Thursday, July 30, 2009

Tote Bag of Books Presents Special - Trish Morey

And so here's the final Presents author to round off this list of fabulous contributors to the Tote Bag Presents Special.

Today;s author is Australian Trish Morey. In her blog, Tirsh talks about the day we first met, when she had just had her very first book accepted - back in 2003. That's one of my favourite memories of Trish - and of RWA. And the Presents authors dinner a day or so later, when Trish and I sat together and shared a few glasses of wine - and talked and talked - is another one.

So I'm delighted to welcome Trish to the blog today.


Celebrating Harlequin Presents


Many thanks, Kate, for welcoming me here on your blog! Not that being welcomed by Kate is any surprise. I'm sure I've mentioned it before (if not here) that when I turned up at the RWA Nationals literacy signing event in New York in 2003, one short month after selling to Harlequin Presents, that it was Kate Walker who wrapped me, a total stranger, in her arms and welcomed me into the Harlequin Presents author fold with a heartfelt, "welcome, to the best club in the world."

And truly it is! It's so special, being able to write for Presents. For where else do you get to meet writers warm and wonderful and of the calibre of Kate Walker? And where else do you get to create the fantasy characters that we, as Presents readers love to read? Where else do you get to explore conflict in all its many forms and in all its angsty detail, with a resolution at the end that is all the more satisfying for all that has gone before? And all with the perfect alpha male, impossibly sexy, arrogant and who thinks he knows exactly what he wants from the world. Until he meets his perfect heroine of course and his perfect world goes pear shaped:-))

Of course, Harlequin Presents stories are set in some of the most glamorous locations in the world, Paris, New York, London, Monaco, etc, but I think the fun sometimes starts when you are able to make up your own fantasy realm. This is Harlequin Presents after all, the line that offers the very best in contemporary fantasy romance.

Which is where the fictional Principality of Montvelatte came from. A ruggedly beautiful Mediterranean island with air scented of salt and thyme and a thousand wildflowers, an island rich in history and legend. Here one Prince has already found his match.

And it is here, on Montvelatte, that a Princess meets her match, in my latest release, The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess. I hope you enjoy revisiting the island of Montvelatte and reading Princess Marietta's story as much as I enjoyed writing it!


Your question, what book preceding The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess, introduced us to the Principality of Montvelatte?

You'll find the answer on my website
Trish's Book - The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess is out on August 11th in the Presents Extra line up.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Tote Bag of Books Presents Special - Michelle Reid

It's no secret that today's Presents author is a very special friend of mine. I've loved her books from the moment I first started reading them and Michelle Reid has been an important part of my life since I met her at a Mills & Boon Author Day about 15 years ago.

That's something I've noticed about romance writers - if I love their books then usually I like the authors too.

So welcome back to my blog Michelle.


What would I do without Presents...?

No, I don’t mean chocolates or flowers or diamonds (though yes please if you’re offering!) I mean of course, the wonderful Presents novels I’ve been buying up by the handful and reading for – well – forever.

Writing a Presents novel is like starting off on a long and fascinating journey filled with eye popping exotic places and exciting larger than life people I would otherwise never get to see or to meet. My job is to guide my hero and heroine through their high charged emotional conflicts and bring them together in peace by the close of the book. Curling up in a chair with a Presents novel written by someone else is kind of the same thing, only I get to be swept away by their fabulous journey into different highly charged emotional conflicts.

I suppose you could say I’m in love with Presents, deliciously totally and forever.

Michelle Reid
The book Michelle has donated to the Tote Bag of Books is The Markonos Bride.
The Greek island of Aristos holds bittersweet memories for Louisa: here she met gorgeous Greek playboy Andreas Markonos – the man who changed her life. After a whirlwind romance they married, and Louisa gave Andreas a precious son. But when tragedy struck Louisa was compelled to leave her handsome husband, and the beautiful Aegean island she’d come to call home…
Now, five years later, Andreas can’t believe that his runaway wife has dared show her face on Aristos again! But seeing Louisa once more makes him realise how much he desires her still. Their separation has lasted long enough! Andreas will reclaim his wife with the one thing that they continue to share…intense physical passion!
Michelle's question that you need to answer in order to enter the Tote Bag Contest is this:
What is the title of the book that Michelle Reid wrote as part of the Ramirez Brides Trilogy?
You will find the answer on Michelle's web site here - where you will also soon find details of her upcoming book Marchese Forgotten Bride which is out on 21st August.

Hello from Wales

There are just a few more days of the Tote Bag Presents Special contest before all the questions have been asked and you'll need to get your answers in. The official closing date is July 31st but as I'll be travelling back from Wales then I've decided to give you - and me - a little extra time and so I'll accept entries over the weekend as well.

So if you get your entries to me - with Presents Tote Bag special in the subject line - by midnight on Sunday 2nd August I'll put your name into the prize draw for Sid to pick out a winner.

In the meantime I'm here in Wales having a wonderful time at Caerleon. As always, the courses are great, the food amazing and the company fabulous. The first evening we had agent Teresa Chris giving one of the main talks and last night lovely Katie Fforde had everyone laughing all the way through her talk. In a little while - together with the Babe Magnet - I will be part of a panel of authors answering questions from the audience and tomorrow I start teacing my Writing Romantic Fiction course for five sessions.

Which reminds me, several people comments on Jennie Lucas's post about writing courses and asked if I was doing any more here in Wales or anywhere else. Take a look at the Events page of my web site and you'll see that I have a couple of courses coming up - both weekend courses - one in Fishguard in February 2010 and one in Southampton in April. And only yesterday I was approached by another course organiser to see if I would conside running one in Kent. As and when that is decided I'll pass on the information to you.

But for now, the sun is shining, the Writers' Holiday is in full swing - and I'm going back to join in the fun.

