Interview with Carly Corcoran, Editorial Assistant

This month as part of our blog centenary celebrations, we're so excited to have with us a brand new addition to the Harlequin Romance Editorial Team!

Carly Corcoran is a new editorial assistant in the Richmond office and has very graciously agreed to participate in an interview.

Welcome to Romance, Carly!

Title: Editorial Assistant on the Mills & Boon /Harlequin Romance team

Where do you live?

At the moment I am living with my parents in Hanworth, Middlesex a town only a couple of miles from Richmond where the UK Mills & Boon office is based. I have lived there all my life, but this year I have decided that it’s time to fly the nest (and the nagging!) and look for a place of my own! I will be looking in the local area for somewhere close to work, and my parents, incase I’m ever in need of a home-cooked meal!

What is the last non-job related book you read?

P.S. I Love You by Irish author Cecelia Ahern. It was recently made into a film of the same title starring Hilary Swank as the heroine, Holly Kennedy, and the gorgeous Gerard Butler, who plays her on-screen husband, Gerry. It was recommended to me by a friend and I found myself crying all the way through, and incurring some rather dodgy looks on the train! It was a heart-warming, life affirming story and a real page-turner!

Who are your favourite authors?

Having studied English Literature at school and university I’m a huge fan of the classics: Jane Austen, The Brontës and Charles Dickens. My more contemporary favourites include Irish author Marian Keyes, who writes funny, witty chick-lit stories that always make me laugh. I also admire the ability of authors such as J K Rowling (Harry Potter series) and Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials trilogy) to create a whole new fantasy world that has captured readers’ imaginations across the globe. They offer readers a chance to escape into a world where anything is possible and transcend boundaries in their appeal to both adults and children. As you can probably tell I read quite widely!

What’s your favourite food/ guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure has to be carrot cake! I never seem to be able to say no to a slice (or two!) and also, (the downfall of many women) chocolate!

What is your favourite tv show? Do you have a favourite actor?

My taste in TV shows is quite varied. At the moment I’m enjoying The Apprentice, which is a UK show where multi-millionaire, Alan Sugar, is looking for a new apprentice and several contestants must carry out tasks he sets in order to win the coveted position. Also Desperate Housewives, which is conveniently on on the same night. I’m finding the fourth series the funniest yet!

On a different tack I do enjoy some of the more action-packed series such as Prison Break and 24, no doubt the gorgeous male leads have something to do with it…

While the actors in all these shows are excellent, in terms of my favourite actor, I automatically think of film stars. Johnny Depp (Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean) is my firm favourite. He has classic good looks and, has starred in a quirky mix of films and makes every role his own.

What is your dream vacation?

I would love to see more of Europe; take a gondola ride in Venice, see the Colosseum in Rome, the Acropolis in Athens…the list is endless! What’s something your colleagues don’t know about you?

I have been lucky enough to do quite a lot of traveling around South East Asia, China, Hong Kong and the Philippines, which has been an amazing experience.

Who would you most like to meet, living or dead?

Jane Austen would be a very interesting person to meet. I would love to know what life was like in the eighteenth century and where the inspiration for her stories and characters came from, and if a man like Mr Darcy really did exist!

What did you do before becoming an Editorial Assistant for Mills and Boon?

I was working towards my Masters degree in Popular Literatures. I made the decision to continue studying for another year after finishing my Bachelor degree, mainly to pursue my interest in genre fiction. It was a challenging course but really enjoyable too!
What do you look for from your authors?

The protagonists need to be particularly well drawn so that they are both apsirational and believable. As a reader, my favourite stories are always the ones where I fall in love with the hero and want to be the heroine! A strong emotional conflict is also key to driving a story forward and keeping the reader gripped, and more often than not brings a tear to my eye! I have been blown away by the quality and variety of the editorial I have read since starting work at Harlequin Mills & Boon.

What do you think makes the Romance line so special?

For me, it’s the deeply emotional content of the stories that keep me gripped, and the heroes, who I believe are sexier, because they are not afraid to let down their guard and show some emotion!

What really makes your heartstrings twang when you’re reading a manuscript?

Any strong emotional conflict either in the hero or heroine’s past or in the front story. I really like the way the hero and heroine help to heal each others hearts in the course of a story and watching the characters growth on the page, particularly when a character gains the confidence to stand up to a domineering or repressive force in their life or to express their true feelings when they are not sure of the response they will get. And of course anything with an adorable little baby involved tugs at my heart strings.

How many manuscripts do you read in a week?

At the moment, as I am still relatively new to the company, two-three, though I am sure this number will go up as I gain more experience and begin working with my own authors.

And finally, Carly, what has it been like joining the Romance team during such an important time – celebrating the company’s Centenary?

It is very exciting joining Harlequin Mills & Boon in its centenary year and being part of a company with such a long and interesting history. The company is in a unique position in that its stories provide a barometer of the changes in our culture and society over the last century; from the increasing explicitness of sexual content in the Modern/Presents line, to the emancipation of its heroines from the home to the workplace.

The media coverage in the UK has been huge with features in the National press and television coverage. When I came for my interview there was even a film crew outside the building! I have been proud to tell my family and friends who have seen it, that that’s the company I work for!

There are lots of exciting things happening in the Mills & Boon/Harlequin Romance series this year, notably The Wedding Planners continuity, and it has been good to see authors working together and what they have come up with. I am looking forward to seeing what other great ideas and stories our authors come up with in Harlequin Mills & Boon’s 101 year!

(the Romance team from left to right: Carly Corcoran, Kimberly Young, and Meg Sleightholme)

Wow, thank you Carly for taking time out of your week to be with us!

And for you, the readers - don't forget to send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line Barbara to enter to win a signed copy of her current release, The Pregnancy Promise!

