Happy Holidays to All!

The holidays have brought a windfall of some of our favorite authors to the Romance aisle. Check out the newest from Lori Foster, Never Too Much, or prehaps Lynsay Sands' Single White Vampire strikes your fancy. Shannon Drake also has a new historical, The Pirate Bride. Brenda Joyce has a new entry in her Masters of Time series, Dark Embrace and Elizabeth Bevarly has Ready & Willing. So our gift to you this holiday season are lots of choices in romance reading. Enjoy!

Romance Reviews Delivered to your Inbox

Have you tried the library's Bookletters email service, yet? Once a month, Bookletters will send you an email with reviews of some of the newest romance books, and links to the library catalog so you can order the book right then. Take a look at the review for Lisa Kleypas' latest, and if you'd like to keep on top of the newest romances you can subscibe to Bookletters by clicking http://www.booksite.com/texis/scripts/bookletter/addnluser.html?sid=6376 Happy Hunting!

Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins--and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation...and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate.

Then, Win returns to England...only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It's now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny--or risk losing the only woman he has lived for...

2008/09 St. Martin's Press9780312949815 Check Our Catalog Seduce Me at Sunrise By Kleypas, Lisa

Snuggle Down to Some Deiciously Warm Reading

Just in time for warm, soft sweaters, a cozy fire, and steaming cup of fragrant tea, a new batch of steamy new romances have arrived.

Red Fire, is the first in a new series called A Gods of Midnight Novel by Deidre Knight. Called by Fresh Fiction.com, "Fascinating series involving immortal warriors who are in a race to solve a chilling prophecy." Sounds like a good one.

There's a debut novel this week, Just the Sexiest Man Alive, by Julie James that has very promising reviews. “In her debut novel, James shakes up the world of lawyers and celebrity romance, producing a captivating, beautifully written story. The fireworks between the characters fuel the plot and will keep readers flipping the pages at a dizzying pace.”—Romantic Times BookReviews Magazine, Oct 2008

Or prehaps you're starting to think about the upcoming holiday season. Check out Christmas Weddings, a collection of three stories by Carole Mortimer, Shirley Jump, and Margaret McDonogh.

Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa!

It's been home repair and fix up month at the homestead, and the blog has languished, unupdated. I'm so sorry. So there are lots of little things to catch you up on.

-If you don't want to talk back to Harlequin, maybe you like to talk to other romance reader and authors at the Romance Novels Forum.

- The RITA awards were announced by the Romance Writers of America. Some of our favorites are on this year's list. Kristan Higgins, Catch of the Day, won best Contemporary Single Title Romance, while Julia Quinn's The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheevers, won for best Regency Romance, and Best Romantic Suspence was captured by Anne Stuart's Ice Blue. For teens, one of my favorites, Wicked Lovely, by Melissa Marr took the prize.

-Finally, more new Romances keep rolling in, including Suzanne Enoch's, Before the Scandal, Christine Feehan's, Turbulent Sea and Stephanie Laurens', The Edge of Desire. There's always something new in the Romance aisle!

Inquiring Minds Want to Know!

Have you ever wanted to talk back to a book? You know that, "What were they thinking?" feeling. Well, Harlequin wants to know what you were thinking, and has started a website to find out. At http://www.tellharlequin.com/, they will be contacting you from time to time by email and/or mail, to ask you to…

• Read Harlequin® books and give your opinions (the books will be sent to you free of charge and are yours to keep with no obligation to purchase anything!)

• Share your opinions on book covers

• Give your opinions on new book ideas

I've signed up to give it a try and I'll let you know what I think of it. A chance to speak my mind, what's not to like?

Tori Carrington's newest is here!

Were you able to attend last year's Writer's Live? The Toledo, Ohio husband and wife writing team of Lori and Tony Karayianni came to Medina County to talk about their books written under the name of Tori Carrington. This busy couple, with over 40 published titles to their names, has released their newest title in the Sofia Metropolis series, Working Stiff. The ever efficient Book Reporter has already posted her blurb about it and it sounds great!

"In charge" while her uncle/boss is in Greece, Sophie finds she's coming to enjoy the "boss" status for herself. Assigning lesser tasks to the other employees, she concentrates on a case with the most serious consequence potential so far. Her client is facing life in prison for murdering his girlfriend whose body was never found. It's Sophie's job to find the real killer. As she hits the streets and continues to work the tedious, difficult or dangerous details of the case, Sophie wonders if even as the boss, she's not still just a Working Stiff.

