Vauxhall Vixens

Cover reveal: STAY WITH ME by Elyssa Patrick

noreply@blogger.com (Elyssa Patrick) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Available 8/30/13!
New Adult/Contemporary Romance - recommended for ages 17 and up.

With one look, I'm his . . .

With one touch, he's mine . . .

With one kiss, it changes everything between us . . .

I've been famous since I can remember. Singing, acting, dancing—I've done it all. The tabloids cover my every move, but I don't want that anymore. I want to be normal, whatever that is.

When I leave Hollywood for college in Vermont, I'm on my own for the first time in my life. This is my chance to figure out who I am and what I want in life.

But it's a lot harder than I expected. I can't escape my image. Classes are difficult, and I'm struggling. And then there's Caleb Fox.

Sexy, intriguing Caleb Fox.

Caleb is the one man who doesn't want to use me. He breaks down my walls. He challenges me. He wants me. And I just don't know if I can give him the same—or if he'll stick around when he finds out my shameful secret that the tabloids haven't managed to uncover.

Dating him is risky enough, but loving him could break me.

More info here | Add it to your Goodreads shelf here.

Trailer:

Make your own slideshow at Animoto.

Excerpt (unedited):

“This might take a while,” he says.

“I guess I’ll just have to close my eyes and suffer through it.”

“No suffering,” he promises.

His hand slides up my back, and my muscles, already tightened with awareness, start to ache from wanting. His fingers skate up my neck, and my nerves jangle. I’m suddenly wondering if he’s ever going to kiss me.

I reach my hand up his chest, knotting his shirt in my grasp, and yank him to me. “Caleb.”

He lowers his head to me, and my eyelids flutter close. I lean toward him, waiting—just waiting—for when he touches me. I tighten my hold on him, trying to urge him to do it now, but, no, he doesn’t heed my unspoken demands. He doesn’t hurry. He doesn’t rush. It’s like he has all the time in the world until he kisses me.

But then his finger gently swipes over my mouth, tracing it softly, like he’s memorizing the shape of me. Like he’s trying to get all the details of my mouth down before his mouth claims me. He presses lightly against my lower lip, dipping into the soft plumpness there.

I smooth my hands out on his chest. I’m pressed against him so tight that I can’t do more than reach up and grasp his shoulders. I want to feel his hair slide through my fingers.

But more than that I want to feel him against me.

Almost as if he heard my thoughts, Caleb’s lips flutter against the corner of my mouth, where he removed the berry stain only a few moments ago. I still, and his hand leaves my neck to slide down to rest at the small of my back before moving back up in a slow movement that has pleasure coursing through my body. I gasp, and his mouth flutters another kiss at the corner. Brief, these flutter kisses—never quite landing fully on my lips or staying too long.

I make a sound of want. I press even closer, as if I’m inking myself on his skin, in his blood, urging this patient, sexy man to take my mouth—and to take it now.

He doesn’t.

His mouth finally touches mine but it’s not a kiss that claims or declares intent.

He gives.

His lips give kisses upon mine, like rain watering a parched land. His mouth moves touches mine, gentle, strong, and it makes me cling to him, to give more to him, to open up in ways I never have with any man before.

His teeth catch on my lower lip, lightly tugging, as if asking a question, one that I answer by opening my mouth and letting him in. His tongue slides against me, tasting, seeking. He’s all I know, all I want to know, and I want him to know me in all the ways, too.

This might just be lust, but it doesn’t feel like it—not with this assured gentleness, this giving of a kiss, like he’s waited all his life for this—for me—and now that I’m here, he’s not going to do anything to mess it up.

He doesn’t make me feel weak in his kiss. I feel strong, treasured . . . desired.

His kiss turns hotter, as if he’s losing control of himself.

Oh yes, I think. Lose control, Caleb. Lose it with me.

More info here | Add it to your Goodreads shelf here.

Five Reasons to Buy IN THE ARMS OF THE HEIRESS

noreply@blogger.com (Elyssa Patrick) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 04:43:00 +0000

1. It's set in the Edwardian era.

2. The heroine, Louisa, drives a motorcar and has been motorcrossing across Europe with her trusty maid when she's called back home.

3. The hero, Charles, is a drunken war vet who's blinded in one eye. SOLD.

4. Hot, witty, emotional. And did I mention that it's really sexy?

5. Because it's a MAGGIE ROBINSON book, and she's awesome, y'all. GO READ HER NOW!

Happy Release Day, Maggie Robinson!

It’s all fun and games until someone falls in love…

Independent heiress Louisa Stratton is going home to Rosemont for the holidays and, at the family’s request, she’s bringing her new husband Maximillian Norwich, art connoisseur and artful lover, the man she’s written of so glowingly. There’s one hitch—he doesn’t exist. Louisa needs a fake husband, and fast, to make the proper impression.

Charles Cooper, captain of the Boer War and with a background far from silver spoons or gilded cages, is so hard up that even Louisa’s crazy scheme appeals to him. It’s only thirty days, not till death do them part. What’s so difficult about impersonating a husband, even if he doesn’t know a Rembrandt from a Rousseau?

The real difficulty is keeping his hands off Louisa once there’s nobody around to see through their ruse. And then there’s the small problem of someone at Rosemont trying to kill him. Keeping his wits about him and defending Louisa brings out the honor he thought he’d left on the battlefield. But when Louisa tries to protect him, Charles knows he’s found a way to face his future—in the arms of his heiress.

Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Check out Maggie's website for more info!

March Madness, Book Giveaway, Upcoming

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Clare) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 13:49:00 +0000

Dear Readers:

It's been forever and a day since I posted a blog or a contest. Life has been full of so many interesting twists and turns since December and family had to take the forefront for a little while, but I'm back and so excited about my upcoming release from St. Martin's so be sure to tune in often for updates.

My blog is to make you aware of a contest being hosted by the fabulous Heather Snow who is giving away an armload of books all through her March Madness event! Today, Wicked Nights with a Proper Lady is up for grabs if you fill out the form on her blog!

So be sure to go over for your chance to win a copy of the first book in my Dangerous Rogues series.

I will also be giving away one of Heather's books, Sweet Enemy, the first in her Veiled Seduction Series. All you have to do is sign up for my Newsletter. If you are already a subscriber, just say 'hi' in the comments on my blog or in the form on my website, and I'll enter you in for the draw! Contest closes March 31st!

And if you are not a newsletter subscriber, be sure to sign up for my newsletter before April 1st! I have an exclusive excerpt of Tristan and Charlotte's book being posted from Midnight Temptations with a Forbidden Lord!

Contest Closes March 31, 2013.

Good Luck Everyone! And Happy Reading.

Captain Durant & His Countess Are Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Robinson/Margaret Rowe) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 15:59:00 +0000

Let's hear it for Reyn Durant and Maris, Countess of Kelby! Their journey to happily ever after has a few twists and turns, but all ends well. To read what the Romance Dish has to say in their four star review, click here.

Some books to buy

noreply@blogger.com (Elyssa Patrick) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 06:10:00 +0000

Hello to 2013! I'm so glad 2012 is over and done, and 2013 has been . . . interesting so far.

While all of us are under deadlines, we'll be posting with any updates on books we've written, books we're recommending, or any news that happens to us.

So, with that being said, I have some books you all should check out.

ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER by Sarah MacLean

The heroine wears glasses and she's all into math. I am pretty horrible when it comes to math, so I'm usually fascinated by characters who are good at them.

Besides that, this is WONDERFUL. I loved this book so much that I want to snuggle with it at night.

Here's a link to buy at Amazon.

SEX AND THE SINGLE FIREMAN by Jennifer Bernard

I think Jennifer's books are funny, sexy contemporary romances, and this is her latest in her series. This one has a female firefighter (woo-hoo!) and a sexy fireman (double woo-hoo).

You can definitely read this if you haven't read the rest in her series. But if you're looking for a great contemp, you should definitely buy this HERE.

THAT SCANDALOUS SUMMER by Meredith Duran

I have a weakness for doctor heroes. I blame ER, specifically Noah Wyle. I know everyone was all about George Clooney when the show was on the air, but for me it was always Dr. Carter. Sighhhh.

And, also, this is Meredith freaking Duran! Go buy it. She's awesome. Linky link HERE.

THE CHOCOLATE KISS by Laura Florand.

Chocolate. Paris. Hot chocolatier heroes. Charming. Sexy. Fun. Go read her books. I LOVE THEM.

Linky link HERE.

What are you reading? Any good recommendations?

Bet You'll Marry Me

noreply@blogger.com (Elyssa Patrick) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 06:57:00 +0000

Blurb:

Originally published in shorter form under the title The Bet; first appeared within Debbie Macomber's Family Affair.

In Darlene Panzera's debut full-length romance, an entire town places a bet on just whom pretty Jenny O'Brien will marry . . . and her choice surprises them all!

Marry Her and Win

When tall, handsome out-of-towner Nick Chandler first sets eyes on Jenny O'Brien, she's storming into the Bets & Burgers Café, wielding a broom and threatening the safety of every man in sight. Hey, he figures, she's got the right to be annoyed—the whole town seems to be laying bets on whom Jenny will marry.

Nick's annoyed as well. He didn't think he'd have to propose to romance the land away from her, but to save his sister and his ill-fated business, he jumps into the fray and bets $10,000 that Jenny will marry him.

Now the only thing stopping him from seizing her land . . . may be his own heart.

Only $2.99 at Amazon, Nook, Kobo, etc.

Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Robinson/Margaret Rowe) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The Vixens wish you all smooth sledding ahead and a happy, healthy, prosperous 2013 for you and your loved ones!

The Dirty Truth about Writing a Novella

noreply@blogger.com (Elyssa Patrick) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 06:02:00 +0000

Some of you may recall when I blogged about my writing process. Recently, I wrote and self-published my first novella, ONE HIT WONDER, and thought I would pull back the curtain, so to speak, on how I wrote it.

Ready?

1. 2009 Me: I WILL NEVER WRITE A NOVELLA. THEY ARE HARD, and I don't know how to do it. I am sooooooooooooooooooooo stupid.

2. Feb/March 2012 Me: I'm still sooooooooooooo stupid, but let's read more and more novellas, especially because there are shorter pieces set in Kate Daniels' world. And there's some that have Curran's pov. CURRAN!!!! RWOR.

3. Spring 2012 Me: I wonder if I could write a novella . . . Maybe I should try . . . I do like boss/secretary tropes but how can I do something with that? Think, Elyssa, THINK!

