Showing posts with label Christina Dodd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christina Dodd. Show all posts

Friday, April 1, 2011

Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for April 2011

It may still be rather cold outside, but April showers are here, and that can only mean one thing: the start of SPRING...RELEASES! Oh, and the coming of Spring, the subsequent coming of Summer, someones Blogoversary..;) But I probably had the most important one right the first time! A new batch of reads are all waiting for their spot in your bookcase! Some amazing series are coming to a close, some equally great ones are still getting added to...WHAT TO CHOOSE!?
I hope my list of Anticipate Releases helps you pick some great books! I can't wait! Enjoy!

Here are the Anticipated Releases for April 2011!!!


April 5th- Will see some pretty awesome books coming into a store near you! Get those credit cards ready! Christina Dodd's AMAZING Governess Brides series will see it's 9th installment hitting the shelves this day, as well as another bride-esque series-this one coming from debuting author Cheryl Ann Smith. And don't forget to check out Erica Ridley's latest historical. (also, Ms Ridley has a wonderfully entertaining website and you can view a corresponding 'Scandal Sheet' for her release.)

'Taken By A Prince' by Christina Dodd
Read an excerpt: here

"Lovely Victoria Cardiff is very prim, very strict, very sure that England is the only civilized place in the world. She’s about to find out she’s right. Only Victoria knows the truth about dashing, dissolute, dangerous Saber Lawrence—that he is a renegade prince plotting to seize control of his country. To ensure her silence, Saber kidnaps Victoria and carries her away to his castle deep in the woods. There they hide the truth about their past: a glittering ball, angry words, a passionate kiss. He vows to vanquish her reserve … but soon finds an English governess is not so easily seduced …"Source



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'The School For Brides' by Cheryl Ann Smith
Read an excerpt: here


"It's never too late to live happily ever after... 
Miss Eva Black spent her life concealing her mother's past as a courtesan. Now a spinster, her beauty hidden away under a dour disguise, Eva spends her days schooling courtesans to be suitable wives. But one vengeful duke does not appreciate Eva turning his mistress into a lady. He plans to seduce Eva into becoming what she detests: a courtesan. But he doesn't expect her to be a woman of such beauty and so many secrets."Source

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'Too Sinful To Deny' by Erica Ridley
Read an excerpt: here
"TOO TEMPTING TO OBJECT...
One look at the towering ocean-side manor that is to be her new home, and exiled socialite Susan Stanton knows: This is a place haunted by secrets and riddled with menace.
For Susan, there is no escaping it. At best she can stay clear of the most dangerous element of all--dark-haired smuggler Evan Bothwick, a man whose shaded countenance cannot hide his wicked intent.
But Susan has a secret of her own--a special gift that renders her privy to the darkest mysteries lurking within the walls of the manor and in the labyrinthine cellars beneath. And the only man who can help her make sense of it all is Evan, the very scoundrel and rogue she would do anything to be able to resist...
"Source


Fat Tuesday (for books) is APRIL 26th, 2011! SOOOOO Many amazing reads are coming out on this day! The FANTASTIC Madeline Hunter will end her beloved Rarest Blooms series with the book we've all been waiting for, as well as Sarah MacLean's dearly regarded Love by Numbers series will come to a close in April. But where some series are ending, a whole bunch are planning to keep adding to theTBR count: Mary Jo Putney adds to her wonderful Lost Lords series, Kieran Kramer gives readers another Impossible Bachelor book, and Maya Rodale's Writing Girl Book series will see another tale. And don't forget about the new single novel bythe ever-lovely Anna Campbell that is coming that day- right along with the first book in a new highlander series by Margaret Mallory! (Programing Note: Anna Campbell will stop by on the 29th the month for some book chat and a giveaway and Sarah Maclean will swing by next month for a cool interview! )

