Avon Romance Blog

How Do They Do It?

noreply@blogger.com (AmandaBergeron) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +0000

As a reader, I'm always fascinated to learn an author's writing method.

Do they outline first, even whole series at a time (like JK Rowling famously did for HARRY POTTER)?

Are they "pantsters," (writing by the seat of your pants), as one of the lovely ladies of the Utah RWA chapter explained to me at a recent conference?

Do they write, edit, throw away, and start again?

When I was much younger, I posted a question to Diana Gabaldon's fan email asking how far ahead she had planned a certain far-reaching plot twist in one of the later books in the Outlander series. Each of her books is just so epochly long, I couldn't imagine how she kept all the details and characters straight without some serious outlining. Never did get an answer though!

So you can imagine my delight, when Carrie pointed out this great article from Friday's Wall Street Journal about several authors and their unique writing practices. And, closing out the list is our very own mystery writer Laura Lipmann! If you're nosy like me, this piece is definitely worth a look.

Good News Comes In Threes

noreply@blogger.com (AmandaBergeron) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Every now and then we just can't help but toot our authors' horns...

Okay fine, we sing their much-deserved praises from the rooftops any chance we get, but it's hard to ignore good news when it comes flooding in!

In September, we found out Eloisa James' WHEN THE DUKE RETURNS grabbed a spot in Book List's Top Ten Romance Fiction of 2009

Then, this week, we learned Julia Quinn's WHAT HAPPENS IN LONDON and Eloisa's A DUKE OF HER OWN made Amazon's list of Top Ten Romance Books Of 2009!

AND, as if that news weren't enough, Anna Campbell's CAPTIVE OF SIN and Margaret Carroll's A DARK LOVE landed on Publishers Weekly Top Five Mass Market Books Of 2009!

Congrats Eloisa, Julia, Anna, and Margaret!

Wrong Side Of Dead

noreply@blogger.com (LuciaMacro) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Romance Radio Event: Jordan Dane’s on THE WRONG SIDE OF DEAD!

Mysterious computer wizard Seth Harper awakens in a bloody motel room to find he’s not alone. The vacant eyes of a grisly corpse stare accusingly at him--the body of a young woman. Seth becomes the prime suspect of a heinous murder. If only he could remember what happened...

For a thrilling ride of suspense and hot romance, start reading Jordan Dane’s THE WRONG SIDE OF DEAD, the second in her Sweet Justice series!

Then, tune into Romance Radio Thursday, 11/5 at 2 PM as Jordan joins us to discuss her hot new release and takes questions from fans. Call in (347) 826-9686.

The Tip Of The Iceberg

noreply@blogger.com (AmandaBergeron) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:37:00 +0000

Recently, I found myself sitting in an audience filled with teens and tweens at a movie theater showing of FAME. At the start of the previews, the screen suddenly filled with a rather non-descript lake scene--well, apparently not that non-descript--as the 100 or so adolescent girls in the room began screaming with joy. Of course, it was the opening to the preview of the TWILIGHT sequel NEW MOON. Recently buff teenage werewolves and all...

It got me thinking, what pop-culture fad had my friends and me falling over ourselves like that? The answer came rather quickly: Leonardo DiCaprio and all things TITANIC.

I bought the soundtrack, took TITANIC quizzes in Teen People magazine, covered my wall in movie posters, memorized lines...yes, it's true. I then recalled something I had truly forgotten...the birth of a late-90s sub-genre of disaster-focused YA fiction. Very suddenly, my bookshelf acquired HINDENBURG 1937, WASHINGTON AVALANCHE 1910, and SAN FRANCISCO EARTHQUAKE 1906.

Ah, what's a love story without a sinking ship, burning Zeppelin, or natural catastrophe? To my young heart, nothing could be more tragically romantic. (Is that truly any stranger than an obsession with a stalkerish vamp?) Am I the only one that remembers these books?