Spotlight in Six - Barbara McMahon

This month's spotlight is with Barbara McMahon, whose latest release, The Pregnancy Promise, features a unique twist on the twin relationship!

Thanks for joining us, Barbara!

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

Hard to answer--everywhere. I had the inspiration for DADDY AND DAUGHTERS from seeing a really cute young man with a toddler. No wife in evidence. Another--ONE STUBBORN COWBOY is about a crippled rodeo rider. I got that idea when I came out of the supermarket one day and say a rugged cowboy sitting in a truck in a handicap space--wheelchair in the back. Sometimes a song, a picture, or just by watching people.

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

No, I usually picture them in my mind. Once finished a book, sometimes I’ll look for a photo that matches what I’ve envisioned to send to the art department. They rarely use them, however, and most of the time I don’t recognize the people on the cover as the same as the way I imagined the hero and heroine to look.


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

I love starting and ending a novel. It’s so exciting to begin the story and get to know the character and start the conflict and motivation part. But the middle always slows me down. I know where I want to go, but getting there sometimes is a chore. I write linearly so don’t jump around. That’s part of what drives me, I want to get to scenes I’ve seen in my head and have to transition to get there. Friends who write scenes as they come and then put them together later are a marvel to me. I’d have all the fun with the scenes I really liked and then skip the transitions, which, for me, would mean no book.

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

I’m very involved in our county’s (rural county) genealogy group and in the Daughters of the American Revolution. I love researching family history, whether it’s mine or someone else’s. A friend of mine and I are also transcribing all the old tombstones in our historic cemeteries. (We live in Gold Rush country in California.) There are no records for those old cemeteries and the stones are wearing out fast. We are capturing what we can, mapping them, so future genealogists can find ancestors buried in our county.

My idea of a pampered day is to sleep late, like 8 o’clock which is late for me. Have a nice breakfast on the deck, and then sit in a comfy chair and read. I don’t read much while writing, so between projects, I read constantly.


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

I’d love to be stranded on a deserted island in the middle of a tropical sea, with plenty of food and water. I’d have my family there with me, especially my adorable grandchildren, and maybe a couple of good friends. I’d also want pad and pencil as I can’t be away from writing for too long without needing to jot down ideas and notes.


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

This month’s book, (June) THE PREGNANCY PROMISE, is the first of two linked books. In July, PARENTS IN TRAINING will be published. The heroines of the books are twins. I love twin stories and am fascinated with how two people can look alike and be different.

I’m currently working on another book that will be out early next year but the title and pub dates haven’t been set. That one I’m calling Baby Lost, Baby Found. After that I’m writing about a fabulously wealthy Greek playboy and a woman who returns to Greece to find her family. And then I’m doing a book about a hot air balloon race across Spain. I have plenty to keep me busy over the next months.

If you want a chance to win Barbara's June book, THE PREGNANCY PROMISE, just send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line of Barbara and we'll do the draw at the end of the month!

June Releases

The Pregnancy Promise by Barbara McMahon

Lianne O'Mallory is longing to have a baby, but time is running out! She's even created a secret wish list of her perfect man, but after a string of dating disasters, that list ends up in the bin….Only to be discovered by her sexy boss!

Tray Elliott can't work out why his beautiful, intelligent colleague would need to put together such a list, but it intrigues him. A man like him would never admit his own secret desire for a family—but this boss has a pregnancy proposal that Lianne might not be able to resist….

Read Excerpt

The Italian's Cinderella Bride by Lucy Gordon

In a flash of lightning, Count Pietro Bagnelli sees a young woman standing outside his palazzo, a battered suitcase at her feet. This solitary count has turned his back on the world, but he can't turn his back on this bedraggled waif….

Ruth has returned to Venice to uncover lost memories, yet finds comfort with this proudly damaged count. As Carnivale sweeps through the city, drama and passion ignite and secrets unravel….

Read Excerpt

SOS Marry Me! by Melissa McClone

The Wedding Planners Miniseries

For wedding-dress designer Serena James, nothing less than perfect will do—and that applies to finding Mr. Right! Her pilot, Kane Wiley, doesn't meet any of the criteria…apart from being drop-dead gorgeous!

Kane feels most at home in the skies. For this drifter, no commitment means freedom. But while flying Serena to a wedding convention, Kane is forced to perform a crash landing!

They might be chalk and cheese, but, stranded together, there's no denying the chemistry. And it's going to be a while before their SOS is answered….

Read Excerpt

Her Royal Wedding Wish by Cara Colter

Princess Shoshauna of B'Ranasha has followed royal convention all her life. Her greatest wish is freedom—and to marry for love, not duty.

A royal assignment: Suddenly in danger, Shoshauna is whisked to an exotic island by soldier Jake Ronan. He's been hired to protect her, and despite the attraction makes it clear he's here for duty, not love….

Her wedding wish: Being with Jake, Shoshauna feels truly happy and free for the first time. But can she dream of herself, a royal, marrying this hardened soldier?

Read Excerpt

Saying Yes to the Millionaire by Fiona Harper

A Bride For All Seasons Miniseries

First date: Oxford Circus, London…

When cautious Fern Chambers is challenged by a friend to say yes to every question, she never expects to spend four days with dreamy Josh Adams doing a charity treasure hunt.

First dance: Covent Garden…

Daredevil millionaire Josh never stays in one place—or with one woman—for long. But Fern is challenging that rule….

First kiss: Trafalgar Square…Josh realizes the treasure he's been looking for may in fact be the beautiful Fern. Can he persuade her to say yes to his final question, the most important one of all?

Read Excerpt

Her Baby, His Proposal by Teresa Carpenter

Brock Sullivan is a navy SEAL—he lives by his own code of honor and he won't see Jesse, pregnant and alone, struggle. He doesn't have to help her, but he knows he can offer her security while he's away fighting for his country. The proposal is convenient and the marriage—paper only!

