REVIEW - THE UNTAMED BRIDE

THE UNTAMED BRIDE
The Black Cobra Quartet - Book 1
By Stephanie Laurens
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: October 27, 2009

India 1822

Five army officers of the East India Company have undertaken a top-secret mission to end the heinous acts ordered by the evil Black Cobra. After one of them is killed while obtaining critical evidence of the villain's identity, the other four leave for England by separate, secret routes. Three carry copies of the evidence while one has the original. Their goal is to lure the Black Cobra back to his native England where they can bring him to justice and end his reign of terror forever. The first to arrive is Colonel Derek (Del) Delborough.

Del's task once he arrives in England is to safely deliver his packet of evidence to Royce Varisey, Duke of Wolverstone (Dalziel from the Bastion Club series), not to escort a woman he hasn't seen since childhood to her home. The last thing he needs is to be saddled with some simpering, English miss when so many lives depend upon his attention being focused on the deadly Black Cobra but his plan to shed himself of her as quickly as possible hits a snag when the woman in question saves his life, exposing herself to the Black Cobra's men and placing her own life in danger.

Since "the scandal" seven years earlier, Deliah (not Delilah) Duncannon has been living in exile with her uncle in the Caribbean. During that time she has remained an opinionated and independent thinker while suppressing her natural sensuality beneath a veneer of sensible practicality. Though firmly on the shelf, she longs for a family of her own but has been told her entire life that she does not fit the requirements of the type of woman English men marry. Not intimidated in the least by Colonel Delborough, she knows full well that he's keeping secrets about what he's really doing in England and Deliah has no intention of being left out of the action.

I really enjoyed the pairing of Del and Deliah. These are two mature people who match up well, becoming partners in every sense of the word, and I was in their corner cheering them on. I found Deliah's journey to self-worth and self-acceptance, thereby freeing her to accept Del's love, to be especially poignant. The story moves along at a good clip, keeping my interest engaged throughout, with plenty of action, lots of sensual heat and an evil villain who manages to stay one step ahead of the good guys. The participation of the Cynster men and their wives was a delightful surprise! I always enjoy visiting with old friends and they brought an added dimension to the story without overshadowing the hero and heroine. I hope we'll see more of them in the remaining three books.

The Untamed Bride is a terrific story, launching what looks to be an exciting new series from Stephanie Laurens. I'll be counting the days until the February 2010 release of The Elusive Bride, the second book in The Black Cobra Quartet.

~PJ

REVIEW - A FOREVER CHRISTMAS

A Forever Christmas by Missy Tippens
Publisher: Steeple Hill Love Inspired

Release Date: November 1, 2009

Devastated by the loss of her favorite student to cancer, kindergarten teacher Sarah Radcliffe returns to her hometown of Magnolia, Georgia, to spend the holidays with her parents and try to ease the pain of this recent loss. When Sarah arrives in Magnolia, she finds her friend Donna Rae in the last stages of her pregnancy and directing the children’s Christmas play at church. After receiving doctor’s orders to stay on best rest for the duration of her pregnancy, Donna Rae pleads for Sarah to take over the director position. Even though Sarah does not want to be around children so soon after young Peter’s death, she reluctantly agrees. From the first time Sarah met the children in the play, one little boy stands out. Well, he stands in the back of the group and rarely says a word, but his quietness speaks to Sarah. His name is Hunter Jones, and he is the oldest son of Gregory Jones, Sarah’s high school sweetheart. The boy who broke her heart into a million pieces.

Gregory Jones is living a very hectic life. After his ex-wife walked out on him and their two small boys a few years ago, Gregory has been mother, father, provider, and so much more. Owning his own business, Gregory is putting in a lot of extra hours to buy the gifts his boys want most for Christmas and hoping that will make up for a mother they never see. As he rushes into the church building to pick up Hunter and Chase from the Christmas play practice, Gregory never expected to run smack dab into Sarah Radcliffe. It has been at least a decade since Gregory had been this close to Sarah, and she is more beautiful than he remembered.

Forced to spend a significant amount of time with Gregory’s boys because of the Christmas play, Sarah heart quickly belongs to these two little boys and she realizes Gregory is working himself to the bone to provide toys for Christmas when all that Hunter and Chase want is to spend time with their father. Sarah soon comes up with several fun activities for the Jones family to do together, such as decorate the Christmas tree and deliver cookies to several homebound individuals. When Gregory finds the boys’ letter to Santa, which reads “Dear Santa, For Hunter – a whole day playing outside with Dad by myself. For Chase – to sleep in Dad’s bed for a week. For both of us – Miss Sarah as our mom.”, he realizes his boys just want him for Christmas, and a new mom too! But Gregory is not sure that he and Sarah can forgive each other for the transgressions of the past.

This is such a sweet Christmas love story. Personally, I have always loved stories where former loves are reunited, and when Christmas is involves it makes it extra special. This is a wonderful story of young love remembered, forgiveness, and not only loving another person but loving an entire family. I really enjoyed seeing Sarah show Gregory that spending time with family is the most important thing. Like most other people, I live a very busy life, but the message of this book spoke loud and clear to me. Spend more time with the people you love! So my family and I have started back on family game night and movie marathon night. Thank you, Missy, for reminding me what is most important!!

