Review & Giveaway - - Always Be My Duchess

Always Be My Duchess

by Amalie Howard

Taming of the Dukes - Book 1

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: July 12, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

Lord Lysander Blackstone, the stern Duke of Montcroix, has only one interest: increasing his considerable fortune. After a series of betrayals, he keeps his emotions buried deep. Money, after all, can't break a man's heart—or make promises it can’t keep. But when his reputation for being heartless jeopardizes a new business deal, he finds himself seeking a most unusual—and alluring—solution . . . 

Once an up-and-coming ballerina, Miss Geneviève Valery is now hopelessly out of work. After refusing to become a wealthy patron's mistress, Nève was promptly shown the door to the streets. When she accidentally saves the life of a handsome duke, she doubts the encounter will go any better than her last brush with nobility. But instead of propositioning her, Montcroix makes Nève an offer she would be a fool to refuse: act as his fake fiancée in exchange for fortune enough to start over.

Only neither is prepared when very real feelings begin to grow between them. They both stand to win . . . but only if they’re willing to risk their hearts.

PJ's Thoughts:

From beginning to end, I was utterly enchanted by this first book in Amalie Howard's new Taming of the Dukes series. The storyline is fresh and original (with an underlying nod to rom-com favorite, Pretty Woman), and features main characters not often seen in historical romance. Add in sensual love scenes, heart-tugging romance, a fake engagement, plus a gender-flipped rescue and...well...I was pretty much a goner.

Lysander (Stone, to his friends) stole my heart as surely as he captured Nève's. There are so many layers to this neurodivergent character and Howard captured them beautifully. Her depiction of him balanced the genius of his logical mind with his inability to quickly assess the emotional aspects of decisions and situations, creating misunderstandings along his journey while further endearing himself to me, the reader. The authenticity of his character traits created a fully-developed, nuanced individual with a deep capacity for love...with the right person. The right person being an unemployed French ballerina with a head for business, a well of integrity, and a core of steel. I adored her. 

Nève is the perfect counterpart to Lysander. I loved her passion, her strength, her kind and genuine heart, but also her refusal to compromise her worth. The chemistry between them sizzled but Howard took her time with them emotionally, moving their relationship forward at just the right pace, allowing a gradual and realistic deepening of feelings, especially on Lysander's part. She also used dance, central to Nève's being, as a vehicle to convey emotion. Her lyrical descriptions showcased her personal knowledge of ballet while also creating scenes that played across my mind like a movie. 

The secondary cast of the book were vibrantly depicted, adding humor and a richness to the story as well as fraught conflict (nasty villains but don't worry, justice is served). I especially enjoyed the friendship that developed among the five women (including Nève). Howard used their scenes to not only further develop Nève's character but also allow readers glimpses into each of their characters in advance of what I hope will be more stories. And, their participation in the final, swoon-worthy declaration was an absolute delight. Laughter and (happy) tears. 

If you have not yet discovered Amalie Howard's Always Be My Duchess, I enthusiastically recommend adding it to your summer reading list. It's one of my favorite historical romances this year and one that I have no doubt I'll revisit again. 

Have you read Amalie Howard yet? 

Do you enjoy characters that are outside the historical romance mainstream?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, July 14 will receive a print copy of Always Be My Duchess.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

Winner - - Always Be My Duchess

 

The randomly chosen winner of 

a print copy of

Always Be My Duchess by Amalie Howard is:

flchen1

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Second Chance Winner - - Always Be My Duchess

 

The original winner of the

Always Be My Duchess giveaway

 has notified me that she won a copy of the book 

from another site so a new winner has been chosen. 

Congratulations to:

Deb

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Today's Special -- Kellie Kamryn

I had the pleasure of meeting contemporary author Kellie Kamryn at the 2011 Moonlight & Magnolias conference in Atlanta. She immediately struck me as a sweet and fun gal and I enjoyed the time that we all spent together and hope we can repeat it soon! Kellie's newest contemporary romance, Rebound (which released January 16), contains two things she loves--gymnastics and writing. Please help me welcome Kellie to the Romance Dish!

~Andrea



One Small Decision

People always ask authors how they got started. I think anything always starts with one small decision. First, I decided that if I was ever going to write a book, it should be now. I mean, the days go by, the intention is there, but it takes guts to put it into action and follow through. I’d never had the confidence growing up to do it even though I’d always loved writing. I figured I should at least give it a shot because I’m one of those people who would hate to get to a point in their lives where it’s too late and have regrets about not doing something. So, I wrote a couple of bad novels, hired an editor to teach me some stuff, and then thought I was ready to go.

Turns out – not so much. I had no contacts, I didn’t know how to write a query, was very bad at synopsis writing, and figured that an agent or editor would just take one look at my story, see the potential and that would be it. (Insert raucous laughter here. *g*) So, I had the confidence to write a story, but not the confidence or know-how to sell it. So, what do you do when you don’t know what to do next?

I joined the Writer’s Guild where I lived but it didn’t seem to be the place for me. (Too much turmoil and no one else wrote romance.) Disheartened, I took my kids to the library (what better place to be than surrounded by books) where I happened to pick up a book penned by the uber-talented Eloisa James. The book? An Affair at Christmas. Never forget.

After reading it, I ended up buying all of the books in her Desperate Duchess series. But still, my own work sat on my computer, and after a few more rejections, I was at nearly at the point of giving up. A conversation with my sister sparked a new idea. We thought - what if I emailed a few of my favourite authors and asked for some advice? I didn’t want them to read my work, I just wanted to know how they got started. I figured I had nothing to lose. Either they’d answer or they wouldn’t. Eloisa was one of the author’s I emailed. I remember nervously composing that email to make sure I sounded respectful, and re-reading it a zillion times because I wanted to give the right impression. To my delight and surprise, she emailed back, thanking me for reading her books as well as pointing me in the direction of the Romance Writers of America, their contests, and their conferences.

And that led to other small decisions; like joining Eloisa’s Bulletin Board she used to share with Julia Quinn, where I met on-line the ladies of The Romance Dish and other women who have now become my very dear friends. I also became a member of the Romance Writers of America and soaked up the information they had to offer. I attended that year’s National Conference in Orlando, Florida, where I roomed with a friend I’d met on-line through the BB. I met Gannon and PJ, I took classes on pitching, synopsis writing, and attended publisher/agent forums. I learned a lot, after which I went home and put it all into action.

Since then, I’ve written three erotic shorts that were published last fall, in addition to Rebound, Book 1 in the Love and Balance series which I’ll tell you about in a moment. As a side note, I never thought I’d write erotica, even though my books are always heavy on the romance if you know what I mean. *wink* Through more networking, I met other authors and read their work which blurred the line between contemporary and erotic romance. I developed my own style and write the stories of my heart, letting the characters take me where they will. And here I am today – published author with the intention to write more and publish more. So, I hope you see how one small decision can lead you down an amazing path!