And, speaking of YA-reminiscing fun...Starting November 1st, blogger "Booking Mama" launched a six-month SHELF DISCOVERY reading challenge. Pick six (or more) of the titles covered in Lizzie Skurnick's book about classic YA fiction and write quick "book reports" of each...go to her site for details...looks like winners could get free copies!

UPDATE: Anna Campbell will visit Avon's Facebook Boards TODAY!

Zombie Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (AmandaBergeron) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE ZOMBIES

It happens every year, and we all tolerate it...well, maybe just barely. Advertisers and stores love to push the yuletide envelope--dragging out Christmas decorations or displays far before trick-or-treaters have had a chance to put a dent in their Halloween candy.

At the risk of jumping on the way-too-early bandwagon, but while giving all that goes bump in the night a fair shake at the season, I'd like to bring up a book that I find utterly delightful.

Yes, that's right.... ZOMBIE CHRISTMAS CAROLS! (or rather classic carols littered with zombie-esque words)

Ex:

Up on the housetop, Zombies pause,

Eating poor old Santa Claus.

Down through the chimney come Santa's parts.

Once a Zombie bites--ouch that smarts!

Written by YA author and longtime friend of Avon, Michael P. Spradlin, with a Forward by the hilarious Christopher Moore, and with lots of delightful (and rather gruesome) illustrations, it's 81 pages of addictive fun. (Just ask Esi. I may or may not have wandered into her office singing when I first grabbed a copy…she may or may not have asked me to leave).

Extra points for anyone who can come up with any fun vampire-related holiday song lyrics!

Captive Of Sin

noreply@blogger.com (MayChen) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:46:00 +0000

Caught Up In The Fairytale
by Anna Campbell

There’s a school of thought that every writer has a single story they tell over and over again in different guises. One theme that they return to--a bit like your favorite flavor of potato chip in the pantry.

Am I giving too much information here about my eating habits? Hmm, Smith’s barbecue chips, where are you?

And, if the chips start talking back, maybe it’s time to see a doctor!

I’ve now written four books for Avon. The first was CLAIMING THE COURTESAN. A "Beauty and the Beast" story set in Regency Scotland. The second was UNTOUCHED. More "Beauty and the Beast". The third was TEMPT THE DEVIL--do I really need to say it?

My latest Regency historical CAPTIVE OF SIN is out this month. It’s an intense, dramatic marriage of convenience story featuring a national hero with PTSD, a runaway heiress, an elopement, dastardly bad guys, a magnificent house on the Cornish cliffs, and lots of derring-do. Oh, and love scenes that PUBLISHERS WEEKLY called "luscious". Thank you, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY!

I decided at last I’d broken the mold. This book was NOT a "Beauty and the Beast" tale. The world was my oyster. Perhaps, next time, I’d really go wild and, you know, do a Cinderella story instead!

My self-satisfaction didn’t last. This week, I noticed a discussion of the book which talked about CAPTIVE OF SIN as a "Beauty and the Beast" story. NOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Well, actually, now I’ve thought about it, YESSSSSSS!

Sir Gideon Trevithick returns to Cornwall after a year’s imprisonment and torture in India. He’s haunted by the ghosts of his past and his guilt that he survived when his colleagues didn’t. Convinced he’ll never lead a normal life and he’s unworthy of love or happiness, he intends to retire to his isolated estate on the coast.

So, yeah, I guess you could say we have a Beast who’s been cursed and who lives in his walled garden, shut away from the world.

Lady Charis Weston, England’s richest heiress, is running away from her greedy and violent stepbrothers. When Gideon offers her a marriage in name only to save her, she goes through with the ceremony. But Charis has every intention of fighting for her future. She loves Gideon and she refuses to accept that her love is unrequited. So, Beauty strives to lift the curse that holds the Beast captive.

Sigh, yeah, you’re right--how did I miss this?

