Gayle Trent | FreshFiction + Fresh Cake = A Delicious Combination!

I’m thrilled to be a part of FreshFiction and to have the opportunity to introduce you to my series, the Daphne Martin Cake Decorating Mystery Series. The first book in the series is MURDER TAKES THE CAKE.

In MURDER TAKES THE CAKE, Daphne Martin returns home to Brea Ridge, Virginia, looking forward to realizing her dream of starting a cake decorating business. But when the meanest gossip in Brea Ridge dies mysteriously, suspicions turn to Daphne. But all Daphne did was deliver a spice cake with cream cheese frosting–and find Yodel’s body. Now Daphne’s got to help solve the murder and clear her good name. Problem is, her hometown is brimming with people who had good reason to kill Yodel, and Daphne’s whole family is among them.

MURDER TAKES THE CAKE was published in 2008 but was released on October 16, 2009 in large-print hardcover by Thorndike. BBC Audiobooks in England has also commissioned large-print rights to the book.

Click here to read more and learn how to win a copy of DEAD PAN!

Fresh Pick | THE WICKED DUKE TAKES A WIFE by Jillian Hunter

Boscastle Family #9

November 2009
On Sale: October 27, 2009
Featuring: Lord Griffin Boscastle; Harriet Gardner
336 pages
ISBN: 0345503953
EAN: 9780345503954
Mass Market Paperback
$7.99

Romance Historical
Buy at Amazon.com

The Wicked Duke Takes A Wife
by Jillian Hunter

From London’s ballrooms to its sizzling bedrooms, award-winning author Jillian Hunter spins a seductive dance of desire and breathtaking romance.

Lord Griffin Boscastle has no intention of ending his glorious career as a rakehell now that he has inherited a dukedom. Still, there are responsibilities he must discharge before his pleasures resume, including finding a bride, and depositing his incorrigible niece at a relative’s academy outside London. It is at this so-very-proper finishing school that flame-haired instructress Harriet Gardner awakens in Griffin emotions so dangerously intoxicating that he must avoid her at all cost. Yet when Harriet finds work in the townhouse where Griffin resides, her presence tempts him at every turn.

Harriet has survived London’s streets far too long to let an arrogant duke woo a bride he doesn’t want when she desires him for herself, and she has seen too much of life not to recognize a man ripe for redemption. But just as Harriet finds the perfect cure for His Lordship’s devilish ways, a vindictive enemy intervenes, and the duke whom Harriet has plotted to save suddenly becomes her devoted protector.

Previous Picks

Get Fresh With VAMPIRES! A lively Discussion & Celebration of Pop Culture Literature with Candace Havens, Rosemary Clement-Moore & Gwen Reyes

Fresh Fiction and Barnes & Noble presents...

Getting Fresh with Vampires

Saturday, November 14th @ 5:00 PM

Barnes & Noble Lincoln Park

Join Fresh Fiction’s Gwen Reyes for a lively discussion about vampires in
today’s literature & pop culture with Special Guests Candace Havens & Rosemary Clement-Moore

They'll be taking on the Twilight crowd and talking about vampires, Bella,
Diaries, Edward and much much more! Special treats available!!!

click here for Flyer

Jane Odiwe | Mr Willoughby's Return

Thank you so much for welcoming me to the blog and giving me a chance to talk about Willoughby’s Return!

I loved writing this book. Sense and Sensibility is one of my favourite Austen novels and I enjoyed revisiting all the characters and places associated with them all. Writing the plot and thinking about how the characters interact with one another is one of the biggest joys-another is weaving in clues about what the characters look like and how they dress. It’s important in a historical novel to give a feel of the costume and clothing. The fashion at this time was wonderful. I’m sure part of the success of the recent spate of Austen films and adaptations is down to the accuracy and beauty of Regency dress. Who hasn’t imagined themselves dancing at a candlelit ball in white muslin, silk slippers on their feet, and an ivory fan to flutter?

To read the rest of Jane's blog and to comment for a chance to win please click here.