My current novel combines two of my passions: gymnastics and writing. As a former elite gymnast and coach, this story came to me and begged to be told. It’s been through a couple of re-writes before I finally submitted it, but I never gave up on it. Secret Cravings Publishing took a chance on it, and I’m very pleased they will be publishing Book 2, The Perfect Score soon as well.

Time to tell you a little about it...

REBOUND
An award-winning choreographer must face the only man she's ever loved then lost when they are teamed up to work together at a gymnastics camp for Olympic hopefuls.

Claire LeMay is at the top of her game - she's head of a prominent gymnastics facility with her gymnasts winning awards for her outstanding choreography. Now her biggest challenge is to coach alongside the man she's avoided for three years after he demanded she live in his shadow instead of forging her own path.

After sinking every penny of his inheritance into his state-of-the-art gymnastics facility, Justin Black has achieved his dream. Oblivious as to why Claire walked out on him three years ago, he attempts to call a truce. As their old passion tumbles out faster than a gymnast sprinting down the vault runway, they realize they are in the same impossible position as they were three years ago. Are they destined to repeat the same old routine or will they be able to choreograph a new one?

Excerpt:

“You want the truth?”

Exasperated, he said, “Yes!”

“Fine.” She pinned him with a determined look. “You demanded I move here and work for you, assuming I’d jump at the chance. You never considered I had a life outside of you, or that there were things I might want to do with my career apart from yours. That’s what happened, Justin.”

He scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. “I never said that.”

“Yes you did!”

“When?”

Her eyes bugged out at him. “You don’t remember the argument?”

“I remember you leaving.”

“Unbelievable,” she muttered.

He held his hands palms up. “So, why didn’t you ever tell me?”

Her shoulders sagged. “I—I was angry at the time. Why didn’t you ever ask?”

He blinked at her. “Touché.”

“Well, I wanted to establish myself as a coach before I moved here to be with you. I wanted to do it on my terms, not because you told me to. I thought we had our whole lives.” Her voice trailed away, and she looked down into her lap.

Hope blossomed in his chest. “So, you did want to come here?”

She returned her gaze to his face, reaching over and brushing her fingertips down his cheek.

“Of course I did. But not at your command.” She withdrew her hand and fiddled with the zipper on her coat.

He stilled her fingers by covering them with his own. “I never meant to make demands of you. I was just caught up in everything going on. My dream was coming true, and I wanted you to be a part of it.”

She gave him a rueful smile. “I was always a part of it. You just didn’t see it that way.”

He cupped her face in his hands. “I’m sorry,” he said, drawing her closer to him. “I never meant to hurt you.”

Tears filled her eyes, and she licked her lips. He wanted to kiss away all her hurts. Oh, how he wanted to feel her luscious lips against his. Just one taste wouldn’t hurt, would it?

He leaned toward her, but just when his lips were an inch from hers, she jerked her face out of his hands, folding her arms over her chest. She looked a lot like a pissed-off woman, and he eyed her warily.

“Not so fast. Why didn’t you ever call?” she demanded. “You let me walk out of your life without a word of protest.”

He blew a breath upward. “Takes two to tango, honey. You know how to use a phone.” She wasn’t going to make this all his fault.

“So, I was supposed to come crawling back to you?”

Her tone of voice told him the safest answer was none at all. However, she didn’t like that any better.

“Well, that would’ve been a cold day in h—”

“—hell,” he finished for her. “And that’s what the last three years have been.”

Buy Link: Secret Cravings Store


Hope that little excerpt intrigues you enough to check it out!


Thank you to PJ, Gannon, Buffie and Andrea for having me here today. It’s so exciting to be celebrating on The Romance Dish! As a thank you for checking out my post today, I’m giving away a copy of a book from my backlist, and a signed copy of Eloisa James’ A KISS AT MIDNIGHT to one commenter. As an added bonus, when Eloisa found out I was giving away a copy of her book, she was sweet to offer a signed copy of WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST to another commenter. So, there will be two winners! What an exciting day! Thanks to everyone who stopped by :) And if you want to ask me anything, please do and I’ll be checking in throughout the day to answer.
Xo Kellie


Readers can find me at: www.kelliekamryn.com, http://www.kelliekamryn.blogspot.com/ , www.facebook.com/KellieKamryn, and on twitter @KellieKamryn

Birthday Month Giveaway #12 - - Historicals on the Horizon

 

I've been plotting out my reading for the rest of 2021. Oh, not the impulse buys, those books that catch my eye, causing me to quickly one-click at Amazon. No, these are the books I've been hearing buzz about for the past several months, the next installment in an ongoing series that I've been eagerly anticipating since last year. The books written by the authors who are my treasured auto-buys. The majority of these books have already been pre-ordered, allowing me to bask in the giddy anticipation of waking up on release day to the knowledge that a delicious new historical romance is on my Kindle, sitting there like a gaily-wrapped package just waiting to be opened and appreciated. Here are a few of the historical romances I'm most anticipating.

The Devil's Own Duke

by Lenora Bell

Wallflowers vs Rogues - Book 2

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 28, 2021

Lady Henrietta Prince is far too busy for romance. She's dedicated her life to turning her family vineyards into a profitable sparkling wine venture. But when she shares a thrilling kiss at midnight with a handsome stranger, she's captivated...until he claims to be the distant heir to her father's dukedom.

Ash Ellis is a gambler who lives life on the edge. Now he's locked his sights on a glittering prize and nothing will stand in his way.

When Henrietta is forced to marry the wicked rogue to keep her beloved vineyards, she vows that Ash will never have her trust, or her love. Even if his kisses are more intoxicating than the finest champagne.

His new bride is certainly beautiful, but biddable? Not so much. Ash will settle for nothing less than Henrietta's total surrender...but is he the one in danger of losing his heart?

PJ says: Bell's books touch my heart, tickle my funny bone, and always, always leave me with a happy smile. I adored book one of this series and can't wait to embark on this new journey with winemaker Henrietta and gambler Ash. 

The Duchess Hunt

by Lorraine Heath

Once Upon a Dukedom - Book 2

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 28. 2021

Hugh Brinsley-Norton, the Duke of Kingsland, is in need of a duchess. However, restoring the dukedom—left in ruins by his father—to its former glory demands all his time, with little room for sentiment. He places an advert encouraging the single ladies of the ton to write why they should be the one chosen, and leaves it to his efficient secretary to select his future wife.

If there exists a more unpleasant task in the world than deciding who is to marry the man you love, Penelope Pettypeace certainly can’t imagine what it might be. Still, she is determined to find the perfect bride for her clueless, yet ruthlessly charming employer.