4. Goes on Twitter. Plays Angry Birds. Reads more books.

5. I really should write something. It's been so long since I've written anything new, and working on AYW doesn't count. And OMG, what if I never ever can write anything ever again? *downward spirals into the bat cave*

6. Goes on Twitter. Sees a tweet from Smart Bitch Sarah at the RT convention. She mentions Damon Suede. I immediately think: THAT WOULD BE A GREAT ROCK STAR NAME.

7. Darcy Burke and I start twitter-procrastinating (twittercating?). She's like YES, that WOULD be a great name, and I'm all like it could be called ONE HIT WONDER, and she's like it could be about songwriters, and I'm like maybe . . . and then I think how much I've wanted to write a boss/secretary trope and then . . .

8. Damon appears in the hot tub. Naked. A former teen idol/once famous pop-rock star hero is born. I keep Damon and look for a new last name since I know I can't use Damon Suede. ALTHOUGH, DAMON SUEDE, YOU COULD TOTALLY BE A ROCK STAR, JUST SAYIN'!

9. Oh, this will be so much fun! *writes first chapter furiously* Hahahaha, chocolate milk, hahahahaha. Hahahahahah dance craze hahahahaha. Dance craze is sort of original in a book, I think.

10. Gangnam Style explodes. Me: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! No one will think I came up with a dance craze pre-Gangnam Style.

11. Reads some Shannon Stacey's novellas. Marvels at her awesomeness. Jill sends me her contemp novella. Marvels at her awesomeness. Reads a bunch of other novellas and marvel at their awesomeness.

Worries that whatever I write will be sucky suck.

12. Oh crap. How does one write a novella? I know! Asks Twitter, the place that knows all. Worries that no one will respond and that I'll be stuck in a corner with a big fat L on my forehead.

13. YAY! Some responses! Decides to love Meljean, Vivian, Annabeth, Vanessa, and Shannon forever and ever and ever. Meljean tweets me a link, Vivian DMs me, Shannon and Annabeth send me something, I read all the things. ALL THE THINGS.

And then I don't look at them when I start writing the novella.

12. Me to cp in September, a few weeks after AS YOU WISH is released: I probably should email the copyeditor to see what his schedule is like, since last time it was like months and months and months before I could get in. CP: Yes, you should totally do that.

13. Emails. Expects that CE will say oh, send it to me in January or February. CE emails back. He has some openings in October and November. Checks word count. Laughs/sobs. CP: book him for November, do eetttt! Me: Okay.

14. PANICS when I realize I only have 5,000 words.

15. Writes. Worries about ALL THE THINGS from Damon to Jane to the story. Reads Sarah Morgan's newest book, which has a boss/secretary trope in the boss/personal assistant, which I'm doing, and Sarah's book is AWESOME.

I eat lots of chocolate.

16. I stop and start with writing. There are some days where all I do is look at the screen. Why don't I have magic writing elves? What if I never can write anything ever again? Knows I have to write and does so, but worries, worries, worries. Especially about the hero who is so, so different and is sure that everyone will hates him.

17. Decide to stop worrying and have fun. Hahahahaha funny song titles hahahahaha.

18. Oh look it's a week until Thanksgiving, and I was supposed to have the novella done by Nov 1st. And I have 10k to write. And if I don't get it done then I'll have to cancel the CE and . . .

19. Maybe I should cancel! But then I would have to wear the CONE OF SHAME. But does it matter? NO ONE WILL LIKE THIS BOOK. NO ONE WILL BUY IT. I AM GOING TO SUCK.

20. CP gives me a talking to. I decide to eat chocolate.

21. Writes the novella. Gets to the sex scene. OMG, what if I forgot how to write a sex scene? OMG!!!!

22. I didn't.

23. Writes the rest of the novella. OMG, it's done. DONE. DONE DONE DONE. And I can do ANYTHING. That's right, Universe, you are MINE. ALL MINE.

24. Send novella to readers and tell them that if they hate it, I'm pulling it. They don't . . . hate it. Me = collapses in relief. Edits, sends to CE, and opens up a new document for a new book.

25. ALL THE DOUBTS ASSAIL ME. I'm so going to suck . . . but that's okay, because this is my process . . . as horrible and dirty as it is.

Where did the year go

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Clare) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 10:34:00 +0000

One of the first things that has to happen in December for me is the dogs need to be groomed. We have a ton of family events during the month and they need to be pretty/handsome when we bring them to everyone's houses. (I cannot leave them at home when we travel, as they are an intricate part of our family.) Aren't they adorable? Also, the best thing about the groomer--we have like three weeks where they don't smell like dogs. And I booked them for a face clean and trim on the 22nd so they will be just this cute all month long. They even have holiday themed bandanas!

Now back to the title--where the heck did the year go? I can't believe we are back to gearing up for Christmas. To date, I've only shopped for my kids (five more in the family to go--eek). Then there is the tree--I've been saying I'll put it up for two weeks now. I promise to do so this weekend. And the baking for the kids teachers. The list is never ending. Let's not forget I'm on deadline. Deadline-smedline you say. Yeah--talk to me in January when I turn into a crazy woman.

December was also a release month for me. My short story Kiss Me, Kate, a prequel for the Dangerous Rogues (and no it does not need to be read before Wicked Nights with a Proper Lady). It's a Regency romp I hope you'll all try and fall in love with. All the retailer/sales sites can be found HERE.

Also, I have a title for my third book in the Dangerous Rogues series. This is Hayden's book and it's titled The Scandalous Duke takes a Bride! I hope you love it as much as I do -- and I believe the title is a bit of brilliance on Elyssa's part! She really is a title Goddess.