Good luck with your answers to the Tote Bag Hunt!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Tote Bag of Books Presents Special - Annie West

It’s Harlequin’s 60th birthday in 2009 and July has been designated Presents month. What a grand reason for a celebration! It’s my birthday this month too, so I’m in party mode.
Today's author is one of the great Australian authors who write for Presents. Up to a couple of weeks ago I might have said she was one of the newest Aussie authors but I've learned of a new Australian author whose book will be appearing very soon.


Annie has donated copies of her book The Greek's Convenient Mistress (a June release ) to the Tote Bag.


Welcome Annie -



Harlequin books have played an enormous part in my life. When I was a teenager I discovered the joys of romance between the covers of love stories set in exotic places all around the world. I’ve been a Presents reader for years, but I’ve also devoured Temptation, Desire, Intimate Moments, Intrigue and Romance.

I love a touch of glamour in my romances and a hero who can sweep a woman off her feet. Sigh. Is it any reason I’m addicted to these love stories? It’s wonderful writing them and such a thrill too to get to know other Harlequin writers who create just the sort of stories I love.

As we’re talking about birthday celebrations I thought I’m mention a few that stick in my mind. We’re planning a birthday weekend trip to the beautiful vineyards of the Hunter Valley (Australia) this month which should be lovely: gorgeous scenery, great company and total relaxation. Recently I was speaking to someone who celebrated a significant birthday in Venice with her husband. As she lives in Sydney, that’s no mean feat! One of my all time favourite birthday memories was of a sunny winter’s day in Canberra when I wasn’t long married. We couldn’t afford to go out to a fancy restaurant, much less go away. Instead we sat on the verandah of our newly acquired home (which at that stage didn’t have floor coverings or proper curtains) and had a lovely romantic picnic, watching the kangaroos grazing on the top of the hill opposite. It felt so special, celebrating with my husband in our very own home.

What birthday celebration stands out in your memory? Is it a treasured childhood recollection or something more recent? If you haven’t got special birthday memories, is there something you’d like to do mark the occasion in the future?





Costas Palamidis is a desperate man - desperate to save his daughter. He seeks out the only person in the world who can help her: Sophie Paterson. But their meeting is an explosive confrontation between two people shattered by grief. Costas comes face to face with a woman who embodies every haunted memory of his past yet presents an inescapable temptation. Can he trust her to help him, and trust himself to resist her?


When a furious Greek tycoon bursts into her home, Sophie’s anguish turns to outrage. She wants nothing to do with any man as callous and hard as this one. Yet she discovers a reluctant bond of understanding with this arrogant stranger. To help him she must return to Greece, face the family that disowned her and lay herself open to the shattering attraction between her and Costas. She can’t walk away, but will she survive the experience?

Annie's question for the contest is:

What is the title of Annie's current UK release?

You can find the answer on Annie's web site here

Friday, July 24, 2009

Important Post re Tote Bag Contest

Can I please just remind you that this contest is not one where the answers to the questions should be posted in the comments to the blog each day when the visiting author has posted their blog and asked a question.

The way to enter the contest is to collect up the answers to all 15 questions and then send them all in an email to me - kate AT kate-walker.com - with the heading Tote Bag Presents Special in the subject line of your email.

Please do NOT answer the questions in the comments as this gives the answers to everyone joining in without them going to the appropriate web site and looking for it themselves. It may also be the wrong answer. Several people have posted the answers in the blog comments and I have had to remove these to fit with the rules of the contest.

If you need any more details, please check the Contest page of my web site.

Thanks!

Tote Bag of Books Presents Special - Robyn Donald

It's a real thrill for me to introduce today's Presents author who has donated copies of her books to the Tote Bag of Books.


Way back before I was ever published, when I was reading Mills & Boon books both for pleasure and to learn how to write these very special stories, one author that I always looked out for was Robyn Donald. I always knew that I would enjoy her books as I had done right from the moment I first read them - and that I would learn such a lot about the intensity of writing a true Presents book.

I have so many Robyn Donald titles on my 'keeper' shelf that I couldn't quite believe it when I found that I was actually published alongside her. In 2004 I had the great thrill to meet Robyn herself - and her lovely husband - when I attended the Romance Writers of Bew Zealand Conference in Auckland. That was a real dream come true moment - one that was compounded by the fact that actually told me that she enjoyed my books!




So I'm really honoured to think that Robyn has joined in my contest and has donated two copies of her next book - Rich Ruthless and Secretly Royal - to the prize collection.


Welcome Robyn! I'm so glad to have you here.

Robyn says:

When I first began reading the romances published by Mills & Boon – oh, back in the Dark Ages – I fell instantly for their focus on an intense relationship between two people who had to fight for their happy ending. I adored the strong authoritative men and the women they loved, and I was fascinated by the settings – in Africa, or the Caribbean, or exotic places in Asia. I also loved the fact that one of their authors was Essie Summers, a New Zealander who wrote beautifully about the high country in the Southern Alps and the tough men who live there.

I wanted to write them too. When my first book was accepted, I felt as though I’d come home, and after 78 books I still feel that way. The internet has opened up a community linking readers and writers that is heartwarming and exciting, and it’s a great pleasure to donate copies of my 79th book book Rich, Ruthless and Secretly Royal, published in the United Kingdom in September.
Best wishes to you all,
Robyn Donald


Nights of royal passion . . .and pleasure . . .
Prince Kelt, Duke of Vamili, knows the weight of responsibility a title brings. So the brooding royal keeps his privileged birth well hidden. Until one glance at mysteriously alluring Hannah Court threatens to shatter his defences . . .

Exotic beauty Hani has never known a man who excites her as quickly as Kelt. He's achingly persuasive and thrillingly powerful. But the chiselled god who pleaures her at night is holding a secret . . . one almost as dark as her own!

Robyn's scavenger hunt question is -

How does Robyn describe the place where she lives?

Visit Robyn's web site to find out.

A quick wave from me!

I finally managed to snatch a few moments from dashing around - catching up with everything, unpacking from DC, washing laundry and repacking for Wales to come in here and say Hi .