The upside of all this is that I adore BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. It has to be my favorite fairytale. Someone who doesn’t know the story (how can this be?) once asked me why I loved it so much. I think it’s the combination of the tortured hero who by the end has become a real prince, whether he remains in his beast form or not, and the brave, unselfish heroine. Beauty is a bit more active than many women in fairytales! No snoozing through the good bits for our heroine here.

Do you have a favorite romance with a fairytale theme? CINDERELLA? THE UGLY DUCKLING? SLEEPING BEAUTY? I can think of a stack of keepers on my bookcase that fall into this category. What about you?

Midnight Pleasures With A Scoundrel

noreply@blogger.com (MayChen) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:01:00 +0000

(by Lorraine Heath)

I’ve always been a fan of Sherlock Holmes. (Absolutely cannot wait for the release of the movie starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law.) One of my favorite openings is from A SCANDAL IN BOHEMIA by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. “To Sherlock Holmes she is always the woman. I have seldom heard him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses and predominates the whole of her sex.”

This was how I envisioned James Swindler feeling about Eleanor Watkins.

I have also been a huge Alfred Hitchcock fan. One of my favorite movies was VERTIGO, in which a detective (played by James Stewart) is hired to follow a friend’s wife--and as he does so, he becomes obsessed with her.

This was how I envisioned James Swindler coming to know Eleanor Watkins. From a distance at first, but even then he sensed something remarkable about her. He became not obsessed with her, but he fell in love with her.

One of my favorite movies is THE STING with Paul Newman and Robert Redford. It was beautifully done. A movie about a swindle, but inside the main swindle was another that the audience didn’t see coming.

From the moment I envisioned the "Scoundrels of St. James" series, I wanted one of the stories to involve a swindle. It seemed appropriate that it should be James Swindler’s that does. Each of the scoundrels I’ve written about--Luke, Jack, and Frannie--had tragic pasts, but Swindler’s tore at my heart.

From the moment he revealed why he was so obsessed with justice, I knew he would be a very special character. I knew that for him, the one he loved would always be the woman who stole his heart. I knew she would come into his life in an unconventional manner. And, I knew that more than one swindle would be required to give them their happily ever after.

Unfortunately, I can’t tell you much more because I don’t want to ruin the fun of reading MIDNIGHT PLEASURES WITH A SCOUNDREL.

In a seemingly unrelated topic shift, my husband recently discovered that a lady with whom he works is an avid romance reader. She likes to curl up with a good book and a glass of merlot on the weekend, so he asked me to autograph a book to her. My inscription read: “A little romance to enjoy with your merlot.”

I’ve always envied writers who can come up with pithy inscriptions when signing books. Mine are usually the unimaginative “Best wishes,” “All my best,” “Enjoy!” So, I was pleased with the merlot comment. Of course, it took me three revisions to get it to where I wanted it.

I won’t tell you how many revisions MIDNIGHT PLEASURES WITH A SCOUNDREL required. But I will say that I have a wonderfully patient editor.

To celebrate its release, I’m hosting a contest which ends at the witching hour October 31st. Visit my website www.lorraineheath.com for details on how to enter.

What books or movies have stayed with you through the years?

What The Duke Desires

noreply@blogger.com (MayChen) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:28:00 +0000

The Ultimate Disguise
(by Jenna Petersen)

As I’m writing this, I just got home from a celebratory lunch with my friend Julie (celebrating the release of WHAT THE DUKE DESIRES). Afterward, we headed to our local Halloween store to look at costumes. It’s amazing the wide variety of things you can pretend to be for a party or trick or treat. That got me thinking about how many times the heroes and heroines of my books disguise themselves.

I’m not talking about literally, of course...although in my SEDUCTION IS FOREVER, my heroine did actually physically disguise herself. I mean more that I’ve written several heroes or heroines who pretend to be things they aren’t.

