Stock Up Saturday Reviews

Just Like Heaven
By Julia Quinn
Publisher: Avon
Release Date:May 31, 2011

Things that make me smile: laughing babies, warm hugs, ice cream cones on a hot summer’s day and a new Julia Quinn book.

Honoria Smythe-Smith and Marcus Holroyd, Earl of Chatteris, have known one another for most of their lives. He’s the best friend of her older brother, Daniel; an unofficial member of her family. She’s the pesky younger sister of his best friend, the one who has tagged along behind him since the age of six and the one he has secretly looked after since Daniel left for the continent. Their roles are set and neither has viewed the other any differently until one fateful day when Honoria, desperate to find a husband, sets a trap for the man in her sights and catches Marcus instead.  But roles, and perceptions, are not easily set aside.

He didn't want to look at her face and think that her eyes were the exact color of the grape hyacinths that had just begun to pop up all over the landscape.  They came each year at this time, and he always thought - just for a moment before he pushed it away - that they were her flower. But not the petals; they were too dark.  Honoria's eyes matched the younger part at the base of the flower, where the color hadn't quite turned blue.

His chest had grown tight; he tried to breathe.  He really didn't want to think about the fact that he knew that, that he could look at a flower and pinpoint the exact spot on the petal that matched her eyes.

It will take a life-threatening illness and a meddling Lady Danbury (I love that woman!) to finally bring these two endearing characters to their senses.

Just Like Heaven is not packed with action or adventure or steaming sensuality. It’s not filled with over-the-top angst nor dark emotion. It’s a delightful, heartwarming story of two likable people finding love where they least expect it. It is amusing and endearing, with the wonderful banter for which Quinn is known. And it made me smile. A lot!

Sometimes I want the thrill of an emotional roller coaster ride but other times I prefer the simple joy of sharing an afternoon rocking on the verandah with a good friend. Marcus and Honoria filled my heart with the joy of their friendship and love. Thank you, Ms. Quinn, for a lovely afternoon with good friends.

~PJ

Romance Passport to the World

I'm fortunate to have had many opportunities to explore the world.  By the time I turned twenty I had visited more than half of the states in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the European continent.  Those were the places I had visited in person but there were many more locales with which I was familiar;  the cities, regions and countries visited through the pages of the books I had read...and there were many.

I can close my eyes and see the exquisite light of Tuscany as dawn breaks over the Renaissance splendor of Florence.  I can hear the city come to life, the shopkeepers opening their stores on the Ponte Vecchio as voices rise and fall in the beautiful language of Italy.  Those are real memories that I hold dear.  But, long before I ever visited the Caribbean, I could feel soft tropical breezes on my face, hear the gentle lapping of crystal clear waters on sandy beaches, the cacophony of voices on market day and the sultry heat of summer in the tropics.  Those memories came from the pages of historical romance novels and while I had not experienced them in reality, they were no less real to me.  And, while I've never traveled to Scotland, I can feel the cool mist of morning, the warmth of peat fires and hear the haunting strains of bagpipes in the wind.  I'm certain that my first trip to the  Highlands will feel like coming home because of the many times I've "visited" them in countless books. 

As I pondered the places I've been, both in reality and through the pages of novels, I began to wonder if there was a correlation between the two. Is there the possibility that my desire to visit certain countries stems from books that are set there?  Or, conversely, do I tend to read certain books or authors because they set their stories in areas I've enjoyed visiting...or want to visit?  While Mr. Impossible is one of my favorite Loretta Chase books, it's never left me with the desire to visit Egypt.  On the other hand, every Highland novel I've read has me wanting to board the next plane to Scotland.  Is it the books that have me wanting to visit the Highlands?  Or do I read those books because the Highlands call to my soul?  I wonder.

How about you?  Do you find yourself gravitating to books set in areas with which you're familiar or those places on your vacation wish list?  Have you ever not read a book because of it's setting?  What are your favorite locations for romance novels? What makes them appealing to you?  Where would you like to see more romances set?  This curious mind wants to know!

~PJ

Review - - Scoundrel

Scoundrel
The Blades of the Rose - Book 2
By Zoë Archer
Publisher:  Zebra
Release Date:  October 1, 2010

The Blades of the Rose are sworn to protect the sources of magic in the world.  But the work is dangerous - and they can't always shield their own...

