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!

Association of Mills and Boon Authors - Fiona Harper

People think being an author is glamorous. Believe me, if you saw the way I look most of the time I’m writing (trackies, no make-up, hair in a frizz), you’d change your mind. But once in a while, we get to go out, eat nice food, drink nice wine and, best of all, talk! September 18th was one of those days as it was the Association of Mills & Boon Authors lunch, followed by a ‘Toast to the Authors’ by HM&B.

I arrived at Brown’s restaurant near Leicester Square in London a little early to find a few authors already chatting and, before long, the place was buzzing with romance novelists. Harlequin Romance authors were thin on the ground this year, with only Lucy Gordon, Natasha Oakley, brand-new signing Nina Harrington (and me!) in attendance. I really missed meeting up with some of my other ‘Romance’ friends, but there was plenty of laughter and gossip anyway.

I listened in on an interesting discussion between some Presents authors who were competing as to who had the hottest covers. You realise the difference between the cover art in their line and ours when their heroes get to have bare chests and wear nothing but sheets. My latest hero is wearing a cable-knit sweater. Lovely cover, but I don’t think I can compete in the ‘hotness’ stakes. No, siree. But I could definitely triumph in a cover contest based on the ‘Awwwww’ factor.

Dinner was served in one of the old courtrooms above the main restaurant, complete with judge’s bench and chair. On the menu was:

Warm Goat’s Cheese with mixed salad, fig relish and basil oil

Chicken Breast served with mixed roasted pepper tomato Provencal

Rich Chocolate Truffle with raspberry coulis (and yes, it was as good as it sounds!)

After coffee we had speeches from some of the senior staff at Harlequin Mills & Boon. Karin Stoecker, editorial director of M&B, filled us in on how the various series had been doing in the previous twelve months and outlined exciting future plans and projects. Harlequin Romance seems to have been doing well, and ever since the ‘Brides of Bella Lucia’ series, continuities are still proving popular. The current ‘Wedding Planners’ series is doing well and the wonderful blog the authors have created to go along with it was mentioned.

The launch of the Sony Reader in the UK and the rise of the popularity of ebooks was mentioned by Tim Cooper, Director of Direct Marketing/Digital. I’m very exciteda about the whole thing, because my English Lord, Ordinary Lady is pre-loaded on every device sold in the UK at the moment. Way to go, Harlequin Romance!

There wasn’t much time between the end of the lunch and the start of M&B’s party to toast the authors. Time whizzed by so quickly and I can hardly remember all the people I talked to. Harlequin Romance had some some great achievements to toast:

Caroline Anderson
Caroline Anderson’s 75th book.

Liz Fielding’s 50th book.

Jessica Hart’s 50th book.

A RITA nomination in the tough short contemporary category for Natasha Oakley.

Bookseller’s Best win in the traditional category for Donna Alward.

Here’s to Harlequin Romance going from strength to strength in the next 12 months and I hope we have even more successes to toast next year!

Good news for Romance!

This week we're bringing you some fab reviews of this month's releases - as well as another big announcement!

From our Spotlighter Trish's book The Millionaire's Proposal: "Kerry and Ronan are perfect for each other and I fell in love with these two characters right from the beginning of the story. Bravo to Ms. Wylie for writing a romance that not only has two wonderful characters but also beautiful settings and an ending that will leave you breathless. I truly enjoyed this book and I know that it is one that I can read again and again. The Millionaire’s Proposal is a romance to treasure! " Simply Romance Reviews



From The Bridegroom's Secret by Melissa James: "A well-developed heroine, dynamic conflict and a satisfying ending." Romantic Times



Crazy About Her Spanish Boss by Rebecca Winters: "features a spectacular setting and very appealing lovers." Romantic Times



Texas Ranger Takes a Bride by Patricia Thayer: "One of my favorite kinds of books....western, Texas Rangers, cowboys, ranches....Pat definitely knows how to write my kind of novel." E-harlequin reader review



And now for our other big news....



There's a new addition to the Harlequin Romance family!