Also, also I wrote a special Christmas story for Not Another Romance Blog which will be up on December 11th. I hope you'll hop on over and read the stories that are being shared by tons of great authors, including our very own Maggie Robinson!

See, Christmas is pretty crazy around the Clare household. What do you have planned for the month of December? Is your Christmas shopping done? Is your tree up?

Holidaze

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Robinson/Margaret Rowe) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

I'm still in a turkey coma. We had two Thanksgivings and two turkeys--one with my oldest daughter's in-laws, and another this past Saturday at our house with all three of our daughters and their families. We've decided turkey is de trop for Christmas and are inviting suggestions. Please comment below for menu alternates.

I always find the period between Thanksgiving and Chistmas to be difficult. The pressure to shop and cook and bake is constant, yet we're still expected to carry on with normal life. In my case, that means reading through the page proofs this week for February's Captain Durant's Countess, the second book in the London List series. Look at his shiny sword! How can I be expected to get any work done? CDC will be an e-book only, part of eKensington, a new venture for my publisher. It is priced very nicely, too--only $5.94 on Amazon. You can read more about it on my website.

So, what should I cook for Christmas dinner? What do you have to do this next month that you're dreading? Are you still staring at Reyn Durant's sword?

Donate to a Great Cause

noreply@blogger.com (Elyssa Patrick) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 07:21:00 +0000

Blogger Limecello does this awesome thing where she raises money for a selected charity--she's been doing this for the last three years. It's called SMSG Fundraiser, and this year, Lime selected charity: water. This is such an important charity--everyone should have access to clean water!

You can donate here: http://www.tartsweet.com/2012/10/27/water-changes-everything/

And if you don't have money to send, you can also contribute by leaving a comment at the above link. There are various challenges Lime and some others have set for themselves that are listed on the website.

So, please, if you're able to donate and/or leave a comment, do so.

The Dirty Truth about the Writing Process

noreply@blogger.com (Elyssa Patrick) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 05:16:00 +0000

1. When I get a new idea, I'm all like:

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

And . . .

This is the BEST idea ever!

2. I email Tiff and tell her the idea, and she often emails back: Write it!

My response: DUH. Of course that's what I'm going to do.

3. I go on Twitter. Oh, look, a discussion about books and Richard Armitage and Survivor. And look at that person who just sold for a seven-figure deal.

4. I email Tiff and write: So and so sold for seven figures. OH MY GOD, I SUCK AND I'M NEVER EVER GOING TO GO ANYWHERE.

She writes back: Write!

I then email Maggie to complain and Maggie waxes something poetic about that she's old (she's so not!) and gets my frustration, etc, etc etc.

I am plagued by insecurities and go through EVERY editor rejection I've ever received, and go oh my god, no wonder they didn't buy the book, I totally suck.

5. I hunt down some chocolate. Or pretzel rods. Basically anything that is UNHEALTHY.

6. I open up the Word document again. Chapter 1 and its blank page is mocking me. I go on Twitter and see some damn person quoting Nora Roberts' "I can't fix a blank page," and then I start feeling really bad.

7. It comes to me! Why I'm having such a hard time putting this genius idea down! I NEED TO PLOT IT.

8. I'm not a plotter.

9. But still I persist. Let's look at the Turning Points and figure out GMC and all that other writerly stuff.

10. I get to Inciting Incident and write: Kiss? I get to First Disaster and write: Kiss some more? I get to the Halfway Point and write: SMEXYTIMES!

11. I shake my head and think, oh, Ely, you don't plot so don't bother and open up the Word document again. I start writing and the words are flooooowing.

12. Squirrel! I get distracted by . . . something. Or I need some water. Or the dog wants to sit on my lap or go outside. Or I need another piece of chocolate.

13. I come back to the Word document and write, write, write.

14. OH MY GOD, this is the worst thing ever. I'm never going to get a new agent or sell, and everyone will think I'm such a hack. Also, this idea is the STUPIDEST IDEA EVER and I hate it, hate it, hate it.

15. This continues for the first half of the book.

16. HALFWAY MARK! FINALLY! I do a little happy dance and then realize I still need to write the other half.

17. I write, write, write. Oh, wait, this is good now. It's so awesome. THE WORLD IS MINE. And could I do this in my wip? I email Tiff and she says sure, and I email Maggie and she says as long as you don't kill another lion (long story).

18. OH! 30,000 words left in the wip! I get my game face on and roll up my sleeves. I type, type, type. I pace my room. I type, type, type. I'm a woman who sees the finish line in sight and by god, I'll cross it even if I'm dragging my fat, bloody carcass across the line.

19. IT IS DONE. AND IT IS THE GREATEST BOOK EVER.

20. I read it. Oh shit. Not that good.

21. I edit, edit, edit. Edit some more. Cut out 10k that drags the book down. Add new words in. I'm convinced no one will want the book. I'm also convinced my cps will read it and disown me. I'm also really convinced I'll be someone who never ever sells. And I worry. And I stress.

22. I send it off to the cps. I sleep.

23. I sleep some more. I decide to eat chocolate and ice cream as I wait for cps' feedback.

24. I get notes. Okay, this is doable. TOTALLY DOABLE. I do them.

25. Repeat.

What's yours?