~ Buffie

The Teen Menu Debuts!

I am so thrilled to be here with the lovely ladies of The Romance Dish today. We all met through RomanceNovelTV, where I've been doing monthly posts reviewing YA books (both new and new to me) and sharing the latest in YA-related news. I was happy that PJ, Gannon, Andrea and Buffie agreed to let me move my column, retitled Teen Menu, here so I can share my love of all things YA on the 10th of each month. So, without further delay...

Moonlight by Rachel Hawthorne

I'll admit that this book originally caught my eye because of the beautiful cover. The cover model has a type of ethereal beauty and reminds me of both Molly Quinn, who plays Alexis Castle on Castle, and Rachelle Lafevre, who played Victoria in Twilight. But when I picked it up off the shelf, I noticed it was by someone I knew, wonderful author Rachel Hawthorne. It's the first in the Dark Guardian series, and I'm already really excited to read the next two in the series, Full Moon and Dark of the Moon. Luckily, I have them mere steps away from where I now sit.

In this opener to the series, teen heroine Kayla has returned to the wilderness where her parents were killed to face her fears. She's going to spend the summer working as a wilderness guide alongside her good friend, Lindsey; the incredibly hot but aloof Lucas; and several other teens. Things get more complicated when another guy, one member of a research team the guides are taking into the wilderness, expresses interest in her and she's not sure if he's honest or even sane. And even more complicated when she's told that not only are Lucas, Lindsey and the rest of the teens werewolves but that she, too, will soon begin to turn.

Author Web site: http://www.rachelhawthorne.net/


Highway to Hell by Rosemary Clement-Moore

In this third of Clement-Moore's fun Maggie Quinn: Girl vs. Evil series, Maggie (a Seer) and her sorceress best friend Lisa are headed to South Padre for spring break and some time as normal teenagers. But evil has other ideas when Maggie's Jeep runs over a dead cow in the middle of a deserted highway and the girls find themselves stranded in the one-diner town of Dulcina, Texas -- home to a ginormous ranch, a hottie rancher with eyes for Lisa, some very colorful and curious locals, and quite possibly El Chupabra, a demon with a taste for blood.

I love this series. It's a great mixture of paranormal spookiness, teenage drama and just the right amount of snark. Maggie is like like Buffy Summers and Veronica Mars rolled into one, and I couldn't pay a teen heroine a higher compliment. Plus, I love how Clement-Moore has created a sexy, lovable hero in Maggie's boyfriend, Justin. He's a great mixture of intellectual and action when necessary and isn't averse to riding to the rescue, even though Maggie's pretty darn good at taking care of herself and he knows it.

Author Web site: http://www.rosemaryclementmoore.com/

Haint Misbehavin' by Maureen Hardegree

This month I gave my first-ever cover quote to a fellow author. I was honored to be asked, and since the book is fresh in my mind I thought I'd tell you a bit about it even though it doesn't come out until June 2010. In Maureen Hardegree's YA debut, the first in the Ghost Handler series, Georgia teen Heather Tildy is dealing with a lot during the summer before her freshman year of high school. There's her ever-annoying hypersensitive skin, her desire to win over her older sister who thinks Heather is an unbearable embarrassment, her super-big crush on lifeguard Drew Blanton, and the onset of her first period. But she gets a little more with her entree into puberty than she bargains for -- suddenly, she can see a ghost named Amy, a little girl whom Heather thought was her imaginary friend when she was little. And let's just say Amy makes life way more difficult for Heather.

Readers who like paranormal stories a bit on the lighter side, such as Meg Cabot's Mediator series, will likely enjoy Hardegree's new series from Bell Bridge Books. So mark your calendars for June 1, 2010.

Author Web site: http://www.maureenhardegree.com/

Movie News

Squee! It's only 10 more days until New Moon hits theaters! How many of you are going on opening day?

WANT TO WIN? One lucky commenter today will win a copy of Rachel Hawthorne's Moonlight.

BEST FRIENDS

It was the spring of my ninth year. I was quiet and shy, she was loud and feisty, and I knew from that first meeting that she was destined to be my BFF. For the next sixteen years we were best friends. She was there for the celebrations of my triumphs and the one I turned to for comfort when I was sick, disappointed or nursing a tender heart broken by a careless teenage boy and I was there for her at the end, holding and comforting her as she passed from this world into the next. Her name was Trixie and she was my first Best Fur Friend.

Four other dogs have joined my family in the years since Trixie passed on. They have all had unique personalities and endearing quirks that have made them special. There was Bandit, a sweet, 98 pound Lab mix who never quite figured out that he wasn't a 10 pound puppy. He was terrified of bugs but fearlessly faced down a snake that threatened his mama (that would be me). One of his favorite games was playing in the sprinkler but he refused to step one paw outside at the first sign of rain and he never did get the hang of which leg to lift while standing on the side of a hill.