It's been chaotic but I'm getting there and I think (hope) I'll be ready to leave on Sunday for Wales - and with the course prepared ready to teach.



But I just wanted to say a great big thank you to all the wonderful authors so far who have helped me keep this blog warm while I've been away - you've all been fabulous. And there are still more great posts to come.

And don't forget to collect up all those answers to the questions ready to get in your entries for the Tote Bag of Presents Books contest at the end of the month. Let's recap on the questions
so far:

I asked - What is the title of my next book - out in September in Mills and Boon Modern and in October in Presents Extra ?

Abby Green's question - Who is the well known author running a summer competition on her blogs, giving away lots of prizes to lucky readers?


Susan Stephens' question: What is the family name of the two sheikh brothers in the duo of which Sheikh Boss, Desert Nights is the first book


Melanie Milburne's question: What was the title of Melanie's first Presents novel?

Christina Hollis's question: What is the name of my JULY release under the ‘Presents’ banner.

Sabrina Philips's question is: What is the name of the Presents Extra mini-series The Desert King’s Bejewelled Bride will be part of?

Anne McAllister asked: What is the title of PJ's book -- the one that was the RITA finalist last week?
Margaret Mayo's question was : What 'landmark' book is Margaret celebrating with her next UK release?
Natalie Rivers asked: What was the title of Natalie's previous book, published in December 2008/Presents November 2008


Lynn Raye Harris's question was: what does Rebecca Layton do that shocks Alejandro de Ramirez once he’s told her he’ll demolish her favorite hotel before ever selling it back to her ? (And don't forget that Lynn's very first book is out in the shops now!)


Jennie Lucas asked: What is the handsome stranger wearing when he surprises Lia in the garden?


That's 11 of the questions - don't forget to collect up the answers, keep them safe and then when you have all 15 answers, send them to me with Tote Bag Presents Special in the subject line.


And there are four more wonderful authors coming up with their books and their questions, so keep visiting the blog to find those.

And with luck I might be able to visit a little bit now, when I have a moment in Wales!
PS don't forget that anyone - from anywhere in the world can enter this contest. I may be crazy when I think about postage costs but I'm only going to run the very special Tote Bag Contest once! So get your answers in for a chance to win!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Tote Bag of Books Presents Special - Jennie Lucas

Today I'm delighted to welcome Jennie Lucas to guest blog here. Jennie's first Presents title was published in 2007 and the book she has donated to the Tote Bag prize is her 5th title, Virgin Mistress, Scandalous Love-Child.



Jennie's often said she wishes she could join in one of my writing courses - and that's the topic of her blog today:




Kate, thanks so much for inviting to your blog today!

I’m sitting here dreaming about your upcoming weeklong class in Writers Holiday in Wales and wishing I could go! (It’s unfortunately back-to-back against the Romance Writers of America’s national conference in Washington DC.)

Last year, I attended a similar type of program taught by Sharon Kendrick in Posara, Italy It was the most fun I’ve ever had while pretending to “work”! The roses and medieval buildings of Tuscany, along with the experience of the class, really inspired my next book, which came out last month in the UK and will be out in September in the U.S.—The Innocent’s Dark Seduction.

So here’s the scavenger hunt question:

What is the handsome stranger wearing when he surprises Lia in the garden?

To find the answer, read the excerpt here:
Good luck everyone!

And for anyone who’s going to Kate Walker’s romance-writing class in Wales the last week of July, I’m so jealous! Who knows what kind of fabulous dreamy stories you’ll be inspired to write….?

With warmest wishes,

Jennie
http://www.jennielucas.com/



Virgin Mistress, Scandalous Love-Child



Kidnapped from her wedding by her sexy Brazilian boss



She's pregnant—and he'll take what is rightfully his!



In the sultry heat of Rio and its Carnaval, Ellie succumbs to her dangerously charismatic boss Diogo Serrador. But having taken her virginity, the Brazilian billionaire wants nothing more to do with her—until he discovers she's pregnant!



Diogo will accept nothing less than taking Ellie as his bride. Their marriage is passionate by night but forced and hollow by day. Ellie realizes she's in an impossible situation: Diogo's dark past has frozen his heart, but she's fallen in love with her husband...
PS to Jennie's post from Kate.
I should let everyone know that the summer Caerleon course is totally sold out. But if anyone is interested in the residential courses I'm doing next year - then the details are on my Events page or here:
Fishguard Bay Hotel 19th - 21st February 2010
Residential Training (Southampton) 24th/25th April 2010
And I'll add any more if they crop up.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Tote Bag of Books Presents Special - Lynn Raye Harris

Today's Tote Bag author is a brand-new signing to the line. Last year Lynn Raye Harris won the Harlequin Presents Instant Seduction contest and this year her very first book Spanish Magnate Red Hot Revenge is out in the shops in August.

Welcome to Presents - and to the blog, Lynn.


I am so thrilled to be a new Harlequin Presents author. I just can’t describe to you the feelings when I knew my book would be published. Not only because an editor wanted to buy my book, but also because Harlequin Presents were THE books to read when I was a teen. I loved them so much, and I never imagined that my life would turn out like this. That I, a kid from the southern United States, would grow up to write the most elegant, gorgeous, glamorous books imaginable. I still have to pinch myself!

When I sat down to write this blog post for the awesome Kate Walker (and I’m still hyperventilating over the fact she invited me to do so!), I was thinking hard about my next book and wondering what the characters really wanted. See, I have a situation, but I have no idea WHY this thing has happened.

I often begin books this way. In fact, Spanish Magnate, Red-Hot Revenge began in my head with a simple picture of a woman in a hotel room, receiving very bad news about her company over the telephone. Then I had to think why this happened, why the hero was the one taking her company away, and what they each wanted from the situation. Sometimes, I know right away. Other times, I have to dig really hard before the characters tell me their reasons.