Bennett Day is by all accounts a charming scoundrel, lover of women and formidable member of the Blades of the Rose, a society of individuals dedicated to protecting the world's sources of magic by keeping them from the greedy hands of the nefarious Heirs of Albion, a group of fanatical men seeking to rule the world through England.  He never suspects that the beautiful woman who steals his breath away in an Athens market is the daughter of the leader of the Heirs...nor that she will have such a profound impact on his life.


London Harcourt has spent her life encased in a prison of man's making, first her father's, then her husband's.  Raised to be only an ornament for a man's arm, she has learned to keep her opinions and accomplishments to herself...like the fact that she has taught herself many ancient languages.  But, when the widowed London inadvertently reveals her skill to her father, windows on the world are opened as she finds herself on her way to Greece to help in what she believes is a secret government mission but, in reality, is something much more sinister.  And, when a chance encounter introduces her to Bennett Day, her life course takes another unexpected detour.

Realizing London is the key to finding the magical source the Blades have sworn to protect, Bennett steals her away from the Heirs, thereby pitching her into the middle of a life and death race with her father and his crew to secure the source.  Unwilling to cooperate at first, London soon accepts that Bennett and his fellow Blades are the good guys in this fight.as she slowly begins to realize that her entire life has been nothing but a fabrication of the truth.  But, as she faces the truth of her past, a future of happiness and freedom from restraint, a future of love with a very special man who accepts her as she was always meant to be, opens for her...if she has the courage to embrace it...and if her father and his murderous cohorts don't catch up with them first.

I loved watching London slowly peel away the layers of proper English restraint to reveal the strong, resilient, sensual woman at her core.  Once she finds that part of herself, she becomes a force to be reckoned with as in this scene on an island they've been exploring.

"Holy  God," he growled when he arrived at the ruined temple.
London stood in the middle of the temple, next to the remains of the altar. She had already stripped off her clothing so she was quite, quite naked.
"No," she corrected him with a devilish smile.  "Holy goddess."

 Or this scene on board the boat.

"You look at him as if he is the last bottle of wine left in the world," Athena said dryly, standing beside her.
London barely blushed.  She was now very familiar with her desire for Bennett.  "I am a woman of exceptional thirst."

But it was Bennett who stole my heart and has yet to return it. Watching him fall in love for the first (and final) time in his life was pure pleasure made all the more sweet because of his exquisite care of London, his fierce desire for her and not only his unconditional acceptance of her strength, intelligence, skill and courage but his celebration of it.  He's a hero I'll be dreaming of for quite some time.

Scoundrel is a spellbinding story of high-seas adventure, sensual romance, magic and mystery with a hero I'd be more than happy to sail the seven seas with and a smart, courageous heroine who grew more likeable and admirable with every page. Archer's descriptions - from Aegean sunrises to magical beings to mechanical wonders - had me feeling as if I was sailing right along with them but it was the characters who held center stage.  They were so real to me, especially Bennett and London, that I felt as if I were reading a story about people I actually knew.

Scoundrel is the second book in Archer's The Blades of the Rose series but stands well on it's own.  However, once you've visited this talented author's fascinating Victorian-era world, I have no doubt you will be clamoring to read the other three books in the series.  I know I was!  The books, in order, are:
Warrior, Scoundrel, Rebel and Stranger. 

~PJ

Winner, Winner!

Thanks so much to everyone for letting us know what books you'd most like to receive signed copies of.  I'll do my best at RWA National to re-fill our prize stash with many of these titles.  Our randomly chosen winners from the blog are

NA

and

DOTTIE148

Congratulations!  Please send your full name and mailing address to us at theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com to receive a book from our current prize supply.

Hot Dish for June

As summer arrives in the United States, many people flock to the coastlines or lakes to enjoy the sun and the water. I know that my family is looking forward to a little beach fun this summer. And while I love splashing in the waves and soaking up some rays, I also enjoy watching the lifeguards *wink wink*.

So here is my official welcome to summer ...

Oh yeah, I can't wait for the beach!!

Susan Sey Winner

The random winner of a copy of MONEY SHOT from Susan Sey is

MARIA

Congratulations, Maria!  Please send your full name and mailing address to us at theromancedish (AT) gmail (DOT) com to claim your prize.  Please put "Susan Sey Winner" in the subject line.  Thanks!

