Adams cambió de repente cuando la nombraron tutora de dos pequeños huérfanos. Resultaba muy difícil convertirse de la noche a la mañana en la madre de dos bebés tremendamente exigentes… que no tardaron en robarle el corazón.
Entonces apareció el otro tutor de los niños, el guapísimo Ford Sullivan. Era evidente que Rachel estaba haciendo un verdadero esfuerzo para cuidar bien de los niños y que no recibía su presencia de buen grado. Pero pronto se dieron cuenta de que lo mejor para los pequeños era que unieran sus fuerzas. Tanto tiempo al lado de Ford hizo que Rachel comenzara a preguntarse si los tutores podrían convertirse algún día en marido y mujer…

From FRANCE:


Le bonheur en jeu
de Jackie BRAUN

Horizon n° 2135
15 octobre 2007

Prix : 3,60 € / Sfr. 6,10

Ajouter au panier

En apprenant que le dossier d’adoption que sa femme Rita et lui ont déposé des mois plus tôt est sur le point d’aboutir, Duncan Newcastle sent une joie mêlée d’amertume l’envahir. Car s’il sent son cœur se gonfler de fierté à l’idée d’être bientôt père, il sait aussi que Rita veut garder cet enfant pour elle, et, le croyant coupable d’adultère, a demandé le divorce. Pourtant, quand il voit le petit Daniel pour la première fois, et surprend dans le regard de celle qu’il n’a jamais cessé d’aimer un reste de la passion qu’ils ont partagée pendant tant d’années, Duncan se prend à rêver. Et s’il essayait de reconquérir Rita, et de construire avec elle une vraie famille ?

From ITALY:



Harmony
Jolly Romance
Ally Blake
October 2007

PREZZO: EUR 2.9
C.T.F.S. 6.2


Non cercavano l'amore, ma l'amore li ha trovati.

Quando Jodie Simpson incontra Louise Valentine, la sorella che non sapeva di avere, è al settimo cielo ed è disposta a fare qualunque cosa pur di starle vicino. La permanenza in Australia di Jodie, però, ha i giorni contati, dato che il suo visto lavorativo sta per scadere. Ma lei ha un piano: un matrimonio di convenienza che duri un anno, senza coinvolgimenti emotivi. Peccato che il marito che sceglie via Internet, Heath Jameson, sia uno schianto. Come farà a non innamorarsi?

LE SPOSE DI BELLA LUCIA Una famiglia divisa dai segreti, riunita dai matrimoni.

And in SWEDEN as a 2 in 1:


Två i en!

I själens djupaste vrår av Lucy Gordon

Evie Wharton fullkomligen älskar sitt jobb som språklärare och tar det på stort allvar. När en pojke börjar utebli från lektionerna söker hon upp honom – och träffar hans pappa, Justin Dane. Att låta någon komma nära är inte Justins melodi, men den levnadsglada Evie lyckas ändå nå fram till honom. Tillsammans bestämmer de sig för att ta tag i saker och ting för att vända allt till något gott. De ger sig ut på en resa som tar dem tvärs över Europa, till skilda världar – och in i själens djupaste vrår.


En sagolik granne av Nicola Marsh

Kommer han någonsin att släppa henne inpå livet?

Brody gör sitt bästa för att uppfostra sin sexåriga dotter Molly på egen hand. Han anklagar sig själv för sin hustrus död och är fast besluten att skydda dottern från allt. När grannen Carissa, som älskar barn, blir god vän med den lilla flickan blir han genast på sin vakt. Men det är uppenbart att Molly behöver en mamma, och hon vill att det ska bli Carissa. Om bara Brody kunde släppa det förflutna, så skulle Carissa kunna finnas där för honom också.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Reviews for the October Books!

Reviews!

The October releases are truly being lauded as WONDERFUL! We thought it would be fun to post some of the great things people are saying about this month's books.

