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Monday, December 31, 2012

Interview with Author Dianne Hartsock and Giveaway


Today I would like to welcome back to RFTC author, Dianne Hartsock. Dianne is currently on tour for her book Philip's Watcher and has stopped by to answer a few questions. Please give Dianne a warm welcome.

Dianne lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play.

She says Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write her tales. There’s something about being cooped up in the house while it pours rain outside and a fire crackles on the hearth inside that kindles her imagination.

Currently, Dianne works as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which she says is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

Places to find Dianne:
| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Interview with Author Robin Covington and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome to RFTC author, Robin Covington. Robin is celebrating the recent release of her book Secret Santa Baby and has stopped by to answer some questions. Please give Robin a very warm welcome.

Robin Covington, who NYT Best Selling authors, Robyn Carr and Carly Phillips, said was their new “auto-buy author”, writes sizzling hot contemporary and paranormal romance. A Night of Southern Comfort, her best-selling debut was nominated by RT Book Reviews for the 2012 Best Contemporary Romance from an Indie Press for bringing a “fresh, modern feel to the genre while still sticking to the things that get our adrenaline pumping — sex and danger”. When she's not exploring the theme of fooling around and falling in love, she’s collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and stalking Joe Mangianello.

Robin is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Washington Romance Writers, a faculty member at Romance University, a member of the Waterworld Mermaids, a Goddess at The Naked Hero, and a contributor to the Happy Ever After blog at USA Today.

Places to find Robin:

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Feature and Giveaway: Archangel of Mercy by Christina Ashcroft


Between an angel and a desperate woman comes salvation and a raw passion that challenges them at every turn…

When Aurora Robinson attempts to open a rift between dimensions to embrace her true heritage, an arrogant Archangel is the only one who can save her from the jaws of hell. And while she owes Gabriel her life, she's determined not to fall at his feet-despite the desire she feels whenever they're together.

After his wings were brutally destroyed millennia ago, Gabriel has no compassion for humans like those who ruined him and betrayed the ones he loved. But when he inexplicably finds himself defying ancient protocols to rescue a woman from a fate worse than death, he is shocked by the searing attraction he feels for a mortal.

As the ancient forces that seek to punish Aurora for her actions close in, Gabriel offers the tempting woman protection at his private sanctuary. But as they both succumb to their desires, they discover an even deeper connection-one that threatens to consume them.

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository |

Feature and Giveaway: Blood Vow by Karin Tabke


A volatile mix of both Lycan and Slayer, half-breed Falon is Alpha female of her pack, marked by rival Alpha brothers. But when she learns that she is the daughter of the Master Slayer who murdered Lucien and Rafael’s parents, the revelation throws her relationship with both brothers into chaos. Falon begs them not to condemn her for her father’s deeds, but will the brothers ever forgive her? With her Alpha mates destined to be one, Falon pleads with them to accept their unusual love triangle…

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository |

Friday, December 28, 2012

Guest Post with Author Hope Tarr and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome author Hope Tarr to RFTC. Hope is celebrating the release of her novella A Cinderella Christmas Carol and has stopped by to chat. Please give Hope a warm welcome.

Hope Tarr is the award-winning author of twenty historical and contemporary romances including OPERATION CINDERELLA, the launch to her new “Suddenly Cinderella” series of contemporary fairytale-themed romances. Hope is also a co-founder and current principal of Lady Jane’s Salon™, New York City’s first and so far only monthly romance fiction reading series now with satellites in four other U.S. cities.

Places to find Hope:

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Guest Post with Author Victoria James and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome to RFTC author Victoria James. Victoria is celebrating the recent release of her book The Billionaire's Christmas Baby and has stopped by to share a snippet of what Christmas was like for The Billionaire's Christmas Baby. Please give Victoria a warm welcome.

Victoria James is a romance writer living near Toronto, Canada. Victoria is a mother to two young children, and one very disorderly feline. Victoria attended Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and graduated with a degree in English Literature, where she met and then later married, her own hero. After Queen's, Victoria earned a degree in Interior Design. After the birth of her first child she began pursuing her life-long passion of writing. Her dream of being a published romance author was realized last February, 2012, when Entangled Publishing bought her manuscript. Victoria is living her dream-staying home with her children and conjuring up happy endings for her characters.

