Hot Dish for May

In celebration of the new movie, THOR, I have decided to make this month's Hot Dish the actor who portrays Thor -- Chris Hemsworth.

Those Aussies really know how to grow hot men!!

As you can see from these pictures, Chris buffed up his body for the role of Thor. Sure looks like a body of a god to me!





And who doesn't love a man who cleans up really well. Sure makes getting dirty all the more fun! (wink wink)





So tell me ... do you like the clean cut image, the sexy almost out of control look or a combination of both?

~ Buffie

Kate Noble winner!

Thanks to random.org, the winner of a copy of Kate Noble's Follow My Lead is:

Trisha

Congratulations, Trisha! Please send your full name and address to theromancedishATgmailDOTcom with "Kate Noble winner" as the subject and we'll forward your info on to Kate. Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

Wynter Daniels winner!

Wynter Daniels has picked a winner of a download of Protective Custody and the lucky person is:

Helen

Congratulations, Helen! Please email your download format of choice to theromancedishATgmailDOTcom and I'll forward your info to Wynter. Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

Review -- The Guardian

The Guardian
The Return of The Highlanders, Book 1
by Margaret Mallory
Grand Central
Release Date: May 1, 2011






“And what are you good at?” she asked instead.

“Just as ye say,” he said, leaning closer, his even white teeth gleaming. “Seducing my wife.”

She felt herself blush to her roots. “I’m not your wife.”

“But ye are,” he said.

“Ye did not claim me for five years.”

He slid a hand beneath her hair and cupped the back of her neck as he leaned toward her. “Well, I’m claiming ye now.”




The story begins with four young lads, both friends and family, visiting a local seer. Each lad wishes his future told and the seer gladly obliges. She tells young Ian MacDonald that he will wed twice, once in anger and once in love. Disgusted by the topic of marriage, young Ian wants to hear something more interesting – like how many battles he will fight or how he will die. The seer tells him she has no control over the sight.

Fast forward 8 years … returning home from fighting on the border and visiting the Scottish court, Ian MacDonald encounters young Sileas on the road late at night. Sileas implores Ian to take her with him as she just escaped her evil stepfather who is intent on marrying the young girl to his very own son. Having known Sileas for several years and always seeming to be the one to get her out of trouble, Ian agrees to take her to his family. Since he is now traveling with a young charge in the dark of night, Ian decides to make camp until morning, only to be found by his father and uncle who believe he has compromised young Sileas. Even though Ian protests profusely, he is forced to marry Sileas. Immediately after, he and his three friends leave the country to fight in France.

Sileas has dreamed of marrying Ian MacDonald since she was a little tot; however, her dreams and her reality do not match. Sure, she married Ian and is his wife, but the man has been gone for 5 years. Five long years of facing the entire clan as a married woman who is still virgin, which is very daunting and humiliating. Sileas dreams of the day when Ian will return and sweep her into his arms and confess his undying love for her. Once again, her dreams and her reality do not match. The night of Ian’s return, Sileas’ dreams are dashed when Ian does not acknowledge her presence in his parents’ home.

When Ian embraced his mother first, she understood. That was only right. And she hardly resented it at all when he greeted Niall next, for Niall had missed Ian almost as much as she had. But then, it was her turn. She fixed her gaze on the floor and held her breath, waiting. He was the one left; he should come to her. In any case, her feet would not move.

She imagined it a thousand times. Ian would give her a wide smile that warmed his eyes and pull her into his arms. He would tell her how much he missed her and how glad he was to be home. Then, in front of God and his family, he would call her wife and give her a kiss—her first real kiss.

In her more realistic moments, she thought it might be awkward between them at first, but that Ian would attempt to make it right and seek her forgiveness. Never did she imagine he would not speak to her.

Not a single word.

Ian is beyond shocked when he returns to his home to find the young slip of a girl he married has matured into a woman full of curves, full of intelligence and full of love for his family. Once he overcomes his shock, Ian is anxious to prove he can be the husband Sileas wants … at least in her bed. But Sileas wields the steadfast Scottish stubbornness and makes it clear to Ian that she wants, and more importantly deserves, a husband who loves not only her body but her heart, mind and soul.

Chip by little chip, Ian begins to tear down the wall between Sileas and himself. When a Highlander sets his mind to a task, there is nothing and no one that will stand in his way. Not a stubborn wife. Not an evil stepfather. Not a clan searching for a leader. Nothing. The task may difficult, but the reward is so sweet and so satisfying.

As a huge supporter and fan of Margaret Mallory, I have always enjoyed her rich, lush historicals. This book is Ms. Mallory’s first foray in Highlander storytelling, and I must say the romance community now has a new star in Scottish tales. Ms. Mallory weaves a sweeping story that brings the Isle of Skye and the Scottish spirit of determination, passion and love alive for the reader. Characters that tug at the deepest corners of your heart, a love story that seeps into the very depth of your core and a multiple sigh-worthy ending that sings to your spirit are all combined in the magic of this wonderful book. A definite must read! Bravo, Margaret Mallory! Bravo!

Now hurry up and write the rest of the series! I can’t wait to read the tales of Alex, Duncan and especially Connor.


Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository
Books-A-Million
Borders

Today's Special -- An Interview with Kate Noble

I am thrilled to host historical romance author Kate Noble today! I fell in love with Kate's writing when I read (and reviewed) The Summer of You last year. I was blown away by her talent, so it was no surprise that The Summer of You was one of my Top Picks for 2010. Her newest, Follow My Lead, will surely make my Top Picks list for 2011 as I loved it, too. (Read Andrea's review here.) Kate says she started seriously writing romances when she found herself in a job that did not fulfill her ambitions creatively or sustain her financially. So, to keep herself amused, and out of debt (because writing is free), she started working on what became Compromised (which released in March of 2008). Her next book, Revealed, was a 2010 RITA nominee. Kate was gracious enough to answer my many questions, so please help me welcome her to The Romance Dish!

~Andrea



Andrea: Hi, Kate! We are so excited that you are visiting with us at The Romance Dish today! :) Thanks so much for being here.

Kate: Thank you so much for having me!

Andrea: So, you have a new book out—Follow My Lead—which I absolutely adore as you can tell by my review. Can you tell us a little about this story?

Kate: I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. I loved getting the chance to tell Jason’s (Jane’s brother from The Summer of You) story. He’s matured a bit since that book, and finally gained admission to the Historical Society. Meanwhile, someone else is seeking admission to the all-male society –Winnifred Crane, who wants recognition for the anonymous academic papers she’s authored. To get into the society, she offers an unusual bargain – if she can prove the authenticity of a certain painting, she’s in. But the proof is all the way across Europe.

Jason is tasked by the Society president with taking her to Dover. But when he sees her getting on the wrong ship, he finds himself trapped and stuck on this journey with Winn on her mad quest.

Andrea: And oh, what a mad quest it is! In The Summer of You, Jason was a bit wild and irresponsible and far from being a hero (though, I definitely saw the potential). Did you always plan to write his story?

Kate: About halfway through writing The Summer of You I realized Jason’s hero potential. But in that book, he’s still a little immature, fitting into his role as annoying brother with aplomb. So I knew for his story I would have to give him a little more gravitas. Therefore, the book is set 5 years after the events of The Summer of You, and Jason has come into his title of Duke. But since he’s been forced into (grudgingly) accepting all of the responsibilities inherent therein, he really misses having the occasional adventure.

Andrea: This book has so many great scenes—when Jason and Winn first meet, when they make a significant discovery, and of course, the ending. *sigh* Which one scene would you NEVER cut?

Kate: Oh golly, that’s difficult. Every scene serves a purpose, so plot-wise, I can’t think of one I’d let go of. But I think the scene that’s at the heart and soul of the book is the bonfire scene. This is where Winn and Jason reveal to each other the most about themselves, about who they are, and who they wish to be.

Andrea: I love that scene, too! And you're so right--they learn so much about the other. There is a lot of art history and historical facts in this book. How much research did you do?

Kate: I did more research on this book than on any previous story. Not just the life and times of Albrecht Durer, but the German Renaissance in general, the topography of the Germanic provinces, travel in the Regency Era, etc. I even ordered some lovely books about Bavarian villages, but was more than a little surprised when it turned out they were in German! Research was vital to this story, and I’m very happy with the way it turned out.

Andrea: I'm happy with how it turned out, too. *g* Jason and Winn do a great deal of traveling through Germany and Austria. Have you ever been to either place?

Kate: I have actually. I visited Austria when I was 17, on tour with my high school choir (not kidding). I remember practicing my languages while ordering at a McDonald’s in Stephansplatz, and getting seasick on a boat tour of the Danube.

Later, my sister was stationed for three years on an Army base in rural Bavaria. I visited her often, and based the village Winn and Jason spend a night in on the village she lived in. In fact, I arrived from a transatlantic flight once during a village festival and parade. I had no idea what was going on, what with the jetlag and all. Later, I put that scene in to the book (minus the jetlag, of course).

Andrea: Oh, wow! How neat that you went with your choir group. I bet that was an unforgettable trip. Well, you know I love the book, but I also have to say that I love the trailer for Follow My Lead. How creative! Who did the illustrations?

Kate: I love my trailer. I came up with the idea because I adore the illustrations of Edwardian artist Charles Brock. He illustrated numerous classic works for reprints as pocket novels (Pride and Prejudice is one of his best known). And I convinced a friend of mine who is a fantastic artist (and a damn good writer to boot), Kari Drake, to draw the pictures while I filmed her. They were, obviously sped up in editing.

Andrea: Which comes first for you—the characters or the story?

Kate: The characters, absolutely. But they never come fully formed. The story, the plot is what forces them to become fully realized, whole individuals.

Andrea: Speaking of characters, which of your heroines is most like you and why?

Kate: Oh wow. Well, they say writers really put themselves into their first work, and for me, at least, its very true. I am probably most like Gail from Compromised. Or at least, at one point in my life I was.

Andrea: I have Compromised in my TBR pile and need to read it asap! “Friends to lovers” and “enemies to lovers” are two of my favorite themes in romance. What are your favorites?