Today's Special - - Susan Sey

It's my pleasure to welcome contemporary (with a dash of mystery) author, Romance Bandit and a wonderful friend of the Romance Dish, Susan Sey!  Susan's debut book, Money, Honey was a huge hit with the Dishes and we've all been eagerly anticipating the release date of her second book, Money Shot.  I'm happy to say that Money Shot is now out in the wild and it's terrific! (read the whole thing in one day)

Please welcome Susan as she blogs with us about the fun of writing a little crime!

You Wanna Kiss It Out Of Me?  Or why it’s fun to write a little crime.

A lot of people who know romance ask why I write contemporaries.  It’s not a hot market, and that’s putting it mildly.  If I’m looking to build a career, I have to sell books at some point, right?  Why not at least try to write something that sells?

Paranormal?  Sad to say, I have no world-building skills.   

YA?  Ooooh, I was an angsty teen.  No desire to go back down that road, even in my imagination.

Historical?  I blow at research.   It involves calling strangers on the phone and I hate calling strangers.  (I’m not particularly great at calling people I know, either.)  Plus, thinking I can write a good historical just because I want to seems insulting to people who’ve worked their butts off to develop the voice, style and body of knowledge a decent historical requires.

This leaves me writing largely in the here and now.  Lucky for me, I like the here and now.  I find life and love complicated enough without throwing in super powers or lordships or fangs.   Life as it stands is quite enough to keep me busy, frankly.  But I am willing to do a little research in order to set my stories within a criminal investigation.  And why?  I like the interrogation scenes.

In MONEY SHOT, my heroine (Maria “Goose” di Guzman) is a Secret Service agent sent to Mishkwa Island to determine whether Park Ranger Rush Guthrie is involved in funneling counterfeit cash into the country via Canada.  She arrives on the island under the pretext of investigating a threat to the governor but Rush is no dummy.  He knows she’s looking at him for something else.  But what?  Here’s a scene that encapsulates everything I love about putting a crime element into my romances:

“So I’m in the clear?” Rush asked.

“Looks like,” Goose said.

“On the assassination-via-flaming-pitchfork thing, anyway.  What about the other?”

She pulled her hand away from his and stared.  “The other?”

“You don’t expect me to believe the Secret Service wastes personnel like you on flaming pitchforks, do you?  I know you’re looking at me for something else.”

“Am I?”

He lifted his hand, traced a finger down the line of her cheek.  He came up with a piece of straw from the ends of her hair and flicked it away.  Goose didn’t breathe the entire time.

“A girl like you doesn’t kiss a stranger like you kissed me unless she’s looking for something.”

“Ah.  And what was I looking for?”

“Hell if I know.”  He cocked a brow, leaned in.  “You want another go at kissing it out of me?”

I’m just mean enough that I enjoyed the heck out of writing this scene.  Now Rush is pretty comfortable letting his subconscious have a voice in his decision making process, and his subconscious--along with the rest of him--likes Goose.  A lot.

And Goose likes him right back.  But she’s not one to make decisions with her gut.  She makes decisions with her head, and being deeply and inexplicably drawn to Rush--heart, soul and libido, baby--feels dangerous to her.  She likes her space and she likes her secrets.  Letting somebody close enough to fall in love goes against everything she is, and finding her potential Mr. Right on the wrong side of a criminal investigation? Well.  This is a problem. 

For her, that is.  For me, though?  As a writer?  This is a gold mine.  I have two strongly principled, highly moral people on opposite sides of a criminal investigation while they fall in love.  They have my full attention, no fangs required. 

Plus I’m sort of charmed by a torture-proofed ex-Navy SEAL offering to be kissed out of a confession.  I think he’s serious, too.  He doesn’t know what she wants to know but he’s willing to have it kissed out of him if that’s what it takes.  What a guy.

So what about you?  Do you like a little crime in your romance?  A little suspense?  A secondary love story?  A little time travel?  What gives a love story that special little zing for you?   One lucky commenter will receive their own copy of MONEY SHOT!  (Continental US only, please.)

For more information about Susan, visit her website and "like" her on facebook! 

Battle Stations Ready!