Places to find Victoria:

Guest Post with Author Catherine Hemmerling and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome to RFTC, author Catherine Hemmerling. Catherine is celebrating her new release, Taming Her Forbidden Earl and has stopped by for a little chat. Please give Catherine a warm welcome.

Catherine Hemmerling has been a technical writer in the software industry for nearly twenty years and has published many user manuals and technical documentation in that time. She has always had a love of writing fiction but has never pursued publication in that genre until now.

Hopefully it is the beginning of a long new journey with Lady Lancaster and the Garden Society girls. Certainly historical romance (especially the scandalous kind) is more fun than writing technical documents!

This author happily resides in Tehachapi, California (near Bakersfield - home of her Alma-mater!) with her family.

Catherine writes for Entangled Publishing's Scandalous historical line and is thrilled to be part of their family of writers!

Places to find Catherine:
| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Guest Post with Author Boone Brux and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome to RFTC, author Boone Brux. Boone is celebrating the recent release of her book Kiss of the Betrayer and has stopped by to chat. Please give Boone a warm welcome.

As a multi-published and an award winning author, Boone's writing drips with experiences from real life. Addicted to anything that might make a good story, she weaves tales that range from dark fantasy to humorous romance. Settled in the icy regions of Alaska with the love of her life and twin daughters, it's not uncommon to find her tapping away on her iPad on a windy beach or the barren tundra. Be warned, anyone and every even is fodder for one of Boone's novels.

Places to find Boone:

Guest Post with Author Sarah Gilman and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome to RFTC, author Sarah Gilman. Sarah is celebrating the recent release of her book Wings of Redemption and she has stopped by for a little chat. Please give Sarah a warm welcome.

Sarah Gilman started her first novel in third grade. She never finished that story, but never gave up the dream. Her fascination with wings also began at that age, when images of the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis captured her imagination and never let go. Now a paranormal romance writer, she employs her love of writing to bring the allure of winged creatures to the pages of her novels. Sarah lives in Vermont with her supportive husband and two spoiled cats.

Places to find Sarah:

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!


I just wanted to take the time to wish everyone a very joyous and happy day. 

Merry Christmas! 

Monday, December 24, 2012

A Rocket Holiday


Darynda Jones would like to share a special story with you this December.

Welcome to the Rocket Holiday Event!
Exclusive Rocket Story and Giveaway!

During the entire month make sure to follow all the blogs listed on the Darynda Jones Blog Tours Home. Each blog will be posting a special Christmas story written by Darynda Jones. Exclusive art will accompany the story at each post. Each blog will have a different name on the wall within the art. Viewers must keep each name or names found on each blog post in order to unravel the secret message. Take note of the most prominent name(s) within the artwork. Some blogs will have more than one name. When viewers have found all the names they will then take the first letter of each name, these letters will need to be unscrambled in order to find the secret message. Once you have the message, fill out the form below to be entered into an amazing Rocket Giveaway!

Win Big


Darynda Jones will be giving away a $100 Dollar Gift Card to one lucky winner!

Interview with Authors Kate Hardy, Heidi Rice, Amy Andrews and Aimee Carson and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome the ladies that are behind Baby, It's Cold Outside, a book comprised of four different novellas. All of the authors have stopped by to share and answer a few questions. Please give everyone a warm welcome.

Kate Hardy is an award-winning author of more than 50 books for Harlequin Mills & Boon. Her novel 'Breakfast at Giovanni's' won the RNA Romance Prize in 2008 and she's been shortlisted three more times for the award, as well as for two Romantic Times awards.

She lives in Norwich in the east of England with her husband, two children, a springer spaniel called Byron, and too many books to count. She's a bit of a nerd who loves cinema, the theatre, history and cooking (which is why she has to go to the gym five times a week - oh, and to ballroom dancing lessons), and adores anything Italian. She loves doing research, particularly if it's hands-on and means experimenting with cooking (on her website, most of her books have a recipe connected to them). Reviewers say that her books are full of warmth, heart and charm - and also that you'll learn something new and interesting from them!