But when an anonymous note threatens to reveal truths best hidden, Kingsland has no choice but to confront the danger with Penelope at his side. Beguiled by the strong-willed, courageous beauty, he realizes he’s willing to risk everything, including his heart, to keep her safe within his arms. Could it be the duchess he’s hunting for has been in front of him all along?

PJ says: Heath is one of my favorite historical romance authors. I've been intrigued by Kingsland and his secretary, Miss Pettypeace since meeting them in book one, Scoundrel of My Heart (highly recommend!). I'm excited for them to take center stage in The Duchess Hunt. 

Rules for Heiresses

by Amalie Howard

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Release Date: October 26, 2021

Sometimes, finding love means flouting the rules...

Born to a life of privilege, Lady Ravenna Huntley rues the day that she must marry. She's refused dozens of suitors and cried off multiple betrothals, but running away—even if brash and foolhardy—is the only option left to secure her independence.

Lord Courtland Chase, grandson of the Duke of Ashvale, was driven from England at the behest of his cruel stepmother. Scorned and shunned, he swore never to return to the land of his birth. But when a twist of bad luck throws a rebellious heiress into his arms, at the very moment he finds out he's the new Duke, marriage is the only alternative to massive scandal.

Both are quick to deny it, but a wedding might be the only way out for both of them. And the attraction that burns between them makes Ravenna and Courtland wonder if it'll truly only be a marriage of convenience after all...

PJ says: A rebellious heiress, a shunned duke, a delicious scandal, and a marriage of convenience. Check, check, check, and double check! Howard brings heat, humor, and heart to her historical romances and I am here for it. 

 

A Wanton for All Seasons

by Christie Caldwell 

Publisher: Montlake 

Release Date: November 2, 2021

Annalee Spencer and Wayland Smith were uninhibited young lovers until the Peterloo Massacre set them on two different paths. Raised to the title of Baron of Darlington in recognition of his courage, Wayland is now a model of propriety and heroism. As for Annalee, the trauma of that tragic day in Manchester is ever present. To dull the pain, she lives only for pleasure. And she derives immense pleasure from co-leading the Mismatch Society, a league of scandalously independent women. Perhaps too scandalous…because of Annalee. To save the society, she must adopt a veneer of respectability. For that she needs the man who’s won the admiration of the ton.

Wayland may be conflicted, but he agrees to Annalee’s proposal, if only to atone for having brought his former beloved to Peterloo on that fateful day. Reunited under the pretense of a courtship, Wayland and Annalee find the feelings between them are becoming real. With their own futures at stake, it’s finally time to confront the past, to trust in each other again, and against the odds, to reclaim the love they once had.

PJ says: The first two books in this series have been brimming with sensual romance and deep emotion. I have a feeling this third one may be the most emotional yet. Christi Caldwell never disappoints.

After Dark with the Duke

by Julie Anne Long

The Palace of Rogues - Book 4

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: November 30, 2021

She arrives in the dead of night, a mob out for blood at her heels: Mariana Wylde, the “Harlot of Haywood Street,” an opera diva brought low by a duel fought for her favors. But the ladies of the Grand Palace on the Thames think they can make a silk purse from scandal: They’ll restore her reputation and share in her triumph...provided they can keep her apart from that other guest.

 
Coldly brilliant, fiercely honorable, General James Duncan Blackmore, the Duke of Valkirk, is revered, feared, desired...but nobody truly knows him. Until a clash with a fiery, vulnerable beauty who stands for everything he scorns lays him bare. It’s too clear the only cure for consuming desire is conquest, but their only chance at happiness could lead to their destruction.

The legendary duke never dreamed love would be his last battleground. Valkirk would lay down his life for Mariana, but his choice is stark: risk losing her forever, or do the one thing he vowed he never would...surrender.

PJ says: I've been reading Long since her debut. If she writes it, I buy it. I pre-ordered After Dark with the Duke in March. I'm currently at the midway point of an advance copy of the book and all I can say is that if the second half of this book is as good as the first it may well end up being one of my favorite JAL books and one of my favorite historical romances of 2021. 

What historical romances being released between now and the end of 2021 are you most looking forward to reading?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 13 will receive a print copy of Scoundrel of My Heart by Lorraine Heath.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

Today's Special - - Christina Brooke

Today, it's my pleasure to welcome back one of our favorite Aussies, Christina Brooke.  Christina is a former corporate lawyer who lives in Queensland, Australia with her husband, two sons and dog.  Writing Regency historicals as Christine Wells, she was the first Australian to win RWA's Golden Heart Award and was a 2009 RITA finalist.  Christina and I had a chance to catch up at RWA National recently and talk about all the exciting changes in her life.  One of the biggest is a new publisher, new nom de plume, and wonderful new series of books! 


Please join me in welcoming Christina to The Romance Dish as we explore this exciting new chapter in her writing life.






PJ:  Welcome to The Romance Dish, Christina and congratulations on the release of HEIRESS IN LOVE! It’s been getting terrific reviews...and I loved it!  Will you please tell our readers a bit about the story?


Christina: Hi PJ! Hi Dishers! Thank you so much for having me with you today. I love visiting the Dish.

Here is the blurb for HEIRESS IN LOVE:

When the Ministry of Marriage arranges a match, all that matters is power, wealth and prestige. In the business of marriage, there is no room for love. But even the most prudent plans can go awry…


A Convenient Marriage


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…


An Inconvenient Passion


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…

PJ:  I thoroughly enjoyed Jane and Constantine’s story and was fascinated by the Ministry of Marriage. It’s such an original concept and I don’t recall ever seeing it’s like before. Did anything in particular inspire it?

Christina:  Thank you! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it and found the Ministry idea intriguing. It’s always difficult to pinpoint how an idea evolves. I wanted to create my own Regency world, much like the worlds paranormal authors create. Sometimes we forget when we read historical romance that generations of forebears stand behind our aristocratic heroes and heroines—and not just that, but different families have shared history too. Almost everyone knew everyone else in the ton. There were alliances, feuds, scandals and rivalries between clans. So I wanted that sensibility in my novels.

Some traits seem to run in families, so I enjoy playing on that as well—The Westruthers tend to be highly intelligent, subtle yet ruthless and so confident of their social standing that they think anything they do must be acceptable—they can get away with behavior that other, lesser mortals can’t. The Blacks are charmers and rogues. They have a lot of guile and they use it to the full. The deVeres are a bit on the rough side, graceless and plain-spoken. The men are warriors and the women tend to be tomboys and misfits. Of course, there are family members who buck the trend, too, so it’s all good fun.