Fresh Pick | HOW TO DAZZLE A DUKE by Claudia Dain

The Courtesan Series #4

September 2009
On Sale: September 1, 2009
Featuring: Duke of Edenham; Penelope Prestwick; Marquis of Iveston
336 pages
ISBN: 0425229688
EAN: 9780425229682
Paperback
$15.00

Romance Erotica Sensual, Romance Historical
Buy at Amazon.com

How To Dazzle A Duke by Claudia Dain

New in award-winning author Claudia Dain's dazzling Courtesan series.

Miss Penelope Prestwick wants a duke for a husband and clearly the dashing Duke of Edenham is the best choice. Just as Lady Dalby is clearly the best person to arrange the match. But how exactly should Penelope go about dazzling a duke? Surely a show of cleavage never hurt anyone. Perhaps a kiss or two, just to make a lasting impression. And a bit of competition usually helps move things along.

To that end, Penelope approaches the Marquis of Iveston with a request. Would he kindly appear interested in her so that the Duke of Edenham will take note of it? Alternately amused and annoyed, Lord Iveston agrees; he even places a wager on White's betting book to draw attention to the fact that he is pursuing Penelope.

Soon, it's wagers and counter wagers as all of Society tries to determine who will actually marry Penelope. Edenham she’s been hotly pursuing or Iveston she’s been hotly kissing? Who will claim the lady’s heart...all in all it’s the most entertaining—and most contested--dance to the altar Sophia has yet choreographed.

Excerpt

London 1802
Chapter One

Miss Penelope Prestwick stood in the middle of the conservatory of her father’s Upper Brook Street home and stared at the roses. The roses were a disaster.

The roses, purchased to make a pleasing and, one hoped, impressive display of her horticultural talents to the marriageable men of the ton, none of whom had any need to know she did not possess horticultural talents until one of their number was securely married to her, had not done the job at all. All her roses had done was to somehow become involved in getting Lady Amelia Caversham married to the Earl of Cranleigh.

Which, actually, was perfectly lovely as Lady Amelia had been rather obviously on the market for a duke. As Penelope was also on the market for a duke, it would Read More...

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Fresh Teen Takes | Best Bets in November

Fresh Takes from the Teen Shelves

I was lucky enough to cap off my October with an invitation to speak at the Texas Book Festival on a panel called “Hot Reads for Cool Chicks.”  A flattering invitation, indeed, not least because it presumes I’m cool enough to hang with some pretty neat chicks… Er, authors.


Rosemary, Katherine Marsh, Victoria Laurie (holding Peaches), and Isobelle Carmody

Katherine Marsh’s novel, THE NIGHT TOURIST won the 2008 Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery. It’s a modern twist on the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice, told in the underground of New York City. When lonely ninth-grader Jack is injured in an accident, much like the one that killed his mother, his father sends him to a specialist in New York. There he meets Euri, a ghost who becomes his guide to the Underworld that exists beneath the streets of Manhattan. Jack wants to find his mother, but the hazards of searching for her are immense. With witty dialogue, realistic characters and plenty of action, Marsh crafts a charming tale about love, loss and heroic adventure.

In THE TWILIGHT PRISONER, Jack revisits the Underworld, taking with him Cora, a girl he hopes to impress. I’m sure there are no flaws in THAT plan. With more guest (ghost?) appearances by historical and mythological figures, this will especially appeal to anyone who loves the Percy Jackson novels by Rick Riordan, plus anyone who loves mythology, New York, or wondrous stories. (I downloaded THE NIGHT TOURIST for my e-reader when I got home from Austin, and I’m in love with this book already.)

Isobelle Carmody is an acclaimed and award winning author in Australia for her Obernewtyn series, and her newest novel, ALYZON WHITESTARR, was recently released in the US. The titular character is extremely ordinary, especially compared to her artistic family, until an accident (Another accident!) leaves her with an extraordinary sense of smell. Unlike me and my super-sniffer, Alyzon is not merely ambushed by people’s overuse of aftershave. She can smell emotions. Her best friend smells of a comforting sea breeze, her father like warm brown sugar. But the cutest boy in school has this strange, rancid smell about him. She wants to like him, but her ESSP (Extra-Sensory-Smell Perception) says there is something off about him.

Isobelle has a great way of describing what Alyzon senses, and the story is, according to reviews, a fun mystery thriller with a touch of romance and an exciting climax. (This has also found a place on my e-reader.)