Millionaire to the Rescue - Ally Blake

5 stars - CataRomance
"Millionaire to the Rescue (5) is a beautifully written story of an unrequited love finally coming true after so many years. I enjoyed all of the characters in this book, they were so larger than life that it was like I knew them all personally. Danny and Brooke were the quintessential star crossed lovers... Overall my experience with this book had me laughing, crying and enjoying each and every second of it."

4 1/2 stars - Romantic Times
"Ally Blake's Millionaire to the Rescue (4.5) has a solid plot with a built-in conflict and features two well-handled characters with a lot of chemistry."

Her Pregnancy Surprise - Susan Meier

4 1/2 stars, Cataromance
"Susan Meier builds her engaging story, HER PREGNANCY SURPRISE, with expertise, providing so many obstacles for her leading characters that there seems to be no hope for their romance to survive. But then her heroine, Grace, is given such consistency and compassion that she is able to break down each barrier. And Danny finally comes to terms with his demons and realizes what he is about to loose. HER PREGNANCY SURPRISE by favorite romance author Susan Meier is a “hold your breath” read that will delight all readers."


The Mediterranean Rebel's Bride - Lucy Gordon

4 1/2 stars, Cataromance
"Wonderfully moving, deliciously tender and totally absorbing, the fifth installment of Lucy Gordon’s spellbinding Italian saga, The Mediterranean Rebel’s Bride, will enchant readers with an intoxicating blend of superb characterization, intense emotion, poignant drama and heart pounding romance."

Found: Her Long-Lost Husband - Jackie Braun

4 1/2 stars, Romantic Times
"Jackie Braun winds up Secrets We Keep with Found: Her Long-Lost Husband
(4.5), a wonderfully written tale with excellent characterizations, great
dialogue and a surplus of sizzle."

And one more important mention: Romance author Natasha Oakley's offering in the NIROLI miniseries is out this month! It's not technically a Romance since the Niroli series is really Presents, but she IS one of ours and is a wonderful testament to the power of emotional, traditional romance! Her book in the series, The Tycoon's Princess Bride scored a 4 1/2 and a TOP PICK at Romantic Times:

"Natasha Oakley's beautifully crafted story shimmers with emotion. The Tycoon's Princess Bride (4.5), the newest addition to the Royal House of Niroli series, is a terrifically poignant tale about looking beneath the surface to the soul and recognizing your soul mate."

If you haven't picked up these books yet, WHY NOT???? Get Shopping!

Monday, October 08, 2007

Spotlight in Six with....Jackie Braun!

This month's spotlight features Jackie Braun, author of Found: Her Long Lost Husband. Let's get right to the questions, shall we????


After writing so many books, where do you find new and fresh ideas?
I’m currently working on books 16 and 17 and, honestly, I have no ideas where my stories come from. It’s one of the great mysteries. Ideas just pop into my head, usually when I don’t have a pen handy or access to a computer. Often, I get the idea for a character first and then find myself fleshing out his/her life and what challenges he/she might face, etc.

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

Generally speaking, I don’t do this because then I start thinking of that celebrity’s speech patterns, mannerisms, etc. For my heroes I have been inspired by celebrities’ looks on occasion. I had a character with a Dennis Quaid grin and another with a Brad Pitt jaw, for example. I have loosely -- and I mean very loosely -- based a couple of female characters on celebrities. I started thinking about how people think they “know” these celebrities. What if these people were misunderstood and not at all like what the public perceived? How hard would it be to live down an image under those circumstances? Tempest Herriman, my heroine in the novella “Sex, Lies and a Security Tape” in the book titled EXCLUSIVE! is a Paris Hilton-type, or so she seems. Perception is one of the issues the hero has to overcome for their relationship to work. Likewise, Audra Conlan in A WOMAN WORTH LOVING, the first book in my Conlans of Trillium Island trilogy, is a wannabe actress who had been married to a much older wealthy man who dies and leaves her everything. In the opening scene she’s being strangled nearly to death by her stepson, who is upset about losing his inheritance. Anna Nicole Smith was sued by her late husband’s son rather than nearly killed, but her story (before her tragic death) was a bit of an inspiration for me. Audra was so flawed, so damaged. I wanted to explore how someone like her could rise above her very public past, heal and find redemption.