Jesse would do anything for her baby, even if it means signing away her own dreams of happily ever after and becoming Brock's convenient bride. But, injured in battle, Brock is suddenly home, and what was a simple marriage of convenience is now becoming a whole lot more complicated.

Read Excerpt

Winner!

The winner of Natasha's book, WANTED: WHITE WEDDING is Anita Scully!

Anita, I've sent your contact information to Natasha, and she'll drop your prize in the post.

Congratulations!

Workshops and Appearances

From time to time we'll be posting upcoming workshops that our authors will be giving, or appearances they'll be making either in person or in the media. There's a lot more to this gig than just writing the books, and one thing we all seem to enjoy is talking about writing Romance.

So...a heads up for June:

Susan Meier seems to be busy in June, it's a good thing the days are long!

She has 3 one-hour workshops for the Philadephia Writer's Conference June 6, 7 and 8.

Later in the month she is giving a 3-hour presentation for Seton Hill College on Writing Romance in Today's Market on June 29.

RITA finalist Linda Goodnight will be one of the guest speakers at the Red River Romance Writers conference in Wichita Falls, Texas, June 7. A booksigning is scheduled the evening of June 6. Linda's topic will be The Plotting Circle-Using Mythic Story Structure to Keep Your Book Focused from Beginning to End. Other speakers include NYT author Gena Showalter, Jill Monroe, and Jordan Dane. For more information see the website at http://www.redriverromancewriters.com/

Donna Alward has an article titled "How Do You Know You're An Author" appearing in June's issue of Author magazine.

Foreign Releases for May!

Before we get to the foreign editions this month, don't forget time is running out to get your entry in for a chance to win Natasha Oakley's Wanted: White Wedding. If you haven't already, send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line of Natasha for your chance to win!

Juntos outra vez por Shirley Jump

Harlequin Portugal Bianca

Juntos poderiam voltar a ter o casamento perfeito…

Cade e Melanie tinham sido os reis do baile do liceu, o casal perfeito. Vinte anos depois, foi organizada uma festa de antigos alunos e Melanie ia ter de tornar pública a notícia de que o sonho fora desfeito.

Em algum momento da relação, Cade esquecera-se do que realmente importava, deixara que o trabalho se apoderasse da sua vida… e perdera a mulher que iluminara a sua existência. Mas ia demonstrar a Melanie que podia voltar a ser o homem que sempre desejara, o marido de que precisava… e que podia ganhar novamente o seu coração.

DE ZON IN HAAR HART Door: JACKIE BRAUN

Hulp vragen is niet iets wat de zelfstandige Anne Lundy makkelijk af gaat - en al helemaal niet als ze zich tot uitgerekend die man moet wenden die ze nog niet zo lang geleden te verstaan heeft gegeven dat hij zich niet zo met haar leven moet bemoeien! Tot haar verbazing stemt de afstandelijke topadvocaat Richard Danton erin toe haar te vergezellen naar Japan, waar ze haar biologische moeder zal ontmoeten. Haar verbazing neemt alleen maar toe als ze ontdekt dat onder Richards koele buitenkant een zeer warmbloedige man schuilgaat. Wat zou er gebeuren als hij zich eindelijk eens liet gaan?

Ángel de amor por Michelle Douglas

Harlequin España Jazmín

Había vuelto a casa por Navidad... ¿para conseguir una esposa?

En otro tiempo, Cole Adams y Cassie Campbell habían sido inseparables y habían recurrido el uno al otro en los malos momentos. Cassie llevaba diez años tratando de seguir adelante con su vida y olvidar el pasado, pero ahora Cole había vuelto a casa por Navidad y no podía evitarlo… ni a él, ni a los recuerdos.Cole sabía que Cassie había cambiado; ahora era viuda y cuidaba de los demás de manera incansable. Pero la conocía bien y podía ver el dolor que escondía tras su alegre sonrisa. ¿Podría llegar al fondo de su maltrecho corazón y convertir a su ángel de Navidad en su esposa?

Sposami al Tramonto di Lucy Gordon

Harmony -Jolly Romance

La produttrice televisiva Della Hadley si ritiene abba­stanza intelligente da sapere che una relazione con il giovane archeologo italiano Carlo Rinucci non è una buona idea. I loro rapporti dovrebbero includere solo l'allestimento di una trasmissione televisiva, ma è così difficile resistere all'aria sexy e scanzonata di lui e all'atmosfera romantica di Napoli. Eppure Della ha sperimentato sulla propria pelle quanto può essere mutevole la passione, e il suo cuore ne porta ancora le cicatrici. Carlo, però, non ha alcuna intenzione di arrendersi: quante volte dovrà ripeterle che il loro amore durerà per sempre, prima che lei accetti di diventare sua moglie?

Grandi amori, matrimoni, legami spezzati nel­la splendida cornice del golfo di Napoli. Sono molti i SEGRETI DI FAMIGLIA dei potenti Rinuc­ci. Scoprili in questa travolgente miniserie.