Kate: I adore the “friends to lovers” trope, because it’s the most fun to watch. I also love the “long lost loves” theme. When the characters have the overcome their mutual pasts to find happiness together. (To whit, Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel.)


And of course, I adore the Road Trip Romance (*cough* Follow My Lead *cough*)

Andrea: LOL! Hey, I would say the Road Trip Romance is one of my favorites now, too. *wink* What is your very favorite part about being a writer?

Kate: The freedom to create. The ability you have to pull ideas out of your brain put them down on paper and see if they work. It’s disheartening when they don’t but you just keep trying and trying until they do...and that is thrilling.

Andrea: I bet it is. :) It says on your newly designed (and gorgeous) website that you were led to romance novels at an early age. What was the first romance that you remember reading?

Kate: I remember all the details of the first romance novel I ever read, except, unfortunately, for the title or author. My cousin was visiting for a week one summer and she left behind this book. It was a kisses-only (hey, I was like 11 or 12), category-length historical romance, where the girl next door – who was impoverished but made ends meet by giving piano lessons – had, as a child, adored the boy next door. He, of course, was the heir to a great estate. But he “died” early, except he was really kidnapped by his Spanish maternal grandfather, and raised by him, his mind being poisoned against his English family. He comes back, not telling anyone who he is, and accidentally sprains the ankle of (I think he falls out of a tree on her) the girl next door. She is naturally taken by him – and the only person she’s ever been taken by before was the boy who died. Eventually, she figures out who he is, makes him come out to his father, and everything is patched up nicely.

I must have read that book ten times that summer. I can picture the cover too – she has dark hair, is wearing a light blue dress and is sitting down looking up at this guy. (If anyone has any idea what the title of this book is, let me know!)

Andrea: Ooooh, it sounds like a good book! Surely someone out there knows what it is. Kate, what is one piece of advice that you were given that you would give to aspiring authors?

Kate: Do NOT give up. Perseverance is the greatest gift any writer can have, because there are people who are going to like your work, and they are going to tell you. Critique groups, agent rejections... You just have to keep your head down and keep writing.

Andrea: That is wonderful advice. So, what hobbies/activities do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Kate: Is sleeping a hobby? In all seriousness, writing keeps me pretty busy, but when I’m not writing, I like a good movie night, and riding my bike on the beach. (It’s pink. The bike, not the beach.)

Andrea: LOL! What’s up next for you? (I’d like to see a story for a certain miss who had her heart broken, but maybe that’s just me *g*)

Kate: Well, you just may get your wish! I’m currently working hard on the next novel due out Spring 2012, which may or may not be about a certain heart-broken miss, who turns into quite the heart-breaker.

Andrea: Squeeeee! *keeping fingers crossed* Okay, it's Quick Six time!

Coffee or tea? Tea
Dogs or cats? Dogs
Heels or flats? Flats
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Comedy or drama? Drama
And the most important: milk chocolate or dark? WHY MUST I CHOOSE????

Andrea: Okay, you don't have to choose. Personally, when it comes to chocolate, I'm not picky. *g* Thanks so much for answering my questions, Kate. Now it’s your turn—is there a question you’d like to ask our readers?

Well, since we were discussing romance tropes – Follow My Lead is very obviously a road trip romance. What are your favorite romance themes? The friends-to-lovers? The Florence Nightingale? The Secret Baby? (This is pure market research – I want to know what I should write next!)

One lucky commenter will win a copy of Follow My Lead! (U.S. and Canadian residents only)



Kate Noble is the national bestselling author of critically acclaimed, deeply romantic historicals. Visit http://www.katenoble.com/ for info about Kate, her books, excerpts, contests, and more!

Make Your Reservations!

It's time again to mark your calendars and Make Your Reservations for June! Can you believe it?! And once again there a lot of good books coming out! Here are some of the books we're looking forward to next month. Are any of these upcoming books on your list? If so, which ones?

Just Like Heaven
By Julia Quinn

Honoria Smythe-Smith is:

A) a really bad violinist
B) still miffed at being nicknamed "Bug" as a child
C) not in love with her older brother's best friend
D) all of the above

Marcus Holroyd is:

A) the Earl of Chatteris
B) regrettably prone to sprained ankles
C) not in love with his best friend's younger sister
D) all of the above

Together they:

A) eat quite a bit of chocolate cake
B) survive a deadly fever and the world's worst musical performance
C) fall quite desperately in love

It's Julia Quinn at her best, so you know the answer is...

D) all of the above

(Avon)


*******

Kiss of Snow
By Nalini Singh

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would've been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules-and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other's secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight...

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna's darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home-and the alpha who is its heartbeat.

(Berkley)


*******

Scandal in Scotland
By Karen Hawkins

A DESPERATE BEAUTY

Despite fame and countless admirers, actress Marcail Beauchamp has never forgotten William Hurst, the audacious seafarer she once loved...and lost. Now, forced by a mysterious blackmailer who threatens her family, she must steal an ancient onyx box from the one man she's vowed never to see again.

A BOLD ADVENTURER

To save his brother from a ruthless abductor, William must deliver the artifact as ransom. He's stunned when Marcail, more lovely than ever, suddenly appears on his ship. But when she drugs him and steals the box, his fury knows no bounds.