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

Are you kidding? I struggle with the beginning, the middle and the end of each book! But I absolutely love it when my characters surprise me. When they take off in a direction I didn’t anticipate and I’m forced to scurry after them, those days are wonderful, exhilarating. The worst days are those when I can spend an entire morning at a computer and my characters refuse to come to life. They remain words on paper rather than interesting individuals with conflicts and quirks I want to explore.


When you are not writing, what do you do? How do you pamper yourself?
When I’m not writing fiction, I’m often doing freelance or reviewing children’s books for local newspapers. I’m also a mom. I have a seven-year-old son (and a toddler on the way via international adoption), so I’m busy around the house. I like to putter in my flowerbeds and take bubble baths. I just got some new lavender-scented bath stuff that promises relaxation. Sounds good to me!

Imagine you’re stranded…where are you and who are you with?

Stranded, eh? Hmm, it would have to be with my hubby. He’s the only one I’d wanted to be stranded anywhere with. He’s a pretty smart and resourceful guy. Sexy, too. We spent our honeymoon in Aruba way back when and had a ball lying on the beach and doing next to nothing, so a Caribbean island holds appeal. But can we be stranded in a luxury resort with room service? Now, that’s a fantasy.

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

Well, I have the last book in the Secrets We Keep trilogy, out in October. It’s titled FOUND: HER LONG-LOST HUSBAND. Liz Fielding wrote the first book, REUNITED: MARRIAGE IN A MILLION, which came out in August. Barbara Hannay’s NEEDED: HER MR. RIGHT was the second book and it came out in September. It was a thrill to work with Liz and Barbara. They are both gifted and generous writers. To recap briefly, our three heroines meet during a charity bike ride through the Himalayas and wind up sharing their secrets, things that have held them back from being happy and fulfilled. In my character’s case, she married young in an attempt to get out from underneath her father’s thumb. The marriage crumbled quickly as a result of secrets and lies, but in addition to feeling guilty about using Ethan Seaver, Claire’s always secretly wondered … what if?

I also have MOONLIGHT AND ROSES coming in January. When wealthy California vintner Zack Holland buys the vineyard Jaye Monroe helped her late father start, she never imagines she’ll also lose her heart to him. EXPECTING A MIRACLE is due out in April. Pregnant and alone, Lauren Seville is looking for peace in the Connecticut countryside. She finds much more than that when she meets Gavin O’Donnell.

Thanks Jackie for being here with us!

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Awesome October Releases!

Fall is in the air - the days are turning cool - and what better time to curl up with a great book??? This month sees some great offerings coming your way from the Harlequin Romance line.


Married for a day…

Claire Mayfield met Ethan Seaver when she was young and naive. Their whirlwind romance ended in a Las Vegas wedding. It was supposed to be the first day of the rest of their lives together.…

In love for a lifetime…

But secrets and lies tore them apart all too soon, and years later their marriage is a distant memory. Or at least it should be. But Claire has never forgotten Ethan's passion for life, or the way he made her feel. She sets out to find her long-lost husband, and just maybe change their lives forever.
Read Excerpt


From playboy to parent!

Watching her tiny daughter sleeping cradled in her arms, Grace knows she would do anything for her. Even if it means meeting with the man who broke Grace's heart—the man who doesn't even know he has a child....

Danny Carson is Grace's former boss, and he's as gorgeous and brooding as ever. Little does he realize a business trip that turned into a whirlwind affair had a surprising consequence!

Playboy Danny is about to discover he's a father....
Read Excerpt



He had always been there for her…

Brooke Findlay visited agent Daniel Finch, only for him to tell her that her famous and once wealthy late husband had squandered everything. She and the kids were left with nothing.