For years I've fed my addiction to mystery novels with long-time series mystery writers such as Margaret Maron, Joan Hess, Sharyn McCrumb, Gillian Roberts, etc. With suspense, humor and romance, these have made me put my thinking cap on while enjoying each absorbing chapter, which just whets my appetite for the next installment. This 4th story in the fresh bright Sophie Metropolis series puts Tori Carrington in with these other terrific authors, and I'll be impatiently waiting for more. Posted by Barbara Vey on www.PublishersWeekly.com/BeyondHerBook blog 08/29/08

Fall Favorites

The leaves on my trees are falling due to lack of rain, rather than cooler temperatures, but falling they are, so it's time to harvest the latest crop of good books. Some of our most popular authors showed up this week with new and new to paperback Romances. So check out these on the shelves:

Christy Award finalist Susan May Warren's third book in her series about Josey, Get Cozy Josey!, has Josey and her new husband heading off for to the frozen tundra of Siberia.

In slightly warmer climes, pick up the second book in Amanda Scott's Border trilogy, Border Lass, providing intrigue and romance in the Scottish court.

Amanda Ashley unites a world-weary vampire with a beautiful witch to fight a deadly new threat in her newest, Night's Kiss.

Chastity O'Neill is ready to fall love in love and tired of being Just One of the Guys, in Kristan Higgins latest.

The choice between woman and country must be made in Rosemary Rodger's Scandalous Deception.

Brenda Jackson returns with the third in her "The Three Mrs. Fosters" series, with Just Deserts.

And of course, there are always many more waiting for you in the Romance aisle. Happy harvesting!

Coincidence is a Wonderful Thing

Going through our newly delivered Romances for the week, I spotted Eve Silver's newest His Wicked Sins. Just the day before I'd spotted our own Book Reporter's blurb on the book in Barbara Vey's blog, Beyond Her Book. Just in case you haven't checked out Barbara's blog, it's a great way to keep up to date on the world of romance and romance writers. My favorite day to check it out is Your Turn Fridays, which feature blurbs on the latest in romance fiction. Check it out; a link to Beyond Her Book is listed on the left in the links.

Anyway, back to Book Report's blurb; thanks, Joyce!

In 1828 Elizabeth Canham has taken a position as a teacher at Burndale Academy in Yorkshire, a girl's boarding school, and having travelled from London where she's lived most of her life, she feels a little out of her element. She knew she was taking the place of a teacher who recently died, but hadn't known till she got there that the teacher had been the second to have been horribly brutalized and murdered, and is told she bears a similarity to them. Griffin Fairfax is local gentry, and the father of a disturbingly silent and remote student. While his demeanor is charming, he is also shrouded in darkness and mystery. Elizabeth is given to suspect him when she discovers the disfigured body of another woman in the forest. Since he has expressed an interest in her, she begins to wonder if she might become the next victim. Gothic Romance is what I got into after my Nancy Drew days, and before Arthur C Clarke and Isaac Asimov took me out of this world. I've forgotten how the frightening mysteries of ancient castles, impenetrable forests and sinister villains can still captivate me. I found Eve Silver's dark romance to be mysterious and thrilling, reminding me that there are good grown-up Gothic novels being written, and I can still enjoy them. Posted by Barbara Vey @ www.PublishersWeekly.com/BeyondHerBook blog (08/08/08)”

End of Summer Windfall

We have an embarressment of riches in the Romance aisle this week. If you are a Regency romance reader, (try saying that five times fast!), Barbara Metzger's newest, The Scandalous Life of a True Lady, arrived along with a new author, Olivia Parker's At the Bride Hunt Ball. Or for a little further back in history, you might want to try Scottish historicals like Rivals for the Crown, by Kathleen Givens or the latest in Hannah Howell's Highland series, Highland Fire. For something more contemporary, Christine Ridgeway has a new book, How to Knit a Wild Bikini, or the next installment in Patti O'Shea's paranormal series, In Twilight's Shadow. So enjoy the dog days of summer in style; grab your lounge chair, a cold drink and a good book. Happy reading!

Vacation and Other Pleasures

I have to apologize for my long silence between posts. I was on vacation to cloudy and chilly San Francisco, and hot and steamy Memphis. Of course I had to take a book with the me, so I read the third Katie Chandler book by Shanna Swendson Damsel Under Stress. This series, which follows an average small town girl in New York City who works for a company that produces spells for the magical community, is funny, light-hearted chick-lit. For something a little bit steamier, check out some of our newest titles, like Jacquelyn Frank's latest in her Nightwalkers series, Damien, or another paranormal by Jeaniene Frost, One Foot in the Grave, the second in her Night Huntress series.