Conferencing

noreply@blogger.com (J.K. Coi) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

I spent the last month attending conferences. Three of them in four weeks, and they ended up being more different from each other than I had expected them to be.

The first was in Ohio for Ellora's Cave Romanticon. This was a conference fueled mainly by readers, which was an amazing thing to be a part of. Every attendee was there because they already liked Ellora's Cave and erotic romance, so there was no need to defend the genre. On top of that, while there were some workshops for the new writer, most of the events were for readers, and a lot of fun! The book sale was massive, and the entertainment was great! All in all, I felt like a bit of a rock star, and it was awesome :)

Then I attended the Emerald City Romance Writers Conference in the Seattle area. I have to admit, I signed up for this one primarily because my brother recently moved there and I could go see him while deducting the expenses from my taxes at the same time :) This was an RWA conference, so it was typical of others that I had been to before. The majority (if not all) of attendees were other writers, of varying experience levels, and the workshops were for writers. I had drinks with my publisher and got to meet a lot of people I've known online for years but had never been able to talk to in person.

Finally, this weekend was the World Fantasy Convention in Toronto. Because I was working the day job, I missed the first two days and didn't arrive until Friday evening, just in time for the book signing. I found this convention to straddle the lines between writer conference and fan conference. I saw a few attendees in costume, but not to the extent that you would see at a Star Trek Convention or a FanExpo. There were many writers too, but also a LOT of readers. It was also a lot more casual than some of the other conferences I've been to. The workshops weren't necessarily reader focused or writer focused, but they were very academic. Taking a theme/topic and exploring the psychology of it. (Like what Twilight has done to the vampire genre and how we're supposed to recover from that.)

All in all, I've had a great time but I'm glad to be home for a little while.

Anyone been to any cool conferences this year? What was your favorite and why?

WINNERS!

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Clare) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 23:14:00 +0000

The winners for Tuesday's release day blog for Maggie Robinson's Lord Gray's List signed trades are:
Ebondy Morton & jmcgaugh

Please email Maggie your mailing address.

For the Kindle versions of Wicked Nights with a Proper Lady:
Danielle Gorman
Cathy P
Maria D

You'll find the book in your inbox this weekend!

LORD GRAY'S LIST & WICKED NIGHTS WITH A PROPER LADY RELEASE PARTY!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Clare) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Setting: The offices of the London List, scandal sheet and clearing house for the unemployed and lovelorn. Evangeline Ramsey, wearing her famous trousers, licks the tip of her pencil and begins the interview.

Evie: Okay—and I know it’s anachronistic to say okay—we have a little problem here. I’m thirty two, and it’s 1820 in my book, Lord Gray’s List. You guys are from the future in Wicked Nights with a Proper Lady, which probably makes me old enough to be your mother.

Genny: Perhaps you are well acquainted with the Carletons? They are the dearest of friends, and I must admit, Lady Carleton has always been a mother-figure to me.

Evie: Oh, you mean Katherine from Kiss Me, Kate, which will be available to readers on November 5th on Heroes & Heartbreakers!. Yes, too true, such a lovely woman and a bit of a mischief-maker, too. I well remember the scandal that surrounded her marriage! But we wouldn’t want to spoil too much for the readers. Tell us a little about your era, and how you came to meet the famous Earl of Barrington.

Genny: The world has changed so much. Poor men make small investments and become wealthy beyond imagination, old families lose riches on silly bets—though I suppose that’s not much different from the Regency era. The house parties on the other hand remain much the same. I met Leo in the summer of ’42. He was so dashing and made me want to act so very wicked. *a pause and a sly grin tilted up her lips* I suppose I did just that.

Evie: *like a bloodhound on the trail* Huh. I don’t suppose you’d like to elaborate?

Genny: Not especially. *Looks at Leo from under her lashes* I am a lady, you know. How did you meet your Lord Gray?

Evie: Ben and I met years ago, too, and he had his wicked way with me before I wised up. He liked to gamble, and I wasn’t going to marry a man just like my father.

Lord Benton Gray: I was just a kid, Evie, trying to fit in. What did I know? Except, of course, I ruined you for any other man. Even at twenty, I knew what I was about. *smug expression*

Evie: *aggravated* Stop bragging. *Leans forward and whispers* He’s right, you know, but I don’t tell him until the last chapter. Genny, what does Leo do that bothers you most?

Genny: Well, Leo is Leo, and his goal is to vex me at every opportunity until I relent enough to let him back into my life. He’s always been Trouble with a capital T!

Evie: Leo, you’ve been called a dangerous rogue. Why give all that up for Genny?

Leo: *dusting of a speck of fluff on his jacket* I thought you knew better than to put too much stake into what the gossips are saying.

Evie: *bristles* Gossip is my bread and butter, my lord. If it wasn’t for people’s insatiable need to know all the dirt, I wouldn’t be able to support my father and our charity cases.

Genny: *crossing her arms over her chest* Really, Leo, you always evade a direct question you disagree with. You’re so difficult to manage.

Leo: *takes Genny's hand in his own and squeezing it* We wouldn’t want you managing me, darling. That would take all the fun out of surprising you in life, don’t you think? I apologize, Evie, that was uncalled for.

Genny: Men are the same from every era aren’t they, Evie?

Evie: Damned annoying, is what they are.

Ben: Wait a minute! I gave up my ramshackle ways for you, too, Evie! It was your wretched paper that dubbed me the “Jane Street Jackanapes” and wrote about my every peccadillo. I’m totally reformed.

