trueromance

Surrender to an Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham

Setting: Ireland, 1180

Heroine: Morren Ó Reilly

One sentence summary: A grieving Irish warrior with a thirst for vengeance rescues a wounded woman, and they heal the scars of each other’s past.

Scene you like most and would never cut:
There’s a scene where the hero and heroine are working in the field together to salvage some of the burned harvest grain. Due to rain the night before, they start slipping in the mud. It’s the first time in almost a year that Morren has laughed, and when Trahern carries her to safe ground they share a tender moment.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:
“Come here and kiss me.”

What celebrity is your hero like: Sam Worthington (Perseus from the remake of “Clash of the Titans”). He’s strong-willed and a fighter.

What celebrity is your heroine like: Liv Tyler (Arwen from Lord of the Rings). She’s endured a horror no woman should have to face, and yet she has the inner strength to overcome it.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing:
Morren is good at making things grow, whether it’s crops or herbs. She has a connection with the land.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing:
Trahern is a bard who travels across Ireland telling stories.

What you think readers will like best about this book:
As the last book in my MacEgan Brothers series, it’s an emotionally-driven story that gives a shocking twist about Trahern’s past. It does stand on its own (any new reader can join in on the story), but I hope readers who have read the other books will enjoy the character reunions to learn what happened to the other romance couples. You can visit my website at http://www.michellewillingham.com to read an excerpt.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
Prince Karl from my Accidental series (set in the Victorian era).

What’s next: First, I have a sequel novella called “Pleasured by the Viking” that tells the story of Gunnar, a secondary character from Surrender to an Irish Warrior. It’s available now in e-book form through the Harlequin Historical Undone! imprint. Next, I have a new series of Scottish medieval books coming out in the spring of 2011, beginning with Claimed by the Highlander. It’s a reunion story of a prisoner-of-war who returns to the woman he loved seven years ago and how they rekindle their romance.

The MacEgan Brothers series is set in medieval Ireland, and I spent a week this past summer doing more research there (You can visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/michellewillinghamfans to see the photos I took of Ireland, Scotland, and London). Do you have a favorite setting for historical romance? If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Three lucky winners will be selected from the comments for a signed copy of Surrender to an Irish Warrior, a free download of “Pleasured by the Viking” or a $10.00 Borders gift card. Good luck!

Ck this out:
Dominic of the Dragonseeker Carpathians is on a desperate mission, in the very heart of enemy territory. Solange Sangria is one of the last jaguar people. She has long been fighting to save women who are able to shift from the hands of the man who slaughtered her family. They are two warriors who have lived their lives alone. Now, at the end of their time, they find each other, a complication neither saw coming.

Those of you that are Carpathian fans you know that Christine Feehan excels in the emotional depth she gives her characters — don’t worry about not being in order with this series . . . I have not been consistent but when I pick up her books I want to read & read them all over again. Put her on your list

& what about:
Elite Ops agent Nikolai Steele, code named Renegade, is on a special assignment involving a beautiful woman. But his involvement is about to go beyond the call of duty–and into the realm of dangerous desire.

One thing I look for when reading Lora Leigh is a fast paced, sexy (make me blush kind of sexy) story that makes my day. If you’ve not tried Lora, now is the time to include her on your list.

“New York Times”- and “USA Today”-bestselling author Macomber returns to Cedar Cove in the tenth novel of her beloved series.

WOW — #10 for Debbie? Couldn’t happen to a nicer author — Debbie’s stories are sweet & the characters are endearing . . . these contemporary stories are written about people you & I have met — you’ll be amazed, but, it is best if you start at the beginning with 16 Lighthouse Road.

A bestselling and multiple award-winning author sets her new story in the town of Fool’s Gold . . . where a planned pregnancy and an unplanned proposal will change two people’s lives forever.

This is Book 3 in Susan’s Series & each book is better than the last — you’ll want all 3: Chasing Perfect & Almost Perfect.

Praise for Carly & her second book in her Bachelor Blog Series:
The perfect catch is about to fall for the the one woman he’s always resisted … until now!