You might like to check out my website’s Members Only section to take the quiz about which family you belong to! http://www.christina-brooke.com/members-only/

To tie it all together, I decided that the heads of these and other families would set up a formal organization to arrange and approve dynastic marriages. And so the body nicknamed The Ministry of Marriage (M.O.M.) was born. I like the idea of marriage and romance being of such importance to these nobles that they create a cross between a corporate board and the NFL draft to deal with them! It never happened, of course, but it’s fun to imagine.

So while I do have a few secondary characters running around in these novels, all of them are focused on the courtship and marriage between my hero and heroine.


PJ:  You’ve introduced so many intriguing characters in this book and I do love a multi-book series. How many books will there be in this series? Do you plan to write the stories of both the girls and the boys who were raised by Montford?

Christina:  That’s a good question! I had six Westruther books in my head from the start—one for each of the three girls and three boys who are cousins as well as wards of the Duke of Montford.

I can guarantee there will be at least three books in this series and they will be the girls’ stories: Jane’s story (HEIRESS IN LOVE) followed by Rosamund (MAD ABOUT THE EARL, January 2012) and then Cecily will meet her match in A DUCHESS TO REMEMBER ( July 2012). What happens after that is in the laps of the publishing gods to some extent, but I would love to write another trilogy for the Westruther men. I’ll keep you posted!

PJ:  I'l keep my fingers crossed!

Speaking of Montford (you know I have to ask), will we find out the history between him and Lady Arden? I can’t be the only one begging for their story!

Christina:  Haha, no you’re not alone. My agent was aghast when I threatened to marry Montford off to a governess! What I can tell you is that Arden and Montford’s, um, situation will not be resolved in the first three books of the series. They are circling one another still. The cold-as-ice Montford has to learn a few lessons about love before he can have his own happily ever after. Poor man, he keeps arranging these practical marriages for his wards, but they persist in falling in love!

PJ:  I am so looking forward to watching him thaw!

I already have the release date for MAD ABOUT THE EARL marked on my 2012 calendar.   Can you tell us anything about Rosamund's story?  (Christina recently released the cover of MAD ABOUT THE EARL.  Isn't it gorgeous?)

Christina:  The beauty of the family, Lady Rosamund, will make a match in MAD ABOUT THE EARL. That is out on January 3 next year, so I hope all your New Year’s resolutions will include a pledge to rush out and buy it! Trust me, it will be a terrific hangover cure

MAD ABOUT THE EARL is a Beauty and the Beast meets Cinderfella story. The exquisite Lady Rosamund Westruther is determined to be the perfect wife to Griffin deVere, Lord Tregarth, but her beast of a betrothed is the only man in England who doesn’t want her! Circumstances conspire to force Griffin to claim her hand after a longstanding betrothal. It’s then that the fun starts, because Rosamund refuses to wed him until he has learned to be a gentleman and courted her properly.

And for a delicious little teaser, there’s a bonus excerpt from MAD ABOUT THE EARL in the back of HEIRESS IN LOVE.

PJ:  HEIRESS IN LOVE is the debut book of Christina Brooke but you’re no stranger to publication. Writing as Christine Wells, you’ve published four books, including one that was a 2009 RITA finalist. Why the name change? Should fans of Christine Wells expect a different type of writing from Christina Brooke?

Christina:  St. Martin’s were passionate about this new series and it seemed like the right time to break away from the more suspense-driven historical romances I had been writing as Christine Wells. Creating the Ministry of Marriage series feels like coming home to me. These are the kind of books I love to read—sensual, emotional romance against the backdrop of family relationships, with a vein of humor and sexy banter throughout.

PJ:  It was wonderful seeing you recently at the RWA National Conference in New York City. I hope you had a good time! Do you enjoy travel? What’s your favorite getaway spot? What city/country have you never visited but would most like to?

Christina:  Thank you, I always have a ball at RWA and of course, I love catching up with you!

I am not a seasoned traveler by any means but I’m always excited to fly to the U.S.A. to see more of your beautiful country and to catch up with dear friends. Predictably, I love England. I feel like it was my home in another life—perhaps because I grew up on a diet of English literature and theater, period drama and clever BBC television shows like Rumpole of the Bailey and Yes, Minister and To the Manor Born. By contrast, I think Japan is a fascinating country and I want to go back for an extended visit when my children are older (and when the elder one will eat something other than macaroni cheese!).

I’ve never visited Egypt and I would love to go, if only to view the sites in one of my favorite mystery series, Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody mysteries. Perhaps one day!


Time for a quick six!

Vanilla or Chocolate?

Chocolate

Beach or Mountains?

Beach girl all the way. How could I be anything else with the world’s most gorgeous beaches on my doorstep?

Blonde or Brunette (heroes)?

Brunette, but the occasional blonde is good for variety

Pop or Rock (music)?

Depends on my mood. Rock, probably

Dogs or Cats?

Both, although I own only a dog at the moment. Too many allergies in the family for cats.


Early Bird or Night Owl?

Early Bird for work, Night Owl for pleasure—in other words, why not burn the candle at both ends!

PJ:  Christina, thank you so much for visiting with us today.  It's always a pleasure to host you here at the Romance Dish and we wish you all the best with your new name and new series!  

Christina:  Thanks so much for having me, PJ and the Dishy Dames! And now for my question to all of you.

If you were a heroine in one of my novels and your marriage was being arranged, what is the one quality in a husband that you would insist on?

Two lucky commenters will each win a copy of HEIRESS IN LOVE!  Christina's giveaway is open to all commenters with no address restriction. 

For more information about Christina Brooke, visit her website, like her on facebook, follow her at twitter and friend her on Goodreads. You can also find Christina at Romance Bandits. 

Review -- The Golden Season

The Golden Season
By Connie Brockway
Publisher: Onyx
Release Date: February 2, 2010




The Golden Season is my very first Connie Brockway book. Yes, you read that correctly. I don’t know why I haven’t read her books before (except to say that I already read a lot of authors), but I am so glad I have now. Her writing is exquisite and the romance is one of the most beautiful I’ve read in a long time.

Lady Lydia Eastlake is quite the celebrity in Regency London. Yes, she is extremely beautiful. Yes, she is insanely wealthy. And yes, she is the epitome of respectability. But it’s the combination of those plus her independence that makes her so popular. Born to parents whose marriage was met with scandal (it was considered taboo by many for a widow to marry her brother-in-law), Lydia enjoyed an extravagant, globe-trotting lifestyle during her childhood. Upon her parents’ sudden death, Lydia came to England to live with a guardian until her godmother, Eleanor, Duchess of Grenville, took her under her wing. From the moment she debuted, Lydia took London by storm and continues to do so. And then one day while meeting with her banker, Lydia finds out that she is bankrupt.

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m sorry. I can’t be poor. Too many people depend on me. Craftsman and merchants, artisans and wine brokers, tradesmen and other such businesses.”