'Dangerous In Diamonds' by Madeline Hunter
Read an excerpt: here
"The Duke of Castleford has been so bad for so long that scandal can’t be bothered to rise up around him anymore. To alleviate the boredom of his privileged life, he occupies himself with drinking and whoring, not to mention the occasional duel. When something piques his interest, however, he has been known to emerge from his ennui and employ his considerable mental faculties to finding answers to the questions that fascinate him.
When Daphne Joyes rejects this notorious hedonist’s seduction, she assumes that he will forget about her and continue on his path to hell. Instead her beauty, grace and formidable composure captivate him, and she becomes one of those fascinations to him. That he intends to have her, and soon, is actually the least of the dangers that his pursuit of her presents. More troublesome is his interest in her past and her history, and the way he keeps poking his nose into the secrets behind the distant relative’s bequest that gave him ownership of the property where she lives.
"Source
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'Nowhere Near Respectable' by Mary Jo Putney[read edit]
Read an excerpt: here
"Damian Mackenzie us a bastard and a gambler and society’s favorite reprobate. But to Lady Kiri Lawford he’s a hero—braver than the smugglers he rescues her from, more honorable than any lord she's ever met, and far more attractive than any man has a right to be. How can she not fall in love…? 
But Damian Mackenzie has secrets that leave no room in his life for courting high-born young ladies—especially not the sister of one of his oldest friends. Yet when Kiri’s quick thinking reveals a deadly threat to England’s crown, Damian learns that she is nowhere near as prim and respectable as he first assumed... and the lady is far more alluring than any man can resist..."Source
*Edit: I've been informed that Nowhere near Respectabe will be out in May, not April. I follow and go by the release dates on amazon.com or the publisher's website, and even if a release is late in the month (includes last day of month), I'l count it as that month's release. Mary Jo Putney DOES have a reissued slated for APRIL (as in April 5th),called 'The Bargain' Make sure you check it out!

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'Midnight's Wild Passion' by Anna Campbell
Read an excerpt: here
"London's most notorious seducer, Nicholas Challoner lives solely for revenge…
The dashing, licentious Marquess of Ranelaw can never forgive Godfrey Demarest for ruining his sister - now the time has come to repay the villain in the same coin. But one formidably intriguing impediment stands in the way of Nicholas's vengeance: Miss Antonia Smith, companion to his foe's unsuspecting daughter.
Having herself been deceived and disgraced by a rogue-banished by her privileged family as a result and forced to live a lie-Antonia vows to protect her charge from the same cruel fate. She recognizes Ranelaw for the shameless blackguard he is, and will devote every ounce of her intelligence and resolve to thwarting him.
Yet Antonia has always had a fatal weakness for rakes…
"Source
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'A Tale of Two Lovers' by Maya Rodale'
Read an excerpt: here
"He is notorious.
Lord Simon Roxbury is a godsend to gossip columnists everywhere. this notorious rake has recently been caught in an extremely compromising position by none other than The London Weekly‘s Lady of Distinction. Rumor also has it that Lord R received an ultimatum: be wed or be penniless.
She is scandalous.
As A Lady of Distinction, Lady Julianna Somerset typically reports on other people’s scandals, but soon she finds herself embroiled in a very public battle with an irate Lord Roxbury–one that leaves her reputation in tatters and her position at The Weekly on the line.
Together they’re…respectable?!
With no other choice available, these two enemies unite in a marriage of convenience to rescue both their reputations and secure his fortune. With their rivals intent on revealing the charade, Lady Julianna and Lord Simon inevitably surrender to temptation. It may just be a love match after all…
"Source
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 'Cloudy With A Chance At Marriage' by Kieran Kramer
Read an excerpt: here
"Every woman dreams of saying “I do.” Jilly Jones did—and years of a deeply imperfect marriage followed. Now living in London and working in a charming bookshop, the free-spirited Jilly is perfectly content with her newfound independence…until she meets a dashing naval officer who sparks her longing for a real happily ever after.
Captain Stephen Arrow is just home after years of service, and he’s in no hurry to give up his hard-won freedom. The meddlesome bluestocking Jilly Jones is exactly the kind of woman he doesn’t need…But there’s something about her that keeps drawing Stephen back to the bookshop. With her sparkling wit and understated beauty, she seems like a surprisingly real match for Stephen. But will a scandalous chapter in Jilly’s past stand in the way of their heated attraction? For this bachelor, nothing is impossible…"Source
~*~
'Eleven Scandals To Start To Win A Duke's Heart' 
by Sarah MacLean
Read an excerpt: here
"She lives for passion.
Bold, impulsive, and a magnet for trouble, Juliana Fiori is no simpering English miss. She refuses to play by society's rules: she speaks her mind, cares nothing for the approval of the ton, and can throw a punch with remarkable accuracy. Her scandalous nature makes her a favorite subject of London's most practiced gossips...and precisely the kind of woman the Duke of Leighton wants far far away from him.
He swears by reputation.
Scandal is the last thing Simon Pearson has room for in his well-ordered world. The Duke of Disdain is too focused on keeping his title untainted and his secrets unknown. But when he discovers Juliana hiding in his carriage late one evening--risking everything he holds dear--he swears to teach the reckless beauty a lesson in propriety."Source
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'The Guardian' by Margaret Mallory
Read an excerpt: here
"PASSION IGNITED
After years of fighting abroad, Ian MacDonald comes home to find his clan in peril. To save his kin, he must right the wrongs from his past . . . and claim the bride he's long resisted.
As a young lass, Sìleas depended on Ian to play her knight in shining armor. But when his rescue attempt compromised her virtue, Ian was forced to marry against his wishes. Five years later, Sìleas has grown from an awkward girl into an independent beauty who knows she deserves better than the reluctant husband who preferred war to his wife. Now this devilishly handsome Highlander is finally falling in love. He wants a second chance with Sìleas - and he won't take no for an answer.
"Source



