Avon Romance Blog

We've Moved!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:46:00 +0000

Avon has been hard at work over the past few months working on a brand new destination site for our fans! And it's arrived! Head over to www.AvonRomance.com and check it out. Remember to leave a few comments with your thoughts.

And don't forget to update your RSS feed ...

Voting Ends Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 05:34:00 +0000

THE SEASON BLOG is running a contest HERE for their readers’ Top Historical Romance pick of 2009.

Voting ends Sunday, January 31st. Please cast your ballot (or, rather, click your button) to make sure your favorite Avon title wins!

Be Careful What You Pray For

noreply@blogger.com (WendyLee) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:34:00 +0000

New York Times bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby is back with the latest installment in her extremely popular Reverend Curtis Black series, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRAY FOR.

The last time we saw the Reverend’s daughter Alicia Black, she had learned some very valuable lessons about herself and marriage...or had she?

Alicia’s now married to Pastor JT Valentine, a handsome man of the cloth who resembles her charismatic but morally flawed father in more ways than one. In fact, Curtis himself sees the similarities and tries to warn Alicia, but she’s too much in love with her new husband--and his status and wealth--to listen.

Will Alicia come to her senses, before it’s too late?

Kim Roby is a master at depicting the juicy scandals that can go on behind the scenes in a church community, and this book is no exception. If you missed her previous novel about Alicia, THE BEST OF EVERYTHING, it’s now out in paperback.

Taming The Highland Bride

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:55:00 +0000

Merry Stewart, the “bride” in Lynsay Sands latest Scottish historical TAMING THE HIGHLAND BRIDE(on sale January 26th), has a tough time of it. She’s been waiting for her betrothed for quite some time, and, when he finally makes an appearance, she mistakenly believes he’s a drunk. Then, when she takes the reins on his clan, she’s labeled a shrew!

Poor Merry can’t catch a break. So, we decided to ask Lynsay for some advice: what should a modern woman do (or not do), if she should suddenly find herself in Medieval Scotland...

1) You should not train the men in battle techniques while wearing a dress.

2) You should not attempt to pry a maid from a drunk and randy Scot without a weapon (i.e., shield, pot, broom handle) in hand. And, you should use this weapon liberally, until such time as the drunkard has either passed out or left the maid and your person be and gone back into his cups.

3) You should probably keep any sarcastic comments to yourself, unless you know how to use a sword REALLY well.

4) Hope you are transported to someplace close to a lake (or loch, since it's Scotland.) It may be your only hope to bathe more than once every several months.

5) You should try to avoid going to the washroom as long as possible. Back then there was no such thing as toilet paper.

6) Make sure you’re on the Pill (LOL). I don’t think I have to go into detail about this. Hopefully, you will be so stressed out by your unexpected journey back in time that your time of the month will just disappear. We can always dream...

7) You should avoid walking close to buildings as people tended to discard the contents of their chamber pots on the streets without discretion.

8) Hopefully you don’t have an aversion to smells, as not only will you have to sleep beside a man that likely hasn’t bathed in a few months but your servants may never have bathed before in their entire lives... (shudder)

9) If you find you have a husband, there are certain rules when it comes to bedding. You cannot have sex during daylight hours, if you’re pregnant, if you’re nursing, during Lent, Advent, Whitsun week or Easter week, on Sundays, on Wednesdays, on Fridays, on Saturdays. Also, when having sex you’re not allowed to: be naked, fondle, kiss lewdly, try strange positions, enjoy it, and do it more than once. Oh...and you can’t have sex in church. (So essentially you can have sex on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday as long as you are fully clothed, don’t enjoy it, and are trying to get pregnant.)

10.) Don't drink the water!

(by Lynsay Sands)

It Happened One Season

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:26:00 +0000

Four stories, four authors, one theme: that was the idea behind the bestselling anthology IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT. Now, Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh, Jacquie D’Alessandro, and Candice Hern return to write four stories ultimately chosen by you, the readers, in IT HAPPENED ONE SEASON.

Visit www.ItHappenedOneSeason.com to suggest your story. It must take place during the Regency social season. You must include three specific plot points (such as these used for the anthology IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT: (1) a couple meets at an inn 2) they had met before but not within the past ten years 3) the whole story takes place within a 24 hour period.)

Submit three specific plot elements and your ideas could create the theme of the four tales in the new anthology collection, IT HAPPENED ONE SEASON.

The authors choose the four finalists.

The readers vote on the ultimate favorite and one lucky winner will see their dream come true.