This was doing it a bit brown. “They do have other clients,” he said.

She frowned, more annoyed than offended. “I don’t think you properly appreciate my position, Terwilliger. I am not just another member of the ton. I am”—she cast about for the appropriate word—“I am an industry.”

Was she twitting him? She’d always had an odd sense of humor.

“Terwilliger,” she said with a touch of exasperation, “I dine at an establishment and its reputation is made. I import a certain varietal wine for a dinner party and within a week the vintner has orders for the next five years and the vineyard where the wine comes from is secure for a decade. I wear a perfume and not only is that fragrance’s popularity guaranteed, but the perfumery’s, too. The same can be said of the mill that produces the silk for my gowns, the musician I hire for an afternoon salon, the composer I employ to write a new sonata ...” She trailed off, studying him to gauge whether he understood.

He recognized in surprise that she was right and once again was visited by the uncomfortable notion that behind all her frivolity, Lady Lydia understood very well the world in which she lived. She was an industry. True, the ton was filled with fashion makers, but no one save Beau Brummell had captivated the public imagination like Lady Lydia Eastlake. She drew crowds wherever she went. People stood in line outside the shops she frequented and lined Rotten Row each afternoon hoping to get a glimpse of her riding past in her barouche.

In this passage, Lydia comes across as being a bit vane and a touch spoiled, but I see it more as confidence. Even when she behaves this way, she is still thinking of others. The fact that she is so genuine and knows exactly who she is made me appreciate and like her right from the start. She acts the way she does because that’s what she’s always known and what has always been expected of her. So, Lydia’s choices are pretty clear: either live off of a pittance and keep her beloved independence or marry a wealthy man and live comfortably without that freedom. As expected, Lydia chooses the latter.

Captain Edward “Ned” Lockton, recently retired from His Majesty’s naval service, comes home to Josten Hall to be with his family in the ancestral home he has always loved. Home only a week and Ned is informed by his brother the earl that the family’s fortune is gone and that Ned is to find an heiress and marry her as soon as possible. Ned goes to London, not because he is forced to or shamed into going, but because he sincerely loves his family in spite of their spoiled and self-indulgent ways. He likes to keep the peace. From the moment he first matches wits with Lydia, Ned sets out to win her. Sigh. He is sensible and always composed (he reminded me a bit of Mr. Darcy) and while it takes a little while for Lydia to crack his reserve, the reader is left with no doubt as to how he feels (one thing in particular that he does made me cry!). And the fact that Lydia is enormously wealthy pretty much seals the deal. But how will each take the news that the other does not have what they require in a spouse?

I loved, loved, LOVED this story! It has been a while since I’ve read a historical romance that was so well written and thoroughly blew me away. Seriously, I could not put it down. Everything about it was simply perfect; from the levelheaded, honorable Ned to the self-assured, compassionate Lydia; from the quirky but charming secondary characters to the slow-building romance sprinkled with tension, which when left in Ms. Brockway’s adept hands, unfolded beautifully. This may be my first Brockway book, but it isn’t going to be my last. I’ve already ordered several from her backlist, including so many romance readers’ top ten all-time favorite, All Through the Night. So, if you couldn’t already tell, I highly recommend The Golden Season. You don’t want to miss it!

~Andrea

Our Favorite Romances of 2016

We're almost halfway through December and 2017 will soon be here. Seems like a good time to chat about those books published in 2016 that touched our hearts, tickled our funny bones, kept us peeking over our shoulders late into the night, and gave us heroines to admire and heroes to fuel our dreams. Janga, Manda, Nancy, Hellie and I have worked hard to whittle our lists down (and, believe me, it wasn't easy!) and bring you our favorite romances of 2016. 

Janga’s Favorites

Hot in Hellcat Canyon by Julie Anne Long

I’ve known for years that JAL was one of the best historical romance writers around, and this year she proved that she is also one of the best contemporary romance writers around as well. I loved this book. It was a win-win-win for me— Hot in Hellcat Canyon was the best romance of the year, Britt and J. T. are my favorite couple of the year, and Hellcat Canyon is my favorite new series of 2016. And if anyone starts a list of the best quote from a romance novel in 2016, J. T.’s wedding speech gets my vote. All this plus a second book, Wild at Whiskey Creek, that is a stellar follow-up to JAL’s contemporary debut. Read our review.

My American Duchess by Eloisa James

One of the many reasons that I am a major Eloisa James fan is her ability to take even the tiredest conventions of historical romance and make them fresh and uniquely hers. I love her use of several tropes in My American Duchess, ranging from favorites like marriage in trouble and an American in London to some I’m kind of meh about such as love at first sight and twins to one I try to avoid, the love triangle. I ended up loving them all in MAD as Merry and Trent made their complicated way to an HEA—and I’ll never look at a pineapple again without thinking of this book. Read our review.

Do You Want to Start a Scandal? by Tessa Dare

A Week to Be Wicked is still my favorite Tessa Dare novel, but it is only a hair ahead of Do You Want to Start a Scandal? Charlotte Highwood is a thoroughly likeable character, intelligent and witty and self-aware despite her youth. I am so glad she said yes to her marquess. Piers Brandon, the Marquess of  Granville, is competent and confident, and he is also that too rare hero with a great sense of humor. Their story made me smile, giggle to myself, and chortle in seeming stereo, but it also had some poignant moments, including a surprisingly different look at Charlotte’s embarrassing, managing mother. Read our review.

The Summer Bride by Anne Gracie

Anne Gracie is another of my never-fail authors, and she proved why she deserves that status with the conclusion to her Chance Sisters series. As much as I love romances filled with lords and ladies, I also cherish those that offer atypical characters. Gracie does just that with Daisy, a cockney foundling who grew up in a brothel, and whose highest ambition now is to establish her independence as the most fashionable dressmaker in London, and Patrick Flynn, a handsome Irishman who earned a partnership in a shipping company through native ability, hard work, and luck. I love a self-made hero, and Patrick is a charmer who won my heart. This was a wonderfully satisfying end to a terrific series. Read our review.

Play by Karina Bliss (in the You Had Me at Christmas anthology)

I’m in love with Bliss’s Solid Rock series, and Play is my favorite novella of 2016.  When it’s done well, marriage in trouble is one of my favorite tropes, and it is done superbly in this story. Jared and Kayla’s love is real, but so are their problems. Bliss mixes humor, heartache, and all the tangled connections in a long and loving relationship in this story—and she avoids simplistic fixes. I laughed out loud at times, and I wiped away tears at others. Even though the story is short, I never felt cheated. I give this novella practically perfect marks for excellence across the board. Read our review.

