Monday, January 28, 2008

Last Chance...


Just a reminder....this is the last week for entering to win a copy of Melissa James's MOTHER IN A MILLION...so send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com and enter. The draw will take place on Friday and I'll be posting the winner. And get ready...we have some very exciting things planned for February!


Tuesday, January 22, 2008

January's Foreign Releases

A few of this month's translations:

In Spanish:
Cambiando de vida by Jessica Hart

Se había visto obligada a aceptar un trabajo a las órdenes de un jefe al que no soportaba…

A Meredith West le gustaban las cafeterías, cenar con sus amigos, los zapatos bonitos y Londres. Y no le gustaban las arañas, el campo australiano y Hal Granger.

A Hal Granger le disgustaban las chicas de ciudad frías, imperturbables y tentadoras. Pero había una chica en particular que le gustaba mucho.

Con esas condiciones, a Meredith debería haberle sido fácil mantener su relación en el terreno puramente profesional; el problema era que no podía dejar de pensar en Hal, especialmente en qué sentiría al besarlo… Lo que no sospechaba era que estaba a punto de hacerlo.

In France:
Un bébé pour Riley by Nicola Marsh
Un papa à plein temps pour Chas, son bébé de quatorze mois : voilà ce dont Maya Bourke semble avoir besoin depuis la mort de Joe, son mari. Mais la tâche se révèle bien difficile pour Riley, le frère de Joe, qui s’est empressé de lui proposer son aide. Car si son cœur déborde de tendresse pour son neveu, il n’en demeure pas moins un homme d’affaires célibataire, qui ne connaît rien aux enfants ! Pourtant, il accepte de relever le défi. Car la douce Maya mérite meilleur traitement que celui que Joe lui a réservé pendant leur mariage. Et Riley, qui sent une étrange attirance naître en lui chaque fois qu’il approche la jeune femme, est bien décidé à le lui prouver…

On to Italy...
Incanto di Oriente by Barbara McMahon

Ammaliata dalla magia del deserto.

In attesa di un nuovo impiego come bambinaia, Melissa Fox accompagna Max Valentine, suo fratellastro, in un viaggio nell'esotico regno di Qu'Arim. Lo scopo di Max è quello di fondare un nuovo ristorante Bella Lucia all'ombra delle dune, e la bella Melissa potrà essergli molto utile come interprete. Ma l'incontro con il carismatico e affascinante sceicco Surim Al-Thani rivela un'intrigante sorpresa: inaspet­tatamente, il nobile arabo reclama l'aiuto di lei.

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

And from Germany,
Die Antwort kennt nur dein Herz! by Jessica Steele

Wer ist mein Daddy? Weil Leyne auf die Frage ihrer Nichte Pip keine Antwort hat, beginnt sie nachzuforschen. Und schließlich findet sie heraus: Der charmante Unternehmer Jack Dangerfield ist Pips Vater. Mutig konfrontiert sie ihn mit ihrem Wissen, doch Jack streitet alles energisch ab. Dieser Mann ist Leyne ein Rätsel! Lügt er sie an - oder spricht sein Herz die Wahrheit, als er sie sehnsuchtsvoll küsst?

In Sweden:
I lustgården by Rebecca Winters

Rachel är på inköpsresa till familjens lyxrestauranger. I franska Alsace upptäcker hon ett vin som är fullkomligt hänförande, för att inte tala om dess producent! Luc Chartier drabbar henne som ett blixtnedslag. Men efter bara en passionerad natt tillsammans kommer verkligheten ikapp när Rachel nås av ett chockerande avslöjande om Lucs förflutna. Förkrossad återvänder hon hem. Men kärlekssagan slutar inte här …


And Poland!
WSPÓLNA TĘSKONOTA by Myrna McKenzie

Początkująca bizneswoman Jackie poznaje w dramatycznych okolicznościach Stevena, bogatego ranczera. Wiele ich dzieli, w dodatku z wyroku losu toczą spór, który powinien uczynić z nich śmiertelnych wrogów. Oboje jednak dążą do ugody, zwłaszcza że rodzi się między nimi silna wzajemna fascynacja. Jackie spędza na ranczu Stevena dwa tygodnie - bo tyle czasu sobie wyznaczyli na podjęcie decyzji, która bez względu na wynik sporu na zawsze odmieni ich życie..

