I've drawn five names from the many who entered my mystery book contest. I've had fun picking prizes for them, based on their reading preferences. Gigi, Brenda, Rashda, El, and Stephanie: prizes on the way. There'll be another contest on Friday, so stop by then!

I'm busy getting ready for the launch of The Amorous Education of Celia Seaton on Tuesday so this will a quick, short contest. This time I'm going to pick FIVE winners. Each one will receive a copy of A Romance Sampler, a gorgeous book of excerpts from seventeen different romance authors. I defy anyone to read these and not add to her TBB/TBR list. (Evil plan).  IN ADDITION, I'll select a book from my stash for each winner. So tell me your favorite kind of romance (historical, contemporary, paranormal, etc) and a few of your favorite authors. I'll try and chose something you will like. It'll be fun for me and hopefully fun for you if I pick well.

So comment here (with email address), or enter via my contest entry form. I’ll select five winners at random on July 26th.

Contest ends July 26, 2011. Open to residents of USA and Canada only. Void where prohibited. No purchase required, though certainly appreciated on July 26th when my new book comes out. (With apologies for the shameless self-promotion)

This week saw the launch of The Ballroom, a new group blog devoted to ...  hmm. What are we devoted to? In a single word, I’d have to say partying. Regency style partying complete with dashing rakes, gorgeous ladies, and lots of gossip. The authors are Katharine Ashe, Sabrina Darby, Tessa Dare, Gaelen Foley, Sarah MacLean, and me.


I cannot tell you how privileged I feel to be in company with such a talented group of historical romance writers. Plus we are all having TOO MUCH FUN. But the true belle of the ball is our hostess, Lady Heliotrope Beaufeatheringstone (pronounced Batman), commonly known as Lady B. She’s outrageous, she’s opinionated, and she has a parrot named Albert who adds his own unique comments to the passing scene.

We will be holding a ball every Monday, Thursday and Saturday but these events go into the wee hours and beyond so stop by anytime. You’ll have fun.

This week, to celebrate our launch, I’m giving away a copy of NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE by the totally fabulous Sarah McLean. This debut historical was one of the best and most talked-about books last year. If you haven’t read it, you need to! And if you have, you need a signed copy. So comment here (with email address), giving me one (or nine) reasons why you'd like to win,  or enter via my contest entry form. I’ll select the winner at random on July 22nd.

Contest ends July 22, 2011. Open to residents of USA and Canada only. Void where prohibited. No purchase required, though certainly appreciated on July 26th when my new book comes out. (With apologies for the shameless self-promotion)

Me and Sophia Nash during a (rare) quiet moment

Some of the craziest events at the Romance Writers of America conference are the publisher signings. Authors sign books for conference goers and the books are free! If you’re not careful you can come away with hundreds, a TBR pile for the ages. I always enjoy the Avon signing, even if it is insane–in a good way.

This year I shared a table with Sophia Nash. Besides being a wonderful writer, Sophia is fabulously beautiful. She’s also a martinet. “Keep signing,” she yelled, every time we had a quiet moment. “You’ll be grateful when it gets busy.” I was, I suppose, even though my wrist felt like it was about to crack after an hour and a half.

Busy as we were, it was nothing to the frenzy at the table opposite, manned (womanned?) by Julia Quinn. Luckily I snagged one of her books before the crowds were admitted and it’s one of my favorites.

How much do I love WHAT HAPPENS IN LONDON? In my opinion it’s one of Julia’s most delightful novels, and that’s saying a lot. It’s kind of like the movie Rear Window, only fun and romantic and Quinny, as opposed to dark and scary and Hitchcocky. Olivia watches Harry through his window and thinks he may be a murderer. Harry watches her back and think she may be a spy. Much laughter and mayhem ensues as this delicious couple find their way to a happy ending and the most divine proposal scene. Not to mention the reading of Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron, which has me clutching my sides with laughter just thinking of it.

Believe it or not, I’m prepared to give away a SIGNED copy of this gem to one of you. Tell me your favorite Julia Quinn, either in the comments (include your email address) or through my handy contest entry form. I’ll select the winner at random on July 15th.

And then, while I have your attention, Like me on Facebook if you haven't already done so.



Contest ends July 15, 2011. Open to residents of USA and Canada only. Void where prohibited. You do not have to Like me on Facebook to enter. You do not have to read a book by Julia Quinn to enter (though if that is the case please let me know your planet of residence).