But that’s all part of the fun. Discovering who these people are and what they want is a journey that never gets tiring (though it can be frustrating when the answers don’t come easily). I am so lucky to be a part of this wonderful line that features the most dynamic, complex, and sexy men on the planet. Add in a courageous heroine who refuses to accept the hero’s way of thinking or his plans for her, and you’ve got a fabulous adventure that gallops across the (too short) pages. As a reader, each time I close a Presents, I’m sorry it’s over – but I know there will be more fabulous stories to read very soon.

I hope you will enjoy my debut novel, and I hope it gives you that same feeling of satisfaction that I get every time I read a Harlequin Presents. While the story is my own, I was very aware of the hefty weight of tradition and the standards of excellence that I had to live up to if I wanted to see my book published. I hope I succeeded.
Lynn's Question:

For a little bit of fun, and the chance to win a signed book from me, what does Rebecca Layton do that shocks Alejandro de Ramirez once he’s told her he’ll demolish her favorite hotel before ever selling it back to her? You can find the answer on my website.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Tote Bag of Books Presents Special - Natalie Rivers

Today's contribution to the tote bag full of books comes from Natalie Rivers.

Unfortunately Natalie has been struggling with a deadline and much needed family time so hasn't been able to write a separate blog - but I want you all to know about the book she has donated to the wonderful prize collection - so here's the blurb:




A Diakos heir will never go unclaimed!

Kerry Martin wants a different childhood for her unborn baby from the one she had. Foolishly she thought Theo Diakos would provide the love and protection she’d searched so long for. How wrong she was!

Before she can share her news, a scandalous incident makes her vow never to reveal her child’s true heritage. Now Theo has found out about his secret son, and he’ll force Kerry to make another vow – to have and to hold, till death do us part!

The Diakos Baby Scandal was published in June 2009 and will be coming in Presents in November.

Natalie doesn't have a web site I can send you to look at - but the answer to her question can easily be found on Amazon or the Mills & Boon web site if you search under Natalie's name

What was the title of Natalie's previous book, published in December 2008/Presents November 2008

Friday, July 17, 2009

Tote Bag of Books Presents Special - Margaret Mayo

Today's author is another of those writers whose books I used to read when I was trying to learn how to write for Presents. Margaret Mayo's first book Destiny Paradise was published in 1976 and since then she has published . . .Oh - no I can't tell you that. You'll have to find out the answer for yourself so that you can answer her question as part of the Tote Bag Contest.




Welcome to my blog Margaret.





Where would we be without our monthly dose of Presents? It actually gives me as much pleasure to write these stories as it does to read them. We know what to expect when we pick up a Presents – strong alpha heroes to die for, spirited heroines and an intriguing, page-turning plot

Although each author has a different style each book has the same core ingredients that we’ve come to expect, and it is this that makes them such a joy to read. They pack a punch like no other line and we all have our favourite authors - me included.

I feel lucky and privileged to write these stories, to create new characters each time, to dream up believable plots. And I intend doing it for as long as I am able.





The book Margaret has donated to the Tote Bag is Bought For Marriage which appears in the Presents Extra schedule this month.


Bought bride, pregnant wife!
Dione Keristari will do anything to help her sick father when her family's business is on the rocks. But begging gorgeous Greek billionaire Theo Tsardikos for cash is more than she bargained for! Now he's demanding a marriage contract in return for the money!
She has no choice but to agree to wed the arrogant Greek. However, the sparks of attraction between them are hard for inexperienced Dione to handle, and she vows not to share Theo's bed.

But Theo's a master in the ways of loving, and soon he has his temporary bride at his bidding...and pregnant...
And the question you need to answer for a chance of the wonderful Tote Bag prize is this:
What 'landmark' book is Margaret celebrating with her next UK release

As always you can find the answer on Margaret's web site which you can find here

And don't forget - collect up all the answers to all the questions and send them to me with Tote Bag Presents Special in the subject line of your email.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Tote Bag of Blogs Presents Special Anne McAllister

Today's contributor to the Tote Bag of Books is struggling to fit everything around the arrival of a brand-new grandchild. The second this year.

This important event means that she has to miss the RWA nationals which is a great pity for two reasons

1. That I won't get to see her there this year

and

2. She has a very special reason for being there if she could. But I'll let her tell you about that.

I am of course talking about Anne McAllister who has donated one of her backlist books to the Tote Bag - The Antonides Marriage Deal. I'll let Anne tell you more about that.


Following the Story

As someone who has just finished writing her 63rd (I think; I've kind of lost track, sacrilege though it may seem) book, I sometimes blink when people tell me they've just read their first Anne McAllister -- and it's my most recent book.

I'm delighted, naturally (if they liked it, at least) and happy that I can point them toward a long back-list if they are interested. But I think, oh dear, at the same time because I worry that I have so little impact on the Presents line (I've been writing for Presents since 1985, so I'm not a newbie).

But then I realize that I wouldn't have a career at all if I hadn't done what I've been doing for the past 25 years -- and that is simply 'following the story.'


Other writers seem to be able to focus their attention on characters whose stories fit into the criteria that editorial and/or marketing has determined for a single or at most a couple of lines. And more power to them. Lucky them, I say, because their readers know where to find them.

Mine, if they are so inclined, have had to follow me all over the map.


My first book, which was the second one published, came out as a Harlequin Romance called Dare To Trust. The second one, which came out first, was a Harlequin American called Starstruck. The third one, which I sold at the same time I sold the first, was a Harlequin Presents called Lightning Storm. The fourth and fifth were Harlequin Americans. All five of them came out that first year. The sixth was a Presents. the seventh an American . . . and, well, you see what I mean: who knew where I was going to turn up next? Not even I knew.


The characters did what they did. I just followed them around and took notes. Editors on both sides of the Atlantic despaired.