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And there you go! April's rarest blooms all ripe for the picking! Speaking of ripe, this month's crop was SO bountiful, there seems to be a few more release I feel I should mention. And they don't get any riper than Isobel Carr's 'Ripe For Pleasure' and Kathryn Smith's 'When Tempting A Rogue'. Both are released on April 26th and BOTH look like stellar reads!!! Click the images for info on their Amazon pages!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Meet New York Times Best Selling Author Christina Dodd



Christina's Bio:

Readers become writers, and Christina Dodd has always been a reader. As she was growing up, she read everything, but discovered, because she liked humor, that she liked romance best. In romance, the relationship between one man and one woman holds center stage, and that’s always good for a laugh.

A woman wants things like world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants things like a Craftsman router with attachments, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will miraculously make his bald spot disappear.

So while Christina was working as a draftsman, she would read during the lunch hour, go back to work to design a sawmill, and plot the conclusion of the story in her mind. The book never ended like that, and she liked her endings better. When her first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to quit work and write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?

Quite a bit, it seemed. It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before her first novel, CANDLE IN THE WINDOW, was published.

In the seventeen years since, her novels have been translated into twelve languages, featured by Doubleday Book Club, recorded on Books on Tape for the Blind, won Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart and RITA Awards and been called the year’s best by Library Journal. Christina Dodd herself has been a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle (11/18/05, #13 Down: Romance Novelist named Christina.) Christina is a regular on the USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and the New York Times Bestseller Lists. Publishers Weekly praises how Christina’s writing style “showcases Dodd’s easy, addictive charm and steamy storytelling.”

Christina's releases for 2010 included her first new historical in four years, IN BED WITH THE DUKE. Yes, IN BED WITH THE DUKE is one of the Governess Brides as well as the much-requested story of Michael, the brother from MY FAIR TEMPTRESS! In July and September, Christina publishes CHAINS OF ICE and CHAINS OF FIRE, the highly anticipated continuation of her acclaimed paranormal series, the Chosen Ones. In 2011, another Governess Brides historical, TAKEN BY THE PRINCE, will be released for your pleasure, and more stories of the Chosen Ones will be out in the autumn.