Evie: You’d better be. *gives Ben a look that promises news that's not fit to print* The love of a good woman is an amazing thing.

Find out how Tiffany Clare and Maggie Robinson reform their rakes yourself. Maggie is giving away two (2) signed trade paperbacks of Lord Gray’s List today, and Tiff is giving away three (3) Kindle copies of Wicked Nights with a Proper Lady (US Residents Only--leave your email address in the comments). Just hop into the interview and ask a question of any of the four characters, and they’ll answer!

For more excerpts, reviews and more ways to win, please visit www.tiffanyclare.com and www.maggierobinson.net.

Romancepaloozla aka a Wicked Notorious List

noreply@blogger.com (Elyssa Patrick) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 04:41:00 +0000

There are so many great romances coming out next Tuesday, but two of three I'm most excited hail from our very own Vixens! My dearest friends and cps, Maggie Robinson and Tiffany Clare, both have books releasing on 10/30.

What are these books of awesome you may find yourself asking?

Well, pull up a chair and let me tell you ALL about them.

First we have the magnificent Maggie Robinson. Her book, LORD GRAY'S LIST, which is the start of a Regency-era series (The London List), has all the wonderful things that can be found in a Maggie Robinson book: wit, sexiness, characters you root for, an amazing story that will make you sigh, laugh, cry, and want to reread over and over again.

But there are even MORE reasons why you should read LGL:

1. Cross-dressing heroine.

2. Heroine runs a newspaper.

3. Hero is deliciously hot.

4. Because the idea for how Maggie got the idea is truly fantastic--but I'll let her tell that tale for another date. :)

5. Did I mention the kickass cross-dressing heroine? Seriously, Evie is full of win.

Second, the tantalizing Tiffany Clare is kick-starting her fabulous new Victorian-era series (Dangerous Rogues) with WICKED NIGHTS WITH A PROPER LADY. This series has a Dangerous Liasions vibe--and if you don't immediately picture John Malkovich or Colin Firth as Valmont then hie yourself to Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu to watch. Furthermore, WNWAPL or WICKED, has amazing things that are all Tiffany Clare-esque: intrigue, sexiness, awesome characters, emotionally captivating, and to-die-for romance.

More reasons to buy WICKED:

1. Because it's a second chance at love story! And who doesn't love those? (And so is Maggies, too, btw!)

2. Because it has some of my favoritest scenes ever written. Just wait until you read the antique shop scene! Or when they look at stars! Sigh.

3. The heroine is easy to root for and just someone you want to see do well and get her happy ever after.

4. The hero is HOT. Seriously hot. As are his friends. Dibs on Hayden!

5. Did I mention that the love scenes are scorching hot?

Last is my friend and fellow Richard Armitage cohort, the lovely Julie Anne Long, who continues her captivating Pennyroyal Green series with A NOTORIOUS COUNTESS CONFESSES. In this we have a notorious countess and a sexy vicar, and it's full of emotion, humor, sexiness, and characters I love.

Furthermore you should read NOTORIOUS because . . .

1. It. Is. Awesome.

2. Because Julie Anne Long always writes romances that seize your heart and don't let go until the very last page.

3. Sexy vicar. Win.

4. BLOND HERO. Double win.

5. It's a Julie Anne Long book. 'Nuff said.

So, next Tuesday, buy these and more! In fact, you can pre-order them now. :)

What books are on your radar?

It Must Stop

noreply@blogger.com (J.K. Coi) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

This bullying problem has to stop.

I don't know if it's gotten more prevalent lately, or if people are just speaking out instead of ignoring it, but I've heard too many stories about bullying in the last few months.

Too many kids who should have their whole lives ahead of them. Those lives and all that beauty and potential cut short because of the viciousness of people who either don't know any better, or don't seem to care how much hurt they cause with their thoughtlessly cruel words and behaviour.

I can't countenance it, and I can't ignore it. Something more has to be done. Not just in the USA or in Canada. But everywhere.

I can't stop crying over this young girl's story, but I have to watch it. And you should too.

The Roaming Gnome & I

noreply@blogger.com (Maggie Robinson/Margaret Rowe) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow I am flying to London! The trip is a combined birthday/research trip planned by my husband, the original roaming gnome except that he's 6'3". He has always loved to organize travel itineraries for our family, and of course the Internet has made his job so much easier.

He only struck out once or twice when he was relying on Europe on $20 a Day and other such sources pre-Internet. Once he booked us into this awful flea-bag hotel in London. We were with our best friends, and the four of us climbed I don't know how many floors (no elevator) with our suitcases. The rooms were grim. My friend Claudia sat on a bed gingerly while the guys went downstairs to discuss the situation. I tried to open a dresser drawer and the whole face of it came off in my hand. Needless to say, we moved. :) The other time he screwed up was booking us into a clothing-optional gay resort, but that's a story for another day. ;)

This time we are staying at St. Ermin's Hotel. Pretty, yes?

The first book in my London List series, Lord Gray's List, comes out on October 30, and I plan to scoop up some good London stuff to give away on my November website contest. You can read the first chapter of LGL here. For this month's contest, a choice of any book on my backlist, you can enter here.

If you were traveling tomorrow, where would you go?

Contest winners announced for Vanessa Kelly's books

noreply@blogger.com (Elyssa Patrick) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:14:00 +0000

Thanks again for guest blogging yesterday with us, Vanessa! We loved having you!!! And thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented.