And then, just when they thought they had me sorted out, I plunged deep into my well of inspiration -- and my own background -- in the early 1990s and I came up with A Cowboy For Christmas (a Harlequin American). That in short order led me to a bunch of books for Silhouette (both Desire and Special Editions, naturally, as well as a couple of single titles -- all related to each other in a series of my own called Code of the West ) that had to do with cowboys. The last one I snuck in as a Presents last year -- One-Night Love Child. Don't tell.


This detour was basically because Presents wasn't doing cowboy heroes unless, as my then-editor told me, "They owned multi-national corporations on the side."


"Does he, Anne?" he asked me. Well, gosh, no, he didn't own much more than his saddle. He was a "died with his boots on," sort of cowboy, as my long-suffering editor sighed. Imagine that.


Whatever Tanner was, he wouldn't change for editorial, so I followed his story -- Cowboys Don't Cry -- to Silhouette, had a lovely time there, and wrote many books of my heart for them by following a lot of cowboy heroes as they told me their stories.


But all the while I was also still writing Presents because some of my stories belonged there.


There was one here, one there. One in any particular year, then another a couple of years after that. Not precisely designed to build readership, my editor pointed out, er, pointedly. But the characters did what they did and I just wrote. The alternative was staring at the blank screen. Not a good idea. Not lucrative, for one thing. Not as much fun as writing, for another.


But now I write mostly for Presents because, other than cowboys, Presents pretty much lets me write about what I want.



They let me write about men who may or may not be billionaires -- or even millionaires. They don't care that I don't want to write sheikhs. Or if they care, they're polite enough not to tell me so. They let me write McAllister heroes (as long as they don't wear spurs -- though I admit I'm working on that) and they trust that when the time comes a McAllister hero will be able to handle whatever life -- and the heroine - throws at him, which is sometimes quite a lot.


Over the past years, bless their hearts, they have let me have heroes who are architects and surfers and racing sailors. They have welcomed injured soccer goalkeepers, children's book illustrators doubling as recurrent lifeguards, professional beach volleyball players, investigative journalists, New York fashion photographers, oil rig firemen, scuba diving archaeologists, and ex-Navy pilots running their own island transport business.



Last autumn they even asked for a book about my Savas brother physicist, George (this could be part of the "give her enough rope and she'll hang herself" approach to publishing me in Presents, but we won't look too closely at that). Whatever the reason, George is next.


He would be next no matter where his story took him because that's the only reason I can write at all. But I'm delighted that he's in contract for Presents. The expectations of editorial -- and readers -- are bound to make George pull his socks up, get out of the lab and do something heroic. I hope.


I'm equally delighted that my surfer hero, PJ, is a RITA finalist this week which means that at least five people liked him and his story. I'm grateful for editors who see that there is more to 'alpha' that the stereotype and more to success and competence and being a great hero than a big bank balance.



The next one in the publishing schedule is a lawyer (kill me now before I ever suggest writing another lawyer hero), Christo Savas, who has his life very neatly on track and there's no room on that track for a wife. Natalie remembers Christo all too well -- and frankly, she wouldn't have him on a plate. So when she ends up working with him, it's going to be purely business -- they hope.


It's called One-Night Mistress, Convenient Marriage and is coming out in November both as a Modern in UK and a Presents in the US. I hope you'll look for it.



Kate says we are to ask a question that will send you to our blogs. So mine is:

What is the title of PJ's book -- the one that is the RITA finalist this week?

You can find the answer on my blog as I'll be mentioning him this week.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Tote Bag of Books Presents Special Sabrina Philips

Today's author is new Presents writer, Sabrina Philips who has donated copies of her second book The Desert King's Bejewelled Bride which is a July release in the UK to the tote bag.

First of all I’d like to say a huge thank you to Kate for inviting me to join this Presents party – what a treat!

When Kate emailed me to ask if I’d like to write a short blog in celebration of the line, it was probably just as well she specified the length, because quite frankly I could go on for several thousand words about how much I love the alpha heroes, feisty heroines, exotic destinations, emotional roller-coaster plots and heart swelling happy-ever-afters that define the line I’ve always loved to read, and which I’m now lucky enough to write for. Oh, who am I kidding, I could go on for several hundred thousand words.

But given that she did, I’ve decided to be restrained and celebrate just one element of Presents, and since the signed book that I’ve donated to Kate’s fabulous bundle of prizes is my brand new release, The Desert King’s Bejewelled Bride, I thought I’d spend a few minutes waxing lyrical about sheikhs (I know, what a hardship!)

Of course Presents stories are by no means the only books which feature sheikh heroes, but for me, there’s no other place they fit quite so well. They immediately demand an exotic location, they’re rich, they’re royal, and their passionate intensity epitomises the Presents promise. In short, a sheikh is the ultimate alpha male. However, as pointed out in Kate’s great alpha blog earlier in the year, there’s more to being alpha than that. It also means having noble principles, integrity and a natural ability to lead – well for me, a sheikh epitomises those qualities above all. He commands his desert kingdom with a fierce loyalty to his people, to his ancestors before him and to the unforgiving landscape itself. And what I find so appealing is the knowledge that when the heroine ‘tames’ him, that unshakeable loyalty and passion will be directed at her forever.

Whilst sheikhs are often criticised for being too repressive and domineering when it comes to women (lately I’ve come to the conclusion that they’re a bit like marmite - you either love them or hate them), I adore them precisely those elements of his character promise such a juicy story. A sheikh hero requires a heroine daring enough to challenge his views, and there is nothing so delicious as watching him – a man usually so in control and rigid in his way of thinking – being forced to question himself because of the uncontrollable feelings he has for this one woman. Although every heroine forces her hero to re-evaluate his view of the world, sheikh heroes have to undergo such a massive internal shift in order to win the woman they love, that for me it gives that love added depth.

I don’t know whether it’s for this reason, or whether it’s because when I wrote this story I was on the verge of being a bride myself, (or because when I sent it to my editor she uttered those magical words ‘no revisions’ - certain never to be repeated!), but I have to confess, The Desert King’s Bejewelled Bride has been my favourite story to write so far. And just in case you’re the wrong side of the marmite argument, it also features a glamorous modelling assignment, an erotic fruit scene, a spontaneous game of tennis, a royal visit to a dazzling French island and an ancient law which changes everything….