Kolejna książka z miniserii Jak w bajce ukaże się w lutym.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Good News! Ain't a that Good News!

One of the things that is the most fun is when we get to celebrate successes, and boy do we have a lot to celebrate this month!

This is awards season and the Romance line has started out with a bang! So let's get out the tootie horns and celebrate the following:

The Romance Novelists Association Betty Neels Cup for the Romance Prize Shortlist: Four of the six finalists are from the Romance line. Nominees are:

Fiona Harper with two nominations for HER PARENTHOOD ASSIGNMENT and ENGLISH LORD, ORDINARY LADY

Liz Fielding for THE SECRET LIFE OF LADY GABRIELLA

and Lucy Gordon for THE MEDITERRANEAN REBEL'S BRIDE


Then - Cataromance held their Reviewer's Choice Awards and these fabulous Romances were in the lineup:

Jennie Adams - MEMO:MARRY ME

Liz Fielding - THE SECRET LIFE OF LADY GABRIELLA

Donna Alward - MARRIAGE AT CIRCLE M

Ally Blake - MILLIONAIRE TO THE RESCUE

Melissa James - HER OUTBACK KNIGHT

Trish Wylie - BRIDE OF THE EMERALD ISLE

All About Romance also holds their annual reader polls and congrats to the following nominees:

In the best category (series) romance:

Liz Fielding - THE SECRET LIFE OF LADY GABRIELLA

Trish Wylie - BRIDE OF THE EMERALD ISLE

Natasha Oakley - CROWNED: AN ORDINARY GIRL

Best debut author - Donna Alward

And Romantic Times Magazine has picked it's Reviewer's Choice Nominees as well!

Best First Series Romance: Michelle Douglas - HIS CHRISTMAS ANGEL

And for the Harlequin Romance of the Year:
RESCUED: MOTHER-TO-BE - Trish Wylie

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Those in the UK can pick up this month's issue of WRITER'S FORUM and read about the Mills and Boon centenary and what it takes to be published by Mills and Boon featuring Romance's FIONA HARPER and editor JENNY HUTTON.

ALLY BLAKE hit the small screen with a feature on Australian tv- go HERE to see her fabulous interview! She's also featured in an upcoming interview with magazine NEW IDEA.

And what would the month be without reviews of this month's books? In case you needed even more reasons to buy, check these out!

Jackie Braun - MOONLIGHT AND ROSES
"The smooth writing style and detailed research of Jackie Braun keeps her on the top of my “must buy” list. MOONLIGHT AND ROSES is such a pleasure to read and the characters Jaye and Zack are so simpatico. Their repartee and sexual tension added hugely to the entertainment value of their romantic story. MOONLIGHT AND ROSES by Jackie Braun will capture and delight one and all." 4 stars, Cataromance

Melissa James - MOTHER IN A MILLION
"I was captured by the tragic beginning and the slow journey toward healing this beautifully crafted story travels. I cried and I rejoiced with each small step conquered, turning pages to reach the conclusion of this family’s healing process. Author Melissa James has cemented herself as an auto-buy author for me with this story of love and loss. Mother in a Million is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves a good, solid love story." 5 stars, Cataromance

Liz Fielding - THE SHEIKH'S UNSUITABLE BRIDE
“Sublimely entertaining.” Romance Readers at Heart
"...oodles of sizzle...Pure magic from beginning to end." Romantic Times 4.5 stars



Don't forget to drop an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with CONTEST in the subject line, to enter a draw for Melissa James's MOTHER IN A MILLION! You have until Jan 31!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Mills and Boon Centenary Celebrations!



As mentioned previously, this year marks the centenary for Mills and Boon. There are events happening all year long and of course we'll keep you updated!

Here's a bit of the company history, courtesy of the Mills and Boon website:

2008 marks 100 years of Mills & Boon.
The publisher, now a subsidiary of Harlequin Enterprises Ltd., has grown to become the UK's undisputed market leader in romance fiction publishing, entrenched in the hearts and minds of its avid readership.

Since two dashing young entrepreneurs - Gerald Mills and Charles Boon - launched the company in 1908 with just a modest £1,000, millions of women across the globe have been entranced by their books, reaching into their handbags or to their bookshelves to spend a few hours transported into a fantasy world of intrigue, danger, passion and romance.