For example, in LESSONS FROM A COURTESAN, my heroine, Victoria, pretends to be a courtesan. In HER NOTORIOUS VISCOUNT, my hero, Nicolas, has been living one life as an underground fighter and now must reclaim his life as a gentleman, which is definitely not natural to him.

I’m continuing the theme in my newest release, WHAT THE DUKE DESIRES. There are several characters pretending to be something they’re not. My hero, Simon Crathorne’s father, pretended to be a good man, but his lies led to all kind of trouble and pain for others that Simon has to resolve.

My heroine, Lillian Mayhew, is also pretending. Her family was destroyed by Simon’s father and she’s determined to destroy his good reputation as revenge. Falling in love with Simon complicates that plan significantly. Oh...and there are a few more secrets and disguises you’ll have to read the book to find out about! :)

The book launches my new series, “The Billingham Bastards”, so I’ll be continuing my “disguise” theme for many books to come!

What are your favorite books that involve disguises, either literally or with characters pretending to be something they aren’t? And, what are you going to be for Halloween? I’m thinking zombie...

Silent Night, Haunted Night

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:45:00 +0000

‘Tis the weekend before Halloween and all through the house...

Of all my authors, I think...no, I know...Terri Garey has the most fun with Halloween. Every year, she transforms her backyard into Madame Zelda’s Haunted Graveyard. I must experience this for myself one day very soon...

It’s no wonder, then, that an author who loves Halloween as much as she loves telling ghost stories has given a new twist on the Christmas Carol theme. SILENT NIGHT, HAUNTED NIGHT finds our beloved Nicki Styx, ghoulfriend to the dead, battling the deadly Three Fates.

They have a bone to pick with Nicki for interfering with what they believe is the natural order of things, and it seems they won’t stop until they have their way...or her boyfriend.

Anyone have any good scary ghost stories they’d like to share?

The Care And Taming Of A Rogue

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Fall + New Series = Suzanne Enoch

Fall is my favorite season, not because of the crisp autumn air or anticipation of the coming holidays but because it’s the start of Fall TV. That’s right. My name is Erika Tsang and I’m a TV junkie.

And, it’s not just the returning favorites, but discovering a new series to fall in love with. GLEE, for example. My favorite scene of the season by far is the football team dancing to ALL THE SINGLE LADIES on the field.

But I digress.

We were talking about new series. What’s better than Suzanne Enoch, as she begins her Adventurers’ Club series with THE CARE AND TAMING OF A ROGUE?

Rugged explorer Bennett Wolfe returns to London, only to find that matchmaking mamas are just as dangerous as anything found in the Congo...perhaps even more so. His port in the storm is the intriguing Lady Phillipa Eddison. Phillipa would rather read than flirt and, when Bennett displays some shocking courtship rituals, it is up to her to teach him some manners--before she succumbs to temptation as wild as the man who offers it.

For a sneak peak of the first chapter, check out Suzie’s website: http://suzanneenoch.com

Hunting Season

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:48:00 +0000

Hi there! Guest Editor Kate here.

Men are like animals, right? I mean, sometimes they’re gross animals (pigs), and sometimes they’re sexy animals (studs), and sometimes they’re really sexy animals (see: PASSION UNTAMED).

But, for the most part, it’s best to think of them as our less evolved cousin.

That’s where HUNTING SEASON comes in. HUNTING SEASON adapts the rules of deer hunting to dating.

Yes. Dating = deer hunting. Just like hunting, there’s an Open Season and an Off Season. Just like hunting, you need to define your goal (Trophy Hunting or Bag ‘n Tag), before you enter the urban forest, so you’re well-positioned to bring down the right buck for you. Just like hunting, you need to make sure you have the right gear--and the right rifle.

Intrigued? Check out our video on YouTube.

More intrigued? I’ve got Advance Reading Copies for the first 5 people to email avonromance@harpercollins.com with your name and address.

Kate Nintzel

The Sheik

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:59:00 +0000

Today in History...