Victoria Laurie has two best selling adult mystery series going already, but THE ORACLES OF DELPHI KEEP is her first foray for younger readers. Set in pre-World War II England, it incorporates Greek legends, prophecy, ominous figures and horrible pursuing beasts. Ian is a 13-year old boy growing up in an orphanage in Dover, and he’s all about exploring and breaking rules. Ian discovers a box in a cave where (of course) he’s forbidden to go, and inside is a prophecy. About him. Soon he and his sort of adopted little sister Theo (who has a knack for seeing the future) are on the adventure of a lifetime, pursued by a menacing evil and a ferocious beast. By the end of the story, they’re off to Morocco, and a fast and furious climax to the adventure.

Victoria says she was inspired by J.K. Rowling, and it shows in the spirit of the book. The young characters are plucky, resourceful, and sometimes unwisely impetuous. As they should be. I was pleased to get to read an advance copy of this book and I found it as enjoyable as other books for the same younger YA market (the aforementioned Harry Potter and Percy Jackson books, for example).

Other quick picks from the crop of November releases:

Two ongoing series get new installments this month. One is FADE OUT, book 7 in the Morganville Vampire series by Rachel Caine. Even if you think you’re tired of vampires, give this a try. It predates the blood-sucking glut on the market, with an edgier, fully fleshed out fantasy premise. I know that everything gets compared to Buffy, but there’s a distinct vibe in the smart writing and engaging cast of characters. GLASS HOUSES is the first in the series, but FADE OUT wouldn’t be a bad place to jump in. (The series has been optioned for television. Yay!)

Another fantasy series, The Immortals, by Alyson Noel, continues with SHADOWLAND. In the first book, Ever survives a car accident (another one!) that kills her family, leaving her with the ability to see auras and hear thoughts. She learns she is immortal, and guiding her into this new special world is Damen… mysterious, rich, worldly, magical. Fantasy, mystery, love all mix together in a beautiful story. Fans are awaiting SHADOWLAND (which comes out November 17th) with a frenzy, but I suggest you start with the first book, EVERMORE.

If you’re not into paranormal, check out HOW TO RUIN YOUR BOYFRIEND'S REPUTATION by Simon Elkeles. This follows up two earlier books about half-Israeli Amy Nelson-Barak, and in this one, Amy volunteers for a ten-day military training camp in Israel, mostly to be near her boyfriend, who is in the Israeli army. Only it’s a lot harder than she expected, and oh yeah, a lot less romantic, too. While I’m raising an eyebrow at the premise, I really like that this funny series features a heroine with an interesting ethnic background. (November 1)

These next ones are courtesy of my librarian friend Jenny Martin (who has a great blog that includes recipes with all her book reviews!). I asked her what November releases had caught her Librarian-slash-aspiring-YA-writer eye.

I would not have picked ANGEL IN VEGAS: THE CHRONICLES OF NOAH SARK, by Norma Howe, solely by the cover. But the premise sounds irresistible!  A guardian angel (whose previous charge was Princess Diana) is demoted and stuck in Las Vegas in the body of a teenage boy. As if Elvis impersonators, a psychic fair, casino volcanoes and pirate ships aren’t enough, he’s supposed to protect a teenage girl named Barbara, but he doesn’t know from what.  Kirkus says this is a spirited tale that carries off the premise with “humor and verve.”  (November 10^th)

On a darker note is THE BETRAYAL OF NATALIE HARGROVE, by Lauren Kate. The tagline? “Cruel Intensions meets MacBeth in this tale of conscience and consequence.”  I’m intrigued.  Natalie would do anything to be the Palmetto Princess, but a prank meant to eliminate competition for the crown goes horribly (indeed, fatally) wrong and she becomes embroiled in a quicksand of deception and cover-up. Natalie is a flawed heroine, a bratty sort of Lady MacBeth, so this book isn’t for everyone. But for those who love the backstabbing and bitchery of Gossip Girl, Booklist calls this a decadent guilty pleasure.  (November 11.)

THE PALE ASSASSIN by Patricia Elliott is a historical novel set in the French Revolution. It’s a kind of riff on THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, only the heroine is a privileged girl who gets embroiled in political intrigue. Eugenie is an unlikely heroine, as she has to shake off her somewhat spoiled upbringing as the adventure ramps up and she and her compatriots race to escape an Inspector Javert type of relentless villain. Spying, deception and romance as revolution rages in Paris. Kirkus Reviews loved this book, and it definitely sounds promising for lovers of historical adventure novels. (November 15)

That should hold you through Thanksgiving Weekend (when I hole up in my house and stay away from the mall). Until then, happy reading!