Such is the strength of the brand that in 1982, a Mills & Boon book was added to a time capsule in the grounds of Castle Howard, Yorkshire, to mark the 60th anniversary of the BBC. The capsule contained 'vital clues of life in 1982 of generations to come'. Also, in 1997 the Oxford English Dictionary added 'Mills & Boon' to its esteemed canon - meaning, ‘romantic story book’.

Mills & Boon's army of dedicated readers know that once they pick a brightly coloured paperback, they will be taken on an easy, thrilling read - with a guaranteed happy ending. Alan Boon, one of the masterminds behind the stylised romances, once declared that the books "could take the place of Valium" - because they are so well known for their restorative quality.


Now...for the good stuff...bring on the party!

On the M&B site there is a link to a page with special Centenary giveaways...just click here to be taken to the proper page. I believe this month's draw is for travel bags....just in time for a vacation to escape the winter blahs!

And of course, here at the blog we're doing monthly giveaways so if you haven't already, drop an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the word CONTEST in the subject line, to win this month's prize - A signed copy of Melissa James's Mother in a Million. You have until January 31 to get your entry in!


One of this month's BY REQUEST offerings is Bride for A Billionaire. Inside you'll find a story by Romance's Liz Fielding.

The Billionaire Takes a Bride by Liz Fielding
Wealthy Richard Mallory has spent his life swarmed by beautiful, unsuitable women. Now, just when he’s given up on ever meeting Ms Right, he finds Ginny in his bedroom! She’s refreshingly different – natural, honest-looking, seemingly innocent…


In the SPOTLIGHT this month is Crown And Glory, featuring Patricia Thayer:

The Princess Has Amnesia! by Patricia Thayer
Rescued from a plane crash by handsome, former FBI agent Jake Sanderstone, Princess Anastasia couldn’t remember who she was. All that was clear was the searing attraction raging between them.

And each month there will be a special centenary release. Each release includes a BONUS STORY...very exciting! January's is from the Historical Line...The Vanishing Viscountess by Diane Gaston. Stay tuned for next month's, as it's by a very popular Romance author!

Don't forget to enter the contest to win Melissa's fabulous January release, and come back next time for some fabulous good news!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Spotlight in Six - Melissa James

Welcome to the first Spotlight in Six for 2008! This month we're joined by Melissa James, whose current release is Mother In A Million.

As part of our Mills and Boon Centenary celebrations, we're holding contests throughout the year. Melissa is generously offering a signed copy of Mother In A Million to a lucky reader! All you have to do is send an e-mail with the subject line of CONTEST to hrablog@hotmail.com to be entered. The closing date is Jan 31 and then the winner will be announced on the blog and contacted for their mailing information!

Here she is....Melissa James!


Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

The news, the net, songs, chance remarks by family, friends, strangers – there’s so much inspiration out there. I find listening to people talking on buses and in cafes very inspiring – though it’s much harder now that everyone around me speaks in foreign languages. I’m trying to learn German but I’m finding the grammar very tough going!

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

I have, actually – not all the time, just when faces inspire me. I’ve used Ewan McGregor for the face of Noah in A Mother In A Million, my January release; I’ve used Australian actor Ernie Dingo for the face of Jim in Her Outback Knight, my July 07 release. I trawl the net for faces that suit my characters, and quite often they’re just interesting faces, not famous ones.

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

Favourite? The exciting part is starting a story, with so many possibilities! I love the tense leadup to the first kiss; I love discovering things about my characters at the same time they do. I love finding beautiful similes and poetic stanza to bring my readers lovely visuals or insights to my characters.

I hate saying goodbye, really. My stories and characters haunt me while I’m writing and saying goodbye hurts. The only antidote is, of course, starting a new possibility – a new book! J

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

Moving to Switzerland from Australia was pampering in itself in a way. We live in a small but postcard-pretty village in eastern Switzerland, in rolling hills and wine country, with the Rhine River winding through. A walk, even in freezing winter, is a treat, with the cold, clean air and the views. I love going to the movies – really looking forward to seeing P.S: I Love You with one of my new friends here. And we’re discovering the delights of skiing together as a family on weekends. I’m falling over a lot but loving it anyway! And finally, my darling husband takes us out once or twice a week to the local restaurants to try Swiss/German food. I feel very pampered lately!

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

Anyone apart from my darling husband, you mean? Nope, sorry, it’s just my man. We’ve been together 25 years and I’m looking forward to the rest. My kids could come along, too, if they wanted, though the fights would drive me batty. The only other non-related, non-friend person who could tempt me would be the divine and very talented Gerard Butler…but I’d still pick my man first!