THE TREASURE EVERYONE WANTS

William pursues Marcail, but too late: she has already delivered the box. The estranged lovers realize they must work together—both to regain the artifact that could mean life or death to his family and to destroy the mysterious blackmailer's power over her family. Thus begins a high-stakes quest through the reaches of Scotland, a quest that stirs up long-forgotten memories and an unquenchable passion...

(Pocket)


*******

Baby, Drive South
By Stephanie Bond

The hardheaded Armstrong brothers are determined to rebuild their tornado-ravaged hometown in the Georgia mountains. They've got the means, they've got the manpower...what they need are women! So they place an ad in a northern newspaper and wait for the ladies to answer their call...

Porter, the youngest Armstrong, is all for importing women. Still, he's so blown away by the sheer numbers, he falls off the water tower. Luckily there's a doctor among the newcomers—sweet and sexy Dr. Nikki Salinger.

And Porter has every intention of checking out her bedside manner...

(Mira)


*******

Forgotten Sea
By Virginia Kantra

A lost soul...
Fallen angel Lara Rho is eager to prove herself as a Seeker--one called to rescue other children of air before they are hunted down by the children of fire. Drawn to rootless, restless sailor Justin Miller, she is determined to save him. But Justin is no angel...

A lost life...

Charming drifter Justin is reluctant to get tangled up in port with conscientious Lara. A child of the sea, Justin remembers nothing of his life before the day he was plucked from a shipwreck seven years ago. But one impulsive act lands him literally on the side of the angels and on the run for his life. Lara and Justin must work together to uncover his identity--before what they don't know kills them both.

A passionate journey of discovery...

Pursued by Lara's colleagues and hunted by demons, the two set out on a journey into their darkest fears and deepest desires. Together they have powers neither imagined. But when Justin discovers his merfolk past, will he turn his back on his true nature...or his newfound love?

(Berkley)


*******

Lord Langley is Back in Town
By Elizabeth Boyle

Lord Langley and Minerva, Lady Standon, began their faux engagement with three simple rules set down by the baron's all-too-proper (and utterly unlikely) bride-to-be.

1. No more kissing. The intoxicating kiss Langley stole from her lips still has Minerva aflutter.

2. She will not share his bed. (For if his kiss is that tempting, Minerva doesn't dare imagine what a night in Langley's embrace will do to her already addled senses.)

3. No scandals during their engagement. With the infamous Langley back in Town, there is no lack of trouble he can bring to Minerva's unblemished reputation.

Oh, the wily Lord Langley will keep his word—but that doesn't mean he won't use every rakish trick he knows to get Minerva to break her own proper rules, especially once he realizes that this convenient arrangement has led him to the only woman he's ever loved...

(Avon)


*******

Vampire in Atlantis
By Alyssa Day

A vampire’s oath, a maiden’s quest...

Daniel, vampire and ally of the Warriors of Poseidon, has fought on the side of humanity—even against his fellow creatures of the night—for more than 11,000 years. But the crushing weight of futility and the reality of always being starkly, utterly alone has forced him to finally give into despair. He took the first step into the sunlight that would destroy him—and instead walked into Atlantis.

And the blackest of magic that could consume them both...

Eleven thousand years ago, Serai was one of a group who agreed to be placed into magical stasis to ensure the future of the Atlantean race. When a dark sorceress steals the gemstone that protects her sleeping sisters, she awakens to a vastly changed world—and the one man she could never, ever forget. And with an ancient evil tracking their every step, the long-lost lovers must battle both the darkest of magic and the treacheries of their own hearts.

(Berkley Sensation)


*******

The Secret Desires of a Governess
By Tiffany Clare

YEARNING FOR HIS TOUCH

From the moment Abby meets her new employer—the mysterious, brooding Earl of Brendall—she is appalled by his brutish manner...and even moreso by her own attraction to him. Has she lost her senses? As a governess, Abby has no choice but to play by the rules. But as a woman, she cannot deny the fiery sensations he ignites—or the fantasies he inspires...

BURNING FOR HER KISS

From the moment Elliott lays eyes on his new young governess, he knows he’s in trouble. Abby is intelligent, defiant, and utterly captivating, though Elliott must do his very best to resist her. But as the two grow closer, the passion burns hotter. Soon, the only thing that can destroy their love is the darkest secret of his past—and the secret desires of a governess...

(St. Martin's Press)


*******

Shadow Walker
By Allyson James

Winter descends on the town of Magellan, and new evil comes to call.

Racing her motorcycle down a lonely winter highway, Stormwalker Janet Begay feels the ground collapse beneath her feet. After tumbling two hundred feet into an underground cavern, she manages to escape with help from her sexy dragon-shifter boyfriend, Mick—but not before they disturb dark forces.

As Janet contends with a hotel inspector intent on putting her out of business, and her grandmother, who’s taken up residence, Mick’s behavior becomes strange and erratic, until he is a clear danger to Janet and her friends. Janet's drag-queen, attitude-ridden magic mirror insists that Mick has been "touched by shadows," and Janet realizes that someone is out to enslave her dragon. Now she must free Mick before he kills her...