Places to find Kate: 

Sunday, December 23, 2012

A Historical Christmas Eve with Carrie Lofty and Giveaway

A Historical Christmas Eve Part 1 - Carrie Lofty

This year has been a blast! In addition to HIS VERY OWN GIRL, my three Christie Family romances are available now from Pocket. FLAWLESS kicked it off with a tale of an estranged couple's search for love. The 99¢ tie-in novella, "A LITTLE MORE SCANDAL" follows two aspiring lovers to London. And the Scottish-set second novel, STARLIGHT, was an RT BookReviews 4½ Star Top Pick. "Richly nuanced characters and a superbly realized Victorian setting come together brilliantly." ~ The Chicago Tribune

I've also launched a co-written pseudonym, Katie Porter, with my long-time friend and critique partner, Lorelie Brown. RT BookReviews said of our "Vegas Top Guns" series of contemporary erotic romances from Samhain: "This racy, raunchy, hella good read…will move Fifty Shades of Grey to the children's section of the bookstore."

Happy holidays to you from the shores of Lake Michigan. My family, my cats, and the nice men who plow the snow at our condo wish you the best for 2013--and so do I!

Places to find Carrie:
| Site | Facebook | Twitter

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Saving a Lady...with Lorraine Heath and Giveaway

Saving a Lady on Christmas Eve - Lorraine Heath

New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals, press releases for a publicist, articles, and computer code, but something was always missing. In 1990, she read a romance novel and became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.

Places to find Lorraine:

Friday, December 21, 2012

Sharing a First Kiss...with Stefanie Sloane and Giveaway

Sharing a First Kiss on Christmas Eve - Stefanie Sloane

A native Northwesterner with the pale skin to prove it, Stefanie Sloane credits her parents’ eclectic reading habits—not to mention their decision to live in the middle of nowhere—for her love of books. A childhood spent lost in the pages of countless novels led Stefanie to college where she majored in English. No one was more surprised than Stefanie when she actually put her degree to use and landed a job in Amazon.com’s Books editorial department. She spent over five years reading for a living before retiring to concentrate on her own stories. Stefanie currently resides with her family in Seattle.

Places to find Stefanie: 
| Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Caught in a Snowstorm...with Anne Barton and Giveaway

Caught in a Snowstorm on Christmas Eve - Anne Barton

Anne lives in Maryland with her husband and three children, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen. Her weaknesses are reality TV, cute-but-impractical shoes, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

Places to find Anne:

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

An Unexpected Guest...with Margo Maguire and Giveaway

An Unexpected Guest on Christmas Eve - Margo Maguire

Margo Maguire is the author of 20 historical romance novels, translated into 19 different languages. Her last 2 out of 3 books were RT Top Picks. A former Critical Care nurse, Margo switched to writing several years ago, using her fancy-dancy degree in history to add flavor to all her stories.

Places to find Margo:

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

An Accidental Fire...with Elizabeth Essex and Giveaway

An Accidental Fire on Christmas Eve - Elizabeth Essex

When not rereading Jane Austen, mucking about in her garden and simply messing about with boats, award-winning author Elizabeth Essex can be always be found with her laptop, making up stories about heroes and heroines who live far more exciting lives than she. It wasn’t always so. Long before she ever set pen to paper, Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in Classics, and then earned her MA in Nautical Archaeology from Texas A&M University. While she loved the life of an underwater archaeologist, she has found her true calling writing lush, lyrical historical romance full of passion, daring and adventure.

Elizabeth lives in Texas with her husband, the indispensable Mr. Essex, and her active and exuberant family in an old house filled to the brim with books.