In just a few weeks, Romance Writers of America (RWA) will be holding its national conference in New York City.  A highlight of the conference is the "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing, a book signing featuring more than 500 authors which is free admission and open to the public.  Authors happily pose for photos and sign books that are provided by publishers and sold to readers at face value with proceeds from the evening's sales donated to literacy charities in the city in which that year's conference is being held.  It's a win-win for everyone!

Right about now, your brain is probably giddy with delight at the thought of 500 romance authors in the same room.  Enjoy the sensation...before it slides straight into terror at the thought of the chaos that most certainly will ensue when you envision several hundred excited readers descending upon 500 romance authors!  It's pretty crazy!  But, it can also be a lot of fun, especially if you come armed with a "Battle Plan."

PJ & Christina Dodd - 2006

There are many strategies that people employ to make sure they get all the books on their list.  One is to be in line outside the doors of the room where the book signing is held at least three hours before they open.  (some get there even earlier)  Another is to go straight to your "Top Five" authors and make sure you get their books.  (I got the photo but missed out on the book I wanted from Christina Dodd.  The penalty for not going there first!) Once that need is satisfied you can wander the rest of the room at your leisure.

Julia Quinn - 2009

RWA helps by positioning the authors in alphabetical order by last name, so you know approximately where everyone is within the room, and listing who will be signing before the conference on their website.  I copy the list and highlight the names of my "must buy" authors.  Within that list, I note the "big name" authors, the New York Times Bestselling authors and featured conference speakers who will be positioned around the perimeter of the room...and who usually have lines out the door.  If one of the "big name" authors is on your list, I strongly advise getting to them fast before they run out of books.

Eloisa James, PJ, Connie Brockway - 2006

At my first Literacy Autographing, I had no idea what to expect.  I was not attending the conference and had driven into Atlanta for the day to meet Eloisa James and others from her bulletin board and attend the signing.  I wandered down to get in line about an hour before the doors opened and found myself at least 800 people from the front!  When I finally got inside the room I was faced with a wall of people but when I glanced to the left - voila! - empty spaces!  I beat feet to the last table and found a bevy of smiling authors whose last names began with W and T.  Like a little salmon swimming upstream, I slowly worked my way back through the crowd, stopping to chat, take photos and have books signed along the way.  By the time I returned to the upper reaches of the alphabet the majority of the crowd was down where I had begun and, once again, I was left with tables of smiling authors and not many readers.  Score!

Many of you are probably thinking, "Gee, PJ.  That's all well and good but I'm not going to the conference so what does this have to do with me?"  Plenty!!  You see, RWA National is where we Dishes refill the wondrous prize closet from which we pull books to send to you, our wonderful readers, throughout the year.  So, now's your chance to have a say in what books you will have an opportunity to win here at The Romance Dish.

Who are the top five authors from whom you would most like to win a signed book?

What are the five current books (published in 2010-2011) of which you would most like to win a signed copy?

That's all you have to do!  And, to thank you for helping us I'll randomly select two people leaving comments (between now and midnight Tuesday) to win a book from our current prize supply!

Happy Reading!
~PJ

The Teen Menu

It's been a crazy month. I had three different deadlines on June 1, so I haven't had much time to read. I didn't finish reading any YA books this month, but I am reading Fury of the Phoenix by Cindy Pon. It's the sequel to Silver Phoenix, which I've reviewed here on the Teen Menu and which I really enjoyed. Again, it's set in ancient China and has paranormal elements. I hope to have the review for you next month.

After that, I plan to read a book I picked up while at a friend's book signing recently, Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley. It was one of those where the cover drew me in and when I found out it was a fish-out-of-water story, I was hooked.

What good YA stories have you read so far this summer? (And despite the fact the calendar doesn't say so yet, it IS summer in my neck of the woods.)

We did have some YA-related news this month, about two highly anticipated movies.

YA News

As many of you may already know, the first trailer for the first part of Breaking Dawn premiered during the MTV Movie Awards last Sunday. Here it is for your viewing pleasure.



More casting news for The Hunger Games has been hitting the Internet. I think they made an excellent choice for President Snow in casting Donald Sutherland. Other roles have gone to Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket, Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, Woody Harrelson as Haymitch and Amandla Stenberg as Rue.

Virginia Kantra Winner

We have a winner!  The signed copy of Forbidden Sea by Virginia Kantra goes to

JenB

Congratulations!  Please send your full name and mailing address to us at theromancedish@gmail.com

Nalini Singh Winner!