On October 21, 1921, George Melford’s silent film THE SHEIK premiered, starring Rudolph Valentino.

Valentino also played a Count in THE MARRIED VIRGIN (1918), a Duke in MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE (1924), and a Lieutenant in THE EAGLE (1925). Premiere.com ranks him #4 of 100 Sexiest Movie Stars of All Time.

“No matter what he was doing, he reeked of sex. His heavy-lidded looks were pure come-hither. And, when he died...thousands upon thousands of people attended his bi-coastal funerals, most of them hysterical, inconsolable women.”

The other male ahead of Valentino, at #2, is Marlon Brando.

What do you think? Does Premiere.com have it right?

More Pirates Please

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:41:00 +0000

A get-together with my friends invariably leads to conversation about romance reading. This past weekend, between the chocolate cupcake and stuffed French toast, I got an earful.

“Pirates. Give me more Pirates!” one of them said. So, for those of you who share her love for Pirates, I recommend Sabrina Jeffries' THE PIRATE LORD, an oldie but goodie:

“Angst. I love me some old fashion angst,” another chimed in. To her, I suggest Judith Ivory’s beloved classic, BLACK SILK:

And, for the friend who said, “Scots. Kilts. ‘Nuff said.” Here’s Lynsay Sands’ DEVIL OF THE HIGHLANDS:

I’m taking requests. What would you like to see more of?

The Solomon Effect

noreply@blogger.com (AvonRomance) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Ever experience deja vu? Or other odd psychic moments? I once had a dream about a dear friend I hadn't heard from in years and the next day she called me to say she was in town.

These kinds of things happen all the time, and I've been told that we all have psychic abilities to some extent or another. How successful we are at it is just a matter of how open we are to the possibilities.

If you're intrigued by this idea, then you must read THE SOLOMON EFFECT by CS Graham. Graham is a pseudonym for Candice Proctor, who has long been a part of the romance community, first with her historical romances, and, then this summer, she was a Rita finalist with her historical mystery WHERE SERPENTS SLEEP, which was a nominee for Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements under her pseudonym CS Harris. Now, she is back with THE SOLOMON EFFECT, the second in a suspense series featuring October (Tobie) Guinness and Jax Alexander.

Tobie is a remote viewer, which means she can be given some detail about a case and can psychically locate a person, a place, an object, etc. It sounds far-fetched, but the CIA actually ran a remote viewing project in the 1970's and 1980's, and some say they are still using remote viewers today. Needless to say, Tobie is an intriguing character. Then, pair her up with Jax Alexander who is a (handsome!) loose cannon CIA agent who doubts the validity of her gift, and you have two characters running down a deadly plot involving a missing Nazi U-boat and its deadly cargo, with sparks flying in more ways than one.

While there's a definite emphasis on the suspense in this novel, the writing of it is a story of love. Proctor pens the CS Graham novels with her husband. They met in a writing group in New Orleans and came up with the plot for the first novel together. From that point, writing and romance ensued.

She is a talented and professional author; he worked in intelligence for several decades and knows personally of the remote viewing program. This novel has a unique hook--an exciting and suspenseful story and a compelling pair of protagonists. And despite the existence of deja vu, you definitely won't feel as if you've read it before!

If I haven't done enough to convince you to read this book, check out this George Clooney movie trailer:

CS Graham is definitely onto something. And George Clooney could convince me to believe in just about anything. How about you??

Are you connected with your psychic side? Have any good stories?

The Lace Reader

noreply@blogger.com (LyssaKeusch) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:34:00 +0000

In 2008, THE LACE READER by Brunonia Barry was a runaway New York Times bestseller in hardcover, and now it’s available in a stunning trade paperback edition.

A debut novel in the gothic tradition of THE THIRTEENTH TALE, this novel draws you into the world of lace readers, generations of women who can predict the future through the patterns in lace. It’s a world of magic and passion and secrets. And, when two of these gifted women disappear, it’s a world that beckons to Towner Whitney to return to the hauntingly familiar town of Salem, from which she fled years ago. For not only has the disappearance of these two women captured her attention, but her homecoming brings to light the truth behind the death of her twin sister.