The grand prize winner will be acknowledged on the dedication page of IT HAPPENED ONE SEASON and receive a $1,000 American Express gift card and a copy signed by all 4 authors. Semi-finalists will receive $100 American Express gift cards and a set of personalized autographed books.

Deadline for ideas: February 14, 2010
Round two/general voting begins: February 25, 2010
Winner announced: March 14, 2010

Note: Contest is open to US residents only, age 18 or older.

Visit www.ItHappenedOneSeason.com for more details.

Please Vote!

noreply@blogger.com (WendyLee) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:57:00 +0000

THE SEASON BLOG is running a contest HERE for their readers’ Top Historical Romance pick of 2009.

Please cast your ballot (or, rather, click your button) before January 31st, 2010, to make sure your favorite Avon title wins!

The Cougar Club

noreply@blogger.com (LuciaMacro) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:29:00 +0000

Here is something I had to re-learn when editing Susan McBride's THE COUGAR CLUB: Cougars don't have spots. Leopards have spots; Cougars are solid and yellowish. Clearly, I need to turn off PROJECT RUNWAY and start watching more Animal Planet.

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure I like the implication of the word "cougar." Not that I'm against the older woman/younger man thing. I think it's about time all women--and not just Cher--get to do what men have been doing for ages.

I think that somewhere along the line it all got turned around and not in a good way. And, yes, I can't resist: I blame the media.

Instead of the image of women embracing what they want (in this case, a man who isn't as old as she is), suddenly it's all about overly-tanned, overly aggressive women wearing lots and lots of bad jewelry. Unless, of course, you look like Courtney Cox. It's as if women can't win no matter what they do!

Something fun but still empowering has once again been turned into something vaguely demeaning. (Don't even get me going about "Chick Lit", a phrase I loathed. Once the term "Chick Lit" came into vogue, a wonderful, exciting trend--books by young, new voices--became a joke.)

HOWEVER, and here's a big however, while this is fiction (we don't all get to meet cute hockey players--and that really isn't much of a spoiler here), the characters here have the hopes, dreams, and fears that we all do. Yes, it's a lot of fun, but it also deals with some of the issues many women have to deal with today. THE COUGAR CLUB has got it all--romance, female friendship, and even a bit of fashion...And no fake tans.

Viking In Love

noreply@blogger.com (LuciaMacro) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:43:00 +0000

Full disclosure: during my misspent youth, my friends and I actually had a plastic viking hat. I'm not quite sure why--perhaps it was a remnant from some long-forgotten Halloween party. But, for some reason, we called it the "fight for your right to party" hat. We'd bring it out at parties and pass it around while laughing our heads off at ourselves. Usually the person wearing it could just have been as easily wearing a lampshade...you get the picture. Hey, it was the 80's. It might have been a lot worse!

At any rate, my fondness for the fight for your right to party hat made me really sad that I couldn't put this sort of hat on the cover of Sandra Hill's VIKING IN LOVE, but, of course, that would be all wrong. A cover destined to be poked fun at on other blogs.

Hats (or, more accurately, helmets) aside, the idea of a Viking romance that has gotten everyone in the office all excited. I've had people from all sorts of departments (this means hardcover people) slink into my office and ask for a copy. "I love Vikings!" they tell me. "Well, you'll love this one!" I reply. "And you'll laugh your head off."

You really will. I had such a good time editing VIKING IN LOVE that I had a hard time concentrating on what I was supposed to be paying attention to--grammar, continuity, that sort of thing. I would disintigrate into gales of laughter and kind of forget what I was doing. Which, for me, is the sign of a truly good romance.

What I Read On My Christmas Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (LuciaMacro) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:00:00 +0000

As you blog-readers know, I went to Alaska for my Christmas vacation. I stayed in a house with no t.v., and I didn't miss it one bit. Also, I had two really long plane trips, so I had plenty of time to read.

At the first editorial meeting in January, we were all asked what we'd read over the holidays. Here's what I would have said, if I had been called upon:

1) THE RIVER KING by Alice Hoffman

I have loved Alice Hoffman's work since I first read here way back when I was in college. This novel has sad, tender, and sometimes bad goings-on at a New England private school. I adored every word of it.

2) THE NINE NATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA by Joel Garreau

Because I am an egghead. This book is dated, but it's fascinating. And, it made me want to live in the part of the country he calls "Ecotopia."

3) THE LACUNA by Barbara Kinsolver

This is my bookclub's pick for next month. I just loved that it had Frieda Kahlo as a character. I'll have to think of something really smart to say when we discuss it in February.

4) WHAT I DID FOR LOVE by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Because a gal needs to read her some romance over the holidays!