A big thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented on my interview with Nalini Singh. Random.org has picked the winner of a hardback copy of Nalini Singh's latest release, KISS OF SNOW. And the winner is ....

JENNIFER!!

Congrats to you, Jennifer. Please send your full name and address to theromancedishATgmailDOTcom with "Nalini Singh Winner" in the subject line.

~ Buffie

Make Your Reservations!

It's time again to mark your calendars and Make Your Reservations for July! Once again there are 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?

Waking Up with the Duke
By Lorraine Heath

They are masters of seduction, London's greatest lovers...

Renowned for his bedchamber prowess, Ransom Seymour, the Duke of Ainsley, owes a debt to a friend. But the payment expected is most shocking, even to an unrepentant rake—for he's being asked to provide his friend's exquisite wife with what she most dearly covets: a child.

Living for pleasure, they will give their hearts to no one...

Lady Jayne Seymour, Marchioness of Walfort, is furious that such a scandalous agreement would be made. If she acquiesces, there must be rules: no kissing...and, certainly, no pleasure.

Until love takes them by surprise.

But unexpected things occur with the surprisingly tender duke—especially once Lady Jayne discovers the rogue can make her dream again...and Ransom realizes he's found the one woman he truly cannot live without.

(Avon)


*******

Heartbreak Creek
By Kaki Warner

Edwina Ladoux hoped becoming a mail-order bride would be her way out of the war-torn South and into a better life, but as soon as she arrives in Heartbreak Creek, Colorado, and meets her hulking, taciturn groom, she realizes she’s made a terrible mistake.

Declan Brodie already had one flighty wife who ran off with a gambler before being killed by Indians. He’s hoping this new one will be a practical, sturdy farm woman who can help with chores and corral his four rambunctious children. Instead, he gets a skinny Southern princess who doesn’t even know how to cook.

Luckily, Edwina and Declan agreed on a three-month courtship period, which should give them time to get the proxy marriage annulled. Except that as the weeks pass, thoughts of annulment turn into hopes for a real marriage—until Declan’s first wife returns after being held captive for the last four years. Now an honorable man must choose between duty and desire, and a woman who’s never had to fight for anything must do battle for the family she’s grown to love...

(Berkley Sensation)


*******

One Summer
By JoAnn Ross

When former U.S. Marine photojournalist Gabriel St. James arrives in Shelter Bay to help out a fellow Marine, the last thing he expects is to meet a woman like Charity. A veterinarian with a past that would have defeated a less resilient woman, Charity still possesses a heart as generous as her name. She's known men like Gabe before-but with a shared attraction impossible to deny, Charity and Gabe agree to a simple affair with no expectations. But as summer unfolds, and Gabe finds reasons to extend his stay in Shelter Bay, he and Charity realize that there's nothing simple about falling in love, and nothing easy about the choices of the heart.

(Signet)





*******

A Lady's Lesson in Scandal
By Meredith Duran

IN GRITTY, WORKING-CLASS LONDON, SHE DOES WHAT SHE MUST TO SURVIVE...

When Nell Whitby breaks into an earl's house on a midnight quest for revenge, she finds her pistol pointed at the wrong man—one handsome as sin and naked as the day he was born. Pity he's a lunatic. He thinks her a missing heiress, but more to the point, he'll help her escape the slums and right a grave injustice. Not a bad bargain. All she has to do is marry him.

A NOTORIOUS LADIES' MAN COULD TAKE HER FROM POVERTY TO OPULENCE...BUT AT WHAT PRICE?

A rake of the first order, Simon St. Maur spent his restless youth burning every bridge he crossed. When he inherits an earldom without a single penny attached to it, he sees a chance to start over—provided he can find an heiress to fund his efforts. But his wicked reputation means courtship will be difficult—until fate sends him the most notorious missing heiress in history. All he needs now is to make her into a lady and keep himself from making the only mistake that could ruin everything: falling in love...

(Pocket Star)


*******

Tamed by a Highlander
By Paula Quinn

A LOVER'S PROMISE

Connor Grant left his first love in the Highlands, vowing to return after serving in the king's army. Seven years later, he is still fighting for the crown, and his victories are legendary-both in the battlefield and in the bedroom. Yet he's never forgotten his bonnie lass. And he certainly never expected to see her amidst the splendor of the British royal court: beautiful, breathtaking, and tempting him past the point of no return.