GESTÄNDNIS AM STRAND von: MARION LENNOX
28. Mai 2008

Hell funkeln die Sterne über der Bucht der Delfine, als Pierce die hübsche Shanni in seine Arme zieht und zärtlich küsst. Ein magischer Moment, in dem sie spürt, was sie sich bislang nicht einzugestehen wagte: Sie hat sich unrettbar verliebt in den charmanten australischen Stararchitekten. Aber was empfindet er für sie? Während Shannis Liebe für ihn mit jedem Tag wächst, scheint Pierce immer weniger bereit zu sein für eine feste Bindung. Hat er sie womöglich nur aus Dankbarkeit geküsst, weil sie ihm in einer Notlage geholfen hat? Verletzt flieht Shanni nach Sydney …

Le bonheur d'un père / Les noces d'une héritièrede Jessica STEELE, Susan MEIER

Collection Horizon -->

Quand Pip, sa nièce de onze ans, la supplie de l’aider à découvrir l’identité de son père, Leyne Rowberry est bien embarrassée : Maxine, sa sœur, qui s’est absentée pour six mois afin de réaliser un reportage, lui laissant la garde de l’adolescente, a toujours refusé de lui révéler ce secret. Résolue à mener sa propre enquête, Leyne parvient à retrouver la trace d’un certain John Dangerfiled, un richissime homme d’affaires. Lequel se montre bientôt des plus désagréables, et nie farouchement être le père de Pip…

+1 roman réédité gratuit : Les noces d’une héritière, de Susan Meier

Special things, in time for spring!

It's been a while since I posted the special releases, so I thought I'd highlight a few of them now. Just click on the title's to be taken to that book's page at Mills and Boon.

The Boss's Proposal

Master of Mallarinka by Margaret Way

Victoria seldom visited the family’s cattle station since her drastic falling out with cattle baron Haddon Rushford. And she wouldn’t be there now if it weren’t for his determination to curb her wild ways. How long did he expect this feisty heiress to stay in the outback?

Hired: His Personal Assistant by Jessica Steele
Cale Masterson is every girl’s dream boss – he’s sophisticated and suave. But he makes Sorrel Oliphant nervous, not to mention hot under the collar! She’s been hired to be his PA but now he seems to be proposing a very different arrangement…

The Tycoon’s Marriage Bid by Patricia Thayer
Tycoon Hugh McCutcheon is renowned for getting what he wants, and he wants Ellie Flanagan’s business! But when Hugh meets flame-haired, warm-hearted Ellie, suddenly his business proposal is the last thing on his mind!

Innocent Brides To Be - Betty Neels

A Suitable Match
Eustacia knew her marriage was one of convenience. Colin needed someone to help care for his brother’s children, not a real wife. But as her wedding day approached, Eustacia hoped that one day Colin would return her love.

A Girl to Love
When Sadie became Mr Oliver Trentham’s housekeeper, Sadie thought her quiet life would continue unchanged. But Sadie hadn’t considered that she might fall in love with him.

A Ring in a Teacup
It amazed Lucy how often Mr der Linssen appeared in her life. She bumped into him everywhere. If only he knew she existed! But Lucy knew she couldn’t possibly be the girl of the handsome doctor’s choice…could she?

For Better, For Worse - Rebecca Winters

Centenary Special Release

Rafael de Mendez always knew that Kit was the woman he wanted to marry. But after he suffers from memory loss, their relationship is tested as they try to rebuild what they once had. And can he ever forget that she should have been his brother’s bride?

High Society Weddings

The Tycoon Prince by Barbara McMahon
Prince Jean LeBlanc is heir to the throne of Marique, but he refuses to have anything to do with his royal heritage. As ambassador, Clarissa Dubonette’s job is to convince Jean that his country needs him to be King…however she can…

The Ordinary Princess by Liz Fielding
Laura could see that Crown Prince Alexander of Montorino needed a holiday – from being a prince! For just a few days he would be ordinary – like her – and just have some fun. Was this a perfect partnership?

Princess in the Outback by Barbara Hannay
Isabella Martineau is tired of being a princess. Freedom beckons in the Australian Outback, where she meets rugged Jack Kingsley-Laird. But will their chemistry be enough to bridge the gap between two different worlds…?

May Buzz....

Lots of good buzz going around for the May books and for Romance in general. Before we get to that though....

The finalist list is up for the Bookseller's Best Awards. The finalists in the "Traditional" category are:

Best Friend - Future Wife by Claire Baxter
The Italian's Wife By Sunset by Lucy Gordon
Millionaire to the Rescue by Ally Blake
His Christmas Angel by Michelle Douglas
Hired By The Cowboy by Donna Alward

Also finalling in the "Short Contemporary" category is Romance author Trish Wylie with her Presents, Breathless!

The awards are presented at RWA Nationals, this summer in San Francisco.

There are some great reviews of this month's books:

The Italian Playboy's Secret Son by Rebecca Winters : "Loved this! This book had me pulled in right from the first page. It was so well done with great characters and a interesting plot."(E-harlequin reader review)

The Heir's Convenient Wife by Myrna MacKenzie..."is an exquisite addition to The Wedding Planners series, building on the second chance romance theme with a character skeptical of love also seen in Shirley Jump's preceding romance. Myrna MacKenzie brings love to an impossible situation and to two very different sorts of characters." (Book reader, e-pinions)

Her Sheikh Boss by Carol Grace : "...an appealing fantasy", Romantic Times

Wanted: White Wedding by Natasha Oakley: "Wanted:White Wedding is a wonderful contemporary romance rich in feeling, emotion and passion that will captivate you from the very first page and leave you totally mesmerized until the final full stop.
Natasha Oakley’s books just keep on getting better and better: poignant, enthralling and absolutely mesmerizing, they deserve a place on every romance reader’s keeper shelf!" (Julie, Cataromance, 4.5 stars)


His Pregnant Housekeeper by Caroline Anderson: "shines because of the incredible chemistry between adorably clueless Daniel and gutsy Iona--and several interesting conflicts. "(Romantic Times, 4)

And don't forget to enter for you chance to win a copy of Wanted: White Wedding from Natasha! Just send e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject of Natasha to enter! This book is getting great reviews....Merrimon reviews calls it "packed with precise action, humor and emotion."

Spotlight in Six - Natasha Oakley

This month we're thrilled to shine the spotlight on Romance's RITA finalist...Natasha Oakley!