I remember the first time I saw Velvet at the shelter. My husband rubbed his hand across her fur and said she felt just like black velvet. She left us too soon, from cancer, at the age of six but she filled every single day of her six years with love and joy and filled many hearts with precious memories.



Bandit wasn't sure what to make of the interloper that had taken residence in our home, but Smokey settled right in and made a place for herself, making friends with her big brother and finding ways to be helpful. The most recent of my beloved friends to cross the Rainbow Bridge, Smokey was the smartest, most intuitive dog I've ever known. There were times when I swear she understood every word I said. She also understood, or at least tolerated, my passion for reading...to a point. As soon as the 11pm news was over she would stand in front of me and give me "the look", as if to say, "Okay, I've been patient but now it's time to close the book and come to bed." I'd usually be given a

couple minutes to get the message before she moved on to Plan B, which involved heaving a deep sigh and then flipping the book closed with her paw.
She was my loyal friend for 13 years. I guess she figured she had earned the right to make her feelings known!

Cassy is a 3-year old Lab/Shepherd mix who adopted me from Project HALO, a wonderful non-profit, no-kill rescue organization in Charlotte, NC.  She's a total sweetheart but she's also young, energetic and playful...very playful...which leads me to my current dilemma. Cassy needs a playmate. I've been the playmate of choice since June and though I hold my own pretty well, I'm no match for a young, energetic dog so the search has begun for a another fur friend to join our family. Since most of my dogs have chosen me, I have no idea what breed/color/size our next family member will be but I'm excited to have her, or him, join us!

Tell me about your pets. Are they fur friends? Feathered friends? Or, perhaps, your BFF is of a more exotic variety. Did you find them or did they find you? Do they indulge your reading habit or, like Smokey, do they let you know when enough is enough? 

One random commenter will win a copy of "Too Good To Be True" by Kristan Higgins, one of my favorite contemporary romances of 2009, featuring a memorable West Highland terrier by the name of Angus.


~ PJ

Anna Campbell's winner!

The winner of a signed copy of Anna Campbell's Captive of Sin is

Virginia C

Congratulations, Virginia! Please send your full name and snail mail address to annaATannacampbellDOTinfo with "The Romance Dish winner" in the subject line and Anna will send Gideon your way! Thank you!

REVIEW - A HIGHLANDER CHRISTMAS

A HIGHLANDER CHRISTMAS

An anthology from Dawn Halliday, Sophie Renwick and Cindy Miles

Publisher:  NAL

Release Date:  November 3, 2009

 

Christmas is less than two months away. At my house, that means it's time for certain pre-holiday traditions to begin and one of my favorites is checking out the new holiday romances that are being released. A Highlander Christmas is an anthology of three stories, connected by a magical brooch, and set in three different time periods.

Winter Heat by Dawn Halliday

This steamy historical is the story of Maggie MacDonald, a woman facing an unwanted marriage to a despicable clansman and Logan Douglas, a wounded Jacobite returning home from battle as the new laird of his clan, a position he neither sought nor wanted. A magical brooch brings them together and love follows but his responsibility to his clan and her laird's insistence that she marry another threaten to tear them apart. Has Maggie's brooch led her to her life's mate or were her mother's words just a silly, superstitious tale? In Winter Heat, Halliday (who also writes as Jennifer Haymore) gives us an intense, fast-paced story that, while not as racy as her single titles, is still hot and very enjoyable.

Yuletide Enchantment by Sophie Renwick

Isobel MacDonald has heard the tales of the Sidhe who inhabit the otherworld and has heeded the warnings to never enter the woods at night but when the White Hart with whom she has felt a magical bond since the age of six is injured, she is powerless to resist going to his aid. As Prince of the Sidhe and future King of Annwyn, Daegan can take the shape of both the White Hart and a human man. Expected to wed one of his own, he has resisted, as Isobel, a human woman, has held his heart from the day he first saw her. When they finally meet as man and woman, the feelings that have grown within their hearts over the years are set free to flourish but will the sacrifices required for them to be together be too great to overcome? I thoroughly enjoyed this sensuous, historical paranormal tale and was delighted to discover that Renwick intends to return to Annwyn in 2010 with the story of Bran, a secondary character readers will meet in Yuletide Enchantment.

A Christmas Spirit by Cindy Miles

Determined to not spend another Christmas alone, Paige MacDonald is on her way to Inverness, Scotland when her car breaks down in a snowstorm, depositing her on the doorstep of the seemingly deserted Gorloch B&B where she is greeted by a gorgeous, but decidedly inhospitable, Gabriel Munro. Gabriel reluctantly agrees to let her stay but refuses to help her with anything, making her get her own room key, carry her luggage and even fix her own meals. The reason for his rudeness becomes clear when Paige trips and falls...right through the man standing in front of her! Unless the storm clears, it appears that, this year, Paige will be spending Christmas with the ghostly spirit of a centuries-old Highland warrior. Miles has done a superb job of creating a life-like man with the limitations of a spirit in this finely crafted love story. The romantic scenes in particular were simmering with sensuality while, at the same time, very poignant. A Christmas Spirit is, by turns, a humorous, heartbreaking and heartwarming gift not to be missed.