A LADY'S DESTINY

The night he left, Mairi MacGregor banished Connor from her life forever. Now her heart belongs only to Scotland. As part of a secret alliance, she journeys to London in search of information...only to find herself face to face with the one man she swore she'd never trust again. Though Mairi's body still craves Connor's touch, she can't forgive his betrayal. But a traitor lurks in their midst and to protect her beloved Highlands, Mairi must make a leap of faith and join forces with Connor-even if it means losing her heart to him again.

(Forever)


*******

Burning Down the Spouse
By Dakota Cassidy

After discovering that her famous chef husband was cheating, Frankie Bennett lost her mind-on live TV. Now Frankie is broke, unemployed, and hiding out in her aunt's retirement village. That is, until Maxine Henderson-Barker-reformed trophy wife and owner of Trophy Jobs Inc. employment agency-arrives to give Frankie a much needed kick in the pants.

Soon, Frankie lands a job as a prep chef at a Greek diner in New Jersey, home to the world's best meatloaf and an owner who resembles an exquisitely chiseled Greek statue. Falling into bed with Nikos isn't the best idea, but after years of living in a man's shadow, this ex- trophy wife is ready to get busy cooking...

(Berkley)


*******

The Devilish Montague
By Patricia Rice

He wants to save Europe. She wants to save a foul-mouthed parrot. Marriage wasn't on their incompatible minds -- until they realized they each had what the other needed...

Blake Montague's one desire is to return to war on the Continent, where he hopes his exceptional skill at decoding French communications will help break Napoleon's stranglehold on Europe. But without his family's support, he lacks the funds to buy a commission. Bored, he unleashes his frustration by dueling and occasionally risking his life rescuing stolen parrots and mad maidens. His only hope is a marriage of convenience. Not surprisingly, wealthy women who want to send a husband to war are in short supply -- until he meets Jocelyn Carrington, a laughing Venus more interested in his house than him...

Jocelyn's one desire is to reacquire her family's estate, which her despicable brother lost in a wager to Blake's father. Now, to win it back, she must wed the youngest Montague, a man with few visible social graces and an annoying habit of attracting trouble. Keeping her heroic future groom alive long enough to get him to the altar is challenging--and surprisingly enjoyable. Leading to a dilemma when she develops feelings for a man who might die tomorrow!

(Signet)


*******

Heiress in Love
By Christina Brooke

Jane, Lady Roxdale, has endured one marriage of convenience decreed by the Ministry of Marriage. While she deeply regrets her late husband’s death, she is relieved to be free at last. But when a dissolute rake threatens everything Jane holds dear, she must contemplate marrying a second time...

Disgraced libertine Constantine Black inherits his cousin Roxdale’s land and title—while Roxdale’s prim widow is left all the wealth. Constantine is not a marrying man, but wedding Jane is the only way to save the estate from ruin. Jane resists the smoldering heat between them, desperate not to fall in love with an unrepentant rake. But for the first time ever, Constantine wants more than seduction. He wants all of her—body, heart, and soul...

(St. Martin's)

Today's Special - - Virginia Kantra

You may have guessed from reviews that Gannon and I have posted that we're huge fans of Virginia Kantra's Children of the Sea series.  (Click here to read Gannon's review of Virginia's current release, Forgotten Sea.)  We love these stories and apparently we aren't the only ones as two of her 2010 works, Immortal Sea and "Shifting Sea" are finalists for the 2011 RITA awards (winners to be announced July 1st at the RWA National Conference in NYC) Congratulations, Virginia!  

Please join us in welcoming Virginia back to The Romance Dish as she blogs about star-crossed lovers.




My husband and I were only seventeen when we met, an Italian steelworker from Ohio, the first of his family to go to college, and an English professor’s daughter from the Main Line. Our friends were confused. Our parents were dismayed.

Even I had doubts, though Italian Guy says he never did. But I was an English major. I’d read Romeo and Juliet. I thought then that what Juliet really needed was a Sassy Gay Friend. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, watch this now. Really. I’ll wait.)

“What, what, what are you doing?” Romeo and Juliet are too different, too impulsive, too young to fall in love. They barely know each other. They should have listened when their families and friends warned them they were headed for trouble.