Her legions of fans always know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they’ve found a story “For the wild at heart!”

Source:  Christina's website


Book Description:

Blessed—or cursed—with the ability to change into a sleek panther, and driven by a dark soul he's accepted as his fate, Adrik Wilder abandons his family and his honor to pursue a life of wickedness. He excels at every vice, including kidnapping Karen Sonnet to use for his selfish purposes.

But Karen's spirit and passion make him question the force of his family's curse. And when a new evil emerges, Adrik must choose whether to enact revenge on his enemies and redeem his soul, or save Karen from a fate worse than death…

32 Amazon customers rated Into the Shadow 5 Stars!



The latest Dodd saga following the Wilder and Varinski clans features third brother Adrik Wilder, who, transforming into a panther, goes feral and becomes a vicious warlord. As such, he comes to strong-willed, nocturnal construction supervisor Karen Sonnet; he's soon her secret lover, then her savior in a very rocky situation. As the two maintain a complicated relationship, Adrik's evil Varinski cousins discover that Karen possesses one of the icons that the Wilders have been collecting to stop the Varinski curse. While the story is fairly inaccessible to those who have not read the previous books, readers familiar with the story will find the action brisk and immediate. Adrik's story is as intense as that of his brothers, and Karen is a tough, worthy sparring partner. Though the series' larger plot lines don't much advance, the cliffhanger ending is sure to whet appetites  Source: Publishers Weekly



USA residents, for a chance to win a copy of Into the Shadow by this incredible author, join her membership page and friend her on Facebook.  Come back here and post a comment along with your email address.  Winner will be announced January 24th.





Monday, November 1, 2010

Author Of The Month: November 2010

Christina Dodd
"Readers become writers, and Christina Dodd has always been a reader. As she was growing up, she read everything, but discovered, because she liked humor, that she liked romance best. In romance, the relationship between one man and one woman holds center stage, and that’s always good for a laugh.
A woman wants things like world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants things like a Craftsman router with attachments, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will miraculously make his bald spot disappear.
So while Christina was working as a draftsman, she would read during the lunch hour, go back to work to design a sawmill, and plot the conclusion of the story in her mind. The book never ended like that, and she liked her endings better. When her first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to quit work and write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Quite a bit, it seemed. It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before her first novel, CANDLE IN THE WINDOW, was published.
In the seventeen years since, her novels have been translated into twelve languages, featured by Doubleday Book Club, recorded on Books on Tape for the Blind, won Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart and RITA Awards and been called the year’s best by Library Journal. Christina Dodd herself has been a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle (11/18/05, #13 Down: Romance Novelist named Christina.) Christina is a regular on the USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and the New York Times Bestseller Lists. Publishers Weekly praises how Christina’s writing style “showcases Dodd’s easy, addictive charm and steamy storytelling.”
Christina's releases for 2010 included her first new historical in four years, IN BED WITH THE DUKE. Yes, IN BED WITH THE DUKE is one of the Governess Brides as well as the much-requested story of Michael, the brother from MY FAIR TEMPTRESS! In July and September, Christina publishes CHAINS OF ICE and CHAINS OF FIRE, the highly anticipated continuation of her acclaimed paranormal series, the Chosen Ones. In 2011, another Governess Brides historical, TAKEN BY THE PRINCE, will be released for your pleasure, and more stories of the Chosen Ones will be out in the autumn.
Her legions of fans always know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they’ve found a story “For the wild at heart!” Sourced from author bio page

My Thoughts: I first fell in love with Dodd's work after finishing 'My Favorite Bride'(click link for review). It was such a simple, yet deep story with many levels and I couldn't help falling in love with all the characters! Dodd is a top notch historical romance author but also writes very popular Paranormal and Romantic Suspense novels! Readers have fallen in love with her Chosen One (paranormal) and Governess Bride (historical) series, along with the 50+ books she has currently written! I am looking forward to many, many, MANY more books by Ms Dodd!