New in Paperback

It's been a good month for new romances in paperback. Take a look at the display at the end of the aisle to find lots of new titles to enjoy. Just this week we received the newest title from bestselling author, Madeline Hunter, Secrets of Surrender. Also, the start of a new series Children of the Sea, by Virginia Kantra, Sea Witch. Be looking for her next book in the series, Sea Fever, coming out in the fall. And for those who would like to get reacquainted with an old friend, the MacGregor series, by Nora Roberts is being reissued. This month, MacGregor Grooms, joins MacGregor Brides on the paperback shelf. Happy Reading!

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict

Guest Reviewer Joyce Ann shares her blurb of Laura Viera Rigler's book, Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, posted on PW Blog Beyond Her Book by Barbara Vey.

Is there a well-read woman anywhere who doesn’t breathe a heavy sigh when she hears the name “Mr D’Arcy?" With or without the Colin Firth image? Courtney Stone uses the comfort of her Jane Austen books to soothe the pain of her break-up with her jerk of a fiance. She wakes one morning to find herself in Regency England in the body of a woman who could easily have been authored by Ms. Austin and quickly learns she must pretend to be that woman. Courtney makes herself fit into the role of dutiful daughter, particular friend and reluctant object of affection. As she strives to discover what happened and how to get back to her own life, Courtney comes to chafe under the restrictions society imposes upon women. She fears losing her sense of self to that of the woman she possesses. Light, but suspenseful and romantic (how could it be otherwise), Laurie Viera Rigler’s book is a gratifying fix for those of us who suffer the same addiction.Posted on PW Blog Beyond Her Book by Barbara Vey 01/17/08

For more check out Author's@Google: Laura Viera Rigler, www.youtube.com/watch?v=MexHoAERiVc

The Newest Title by Kasey Michaels is In!

Review by Christie Ridgway
Kasey Michaels has called up a winner in Dial M for Mischief, which bills itself as a "romantic caper" and is the first in the author's new trilogy. Retired cop and veteran PI Teddy Sunshine is dead, and it looks like the second half of a murder-suicide. But not to his three daughters, Jade, Jolie and Jessica. They're sure their dad was murdered because of something to do with one of his four old, cold cases. As "Teddy's Angels" they decide to work the unsolved crimes themselves in order to find out what happened to their beloved father. But there's a guy for each of these girls, and this book brings up-and-coming actress Jolie Sunshine back together with her ex-fiancé, millionaire Sam Becket. The story speeds along almost as fast as the pulse of former lovers Jolie and Sam, and rooting for them to restore their romance is as easy as the banter between the characters. In a nod to these alliterated sisters, this is a super start to a sly new series.

© 2008, All rights reserved, BookPage

The Start of a New Series from J.D. Warren

Guest Reviewer Joyce Ann shares her review of the newest book form J. D. Warren, Posted on PW Blog Beyond Her Book by Barbara Vey 06/06/08.




“I got snookered again and taken in by a title and bookcover of a malapropos nature. Here's this book with a cutesy little title and cutesy little cover art, and neither has anything to with the story. When you spot this book in a store, it might catch your eye and you might think it could be pretty good. The fact is, it's much, much better! What were they thinking? Samantha goes through her days feeling like she doesn't quite belong in her life, only to discover when memory returns that it's not her life she's living. Upon that recognition, she finds out about parallel worlds, about shapeshifters and fairies, about ancient battles between good and evil, and about love.In a wonderfully imaginative story of magic and suspense, J D Warren creates characters that are engaging and colorful. And while witty and charming, I didn't think it cutesy at all. The title doesn't do it justice. I look forward to the next book, but I suppose it's too much to hope the title will be relevant."



Sounds like a fun read, Joyce Ann. Be looking for more of Joyce's book blurbs in the future.

12 Bestselling Authors Unite For A Very Worthy Cause in this New Anthology

Todays post comes courtesy of Author Island.com It's about a just released anthology of stories from twelve well known authors like Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy and Toni Blake.

"In this engaging anthology of never-before-published stories, twelve award-winning and bestselling authors are united by their unique visions of the resilient woman and her quest for self, for fulfillment, for empowerment, and for an enriching new appreciation for what love really means - and why it matters.

A young woman is torn between the overbearing security of her fiance and the excitement of an old flame...a desperate wife is forced into the workplace for the first time in her life...an ambitious professional woman finally finds the courage to take control of her career - and her man ...an emotionally fragile divorcee finds resolve in the ethereal visitations of an archangel.

These are just some of the women who discover and rediscover their wonderfully fallible selves in the shadow of love - romantic love, platonic love, new love, and lost love. You'll be touched, inspired, charmed, and amused by these twelve original stories of disparate longings, unsettled lives, and the power of love."