The Desert King’s Bejewelled Bride is out in the UK now, and will be released as part of a delectable Presents Extra mini-series this August.

My question for Kate’s contest is: What is the name of the Presents Extra mini-series The Desert King’s Bejewelled Bride will be part of?

Hint: Visit my web site and check out the books page!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Tote Bag of Books Presents Special - Christina Hollis

Another Presents author who has contributed a book to the Tote Bag of Books is Christina Hollis who had donated two signed copies of her June release The Tuscan Tycoon's Pregnant Housekeeper and she's here today to talk about her favourite

SUMMER TREATS


No other romances can quite compete with ‘Presents’. That heady mix of exotic locations, gorgeous men and powerful passions make them as exciting to write as they are to read. In winter I love to curl up in front of the fire with some hot chocolate and escape into a romantic world full of heroes who know their own minds. Every year I think that when summer comes, I’ll be too busy out in the garden for reading, so I have to get it all done during the long, dark evenings. When the warm weather comes, it’s a different story! The latest collection of ‘Presents’ titles has just arrived, tempting me out to lounge about in the sunshine. I won’t have a hot drink by my side as I read in this weather, but my latest treat is even worse for the waistline. The weather had been so kind, our pots of strawberries have been ripening really well. The trouble is, there aren’t very many of them so I use them as a filling for sponge cake, along with a layer of vanilla cream.

When the season starts at the local pick-your-own fruit farm, the children pick bushels of strawberries for turning into granita, a really easy summer sorbet. To make it, crush and sieve a kilogramme of strawberries, add the juice of two lemons and 250 grammes of icing sugar. Whisk until it’s all nicely mixed, and then freeze until solid. This is slightly less fattening than strawberry sponge cake, but just as delicious!
Christina's question:

Kate’s goody-bags contain some signed copies of my June Modern Romance, The Tuscan Tycoon’s Pregnant Housekeeper. To enter her great giveaway competition, pop over to my website, to find the name of my JULY release under the ‘Presents’ banner.
Hint – it’s Cheryl and Marco’s story, and there’s an extract on the bottom of my website’s front page!

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Just to say . . .

The Tote Bag Presents Special will continue tomorrow with another author and another question, so don't forget to call back and check on that.


But I just wanted to say that the lovely Heather from We Write Romance has updated my web site putting all the latest news and book information up there.

So it you want to know everything that' s happening with me, that's the place to look. You'll also find the full details of how to enter the Tote Bag Presents Special Contest and a list of all the books that are going into this fabulous prize.


Then there are the details and covers of my next book - Kept For Her Baby - together with all the information you need about the USA edition of the 12 Point Guide to Writing Romance.

Oh - and the details you'll need to find information or book for one of my courses or to find out about other public appearences I'm making in the next 12 months.
Of course my next event will be the Literacy Signing at RWA Washington - which is where I'll be on Wednesday evening. I'm realy looking forward to the conference and to joining in Harlequin's special 60th celebrations.
In between then and now I'll probably be too busy organising, packing and panicking to post but the blog won't be empty - there will be lots of great posts from the authors who have donated books to the Tote Bag so don't miss out on those and their questions for the Scavenger Hunt.


One thing that I'm personally very sad to have to miss out on this weekend is the UK's Romantic Novelists' Association Conference - so I'm sending a wave to all my RNA friends who are in Penrith this weekend. I wish I could be with you but I'll be following all the fun and activities virtually on the brand new RNA blog . I t won't be as good as being there but it will have to do - have a wonderful conference.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Tote Bag of Books Presents Special - Melanie Milburne

Today's special guest and contributor to the Tote Bag of Books is Australian author for the Presents line - Melanie Milburne


There is nothing like a party! And what better thing to celebrate than Presents. I am almost embarrassed to admit how long I’ve been reading Presents novels. It seems a long time ago that I picked up my first one and so much has happened since. And of course the progression from reader to author is even more cause for celebration.

I have often wondered why so many romance readers aspire to be writers. Is there something about the genre that attracts potential writers, or do we as the result of years of reading romance ache to write our own?
I came to the genre as a young aspiring writer so I guess it seemed a natural thing to follow my dream via romance. I loved reading it and I knew I wanted to write it but other things seemed to get in the way. I wrote poetry and academic stuff for years however, before I wrote my first Harlequin manuscript. But once I started that first romance I felt compelled to continue. It was like an addiction. I could read as much romance as I liked as I was now writing it.

I know some people target romance as they think it’s somehow easier to get published, but you only have to ask those who have been trying for years on end to realise that is not the case. It takes great skill to write a heart-warming, emotionally gripping romance. And of course as a Harlequin Mills and Boon author you don’t just have to write one, you have to write many!

I think most people have a story in them. Storytelling after all is a part of human existence. We tell stories around the dinner table, over the water fountain at work, or the television does it for us, or the computer or books or magazines. Stories are everywhere- all it takes is memory, fact and imagination to get them on paper, or so Robert McKee says.
I love my life as a Harlequin author. Each day is a surprise as my characters reveal more of themselves to me and take me on their journey to happy ever after.
Happy reading ( and writing!) Melanie


Melanie's Treasure hunt question: What was the title of Melanie's first Presents novel?


The answer can be found on Melanie's web site here, together with all the news of her upcoming books, including the book she is giving away - the Mistresses By Blackmail trilogy and her August Presents release The Marcolini Marriage Blackmail
Don't forget - don't answer the questions here, collect up your answers and send them in at the end of the month by email with Tote Bag Presents Special in the subject line.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Tote Bag of Books Presents Special - Susan Stephens

Today's Presents author is Susan Stephens who has contributed copies of two of her books to the tote bag so you could win either Housekeep at His Beck and Call or Desert King, Pregnant Mistress.