Of course, they don’t, with disastrous consequences.

All those doubts boiled back when I started writing Forgotten Sea. There are always good reasons in a romance novel why the hero and heroine cannot fall in love. But the obstacles and the stakes felt higher in this book.

Fallen angel Lara Rho, is a Seeker—one called to rescue other lost children of air before they’re hunted down by the demonic children of fire. She thinks she’s found her latest charge in sailor Justin Miller. But Justin is no angel...and no ordinary mortal, either. He remembers nothing of his life before the day he was plucked from a shipwreck seven years ago. The two are so different, in temperament, in background, in their values and outlooks on life. Lara’s fierce attraction to Justin and her determination to do the right thing pits her against her own kind and puts them one step ahead of the pursuing demons. On the road—because of course it just had to be a road romance, too, with its shortened time frame and added danger—Lara and Justin must work together to discover his true identity before what they don't know kills them both. With so much at risk, the last thing they should do is fall in love.

Star-crossed? You bet.
Reckless? Oh yeah.
Would they be safer if they’d never met? Definitely.

Writing Lara and Justin’s story reminded me how it feels when your world upends and spins into a heart-pounding new orbit. When you challenge everything you know and leave everything you love behind.



What, what, what was I thinking? But when I look at my husband, I know that lovers can make their own happy ending, against all odds.

I hope you’ll join Lara and Justin on their journey of discovery, share their adventure and feel those feelings again--the passionate attraction, the reckless commitment, and the breathless tumble into love. (And, of course, the happy ending!)

What’s your favorite story of star-crossed lovers? Does it end happily or unhappily? And, if there’s someone special in your life, do you come from the same or very different backgrounds?

One randomly selected person leaving a comment today will win a signed copy of Forgotten Sea. (U.S./Canadian addresses only)


For more information about Virginia, please visit her website and "like" her author page on facebook. 

Review -- Forgotten Sea

Forgotten Sea
The Children of the Sea, Book 5
By Virginia Kantra
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Release Date: June 7, 2011








Lara Rho is a fallen angel, one of the nephilim, and she is called to use her gift as a Seeker. It is her job to rescue other fallen angels, often called children of the air, before they are destroyed by the children of fire, the demons. Her senses lead her to Justin Miller, a sailor who goes wherever the wind or his mood takes him. Much to Lara's shock, she discovers that Justin is not a fallen angel, but she senses that he is not quite human either.

Justin has no memories of his life prior to the day he was rescued from a shipwreck seven years ago. When pretty Lara shows up, he can't help but find himself attracted to her, but Justin makes it a point never to get seriously involved with any woman. And Lara looks like the long-term-relationship type. Who knew that a quick drink in a bar would lead to Justin coming to Lara's aide when she's attacked in an alley. He's seriously injured and Lara feels responsible for him, so she takes him with her to Rockhaven School, her only home she's known since early childhood and the home and sanctuary of other nephilim. While Lara may feel that Justin should find refuge there, her fellow nephilim do not. No one knows who or what Justin is, so they treat him more as a prisoner than a guest.

Justin beseeches Lara to help him escape, and though it puts her in direct opposition of her friends, she agrees. She feels a connection to Justin that she cannot explain, and she wants to help him discover his identity. Now they are being followed by Lara's fellow fallen angels and stalked by demons. Through their mysterious, yet powerful connection, Justin begins to recall bits and pieces of his past; he remembers that his name is Iestyn and he is a selkie, one of the children of the sea. When Iestyn finds his merfolk family, will Lara find a place among them or will this fallen angel and her selkie drift apart?

I've been captivated by Virginia Kantra's Children of the Sea series from the very beginning. Selkies, finfolk, mystery, and romance---it's impossible not to get caught up in each story and eagerly await the next. Forgotten Sea is another fascinating and sensual addition to this keeper of a series. Justin (Iestyn) and Lara are two lost souls who at first glance shouldn't be a match, but they couldn't be more perfect for each other.


Tenderness and impatience tangled within her.

This wasn't about her. Not only about her, not anymore. This journey they were on together was taking her farther and farther from the person she had been. But she would not beg. And she would not take the next step alone.

She turned his question back on him. "What do you want?"