What did you read on your vacation (if you got one!)

Welcome New Authors!

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:34:00 +0000

We’re so excited to welcome our newest authors to the Avon Books family (I do this in reverse alphabetical order because I’m always at the end of the alphabet!)!

C.L. Wilson

Katie MacAlister

Marjorie Liu

Christine Feehan

Nina Bangs

Stay tuned to hear from our new authors in the near future.
Erika

Wicked, Sinful Nights

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:13:00 +0000

by Julia Latham

WICKED, SINFUL NIGHTS--quite a title, huh? How does a book live up to that? Let’s see...

Wicked: That’s what Sarah Audley is considered--although she doesn’t know it at first. The League of the Blade, my secret group of knights (both male and female) who battle injustice and defend the innocent, doesn’t believe that Sarah is an innocent at all. They think she murdered her master, Viscount Drayton, out of jealousy and greed. Drayton was a Bladesman, and they plan to avenge their own. To prove her guilt, they send Sir Robert Hilliard, who was raised by the League along with his brothers. Robert has some proving of his own to do. The League is giving him one last chance to show that he is serious and committed to their causes, and Robert now realizes service to the League is more important than he ever knew. But then he meets Sarah, and every plan he had for his life is in jeopardy because of his reluctant, forbidden attraction to her. And that leads to...

Sinful: They resist it, of course. If Sarah and Robert fall for each other, he’ll be exiled from the only family he’s had, the League of the Blade. And, how can she ever trust him? The League wants him to get close to her, after all--is he lying, exploiting her desperation to have someone on her side? But, although these two people have every reason to avoid each other, they cannot. And that leads to...

Nights: The only time they can secretly be together, whether it’s beside a campfire in the woods where Sarah, a nurse, has taken her young charge, the Drayton heir, to protect him from the real murderer who wants the next viscount dead, or alone at last in Robert’s bedchamber, where Robert and Sarah risk everything to find love.

WICKED, SINFUL NIGHTS--I was worried that the title didn’t fit at first. But, hey, we just proved it did!

So what title would summarize your life?

A Second Helping

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:50:00 +0000

by author Beverly Jenkins

A SECOND HELPING is the latest installment in the series that began with BRING ON BLESSINGS.

Who knew that there could be so much excitement in a small town on the plains of Kansas, or that this same town, founded in the 1880s by freed slaves would still be alive and kicking in the 21st century? Granted, the years in between took their toll, and the town fathers and mothers had to put the town up for sale on eBay, but thanks to the perseverance of its residents and the generosity of heroine Bernadine Brown, Henry Adams is now thriving.

For A SECOND HELPING, new characters were added like Jack James and his Goth acting son, Eli. Bernadine’s adulterous ex-husband Leo shows up, and Rocky Dancer, after divorcing her new husband for wearing her underwear, returns to town to run the newly renovated Dog and Cow, the diner that is the hub of the community.

However, as the book closes, many loose threads remain. Will musical prodigy Zoey Raymond ever speak? Will Bernadine honor Devon’s request to be the town’s preacher? Will the court really put Riley Curry and his clothes wearing hog Cletus on trial for the death of extortionist Morton Prell. As the announcer used to intone on the old radio show: Only the Shadow knows. (Ask your grandparents) J

This series has been a blast to write and, from all the feedback and emails from the readers, it’s been a blast for them as well. Everyone wants to know what’s going to happen next. So, my question to you is: What would you like to see happen in the next installment of this beloved series?

Me, As A Regency Heroine

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:54:00 +0000

Sometimes, especially when standing on a stuffed-to-the-gills A train which came 15 minutes later than it was supposed to, I can't help but fantasize about what it would be like to be a moneyed regency heroine. Beautiful dresses, horse drawn carriages, balls, buckets of tea in pretty cups (in general, I think we should install tea time into our afternoon schedule), handsome, wealthy suitors with delightful British accents...And, then, I always come to the conclusion that I would, in fact, be a rather poor excuse for a regency heroine:

- I can't play the piano. Though I took lessons as a kid, I never had the patience to practice.

- I most certainly cannot sing...woe for the unfortunate 19th century dinner party guests.

- I'm nearly blind without my contacts, and hate wearing glasses in public (which would make it rather difficult to see said handsome suitors).

- I'm a rather unfortunate dancer. Last week, while on vacation, I tried to take a Zumba® class with my mom and sisters (sort of an aerobic/dance class) and I think the instructor may have felt sorry for me.

- Also, I still haven't found a regency romance with the heroine named "Amanda", although I would be delighted if anyone could think of one I've missed!