Mega congrats to Nina Harrington! Nina's debut book with Romance will be out next summer - for right now she's becoming used to that lovely new term: published author! Be on the look out for more news about Nina's debut release in the months to come.


Welcome to the family, Nina!



TIME IS RUNNING OUT! You only have a few more days to enter Trish's contest to win a copy of THE MILLIONAIRE'S PROPOSAL. Just send e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line TRISH to be entered! The draw is on Monday Sept 30!

Oooh la la! Foreign Releases for September!

Here is a small sample of what translations have been put out recently!

And don't forget to enter our contest to win a copy of Trish Wylie's THE MILLIONAIRE'S PROPOSAL by sending an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line TRISH. This is Trish's "out of the box" book - Simply Romance Reviews said "Bravo to Ms. Wylie for writing a romance that not only has two wonderful characters but also beautiful settings and an ending that will leave you breathless." You're not going to want to miss this one!

Now on to Romance around the world...


NOZZE ALL'INGLESE di FIELDING LIZ (Italy)

Quando si è messa a organizzare un evento speciale come un matrimonio fiabesco non credeva che la sposa sarebbe stata lei!

Allestire eventi è la specialità di Sylvie Smith e inscenare un matrimonio da sogno le pare una buona idea per raccogliere fondi per una causa benefica. Certo, impersonare la parte della sposa lo rende un po' più personale, anche perché Longbourne Court, la dimora ancestrale teatro dell'avvenimento, un tempo apparteneva proprio a lei. Prima di diventare appannaggio di Tom McFarlane.

Bello, affascinante e ricchissimo Tom ha più di una cosa in comune con Sylvie. Entrambi amano la campagna inglese ed entrambi credono nella chimica immediata tra uomo e donna. Come è successo a loro due, cinque mesi prima...


Utan förpliktelser av Jessica Hart (2 in 1, Sweden)

Ekonomisk trygghet och lugn och ro …

Det är vad Lou drömmer om och anledningen till att hon hasplar ur sig frågan ”vill du gifta dig med mig” till sin förmögne chef efter några glas champagne för mycket.

Spetskantade strumpor och snäva kjolar …

Det är vad Patrick börjar fantisera om när han får en kväll på tu man hand med sin vanligtvis så korrekta assistent. Men hennes fråga överrumplar honom. Visst, med Lou vid sin sida skulle han få en värdinna att visa upp i affärssammanhang, samtidigt som deras överenskommelse skulle ge honom möjlighet att fortsätta träffa andra. Men efter några dagar i Lous sällskap börjar Patrick undra om det verkligen är vad han vill …



Coração de mãe por Melissa James (Portugal)

Amava-a realmente… ou só procurava uma mãe para os seus filhos?

Jennifer sentia uma enorme compaixão pelo seu vizinho Noah e pelos seus três filhos. A mãe dos meninos desaparecera há já alguns anos e para o jovem pai cada dia era uma dura batalha. A única coisa que Jennifer podia fazer era tentar encher de amor e de gargalhadas a vida complicada de Noah e, quando finalmente se soubesse a verdade, ajudá-los a superar a terrível perda.Jennifer e Noah negavam há muito tempo a atracção que sentiam um pelo outro, porém de repente Noah pediu-lhe que se casasse com ele…




LINDA GOODNIGHT - TAJEMNICZY KSIĄŻĘ (Poland)

Carly marzy o karierze detektywa i dziennikarki śledczej, jednak jest zbyt niecierpliwa, by sprawdzać wiarygodność "dobrze poinformowanych źródeł". Gdy kolejna rewelacja okazuje się wyssaną z palca bujdą, załamana Carly postanawia zrobić sobie długie wakacje. Wkrótce poznaje równie atrakcyjnego, co tajemniczego mężczyznę. W ramionach Luca zapomina o całym świecie. Wszystko się zmienia, gdy odkrywa prawdziwą tożsamość ukochanego. Wie, że natrafiła na temat, który wyniesie ją na szczyty, ale jeśli ujawni prawdę, straci szansę na wielką miłość...