Carly’s writing is just fun — great characters, nice pacing — no dragging here! You’ll finish the book before you know it!

A “New York Times”-bestselling author continues her beloved vampire series starring the Argeneau family.

I think this says it all:

The follow-up to “White Heat” continues Novak’s series of romantic suspense featuring Department 6, a small but effective private security company that is investigating the murders of illegal aliens in a small town along the Arizona/Mexico border.

Looking for good Suspense? Brenda delivers — action & romance, you feel like you’re there. A personal favorite.

The author of “Cutting Loose” and “Bending the Rules” wraps up her sizzling Sisterhood Diaries series with this final installment.

Susan heats up the pages in this series — readers who like Susan Elizabeth Phillips will enjoy this Susan too!

& so much more:

BURN , by Linda Howard - Reissue of last years suspenseful Hardcover

GHOST MOON, by Heather Graham - Bk # 3 in Ghost Island Trilogy!

KISS ME KILL ME, by Maggie Shayne - Final book in her back to back suspense trilogy

VIKING TAKES A KNIGHT, by Sandra Hill - Funny historical - Sandra Rocks!

WICKED DELIGHTS OF A BRIDAL BE, by Tracy Ann Warren - Fourth book in the Byrons of Braebourne series

PRIMAL INSTINCTS, by Susan Sizemore - Spin off in Susan’s Paranormal world

MAYBE THIS TIME , by Jennifer Crusie - Jennifer at her bset — a book you won’t want to miss it’s laugh out loud funny!

HAWK, by Monica McCarty - Book 2 in her Highland Guard series - luv’d it!

WHEN BLOOD CALLS, by JK Beck -If you only buy one book, this is it — beginning a new series in a sexy, dangerous other-world - WOW!

JUST ONE TASTE, by Louisa Edwards -Next installment of the Recipe of Love series

MIDNIGHT CRYSTAL, by Jayne Castle - Book 3 in the clever Dreamlight Trilogy

YOU ONLY LOVE ONCE, Caroline Linden -Sexy historical romp!

LAST TO DIE , by Kate Brady - Readers who enjoy Karen Rose will be fans of Kate Brady too.

SEDUCED BY A HIGHLANDER, by Paula Quinn - Just a darn good romance!

MY SOUL TO KEEP , by Sharie Kohler -Book 3 in the Moon Chasers series.

HELLFIRE , by Kate Douglas - Book 2 in the Demonslayers series.

NEVER TRUST ROGUE, by Olivia Drake -Continues with the Crompton Sisters series

For a complete Shopping List, click here

What an exciting week & just in time for Labor Day reading! Tell, me which of these books is a must buy for you & why —- 4 randomly chosen bloggers will win a copy of Crusie’s, MAYBE THIS TIME!

Good luck!

- - - - - - - - - - HOT OFF THE PRESS, NEW! BORDERS PLUS, click here for Details! - - - - - -

Primal Instincts by Susan Sizemore

Setting: Contemporary Los Angeles

Heroine: Francesca Reynard, Vampire female

One sentence summary: Tobias Strahan is blackmailed into seducing the woman of his dreams while trying to save the supernatural inhabitants of Los Angeles.

Scene you like most and would never cut:

The scene I like most is the scene that was the hardest for me to write, which is an airplane crash. It was a very emotionally difficult scene to write, very challenging. That makes it important to me. Also, the hero acts very heroic and brave and is hurt terribly in this scene, physically and emotionally. A good hurt the hero scene is to be treasured.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:

My heroine is a shop on Rodeo Drive, perfect hair and makeup sort of girl - uh, vampire. She’s not one for getting dirty or breaking a nail - uh, claw.

What celebrity is your hero like: Since I cast my books I know exactly who he looks like: Eric Bana.

What celebrity is your heorine like: Catherine Zeta Jones in Mask of Zorro.

What is your heroines occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing:

One of the frustrations of her life is that she’s the heir to vampire clan and doesn’t get to have an occupation. Vampire females are rare and over-protected by their Prime males. She doesn’t find her purpose in life, or the courage to free herself from traditional roles, until she meets the hero.