As Susan's current book out is Sheikh Boss, Hot Desert Nights, today she's blogging about her love of writing these exotic sheikh stories:


My love of writing sheikh books was prompted at an early age by an ad on TV. I think it was for yumy, chocolate covered Turkish delight, but for some reason the ad featured a sheikh and a tent with billowing sides and a truckload of silken cushions. The Sheikh in his flowing robes rode a wild Arabian stallion and had a brooding look in his eyes, which I interpreted as many secrets in his heart.

Well, that was me hooked. More than anything I love to take my romances behind the silken veil to discover the fantasy desert and the fantasy lover waiting for me there.
Tall, dark and handsome is just a starting point- these days he has has to be ultra-sma
rt to cope with my feisty heroines who turn up on his tent-step- Plus, he not only has to fulfil all my wildest dreams- he has to exceed them.

Sheikh Boss, Hot Desert Nights, the book I am thrilled to know will be released on the 60th Anniversary of Harlequin romance, grew out of this passion and follows the story of a real Sheikh al Bad Boy, Sheikh Rafik al Rafar of A'Qaban.

Raffa- as he likes to be known- is a younger sheikh for me- an alpha in the making, if you will. I gave him a worthy heroine, Casey Michaels, a sassy young business woman who won't take Heat from anyone. Combustible? Explosive, I'd say. I hope you enjoy!

And before I go- What's your favourite fantasy?

There is a marvellous prize at the end of this season's celebrations, so don't be shy- share your dreams today.


With my warmest wishes to you and yours
Susan
Susan's Scavenger Hunt Question is:

What is the family name of the two sheikh brothers in the duo of which Sheikh Boss, Desert Nights is the first book?
You can find the answer on Susan's website

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Tote Bag of Books - Presents Special - Abby Green


To start off the Treasure Hunt here is the first Presents author to contribute to this fabulous Tote Bag full of books - Irish writer Abby Green

Hello everyone, hopefully you're all enjoying a glorious summer and it's not raining.


Thanks to Kate for letting me come and blog a little in her absence. My UK July release is called Ruthlessly Bedded, Forcibly Wedded. It's about an arrogant Italian called Vicenzo Valentini, and an innocent Irish woman called Cara Brosnan.


The story sprang out of an idea I had in my head of what might happen if a girl went on a package holiday to a gorgeous Italian island, Sardinia, and fell instantly in lust and love with a dark handsome stranger. I wondered what might happen if she acted completely out of character and allowed this man to seduce her and become her first lover, without even knowing his full name!



My book has changed a little from that first idea, but essentially it's the same.

Vicenzo and Cara have both come through traumatic times. Vicenzo believes Cara to be largely responsible for his beautiful younger sister's tragic death. In fact Cara is entirely innocent. When Cara finds out that the devastatingly handsome stranger who seduced her, did so for his own revenge, she is heart-broken.


There are drastic consequences to their actions and Cara finds herself having to confront Vicenzo, when she'd hoped to never see him again...


If you'd like to be in with a chance to win this book and lots of other goodies being given away by the extremely generous Kate, go to my website and find the answer to this question on my June News Update -

Who is the well known author running a summer competition on her blogs, giving away lots of prizes to lucky readers?

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Tote Bag Full of Books Presents Special - Starting the Hunt

Every year I run a special summer contest to win a Tote Bag Full of Books – one of my special tote bags crammed full of fabulous summer reading. And this year I’m running the contest again – but this time it’s a really special competition.

Because this year marks the 60th anniversary of Harlequin, and because July is the month when the Harlequin Spotlight is on the wonderful Presents line, I have planned this year’s Tote Bag Contest as a Presents Special. Every book in the tote bag has been donated by one of my fellow Presents authors.

So you have a chance to win 15 – that’s right - 15 fabulous Presents titles, many of them signed, from some of your favourite authors.

Right now the prize list looks like this:

Cordero's Forced Bride by Kate Walker

The Italian Boss's Mistress of Revenge OR Forced Wife, Royal Love-Child by Trish Morey

Mistresses By Blackmail (3 in1 ) by Melanie Milburne

Ruthlessly Bedded, Forcibly Wedded by Abby Green

The Antonides Marriage Deal by Anne McAllister


The Markonos Bride by Michelle Reid

Rich, Ruthless and Secretly Royal by Robyn Donald


The Tuscan Tycoon's Pregnant Housekeeper by Christina Hollis


Virgin Mistress, Scandalous Love-Child by Jennie Lucas


The Greek's Convenient Mistress by Annie West

Spanish Magnate, Red-Hot Revenge by Lynn Raye Harris

The Desert King's Bejewelled Bride by Sabrina Philips


The Diakos Baby Scandal by Natalie Rivers

Desert King, Pregnant Mistress OR Housekeeper at his Beck and Call by Susan Stephens.


Bought for Marriage by Margaret Mayo


What do you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this great prize?


All through July – starting tomorrow July 8th - the Presents authors will be guest blogging on my blog and each one of them will end their post with a question.

Visit the blog regularly, and just answer the question of the day.

Keep that answer safely, collect up all the answers and at the end of the blogs send the 15 answers you have via email to me with Tote Bag Presents Special in the subject line.


The contest closes on August 1st. After that, Sid will pick two winners who will both receive a tote bag filled with all this fabulous holiday reading


And to start off the questions - and to mark my contribution to the tote bag - a signed copy of Cordero's Forced Bride - here's my question - question #1



What is the title of my next book - out in September in Mills and Boon Modern and in October in Presents Extra ?


Find the answer on my web site, note down the answer and then come back tomorrow for the next question adn the next blogger.

Good luck!

Weekend, Competition and Contest . . . .

I had a wonderful - if hectic weekend - The Magnet and I travelled to Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire where we took part in the first of Calderdale Libraries' four Writers' Roadshows.