"You," he answered simply. "I feel like I've spent my whole life waiting for you."

Her eyes blurred. As easily as that, he restored her confidence and destroyed her defenses.

She smiled at him through the mist. "Then take me."


A romance to make you sigh, passion that smolders, and a hero and heroine that are lost until they find their sanctuary in the arms of one another. While this is the fifth book in this series, it can be read alone. But if you're a stickler like me and like to start a series at the beginning, the books should be read in this order: Sea Witch, Sea Fever, Sea Lord, Immortal Sea, and Forgotten Sea. It's a perfect read on a sunny summer day or a hot summer night.

~ Gannon


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New Releases winner!

The winner of a random book from my stash is:

Stacie

Congratulations, Stacie! Please send your full name and address to theromancedishATgmailDOTcom with "Andrea's winner" as the subject and I'll get your book in the mail. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to comment!

Review -- Nearly a Lady

Nearly a Lady
By Alissa Johnson
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Release Date: June 7, 2011

Since the age of thirteen, Winnefred Blythe has lived a very secluded and frugal life. Her father passed away and she was left in the “care” of Lord and Lady Engsly. Not wanting the added responsibility, they placed Winnefred and her governess, Lilly Ilestone, at Murdoch House in Enscrum, Scotland...with a measly yearly sum. After twelve years, Winnefred and Lilly have managed to get by with very little. Then one day, Lord Gideon Haverston, brother to the new Lord Engsly, comes to Murdoch House with a revelation that nearly knocks them over.

Gideon is there on behalf of his brother, Lucien, to right a wrong done by their stepmother. Before disappearing, Lady Engsly made up charities and doubled expenses so as to pocket half the funds from causes that did exist (like Winnefred) in order to filter money from the Engsly estate. Gideon is attacked upon his arrival at Murdoch House, but understands under the circumstances—Miss Blythe and Miss Ilestone live alone and aren’t used to strange men coming around. When he explains that they were supposed to have been receiving double their yearly annum—eighty pounds—they then explain that they have only been receiving five pounds a year, and not forty. Gideon is appalled and promises them that they will receive back pay and a bonus as restitution. He then hires a full staff for the house along with buying them decent clothes and food. Knowing that the family owes them that and so much more, he asks if there is anything else they’d like. Lilly immediately asks for a London season for Winnefred. Gideon agrees and states that they both shall have one under the care of his aunt, Lady Gwen. Winnefred is against the idea as she has no idea how to behave like a lady, but Lilly explains that she can teach Winnefred what she needs to know and that she won’t go to London without her. Realizing how much it means to her friend, Winnefred gives in to make Lilly happy.

Lilly tells Gideon that she’ll need three weeks to prepare Winnefred for London. He was hoping for just a couple of days (he promised himself years ago that he would never again be responsible for the welfare of another person), but sees the logic in it. And in those three weeks, despite his trying not to, he gets to really know Winnefred and admires her for being so resilient after all she’s been through. When the group finally arrives in London, Gideon finds it difficult to let Winnefred flirt and dance with other men. Will he be able to get past his demons and claim her for himself?

Nearly a Lady is a delightful historical romance featuring a charmingly headstrong heroine and a classically tortured hero. Gideon was the captain of a ship during the war and has nightmares about what he and his crew went through. He doesn’t want the obligation of taking care of others because he feels like he failed at that in the past. But he comes alive around Winnefred. She touches something inside him.

Whether she was in a complicated ball gown or a simple dress, he was the only man who truly saw her. He knew that beneath the fragile silk was the steel spine of a woman who’d confronted a thief in her stable and beaten him to the ground. He knew that behind the soft smile was the unconquerable will that had kept two women alive on five pounds a year. Well-rehearsed manners hid a brash tongue, and the excuse of a headache would keep quiet the fact she was graceless as a limbering army. Only he knew the simple, wild beauty of her. It was a treasure he wanted to hoard. She was a secret he wanted to keep all to himself.

Winnefred is such a likable heroine. She’s had to be strong for so long, that she is unfamiliar with having someone help her. I enjoyed watching her be spoiled by Gideon. The secondary characters of Lilly, Lucien, Lady Gwen, and an adorable goat named Claire add depth and a touch of humor to the story. If you’re a fan of light-hearted historical romance, Nearly a Lady makes a great summer read!

~Andrea


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