---

Rosemary Clement-Moore writes Young Adult books because she loves to read them. Visit her webpage or blog to find out more about her award winning Maggie Quinn: Girl vs. Evil series, and gothic romance, The Splendor Falls

Snuggle up to a Cozy in November

Hey ya’ll, welcome to Sharon’s Cozy Corner, where cozy mysteries and their authors are the focus of reviews, interviews and news. I am thrilled to be writing this first of hopefully many columns for Fresh Fiction, and I sincerely hope you, the reader, will enjoy it.

Let’s start off looking at what exactly constitutes a “cozy mystery.” According to Wikipedia.org, a cozy mystery is “a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence are downplayed or treated humorously.”

The main characters of these types of mysteries are usually female and are amateur detectives who use their life experiences as a tool for solving crimes. They usually work in an area of interest to women, such as bakeries, tea rooms, scrapbook shops, etc. Often they have a husband, boyfriend, friend or family member working for the police force who can provide them with important information about a case to which they might not otherwise have access.

I see cozy mysteries becoming one of the rising genres in women’s fiction today with more and more titles coming out each month, and more publishers adding cozy mysteries to their lineup. It’s an exciting time to explore this fascinating genre.

So with no further ado, here is a look at a few of the new releases coming up in November. Grab a cup of tea, pull up a chair and let’s see what goodies we can find!

Shopping and mystery go hand in hand in Elaine Viets’s popular “Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper” series. In her fifth installment, “THE FASHION HOUND MURDERS” (Obsidian Mystery, Nov. 3rd), Josie is going to the dogs as she investigates the world of designer doggies and the boutiques that cater to their owner’s whims and wishes.

After Josie, a mystery shopper extraordinare, gets a tip from a disgrunted pet shop employee, she discovers that behind the cashmere sweaters and bejeweled collars, cruel means of breeding designer dogs are being used. When the employee snitch is found dead, it’s up to Josie to use all her expertise and disguises to put the killer in the doghouse. Cute shopping tips for buying just the right gift for pets are included in this charming story.

Readers can twist themselves into shape as they read Diana Killian’s latest yoga-inspired mystery “DIAL OM FOR MURDER: A Mantra For Murder Mystery” (Berkley Prime Crime, Nov. 3rd.)

As the owner of Sacred Balance yoga studio, A.J. Alexander has learned to embrace her newfound happiness, until some diva drama shocks her chakra! Two of A.J.’s A-list students are not only starlet divas but vicious rivals. When A.J. finds one of the actresses in a permanent corpse pose and the other one being investigated as the primary suspect in the murder, it’s up to A.J. to channel her inner peace and find out who the real killer is.

This second installment of this lively series, featuring a feisty Jersey girl with attitude, is fun and fast paced. Killian includes instructions for yoga poses as well as a delicious recipe for organic Salmon Salad.

Bestselling romance author Merline Lovelace dips her toes into the cozy mystery market with her debut novel, “ALL THE WRONG MOVES: A Samantha Space Mystery.” (Berkley Prime Crime, Nov 3rd) Drawing on her own experience as a long time Air Force officer, Lovelace has created a captivating heroine in Lt. Samantha Spade.

USAF Lieutenant Samantha “Sam” Spade and her technicians are in charge of trying out the latest gizmos for the military. On a test run with the Ergonomic Exoskeletal Extension (EEEK), Sam stumbles over two dead bodies in the desert. With the help of handsome Border Patrol Agent Jeff Mitchell, Sam must unravel a cover-up involving an illegal arms deal.

While a little more somber and technical than most cozy mysteries, Lovelace still delivers a thrilling who-dunit that readers will find intriguing.