Le playboy amoureux / Un choix douloureux de Shirley JUMP, Carolyn ZANE (France)


Le playboy amoureux


En découvrant qu’avant de mourir, son oncle lui a légué sa fabrique de jouets, Carter Matthews ne sait comment réagir : l’entreprise est au bord de la faillite, et va l’obliger à abandonner la vie de playboy qu’il se plaisait à mener… Néanmoins poussé par un fort sentiment familial, il accepte de reprendre les rênes de la société. Et tente par tous les moyens de convaincre Daphné Williams, sa voisine, de venir travailler pour lui. Car non seulement Daphné possède toutes les compétences pour l’aider à remettre l’usine à flots, mais avec son caractère simple et spontané, elle provoque également en lui un trouble incontrôlable, contrairement aux femmes sophistiquées avec lesquelles il a l’habitude de s’afficher…


+ 1 roman réédité gratuit : Un choix douloureuxLorsqu’Adeline découvre qu’elle est enceinte, elle estime qu’il est de son devoir de prévenir le père de son futur bébé… Même si elle se doute déjà de sa réaction…



JULIA HOCHZEITSBAND BAND (3 in 1, Germany)

DEIN HERZ KENNT DIE ANTWORTvon: KATE WELSH

"Möchtest du meine Frau werden?"" Caroline ist hin- und hergerissen: Sie weiß, dass Trey nur eine Vernunftehe sucht, sie hingegen will viel mehr von ihm. Caroline fragt sich: Wird der faszinierende Arzt ihr jemals das geben, wonach sie sich so sehr sehnt?"

HAUPTROLLE: LIEBEvon: TRISH WYLIE
Verliebt, verlobt, verheiratet - so steht es im Drehbuch. Caitlin und Aiden sind die Hauptdarsteller der Realityshow. Kein Zuschauer weiß: Sie haben sich nie zuvor gesehen. Gespannt fragt Caitlin sich: Wie wird der Kuss des gut aussehenden Fremden sein?

AFFÄRE VERBOTEN - HOCHZEIT ERLAUBT!von: MICHELE DUNAWAY

Schmetterlinge im Bauch, weiche Knie und das Gefühl, die Welt versinkt um sie herum: Cecile genießt die zärtliche Nacht mit Luke, den sie gerade auf einer Hochzeit kennengelernt hat. Doch am nächsten Morgen erlebt sie eine aufregende Überraschung: Luke ist ihr neuer Boss ...

Spotlight in Six - Trish Wylie

Please welcome Trish Wylie to the Spotlight in Six this month!

A reader favourite, Trish is here to talk about writing in general and her latest Romance release, The Millionaire's Proposal, in particular.

This book is the "Fall Brides" contribution to the "Bride for All Seasons" series...Welcome, Trish!

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

In the most random of random places frankly. Magazine articles, line from a song, a scene in a movie, a conversation with a friend. It starts with that small random thing and then has a tendency to snowball…

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

Yup. I do. And I even have a theory all my own to go with it. I call it Backwards Casting and you can learn all about it on the Tips Page of my website. These days I even make up story boards with pics of each scene to help me along. In The Millionaire’s Proposal we had the very lovely Hugh Jackman as my inspiration for Ronan and the gorgeous Emily Deschanel of Bones fame as Kerry’s inspiration… I’m a bit of a fan of the tall,dark and handsome hero so a lot of my heroes have had that combo; Kyle Chandler, David Boreanaz, Eric Bana… go Google them. You know you want to ;)

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

My favorite part is the creative stage.The part where your imagination can let loose and run wild and free. My least favorite is of course that horrific middle section of the story when all you want to do is get to the good stuff but your word count says a big fat NO. It’s probably because it involves discipline – and I parted the ways with discipline the second I could afford to buy chocolate on my own…

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

I’m an outdoors kinda gal so I like to go play with my horses or go for walks with the family’s gazillion dogs by the lakes or take trips abroad and go sight-seeing. It helps to balance out the many, many months I spend locked indoors tied to a computer and immobile barring the hand to mouth problem most writers suffer from. I also LOVE a day doing hair and nails followed by an afternoons shopping and dinner out somewhere with the gals. BLISS.