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

Ideas are the easy bit. I just have them. Always have and it was a huge surprise to me when I discovered other people didn’t have stories popping spontaneously into their heads. What very dull lives they must lead.

‘Fresh’ ideas are perhaps more tricky. In romances I think you’d be hard pushed to find an idea which hasn’t already been used. The knack is to be really character focused. Everyone is different, shaped by different experiences, and when you allow your characters to be multi-faceted that automatically takes a book in a direction which is distinctly ‘yours’.

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

Well, I play at it because fellow Pink Heart Society editors do it! It’s kinda fun but it’s not honestly something I need to do. A celebrity comes with too much ‘baggage’ really and it gets in the way. Occasionally I happen across a particular photo where there’s an expression, a look in the eyes, which sets my imagination alight but that’s more about ‘where ideas come from’ than a need to ‘cast’.

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

The beginning is by far the worst for me. I hate that blank page. And then there’s the fear of failure. It’s about finally letting go of a lovely big WIP and starting all over with people you don’t know so well.

I’m a ‘tidy’ writer. I’m much slower at the beginning of a book than I am towards the end. I’ll go back and comb through new ideas before I can move on. I don’t write a ‘dirty’ draft. When I get to the end I can push ‘send’ straight away. It’s a bit like building a house. I have to have the foundations really solid before I’m ready to move on.

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

I watch a lot of movies. A glass of wine, large packet of cheddars and a romantic comedy and I’m a very happy girl.

My all time favourite is a little black and white movie called ‘Hobson’s Choice’. Directed by David Lean, it was released in 1954 and stars the great Sir John Mills as Willy Mossop, the boot-maker. It’s pure charm. Find it if you can.

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

Danescombe Cottage in Cornwall. It’s my favourite place on earth. Tucked away in a wood behind Cotehele House, it’s owned by the National Trust and you can rent it for holidays – which my mum and dad did when I was ten. (http://www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk/)

We had ‘the’ most fantastic holiday there. We made dams in the little streams all about, walked for miles, played cards (I’m a demon card player) and wandered up through the gardens of Cotehele House whenever we chose. It’s a little piece of heaven.

I wouldn’t mind being stranded there with my husband but I’m going to go for my late mum. I miss her.

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

I’m currently writing book two of a ‘sheikh duet’. The first one is ‘Cinderella and the Sheikh’ and that’ll be out January 09 and the second one, the one I’m writing now, is tentatively called ‘The Desert King’s Bride’. Both books are set in my fictional kingdom of ‘Amrah’ which I’ve squeezed in next to Oman. Just room there I thought! Hanif is getting paired with Seb’s ‘wild child’ younger sister from ‘Crowned: An Ordinary Girl’.

This month I’m at the Lincoln Book Festival on a Mills & Boon panel with Kate Walker, Trish Wylie and Kate Hardy. 17th May if you are in the area. It would be lovely to see you. http://www/lincolnbookfestival.co.uk

The other thing that’s happening this month is I become Bedfordshire libraries ‘writer in residence’. This is part of the UK’s 2008 Year of Reading which is all about promoting a love of reading. Each of the 149 participating library authorities have been paired with a local author – not just authors of category fiction. It’s a real cross section. I’m very excited about that. http://www.yearofreading.org.uk/

Well Natasha as long as you're not busy....

Thanks for joining us this month!

Natasha is giving away a copy of her current release Wanted: White Wedding to one lucky reader. Send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line of Natasha to be entered.

May Releases

Coming Home to the Cattleman by Judy Christenberry

Jenny has distant, happy memories of her long-lost dad, and has finally gained the confidence to find him. Only one man stands in her way: the aloof and brooding Jason Welborn—her dad's business partner. And it's clear he's not happy she's come home.…

Jason's convinced this city girl has only come to claim her share in the business, and then hotfoot it back to the Big Apple. But Jenny seems determined to win him over, and the more he tries to push her away, the more feisty Jenny's response becomes. Slowly but surely she's starting to get under Jason's skin.…

Read Excerpt

The Italian Playboy's Secret Son by Rebecca Winters

Cesar Villon de Falcon: the world's finest racing-car driver and Monaco's most notorious playboy. But a terrifying crash has left him fighting for his life.

Sarah Priestley: the enchanting woman at his bedside, who has a secret she hopes will help revive him—Cesar has a son!

The little boy who has his daddy's eyes gives Cesar a new lease on life. But it is his convenient marriage to Sarah that has the potential to make this courageous man whole again….

Read Excerpt

The Heir's Convenient Wife by Myrna Mackenzie (Wedding Planners Series)

The Wedding Belles' photographer, Regina, captures picture-perfect memories for brides and grooms to treasure. But looking at her own wedding photo makes her realize she barely knows the man she conveniently wed.…

Dell O'Ryan was always brought up to do the right thing, to be responsible. So when his no-good cousin landed the beautiful Regina in a whole heap of trouble, Dell stepped in to save the day.

One convenient marriage later, they are practically strangers, and now Dell has decided it's time to date his wife.…

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Her Sheikh Boss by Carol Grace

His secretary's secret…

Claudia Bradford has a secret: she's head-over-heels in love with the most unsuitable man possible—her boss, gorgeous sheikh Samir Al-Hamri. And he's taking her on a business trip to his desert home.

Her boss's desert proposal?

Samir knows his sensible assistant is captivated by the exotic sights of Tazzatine. In his desert oasis, he sees Claudia in a new light. Spirited and fun, she makes him feel alive. But Samir's always vowed to only marry for duty.…

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Wanted: White Wedding by Natasha Oakley

Seeing Daniel Ramsey struggle with fatherhood makes memories of Freya's past come flooding back. Freya was a wild child, but on the inside she always dreamed of happy ever afters and white weddings. It was a way to escape the troubles of home. Now she's grown up, stunning and successful, and she knows she can help Daniel and his daughter.