Places to find Elizabeth:

Monday, December 17, 2012

Alone with a Rogue...with Julianne MacLean and Giveaway

Alone with a Rogue on Christmas Eve - Julianne MacLean

Julianne MacLean is a USA Today bestselling author of 15 historical romances, including The Highlander Trilogy with St. Martin's Press and her popular Pembroke Palace series with Avon/Harper Collins. She also writes contemporary mainstream fiction under the pseudonym E.V. Mitchell, and her recent release THE COLOR OF HEAVEN was an Amazon bestseller. She is a three-time RITA finalist, and has won numerous awards, including the Booksellers' Best Award, the Book Buyers Best Award, and a Reviewers' Choice Award from Romantic Times for Best Regency Historical of 2005. She lives in Nova Scotia with her husband and daughter, and is a dedicated member of Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada.

Places to find Julianne:
| Site | Facebook | Twitter |

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Crashing a Ball...with Manda Collins and Giveaway

Crashing a Ball on Christmas Eve - Manda Collins

Manda Collins spent her teen years wishing she’d been born a couple of centuries earlier, preferably in the English countryside. Time travel being what it is, she resigned herself to life with electricity and indoor plumbing, and read lots of books. An affinity for books led to a graduate degree in English, followed by another in Librarianship. By day, she works as an academic librarian at a small liberal arts college, where she teaches college students how to navigate the tangled world of academic research. A native of coastal Alabama, Manda lives in the house her mother grew up in with three cats, sometimes a dog, sometimes her sister, and more books than strictly necessary.

Places to find Manda:
| Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

Saturday, December 15, 2012

An Indecent Proposal...with Shana Galen and Giveaway

An Indecent Proposal on Christmas Eve - Shana Galen

Shana Galen is the national bestselling author of numerous fast-paced, adventurous Regency historical romances, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne's Bride. Her books are published all over the world and have been featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city.

Now she writes full time. She’s happily married to an incredibly supportive man she calls Ultimate Sportsfan, and she has a beautiful little girl she calls Little Galen.

Places to find Shana:

Friday, December 14, 2012

A Drunken Escapade...with Anna Randol and Giveaway

A Drunken Escapade on Christmas Eve - Anna Randol

Anna Randol writes sultry, adventurous Regency romances for Avon. RT Book Reviews gave her new novel, Sins of a Virgin, four and a half stars and called it, “Smart, sassy, sexy, original and tinged with mystery…” When she’s not plotting wild storylines, Anna’s usually eating dark chocolate, having wild dance parties with her kids in the living room, or remodeling her house one ill-planned project at a time.

Places to find Anna:

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Stranded in a Carriage...with Grace Burrowes and Giveaway

Stranded in a Carriage on Christmas Eve - Grace Burrowes

Grace Burrowes is the USA Today and NYT bestselling author of The Windham series of Regency romances, one of which, "Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish," was nominated for a Regency RITA, and another of which, "Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight" was chosen as a Library Journal Best Book of 2012.

Places to find Grace:

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

A Royal Guest...with Lecia Cornwall and Giveaway

A Royal Guest on Christmas Eve - Lecia Cornwall

Lecia Cornwall lives in Calgary Alberta, in the foothills of the beautiful Canadian Rockies, with two grown children, four cats, a chocolate lab and a husband who puts up with all of the above with remarkable patience. Lecia's debut novel was published by Avon in April 2011. And, she is, of course, busy working on yet another book.

Places to find Lecia:

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Caught Under the Mistletoe...with Tiffany Clare and Giveaway

Caught Under the Mistletoe on Christmas Eve - Tiffany Clare

Deciding that life had far more to offer than a nine to five job, bickering children in the evening and housework of any kind, Tiffany Clare opened up her laptop to rediscover her love of the written word. Tiffany writes historical romances set in the Victorian era for St. Martin’s Press. She lives in Toronto with her ever-patient photographer husband, two mischievous children, and two of the world’s cutest dogs . . . ever.

Places to find Tiffany:

Monday, December 10, 2012

Three Dukes and a Baby...with Maya Rodale and Giveaway

Three Dukes and a Baby on Christmas Eve - Maya Rodale

Maya Rodale began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence. She is now the author of numerous “dazzlingly sexy and witty” historical romance novels. A champion of the romance genre and it’s readers, she is also the author of the non-fiction book Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation Of Romance Novels, Explained and a co-founder of Lady Jane’s Salon, a national reading series devoted to romantic fiction. Maya lives in New York City with her darling dog and a rogue of her own.