Good books and good food just naturally seem to go together, and this is evident in Lorna Barrett’s “BOOKPLATE SPECIAL: A Booktown Mystery.” (Berkley Prime Crime, Nov. 3rd)

Tricia Miles, owner of the “Haven’t Got A Clue” mystery bookstore, has put up—and put up with—her uninvited college roommate for weeks. In return, Pammy has stolen $100 among other things. But when on the day Tricia kicks her out, Pammy's found dead in a Dumpster, there are a lot of questions unanswered. It’s up to Tricia to literally dive in to find out what Pammy was looking for in the trash, and if her killer was looking for it too.

“BOOKPLATE SPECIAL” is the third book of this charming series set in Stoneham, New Hampshire, otherwise known as “Booktown” for all the book stores located there. Barrett includes several delicious recipes for dishes mentioned in the story.

With her Literati Mystery series, author Diane Gilbert Madsen combines a thrilling mystery with a history lesson on famous authors. In her debut novel, A CADGER’S CURSE: A DD McGil Literati Mystery (Midnight Ink Books) author Diane Gilbert Madsen treats her readers to a mystery surrounding Scottish poet Robert Burns.

Who’d have guessed that running employee background checks at the HI-Data Corporation would make DD McGil the target of a ruthless killer? For DD, a thirty-something English professor turned investigator, the routine job should have been a welcome distraction from her fiancé’s death and her eccentric Aunt Elizabeth’s quest to authenticate an unlikely literary treasure—a Robert Burns text worth millions if proven genuine. Relying on her own moxie, her sexy lover, and the fact-finding acumen of her antiquarian bookseller friend, DD races to find out who’s behind the high-tech treachery at HI-Data before it’s too late.

Setting her series in the chilly climes of Alaska, author Sue Henry delivers the fourth installment of her Maxie and Stretch series, “THE END OF THE ROAD: A Maxie and Stretch Mystery” (Obsidian Mystery, Nov 3rd.)

Lively and active senior citizen Maxie McNabb and her miniature dachshund, Stretch, are just back from their latest adventure when the death of John Walker, a quiet but strange drifter, shatters the quiet in their hometown of Homer, Alaska. Maxie had befriended John, and when his death is ruled a suicide, she knows that doesn’t sound exactly right. Now it’s up to Maxie to find the truth about her friend’s death, a search that leads her to a place called “the end of the road,” which might turn out to be the end of the road for Maxie as well.

This fascinating novel reminded me so much of the TV series “Northern Exposure.” Henry, who teaches writing at the University of Alaska, has been a resident of Alaska for many years, and brings the history and beauty of the frozen land to her stories.

And finally, just in time to get everyone in the holiday spirit, author Cleo Coyle serves up the eighth installment of her Coffeehouse Mystery series, “HOLIDAY GRIND: A Coffeehouse Mystery.” (Berkley Prime Crime, Nov. 3rd)

The holidays are coming and that means more than just eggnog lattes and gingerbread biscotti to Clare Cosi, owner of the Village Blend coffeehouse. When she finds her friend Alfred Glockner, the part-time comic and genuinely jolly charity Santa, brutally gunned down in a nearby alley, a few subtle clues convince her that Alfred's death was something more than the tragic result of a random mugging. Much to Clare’s boyfriend Detective Mike Quinn’s chagrin, Clare decides to find out who made the naughty list when they knocked off ol’ St. Nick.

The mouthwatering recipes included in “HOLIDAY GRIND” makes this novel worth reading alone, but Coyle also delivers a delicious thriller with a side order of romance that will warm reader’s hearts while it tickles their minds.

So, there you go!  A list of great cozy mysteries to please nearly any taste. And you know what the great thing is? There will be a whole new batch next month to check out!

If you have a favorite author or series you’d like me to consider, please feel free to leave a comment. I hope that you come back by on November 15th, when I’ll be interviewing one of my favorite cozy mystery authors, Laura Childs.  Her series include the “Tea Shop Mysteries,” “Scrapbooking Mysteries” and her latest, “The Cackleberry Club Mysteries.”

Until then, cozy reading everyone!

---

Sharon Chance has been a freelance entertainment journalist for the past fourteen years. As a regular contributor to the Wichita Falls Times Record News, she has written well over 1,600 articles covering everything from concert and movie reviews to museum openings to interviewing some of the top musicians performing today, including members of Bon Jovi and Guns and Roses.