Do you enjoy Christmas romances?  Do you re-read them every year like I do?  Which ones are your favorites and what titles are you looking forward to reading this year?

~ PJ

New Beginnings by Anna Campbell

Anna Campbell, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways: Kylemore . . . Matthew . . . Julian . . . Gideon . . . Oh! Sorry. Got carried away. *blush* I always do with an Anna Campbell hero. Now, where was I? Oh, yes! We have a VERY special treat for you today! We have someone who needs no introduction, but I will anyway. *VBG* She is a multi-award winning, multi-RITA nominated, and multi-talented author of dark, sexy Regency historicals and also a great friend of ours. So, without further ado, please help me welcome . . . Anna Campbell!!

Hi Romance Dishes!!! You’re all looking very delicious today! Thanks so much for asking me to blog here about my new release, CAPTIVE OF SIN, which came out on 27th October.

I’ve known Buffie and PJ and Andrea and Gannon through the internet for a couple of years now and most recently we worked together at Romance Novel TV where we all wrote reviews. I loved Romance Novel TV – Maria and Marisa were fun and professional and smart and basically just great people. Sadly time pressure meant that the Ms closed up shop a few weeks ago.

And out of the ashes rises…

THE ROMANCE DISH!!!!

This will be one of the must-see romance sites. How can it fail with such wonderful chefs running the kitchen? The recipe of a few old favorites, lots of great new stuff, and fun and laughter for dessert is just right! So good luck to the RD! Long may you serve up scrumptious tidbits for your hungry romance-reading audience.

Right, I think I’ve milked that metaphor as far as I can! In fact, you might say I’ve battered it flat like a piece of veal for schnitzel!

New Beginnings is actually a really apt topic when it comes to CAPTIVE OF SIN too.


At the age of eighteen, the brilliant Gideon Trevithick is recruited from his studies at Cambridge to work undercover for the East India Company in India. He’s a despised younger son of a brutish father and he has to make his way in the world unaided by family fortune or influence. He spends the next seven years immersed in a culture that fascinates him, although his work is hard, dirty and dangerous. By the end of his tenure, he has become so disillusioned with his masters that he’s determined to return to England. But the Company persuade him to undertake one last mission which turns into a disaster. Through his colleagues’ incompetence, Gideon is captured and imprisoned for a year before he’s rescued.

He returns to England a national hero, the man who endured unspeakable torture without betraying his country’s secrets. More, while he’s been away, both his father and his older brother have died, leaving him heir to a magnificent if rundown estate on the Cornish cliffs. The possibility of inheriting Penrhyn had always been so remote, he’d never considered he might end up as its master.

But Gideon is a broken man. His imprisonment has left him scarred and tormented. He’s utterly convinced he’ll never lead a normal existence and that his life, to all intents and purposes, is over. Yet now he’s responsible for the people on the estate and coping with celebrity.

Haunted by the howling ghosts of his past, he’s on his way home when he stumbles upon a runaway heiress, Lady Charis Weston. Impulsively he promises to keep her safe from her greedy and violent stepbrothers. Having been so recently the victim of violence and captivity himself, how can he abandon this spirited, determined woman? Little does Gideon know that this rash action will lead him to the most radical of new beginnings – a marriage in name only to a woman he desperately desires even though he’s convinced she deserves much better than a wreck of a man like him.

Charis vows that their marriage will be a true new beginning, the start of a life of love and fulfillment. Poor Gideon. He only has his honor to protect him from the woman he loves! His honor’s pretty unshakable, but you know…

So new beginnings galore in CAPTIVE OF SIN!

Do you have a favorite book that features someone’s life taking a 180 degree turn? Have you ever had to face a completely new beginning in your own life? And do you think Gideon will give in? Yeah, right…

Good luck! I look forward to lots of yummy answers. And my favorite serving will win a signed copy of CAPTIVE OF SIN! Good luck!

LAUNCH PARTY WINNERS!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Launch Party!  The winners of the party giveaways are:

Lynn Spencer
Meg
Emmanuelle
Kammie
Bonnie Ferguson
Helen
JWZ1978
Amy1225

Please email your snail mail address to us at theromancedish@gmail.com.  Put "Launch Winner" in the subject line.

Congratulations!

New Releases for November!

Want to curl up with a good book? The November releases are here! Which ones have you read? Of those, which books would you recommend? Which releases are on your “must read” list? Why? Tell us and one lucky poster (living within the United States) will win a book from my goody shelf!



