Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for June 2011

June is THE month. Not only is it my birthday month, but it's also going to be chock-full of amazing releases! I am so excited to see Johanna Lindsey gracing the shelves once again with a release that I KNOW will be as magical and romantic as all her earlier releases. We've got some debuting authors, old school vets showing them how it's done, and lovely new-to me's I can't wait to devour. Carina Press continues to put out QUALITY ebooks- one authored by Karen Erickson (who will also stop by the blog for guest post on 6/20) I am jumping up and down for! And Lorraine Heath's upcoming release looks like it'll be dark, original, and fresh. I am in BOOK HEAVEN!

Here are the Anticipated Releases for June 2011!!!

June 1st- She WOW'd the Historical Romance world with her debut book 'The Heir', and if the early reviews are anything to go by- Grace Burrowes is back for an encore performance! Tortured hero's are my favorite- and it looks like Devlin St.Just is as tortured as they come. Can't wait to see how Emmaline soothes his soul and sparks his passions!

'The Soldier' by Grace Burrowes

Read an excerpt: here

Even in the quiet countryside he can find no peace...
His idyllic estate is falling down from neglect and nightmares of war give him no rest. Then Devlin St. Just meets his new neighbor...

Until his beautiful neighbor ignites his imagination...

With her confident manner hiding a devastating secret, his lovely neighbor commands all of his attention, and protecting Emmaline becomes Deviln's most urgent mission.Source

June 14th- My Godmama of Romance is back! Johanna Lindsey will be hitting the shelves this month with a book straight from a fairy tale! I keep saying how the blurb gives me the impression that this book will have sort of a Les Miserables / Anastasia plot line- and I am smitten already! It's releasing this month in Hardcover first- and the $16-$25 price tag my throw some of you off; but for those of us who have fallen under Ms Lindsey's spell, we'd pay close to anything! A MUST-GET!!!

'When Passion Rules' by Johanna Lindsey

Forced to flee Napoleon’s rampaging army on the continent, orphaned Alana Farmer and her eccentric guardian make a new home for themselves in London. There, Alana enjoys every privilege a daughter of the nobility could hope for, plus an education fit for a queen.
Now, on the eve of her debut into London Society, she learns the shocking secret of her birthright. Can it be true? Is she really the lost princess of the European kingdom of Lubinia? Persuaded by her guardian to return to their homeland to quell a bloody revolt, Alana finds herself in an isolated, mountainous country whose customs strike her as medieval! 

With controversy and intrigue brewing around the beautiful newcomer, Christoph Becker, the captain of the palace guards, arrests Alana on suspicion that she is either a wily imposter or a seductive spy working for the shadowy figures determined to depose the king. No stranger himself to seduction, Christoph uses every means at his disposal to draw the truth from his alluring prisoner, even if he must lay his own life on the line to protect her from harm. 

Now, as a fiery passion flares between Alana and the man who has wrongly imprisoned her, the fate of a nation rests in their hands and on their hearts. Source

June 20th- Karen Erickson comes to Carina Press with her first Historical Romance! It'll be a doozy alright! AND she's stopping by the blog on the 20th for a special guest post!

'Lessons in Indiscretion' by Karen Erickson

Read an excerpt: here

Widowed Lady Julia Renwick is still young enough to crave a man’s touch; but she’s too old to think that the Earl of Bedingfield could see her as anything more than a family friend. Garrett Walker is handsome, charming and only 26 years old—the perfect catch for any one of this year’s debutantes.
Garrett has no interest in the maidens vying for his attentions. He wants only Julia. With just two weeks left in the season, he makes a bold move by asking her to dance. When she counters with a shocking request of her own, Garrett eagerly agrees.