But Freya's afraid of getting too close.… She still has her secrets, locked up tight. Could it be that after all these years, she's met the man who has the ability to see straight into her heart?

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His Pregnant Housekeeper by Caroline Anderson

Penniless, pregnant and alone, Iona Lockwood wants to settle and put down roots. Life's delivered her a few hard knocks lately.…

When wealthy architect Daniel Hamilton finds Iona living in the empty building he's bought, he knows he should be asking her to leave. But Daniel can't turn his back on a pregnant woman, and offers her a job as his housekeeper.

Stepping into his beautiful home, Iona feels like Cinderella. But she knows dreams don't come true. She's there to keep house, not to fall in love with the millionaire who saved her.

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April's Winner!

The winner of Claire Baxter's book THE SINGLE DAD'S PATCHWORK FAMILY is Soraya Nicholas!

Congratulations Soraya! If you can e-mail us back with your mailing address, your prize will be on its way!

And come back tomorrow when we roll out the May releases!

April Reviews

Firstly....you have approximately 48 hours to send in your e-mail to be entered to win Claire's book! To win your copy of The Single Dad's Patchwork Family, send your e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject of CLAIRE!

And if you haven't picked up April's books yet, perhaps this will convince you:

The Single Dad's Patchwork Family by Claire Baxter: This whole book captivated me from start to finish, the story was prolific with descriptive scenery, so much so that I could almost imagine myself being there with them. Kudos to Ms. Baxter for penning yet another fantastic romantic story where the characters seem like family and the readers’ imagination takes flight into fantasy. (Cataromance, 4.5 stars)

The Bride's Baby by Liz Fielding: "Liz Fielding begins A Bride for All Seasons with The Bride's Baby.This story has everything-sparkling dialogue, multifacetedcharacterizations, sizzling chemistry and a powerful emotional core. A keeper." Romantic Times, 4.5 stars TOP PICK."

Expecting a Miracle by Jackie Braun: "Jackie Braun’s Expecting a Miracle (4.5) is packed with emotion and humor, and all of the characterizations are rich and detailed. A keeper." Romantic Times

Wedding Bells at Wandering Creek Ranch by Patricia Thayer: "If you like romance, fiction and happy endings and want a story about love transforming power into a community, Patricia Thayer's Wedding Bells at Wandering Creek Ranch is a great reading choice!" (Merrimon Book Reviews)

Sweetheart Lost and Found by Shirley Jump: "Four stars: "...Shirley Jump begins The Wedding Planners with Sweetheart Lost and Found (4). It's smart, funny and quite moving at times, and the characters have a lot of depth."

The Loner's Guarded Heart by Michelle Douglas: "...a story of two hearts discovering one another and falling in love as they share more and more of themselves and their vulnerabilities with one another. The Loner's Guarded Heart mixes humor and emotion to bring readers a non-stop great romance read." (Merrimon Book Reviews)

April Good News

There are so many things going on this month we're combining some of them all in one post! Hold on to your hats, get out your tootie horns and pop some champagne as we get ready to celebrate the authors of Harlequin Romance!

This past weekend Romantic Times Magazine hosted their annual convention in Pittsburgh. What a showing for our Romance authors!

Trish Wylie won Best Harlequin Romance with Rescued: Mother-To-Be. Way to go, Trish!

Natasha Oakley won Best Harlequin Presents with The Tycoon's Princess Bride. This was part of the Niroli Continuity and we're so very proud of Natasha!

Linda Goodnight won Best Love Inspired with The Heart of Grace.

It just goes to show that the trademark core of emotionalism in Romance is a powerful thing no matter what line you also write for! Congratulations ladies!

And a big cheer for Liz Fielding, who won a Career Achievement Award for Love and Laughter. If you've read Liz's books, you already know she has a specialness about her that is all her own. And a sneaky ability to make you cry, and then laugh in the next heartbeat. Congratulations, Liz.

And what would spring be without the RWA RITA finalists being announced! The Tycoon's Princess Bride (Natasha Oakley) is also up for a RITA in the Short Contemporary category...is this book magical or what!

Carrying on....

Jennie Adams's book To Love and To Cherish was a Blue Ribbon Favourite for the month of March at Romance Junkies, as chosen by their reviewers. Congrats, Jennie!

And, finally, the finalists of the National Reader's Choice Awards have been notified. In the Traditional category we have:

Natasha Oakley - Crowned: An Ordinary Girl

Barbara McMahon - The Boss's Little Miracle

Lucy Gordon - The Mediterranean Rebel's Bride

What a brilliant showing...and this is only the beginning! Congratulations to you all.

One last note...if you haven't already, please enter to win a copy of Claire Baxter's book THE SINGLE DAD'S PATCHWORK FAMILY! Just drop an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject CLAIRE to enter. There's only one week left!

April Foreign Releases

My apologies for the blip in posting...an out of town trip came up, so without waiting any longer, here are some of the foreign releases for this month!

Matrimonio In Agenda - Jessica Hart

Harmony
Jolly Romance
April 2008

UN CAPO PER MARITO: quando il lavoro chiama... il cuore risponde!

Lucy West è appena ritornata a Londra dopo un periodo trascorso all'estero e deve trovarsi un nuovo lavoro. I cambiamenti non l'hanno mai spaventata ed è pronta ad affrontare qualunque impresa. Qualunque, tranne il carismatico e irresistibile milionario Guy Dungerfield. Cugino del suo precedente capo, le propone di fargli da assistente personale e Lu­cy sa che accettare metterà a rischio il suo cuore.