Oh well, Elizabeth Bennet I am not, but I suppose it's lucky I have plenty of reading material on hand with fabulous, smart, and multi-talented heroines (who always, invariably know how to dance while making witty conversation). In fact, this month I think I shall pick up Elizabeth Boyle's latest HOW I MET MY COUNTESS.

Also, I'm sure we've linked to this before, but you can create yourself as a regency heroine.

January Blues

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:50:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

After nearly two full weeks of glorious, relaxing vacation up in snowy Maine with my large and very entertaining family,

I am determined to beat back the post-holiday, January blues and kick off 2010 thinking of things that make me happy. A few in no particular order...

GLEE Soundtrack(s)--perfect for iPod® listening at the gym (and to get me through until the next season starts in March)

BITTEN BY CUPID: In a trifecta of paranormal delight, Lynsay Sands and rising stars Pamela Palmer and Jaime Rush thrill with a whole lot of romance and fun this month.

Mini burgers and sweet potato fries...which are just a few more reasons to hit that elliptical a bit harder 

SECRETS OF THE LOST SYMBOL: The Unauthorized Guide To The Mysteries Behind THE DA VINCI CODE Sequel

I read Dan Brown's latest over vacation, and couldn't resist snagging a copy of this great guide to separating the facts/fiction of the history, science, and hidden meanings behind the story (out this month!)

Brand new plaid galoshes (from my sister)--bring on that NYC rain and slush!

Help me out...what other fun movies, books, shows, holiday presents are you excited about this month?

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 05:34:00 +0000

Happy New Year!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful 2009 and is looking forward to an even better 2010. I know my 2009 holiday has definitely been one to remember! For my Birthmaskuh (Birthday, Christmas and Hanukkah) present, I welcomed a new member to my family--a little French Bulldog puppy named Luna.

Though the past couple of months have been tough--at four and a half months old, Luna's bladder is the size of a walnut, she loves chasing after and terrorizing her big sister, calico kitty, Chloe,

and she has yet to allow me to sleep through the night--this little puppy is the best present I've ever received. She has bought a lot of joy and messy fun into our lives.

What were some of your most memorable moments this past year? Any special presents, events or people that really touched you?

Altar Of Eden

noreply@blogger.com (LyssaKeusch) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Now that the Christmas madness is over--the shopping! the cooking! the celebrating! (well, wait, there’s more of that to be done in a few days)--we all have a few minutes to take a breath, survey our gifts (those that we wished for and those that are less than perfect), and think about the few things that we’d maybe still like to pick up. Like the new James Rollins novel ALTAR OF EDEN, which is on sale today!

Rollins is known for his skill at combining fascinating elements--science, religion, history and breakneck action--into a novel that is truly impossible to put down. And, this latest is no exception.

Taking a breather from his acclaimed Sigma Force series, Rollins returns to his roots in the first stand alone novel he’s published in more than five years. This one is dynamite! It features Lorna Polk, a truly kick-ass heroine, a veterinarian in New Orleans who shares a dark secret in her past with Jack Menard, a rugged, sexy, U.S. Border Patrol agent. Neither one of them wanted to revisit their history but they are thrust together to investigate a black market exotic animal ring. There is something frighteningly wrong with these animals--and Lorna and Jack must face their past and work together to uncover the truth about these strange creatures and the terrorist threat they pose.

Not only are there cool birds and mammals and threats to humankind in this novel, but there is a remarkable heroine, an amazing hero, and a deep and emotional romance that will surprise you with its impact. There’s no better way to end 2009/start 2010 than to read this book. Really!

Christmas Flight

noreply@blogger.com (LuciaMacro) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0000

I went up to Alaska to see the boyfriend for Christmas and the adventure started pretty much from the moment I got there. After staying in Ketchikan for one night, I arrived bright and early (7am) at Pacific Air for my float plane experience...it was pounding rain and windy. But the nice fellows at the terminal weighed me, weighed my luggage, and said we were going.

So, I got into the plane along with a whole back seat of mail and took off into the wind. Now, I've been in these planes before and I pretty much know how they sound and this one did NOT sound right. Maybe it was the prop cutting out that gave me my first clue. Before I knew it, the pilot said in his best Chuck Yeager voice, "Sorry. We're going back." No kidding, I thought, just glad this hadn't happened when we were out over the middle of nowhere.

I thought that was it for the day, but nope. About an hour later, the luggage and backseat of mail were transferred to a new plane and a new pilot. He was very cute and, if he was 25, I'd be surprised (apologies if I am wrong!). We bobbled our way out into the water and went...nowhere. This time, I was told, "Life is just too short. It's not worth it." And back to the dock we went.