Soon, they are stealing away for passionate encounters at every society event they attend. Garrett introduces Julia to excitements she never knew existed, and her newfound confidence quickly attracts other eligible men. It’s not long before Garrett realizes he must find a way to keep the lady all to himself…Source

June 21st- Something tells me a romp of a read is in store for all of us smart enough to pick up Charlotte Featherstone's upcoming release! I can just smell the seduction and deception on this one! Some emotional and passion surely awaits! (And in my B&N cart it goes....LOL)

'Seduction & Scandal' by Charlotte Featherstone

Read an excerpt: here

His love could save her…

In more ways than one.

With the scandalous nature of her birth to live down, Isabella Fairmont dreams of a proper marriage – even if a passionless one. She saves her deepest desires for the novel she dares to pen, wherein a handsome lord with dark powers seduces her. But then her courtship with an appropriate suitor is threatened by the sudden attention of the Earl of Black …whose pale blue eyes and brooding sensuality are exactly as she described in her book.

Isabella tries to resist the mysterious Earl of Black. Yet as he pursues her with inexplicable knowledge of her past and kisses that consume her, Isabella fears she will succumb.

If only the earl could tell Isabella the truth. With very real and treacherous thieves endangering her life, Black will need to protect Isabella from the very people she trusts the most…Source

JUNE 28th- Fat Tuesday (for books) --(and my Birthday!!) will be filled to bursting with supercalifragilisticexpialidocious reads! A debut from Christina Brooke will surely spice up the shelf, and coming off a strong debut herself- Stefanie Sloane will absolutely WOW with her sophomore release! The ever legendary Loretta Chase is also set to release something fresh and amazing--and what a coincidence; All THREE authors will be on the blog either this month or early next month! Aside from those lovely authors, we can expect something original and enchanting from Lorraine Heath this month, as well as a follow-up stunner by Vicky Dreiling! And what month would be complete with out something sizzling from Meredith Duran?

'Heiress in Love' by Christina Brooke

Read an excerpt: here

A CONVENIENT MARRIAGE

Jane, Lady Roxdale, has endured one marriage of convenience decreed by the Ministry of Marriage. While she deeply regrets her late husband’s death, she is relieved to be free at last. But when a dissolute rake threatens everything Jane holds dear, she must contemplate marrying a second time… 
AN INCONVENIENT PASSION
Disgraced libertine Constantine Black inherits his cousin Roxdale’s land and title–while Roxdale’s prim widow is left all the wealth. Constantine is not a marrying man, but wedding Jane is the only way to save the estate from ruin. Jane resists the smoldering heat between them, desperate not to fall in love with an unrepentant rake. But for the first time ever, Constantine wants more than seduction. He wants all of her–body, heart, and soul…Source

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'The Angel In My Arms' by Stefanie Sloane

Injured in the line of duty, Young Corinthian agent Marcus Maxwell, the Earl of Weston, travels to his country estate to recover—or so he believes. His superior’s request that he investigate a smuggling ring run by Napoleon sympathizers seems ridiculous at first, but then becomes all-too threatening as pieces of a treacherous puzzle begin to fall into place. And the most troubling piece of all is Miss Sarah Tisdale, an unconventional beauty whose lust for life is rivaled only by her ability to drive Marcus to distraction. When her family comes under suspicion, Marcus must watch her very, very closely…even if her touch ignites the deep, fiery desire burning just beneath his cool façade.

When it comes to suitors, Sarah’s lush curves and perfectly kissable lips aren’t enough to compensate for her outspoken and willful nature. Sarah’s tasted disappointment before, and she long ago decided that she’s better off without an overbearing husband. Still, flirting with the sinfully handsome Marcus is a pastime worth savoring—even when it leads to wicked pleasures. But when Sarah’s life is in jeopardy, Marcus discovers that the fire between them can no longer be denied—and that he’ll do anything to keep her in his arms. Source

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'Silk is for Seduction' by Loretta Chase

Brilliant and ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot is London's rising star. And who better to benefit from her talent than the worst-dressed lady in London; the Duke of Clevedon's intended bride? Winning the future duchess's patronage means prestige and fortune for Marcelline and her family. To get to the lady, though, Marcelline must win over Clevedon, whose standards are as high as his morals are...not.