Temptations of a Wallflower by Eva Leigh

I have a deep affection for historical romances that feature writer heroines that I trace back to my favorite heroines of girl books—Jo March, Anne Shirley, and Betsy Ray. I also love the wallflower trope, vicar heroes, and lucid, lyrical prose. Temptations of a Wallflower gave me all these things in one book. I described it in my review as “a gem of a book that blends feminist themes, engaging characters, and sensual romance that succeeds on multiple levels.” I added it to my Best of 2016 list when I first read it in April. A later, second reading reaffirmed my conviction that it belongs on this list. Read our review.

Secrets of a Soprano by Miranda Neville

Neville is one of those authors who always give her readers something a bit different. In this novel, she creates not only a wonderfully rewarding romance but also a look at the world of opera at a time when the public’s fascination with the stars of opera paralleled contemporary obsession with rock stars and top box-office draws. Neville honors the unwritten contract with her readers and gives Tessa and Max their HEA, but their journey to a blissful reunion is a fraught one—and Tessa’s celebrity is a realistic complication and a reminder that ours is not the first age to create and destroy idols. This is a fascinating and intelligent novel, so no surprise that it is one of my top reads of the year.

Good Dukes Wear Black by Manda Collins

There is something particularly sweet about seeing a friend whose unpublished manuscripts showed she had the spark produce a book that clearly places her among the best writers of her subgenre. Ophelia is an amazing heroine—intelligent, compassionate, and believable in her independence and risk-taking. Piers falls in love with her for all these qualities and supports her rather than trying to change her. Added to this superb characterization is an ideal balance of romance and mystery. Good Dukes Wear Black is on my list because of its merits, but my cheers are especially hearty because the author is my friend. Read our review.

First Star I See Tonight by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

It has been more than twenty years since I first read It Had to Be You, the book that introduced the Chicago Stars series by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I knew on that first reading that I had a keeper to which I would return many times. I felt the same way when I read the eighth entry in the series. With its rule-bending heroine who hides her vulnerabilities and arrogant alpha athlete hero, First Star I See Tonight is vintage Phillips; but it also has a fresh, twenty-first century appeal with its private-investigator heroine and its hero whose heart proves to be as big as his ego. The snarky banter showcases SEP’s genius, and the humor hits the mark every time.

Her Hopes and Dreams by Terri Osburn

Heroines who are recovering from domestic abuse and heroes who struggle with PTSD populate the pages of contemporary romance with a regularity that threatens to dull reader sympathies, but Terri Osburn proves in Her Hopes and Dreams that a gifted author can still take these characters and present them with a power that packs a stunning emotional punch. Carrie Farmer and Noah Winchester give these social problems working-class faces and a painful reality that makes their hard-won happiness incredibly satisfying. That letter scene is one of my favorites ever. (I must have read it at least six times.) And, as with Good Dukes Wear Black, I’m waving two flags for Her Hopes and Dreams, one for splendid authorial achievement and one for joy in a friend’s success. 

I promised PJ that I would whittle my much-longer list of much-loved books of 2016 to just ten, but I have to award Honorable Mention to The Wicked Duke by Madeline Hunter, Once a Soldier by Mary Jo Putney, Sunset in Central Park by Sarah Morgan, When We Were Sisters by Emilie Richards, and The Earl by Katharine Ashe. 

Manda's Favorites

It’s been a weird reading year for me. I haven’t had as much time as usual to read and what I did read ended up being gloms of older books or rereads of old favorites. Even so, the new books I did read were outstanding. So Here’s my, admittedly subjective, list:

Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren

Every time I think the writing team of Christina Lauren can’t get any better, or that they’ve bitten off more than they can chew, they prove me wrong. A sexy, emotional story about two people who don’t think they’re together for the long haul, who end up falling hopelessly in love.

Carolina Dreaming by Virginia Kantra

I love everything I’ve ever read by Virginia Kantra (and I’ve read almost all of them) but this story really got to me with its ex-con determined to do the right thing hero and abuse-survivor heroine who wants to do right by her child. I especially loved the slow build romance, and Gabe’s relationship with Jane’s son, but it’s ultimately the decency of the hero—and indeed all of Kantra’s heroes—that will keep me coming back as fast as she can write. Read our review.

Deep Dark by Laura Griffin

Whenever I think of authors who write long series set in the same world, I somehow forget about Laura Griffin. I think it’s because every book in her long running Tracers series feels like an individual. They might be set in the same world, but each of the characters and crimes is different enough that it’s all new and exciting every time. In Deep Dark, she teams up a former computer hacker turned Cyber Crime investigator for the Delphi Center and a world weary police detective who can’t help but be drawn to the gutsy techie with pink hair and a smart mouth. The mystery was satisfyingly complex and the romance was smoking. Can’t get much better than that!

Lost Among the Living by Simone St. James

There’s a secret at the heart of Lost Among the Living, so I can’t say too much about the romance other than that this pair broke my heart, then put it back together again. St. James’ books are hard to categorize since they’re part mystery, part romance, part horror, but her excellent, lyrical prose and inventive storytelling made this not only one of my favorites of the year, but of all time. She’s just that good. If you are at all interested in the period between WWI and WWII, or you’re a Downton Abbey fan, these books are for you.

Steadfast by Sarina Bowen

Sarina Bowen published several wonderful books this year (Rookie Move, I love you!) but Bittersweet is the one that I’ve thought about the most since I turned the last page. You see a lot about the opioid epidemic in the news, but not so much in romance fiction—even in romantic suspense, which seems like it would be be a good fit. And when you hear that the hero is fresh from a stint in prison AND an addict you might think this isn’t the book for you. That would be a mistake. Bittersweet is gritty, it’s true, and some of the aspects of Jude’s life aren’t pretty (he’s broke, and there’s no billionaire on the horizon to bail him out or set him up in a new life) but it’s also a wonderful story about recovery and survival and how love can survive even the most traumatic circumstances. And heroine Sophie is tough despite her good girl exterior, making her Jude’s perfect match.

First Star I See Tonight by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

By now you might expect SEP to rest on her laurels, but with First Star I See Tonight, she’s proved she’s still got “it”—whatever “it” may be. It’s got a quirky heroine and a smooth-talking football player hero, and there are as many laughs as you’d expect from the author who introduced us to the “cereal killer”. But it also has a mystery plot, which, you know me, I LOVED. This book was just what I needed this year, and I was thrilled to spend a little time with some of my other favorite characters from The Chicago Stars series. Just happy sighs all around.

Nancy's Favorites

One particular writing project and months of remodeling have consumed much of my year.  I found myself reading some new books along with older ones I’d had for years, meaning to read them but never getting to them.   

Once a Soldier by Mary Jo Putney  
A soldier earl meets an unconventional woman in the mountains of Portugal at the end of the Napoleonic Wars.  As they defend her friends’ castle against marauding French troops, they’re drawn to each other. She thinks she’s too unconventional to appeal to a man, but can he convince her otherwise? Nice mix of romance, history, and action.  
Read our review.