We both had 'one to one ' sessions in the morning and then, after a delicious lunch eaten sitting outside in the glorious sunshine (the Babe Magnet enjoyed my slice of organic chocolate cake as well as his own - I was already more than full up on the fabulous sandwiches, salads, crudités, veg smosas and onion bhajis- it was time for the workshop sessions. I was working with a lovely group of people including an ex-policeman who has been creating something of a sensation by reading Mills & Boon books in his local pub, a lovely Greek lady whose name I would love to steal for one of my books and two sisters whose mother I met when I was in Haworth (she owns one of the bookshops there).



If anyone from my workshop is reading this - can I just say Hi and it was wonderful to meet you all. The workshop was a lot of fun for me and I hope it was for you all too. Thanks so much for coming and for being so welcoming and easy to work with. And Rosie - if you do plan on coming to Fishguard, let me know. I'll hope to see you there. And you can find all the details here



I used to live near Hebden Bridge so it was a bit of a nostalgic trip for me to travel back through places I had known, even driving past my old school at one point. I wanted to get out and explore but there wasn't time on this visit. So I've promised myself I'll be back.



I'll hope to have rather more time in October when the Roadshow is in Halifax so that I can explore and reacquaint myself with the place where I grew up.






Talking about writing reminds me that the details of the latest Mills & Boon/Harelquin Presents writing competition are now up on the I(heart) Presents blog and on the Mills & Boon website. So if you're aiming for publication - and I know many of you are - check out the details now. The first prize is to work with an editor for a year. And even if you don't win the main prize, the editors willbe looking out for manuscripts with that vital spark of some
thing that might lead them to ask to see more of your work.

So what are you waiting for?


Then yesterday the Magnet and I spent a long time talking with a fascinating man who has a totally intriguing 'job' - and who hopefully will be the subject of one of the Magnet's next book projects. Nothing is decided or definite as yet but I'm keeping my fingers crossed and will give more information just as soon as I have it.





This week will be spent planning and organising and writing lists - and more list - and eventually packing ready for the RWA conference in Washington next week. We fly a week today and each time I work through a 'to do' list there seems to be much more to add to the next one. At the moment I'm sitting here in my elegant Washington sandals, worn with a pair of socks! The idea is to soften them up and stretch them just a little so that I won't be in any discomfort when I wear them to the Harlequin party.


And for the rest of July I'll be largely leaving you in the hands of my wonderful friends and fellow authors for the Presents line as they guest blog about themselves and their boos, and give you the questions that will take you on the scavenger hunt round their personal web sites/blogs etc so that you can collect up all the answers you need to enter the contest for the Tote Bag of Books.


I'll be back later to launch that contest officially - until then, I'll leave you with a picture of the prize hoard, just to get your reading taste buds quivering.

Friday, July 03, 2009

New blog on the block

The Romantic Novelists' Association now has its own blog - thanks to the lovely Liz Fenwick. This new blog will give details of new books published by RNA members each month, craft articles, updates on the conference and pretty much anything else of interest to the romancer reader and writer.




So why not take a look - and bookmark it to keep you up to date with what's happening with Romantic Fiction writing in the UK.




And talking of blogs - and Presents (which I was of course talking about on the subject of the upcoming Tote Bag Contest yesterday) don't forget that this month has the Spotlight on Presents as part of the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the founding of Harlequin.


So all through July, the I(heart) Presents blog will be running posts by authors and editors from the Presents line who will be writing about their first books, the history of Presents . . . and lots of other Presents-related topics.
So why don't you bookmark that blog as well - and visit them both often.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Have I got a contest for you!

Every year I run a special summer contest to win a Tote Bag Full of Books – one of my special tote bags crammed full of fabulous summer reading. And this year I’m running the contest again – but this time it’s a really special competition.

Because this year marks the 60th anniversary of Harlequin, and because July is the month when the Harlequin Spotlight is on the wonderful Presents line, I have planned this year’s Tote Bag Contest as a Presents Special. Every book in the tote bag has been donated by one of my fellow Presents authors.

So you have a chance to win 15 – that’s right - 15 fabulous Presents titles, many of them signed, from some of your favourite authors.

Right now the prize list looks like this:
Cordero's Forced Bride by Kate Walker

The Italian Boss's Mistress of Revenge OR Forced Wife, Royal Love-Child by Trish Morey


Mistresses By Blackmail (3 in1 ) by Melanie Milburne

Ruthlessly Bedded, Forcibly Wedded by Abby Green



The Antonides Marriage Deal by Anne McAllister


The Markonos Bride by Michelle Reid


Rich, Ruthless and Secretly Royal by Robyn Donald

The Tuscan Tycoon's Pregnant Housekeeper by Christina Hollis

Virgin Mistress, Scandalous Love-Child by Jennie Lucas


The Greek's Convenient Mistress by Annie West


Spanish Magnate, Red-Hot Revenge by Lynn Raye Harris


The Desert King's Bejewelled Bride by Sabrina Philips


The Diakos Baby Scandal by Natalie Rivers


Desert King, Pregnant Mistress OR Housekeeper at his Beck and Call by Susan Stephens.


Bought for Marriage by Margaret Mayo


What do you have to do to be in with a chance of winning this great prize?


Well this year, the contest is in the form of a Scavenger Hunt where you find one answer from each author involved by visiting their web sites or blogs.

All through July – starting July 7th - the Presents authors will be guest blogging on my blog and each one of them will end their post with a question.


Visit the blog regularly, and just answer the question of the day.


Keep that answer safely.


Collect up all the answers and at the end of the blogs send the 15 answers you have via email to me with Tote Bag Presents Special in the subject line.

The contest closes on August 1st. By then I will be back from teaching in Wales and after that, Sid will pick two winners who will both receive a tote bag filled with all this fabulous holiday reading.


These details will be up on my Contests Page just as soon as the wonderful Heather from We Write Romance gets the updates on my site done.


There will be other news of books, events and teaching courses up there too - so keep a look out for those.


And good luck with the contest!
 

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