The prize seems well worth the risk. This time, though, Marcelline's met her match. Clevedon can design a seduction as irresistible as her dresses; and what begins as a flicker of desire between two of the most passionately stubborn charmers in London soon ignites into a delicious inferno . . .and a blazing scandal.

And now both their futures hang by a thread of silk…Source 

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'Waking Up with the Duke' by Lorraine Heath

They are masters of seduction, London's greatest lovers. 

Renowned for his bedchamber prowess, Ransom Seymour, the Duke of Ainsley, owes a debt to a friend. But the payment expected is most shocking, even to an unrepentant rake—for he's being asked to provide his friend's exquisite wife with what she most dearly covets: a child.

Living for pleasure, they will give their hearts to no one. 

Lady Jayne Seymour, Marchioness of Walfort, is furious that such a scandalous agreement would be made. If she acquiesces, there must be rules: no kissing . . . and, certainly, no pleasure.

Until love takes them by surprise.

But unexpected things occur with the surprisingly tender duke—especially once Lady Jayne discovers the rogue can make her dream again . . . and Ransom realizes he's found the one woman he truly cannot live without. Source

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'How To Seduce a Scoundrel' by Vicky Dreiling

Read an excerpt: here

Lady Julianne Gatewick is in a pickle. It started when her brother’s best friend—for whom she’s long nursed a secret tendre—agreed to act as her guardian for the Season, only to seduce her with a risqué waltz.
But when the music stopped and the expectant ton waited for the Earl of Hawkfield to claim her as his own, he made his disinterest clear. Rather than succumb to humiliation, Julianne does what any recently discarded, wickedly witty young miss would do. She secretly pens a lady’s guide to enticing unrepentant rakes . . . and it becomes the hottest scandal in London.

Every honorable rake knows that friends’ sisters are forbidden. But suddenly Julianne has a spark of mischief in her eyes that Hawk can’t resist. Try as he might to push her away, he spends his days listening for her laughter and his nights dreaming of her kisses. He’s always avoided innocents and their marriage-minded mothers, but has the man least likely to wed finally met his match? Source

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'A Lady's Lesson in Scandal' by Meredith Duran

When Nell Whitby breaks into an earl’s house on a midnight quest for revenge, she finds her pistol pointed at the wrong man. Pity the handsome devil is a lunatic. He thinks her a missing heiress, but more to the point, he’ll help her escape the slums and get a bit of justice, too. Not a bad bargain. All she has to do is marry him.

A rake of the first order, Simon St. Maur spent his youth burning every bridge he walked across. When he inherits an earldom without a single penny attached to it, he sees the chance to start over -- provided he can find an heiress to fund his efforts. But his wicked reputation means courtship will be difficult -- until fate sends him the most notorious missing heiress in history. All he needs now is to turn her into a lady and keep himself from making the only mistake that could ruin everything: falling in love...Source

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So, enjoy these releases! I know I will! Let me know which books you can not wait to get your hands on! Have I missed any important ones coming out this month? How excited are you for that Johanna Lindsey novel?

Happy Readings

Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for December 2010

Happy Holidays one and all! Hope your Christmas and New Years is as spectacular as can be. And don't go sticking your tounge on frozen lamp posts and getting it stuck. Ralphie and the gang will be too busy purcashing their copy of these fabulous December reads to help you!
   This month's list was a bit harder to compile. So many wonderful Christmas themed historicals were released wither few days ago (and therefore didn't qualify as a December release in MY book), or there weren't that many historicals books being published this month. You guys know how I am: If the release date is November 30th, it's still a November release in my book. But I do want to remind you guys of a Nov. 30th book that is perfect for the holidays. Cathy Maxwell's 'His Christmas Pleasure' should already be in your TBR pile, but if not, you've got the perfect excuse to get it now!  

Here are the Anticipated Releases for December 2010!!!