Places to find Maya:

Sunday, December 9, 2012

A Lonely Courtesan...with Karen Erickson and Giveaway

A Lonely Courtesan on Christmas Eve - Karen Erickson

Romance author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read — sexy contemporary romance and sensual historical romance. Digitally published since 2006, she currently writes for Samhain Publishing, Entangled Publishing’s Bliss Imprint, Avon Impulse and Carina Press. A native Californian, she lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children.

Places to find Karen:
Site Blog Facebook Twitter Goodreads Pinterest |

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Weekly Winners

Below is a list of all of the winners from the past week.

Carol
Book of Choice from the Alpha Pack series from JD Tyler

Mary
Ask Her at Christmas by Christi Barth

Laurie
Romantic Tales: Bedtime Stories Episode 1 by Tigris Eden, Ty Langston & Riley Ross

Joanne
Romantic Tales: Bedtime Stories Episode 2 by Tigris Eden, Ty Langston & Riley Ross

Cathy
Toying with Temptation by Madison Martin

Maureen
One Night with a Hero by Laura Kaye

Maureen
To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood by Bronwen Evans


All winners have been notified via email. Thank you to everyone that stopped by and entered. =)

A Romantic Proposal...with Elise Rome and Giveaway

A Romantic Proposal on Christmas Eve - Elise Rome

Elise Rome has never forgiven Margaret Mitchell for making her fall in love with Scarlett and Rhett in Gone with the Wind and then not giving them a happy ending. She likes to think that she makes up for this injustice with each romance novel she writes. When she isn't telling stories about sexy, headstrong heroes and intelligent, independent heroines, Elise stays busy chasing after her two young daughters, semi-attempting to do housework, and hiking in the beautiful foothills of Colorado. She, also, unashamedly, adores her readers.

Places to find Elise:

Friday, December 7, 2012

A Spy Mission...with Tracey Devlyn and Giveaway

A Spy Mission of Christmas Eve - Tracey Devlyn

Tracey Devlyn writes historical romantic thrillers (translation: a slightly more grievous journey toward the heroine’s happy ending). She’s a co-founder of Romance University, a group blog dedicated to readers and writers of romance, and Lady Jane’s Salon-Naperville, Chicagoland’s exciting new reading salon devoted to romantic fiction. An Illinois native, Tracey spends her evenings harassing her once-in-a-lifetime husband and her weekends torturing her characters. For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at www.TraceyDevlyn.com.

Places to find Tracey:

Thursday, December 6, 2012

A Wardrobe Malfunction...with Theresa Romain and Giveaway

A Wardrobe Malfunction on Christmas Eve - Theresa Romain

Historical romance author Theresa Romain pursued an impractical education that allowed her to read everything she could get her hands on. She then worked for universities and libraries, where she got to read even more. Eventually she started writing, too. Her historical romance debut, SEASON FOR TEMPTATION, was published in October 2011. The sequel, SEASON FOR SURRENDER, will be published in October 2012.
Places to find Theresa:

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

A Ruined Feast...with Emma Wildes and Giveaway

A Ruined Feast on Christmas Eve - Emma Wildes

Emma Wildes is the national bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty (uhm, warning, some are kind of on the naughty side) novels and novellas, mostly set in Regency England.

She’d love to hear from you, so feel free to contact her.

Places to find Emma:

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Caroling Off-Key... with Jayne Fresina and Giveaway

Caroling Off-Key on Christmas Eve - Jayne Fresina

Jayne Fresina sprouted up in England, the youngest in a family of four daughters. Entertained by her father’s colorful tales of growing up in the countryside, and surrounded by opinionated sisters – all with far more exciting lives than hers – she’s always had inspiration for her beleaguered heroes and unstoppable heroines.

Places to find Jayne:
| Site | Twitter |

Monday, December 3, 2012

A Wallflower Makeover...with Tessa Dare and Giveaway

A Wallflower Makeover on Christmas Eve - Tessa Dare

Tessa Dare is the New York Times bestselling author of nine historical romance novels and three novellas. A librarian by training and book-lover at heart, she makes her home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband, their two children, and a big brown dog.