There was no way I was going to be upset at safety, but, at that point, I'd pretty much reconciled myself to spending Christmas in the Best Western. It sure seemed that way...but the luggage was still out on the plane, so I got some more coffee and waited. And waited. And waited. Suddenly, out comes the pilot, who announces, "We're going!"

Against every better instinct I've had in my entire life, I got on for ride #3, and was shocked that we actually took off for a 20 minute flight that was surprisingly calm, until I was told "It's gonna get a little bumpy here." Remember: these are PILOTS. "A little bumpy" means you are going to be on a ride scarier than anything Great Adventure can cook up.

We made a turn that made my stomach lurch (yes, I had a barf bag) and I can't even describe how badly I was shaken around in that plane. I was determined not to be the wimp from New York, until one big lurch made me yelp. That was when the pilot said, "Don't panic till I panic." For some reason this really did make me feel better.

So, I grabbed the barf bag for dear life and we headed into dock. I figured, if he wasn't panicked, I was going to just buck up. Here's a picture of me and a whole lot of Christmas gifts "deplaning."

I thought about taking the barf bag as a souvenir but figured I'd leave it for the trip back. He said I did just fine, and I take heart that some city guy flying in for fishing might have been more scared than I.

Later, I took a walk out to the totem park and thanked the bear for my safe arrival.

I also thank the really nice and professional guys at Pacific Air for getting me to Christmas in one piece--and also for the strong coffee!

Please, If You're There!

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 05:34:00 +0000

Is Anyone Out There?

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 05:34:00 +0000

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

A Holiday Treat

All I Want For Christmas is a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

What's Going On?

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 05:34:00 +0000

Lou Waxnicki needs your help:

Trailer: What I Did For Love

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 05:34:00 +0000

What would YOU do for love?

See what Susan Elizabeth Phillips has to say about the subject!

The Zombies are coming!

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:46:00 +0000

The Zombies are coming! The Zombies are coming!

First Drop Of Crimson

noreply@blogger.com (ErikaTsang) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:34:00 +0000

Enjoy this trailer for FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON by Jeaniene Frost.

10 Things To Love About December

noreply@blogger.com (LyssaKeusch) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:22:00 +0000

Guest Blog from author Caroline Linden:

10 Things I Love about December

1) The weather. This might sound strange, given that I live in New England, but December weather is usually pretty nice. Crisp and cool, only sometimes brutally cold, a chance of snow (which is perfectly acceptable), and that stark blue sky you only see in winter (or technically, for most of the month, fall).

2) The lights. I am a total sucker for those strings of little lights every mall and shop window is decorated with this time of year. Plus, they help make up for the fact that it gets dark in the middle of the afternoon now.

3) Baking. Yum. Need I say more? Even if you hate to cook and think your kitchen is inhabited by evil gremlins who will suck out your brains if you enter, you can still enjoy holiday baking. Just stop in front of your favorite bakery and breathe deeply.

4) Drinking. 'Tis the season of hot mulled wine, mulled cider, eggnog, and champagne.

5) Fire. Candles and fireplaces were invented for December.

6) Books. Anyone in possession of a crackling fire and some cinnamon-y, clove-y, whipped-cream-topped hot apple cider, must be in want of a good book.

7) Sales. Especially at bookstores. Especially when those bookstores email the extra coupons right to you.

8) The internet. OK, I love the internet year 'round, but particularly in December, when it saves me from going to the shopping center with everyone else in creation. The books are mailed right to my door!!!

9) Catalogs. Yes, I like this form of junk mail. Holiday catalogs are so shiny and pretty (although there is a bit of confusion when the Victoria's Secret catalog comes with the King Arthur Baking Catalog. So I want to fit into that underwear, or make the double-chocolate gooey oatmeal squares? Hmmm). And, then you can order online. See #8.

10) Vacation. Everyone deserves a day off at the end of a long year.

Anything to add to my list?

Lyssa: The one thing I’d like to add to the Things to Love about December is Caroline Linden’s latest (December 2009) release FOR YOUR ARMS ONLY, which, by the way, was just nominated for a Romantic Times award for Best British Isle Set Historical Romance. Congrats, Caroline!!

In a wonderful mix of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE meets Regency England, Caroline creates an exciting, intriguing, romantic world with dashing heroes and daring heroines, page-turning plots and breathless passion. Don’t miss FOR YOUR ARMS ONLY this December, and be sure to read DEEPER THAN DESIRE, an original companion story to this delightful romance.

Happy reading--and happy holidays!!