(Berkley)


*******

Guarding a Notorious Lady
By Olivia Parker

A woman of pristine breeding, Lady Rosalind Devine is also an unrepentant meddler and snoop— which is why her brother refuses to leave her to her own devices while on his wedding trip. But Rosalind will not make things easy for any unseen, unwanted “nursemaid”—and vows to use her considerable wiles to expose her mystery guardian.

Nicholas Kincaid, the Marquess of Winterbourne, agreed to secretly guard his friend’s spoiled, stubborn sister, though her infuriating penchant for mischief is causing him to question his decision. Though bound by the rules of society—and friendship— Rosalind’s spirit and sensuality have sparked a fierce desire in Nicholas to play a very different role in her life, one that entails passion, ecstasy...and unavoidable scandal.

(Avon)

Today's Special -- Wynter Daniels

We would like to welcome spicy romance author Wynter Daniels to The Romance Dish today! Wynter lives in Central Florida with her husband of more than twenty years and their two nearly grown children. They are all the slaves of two very demanding cats. After careers in marketing and the salon industry, Wynter’s wicked prose begged to be set free. She writes for several publishers including Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave, Loose Id and Red Sage. Join her Facebook fan page HERE and her Yahoo! Group HERE. You can also visit her blog HERE. She loves to hear from readers, but only if it’s good. *wink* Please welcome Wynter as she discusses...



Those Sexy Man Parts

No, I’m not talking about those parts, although my mind easily slips into the gutter, too! I’m thinking of other physical attributes that make a man oh-so-appealing. For each and every spot on a man’s body, there are no doubt, loads of women who find that one part the hottest, most sexy.

Take for example, a man’s hands. What works for me may not necessarily work for you. I like short, neatly trimmed fingernails, mostly smooth skin, with a few calluses (we wouldn’t want our hero’s hands to be too soft. That would make him too soft). A man’s hands say a lot about him—does he work with those hands or does he sit in an office all day. Does he have grease under his nails from tinkering with that sports car he loves?

And what about shoulders? Who can resist a hero with broad shoulders, roped with muscle? For me, it’s a whole lot sexier to know those muscles were earned with hard physical labor than in an air-conditioned, neon decorated gym.

A man’s back gives away much of the same information. I love that sexy V from his shoulders to his waist. And don’t get me started on legs. My man has the best legs I’ve ever seen and living in a warm climate, I’ve seen many a shorts-clad pair!

I’m not much on feet, but I know many women have a thing for them. And hair – well, that merits its own post.

What does it for you? What body parts (aside from the naughty, dangly ones) do you love to have described in glorious detail? Conversely, is there any part that when overly described makes you throw the book at the wall?

I will give one commenter a free download of Protective Custody in the format of your choice.

Protective Custody – Available from Carina Press

Witness to a murder, but no one will believe her...

Shocked by the brutal crime she witnesses through the window of her small office, Megan Jackson calls the police and is devastated when they question the truth of her story. With no body and no evidence of a crime, she’s written off as a nutcase.

Megan suspects the killer saw her face. Terrified, she calls the only person she can trust—her ex-boyfriend and former police officer, Will McCoy.

Despite a devastating breakup, Will jumps at the chance to help the woman who broke his heart. When the killer ramps up the stakes, Will is forced to take her into hiding—where the passion they once shared reignites, deeper and hotter than ever. But can Will keep Megan alive long enough to win back her heart?

The Teen Menu

YA News

Another role has been cast for next year's The Hunger Games. Wes Bentley, who was in American Beauty, will fill the role of Seneca Crane, the Head Gamemaker for the 74th Hunger Games. Though not official, there is speculation that the role of Haymitch might be placed by John C. Reilly.

Fans of Stephenie Meyer's The Host will be happy to hear that the movie rights have been acquired. Three producers used their own money to acquire the rights and want Meyer to be involved in the movie adaptation.

YA Reviews

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

Though this book is not classified as young adult fiction, it could be because the central character, Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of Queen Cleopatra and Marc Antony, grows into her mid teenage years during the course of this book. After the death of her parents as Octavian Caesar's troops advance on Alexandria, Egypt, Selene, her twin brother Alexander, and their younger brother Ptolemy are spared. They are taken captive to be returned to Rome. Though Ptolemy does not survive the voyage, Selene and Alexander are to live with Octavian's sister, Octavia, after Octavian parades them through Rome to show his power.

As Selene grows accustomed to life in Rome, she still dreams of returning to Alexandria. But she has to be careful who she trusts because the very real threat of angering Octavian and being killed is always with her. Despite her desire to return to Egypt, she does grow to care for several of the people around her. And one person is always looking out for her even though she doesn't know this until late in the novel. As Selene's story is told, we also learn more about the daily life and the unimaginable cruelties that were reality in ancient Rome. After reading this novel, I am eager to read more of Moran's work including novels about Nefertiti, Nefertari and Madame Tussaud. This book, along with the Tudor works of Phillipa Gregory, have increased my interest in novels that are richly steeped in actual history. Again, these books are not classified as YA, but the ages of the characters in many of them could make them of interest to readers of YA.