Places to find Tessa:
| Site | Facebook | Twitter |

Sunday, December 2, 2012

A Hisorical Christmas Eve with Sabrina Jeffries and Giveaway

An Excerpt from Sabrina Jeffries’ ‘Twas the Night After Christmas Part 2

Raised amidst the rubber plantations in Thailand with missionary parents, Sabrina Jeffries likes to say she rode to her bestselling success on the back of an elephant. In truth, Jeffries has earned numerous placements on the New York Times and USA Today lists with Regency historicals that readers savor for her trademark sexy blend of witty dialogue and enterprising characters. It’s no accident she has been dubbed “The Queen of the Sexy Regency Romance.”

About that plantation business—living in the boonies of Thailand afforded Sabrina endless hours to read Jane Austen novels and other classics voraciously. Not surprisingly, back in the States, she went on to earn a doctorate in English literature from Tulane University—and a craving for Cajun food.

While Sabrina is at ease with refined academia types, she enjoys using her literary skills to pen novels of romantic fiction. She sold her first book in 1991 and has 33 published novels to her credit. Whenever she struggles with a plot point, she shuts off the computer and tackles a jigsaw puzzle, and before long, bingo! Problem solved. Another stress-reliever for the inventive author: creating her popular Will and Jane’s Excellent Adventure comics. Displaying Sabrina’s fine-tuned sense of humor, the comics feature a William Shakespeare caricature figure and a Jane Austen action figure.

Caffeine addict, Third Culture Kid, chocoholic, and popular novelist with more than six million books in print, Jeffries defies labels. Her biting humor and simultaneous warmth endear her to her 10,000 Facebook fans, Pinterest followers and loyal Goddess blog readers. At home in front of a crowd—any crowd (no really, just hand over the microphone and get ready for some fun)—Jeffries is a sought-after speaker, as evidenced by her 2010 gig as emcee for the National Romance Writers of America’s 30th Anniversary Awards Ceremony.

While Sabrina treks through remote locales in the name of research and rubs elbows in the big cities with other industry professionals, she says her favorite destination is home. She lives in Cary, North Carolina, with her two best guys—husband, Rene, and adult son, Nick, who has inspired her to actively champion the cause of autistic children.

Places to find Sabrina: 
| Site | Facebook | Twitter

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Weekly Winners

Below is a list of all of the winners from the past week.

Linda
Mary
Cathy
Book of Choice from Maureen Driscoll

Alicia
His Mistletoe Bride by Vanessa Kelly

PC
Swag Pack from Sophie Barnes

Lori
Necklace from Bonnie Bliss

Laura
Book of Choice from Elle Kennedy or Vivian Arend


All winners have been notified via email. Thank you to everyone that stopped by and entered. =)

A Historical Christmas Eve Event

We are back at it again


Myself, along with Rita from Not Another Romance Blog have teamed up again this year to bring you an amazing, extra special Christmas event you won’t soon forget! Starting tomorrow, December 2nd, both of our blogs will feature daily holiday-themed scenes written by some of your favorite historical romance authors. This year we've decided to add an extra twist to the festivities and all of the scenes take place on Christmas Eve! Each day you’ll have the chance to enter a daily giveaway on each blog sponsored by the featured author. There will also be an AMAZING GRAND PRIZE giveaway that you won't want to miss out on. Each participating author, as well as both Rita and myself have put together a GIANT box of goodies  (including gift cards, books and swag) that will go to one very lucky person. Sounds like fun right?

Friday, November 30, 2012

ARC Review: Touch of Steel by Kate Cross


I don't even know where to begin with this book. First I will say that prior to reading Touch of Steel, I had not read anything in the Steampunk genre before. Secondly, why haven't I? Yeah, I loved this book. For real. I love the mix of modern with historical. Kate Cross created a world that felt real to me. Not only did she create this wonderful fantastical world, but she created a group of characters that I was really taken with and I found myself on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen with everyone.