While not a traditional romance novel, this story has a lot of the same elements we all love: rich characters, a mesmerizing gothic setting, a romantic love story, and a compelling tale about a twin and her sister--not to mention several generations of a gifted family of women with the power to glean the future in the threads of lace.

With autumn setting in, this is the perfect kind of novel with which to settle into a big chair, steaming mug in hand. The days are getting shorter. Why not spend those precious hours with a great book?

Pre-Halloween Happy Hour

noreply@blogger.com (AvonRomance) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Halloween Happy Hour!

Double, double, toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble...

Get into the "spirit" of things and join three of the hottest names in paranormal romance/urban fantasy for a pre-Halloween brew! Terri Garey, Jocelynn Drake, and Jaimie Rush will join Romance Radio to talk about their newest books and their favorite Halloween traditions.

Tune into Romance Radio this Thursday, October 15th at 2 pm EST and talk to the authors via online chat or use the Call-in Number (347) 826-9686.

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind

noreply@blogger.com (LyssaKeusch) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Okay, I’m not blogging about a romance, but I LOVE this book. Does that count??

Every once in a while, a really special book comes along and for me, this is the latest. THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer is the remarkable story of a fourteen-year-old boy in Malawi, Africa whose family’s poverty inspired him to great achievement.

Lacking enough money to pay for school, William had to drop out. He then began to spend time at a nearby library, where he saw a picture of a windmill in a book and decided that he would build one himself--from blue gum trees, spare tractor parts, and other scraps--to provide electricity for his family. Not able to read much of the English descriptions, William scoured the photograph and all of the diagrams associated with it, and used his ingenuity, creativity, and intelligence to accomplish this remarkable feat.

News of William’s windmill spread through neighboring villages and, after calling him crazy, people came to see this feat of engineering. Journalists came, too, and soon this unassuming boy from famine-stricken Africa, who advanced himself from nothing, was given money to return to school and was whisked off to the United States to visit wind farms and to tell his story and inspire not only his fellow Africans but everyone around the globe.

We need more people like this in the world. And we need to share this story. Please read it and tell everyone you know about it. This is the way we make the world a better place for all. Who doesn’t want to feel good about that??

You must also watch this clip from William Kamkwamba’s interview on THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART. He is 22 years old now and just charming. You will want to help spread the word after you see THIS, I promise you!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

William Kamkwamba

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Ron Paul Interview

The Untamed Bride

noreply@blogger.com (LuciaMacro) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:00:00 +0000

The Cobra's Got Charm: Dazzling new series launches in November from Stephanie Laurens!

Have a hankering for an exotic new spin on one of your favorite authors? Avon Books has a veritable feast for you with the launch of Stephanie Laurens' amazing new series, "The Black Cobra Quartet."

Starting with THE UNTAMED BRIDE (on sale 10/27/09), romance readers are going to get a taste for four dashing officers of the British East India Company, who must come to the aid of the Crown, battling insidious cultists with nefarious aim...and for the four unforgettable heroines who help these dashing heroes vanquish this ruthless enemy!

Want a foretaste of the feast to come? Check out this swashbuckling, fabulous book trailer for the series, created by the ever-talented filmmaker Brady Hall.

We've only just whetted your appetite? If you want a sneak peek at the opening chapter of THE UNTAMED BRIDE, visit HERE; and if you're really curious, and want a foretaste of the passion to come in February 2010, with the release of THE ELUSIVE BRIDE (book two in the quartet!), visit www.elusivebride.com.

Now, why do I want to go out to Bombay Palace for lunch today?

What Happens In London

noreply@blogger.com (WendyLee) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:34:00 +0000

Please Vote!