What is your heroes occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing:

Tobias is a the leader of a group of supernatural special forces operatives. He’s also the father of an adopted teenage human daughter. So he’s a pretty busy guy.

What you think readers will like best about this book:

Action, adventure, romance, humor, all that good stuff. I know that I am deeply in love with the hero. He’s an alpha male warrior out to save his world, a determined suitor determined to have the woman he desires, a fantastic lover, and a great dad.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:

The heroine of this book (Primal Instincts), Flare Reynard. Flare appeared in one scene in the first Primes book, I Burn For You, and I’ve been asked to write her story ever since. I’m delighted that it’s finally Flare’s turn.

What’s next: Next for the Vampire Primes will be a novella featuring two more members of the Dark Angels special forces unit. I’m writing a new book for my other vampire series, Laws of the Blood. I’m also writing a fantasy novel.

I’d like to know if readers are as interested in vampire heroines as they are in vampire heroes?

I’m offering a $25.00 Borders gift card to two of the readers that post comments.

Follow me at http://twitter.com/SusanSizemore

Time certainly flies! I just celebrated my 15 years at Borders & we’ve turned over our first year with Borders True Romance Blog! How exciting is that?

To celebrate, I would love to hear from you all what you like about our blog; what you think we could do better; & what you totally hate - k? Be honest — I can take it This site is for all of us to enjoy & it is important to me that you like visiting as much as I do! So leave your comments below - Thank you!

Now for our winners - congratulations to all!

Carly Phillips Winner 4 Sunday is April; & Sue’s Stash Winner is Rachel C

Livia Dare’s Monday winners are Kate Marcille; Lisa Alexander Griffin

Sheri Whitefeather’s Tuesday Winners are Zina; Cories; Susan Leech

SJ Day’s Winner Is on Wednesday, Diane Sadler

Thursday Winner with Abby Gaines is Maree Anderson

Friday Winners are for Alexandra Ivy Jenny is her winner; & Sue’s Stash winners are: Anne; Cynthia N

**Remember, if you are a Sue’s Stash winner you must live in the US.

Now, for next week — come visit us & meet:

Sunday w/Brenda Novak

Monday with Susan Sizemore

Tuesday is ME! Today is a BIG romance release week & I’ve got a list of books I think you’ll want to buy . . . .

Wednesday with Sue & her Book Report!

Thursday with Michelle Willingham

Friday with Anne Marsh

& Saturday with the lovely, one & only, Teresa Medeiro’s - Devil Wears Plaid

Thanks again for being part of Borders True Romance Community — see U soon!

SueG

No Oridinary Cowboy, by Mary Sullivan
Hi everyone, I’m so glad to be here today. Thank you to Sue Grimshaw and Borders for this opportunity!

My reading habits went through a change this summer. I used to do the bulk of my reading in the winter. There’s nothing like sitting tucked up cozily indoors with a good book on a cold winter evening while a storm rages outside. That feeling of safety, and of delving into a book and drifting away from the cares of the world, is precious to me.

The summer usually finds me out and about, and doing much less reading; however, this summer has been unusually hot where I live, and the humidity insufferable. At the beginning of the summer, I ended up sitting in front of the television every night because it was too hot to go outside, even in the evening. I eventually grew pretty disgusted with myself, turned off the tv and picked up a book. I’ve been plowing through them ever since.

My focus has been on historicals, which I loooove. Most often that means Regencies. Lately, though, I’ve been having a blast reading Western historicals. I’ve enjoyed it so much that I signed up for a course through one of the RWA chapters about gamblers and prostitutes in the American West in the 1800s. It’s been fascinating!

I’ve been reading contemporary Westerns, too. It follows that I would like them, since I write them! So odd considering that I grew up in and currently live in the city.

When I decided to write books about cowboys and ranchers and wanted to set them in Montana, I had to do a lot of research. The Internet was invaluable, of course. Also, though, I ordered books about Montana and the ranching lifestyle—one by a reporter who left the city and went to live on a ranch for a year, immersing himself in the lifestyle and then writing about his experience. What an eye-opener. It’s a hard life and the people engaged in it, tough. Hardy.