-Also, check out other posts where Christina Dodd is featured, right here on the blog: click here


And there is your Author of the Month for November 2010
*For more info on Christina Dodd, you can visit her website: (http://www.christinadodd.com)
 




Monday, June 7, 2010

'My Favorite Bride' by Christina Dodd -Review-

   What is there to say? I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! It was sweet, witty, charming and a consummate classic. You may hear this a lot on the blog, but this is the first book by this author for me. Whenever I pick up a new title by an new author I haven't read before, there is always this anticipation to find out whether it's a home run or foul ball. Christina Dodd will grand-slam you into a bookstore near you; purchasing anything with her name across the cover. Military man, Colonel William Gregory, needs a governess; strike that, he needs a wife, but when Samantha Prendregast shows up from the Distinguish Academy of Governesses to fill in for one role, she never expects to be considered for the other. And so our tale begins...

Read an excerpt: here

   Miss Samantha Prendregast was a cut-purse, plain and simple; and you know what they say, "Once a thief, always a thief". Although Samantha has changed for the better, she can't escape her past, or the notoriety that proceeds it. After refusing to go against her high strong nature and giving her previous employer his just desserts, Samantha must now accept a position that will take her out to the country and away from the onslaught of scandal her previous employer is sure to drum up out of revenge. Shes lived in London all her life, and harbors many aversions to the country life her fate has bestowed upon her; but she really doesn't have much of a choice.
   After offending the driver of a carriage she was using to get to her new, remote place of employment, Samantha must trudge along on a dirt road and brave the terrifying 'wilderness'. She has a bizarre encounter with a strange man on horseback whom she later finds out is her new employer, Colonel Gregory. The colonel is the father of 6 mischievous daughter ranging in age from 4-12 who can't seem to hold on to a governess.Samantha promises him she'd be there for at least a year; but when the girls start making trouble for her, she begins to question that figure herself. But, being one step ahead of the girls, Samantha wins their favor,trust and vote of confidence to become their new mother.
   Although William can't seem to reign in his desires for his new governess, he is determined to give his children a mother and finds Lady Teresa Marchant is the perfect candidate. Although his children would prefer anyone but the intoxicating Marchant, William insists on the idea of marrying the right sort of lady. All the recent distraction in his life doesn't take away from the urgency his secret endeavors require of him. Russian spies are right under his noes, and it could spell trouble for England if he lets his personal turmoil best him.
   William's wife was killed by thiefs, the spies who threaten the welfare of the crown are no more than thiefs; how will William react when he finds out the one whose stolen his heart use to be a thief? And after that revelation is made, how will Samantha bare the lost of not only the love of her life, but the 6 lonely, motherless little girls whom light up her heart?


Rating: 4 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Agnes, the eldest and most disgruntled with Samantha's presence at first, knocks on Samantha's door claiming shes dying. She can barley get a word out, but Samantha surmises that the 12 year old is becoming a woman and her monthly courses are starting. I thought it was a sweet scene because all of us girls remember the first time we got our period. I for one, jumped up and down and did a 'I just got my period' dance. But for Agnes, she hasn't a mother to tell her everything is normal; but it was endearing how Samantha stepped up and reassured her of everything. And then later, William comes to her door, wanting to know where Agnes was, and Samantha proceeds to give him an earful; and soon William gives her a mouthful ;)
   I think Christina Dodd did great with this book. There were really 2 love stories in 1; with the unlikely pairing of Teresa Marchant and a prevalent buddy of William's. William's treatment of Samantha after he found out about her past was deplorable and I actually couldn't believe some of the things he said had me fuming! I loved the heroine in this book because she wasn't some wilting innocent without a backbone or a brain. The writing style was superb and did I mention how HOT the love scenes were? There is something to be said when a book can hold off on 'intimate relations' for more than half the book and still be satisfying. The story and plot had commendable merit on its own, but the intimacy towards the end just frosted a perfectly baked cake. Give yourself a treat and read this novel!