Now, onto the contest winners.

Congrats to Maureen, who won a copy of MASTERING THE MARQUESS! And congrats to Erin, who won a copy of MY FAVORITE COUNTESS!

Please contact Vanessa here with your info.

Vanessa Kelly Guest Blogs: Secrets (Plus Book Giveaways!)

noreply@blogger.com (Elyssa Patrick) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 04:00:00 +0000

I’m so happy to be with the Vixens today to celebrate my new release—thanks so much for having me, ladies!

Secrets

Nothing fuels drama and conflict in a book better than a good secret. And when you have a character with a Very Important Secret and that character is a terrible liar…well, that’s when the fun really begins.

In my new historical romance, His Mistletoe Bride, my heroine Phoebe has a big secret she wants to keep from her new husband, Lucas. Phoebe and Lucas have just moved to their new estate in the country, where life is proving to be a challenge. Mistletoe Manor has been neglected for years and is falling down around their ears, the local villagers are living on the edge of poverty and struggling to survive, and a gang of smugglers is using Mistletoe Manor’s lands for their illegal runs.

So where does Phoebe’s secret come in? She discovers who the smugglers are and decides she has to protect them. Now, she has very good reasons for doing so, but she knows that Lucas won’t agree with her. He’s a former soldier and a law-and-order kind of guy, and he’s convinced the smugglers are dangerous lawbreakers. Lucas is determined to catch the members of the gang. Phoebe is just as determined to protect them, which means she has to lie to the husband she’s fallen madly in love with.

As you can imagine, she feels very guilty about that. To make matters worse, Phoebe is probably the worst liar in the world. This certainly becomes a problem when Lucas starts to get the sense that she’s holding something back. In the following excerpt, the newlyweds are travelling to spend a few days of the Christmas holiday with relatives, and it looks like Phoebe’s Big Secret is coming back to haunt her.

She gave him a placating smile, which he did not return. Instead, he eyed her with a narrow gaze. “Phoebe, you do realize you can tell me anything, don’t you?” he asked abruptly. “I will always listen carefully to whatever you have to say to me.”

She mentally winced. It was not the listening part she worried about, it was what he would do after he heard. She forced herself to answer calmly. “Of course I do. And I promise that whenever I have something to tell you, I will.”

The stiffening of his shoulders signaled how little he liked her reply, but it was the best she could do for now. “Are we almost to the abbey?” she blurted out before he could say anything else.

A muscle in his jaw pulsed, but he allowed the deflection. “If you look out the window, you can see it on the rise of the hill.”

She breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that for all his commanding ways her husband had the grace not to push her. His patience, unfortunately, made her own actions seem all the worse. Clamping down hard on her guilt, she leaned across him to peek out the window. He gently wrapped an arm around her waist to support her against the jostling of the carriage, his other hand brushing a stray lock of hair back from her neck. Her heart throbbed as she silently acknowledged that Lucas would always take care of her, no matter what.

What about you, readers? Do you hate to lie, or do you sometimes think certain things are best kept secret? One person who comments will win a copy of my first book, Mastering The Marquess, and another commenter will win a copy of my last book, My Favorite Countess.

BLAME IT ON THE MISTLETOE…

When Major Lucas Stanton inherited his earldom, he never dreamed his property would include the previous earl’s granddaughter. Phoebe Linville is a sparkling American beauty, yes, but with a talent for getting into trouble. Witness the compromising position that forced them into wedlock. Whisked away to Mistletoe Manor, his country estate, it isn’t long before she is challenging his rules—and surprising him in and out of bed…

Phoebe has no intention of bowing to Lucas’s stubbornness even though he offers all that she wants. His kisses and unexpected warmth are enticing, but Phoebe is determined to show the Earl of Merritt what real love is all about. And if that takes twelve nights of delicious seduction by a roaring fire, she’s more than willing to reveal her gifts very slowly…

Buy links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Books A Million

Vanessa Kelly was named by Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association, as one of the “New Stars of Historical Romance.” Her Regency-set historical romances have been nominated for awards in a number of contests, and her second book, Sex and The Single Earl, won the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Vanessa also writes contemporary romance with her husband under the name of V.K. Sykes. You can find her on the web at www.vanessakellyauthor.com or at www.vksykes.com.

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Winners - Valerie Bowman Guest Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Clare) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:33:00 +0000

Congratulations to our winners from yesterday's guest blog!

Diane P. Diamond you have won the ebook

Polly the Pug you have won the paperback!

Please email Valerie with your information!

Guest Blog, Valerie Bowman with Secrets of a Wedding Night

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Clare) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 04:00:00 +0000

We are really excited to have debut author join us on the Dark Walk for an interview today to discuss her book Secrets of a Wedding Night, which released yesterday!

First, congratulations on your very first release! Can you tell us about your debut book? And if you've always dreamed of being a writer?

Thank you so much for having me, Vixens! I’m thrilled to be here today. My debut Regency romance novel, Secrets of a Wedding Night, is the first story in my Secret Brides trilogy. It’s about a widow who writes a scandalous pamphlet and the man she jilted five years ago who challenges her because of it. It’s a game of matching wits and seduction. So fun!

As for whether I’ve always dreamed of being a writer, the answer is YES! I wrote my first “book” in kindergarten. It was about five pages long. : ) It was called The Three Little Chickens and I’m proud to say I still have it.