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

Release-wise, I have two books and a novella released this year, including taking part in two exciting promotions: the Marriages of Convenience anthology, and my novella was a ton of fun to write – an ex-rocker and a wild old boy’s daughter running off to marry for all the wrong reasons. I had a ball with it. And starting in April and finishing with my novel in September, the Wedding Planners series is a fun, touching series about 5 cynical women who find love unexpectedly – and the one woman who did believe in a happily-ever-after, whose wedding is going to save The Wedding Belles from going under (my heroine, Julie), looking as though she’s going to lose it all.

Right now, I’m working on my own series, which I’m very excited about. Look for the Suddenly Royal series in 2009…a fireman and his ballet teacher sister find their lives changing suddenly and irrevocably. It’s kind of a Princess Diaries meets Notting Hill…fun and poignant – and with very high stakes. I don’t have a release date as yet, but I’m loving writing the books and very much looking forward to seeing what my readers think of it.

Thanks for having me on the blog, and all the very best to your readers in the coming year. Happy reading with Harlequin Romance!

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

January Releases

Let's start the New Year off right with some fabulous releases!


Her Hand in Marriage by Jessica Steele

For Romillie, family always came first. So when her mother took ill, Romillie immediately put aside her plans to go to university and stayed home, where she was needed. But now her mother is on the mend, and Romillie has met dashing businessman Naylor Cardell.

Romillie would never have imagined that a high-flying CEO like Naylor would be interested in an ordinary girl like her. Now Naylor says he has a question for her. Dare she hope that the confirmed bachelor might ask for her hand in marriage?

Read Excerpt




The Rancher's Doorstep Baby by Patricia Thayer

Cole Parrish arrived at the Bar H ranch to work. That was all. Not to settle down, and certainly not to be tempted by the stunning redhead running the ranch all by herself.

Now a little baby has arrived on the doorstep—and Rachel has gone from auntie to mother overnight. She needs all the help she can get…but Cole can't stay.

He never promised anything.

Yet Rachel's heart is stolen by the sight of the brooding rancher cradling the tiny infant, and she has to ask herself—if he's so set on leaving, why is Cole still here?

Read Excerpt


The Sheikh's Unsuitable Bride by Liz Fielding

Zahir was surprised to find he had a beautiful new driver. This chauffeur did not blend into the background. Oh, no. Diana Metcalfe talked. She laughed. She took him on unplanned detours. And he had more fun than he'd had in years.

But back in his desert kingdom, a dynastic marriage was being brokered for Zahir. Crazy though it seemed, he wished that this wonderful, vivacious, thoroughly unsuitable woman could be his bride instead.…

Read Excerpt


The Bridesmaid's Best Man by Barbara Hannay

Sundown in the Outback

As the shadows grow long and the sun melts behind the hills, it's just another day for cattleman Mark Winchester. But nothing has been the same since he was best man at a wedding in London six weeks ago and met bridesmaid Sophie Felsham.…

A rainy morning in London

On the other side of the world, city-girl Sophie is about to make the most difficult phone call of her life. The one beautiful night she shared with rugged Mark has resulted in pregnancy—and now it's time to tell Mark that he's going to be the father of her child.…

Read Excerpt


Moonlight and Roses by Jackie Braun

Buying the Monroe family winery gave Zack Holland the fresh start he needed. But the business came with one determined woman, and he could see she wasn't going to hand over the reins easily.

Jaye Monroe knew they had to work together to make the winery a success. But she couldn't bear to give up everything her family had worked for—to an outsider. Yet the attraction sizzled and, what's more, the mood was set with the heady mix of moonlight and the scent of roses!

Soon Jaye started to wonder whether they could develop the perfect relationship—business and personal….

Read Excerpt


A Mother in a Million by Melissa James

Jennifer's heart went out to new neighbor Noah and his three little kids. Their mother had gone missing a few years before, and the single dad was struggling. All Jennifer could do was be there for them and bring love and laughter to their troubled lives. And, when the truth finally emerged, help them get over their loss.

For so long the attraction that simmered between Jennifer and Noah had been denied. Now, out of the blue, came a proposal of marriage. But was it because he loved her—or because he needed a stand-in mother for his children?

Read Excerpt