December 1st- Harlequin and it's imprint will be working the worker elves to death this month! Today is December 1st, and all these fabulous books are available for your purchasing pleasure! A Sweet Christmas Themed Historical (I found one!) to start things off, A lovely Nicola Cornick title, and a few more are scheduled to hit the shelves!

'A Countess By Christmas'

by Annie Burrows 

"The Earl of Bridgemere is happy to encourage his reputation as a curmudgeonly recluse if it repels the grasping females who usually attend his lavish Christmas parties.
Helen Forrest is like a breath of fresh air, uninterested in his wealth and not cowed by his temper.
Bridgemere's seasonal duty suddenly becomes a pleasure as he sets about making Helen his countess - by Christmas!"Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

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'Mistress by Midnight'

by Nicola Cornick

"A wicked duke’s bed is no place for a lady…
Lady Merryn Fenner is on a mission to ruin the Duke of Farne. A beautiful bluestocking with a penchant for justice, Merryn has waited twelve years to satisfy her revenge against Garrick Farne. Her family name had been tarnished at his hands, her life destroyed.
For twelve years Garrick, Duke of Farne has kept the secret of what really happened on the night that he killed his best friend, Stephen Fenner, in a duel. Now Stephen’s sister is intent on discovering the truth and putting at risk all those secrets Garrick has protected.
When a disaster traps Merryn and Garrick together, white-hot desire stirs between the two sworn enemies. Merryn's reputation is utterly compromised and she is forced to do the one thing she cannot bear; accept the scandalous marriage proposal of the man she has vowed to ruin.

Beware of scandalous women..."Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

'The Heir'

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by Grace Burrowes

"An earl who can't be bribed...

Gayle Windham, earl of Westhaven, is the first legitimate son and heir to the duke of Moreland. To escape his father's inexorable pressure to marry, he decides to spend the summer at his townhouse in London, where he finds himself intrigued by the secretive ways of his beautiful housekeeper...A lady who can't be protected...Anna Seaton is a beautiful, talented, educated woman, which is why it is so puzzling to Gayle Windham that she works as his housekeeper.
As the two draw closer and begin to lose their hearts to each other, Anna's secrets threaten to bring the earl's orderly life crashing down-and he doesn't know how he's going to protect her from the fallout..."Source

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'The Officer And The Proper Lady'
by Louise Allen

December 7th- A scorcher by Cheryl Holt, an offering from new-to-me author Allison Chase, and veteran Jo Goodman are threatening to burn a whole right through your snowman! check out their releases!

'Dreams Of Desire'

by Cheryl Holt 

"Lily Lambert's dreams consist of marriage, a home to call her own and children a plenty. Unfortunately, Lily must work for a living before finding true happiness, which brings her to Lord Penworth and his predicament.
John Middleton, Lord Penworth, is an overbearing snob who's having the most difficult time keeping companions for his 18-year-old wards; they either run off or he has to fire them. But Miss Lily Lambert seems to be able to hold her own, and she is possibly his last chance. John explains his situation to Lily, but the unexpected happens when she declines the position. John is shocked, since no one has ever done so before. He is unable to explain his next actions, but Lily's refusal to take the position sets him off and he refuses to allow her to escape."Source

'Outrageously Yours'

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by Allison Chase

"Major Hal Carlow is a self-confessed rake and is not fit company for the impoverished and proper Miss Julia Tresilian. But Brussels just before the battle of Waterloo is a social hot-house that throws them together.
Hal is certain that he does not want a wife. Julia knows she must make a sensible match, not ruin herself with a rake. And then the battle changes everything for both of them, and exposes them to the danger and scandal that is haunting the entire Carlow family."Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