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

Oooohhh. Anywhere??? Can I be stranded on a Fiji island like the one out of this month’s book? I based it on Turtle Island. Doesn’t it look like heaven on earth??? And I think for conversation, mental stimulation and erm… well… you can fill in the blank here yourself… I’d quite like to be stranded with a cross between Nathan Fillion, David Boreanaz and Tom Welling.

Not asking much, am I? And now we can ALL SEE why I’m still single, can’t we?!

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

The Millionaire’s Proposal is the last Romance of 2008 for me, (but I do have a Presents out in the States in December). In 2009 I have a February book for the Romance line titled Manhattan Boss, Diamond Proposal. With a hint of Breakfast at Tiffany’s running through it, the book is one of several Diamond Themed books in celebration of Harlequin’s 60th Anniversary in 2009!

NOW COMES THE FUN PART! For your chance to win a signed copy of The Millionaire's Proposal, send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line TRISH! You have until the 30th, and then we'll be drawing! Good luck!

September Releases

The Millionaire's Proposal by Trish Wylie

Ronan O'Keefe has everything money can buy. He'd give it all up in an instant to keep the one thing he's losing.

The jet-setting playboy is slowly being robbed of his sight. Alone in New York, Kerry Doyle isn't feeling quite so brave about her trip around the world. Luckily, a millionaire has come to her rescue….

By the time they get to Paris, Ronan doesn't want to let beautiful, bubbly Kerry go. His secret is casting its shadow, but Kerry has lit up his life….

Read Excerpt

The Bridegroom's Secret by Melissa James

The Wedding Planners

With a glittering wedding to plan, Julie Montgomery is the happiest girl in town. Their engagement party is the talk of Boston—but then Julie discovers everyone seems to know more about her groom-to-be than she does….

Matt McLachlan wants to protect his beautiful fiancée from the complications in his life—he only wants good things for her. But Matt has to learn that marriage is about sharing everything, for better and for worse. Before he says "I do," he has to tell Julie a secret….

Read Excerpt

Crazy about her Spanish Boss by Rebecca Winters

Count Remi is a Spaniard who is as proud as he's passionate. He works the land of his ancestors and lives for the Soleado Goyo olive estate.

Jillian Gray has gone to Spain to make a fresh start. She's not sure why Remi hires her; it's clear he's a man used to doing things alone.

Amid the silvery olive groves Jillian brings new ideas and a zest for life into Remi's estate. More importantly, she's awakening her brooding boss's guarded heart….

Read Excerpt

Abby and the Playboy Prince by Raye Morgan

Prince Mychale has come to his mountain château to get away from the world. Instead, the royal bachelor finds himself playing host to runaway Abby and her adorable baby!

Mychale's duty-bound to marry someone of the royal family's choosing. Abby's far from suitable, but to his surprise she makes him feel happy for the first time in years. Abby Donair has taken her sister's baby to her heart with no hesitation, but can she expect a royal prince to do the same…?

Read Excerpt

Wedding at Wangaree Valley by Margaret Way

Master of Wangaree Homestead Guy Radcliffe is from one of the most revered families in the Outback. Now he wants a wife, and a queue of society beauties are at his door! Alana Callaghan is from the wrong side of town and doesn't fit the glamorous, pampered world of the other girls. But that hasn't stopped her from secretly being in love with Guy for years—even though she knows he'll never view her as wife material. A wedding at Wangaree will take place—but can Alana be Guy's bride?

Read Excerpt

Texas Ranger Takes a Bride by Patricia Thayer

Mallory was heartbroken when Chase left. She knew his duty was to save those in need, but he didn't ever realize that Mallory needed him most. Now she can only watch as her boy bonds with the man who once stole her heart. Mallory's bright emerald eyes have long invaded Chase's dreams, but now they hold sadness and fear. It's as though she doesn't realize that he's back to claim his bride as well as his son….