But her true love lies in the world of books. A voracious reader from a young age, Sharon began reviewing books at the urging of her sister-in-law, who was a big fan of the Oprah Winfrey Book Club. What began as a simple fun attempt at sharing her views of books she enjoyed has developed into a work of passion for Sharon. In addition to being a senior book reviewer for the Times Record News, Sharon is also a regular guest contributor for the Las Vegas Review Journal’s Book Nook, as well as having written for several other publications.

A distant relative of the great Edgar Allan Poe, Sharon has a fondness for mysteries, especially those of the cozy kind. In her new column, Sharon’s Cozy Corner, Sharon hopes to bring news of the latest in the cozy mystery genre, as well as insightful interviews with the authors who write them.

Maria Geraci | What Kind Of Girl Are You?

In my Bunco Babes books, the central characters have been friends for years. They get together every Thursday night to drink frozen margaritas, roll dice, and gossip about the inhabitants of their small north Florida town. The three main characters I introduced in the first book, Bunco Babes Tell All, were labeled as "the nice one" "the sharp one" and "the hot one". Unconsciously as a writer, I don’t set out to create the theme for my books. Theme is something that naturally results from the plot. But after I wrote the book (and figured out what it was really about) I discovered that my main character, Kitty, had to come to grips with the eternal question of the ages. Just what kind of girl are you?

Too often, like the characters in my books, we get labeled at an early age. You know the labels I’m talking about- the smart one, the pretty one, the goofy one... And after a while, we start to believe it ourselves. But sometimes (like Kitty had to find out in Bunco Babes Tell All) in order to achieve our highest potential (or win your happily-ever-after!) you have to break out of the mold.


To read more about the Bunco Babes and for a short excerpt click here.

Fresh Pick | HOW TO TEMPT A DUKE by Kasey Michaels

September 2009
On Sale: September 1, 2009
Featuring: Rafael Daughtry; Charlotte Seavers
352 pages
ISBN: 0373773714
EAN: 9780373773718
Paperback
$7.99

Romance Historical
Buy at Amazon.com

How to Tempt a Duke by Kasey Michaels

He'd returned from war a duke. Now Rafael Daughtry was battling a force more terrifying than Napoleon's army—his family. Thankfully, his childhood friend Charlotte Seavers had agreed—reluctantly—to a bargain. While Rafe would provide her with the home she'd lost, Charlotte would provide him with a chaperone for his unruly twin sisters.

But who would chaperone Rafe? For the feisty young girl he remembered had blossomed into a sensual woman—a woman whose haunting beauty and deeply kept secrets drew him like no other. Charlotte had good reason to mistrust men—yet could Rafe's sizzling seduction convince her to give in to temptation?

Excerpt

Charlotte Seavers was on the hunt. And she was in a mood to take no prisoners.

Only scant minutes earlier Charlotte had been comfortably ensconced in the drawing room of her parents' small manor house, happy in her ignorance, enjoying the sight of a mid-November frost glittering on the newly bare tree branches outside her window while she stayed warm and toasty inside.

But then the housekeeper had brought her one of the letters just arrived with the morning post.

After taking another sip of sweet tea, Charlotte had opened the missive from her good friend, read it in growing apprehension and disbelief until, with her newfound knowledge, her blissful ignorance turned to righteous anger.

"Unrepentant liars and tricksters! Wretched connivers!" she exclaimed, her teeth chattering in the cold, for she'd left the house without taking time to search out a Read More...

Previous Picks

Terri Dulong | There Is A Season

I’ve always loved the words from Ecclesiastes that begin: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. I find the words profound, not only because I strongly believe them, but also because in relation to my writing career, I’ve seen them in action.

Although many times I have been disappointed, frustrated and impatient . . . all of the events leading up to my securing a two-book contract with Kensington Books unfolded exactly in their own time.

Writing has always been my passion, yet I truly never gave a thought to writing
professionally until my early forties. Some people express dismay or ask why I never thought to submit even a short story somewhere. Looking back now, I feel certain it all had to do with timing. The timing for me just wasn’t right.

Read the rest...