Danny came to their rescue, giving them a home in his luxury mountain estate. Brooke was shocked to discover the intense attraction simmering between them. It was clear Danny had feelings for her, but after all the heartache she'd been through—her husband's lies, affairs, secrets—would she ever be able to trust a man again? Even a man as gorgeous and honorable as Danny?
Read Excerpt



The French duke's contract bride!

Lance Malbois, Duc du Lac: a hardened military man with a scar that crosses his cheek—and reaches right to his heart. But all he wants is to hold a child in his arms and be called 'Daddy.'

Andrea Fallon: pregnant, widowed and alone, she's determined to give her baby the father and family she never had.

The perfect solution: a marriage of convenience…?
Read Excerpt



Plain Jane and the Italian rebel…

Polly Hanson must go to Naples to find Ruggiero Rinucci, and what she has to tell him will surely end his bachelor ways—he is the father of her late cousin's baby! But nothing quite prepares Polly for Ruggiero's reaction…

Outwardly he's a carefree playboy; inwardly he once loved so passionately it nearly broke him. Polly wants to help him, yet she feels forever in her cousin's shadow. Can plain Polly tame this wild Italian's heart…?
Read Excerpt



Forty days till Christmas…can they open their hearts in time?

Kirsten Morrison runs the Secret Santa Society and loves making others happy. Although she knows opening your heart can be painful, her secret wish is to find a special man to share Christmas with.…
Volunteering to wrap children's gifts isn't something Michael Brewster would normally do. But, facing his first Christmas alone, he finds himself on Kirsten's doorstep.

As they work together, an undeniable attraction flares between them. Is a kiss under the mistletoe the start of their Christmas wish come true?

Read Excerpt

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

The Annual AMBA lunch

September marks the time of year for the annual AMBA lunch held in London, and since it's a rare occasion that so many authors get together, we at the blog though it might be interesting to our readers to catch a rare glimpse into the one day a year we get to be glamourous. Jessica Hart, one of this year's organizers, has provided a bit of background into what this particular day means, and Donna Alward, who attended from Canada, is supplying the pictures!

Every year in late September a very special lunch is held in London. To attend, you have to be a member of AMBA, which stands for the Association of Mills & Boon Authors. This makes is sound a lot more formal than in fact it is – there are no rules or regulations or membership fees. All you need to join is to have written a book published by Harlequin Mills & Boon. You’d be surprised at how many of us there are around the world! This picture shows us all lunching at the RAF club in Picadilly.

Writing can be very solitary, and the lunch is a great opportunity to meet up with fellow authors who really understand the highs and lows of writing romance. It doesn’t matter whether we’ve written one book or twenty or a hundred, we all know what it’s like!
Inevitably, most of us converge on London from different parts of the UK, but we’re always delighted when overseas authors can join us. This year, for instance, we welcomed Donna Alward from Canada and Carol Marinelli from Australia. (Picture: Romance Authors Trish Wylie, Fiona Harper and Donna Alward)


It’s primarily a social occasion, but we do also invite guests from Harlequin, who earn their lunch by taking part in a Question and Answer session about some aspect of the publishing business, marketing this year. And in the evening, Harlequin Mills & Boon host a champagne reception, a celebratory toast to their authors, which is usually held in one of London’s old gentlemen’s clubs and which rounds off the day in suitable style! This year it was held at the Oriental Club in Stratford House. Gorgeous, isn't it!

All in all it's a day to celebrate who we are and what we do - and we do it in grand style!



Jessica's Outback Boss, City Bride is out NOW... "Jessica Hart brings the Outback vividly to life in this captivating romance that will touch your heart and tickle your funny bone. ... RITA award-winning author Jessica Hart never disappoints her readers with her spellbinding and sophisticated stories brimming with warmth, wit, drama and romance" - Cataromance





Donna's September release is Marriage at Circle M - the follow up to Hired By The Cowboy and "A poignant, heartrending story about romancing and healing. You’ll love strong, protective Mike and cheerful, independent Grace — and wonder how these two can ever reach a happy ending. An emotional read, that belongs on your must-buy list for September." - The Pink Heart Society Reviews