Read Excerpt

August's Winner!

Congratulations to MICHELE PAYNE who has won a copy of FALLING FOR MR. DARK AND DANGEROUS!

Michele your prize will go in the mail later this week!

Come back soon as the September releases will be blogged this week as well.

Special Releases and Contests!

Their Miracle Baby/Bonus book: Making Memories by Caroline Anderson

Centenary Products August 2008 Available in paperback

The baby they thought they’d never have...

Fran Trevellyan is counting her blessings: her marriage to Mike, her little stepdaughter, her home and friends in Penhally. Yet she is haunted by the one thing she wants most of all – a baby – Mike’s baby. After three years of trying, their marriage is taking the strain – until Mike injures his leg and has to rely on Fran for everything. The intimacy rekindles their love and their simmering passion. Can their renewed bond also give them the courage to try one more time to make the baby they’ve always longed for?

SPECIAL BONUS FEATURES INSIDE: Including exclusive free story Making Memories.

What else is cool about this book? Well, it is tied in with the August Centenary competition! Go to THIS PAGE to enter, with the promo code you'll find in Her Miracle Baby for your chance to win.

Don't forget to shop Mills and Boon's SUMMER CLEARANCE event for some wonderful deals!

Mills and Boon has also teamed up with WOMAN'S WEEKLY for a short story writing competition! The prizes are FAB! You can find all the information you need at their webpage.

You only have a few days left to enter the SPOTLIGHT contest for a copy of FALLING FOR MR. DARK AND DANGEROUS! Just send an e-mail to the hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line DONNA and we're drawing this weekend!

Foreign Releases for August

This month has some fabulous releases available around the world! Check it out...

And don't forget - this is the last week for you to get your name in to win August's Romance release FALLING FOR MR. DARK AND DANGEROUS by Donna Alward. Just send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line DONNA to be entered! We'll draw at the end of the week!

FASCINO E NOBILTA di HARPER FIONA

APPUNTAMENTO A PALAZZO. Siete tutte invitate a un matrimonio da favola! Vi aspettiamo nella splendida tenuta di Elmhurst Hall e nei suoi giardini incantevoli e profumati dove il tempo sembra essersi fermato.

Will Radcliffe, il nuovo proprietario di Elmhurst Hall, è l'immagine del perfetto Lord inglese. Ma, nonostante il titolo appena acquisito, sa di non essere ancora pienamente accettato dalla cerchia nobiliare cui aspira. Inoltre, avere alle sue dipendenze una donna affascinante come Josie Harrington, che lavora nella tenuta, non l'aiuterà molto. Messa al bando dall'aristocrazia a cui apparteneva per il comportamento poco convenzionale, Josie è ben felice di essere quello che è: uno spirito libero che ascolta solo il proprio cuore. E adesso il cuore le parla di Will!

WEM GEHÖRT NUR DEIN HERZ? von: LIZ FIELDING

Der Kuss des attraktiven Dr. Ben Faulker löst in Gabriella verwirrende Gefühle aus. Plötzlich brennt in ihr die Sehnsucht nach mehr. Sie möchte diesen wundervollen Mann nie mehr verlassen. Da kehrt seine Exverlobte Natasha zurück – wird Ben ihr erneut verfallen?

TWEELING ZOEKT OUDERS / ZORGEN VOOR TWEE

Door: TESSA CARPENTER, RAYE MORGAN

Tweeling zoekt ouders

Sinds ze tot voogd benoemd is van een babytweeling staat Rachels wereld op zijn kop. Al valt de zorg voor twee veeleisende baby's beslist niet mee, toch kan ze zich een leven zonder die twee druktemakers algauw niet meer voorstellen. Dan staat opeens een aantrekkelijke man op haar stoep. Hij is de andere voogd, en hij laat zich niet zomaar wegsturen...