Fresh Pick | WHEN SEDUCING A DUKE by Kathryn Smith

October 2009
On Sale: September 27, 2009
Featuring: Rose Danvers; Greyden Kane
384 pages
ISBN: 0061340294
EAN: 9780061340291
Mass Market Paperback
$6.99

Romance Historical
Buy at Amazon.com

When Seducing a Duke by Kathryn Smith

Enchant. Tempt. Entice. Beguile. Just a few things a woman must do when seducing a duke . . .
Rose Danvers charms her way into the glittering masked ball with only one man on her mind. She would risk certain scandal for a kiss from Greyden Kane, Duke of Ryeton—though she lusts for much, much more . . .

The ravishing woman in burgundy takes Grey's breath away. She reminds him of the sheltered beauty entrusted to his care, the only one who has ever touched his icy heart. But Rose would never allow herself to be so indiscreet, so ruled by passion . . .

Believing their forbidden embrace a terrible mistake, Grey knows he must do the honorable thing and find Rose a husband. But Rose will not be pawned off for propriety's sake. She will not rest until her seduction is complete and she has the duke bedded, wedded, and deeply satisfied. All he has to do is say yes . . .

These two have a bumpy journey to make toward redemption and happiness.

Excerpt

What the hell was he doing? He asked himself this very same question every time he came here. And he never liked the answer.

He was here because he wanted what he couldn't have – what he had promised to never touch. Would never dream of defiling.

Laughter echoed in his ears – loud and unwelcome. It stirred memories of that night long ago when he'd felt cold steel lay open the steaming warmth of his cheek. It reminded him that he was alone while more than a hundred people gathered beneath him, just out of his reach. He didn't like people, and that feeling only intensified when they gathered in groups like vultures hovering over a dying stag.

If he didn't find her soon, he would have to leave. Find relief in more auspicious and unsavory environs.

And Read More...

Previous Picks

Judi Fennell | When Pigs Fly...

Okay, so I don't actually have pigs flying in my latest Mer book, Wild Blue Under, out this month from Sourcebooks Casablanca. But I do have seagulls. And peregrines. An albatross with an agenda. Oh, and a couple of sparrow sleuths with delusions of grandeur. Well, one has delusions, the other's just delusional. What's the difference? You have to meet Adele and Maybelle to find out.

But wait, isn't my series supposed to be about Mers? As in Mer men and Mer maids?

Yes, I do write about Mers (we Humans were the ones who added the gender tags), but in Wild Blue Under we've got a literal fish-out-of-water story. In In Over Her Head, we had a Human-in-the-water story; now the tide has turned. Rod, prince of the Mer world and heir to the throne (his brother, Reel, was the hero of book 1, and, yes, you are supposed to laugh at their names. Their parents have the same screwy sense of humor I do.) In order for Rod to claim the throne, The Oceanic Council decrees that he must return the lost Mer princess to their world. Should be a piece of kelp, right?

Curious? read the rest and learn how to win today's free books and other goodies!

Fresh Pick | THE SEDUCTION OF A DUKE by Donna MacMeans

April 2009
On Sale: April 7, 2009
Featuring: Francesca Winthrop; William Chambers
352 pages
ISBN: 0425228061
EAN: 9780425228067
Paperback
$7.99

Romance Historical
Buy at Amazon.com

The Seduction Of A Duke by Donna MacMeans

Francesca wanted to marry for love, but her social-climbing mother arranged a betrothal to an English duke who is likewise not eager to marry. But a chance encounter and a dash of intrigue make the unwilling couple rethink what they really desire.

William Chambers, Duke of Bedford, ascended to the title upon his father’s death, but he also inherited his father’s extensive debts. Desperate to avoid scandal and ruin, he is willing to go to any lengths – including marrying, sight unseen, a reclusive American heiress known as Frosty Franny.

Not pleased to be trapped in an arranged marriage, Francesca Winthrop conspires to turn lemons into lemonade with the assistance of a courtesan’s journal.

A sexy Victorian spin on kissing the frog to find true love!

Excerpt

With all the malice she could muster, Francesca Winthrop whacked the wooden croquet ball beneath her foot, sending her mother’s ball careening across the manicured lawn, over the edge of the Newport cliffs, and possibly into the blue-gray waters of the Atlantic Ocean.  Pity, it wasn’t her mother’s head.

“Really, Francesca, that show of spirit was entirely unnecessary.”  Alva Winthrop signaled one of the dozen servants standing about for just such an occasion to search for her ball at the rocky base of the cliff, before feigning laughter for the benefit of the other society matriarchs watching the match.  “Most women would be positively thrilled to learn they were about to marry a Duke.”