*And also check out one of Christina Dodd's most popular and acclaimed novels to date, 'A Well Pleasured Lady' !!!
-Read an excerpt from 'A Well Pleasured Lady': here

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Jayne Ann Krentz to Host Writing Workshop on Facebook


I just saw on Facebook a post that on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan 12th and 13th Jayne Ann Krentz will be hosting a writing workshop.

Author Christina Dodd will also be stopping by so it should be a great experience.


Sunday, November 1, 2009

Cast of Glee at the World Series







Author Christina Dodd posted this on Facebook this morning. What a way to start the day especially if you live in the USA. The Cast of Glee sing the national anthem at the World Series Game....video

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Farewell Kate Duffy


I never had the opportunity or privilege of meeting this remarkable woman. However, she was a giant in the romance community and I just wanted to honor her and send my condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

On Twitter, Christina Dodd pointed out a picture of Kate Duffy on Jill Shavis blog. It's incredible and the story moving. Jill Shavis


A tribute to Kate Duffy from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, here.

Also, on Heart to Heart, Michelle Bunofiglio said this about Kate Duffy




Duffy remarked that the key to a good romance simply is the reader's knowing the hero and heroine are in love long before they understand. "The hero and heroine may think it's temporary, the reader knows it's forever." I remember howling when she added about the classic "opposites attract" construct upping that ante, "He's a demon and she's mostly human, but those kids were meant to be together!


More of the article here.

Borders and authors say farewell to Kate Duffy. A beautiful tribute.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Romance Writers of America 2007 RITA Finalists

RWA anncouned their 2007 finalists. Below are some of my personal favorite authors and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for all of them>


2007 RITA for Best Contemporary Single Title Romance Finalists

Irresistible by Susan Mallery
Harlequin Enterprises, HQN - (3737711772)
Abby Zidle, editor

Susan Mallery has written wonderful series I've enjoyed throughout the years. Desert Rogues, Marcelli Sisters and now her Buchanan series which are set here in Seattle, WA. This nomination is for one of her Buchanan books. I've had the priviledge of personally getting to know Susan and we finally met this year at the Emerald City Writer's Conference. Bravo Susan, my friend!!

2007 RITA for Best Long Contemporary Romance Finalists

Make-Believe Cowboy by Terry McLaughlin
Harlequin Enterprises, Harlequin Superromance - (037371372X)
Laura Shin, editor

I also met for the first time the lovely Terry at the Seattle RWA conference where be both volunteered for the meet and greet! Best of luck to you! It's wonderful to see two of Seattle's RWA Chapter members nominated!

2007 RITA for Best Romantic Novella Finalists

"'Tis the Silly Season" in A NASCAR Holiday by Roxanne St.Claire
Harlequin Enterprises, HQN - (373771568)
Abby Zidle, editor

"You Can Count on Me" in I'll Be Home for Christmas by Roxanne St.Claire
Pocket Books - (074344227X)
Micki Nuding, editor

What can I say about my dear friend Rocki? She is so deserving of this nomination. I think I've read every book she has written and personally love her Bullet Catcher Series which one of her books are being nominated for "You Can Count on Me"! Great news and best of luck


2007 RITA for Best Paranormal Romance Finalists
His Mistress By Morning by Elizabeth Boyle
Avon Books, Treasure - (60784024)
Lyssa Keusch, editor

Elizabeth is a member of the RWA Eastside Chapter where I belong but haven't been able to attend many meetings. She has an incredible "twinkle" in her eyes and is so very knowledgeable about writing. Wonderful news, Elizabeth and congrats!


2007 RITA for Best Short Historical Romance Finalists

The Barefoot Princess by Christina Dodd
Avon Books - (60561178)
Carrie Feron, editor

I've also had the priviledge of reading and meeting Christina! Wonderful news for you and what a 2007 conference this will be for you and your friends who have been nominated!