Zorgen voor twee

De laatste persoon die Mitch Carver verwacht tegen te komen in zijn kantoor, is Darcy Connors, de vrouw die hij maar niet kan vergeten. Maar een leven samen zit er volgens hem niet in; daarvoor verschillen ze te veel. Totdat ze hem vertelt over de tastbare gevolgen van hun weekendje Parijs, enkele jaren geleden. Nee, niet een baby. Twéé baby's... een tweeling!

Directo al corazón por Natasha Oakley

Padre soltero busca esposa…

El modo en que Daniel Ramsey luchaba por criar solo a su hija hizo que Freya recordara el pasado. A pesar de su apariencia salvaje, Freya siempre había soñado con casarse vestida de blanco y un "felices para siempre". Quizá porque así había podido escapar de los problemas de su hogar.

Ahora que era una mujer adulta, bella y con éxito, sabía que podía ayudar a Daniel y a su hija, pero tenía miedo de acercarse demasiado a ellos porque aún ocultaba demasiados secretos. ¿Sería posible que después de tantos años hubiera conocido a un hombre capaz de adentrarse en su corazón?

Un père à épouser de Nicola Marsh

Brody Elliott… Depuis que cet homme énigmatique a emménagé dans la maison voisine de la sienne, Bridget Lewis ne sait comment se comporter vis-à-vis de lui.

Car si ce veuf au charme irrésistible se montre un père tendre et attentionné envers Molly, sa fille de six ans qu’il élève seul depuis la disparition de sa femme, il lui témoigne en revanche, à elle, une froideur qu’elle ne comprend pas. Et alors que, suite à sa dernière déception sentimentale, elle avait résolu de ne plus jamais approcher les hommes, Bridget décide de tout mettre en œuvre pour briser la carapace de ce voisin si mystérieux…

União perfeita por Cara Colter

Eram duas pessoas muito diferentes, mas formavam a equipa perfeita!

Dylan McKinnon era atraente, seguro de si e tinha qualquer coisa que o tornava irresistível para o sexo oposto.

A florista Katie Pritchard sabia muito bem o efeito que Dylan tinha sobre as mulheres, pois era o seu melhor cliente. E, para sua tristeza, ela também ficara fascinada com os seus encantos.

Pareciam o casal impossível e, provavelmente, eram, mas Katie sabia que o playboy era muito mais do que aparentava à primeira vista...

Reviews

The Rancher's Inherited Family - Judy Christenberry: "Judy Christenberry at her best again." (Reader review, eharlequin.com)

"Suspenseful and romantic read." (Reader review, eharlequin.com)

The Boss's Unconventional Assistant - Jennie Adams: "a soft, sweet tale that kept me awake until the wee hours of the morning." (Romance Reader at Heart)

"Jennie Adams has penned a highly romantic tale that leaves us with the true meaning of family with The Boss’s Unconventional Assistant." (Cataromance)

Falling For Mr. Dark and Dangerous - Donna Alward: "Donna Alward weaves a gorgeous secluded setting, intense suspenseful plot and well developed characters into a most rewarding read..." (Cataromance)

"an emotionally satisfying, clever read!" (Romance Reader at Heart)

Every now and then, reviews trickle in for past books - like this one (April 08) by Jackie Braun - Expecting a Miracle: "a touching but oh so sweet story that tugs at the reader's heartstrings." (KwipsandKritiques)

Liz Fielding also mentioned perhaps posting some details about the Emotion workshop given by Barb Hannay, Barbara McMahon and Jessica Hart in San Francisco. Jessica has posted a summary of it on her own blog. Just click here to be taken to her blog post.

And one last mention - to win a copy of Falling For Mr. Dark and Dangerous, send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line DONNA and the draw will happen at the end of the month!

Spotlight in Six - Donna Alward

This month Romance author Jackie Braun takes the reins and turns the Spotlight on Donna Alward, whose current release is FALLING FOR MR. DARK AND DANGEROUS.

Where do you get the ideas for your books?