“Most women have at least met the man they are to marry, or had a say in the selection,” Fran replied, careful to keep her Read More...

Previous Picks

Fresh Pick | THE ATLANTIS CODE by Charles Brokaw

Professor Thomas Lourds #1

November 2009
On Sale: November 10, 2009
Featuring: Leslie Crane; Natasha Safarov; Thomas Lourds
432 pages
ISBN: 0765315319
EAN: 9780765315311
Hardcover
$25.99

Thriller Arcane
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The Atlantis Code by Charles Brokaw

A thrill-seeking Harvard linguistics professor and an ultrasecret branch of the Catholic Church go head-to-head in a race to uncover the secrets of the lost city of Atlantis. For whoever controls Atlantis controls the world.

A thrill-seeking Harvard linguistics professor and an ultrasecret branch of the Catholic Church go head-to-head in a race to uncover the secrets of the lost city of Atlantis. The ruins of the technologically-advanced, eerily-enigmatic ancient civilization promise their discoverer fame, fortune, and power... but hold earth- shattering secrets about the origin of man.

While world-famous linguist and archaeologist, Thomas Lourds, is shooting a film that dramatizes his flamboyant life and scientific achievements, satellites spot impossibly ancient ruins along the Spanish coast. Lourds knows exactly what it means: the Lost Continent of Atlantis has been found. The race is on, and Lourds' challengers will do anything to get there first. Whoever controls the Lost Continent will control the world."

Excerpt

Feeling as though someone was pulling a fast one on him, Lourds examined the writing more closely, thinking perhaps it had been inscribed recently upon an ancient bell – which would have been foolish under the circumstances because such an act would have destroyed the bell’s huge intrinsic value – to fool him. If it was a forgery, it was a masterpiece. The inscription felt smooth to the touch. In places it was even worn to the point that it was almost faded.

Yep. If it was a fake, it was a damned good one.

Operating by instinct, Lourds reached into his backpack, which was beside his chair, and took out a soft graphite pencil and a tablet containing sheets of onion skin tracing paper. Placing a sheet of paper on the bell, he rubbed the pencil against the surface, creating a negative image of the inscription Read More...

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Fresh Pick | WHAT THE DUKE DESIRES by Jenna Petersen

The Billingham Bastards #1

November 2009
On Sale: October 27, 2009
Featuring: Lillian Mayhew; Simon Crathorne
384 pages
ISBN: 0061470821
EAN: 9780061470820
Mass Market Paperback
$6.99

Romance Historical
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What The Duke Desires by Jenna Petersen

Simon Crathorne has never felt quite “right” in his own life. Even with his friends, he never fit. But now his father is dead and he has inherited the Dukedom, and all the responsibility that goes with it. And since his father was always known as a highly moral, upstanding man, Simon has big shoes to fill. Lillian Mayhew doesn’t buy the late Duke’s exalted reputation one bit. A lifetime of hearing her father talk about the man’s sins and seeing the torment her family endured at his hands has made her bitter and a final secret she discovered as her father lay dying has turned her bitterness to a drive to destroy the good name of the man she feels wronged her. No matter the price.

But when Simon and Lillian meet, sparks fly and passion erupts, leaving Lillian with an ugly choice. Can she abandon her quest for revenge, just as she is on the cusp of fulfilling her duty? Or will she betray a man whose past turns out to be a murky sea of lies and betrayals neither one could have ever anticipated? A man whose kiss could change her life forever.

Grab your tissues while reading this emotional novel, then be prepared for a shocking surprise.

Excerpt

“There are at least a dozen beautiful women here, Simon.” She flushed as she realized her slip. It seemed her private use of his given name had instilled bad habits in her. “Your Grace.”

But a light of triumph had already brightened his eyes. Her use of his name was only encouragement to him.

She hastened to add something else, to counteract her inappropriate statement with a fact that would crush his interest.

“Those other women are far more appropriate than I am, as well,” she finally whispered. “If you are on this path to court me, I would bring nothing to you, Your Grace. No money, no alliance with a powerful family, in fact my connections would bring you down in the estimation of some. I did not come here to pursue that kind of connection to you, I have no illusions that Read More...

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