Historical



Alaskan Renegade -- Kate Bridges
Wild Heart -- Lori Brighton
Rainwater -- Sandra Brown (Historical Fiction)
Captive of Sin -- Anna Campbell
The Care and Taming of a Rogue -- Suzanne Enoch
Taming the Beast -- Heather Grothaus
Midnight Pleasures with a Scoundrel -- Lorraine Heath
To Desire a Devil -- Elizabeth Hoyt
The Wicked Duke Takes a Wife -- Jillian Hunter
The Untamed Bride -- Stephanie Laurens
All He Desires -- Anthea Lawson
To Love a Wicked Lord -- Edith Layton
A Courtesan’s Scandal -- Julia London
Destiny’s Captive -- Kate Lyon
Counterfeit Lady -- Dawn MacTavish
The Winter Queen -- Amanda McCabe
The Bargain Bride -- Barbara Metzger
A Creed Country Christmas -- Linda Lael Miller
The Rake’s Wicked Proposal -- Carole Mortimer
Silver Silence -- Joy Nash
What the Duke Desires -- Jenna Petersen
Lady Blue -- Helen A. Rosburg
Lord of the Highlands -- Veronica Wolff
A Highlander Christmas -- Dawn Halliday, Cindy Miles, Sophie RenwickA Regency Christmas -- Lyn Stone, Carla Kelly, Gail Ranstrom



Contemporary



Kiss and Tell -- Loretta Brabant
One Lucky Cowboy -- Carolyn Brown
Hot and Irresistible -- Dianne Castell
It Happened One Night -- Lisa Dale
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg -- Susan Donovan
Hold on to the Nights -- Karen Foley
Holiday Kisses -- Gwynne Forster
Scandal Sheet -- Gemma Halliday
Betting on Love -- Cheris Hodges
A Great Kisser -- Donna Kauffman
Take Me for a Ride -- Karen Kendall
Hot on Her Heels -- Susan Mallery
Sealed and Delivered -- Jill Monroe
Love Me Now -- Celeste O. Norfleet
One Night with You -- Francis Ray
Bed of Roses -- Nora Roberts
Hot Spell -- Michelle Rowen
Picture Perfect Christmas -- Melanie Shuster
A Forever Christmas -- Missy Tippens
Christmas Diamonds -- Devon Vaughn Archer
Power Play -- Nancy Warren
Zero Control -- Lori Wilde
Passion Overtime -- Pamela Yaye
Under the Mistletoe -- Linda Howard, Stephanie Bond
More Blazing Bedtime Stories -- Julie Leto, Leslie Kelly
A Very NASCAR Holiday -- Nancy Warren, Debra Webb, Gina WilkinsThe Night Before Christmas -- Brenda Novak, Day Leclaire, Molly O’Keefe



YA/Teen

Raven Summer -- David Almond
How to Ruin Your Boyfriend’s Reputation -- Simone Elkeles
Splendor -- Anna Godbersen
Girl in the Arena -- Lise Haines
I’m So Sure -- Jenny B. Jones
The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove -- Lauren Kate
Lady MacBeth’s Daughter -- Lisa Klein
Beautiful -- Cindy Martinusen-ColomaFreaks and Revelations -- Davida Wills Hurwin

Romantic Suspense

Hot as Sin -- Bella Andre
Waking the Dead -- Kylie Brant
The Cowboy’s Secret Twins -- Carla Cassidy
Trusting a Stranger -- Kerry Connor
The Wrong Side of Dead -- Jordan Dane
Ice -- Linda Howard
Operation XOXO - Elle James
The Colonel’s Widow? -- Mallory Kane
Bodyguard Under the Mistletoe -- Cassie Miles
Kindred in Death -- J.D. Robb
Magnum Force Man -- Amanda Stevens
The Gift - Deb Stover
His Wanted Woman -- Linda Turner
Bravo, Tango, Cowboy -- Joanna Wayne
Imminent Affair -- Sheri WhiteFeatherBlackout at Christmas -- Sharron McClellan, Beth Cornelison, Jennifer Morey

Paranormal

Child of Darkness -- Jennifer Armintrout (Fantasy)
Possess Me at Midnight -- Shayla Black
Finding the Lost -- Shannon K. Butcher
A Highlander Christmas -- Janet Chapman
Deep Kiss of Winter -- Kresley Cole & Gena Showalter
Winter Kiss -- Deborah Cooke
Wild Blue Under -- Judi Fennell
Home in Time for Christmas -- Heather Graham
Skin Game -- Ava Gray
Beauty’s Curse -- Traci E. Hall
Darkness Unleashed -- Alexandra Ivy
Shifting Plains -- Jean Johnson
Born of Fire -- Sherrilyn Kenyon
The Mane Squeeze -- Shelly Laurenston
Time Raiders: The Protector -- Merline Lovelace
Soul Magic -- Jennifer Lyon
Me and My Shadow -- Katie MacAlister
The Best Gift -- Wendy Markham
Heart Change -- Robin D. Owens
Sins of the Flesh -- Caridad Piñeiro
The Vampire Affair -- Livia Reasoner
Thief of Light -- Denise Rossetti
Blaze of Memory -- Nalini Singh
Dark Stranger -- Susan Sizemore
Draycott Everlasting -- Christina Skye
Captive Desires -- Diane Whiteside

Queen of Song and Souls -- C.L. Wilson (Fantasy)