Ideas are everywhere. Sometimes I’ll get the idea from a headline or another person and an experience they are going through. For this book, I had introduced the heroine (or at least the idea of her) in earlier books. I wanted to find someone for Maggie that was the exact opposite of what she’d want. And then my husband was talking to a couple of buddies that are Marshals and I asked if they’d give me information, and it all kind of generated from there. I know for my next book I got the idea from watching The Princess Diaries (One and Two, I have girls,lol). My editor called and asked if I could write a cowboy story. Then it was a matter of “marrying” the two worlds together – Alberta Ranch and Mediterranean Royalty!

When you find time to read, who are your favorite authors?

My favourite author of all time is LaVyrle Spencer. There are times I just NEED her so I pull out my very worn copies. I also recently discovered Julianne MacLean. I love her historicals, and I also like a lot of Judith McNaught’s regencies. If I’m reading category romance, Liz Fielding and Lucy Gordon are two of my absolute faves.

Do you ever use real situations or experiences from your own life in your books?

Of course I do! A shocking number of my recipes end up in my books. My characters are always eating. LOL. And little things that happen often morph their way in. I had a lot of people who know me say they saw a lot of me in The Soldier’s Homecoming, especially in the way Shannyn spoke to her daughter. And a scene in The Rancher’s Runaway Princess is straight from an experience with my husband. Only more angsty and pretty, LOL.

When you're not writing what fills up your time?

Motherhood, wifedom, and I tend to enjoy a lot of things and have trouble with the word “no”, so lord only knows where you’ll find me. I stay pretty musical, and unless I’m severely deadlined, I don’t work at night. After 8 p.m. I’m either reading or watching dvd’s. Something completely relaxing.

Okay, Donna, you've asked other spotlighted authors to imagine they are stranded and then to share where that might be and with whom. Turnabout is fair play. So, do tell.

The politically correct answer is my husband. However in the interest of fantasy, if I’m stranded I’m going to be snuggled up in a cottage in the English Countryside. Jamie Bamber will be there. I will be fifty pounds lighter and we will drink wine and talk about very interesting subjects in foreign languages. Of course I probably wouldn't understand him, but would that really matter? LOL

What are you working on now and what other books of yours can we look forward to reading in the months ahead?

January sees the release of THE RANCHER'S RUNAWAY PRINCESS, which was so much fun to write and I cried writing the last third – my husband was working in Hawaii and I was stuck in Canadian winter and typing with a cast on my arm. I absolutely loved how it all came together and wrote the last 17000 words of it in one weekend. Then in June of 09 we have HIRED: THE ITALIAN'S BRIDE which filled my desire to write an Italian hero – only I transplanted him to beautiful Banff and the Rocky Mountains and gave him a damaged heroine who is reclaiming her life.



Right now I’m working on a Christmas novella that is scheduled for the holiday season in 2009, and which will lead into a couple of linked books that I'm really excited about.





Now here's the part that's fun....for your chance to win a copy of Donna's August release, FALLING FOR MR. DARK AND DANGEROUS, just drop a line to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line DONNA and we'll draw at the end of the month!

Harlequin Romance Authors at RWA Nationals - San Francisco

A while back I mentioned how several of the Romance authors were going to be attending the RWA Nationals Conference in San Francisco. Now the reports are coming in and there are a few highlights to show you! Let me tell you, after all I've read and seen, I'm really sorry I missed it. So living vicariously, here's the report from one Romance author that DIDN'T make it to San Fran....

MSNBC did a snippet on the Literacy Signing on Wednesday night...a really good piece IMO. Just click on this link to view: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/25966976#25966976

One of the highlights for Romance authors was the panel presented by Barbara McMahon, Barbara Hannay and Jessica Hart. The ladies took advantage of some time for R&R, and thanks to Jessica, who sent me this pic of the three of them in Yosemite.

However, on Friday morning it was down to business for these three ladies at their workshop on Emotion, Emotion, Emotion: Writing Romance with Global Appeal.

Of course Nationals is more than workshops...there's networking and booksignings galore. Melissa McClone did a fabulous job on her blog with pictures, and has kindly allowed me to post a few here.

This shot is of all the Romance authors and editors gathered outside Lovejoys, at the Romance High Tea.