I can’t imagine a complainer lasting long on a farm or a ranch. There is something appealing to me about the kind of people who see that a job needs to be done, say, “Right, let’s get at it,” and then do it.

As well, I bought a couple of large coffee table books full of stunning photographs of gorgeous landscapes that took my breath away. A few of the cowboys in the photos took my breath away, too

The facts about time and place and people are out there for any of us to access, whether present day or historical, but what I admire is that these same facts and figures can be used by talented authors in so many different ways to write so many original stories. I have immersed myself in those stories throughout the summer.

When do you like to do the bulk of your reading? In which season? What kinds of stories inspire you?

I have two copies of my August Superromance, THIS COWBOY’S SON, that I would love to give away to a couple of you who leave a comment.

Seduce Me by Robyn DeHart
Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been enchanted by history. The thought of being an archeologist and digging up antiquities tempted me. I could sit and imagine the old tombs, ancient relics and hidden treasures that were just waiting to be unearthed by my hand. And then I grew up and realized that such a job would involve actual digging around in an underground crypt or a bug-infested room and I was cured pretty quickly of that fantasy. But the fantasy endured and I found myself falling in love with movies like Romancing the Stone and Indiana Jones and The Mummy. The combination of romance, intrigue and adventure was intoxicating and I couldn’t get enough.
These romanticized fantasies are what ultimately led to the idea for my Legend Hunters series. What if I wrote about a group of men who, like so many in the Victorian era, had a fascination with ancient myths and legends? What if I set the group against the typical backdrop of a gentleman’s club that so many historical romance readers are familiar with. Sure they could meet in their club and smoke their cigars and drink their brandy, but they could also study maps and ancient texts and there could be a secret room where the most dangerous of the antiquities could be kept for safekeeping. Thus Solomon’s and my Legend Hunters were born.
So when I started brainstorming which popular myths I wanted to write about, of course the first one I thought of was Pandora’s Box. How could I write a romantic adventure novel without the legend, which is so steeped in lore? And it has such a naughty connotation to it; I knew it would be a veritable playground of material for me.
The legend of Pandora is the Greek equivalent to the Biblical Adam and Eve. We have a woman who is tempted with the things of the world and she brings about man’s fall. With Pandora, there were a few versions of the story, but one in particular that I liked, said that when she opened the box she released all the terrible things into the world, famine, disease, greed, hatred, etc. and then slammed the lid closed leaving one thing remaining in the box – hope. I loved the image of that and the possibilities. The what ifs ran through my mind like proverbial wild fire. I knew though that for my own Pandora’s Box, I needed these plagues, so to speak, to have a tangible form. And so I created the cursed bracelets of SEDUCE ME.
Enter the heroine and hero of the book. Esme Worthington fancies herself a scholar of all things Pandora’s Box and would like nothing more than to hold the antiquity in her hands. But when her fascination gets her kidnapped, she’s not prepared to come face-to-face with her life’s ambition nor the handsome devil who rescues her. Fielding Grey has been hired by Solomon’s to retrieve the fabled box and the last thing he’s interested in is saving a damsel in distress. But when it comes down to it, he can’t walk away and leave Esme with the wastrels who’ve taken her, especially when she’s manacled to a dungeon wall. The problem is, once she’s in his protection, he can’t keep his hands off her.
Once these two got on the page together, the sparks flew, and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard while writing a book. Esme is a handful and she definitely keeps Fielding on his toes. And boy do they get into a lot of trouble. They have to hide from a criminal mastermind while trying to discover the secret to undoing an ancient curse (because wouldn’t you know that the moment Esme is alone with the box, she has to take a little, tiny peek inside…) There’s also murder and mayhem and enough chemistry to make the pages singe.
Let me seduce you with my tale of love, passion and adventure. And then don’t forget about DESIRE ME, the second book in the Legend Hunters series, which is all about the lost city of Atlantis and is also in stores now.