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

After reading The Maze Runner, I went right out and got the sequel, The Scorch Trials. This second in the trilogy picks up where The Maze Runner leaves off, after main character Thomas and the rest of the Gladers (the boys and one girl who survived the trial in the Maze) have escaped the Maze. But their relief is short-lived when they realize they've just been thrust into another trial by WICKED, the group that thrust them into their first trial in the Maze. And this trial makes their life in the Glade and Maze look easy by comparison.

They've been thrust back into the real world (maybe; I've got doubts about that and won't know the answers until book three), and it's a world that's been decimated by sun flares. It's blazing hot, barren, supplies for survival are limited, and a disease called the Flare infects everyone and eventually drives them to become mad, zombie-like creatures. The powers that be tell the boys that they've all been infected with the Flare and they'll only get the cure if they successfully cross a great distance to a safe haven. Left with little choice, they set off, encountering one life-threatening situation after another.

Just like The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials left me ready to immediately start the next book. Alas, I'll have to wait until Oct. 11 for the release of the final book in the trilogy, The Death Cure.

Review -- My Favorite Countess

My Favorite Countess
By Vanessa Kelly
Publisher: Zebra
Release Date: May 3, 2011







She is difficult, demanding, and at times, quite fierce. And Dr. John Blackmore can't take his eyes off her. The Countess of Randolph is the most striking woman he has ever seen...and the most infuriating patient he has ever tended.

Mired in responsibility, Bathsheba doesn't have time to convalesce in the country. She should be in London, hunting for a wealthy new lover to pay off her late husband's vast debts, not dallying with a devastatingly handsome doctor.

But it is only a matter of time until the good doctor and the obstinate countess will have to contend with the sparks that fly between them. And once their bodies surrender, their hearts may follow…


Bathsheba Compton, Countess of Randolph is an atypical heroine. She's abrasive and rude, and she was the villainess in a previous book (Sex and the Single Earl). Yet for all that, she became a worthy heroine that I ended up liking, and I owe it all to Vanessa Kelly. It's not just anyone who can redeem a very bad girl.

Bathsheba's reason for all of the naughty things she has done boils down to protecting her family. Her late husband, Reggie, left the estate practically penniless and recent crop failures and poor investments have left Bathsheba with no choice but to go to London on a "husband hunt." Before she leaves the estate in Yorkshire, however, she meets Dr. John Blackmore. She is immediately attracted to the handsome, virile physician, but Bathsheba knows that he cannot provide her with what she needs. But time and again, they cross paths, and when Bathsheba falls ill and John is there to care for her, their attraction turns to something deeper.

John Blackmore is not your typical doctor; he's an accoucheur, the 19th century equivalent of an obstetrician, something of an oddity in that time period. He is passionate about his work, treating both women of the upper class at his practice in Mayfair and also caring for the poor women in the rookeries of London---those women who are shunned by many, and in most cases would die without John's care. Even with his medical intervention, he cannot save them all, but he is driven by reasons known only to him. When he meets Bathsheba, he is captivated by her beauty and is determined to bed her. The more time he spends with her, the more John wants her, not just for a moment's pleasure, but for a lifetime.

The road to happily-ever-after for John and Bathsheba is a rough one. They both have demons to overcome, but while the journey is long and difficult, the end is worth the trip, and readers will rejoice in the happiness of these two complex and fascinating characters. Their chemistry is instantaneous and incandescent---enough to have readers breaking out the fan---but there is incredible tenderness, too.

She swallowed hard, looking shy again. But then something shifted in her gaze. That bruised, vulnerable look faded away, and his wicked countess---sultry and knowing---stared back at him.

He laughed softly. "There you are."

She tilted her head and everything changed again. Her eyes grew soft as something elusive and shadowed chased the wickedness away. He looked deep into her secret gaze and knew he was lost. There was no going back, and no possibility that his heart could remain untouched. Desire swamped him, driven by a need to possess---a need he could no longer deny.

John is my kind of doctor: tall, dark, handsome, incredibly virile, and he gives new meaning to "bedside manner." When Vanessa Kelly said that she based him on Dr. McDreamy and Hugh Jackman, I immediately knew why I found him irresistible. And Bathsheba finds him equally hard to resist. Stories of redemption often involve the hero, so it was particularly refreshing---and unusual--- to see if a heroine could go from villainess to a woman who we can sympathize with. I'm happy to say that's the case here, and Ms. Kelly does a remarkable job on all counts.

Fans of Kelly's other books will enjoy appearances by characters from those stories---one of my favorite things about series. My Favorite Countess is an emotional and deeply touching story that will hold you in its grasp from the very first page and won't let go until the last word. It is firmly ensconced on my keeper shelves and is one of my top reads of 2011. Brava to Vanessa Kelly, one of historical romance's shining stars.

~ Gannon


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Vanessa Kelly Winner!

The winner of a copy of My Favorite Countess by Vanessa Kelly is


Sheree



Congratulations, Sheree! Please send your full name and mailing address to us at


theromancedishATgmailDOTcom


I will forward your information to Vanessa so she can send your book to you.