Claire Brooks is a spy on a mission. She is out to kill the man that she feels is responsible for the death of her beloved brother Robert. She almost succeeds when she is injured and then captured by the Wardens, a rival spy group. When she makes a deal with the Wardens that she will give up any secrets of the Company's (the spy group she works for) in exchange for her release to enact vengeance on her brother, she is in turn placed into the custody of Alistair Payne one of the Wardens top spies.

Alistair wants nothing to do with Claire Brooks. There is something about her he doesn't trust. He knows she is hiding something and he's bound to find out what it is. Yet, he made a promise that he would escort her to find the man responsible not only for the death of her brother, but the man responsible for his best friend Lucas's memory loss. Even though Alistair and Claire dislike each other immensely both can't help but find the other attractive. Though beyond a small kiss, neither acts on the growing attraction.

Slowly but surely the farther along in their travels they get the harder they are finding it to resist one another. Both find that they really can't trust the other, especially in the case of Alistair with Claire. Alistair has been burned and deceived by women in his past so it's even harder for him to let Claire in. Yet, even though he can't really trust her he is quickly realizing that he just might not care.

As for Claire she's realizing the more time she spends with Alistair the more she is growing to like and appreciate him. In a different world he would be the man she would want to marry but here and now, with her future looking all but non existent, she knows that she must keep focused on her mission, you take down the man who killed her brother.

I can't say how much I enjoyed this book. The action, adventure, the romance, it was all so very good. Kate Cross crafted a winner with Touch of Steel and I very much it enjoyed it. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in her Clockwork Agents series. If it's half as good as Touch of Steel was I know I'm in for a treat.

**ARC provided by Author**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository |


Guest Post with Karen Erickson and Giveaway

Today I would like to welcome back to RFTC, author Karen Erickson. Karen is celebrating the release of her newest book in her Jane's Gift and has stopped by to chat. Please give Karen a warm welcome.

Romance author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read — sexy contemporary romance and sensual historical romance. Digitally published since 2006, she currently writes for Samhain Publishing, Entangled Publishing’s Bliss Imprint, Avon Impulse and Carina Press. A native Californian, she lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children.

Places to find Karen:
Site Blog Facebook Twitter Goodreads Pinterest |

Guest Post with Bronwen Evans and Giveaway

Today I am happy to welcome back to the blog author, Bronwen Evans. Bronwen is celebrating the release of her book To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood and has stopped by to chat. Please give Bronwen a warm welcome.

New Zealander Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She’s always indulged her love for story-telling, and is constantly gobbling up movies, books and theatre. Her head is filled with characters and stories, particularly lovers in angst. Being able to write her characters stories is never work, it’s a dream come true. Is it any wonder she’s a proud romance writer.

She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes. She's finaled in several romance writing competitions and is a member of several writing organizations, including RWA, RWNZ, and The Beau Monde. Her 2011 debut novel, INVITATION TO RUIN, received a 4.5 star rating from RT Book Reviews and was nominated in the RT Reviewers’ Choice awards – Best First Historical.

When not ensconced in her study writing her characters thrilling journeys to their happy ever after, Bron can be found on the golf course.

Places to find Bronwen:
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Random Acts of Kindness: November Wrap Up

R.A.K, otherwise known as Random Acts of Kindness is put together by the lovely ladies from Book♥Soulmates. It's a way for fellow bloggers to get together and give eachother items on their wish lists. I love participating in R.A.K. It's so much fun and rewarding to give others items from their wish list and it's exciting to see if anyone is going to give you something too.


Received: 


Sent Out:

Here's how to participate:
  • Sign up each month you would like to participate
  • Show off that you are a R.A.K. participant by grabbing the button
  • Create a wish list(on Amazon, Goodreads, on your blog etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K. post for the month
  • If you choose to do a R.A.K. for someone, check out their wish list and contact that person for their address
  • If sending an eBook you must gift through AmazonKobo, or Barnes and Noble
  • If you receive any items during the month you participate in, please email or tweet @Bookbrunette so she can update the Google doc.
  • At the end of the month SHOW US YOUR R.A.K! Make a post saying "Thank you" to whomever granted one of your wishes and then share it with Book Soulmates 

OPEN TO EVERYONE!
Let's keep our International bloggers in mind and in our hearts.
Remember, there is always Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!
Simple and easy!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

ARC Review: Romancing the Holiday by Christi Barth, Jaci Burton and HelenKay Dimon


Romancing the Holiday is an anthology comprised of three different novellas.