Julia Quinn's book trailer for WHAT HAPPENS IN LONDON has been nominated by the Huffington Post as one of five Great Book Videos!

Please CLICK HERE for your chance to vote for this delightfully funny trailer, which stars Julia's cousin as the heroine.

Authors On Air With Cathy Maxwell

noreply@blogger.com (LuciaMacro) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:11:00 +0000

Join us TODAY at 1 PM as New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell interviews publishing superstar Heather Graham, whose new book UNHALLOWED GROUND is on sale now.

UNHALLOWED GROUND is the bone-chilling story of a woman who buys and restores a historic Florida mansion, after dismissing the horror stories of past residents vanishing and a long-dead housekeeper who practiced black magic.

Listen LIVE at 1 PM Eastern Time (US) and talk to the authors via online chat or use the Call-in Number (347) 826-9686.

What’s In A Name?

noreply@blogger.com (TessaWoodward) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:46:00 +0000

Now this may sound a little conceited but I like my name. I especially like my name when it is in books.

I don’t know what it is, but it’s a lot of fun to see your name in print, even when it’s not about you. And, recently, I’ve been reading a bunch of books that have made liberal use of the name Tessa.

Generally, Tessas are a young child or, in historicals, someone’s ward. Although I did just read a book (that was not an Avon book) where the super, super evil step-mother or sister-in-law was named Tessa. In that case, I didn’t like it as much. Of course, I can’t remember what it was called--virtual hugs to anyone who can tell me what it was called because I can’t remember. I hear (through my Facebook stalking of her) that Jenna Petersen’s next book will have a lovely spinster sister named Tessa.

But we do have a book coming out in March--a re-release of an old Karen Ranney--where the HEROINE is named Tessa. I liked that very much. Also, the new cover is gorgeous, so I can imagine that I would have looked exactly like that, had I lived in Regency England.

If you dream of having YOUR name in a book, too, I’m here to grant your wish. Well, actually, one of my favorite authors Jaime Rush will do the actual granting. CLICK HERE and get your name in her next Offspring book.

While you’re at it, pick up the first two books in the Offspring series.

Taken By The Laird

noreply@blogger.com (TessaWoodward) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:13:00 +0000

Of Lords and Ladies and Unicorns

Just in case you were worried that we high and lofty editors are sitting in our offices, wearing all black, being totally chic and cool all the time, I’m here to dispel that myth--lovely though it is.

On Sunday, three of your trusty Avon editors (I’m not going to give you their names nor will I admit that I was one of them but they may rhyme with Shmamanda, Besi, Messa) took a trip uptown to the 25th annual Medieval Festival. And, we were uber-nerds about it!

We saw Jousting (although Esi wouldn’t let me sit on her shoulders, so I was a little too short to really see everything) and Blacksmithing--and even caught a glimpse of Robin Hood (who was not nearly as cute as the Sheriff of Nottingham...unlike some other Robin Hoods I could name.) We also saw a Unicorn!

Normally, I’m not a huge medieval romance fan. Not that I don’t love any sort of great romance but, for some reason, I’m more likely to ignore the fact that hygiene wasn’t so great in Regency England than I am to believe that heroines like to cozy up to big brawny knights and share a plate with their dirty, dirty knight fingers! Although, after the fair, I have to say that all I wanted was one of those gigantic turkey legs (seriously the size of my head) to gnaw on--so maybe I’ve got a little of the barbarian in me after all!

Margo Maguire used to write medieval romances but her newest TAKEN BY THE LAIRD is actually a slight departure. But trust me, even those who love them some knights in shining armor will fall for this book!

Sunflowers

noreply@blogger.com (EsiSogah) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:53:00 +0000

My right eye is acting very strangely lately. Either I have been staring at my computer too long or watching too much tv.

Or, my eye is going to fall out. I hope that last one isn't true. I've got a lot going on.