Happy Mother's Day

PJ's "Just Like Heaven" Winners

The two winners from PJ's "Just Like Heaven" blog are

fsbuchler

and

kmannrn

Congratulations, ladies!  To claim your prize, please send your full name and mailing address to us at

theromancedish (AT) gmail (DOT) com with "PJ Winner" in the subject line.  Also, if you have favorite sub-genres or authors, let me know and I'll do my best to choose a book from your favorites. 

Deb Marlowe Winner

The randomly chosen winner of a copy of Deb Marlowe's HOW TO MARRY A RAKE is

librarypat

Congratulations!  To claim your prize, please send your full name and mailing address to us at 

theromancedish (AT) gmail (DOT) com with "Deb Marlowe Winner" in the subject line.

Just Like Heaven

If you're a fan of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series - like the Dishes are - then you've likely been waiting a long time for those poor, beleaguered Smythe-Smith girls to find their happy endings.  Well, the wait is almost over!  Just Like Heaven, the first book in the Smythe-Smith Quartet is the story of Honoria Smythe-Smith and Marcus Holroyd and will be released May 31st from Avon, an Imprint of HarperCollins. Check out the story blurb below as well as the recently released video book trailer.


Honoria Smythe-Smith, the youngest daughter of the eldest son of the Earl of Winstead, plays the violin in the annual musicale performed by the Smythe-Smith quartet. She’s well aware that they are dreadful. In fact, she freely admits (to her cousins) that she is probably the worst of the bunch. But she’s the sort who figures that nothing good will come of being mortified, so she puts on a good show and laughs about it.

Marcus Holroyd is the best friend of Honoria’s brother, Daniel, who lives in exile out of the country. He’s promised to watch out for Honoria and takes his responsibility very seriously. But he has his work cut out for him when Honoria sets off for Cambridge determined to marry by the end of the season. She’s got her eye on the only unmarried Bridgerton, who’s a bit wet behind the ears. When her advances are spurned, can Marcus swoop in and steal her heart in time for the musicale? 

Visit Julia Quinn's website for more fun details, an advance look at Chapter One of Just Like Heaven and a sneak peek at the book's playlist!

Have you been looking forward to the Smythe-Smith stories?  What other secondary characters from books you've read would you like to see get their own stories?  Two randomly chosen people who leave comments today will each get a book from my prize stash.  


~PJ

New Releases for May

May is here and my flowers are in full bloom! Though I think spring went right by us because it already feels like summer here in the South...which means I’ve been spending my reading time indoors. And speaking of reading, it’s time for my list of New Releases! So far, I’ve read Follow My Lead by Kate Noble, and boy, was it terrific! If you haven’t read Kate’s books, you really need to change that. Her books are on my permanent keeper shelves. I'm currently reading Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart by Sarah MacLean and loving it!! All the other books I want are going to break my wallet, but naturally, I’m okay with that. *g* My other “must haves” include: Midnight’s Wild Passion by Anna Campbell, When Tempting a Rogue by Kathryn Smith, Cloudy with a Chance of Marriage by Kieran Kramer, A Tale of Two Lovers by Maya Rodale, and of course, Summer at Seaside Cove by Jacquie D’Alessandro.

Which May releases have you read? Of those, which ones do you recommend? Which ones are you most looking forward to reading? Tell us and one lucky commenter will win a random book I picked up from last year’s RWA conference in Orlando!

Until June, happy reading!



Historical

Rivals in the Tudor Court – D.L. Bogdan (Historical Fiction)

Midnight’s Wild Passion – Anna Campbell
Ripe for Pleasure – Isobel Carr
The Bride’s House – Sandra Dallas (Historical Fiction)
The Vampire Dimitri – Colleen Gleason (Paranormal) *
Untamed Highlander – Donna Grant (Paranormal)
Dangerous in Diamonds – Madeline Hunter
My Favorite Countess – Vanessa Kelly
Defiant – Kris Kennedy
Cloudy with a Chance of Marriage – Kieran Kramer
The Gamekeeper’s Lady – Ann Lethbridge *
Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart – Sarah MacLean
The Guardian – Margaret Mallory

How to Marry a Rake – Deb Marlowe *
Touch of a Thief – Mia Marlowe
Warrior of the Isles – Debbie Mazzuca (Paranormal)
Follow My Lead – Kate Noble
Nowhere Near Respectable – Mary Jo Putney
Quicksilver – Amanda Quick (Romantic Suspense, Paranormal) *
A Tale of Two Lovers – Maya Rodale
The Last Time I Saw Paris – Lynn Sheene (Historical Fiction)
Queen by Right – Anne Easter Smith (Historical Fiction)
When Tempting a Rogue – Kathryn Smith
One Whisper Away – Emma Wildes
Claimed by the Highland Warrior – Michelle Willingham *
Happily Ever After in the West – Debra Cowan, Lynna Banning, Judith Stacy

Contemporary

A Crowded Marriage – Catherine Alliott (Women’s Fiction)