We'll Be Home for Christmas - HelenKay Dimon

Months ago Lila and Spence, who she knows as Austin spent a steamy and sex filled three days together locked in a hotel room. Afterwards, both parted never expecting to see each other again. But like most romance novels, that pretty much goes out the window pretty quickly. 

Down on her luck, Lila is attempting to start her life over and plans to fix up and run her uncle's old RV/Campground in West Virginia. The first order of business when Lila arrives is to head into town and pick up the order her uncle left for her at the nursery. When Lila arrives she is introduced to Austin Thomas, one of the owners of the nursery. Also, the man with whom she supposedly had spent the three nights in the hotel with a few months ago, only this is not the same man. Yes, his name is the same but he isn't the same. As Lila is confessing everything to Austin in hopes of trying to figure out just what the hell is going on Spence walks in. 

Spence has always felt bad about deceiving Lila, but doesn't regret the time they spent together. If he were being completely honest, he regrets that their time spent together was so short as he hasn't been able to stop thinking about their time together. Feeling horrible for his deception as well as wanting to spend time with Lila, Spence offers to help her with the renovation to the campground. 

Slowly but surely these two begin to work out their issues and come to a truce to start over. Quickly the chemistry between these two is becoming more and more apparent and both are finding it hard to resit one another. 

I really enjoyed this story and loved the connection between Lila and Spence. Both are completely attracted to one another and I thought some of their scenes together were pretty hot. I really enjoyed HelenKay's writing and am looking forward to reading more from her. 


Ask Her at Christmas - Christi Barth

Caitlin has been in love with her best friend Kyle for years. When Kyle proposes to Caitlin her heart stops and she can't breath. Kyle has never even hinted that her feelings might be reciprocated and now that he's proposing it's a total shock. Just as she's about to come back around Kyle reveals that it was just a test and that he was just practicing for when he proposes to his girlfriend Monica. 

Kyle might not love Monica and they might not get along as well as he and Caitlin do, but it's what his father wants and Kyle is determined to do whatever he can to make him proud, even if that means marrying someone he doesn't love. Kyle knows that he wants to propose to Monica and he wants it to be special, so he enlists Caitlin's help in the task. 

I have mixed feelings about this story. While I'm a huge fan of friends to lovers tropes, I feel like something was missing from this one. I would have liked to have seen more romance between Kyle and Caitlin. I just didn't feel like there was enough and I just didn't really believe in their HEA. 

The Best Thing - Jaci Burton

Tori Lewis and Brody Kent have always had a combative relationship with each other until several months ago when they shared a heated kiss. Ever since then, Tori has been withdrawn and snappy. Not wanting to jeopardize her job at Kent Construction or her relationship with the Kent family, she brushed it off and has since stopped speaking to Brody. Tori has always had a secret crush on Brody but he has a reputation as a manwhore and she definitely doesn't want to risk everything she's worked for just to be his girl of the week.  

Brody doesn't know what came over him when he kissed Tori but he doesn't regret it at all. What he regrets is the way things have gone down since the kiss. He's has tried on numerous occasions to talk to Tori about what happened to explains things but Tori just won't listen. Brody knows that he has a reputation for being a manwhore but how can he explain to Tori that he wants more from her than to just one night. 

This story was by far my favorite of the anthology. I thought there was so much chemistry and heat between Tori and Brody. Not only did I enjoy Tori and Brody, but I loved everyone else I was introduced to. I loved the camaraderie and the relationships we saw with everyone else.

Overall

I found this anthology highly enjoyable and I definitely recommend it. Each story was entertaining and sweet and made me want to read more. If you are looking for a great holiday inspired read, than this anthology is the way to go.


**ARC provided by NetGalley**

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