Urban Fantasy

Bound to Shadows -- Keri Arthur
Burn Me Deadly -- Alex Bledsoe
Soul Catcher -- Leigh Bridger
Fade Out -- Rachel Caine
Tempted -- P.C. & Kristin Cast
Bitter Night -- Diana Pharaoh Francis
Silent Night, Haunted Night -- Terri Garey
Apocalypse Happens -- Lori Handeland
Tainted -- Julie Kenner
Blood Kin -- Maria Lima
Magic in the Shadows -- Devon Monk
Tempest Rising -- Nicole Peeler
Crimson -- Jordan SummersNever After -- Laurell K. Hamilton, Yasmine Galenorn, Marjorie M. Liu, Sharon Shinn

Erotica/Erotic Romance

What She Needs -- Lacey Alexander
Yours for the Night -- Jasmine Haynes
Untamed -- Crystal Jordan
Flesh for Fantasy -- Joan Elizabeth Lloyd
Sexual Secrets -- Melissa MacNeal
Luke: Armed and Dangerous -- Cheyenne McCray
Seduction Island -- Lorie O’Clare
Temptation -- Leda Swann
Men on Fire -- Susan Lyons, Rachelle Chase, Jodi Lynn Copeland
Winter’s Desire -- Amanda McIntyre, Charlotte Featherstone, Kristi Astor

Wrapped in Seduction -- Lisa Renee Jones, Cathryn Fox, Jodi Lynn Copeland

Until December, happy reading!

REVIEW: HIGHLAND DRAGON

Highland Dragon

by Kimberly Killion

Publisher: Zebra
Release Date: October 6, 2009

As a young lad, Calin McLeod witnesses the murder of his father at the command of his enemy’s leader, Laird Kinnon. To add to the horrific memory of watching the life leave his father’s eyes, young Calin also bears witness to the murder of the woman his father loves dearly, Lady Kinnon, immediately after she gives birth to the daughter of the evil Laird Kinnon. Even at the tender age of 10, Calin knows the creed of every Scotsman. No one messes with family!! Determined to avenge his father’s murder, Calin takes the newly birthed baby from the priest’s hands and brands the bottom of the baby girl with his father’s signet ring. Knowing this baby girl is the key to his revenge and that he will come back to claim her as his wife in the years to come, Calin gives the young infant to his best friend’s family to raise and protect.

Akira Neish has always known she would marry her benefactor, the man who has provided for her since she was an infant. But of late she is wondering what is taking the man so darn long to come and claim her. When a group of warriors believing she is a witch all because of a mark on her derriere kidnaps Akira and takes her to Tigh Diabhail to be sold to the highest bidder, Akira believes her savior will never show. But at the last minute, a man arrives with Akira’s brother Kendrick and bids an extremely high amount for her. Unbeknownst to her, this strange man is her benefactor and soon to be husband.

From the first meeting of Calin and Akira, the electricity between these two can be felt through the pages. Though it was not love at first sight, the first interaction between the two does set the atmosphere of frank talk in their relationship. Akira is a strong-willed young woman who thinks quickly on her feet, speaks her mind and at moments demands things her way. When it is revealed that Calin is Akira’s benefactor and has plans to marry her, Akira quickly demands a couple boons from Calin before giving her agreement to the marriage. The majority of her requests are simple and ones Calin quickly approves. But when she informs Calin that if he intends to kiss her frequently prior to their marriage then he will need to shave his beard, Calin doesn’t know what to think.

Calin’s eyes widened. “M’lady, a Highlander without a beard is as rare as a sheep with nay wool. I have nary a doubt, ye are testing me.”

Akira crossed her arms over her chest and raised both brows to challenge him.

“Ye cannae be serious. Ye want me to . . . shave. The bath is acceptable, even desirable at this point, I admit. But the beard? ‘Tis a most unreasonable request. Ye cannae ask this of me.”

Aghast at the demand by Akira, Calin questions himself. Why should the chieftain of Clan McLeod shave his beard? But at this point in the story, I believe that Calin has already given his heart to Akira. Though the words may not have been spoken yet, Calin’s actions speak louder than those words. This seemingly insignificant request proves to be the beginning of the true relationship between Calin and Akira. Though not particularly pleased with his clean shaven face, Calin’s compliance with Akira’s request shows his promise to listen and respect her opinions. As you can see from this passage in the novel, Calin realizes he is falling in love with this woman who is to be the tool of his revenge.

"Calin stood at the entrance to the kirk beside Father Harrald when Akira floated through the procession of people and into his view. His knees locked, and what felt like a small animal jumped inside his gut. When a constricting force clutched at his heart, he gave his head a quick shake. What was wrong with him? He was a leader. A warrior. He refused to believe the woman he was about to marry for the sake of protecting his clan shared part of his heart, but the undeniable weight pushing against his lungs challenged his theory. As the timeless moment whirled around him like Highland mist, he realized Akira would be more than just his lady wife. She would be his companion. His friend. His lover."