All author and agent proceeds from THE POWER OF LOVE are being donated to the Battered Women's Shelter of Cincinnati, Ohio.

BookLetters Keeps you Up to Date Effortlessly

Have you subscribed to Book Letters, yet? It's an email newsletter that will keep you up to date on newest releases. Sign up for the "Romance" newsletter, and once a month you'll receive notice on the hottest new titles in romance. Or maybe you'd like "Books on the Air" a weekly overview of talked-about books and authors. previews of hot releases for the coming week, as well as recent TV and radio appearances by authors. Or maybe "Book Sizzle" is more to your liking. Stay up-to-date on books in the media, from authors on the air to the latest tv/movie adaptations, you'll always know what's on with this monthly newsletter. And to make it easy, click on any title listed and you'll be taken to a page with a description of the book, and easier still a link to our catalog so you can order your library copy right then. Check it out at, http://www.booksite.com/texis/scripts/bookletter/addnluser.html?sid=6376

Looking for a Little Romance?

Sometimes they just don't write 'em fast enough. You've caught up on all you favorite authors, and you're already on the waiting list for their newest book which won't even come out for another month, now what do you read? You might want to check out the magazine, Romantic Times Book Reviews. Located on the display shelf where the new Romances are displayed, you'll find it's chock full of news on what is coming out, and reviews of all the latest offerings in the world of Romance. In addition, you'll find find spotlights on your favorite authors and interviews with promising newcomers. Are you a fan of paranormal romance? Then read the May 2008 interview with Jeri Smith, author of the new vampire romance, Wicked Game. If you like historical romance, you might want to check out their reviews of their Top Pick! for May, Elizabeth Hoyt's To Taste Temptation or Sarah McKerrigan's Danger's Kiss. This magazine is full of great titles for you to try. Check it out!

Whew!

My arms are aching! The number of new Romance titles we've received in the last few weeks has been astounding. There are new titles by by many of your old favorites like Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne, Lisa Jackson and Nicole Jordan, and some interesting newcomers like Harriet Evans, A Hopeless Romantic, or Jody Gehrman, Notes from the Back Seat. Check out the display at the end of the Romance aisle.

The Best of 2007

If your favorite authors aren't writing them fastest enough, and you're in need of some suggestions for new writers to try, you could do worse than check out the Romance Writers of America's list of nominees for their RITA Awards. The RITA awards are presented annually to the best published romance novels of the year. The award is named after RWA's first president, Rita Clay Estrada, and has become a symbol for the best in published romance fiction. Listed by 12 different catagories, it's easy to find several suggestions for books to try in just the type of romance that appeals to you. Check out their website http://www.rwanational.org/cs/2008_rita_finalists and see if you can find something new!

Letting the Bidding Begin

Fot the 4th year in a row, author Brenda Novak, (Dead Right, Dead Giveaway, etc. and many Harlequin SuperRomances), is holding her annual auction to raise money for Diabetes Research. Over the last 3 years, Ms. Novak's auction has raised over $250,000 going directly to research on diabetes. All during the month of May, you can bid on items by stopping in at her website, http://www.brendanovak.com/ There are fabulous items like a 6 day African Safari, an Ipod Nano, and even a chance to have a book of your own reviewed by an editor for Kensington Publishing. And be looking for her newest book, Trust Me, due out at the end of this month.

Check Out the Goodies!

Several of my fellow librarians, who are always watching my back, attended "Isn't It Romantic, or HEA (Happily Ever After)" at the Lodi Library in April. (I couldn't go; somebody had to watch the desk!) But to make me feel better, they brought me a bag full of goodies: bookmarks, pens, a keychain, even some book covers signed by authors. Check out the display at the end of the Romance aisle and help yourself!

Romance and Mystery Comes to Medina, May 8th

Historical Romance author Heather Webber will share the stage with mystery author Michael Koryta at the next Writer's Live luncheon, Thursday, May 8th at Weymouth Country Club. Tickets are still available. For more information call 330-722-6235 ext. 2909.

Just in this week, Christina Dodd's newest book, Thigh High.

"Nessa Dahl lives a sensible life-until, that is, Jeremiah MacNaught come to town and enlists her help to investigate a string of bank robberies. Only Mac realizes that beneath Nessa's no-nonsense exterior exists an outlaw spirit, and between them burns a passion far hotter than a sultry summer night. But when she discovers that the handsome investigator is undercover, lying to her about his identity and convinced she's involved with the crimes, he'll learn what thigh high in trouble really means. . ." from the cover of Thigh High, Christina Dodds.
To request a copy from the library, click http://www.mcdl.info/library_catalog_search_general.html