Magic in the Stars by Patricia Rice
When an astrologer brings dire warnings to her cousins, they brush off her concerns. Theo, the hero, is an astronomer and has no use for astrology.  Still, Aster is determined to save Theo’s brother.  As she works to convince Theo of the threat, his knowledge of astronomy offers a chance to change her own star-crossed destiny.
Read our review.

Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews
The latest installment in the Kate Daniels urban fantasy series has Kate and her fiancé, the former Beast Lord, planning their wedding while battling the usual assortment of vampires and other paranormal beings.  A worse problem is that Kate’s father is interfering in Atlanta. As though that weren’t enough, prophecies predict that Atlanta will be doomed if Kate and Curran marry. 

Bay of Sighs by Nora Roberts
This second book in the Guardians Trilogy is my favorite.  Annika, a mermaid, has a sweet nature that sometimes masks her steely determination and courage.  Magical traveler Sawyer, a vagabond at heart, is drawn to that sweetness. But Sawyer, too, has steel at his core.  The quest for the second star turns ugly when Nerezza’s minion captures Sayer and Annika. The final battle shows just how much each will risk to save the other. Read our review.

The Kill Sign by Nichole Christoff
Private investigator and security expert Jamie Sinclair goes to Mississippi to see Lt. Col. Adam Barrett, her military policeman boyfriend, after a long separation, only to have the reunion disrupted by a bomb. Working to find the bomber, she realizes her relationship with Barrett, complicated by a DEA Agent who’s attracted to her, is going in a direction she isn’t sure she wants. The events of the story bring clarity on a couple of points as well as a resolution to the plot.

Alone in the Dark by Karen Rose
Newspaper publisher and former Army Ranger Marcus O’Bannion meets a troubled young girl in an alley, only to have her shot before she can tell him her situation.  The homicide detective who responds to the call, Scarlett Bishop, and Marcus have met before.  There was a connection between them then, and working to solve the mystery of the young woman’s death, which ties into a human trafficking ring, brings them closer together.  Action, suspense,  dominate, but the romance is strong. 

Though these four books weren't published in 2016, Nancy read them for the first time this year and wanted to give them special mention: The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley, Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase, Shadow's End by Thea Harrison, and His First and Last by Terri Osburn. 


Hellie's Favorites

I narrowed my list to 5 because I wanted to focus on the MOST memorable for me, though I loved so many more books and there will be books on everyone's lists where I'm all, "Oh, I loved that!", but these have sat with me, even after I've read them (thought WAWC is rather new, I think it's going to sit with me a long time.)

Hot in Hellcat Canyon by Julie Anne Long

My thoughts as gushed on The Romance Dish were: “I just finished reading it tonight--and the black moments were SO BLACK and the groveling was so ROMANTIC and that speech he gave. *swoon* I cannot wait for further books in this series and am STOKED that the next book will have the sheriff and the girl at open mike night. But I want books for Casey and Kayla and even Franco--I really want one for Franco. *LOL* I even want a book for Truck. This is going to be as brilliant a series as the Pennyroyal Green series. I want to read it again; I want to highlight my favorite passages; I want to write odes to Julie Anne Long.” Read our review.

Wild at Whiskey Creek by Julie Anne Long

My thoughts as gushed on The Romance Dish were: “OH MY GOD. I loved this story. It was so RAW and emotional and there were so many times I wanted to drunk text Julie and go, "OMG, how do you know my friends? Did I introduce you?" because seriously that sheriff and arresting the "blood" thing SO HAPPENED in my life. That whole dynamic was just freaky to read. I swear Julie and I MUST be cousins or something. We must know the same people. And yes, the thousand little details that Julie uses that CREATE the world of Hellcat Canyon, the language, the visuals--it's just...I'm amazed and excited to read such genius and learn from someone who is such a master at this craft. The layers. The quirks. The emotion.”  Read our review.

Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare

This book is on my keeper shelf because the opening scene is so damned hysterical, I wheezed all the way through it and my lunch co-workers were concerned for my health. When the heroine keeps trying to reassure the hero she has no designs on him for marriage (et al) and thus they must avoid each other at all costs. Why their marriage would be “an existence marked by tedium and punctuated by misery”, to which he says, “We’d be forced to base our entire relationship on sexual congress.” I then continued wheezing throughout the book.

Read our review.

The Earl Takes All by Lorraine Heath

This one nearly killed me. The hero is actually the younger twin brother-in-law of the heroine, and he promised his dying brother he would pretend to be him until the heroine has delivered their child safely. Clearly this is problematic in historical England because you can’t marry your brother’s widow, and we all know by the end of the book, they’re going to be madly in love with each other. How could a happy ending possibly work out? Oh, the angst! So, so lovely and romantic.

Love, Lies, & Spies by Cindy Anstey

This one is actually a YA Regency Romance. It’s more romp and sweet rather than sexy. A bit like the regency romances of old where you didn’t have sex until you were married—that sort—but you don’t miss it because you’re too busy cracking up at the antics and banter between these characters. Read our review.

If I were at add a 6th book, it wouldn't be a romance, but it's called "F*ck That: An Honest Meditation" by Jason Headley. I assure you it's brilliant and you'll want to add it to your keeper shelf. I think I've read it at least 12 times already.


PJ's Favorites

There were so many wonderful books published this year. I freely admit that narrowing my selections was extremely difficult but I managed to whittle my list down to eleven. Here are the books - in no particular order - that have continued to linger in my mind long after the final page was turned. 

Hot in Hellcat Canyon by Julie Anne Long
Janga and I have had many conversations about this book. I wholeheartedly agree with everything both she and Hellie have said in their summaries above. Julie Anne Long is an extraordinarily talented wordsmith who didn't miss a beat in transitioning this year from award-winning historical romance to contemporary romance. She brings readers a hero and heroine we can cheer for, quirky secondary characters, laugh-out-loud humor, and heart-tugging emotion in a sigh-worth story that stays with me still, more than six months after I turned the final page.  Read our review.

Then He Kissed Me by Laura Trentham
Laura Trentham is quickly becoming one of my go-to contemporary romance authors. In Cottonbloom, a town divided by a river, a state line, and a long-simmering feud, Trentham brings readers a second chance romance featuring long separated childhood best friends: Nash (now a sexy, book-loving college professor) and Tally (a dyslexic heroine with a battered self-esteem who hides her vulnerability behind a mask of bravado). She infuses her books with humor, emotion, quirky characters, and heartwarming romance, bringing it all - including the town of Cottonbloom - to vivid life through her words. Read our review.

Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare
I've been a fan of Dare's work since her debut and she has often been on my 'best of' lists but this book just may be my all-time favorite of everything she's written. I loved everything about it. I think I grinned from beginning to end. I'm grinning right now, just thinking about it. In this story, Dare pairs an adorably charming heroine with a thirst for adventure, no interest in marriage, and a determination to outwit her matchmaking mama with a sigh-worthy former diplomat (and secret spy) who discovers his perfect match in the most unlikely of places and circumstances. (Warning: Do not drink or eat anything while reading the first chapter of this book. Yes, it really is that funny!).  Dare perfectly balances humor and emotion along with her superb storytelling skills to deliver an all-encompassing, heart-tugging, feel-good romance that will elicit tears, laughter, and much joy. Read our review.

Claiming Her by Kris Kennedy
If you enjoy an exquisitely written Medieval romance with an intelligent, determined heroine, a sensual, equally determined hero, action, intrigue, romance, and sizzling passion, then you won't want to miss this book. While Lady Katarina battles to hold the Irish barony of Rardove for the English Queen, our hero, Aodh is committed to reclaiming the family lands that should rightfully be his, not by force but by wooing both Katarina and the people of Rardove to his side. Though, in the end, Aodh may be the one who is wooed. And me. I was thoroughly wooed. I've enjoyed all of Kennedy's books but this is my favorite. I admired Katarina, was immersed in the story from start to finish, and yes, seven months later I am still dreaming about Aodh. ::Sigh::

Because I’m Watching by Christina Dodd 

From beginning to end, this is a story that refuses to let go. Dodd uses every facet of her creative mind to expertly guide her characters – and the reader – through this compelling, edge-of-your-seat thriller. Filled with intrigue, anguish, forgiveness, hope, enough twists and turns to keep me constantly guessing, and a love that heals two broken souls, this unforgettable story earned my highest recommendation.  Read our review.

Wild Man’s Curse by Susannah Sandlin 

I forced myself to read this book slowly, savoring each word, absorbing the steamy, mystical, sometimes sensual, sometimes sinister life on the Louisiana bayou when what I really wanted was to race through the pages to discover what awaited around the next turn. In this first book of her Wilds of the Bayou series, Sandlin paints a vivid picture of life on the bayou, the people who call it home, the sizzling sexual tension and gradually developing romance between the hero and heroine, and a chillingly depraved villain who threatens it all. Wild Man’s Curse is one wild ride and I enjoyed every minute of it.  Read our review.

Deception Island by Brynn Kelly

This dark, unrelenting journey of non-stop action, passion, and suspense sucked me in and left me breathless. Thrown into the center of soulless villains engaged in murder, kidnapping, extortion, and human trafficking, my heart raced with fear for anyone in their sights and ached for those in their grasp. While the villains made my heart ache, it was Kelly’s flawed hero and heroine who surprisingly captured it. I was in this unlikely couple’s corner the whole way; gasping at the seemingly insurmountable obstacles they were forced to overcome, sighing at the unexpected, tender moments, delighting in the verbal swordplay, and clueless as to how Kelly was going to pull off the impossible, happy ending they deserved. It’s one heck of a ride from an exceptionally talented debut author. Wherever Brynn Kelly decides to take readers in her next book, you can count me in! Read our review.

Her Hopes and Dreams by Terri Osburn

Terri Osburn has been my friend for many years. I have watched her evolution as a writer with pride and pleasure. I've enjoyed all of her novels but Her Hopes and Dreams is special and with this book she's taken her writing skills to a new level. Like Janga, I appreciate the everyday characters in this book. They aren't rich, successful, or powerful. They are hard-working individuals who could easily be our neighbors and they have not led privileged nor easy lives but I have rarely met two characters who deserve happiness more. Osburn digs deep into the emotional scars carried by both as she expertly guides them through the tumultuous journey to their happy ending. 

Barefoot With a Bad Boy by Roxanne St. Claire

This long-awaited story of former CIA agents, Gabe Rossi and Lila Wickham is one of those books that reaches into your soul and doesn't let go. While deeply emotional, there's plenty of humor, riveting suspense, passion, and enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the very end. It's the story of love lost, love changed, and love found - deep familial love, life-changing parental love, and the slowly evolving, ever challenging, soul-filling love between a man and woman that must overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles for a chance to grow, solidify, and give this couple the happy ending they so richly deserve. It's deep, complex, heart-stopping, heartwarming, and, in my opinion, one of the best books St. Claire has written. Read our review. 

My American Duchess by Eloisa James

After reading this book (the first time), I tried to think of a word to describe my emotions. That word is joy. This story - these characters - filled me with such joy. Trent and Merry are one of my favorite couples of the year. I love their humor (traditional, smitten, English duke vs outspoken, effervescent, American miss), their intelligence, kindness, and definitely their passion. I want to be their friend, to hang out at their estate, digging in the garden with Merry and playing with George, their adorable puppy. I want to read their story over and over...and over again. This standalone historical romance is Eloisa James at her finest. I adored it.  Read our review.

The Study of Seduction by Sabrina Jeffries

I've been a fan of Sabrina Jeffries' work for many years and many of her books have spaces on my keeper shelves but even among the keepers, The Study of Seduction holds a special place. This poignant, suspenseful, and sensual story touched my heart, keeping me entertained from beginning to end and landing Edwin and Clarissa a spot among my favorite Jeffries couples. Both Edwin and Clarissa are deeply affected by violent events in their pasts that had a significant role in shaping who they have become as adults; events that are deftly handled by Jeffries with a delicacy and sensitivity that are deeply appreciated. She brings a depth to their relationship, granting them the necessary time to gradually deepen their friendship and trust of one another while carefully navigating the desire that blossoms between them. The Study of Seduction is one of my favorites from an author whose books litter my keeper shelves.  Read our review.

Oh, come on. You had to know I wouldn't be able to stop at eleven! Honorable Mention goes to: My Fair Princess by Vanessa Kelly, The Rebel Heir by Elizabeth Michels, Magnate by Joanna Shupe, Stone Cold Cowboy by Jennifer Ryan, Good Dukes Wear Black by Manda Collins, A Date at the Altar by Cathy Maxwell, Fan the Flames by Katie Ruggle, Wild at Whiskey Creek by Julie Anne Long, A Duke to Remember by Kelly Bowen and, though it isn't technically a romance, The Saints of the Lost and Found by T.M. Causey (one of the best books I've read in years).

So those are our favorites. Have you read any of them? Did any of our titles make your 'best of' list?

Tell us about the books published this year that you loved. 

One randomly chosen person who leaves a comment before 11:00 PM (PST) tonight will receive two of my favorites:a print copy of Wild at Whiskey Creek and a container of my handcrafted chocolates (includes nuts). U.S. addresses only