Kimberly Killion has done it again with this novel. I have to say this story kept me riveted the entire time. The relationship between Calin and Akira is one you would (or at least should) expect from any Highland medieval story – strong, passionate, opinionated, and sensual with utter devotion and conquering love as the threads that bind hearts and souls together.

The cast of secondary characters is second to none. From the despicable, creepy (really creepy!) Laird Kinnon to the adorable, young Andrew who grabs at your heartstrings to the older, feisty Aunt Wanda who gives the elders of the clan a tongue lashing to best friend Kendrick who is begging for his own story to be told (or at least I’m begging for his story!). All of these unique individuals add just the right amount of flavor to this story.

This is a book that now has its place on my keeper shelf. So leave some space on your keeper shelf and go pick up Highland Dragon. You won’t be disappointed!



Disclaimer: Even though I have a personal and business relationship with Kimberly Killion, I have reviewed this book with the same sense of fairness and objectivity that I bring to every review.

GUEST AUTHOR - Kimberly Killion

We are so thrilled to have award-winning author, Kimberly Killion, with us today as our very first guest author and to celebrate Day 2 of the grand opening of THE ROMANCE DISH. Kimberly writes powerful, sexy medievals. Who doesn't love to read about a sexy Scotsman! I fell in love with her writing last year when I read (and raved about!) her debut novel, HER ONE DESIRE.
Let's all welcome Kimberly!
*cheers & applause*
KIMBERLY: My, my, my, you all certainly outdid yourselves on the decorations... Bravo! Bravo! I was here yesterday for the launch and have to say, you all had a packed house. Is anyone suffering a bit from the bubbly?
*lots of nodding*
Well, I’ve got just the thing for what ails you…more bubbly!!!
*hurrahs and applause*
Now where is that handsome Irish butler I saw yesterday? *Kimberly searches the crowd for Sean.* Oh, I worried the bloke might have worked over hard yesterday. Hmmm…he doesn’t seem to be with us at the moment, but fear not ladies, I never travel without my own attendant.
“Oh Mr. Butler! Mr. Butler, do come say hello to the girls.”
Ah, there he is. Ladies, I give you Gerard.
*silence, gasps, swoon*
“Do not tally, Gerard. And keep those glasses full.”
Now…where was I…Ah, yes…I was about to tell you a little about myself. As Buffie said before, I write sexy Medieval Romance, but you all really don’t want to hear about me. The truth is, you really don’t care how long I’ve been writing (since ’97) or what I would tell aspiring authors (persevere). Let’s be honest, do you really care what my favorite food is (chocolate) or what my greatest fears are (spiders and balloons)?
I know the last thing you all want to hear about is who my favorite authors are (Teresa Medeiros and Julie Garwood) or what I’m working on now (a three-book series that is currently top secret, but let’s just say I’m trying out a regency voice).
What you all really came for today are the hawt Scots!
“Oh, Gerard! Gerard!” Where did he go?
GANNON: He's over here.
KIMBERLY: *gasp* “Gerard! I did not bring you along so you could woo all the guests! Now start filling those glasses!”
Ahem…where was I?… Ah, yes…hawt Scots. Well, let me tell you a bit about—
*Holds up finger* “Gerard, see if you can make yourself useful in the kitchen.”
The man gets so jealous when I talk about my Calin. Laird Calin MacLeod that is. He is the hero in my October release, HIGHLAND DRAGON. Let me tell you a bit about him. Eighteen years after hiding the secret of his betrothed’s lineage, Laird Calin MacLeod is forced to choose between avenging his father’s death and surrendering to the passion he finds in the arms of his enemy’s daughter.
This man saw more bloodshed before he was ten years old than the average young laddie. (read about that treacherous moment) And let me tell you a wee bit about his woman...
Akira Neish has been raised as a peasant, her belly often empty and her family subject to the cruel whims of her clan's laird. To the clan’s children, the horned shaped birthmark she bears means she is a witch. But she is neither peasant nor witch—and now the man who knows the truth has returned to claim her for his own.
Yes, you guessed it. That man is my Calin. How do you suppose that first meeting will go?
Actually, here’s a brief snippet of Calin and Akira’s first encounter...
***************************
Calin crawled atop Akira on all fours, covering her from head to toe. Mocking their privacy, the guards lowered a gauze canopy—caging them like breeding animals on public display. She violently thrashed her head side to side, whipping a black web of hair to veil her features.
“Imigh sa diabhal, bastún,” Akira cursed at him in Gaelic. And then in French. “Focal leat! Retournez à la pute qui t’a accouchée!”
“I am nay a bastard, and my mother wasnae a whore.” Calin calmly corrected her expletives. Her obscene vocabulary both shocked and impressed him.
“To the devil with your black blood. May ye rot alongside the bitseach that birthed ye.”
“Nor was my mother a bitch.” Although Calin knew little about the woman who died giving birth to him, he felt a sense of honor to protect his mother from such heinous names. He exhaled dramatically, shook his head, and tsked. “How can such a vulgar tongue be placed betwixt the lips of such a bonnie fine mouth?”
In response, Akira spat on him. She then thrust forward, ramming her forehead into the bridge of his nose. The impact against his skull reverberated clear to his back teeth.
Hell and damnation, his bride was a hoyden!
*****************
ANDREA: Whoa! What happens next?