Love Drunk Cowboy – Carolyn Brown
Suspicions – Sasha Campbell (Women’s Fiction)
I Take This Woman – Chamein Canton
The Midwife’s Confession – Diane Chamberlain (Women’s Fiction)
Summer at Seaside Cove – Jacquie D’Alessandro
SEALed Forever – Mary Margret Daughtridge
Honey Grave – Genell Dellin (Women’s Fiction)
Any Man of Mine – Rachel Gibson
Truth and Dare – Candace Havens
Inseparable – Brenda Jackson
The Violets of March – Sarah Jio (Women’s Fiction)
Breathless Descent – Lisa Renee Jones
The Moment – Douglas Kennedy (Women’s Fiction)

If You Were Here – Jen Lancaster (Women’s Fiction)
Going Cowboy Crazy – Katie Lane
A Turn in the Road – Debbie Macomber (Women’s Fiction)
Heartache Falls – Emily March
The Butterfly’s Daughter – Mary Alice Monroe (Women’s Fiction)
The Mermaid Garden – Santa Montefiore (Women’s Fiction)
Just Surrender… – Kathleen O’Reilly
Delicious Do-Over – Debbi Rawlins
Hotel No Tell – Daphne Uviller (Women’s Fiction)
Just for the Night – Tawny Weber
The Beach Trees – Karen White (Women’s Fiction)
High Stakes Seduction – Lori Wilde
Moonlight Cove – Sherryl Woods

YA/Teen

Bitter End – Jennifer Brown

Summer and the City – Candace Bushnell
The Goddess Test – Aimée Carter (Fantasy) *
The Magnolia League – Katie Crouch (Paranormal)
What Happened to Goodbye – Sarah Dessen
The Last Little Blue Envelope – Maureen Johnson
Bumped – Megan McCafferty (Futuristic)
Illusions – Aprilynne Pike (Paranormal)
Die for Me – Amy Plum (Paranormal)
Divergent – Veronica Roth (Paranormal)
I’ll Be There – Holly Goldberg Sloan
Shift – Jeri Smith-Ready (Paranormal)
The Break-Up Diaries – Ni-Ni Simone & Kelli London
Corsets & Clockwork – Multi-author anthology

Romantic Suspense

Hush – Cherry Adair

Five-Alarm Encounter – Karen Anders
Bear Claw Conspiracy – Jessica Andersen
Dead by Morning – Beverly Barton
Breaking Point – Pamela Clare
Sheriff’s Runaway Witness – Kathleen Creighton
Branded – B.J. Daniels
When You Dare – Lori Foster
The Man from Gossamer Ridge – Paula Graves
Baby Bootcamp – Mallory Kane
The Final Mission – Rachel Lee
Southern Comfort – Fern Michaels
Unforgettable – Cassie Miles
Seducing the Accomplice – Jennifer Morey
Deadly Intentions – Candice Poarch
Face of Danger – Roxanne St. Claire
Damaged – Debra Webb

Paranormal

Mercy Burns – Keri Arthur *
Enemy Games – Marcella Burnard
Awaken the Highland Warrior – Anita Clenney
Darkfire Kiss – Deborah Cooke

Chosen by Blood – Virna DePaul
Savage Nature – Christine Feehan
Warrior Betrayed – Addison Fox
Demon Hunting in Dixie – Lexi George
Ascension – Sable Grace
The Last Warrior – Susan Grant *
Wickedly Charming – Kristine Grayson
Dragon Bound – Thea Harrison
Forever Vampire – Michele Hauf *
The Legend of Michael – Lisa Renee Jones
Born of Shadows – Sherrilyn Kenyon
One Magic Moment – Lynn Kurland
Big Bad Beast – Shelly Laurenston
Graveminder – Melissa Marr
Jace – Sarah McCarty
Bound by Darkness – Alexis Morgan
Burning Skies – Caris Roane
The Lone Warrior – Denise Rossetti
Twilight Prophecy – Maggie Shayne *
Black Magic Woman – Christine Warren

Urban Fantasy

Dark Descendant – Jenna Black

Bite Club – Rachel Caine
Uncertain Allies – Mark Del Franco
Tangled Threads – Jennifer Estep
Always the Vampire – Nancy Haddock
Skeleton Crew – Cameron Haley *
The Beholder – Connie Hall
Dead Reckoning – Charlaine Harris
Hounded – Kevin Hearne
Ghost Stalker – Jenna Kernan
The Unbearable Lightness of Dragons – Katie MacAlister
Hard Bitten – Chloe Neill
The Restorer – Amanda Stevens *

Erotica/Erotic Romance

Hidden Embers – Tessa Adams (Paranormal)
Bastian – Elizabeth Amber (Historical, Paranormal)
Sweet Possession – Maya Banks (Romantic Suspense)
Blue Angel – Logan Belle
The Last Kiss – Red Garnier (Paranormal)
Past Midnight – Jasmine Haynes
The Ravishing of Lady May – Charlotte Lovejoy (Historical)
Blood Law – Karin Tabke (Paranormal)
The Pleasure Garden – Amanda McIntyre, Charlotte Featherstone, Kristi Astor
Three to Tango – Emma Holly, Lauren Dane, Megan Hart, Bethany Kane
With This Ring, I Thee Bed – Multi-author anthology


* April 19 release date