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"A rare stone gifted to Queen Victoria by her secret suitor, Albert of Saxe-Coburg, has been stolen, and possibly delivered into the hands of the Marquess of Harrow – a man whispered to be slightly mad. Her Majesty asks scholarly Ivy Sutherland to assume the role of science student “Ned Ivers,” win the marquess's trust, and recover the stone before news of the theft ruins the royal courtship…
Since the death of his young wife, Simon de Burgh, Marquess of Harrow has dedicated himself to science. Finding an assistant whose intellect and passion match his own proves an unexpected boon, until he discovers that “Ned” is actually a woman. Simon is incensed…then intrigued. Unable to resist his growing desire for Ivy, which she undeniably returns, Simon knows he must end her charade before it leads to scandal… Instead, Ivy convinces Simon to work together to recover the stone...and unwittingly plunges them both into a more dangerous game. Now they're risking their lives...and their hearts... in a race to stop a sinister murderer before he kills again."Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

'Marry me'

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by Jo Goodman

"HER HEART WAS LOCKED AWAY

Rhyne Abbott is fierce, brave, and used to a life of isolation on her father's spread on the outskirts of Reidsville, Colorado. But when, overcome with sickness, she collapses, she knows she must return to town if she is to have any hope of recovery. Only there is no place for her but the new doctor's home, and he wants more than just to heal Rhyne. He wants her hand in marriage.

UNTIL ONE MAN FOUND THE KEY

Doctor Cole Monroe's hands are already more than full with his orphaned little sister to look after, and yet somehow he can't resist the magnetic pull of Rhyne's bewitching eyes—or her tempting kiss. But convincing her to trust him won't be easy. For Rhyne's heart needs as much tender care as her ailing body. And the only cure is the thing she most fears: to let herself fall in love... "Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

December 28th- The Fat Tuesday(for books) in my opinion. The anticipated anthology by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway will final become available, Laura Lee Guhrke offers up another sweet tale, and Julie Latham (a.k.a Gayle Callen) gives us a nice after Christmas treat!

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'The Lady Most Likely'

by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Connie Brockway

"Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly, needs a wife, so his sister hands him a list of delectable damsels and promises to invite them— and a few other gentlemen—to her country house for what is sure to be the event of the season.

Hugh will have time to woo whichever lady he most desires . . . Unless someone else snatches her first.

The invitation list includes:

• The horse-mad but irresistibly handsome Earl of Briarly
• The always outspoken Miss Katherine Peyton
• The dashing war hero Captain Neill Oakes
• The impossibly beautiful (and painfully shy) Miss Gwendolyn Passmore
• The terribly eligible new Earl of Charters
• The widowed Lady Georgina Sorrell (who has no plans to marry, ever)

And your hostess, Lady Carolyn Finchley, an irrepressible matchmaker who plans to find the lady most likely . . . to capture her brother’s untamed heart."Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

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'Wedding of the Season'

by Laura Lee Guhrke

"Abandoned at the altar…

Lady Beatrix Danbury has always known she would marry William Mallory. She’d loved him forever, and she’d never doubted he loved her, too. But when she made him choose between their life together and his lifelong dream, Will chose the latter, and left two weeks before their wedding.

Return of the duke…

Will has no illusions that Beatrix will welcome him back with open arms, but six years has not diminished his love or his desire for her. The only problem is that she’s about to marry someone else. Someone safe and predictable… the complete opposite of Will. But can he stop the wedding of the season and win Beatrix back, or is it just too late?"Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

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'Sin and Surrender'
by Julia Latham

"Painful memories once drove Paul Hilliard away. But when the elite secret fraternity of knights calls him home to help thwart a devilish plot against the king, Paul cannot refuse. And his bodyguard in this deadly undertaking is Juliana Gresham—a stunningly beautiful warrior who honed her skills under his expert guidance.
When Juliana first received her training, she was a young, shy, and innocent orphan; now she has blossomed magnificently into womanhood, tempting the honorable knight. Surrendering to his passion could gravely endanger their mission. But Paul’s great need for her will not be silenced—especially when the plot demands that the exquisite Juliana play a shocking new role in their dangerous intrigue . . . as Paul’s mistress."Source

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And there you go. Some decadent december releases to wish for under your christmas tree. Enjoy your holidays, embrace and make memories with your families, and always keep love in the forefront! <3