Guy non ha mai avuto una segretaria così carina. Il suo sorriso è contagioso ed è facile parlare con lei. Quando, in una particolare circostanza, Lucy lascia credere che siano anche fidanzati, lui è ben felice di approfittare della situazione. Anzi, vuole trasformare la finzione nella più romantica delle realtà.

Un mariage d'honneur de Linda GOODNIGHT

Horizon 15 avril 2008

Lorsqu’elle apprend que son père a perdu le ranch familial au poker, Kara Taylor entre dans une colère noire. Non seulement parce que, ce faisant, son père vient de priver Lane, son fils de cinq ans, de son héritage, mais aussi et surtout parce que le nouveau propriétaire du ranch n’est autre que Ty Murdock. Ty, qui ne tarde pas à lui proposer de l’épouser, pour que l’honneur soit sauf et que Lane ne soit pas lésé. Mais Kara ne peut se résoudre à cette solution : comment pourrait-elle se marier et faire de nouveau confiance à celui qu’elle croyait être l’homme de sa vie, avant qu’il ne la quitte subitement six ans plus tôt, sans la moindre explication ?

El amor más hermoso por Trish Wylie

Harlequin España Jazmín
23 de Abril 2008

El amor más hermoso

Había vuelto para recuperar el amor que nunca debería haber dejado escapar…

En el momento más duro de su vida, Kane Healey entendió que si se amaba a alguien había que dejarlo libre y decidió enfrentarse al futuro solo.

Siendo muy joven, Rhiannon descubrió que estaba embarazada, pero Kane se había ido sin saber que había dejado atrás un magnífico milagro…

Ahora tenían la oportunidad de enmendar los errores del pasado. ¿Aprovecharía Kane el baile de San Valentín para declararse a la mujer que siempre había amado?

SERCE ZE ZŁOTA WYSPA SZCZĘŚCIA

LIZ FIELDING MYRNA MacKENZIE

31.03.2008r.

Myrna Mackenzie: WYSPA SZCZĘŚCIADalsza praca Anny - opieka nad wspaniałą, pustą rezydencją - staje pod znakiem zapytania, gdy po latach nieobecności pojawia się pan domu. Donavan szuka tutaj ucieczki od wielkomiejskiego gwaru i bolesnych wspomnień. Pragnie samotności, ale Anna wie lepiej, czego mu potrzeba...

Liz Fielding: SERCE ZE ZŁOTAMłodzi kochankowie, Fleur i Matt, ukrywają swój romans w tajemnicy, bo ich skłócone rodziny nigdy nie zaaprobowałyby tego związku. Zawierają potajemnie małżeństwo, ale wkrótce się rozstają. Matt pojawia się w życiu Fleur ponownie dopiero po sześciu latach, by walczyć o prawo do opieki nad ich synem...

Queres casar comigo? por Jennie Adams

Harlequin Portugal Bianca

23 de Abril 2008

Aviso: Estou apaixonada pelo chefe!

Quando Lily Kellaway aceitou ser a secretária de Zach Swift esperava deparar-se com um chefe exigente e arrogante… mas Zach era bonito e generoso. Desde o acidente, Lily não quisera trabalhar em escritórios devido à sua memória fraca, mas com Zach tudo era diferente. E então ele pediu-lhe que o acompanhasse numa viagem de negócios!

Já lhe era difícil esconder os seus sentimentos das nove às cinco… Zach não demoraria a perceber que ela não era tão perfeita como ele parecia acreditar.

Spotlight in Six - Claire Baxter

Welcome to April's Spotlight In Six! This month we have Claire Baxter with us! Claire's current release is The Single Dad's Patchwork Family.

Welcome Claire!

Where do you find new and fresh ideas?

They pop into my head when I’m least expecting them! Actually, I think they’re already in there – it’s the only explanation for those ideas that you wake up with.

But sometimes they need a little prompting, so I have an Ideas Box filled with newspaper and magazine clippings and other items which some instinct has told me to drop in even though I have no clue why. When I go through the box some of the bits and pieces will trigger ideas for my story and I know that’s why I included them in the first place. I think the subconscious is amazing.


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

No, I don’t. When I have an idea for a book, I get a clear image of each main character in my head. In fact, they never look like celebrities. They’re just…themselves.

Once, though, I had a book half-written and was browsing the internet when I came across a photo of my hero. He was the spitting image of the guy I’d pictured, right down to the clothes!

I printed the photo and pinned it up on my board but only because it was weird to think the man I’d imagined did exist in real life. He was a model, I think.


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

I love starting a new story (does every writer say that?). It’s true that there’s nothing more exciting.

I don’t enjoy the middle. I have to struggle through it, a page or two at a time. It’s not so much that the middle sags, more that I do. But once I near the three-quarter mark, all my enthusiasm comes back again.


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

I read. I love reading It’s always been my favourite occupation. I also love to swim and in the warmer months, if I’m not at my computer, you’ll probably find me in the pool. Once I’ve done my laps, I like to float on one of those inflatable recliners with a book (yes, reading again).


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

Hmm, I was going to say “anywhere with my husband”, but then I got this vivid image of being locked in a book shop - yes, I could imagine this happening because I lose all track of time when I’m book browsing. In this fantasy, I know the staff will be back to unlock the next morning so I’m not too worried, and the best thing is, I have nothing to do but read and read and read.

Who am I with? Well, if there has to be someone else there, it needs to be someone who loves to read too so they won’t disturb me, but they also need to know how to make coffee. I know! My husband.


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

‘The Single Dad’s Patchwork Family’ is out now (April) in the USA and UK, or on-line. Chase, the single dad of the title, has moved to a secluded location to raise his daughter and he plans a simple life. He meets a single mom, Regan, who is not looking for distractions either. They form a special bond which breaks down their isolation then leads to love and a blended family.