I've been feeding my inner nerd lately. This past weekend was "Museums on Us", where all sorts of museums around the country waived admissions fees. I went down to The Pierpont Morgan Library on Saturday and y'all? I love books.

I know it seems obvious, but sometimes I forget how much I really freaking love books. They are amazing. And the idea that I--if I didn't want to be tackled by PML security--could lift the glass and touch a copy of "TYGER" that William Blake himself touched is mind-blowing. Not to mention the amazing etchings (you know you're a historical romance junkie when the word "etching" makes you giggle), the letters from Chopin, Puccini's original scores...as the kids would say, I was geeking out.

I'm particularly excited because Sheramy Bundrick's SUNFLOWERS is finally on sale and it's lovely and brilliant. The Publishers' Weekly starred review called it "a knockout debut" and truer words were never spoken (...er, written).

One of the many things that's so special about this book is that you don't have to be an art buff to love it. The story is so beautiful and the characters are absolutely riveting. Plus, Sheramy's fantastic background as an art historian adds such rich details that big nerds like me will absolutely not be disappointed--and will probably learn a thing or two.

So clearly, with all the TV (GLEE!!! Do you love it? If you don't, don't tell me, because we will no longer be friends. And, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!), the many books, and the theater performances (the New York Music Theater Festival started this week), I really can't afford to lose an eye.

The Earl Claims His Wife

noreply@blogger.com (LuciaMacro) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:34:00 +0000

Sometimes, dealing with the man in your life just makes you want to curl up with a good book and a cuppa tea!

Cathy Maxwell can relate: in her latest novel, THE EARL CLAIMS HIS WIFE, on sale now, pride clashes with passion as the Earl of Wright attempts to reclaim a wife who he has so recklessly ignored--but now wants more than anything. (Men!)

In an online review of this fabulous new book, Romance Cafe says, "I love Cathy’s books because she has a skillful way of creating heroes and heroines who make massive mistakes, but you end up liking them anyway because they are just so human. Then, they manage to redeem themselves in all sorts of romantic and wonderful ways."

Avon Books and Cathy Maxwell are teaming up to offer readers a chance for a bit of tea, sympathy, and a great romantic read! Enter to win one of three Earl Gray/Lady Gray tea sets, accompanied by a signed copy of THE EARL CLAIMS HIS WIFE, now through October 27, at AvonBooks.com!

Join Cathy LIVE on Romance Radio--TODAY, 2 PM Eastern Time--as she talks about her new book, THE EARL CLAIMS HIS WIFE. CLICK HERE!

AND, Also TODAY--Lynsay Sands will be online at BittenByBooks.com answering all your questions about vampires, seduction, and humor in romance novels.

Don't miss the contest, with plenty of amazing prizes to go around--including a SIGNED LIBRARY of Lynsay's series.

[Event starts at 10:30 AM Central Time. Contest runs until 11:59 PM Pacific Time on October 2nd.]

The Renegade Hunter Party

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:51:00 +0000

Join Avon and Bitten By Books for Lynsay Sands' Wild (Virtual!) Party with Prizes

We're trying something super fun and different here at Avon for the fabulous Lynsay Sands. She's the author of the very-sexy, snarky-witty "Rogue Hunter" novels. In honor of this week's release of THE RENEGADE HUNTER, we're throwing a party!

But this isn't your typical book bash. It's a virtual extravaganza--which means each and every one of you can attend!

Tomorrow, October 1st, Lynsay will be online at BittenByBooks.com answering all your questions about vampires, seduction, and humor in romance novels.

Of course, there will be plenty of amazing prizes to go around--including a SIGNED LIBRARY of Lynsay's series.

Here's the best part: RSVP today, attend tomorrow, and get 25 ENTRIES into the contest! It's super easy, just CLICK HERE.

It's going to be blast--see ya there :)

[Event starts at 10:30 AM Central Time on October 1st. Contest runs until 11:59 PM Pacific Time on October 2nd.]