Of course there is touring around: Here is Melissa along with Trish Wylie, Claire Baxter and Jessica Hart at Union Square.

Of course the big attraction (other than dancing with Nora at the Harlequin party...this event has become quite legendary at conference) is the RITA Award Ceremony. And so congrats goes to Romance/Love Inspired author LINDA GOODNIGHT for winning the RITA in the Inspirational Category!!!!!!!!! Here's a picture of Linda with her RITA.

And since I know someone will mention it if I don't post about it, my debut Romance Hired By The Cowboy won Best Traditional at the Booksellers Best Awards which were handed out on Thursday. Trish Wylie snagged a pic of my editor, Sally Williamson with the pin.

Scads more pictures of conference are available at the Pink Heart Society photobucket album.

And if any of you have links to other great reports and pictures, please post them in the comments!

August Releases

The Rancher's Inherited Family by Judy Christenberry

When sexy Brad Logan hires Sarah Brownly, he doesn't expect his once quiet home to be filled with a rabble of kids and a housekeeper he can't keep his eyes off….

With Brad as her boss, Sarah's never felt more secure. But she's running from her past. How can she ask this gorgeous bachelor to take on her troubles and her unruly brood?

The woman Brad's falling for comes with an instant family—but his shoulders are broad. He'll take on this little family and make them his own….

Read Excerpt

The Prince's Secret Bride by Raye Morgan

Prince Nico can't walk by when he sees Marisa needs his help; she's confused and lost and clearly has no place to go. So he sweeps her back to his royal palace. Seeing that she's pregnant brings out Nico's protective instincts, feelings he thought had frozen years ago…

Until Marisa came along, normal life seemed shallow and frivolous. Now it feels as though Nico has something to live for. But with his royal realm torn apart by war and rebellion, can he afford to fall in love with this pregnant stranger?

Read Excerpt

Wanted: Royal Wife and Mother by Marion Lennox

For five long years, Kelly has been separated from her son, the Alp de Ciel heir, and has been fighting to get him back. But with her estranged husband's death, Kelly can finally reclaim little Matty.

Prince Regent Rafael de Boutaine wants mother and son to be reunited, but insists Kelly must embrace royal life.

Kelly will do anything for Matty, and returns to the palace. But as she gets to know Rafael, she starts to fall in love with the man behind the prince. Kelly is in danger of doing what she vowed to avoid at all costs: becoming a royal wife again.

Read Excerpt

The Boss's Unconventional Assistant by Jennie Adams

Sophia Gable is anything but conventional, and multimillionaire Grey Barlow knows this the second he meets her. With her bright clothes, and even brighter outlook on life, Sophia is no ordinary PA! And Grey is beginning to wonder why he's hired her…

Sophia is nervous about her first temporary assignment, and falling for her boss is the last thing she needs. But how can she not want to get personal with broodingly handsome Grey? He may not be the commitment type, but she has a warm, generous heart that may be just what this grumbly boss needs!

Read Excerpt

Falling for Mr. Dark & Dangerous by Donna Alward

Tidy. Sensible. Safe. That's how Maggie Taylor wants things. Until she opens the door of her tiny mountain hotel to a tall, dark and very dangerous stranger.

Nate Griffith offers a world of pleasure in his strong arms. But the lawman isn't looking for a peaceful retreat—he has a job to do.

It scares Maggie that Nate puts himself in the line of fire every day, and so she tries her hardest to resist him. But even a heart as closed off as Maggie's can't stay immune for long….

Read Excerpt

Millionaire Dad, Nanny Needed! by Susan Meier

One minute, wedding planner Audra Greene's balancing budget sheets, the next she's changing baby sheets for handsome millionaire Dominic Manelli! Corporate tycoon Dominic needs help with his newly orphaned nephew, and he knows exactly who to ask—reliable, trustworthy Audra. He knows his playboy ways will only break Audra's heart and that he shouldn't get involved with the hired help. But every look, every touch and every smile is making Dominic want to swap nights out on the town for nights in with Audra and the baby….

Read Excerpt