Later in the year – December – ‘Pregnant: Father Wanted’ will be released. This one is set in Italy and I had a really good time writing it. It’s the story of Lyssa, an Australian travel writer, and Ric, an Italian soccer player.


Thanks for having me! It’s been fun.

Claire is giving away a signed copy of The Single Dad's Patchwork Family to one lucky blog reader! Send an e-mail to hrablog@hotmail.com with the subject line of CLAIRE and we'll draw at the end of the month!

A Special Occasion!

The only thing more exciting than a wedding, would be marking a major milestone like, say, publishing your 50th Harlequin Romance! So what happens when both of these happen at the same time?

What happens is you get the gorgeous pleasure of a Liz Fielding novel, and Liz here herself to celebrate it being her 50th book!

The Bride's Baby is the first book in a miniseries called A Bride For All Seasons. Liz is the Spring Bride. Fiona Harper is Summer, Trish Wylie is Fall, and Shirley Jump winds it all up with her Winter Bride.

Please join the Romance authors in celebrating with Liz! And here she is to tell us more....

THE BRIDE’S BABY, my 50th Harlequin Romance is published this month as the first book in a four-part mini series, A Bride for All Seasons. The heroine, Sylvie Duchamp Smith, is an events planner, but she knows that a wedding is a never-to-be-repeated occasion that has to be perfect and it’s her attention to detail, her determination to deliver the perfect day that has made her the top of every A-list bride’s wish-list. Now, in the cause of The Pink Ribbon Club, a charity founded by her mother, she’s been asked to show the world what her own fantasy day would be like at a Wedding Fayre to be held in her ancestral home, Longbourne Court..

There are countless reasons why she wouldn’t want to go back there. As for fantasy weddings, well, ever since a high-profile wedding she’d been organising had ended in professional disaster when the bride had eloped at the last minute with one of her assistants, she has been doing her best to avoid them. Or think about the jilted groom, billionaire Tom McFarlane, who’d summoned her to his office to go through her account line by line. These days she has baby clothes rather than wedding gowns on her mind.

She’s going to have to do it this one last time, however. Too many people are relying on her to raise the Pink Ribbon Club profile, put their business under the spotlight. It’s just a pity she hadn’t thought to ask the name of the new owner of Longbourne Court…

For excerpts, background, and details of this four-book mini series, go to http://abrideforallseasons.blogspot.com/ and http://www.lizfielding.com/

Congrats Liz! Here's to 50 more!

April Releases

April...the beginning of spring, and there's a whole lot of "new" in this month's lineup! Here's what's in store:



Wedding Bells at Wandering Creek Ranch by Patricia Thayer

P.I. Jack Sullivan, black-eyed and dark-hearted, is at Wandering Creek Ranch on official business—business that doesn't include falling for the striking blonde who tries to throw him off her land.…

Willow Kingsley's ranch in the Hollywood Hills is her sanctuary. She'll fight the gorgeous stranger and protect her own. What she doesn't realize is that Jack's on her side, and when she's in his arms he'll do everything in his power to keep her safe.…

Read Excerpt



The Bride's Baby by Liz Fielding FIRST BOOK IN A BRIDE FOR ALL SEASONS SERIES

The wedding of the season!

Events manager Sylvie Smith is organizing a glittering fund-raising event: a wedding show in a stately home. She has even been roped into pretending to be a bride…a bride who's five months pregnant!

The bride everyone is talking about!

It should be every girl's dream to design a wedding with no expense spared, but it's not Sylvie's. Longbourne Court was her ancestral home, and she's just discovered that the new owner is Tom McFarlane—her baby's secret father. Now Tom's standing in front of her, looking at her bump.…

Read Excerpt



Sweetheart Lost and Found by Shirley Jump FIRST BOOK IN THE WEDDING PLANNERS SERIES

As the Wedding Belles' florist, Callie is surrounded by blushing brides. If only she still believed in love. Callie made a mistake many years ago. She let a good man go, and now keeps her heart safe. But what's she going to do now that the good man is back?

Jared Townsend knows he should have fought harder for Callie in the past. Now he's determined to bring her out of her shell and find the beautiful, vivacious woman he once knew. Can he show her how to laugh again, feel again…even love again?

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Expecting a Miracle by Jackie Braun

When Lauren Seville unexpectedly finds herself pregnant, it's the end of life as she knows it…and the beginning of everything she's dreamed of.

But when she finds the perfect place for her soon-to-be family of two, she is blindsided by her anything-but-maternal attraction to her sexy new landlord.

From the minute Lauren moves into the cottage on his estate, she arouses Gavin O'Donnell's fiercest protective instincts. And as her delivery date nears, the independent mother-to-be awakens something else in the real-estate tycoon: his yearning to be a daddy.

Read Excerpt



The Single Dad's Patchwork Family by Claire Baxter

Chase Mattner has come to tranquil, secluded Leo Bay to raise his daughter. In their house by the ocean, he plans a simple life.

Regan Jantz isn't looking for distractions, either. With a tuna farm to run and two young sons to bring up alone, she's got her hands full.

But as single parents, Regan and Chase form a special bond. For so long their lives have been like jigsaws without the final pieces. Could a proposal from this gorgeous single dad make them whole again?

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The Loner's Guarded Heart by Michelle Douglas

Josie was touched that her brothers had arranged a holiday for her—she certainly needed one. Only, the location isn't the lively resort she'd expected, but a rustic cabin in a beautiful but isolated Australian idyll.…

Her only neighbor for miles is the taciturn, if incredibly attractive, Kent Black. Following a family tragedy, Kent cut himself off from the world. Josie can't help but be intrigued by this solitary man, and with her bubbly, warm personality, she's determined to pick away at the iron padlock around his heart.

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