I love that you still have the very first book you penned! What would you like readers to know about your hero and heroine? Did you base Lily and Devon on anyone in particular?

I actually based (and named) Lily after Lily Lawson in one of my favorite books, Lisa Kleypas’ Then Came You. Both Lilys are such strong characters. Devon is based (looks-wise at least) on my own fiancé, Marcus (wink).

What was your favorite scene to write in the book?

While there are many scenes I LOVE in the book, I have to say one of my very favorites is the opening scene when Devon shows up at Lily’s house ready to have it out with her. It’s the first time they’ve seen each other in five years and it was just so much fun to write. The entire first chapter is available on my website at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com

Who are some of your favorite authors and books? Did they influence your debut in any way?

I absolutely adore reading Regency romance novels and have been a life-long fan. There are so many terrific authors but two of my very favorites authors are Judith McNaught and Lisa Kleypas. I think the angst in my books is courtesy of Ms. McNaught and of course Lily herself is based on one of Ms. Kleypas’ characters. They are both such talented storytellers.

What's next for you?

In addition to the next two stories in the Secret Brides trilogy, Secrets of a Runaway Bride and Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage. I’m currently working on two novellas based on minor characters from these stories. The first one, A Secret Proposal, will be out in February 2013. After that, since I write Racy Regency Romps I’ll be writing a new trilogy based on romp plays. My favorites!

I absolutely love short stories based on minor characters! Thank you for joining us on the Dark Walk, Valerie!

Valerie Bowman writes Regency-set historical romance novels with a focus on sharp dialogue, engaging storylines, and heroines who take matters into their own hands! Publishers Weekly calls Secrets of a Wedding Night, an “enchanting, engaging debut that will have readers seeking future installments” and Romantic Times Book Reviews says, “This fast-paced, charming debut, sparkling with witty dialogue and engaging characters, marks Bowman for stardom.” And Booklist gave it a starred review! You can find Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and on Facebookand Twitter.

HOW TO STOP A WEDDING

Young, widowed, and penniless, Lily Andrews, the Countess of Merrill, has strong opinions on marriage. When she spots a certain engagement announcement in The Times, she decides to take action. She will not allow another hapless girl to fall prey to a man—particularly the scoundrel who broke her heart five years ago. Anonymously she writes and distributes a pamphlet entitled “Secrets of a Wedding Night,” knowing it will find its way into his intended’s innocent hands…

HOW TO SEDUCE A WIDOW

Devon Morgan, the Marquis of Colton, desires a good wife and mother to his son—someone completely unlike Lily Andrews, the heartless beauty who led him on a merry chase five years ago only to reject him. When Devon’s new fiancée cries off after reading a certain scandalous pamphlet, he vows to track down the author and make her pay. But when he learns it’s his former fiancée Lily, he issues a challenge: write a retraction—or prepare to be seduced—to find out how wonderful a wedding night can be…

“The most charming and clever debut I've read in years! ”

—New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas

Buy Links for Secrets of a Wedding Night: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books a Million

Valerie is kindly giving away one ebook (International entries welcome in the comments) and one print book (North America only). Just tell us what your favorite lovers reunited books are!

Fall is in the Air and other news

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Clare) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 09:00:00 +0000

It really is fall-like, does anyone else think that lovely warm winter we had last year is in the past and we are in for a really cold one this time around? And that's kind of depressing! LOL It'll only be another month of riding my bike to and from work (which I love, even with the recent injury), then it'll be too windy and cold to do so and back on the stinky streetcar for me.

My exciting news last week was the exclusive cover reveal of my second book in the Dangerous Rogues series: Midnight Temptations with a Forbidden Lord! It's still sort of exclusive over on Heroes & Heartbreakers, so if you'd like to read the back cover check out this LINK on their fabulous site. But seriously, isn't the cover fabulous?

I also received a Top Pick, 4.5 star review from RT Book Reviews. They said "Here’s the type of sexy love story that makes hearts beat faster and readers sigh with pleasure."

Just a little over a month before I can share that first book in the Dangerous Rogues series with you! I really can't wait to share this cast of almost-mistfit characters.

I have some other exciting news about a short story that I will share soon! The title as it stands is Kiss Me, Kate, and it's a prequel to the Dangerous Rogues. I can't wait to unzip my lips on this!

One last thing (isn't it Spring that's supposed to bring crazy change and lots of news?) I have been on a reading binge, so tell me what you've been reading and loved the most lately!

Don't forget to visit us tomorrow, we have a lovely guest interview and a BOOK GIVEAWAY! With debut Regency author Valerie Bowman. She's here to dish about Secrets of a Wedding Night!

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Clare) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:57:00 +0000

There is an EXCLUSIVE reveal of my cover for Midnight Temptations With a Forbidden Lord and the back cover blurb, on Heroes and Heartbreakers today! Go forth and see the beautiful cover!

CLICK HERE!

Winners announced!

noreply@blogger.com (Elyssa Patrick) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 04:07:00 +0000

Thanks to everyone who commented on yesterday's post!

I used random.org, which randomly selected the winners. Each winner will receive AS YOU WISH (Kindle ebook).

Congrats to:

Sherri A. Dub

Carin

Patricia Schmitt

Please email me at elyssapatrick AT gmail DOT com. ETA: I found Carin's email in the comments so, Sherri and Patricia, please email me. :)