PJ: Please, please tell us what happens next!

KIMBERLY: You’ll have to pick up the book to see...
AMAZON BORDERS B&N or get the eBOOK
Now, then...let’s talk about your favorite Scots. Maybe he’s an actor or perhaps he’s a character in a book. And for those of you who comment, I’ll toss your name in Gerard’s pocket, and later today, we’ll draw a winner for an autographed copy of HIGHLAND DRAGON as well as an autographed copy of my RITA nominated debut book, HER ONE DESIRE.
Oh, and before I wrap up, I wanted to thank Buffie for having me on THE ROMANCE DISH today. *searches the crowd* Where did Buffie go?

BUFFIE:
I’m here! Over here. Gerard and I were just catching up. *sigh*
Thank you so much for joining us today, Kimberly. But most especially thanks for bringing Mr. Butler with you!!

Be sure to stop by this Saturday, November 7, to check out my review of HIGHLAND DRAGON.

**************

Visit Kimberly Killion’s website for contests, excerpts and more: www.kimberlykillion.com

LET'S DISH!

WOO HOO!  It's finally here!  The platters are loaded with delicious goodies, blenders filled with margaritas are whirring and the gorgeous waiters are awaiting your pleasure.  The Romance Dish is ready to open for business so let's cut the ribbon and get this party started!  (Andrea whispers in PJ's ear)  What?  But they all know us!  (more whispers)  Oh.  Yes, that's true.  We did tell people to bring their friends.  I guess it would be a good idea to tell them a little bit about us and how we came to form The Romance Dish.  Okay, listen up, everybody!  I'm going to tell you a story.

Once upon a time there were four women who loved to read romance.  They were frequent visitors to places like Squawk Radio, the Eloisa James/Julia Quinn Bulletin Board, the Avon Authors Forum and RomanceNovelTV - places where they would talk about the books they had read and what they liked (or didn't like) about them.  They had opinions.  Lots of opinions!  One day, Maria and Marisa, the mavens of RNTV, asked them to formalize their comments by writing book reviews for their site.  The women had never thought about writing actual reviews but it sounded like fun and, goodness knows, they sure did enjoy talking about romance.  Over the next two years they reviewed 147 books, discovered terrific authors whose books now grace their keeper shelves and made great friends.  But, alas, all good things must eventually end and a little over one month ago, the women received the news that RNTV would be closing.  They were disappointed and sad but they weren't finished.  There were so many books waiting to be published, waiting to be reviewed.  They still had more to say!  As luck would have it, the four women were scheduled to attend the Moonlight & Magnolias Conference a few days later.  

They spent the weekend at M&M brainstorming, (Okay, there was a little partying but it was mostly brainstorming.  Honestly!), received encouragement and guidance from many wonderful people at the conference and, by the time they left that Sunday, were well on their way to building the cyber-home we're celebrating today.  


(Gannon whispers in PJ's ear)  But I'm afraid I'll forget someone!  (more whispers)  Yes, you're right.  We should thank the people who have helped us but there are so many and, besides, people are getting restless.  They're thirsty and hungry.  They want to party!  I don't know if Sean and the other waiters can hold them back!  (frantic whispers and lots of hand gestures)  Okay!  I know it's important!  I just don't want a riot at our first party.  Not when we've worked so hard to decorate the place.  I'll make this short and sweet.  Then can we start the party?  (Gannon, Andrea and Buffie happily smile and nod in agreement)  Honestly, how did I get elected to emcee this gig anyway?  Mumble...grumble.  Oh.  That's right.  I volunteered. (PJ steps up to the microphone again.)

Since undertaking this new project, we have been blessed with an enormous amount of encouragement, enthusiasm and much-appreciated guidance from across the romance writing and reading world.  We appreciate each and every one of you!  Special thanks go to talented authors Anna Campbell  and Trish Milburn who will be joining us here at The Romance Dish with monthly blogs.  Be sure to mark your calendars for the 10th and 24th of every month.  Special thanks go to Kimberly Killion for designing our beautiful banner, avatars, rating stars and much more.  Beverley Kendall at The Season has been so generous in promoting our site and will be posting second-hand reviews from The Romance Dish.  Special thanks to Barb at Happily Forever After for graciously guiding a fellow blogger she had never met (me) through the steps to create our slide show and re-writing the code to make it fit into our side bar.  And last, but never least, many thanks to The Romance Bandits for their support and guidance and to Banditas Trish, Joanie, Nancy and Caren for convincing us in Atlanta that we can do this thing!

Okay, ladies!  Let's cut the ribbon and get this party started.  It's time to dish!     

We're looking forward to a terrific line-up of books, blogs and authors at The Romance Dish this month.  What are you looking forward to in November?  Leave a comment and you may win one of the many prizes we'll be giving away throughout the day.  Every comment is another chance to win!