Giveaway - $20 Borders Gift Card to one lucky commenter!

Thanks Sue (and Borders and the folks at RomCon) for the opportunity to visit here today. I am still, weeks later, totally thrilled and honored at having Ghostland win the Readers’ Crown in the paranormal category.

Ghostland is a book I loved writing. It’s an urban fantasy romance, a departure from the erotic romance stories I write for Ellora’s Cave, though there are still plenty of erotic moments in it.
Authors are often asked where they get their ideas from. For me, Ghostland was born from my desire to explore a post-apocalyptic fantasy world. I wondered what life would be like after a war so far-reaching and devastating that human populations were decimated and supernatural beings no longer feared making their presence known.
What kinds of societies would be formed? And what if, unseen by those who live on Earth, there is war brewing between ancient, unseen enemies (angels and Djinn) for who will control it—and the heroes and heroines who find love and want their own “happy ever after” play a part in preparing for that war?
In Ghostland, a Djinn prince and a gifted human shamaness are faced with an unbearable choice. Follow their hearts or stay true to their honor and risk losing an eternity of pleasure.
Aisling is able to enter the ghostlands and speak to those found there, human souls and long-forgotten gods, beings capable of protecting and punishing, but who always demand a payment. She has no idea of her heritage or the destiny intended for her. And when she’s taken against her will to Oakland in order to perform a shaman’s service on behalf of an important man, she has no choice but to summon the Djinn prince Zurael en Caym.
Her existence is one of harsh survival edged with fear. His is defined by privilege and power.
A prince to the House of the Serpent, Zurael would see the Earth cleansed of humans. He dreams of the day the Djinn will be able to reclaim their birthright—little knowing that when Aisling summons him against his will from the Djinn kingdom deep in the ghostlands, and commands him, he’s meant to become a slave to passion—and his joining with her, the harbinger of things to come.
One of the things I really love about writing stories set in this post-apocalyptic world is the chance to explore it in my imagination. It’s a place of opposites and extremes. Of horror alongside beauty. Extravagant wealth juxtaposed to hard-scrabble poverty.
San Francisco is claimed by vampire families while across the bay, Oakland is ruled by powerful non-gifted humans. And beyond those cities, smaller human settlements are carved out and defended in vast territories controlled by Were and Fey.
Since Ghostland, I’ve written three more stories set in this world. Spider-Touched is Araña and Tir’s story.
I fell in love with Tir the first time I saw him in my mind. Shackled, caged alongside animals and Weres, an angel with no memory of what he is, and no way of freeing himself.
Healer’s Choice (releasing September 7!) is Rebekka and Aryck’s story. She’s a gifted healer who works among the outcast in the shapeshifter brothels of Oakland. He’s a Jaguar Were, a pack enforcer in territory where no humans are allowed and outcasts can be killed on sight.
The angel Addai plays an important role in Healer’s Choice. His story, Angel-Claimed will come out next February in the Primal anthology with Lora Leigh, Ava Gray and Michelle Rowen.

As I think you can tell, I really enjoy spending time in this post-apocalyptic world, and would love to share it. Two signed copies of Ghostland (or Spider-Touched if the winner already has Ghostland) are up for grabs to a couple of randomly drawn posts answering the question: If you were part of a human minority, and had to live in a city/territory controlled by one type of supernatural entity, which one would it be?

BODY MASTER by C.J. Barry

Setting: New York City, 2011
Subgenre: Contemporary Paranormal Fantasy
Hero: Max Dempsey
Heroine: Seneca Thomas

Three sentence summary: Seneca Thomas is a talented agent with XCEL, a secret government taskforce charged with capturing the dangerous shapeshifters that have infiltrated New York City, passing for humans. When her partner is killed in the line of duty, Seneca finds herself teamed up with Max Dempsey–a shapeshifter. And when the pair discover a growing army of shifters gathering beneath the city, Seneca will have no choice but to trust the one man she shouldn’t.

Scene you like most and would never cut: The first scene where Seneca shows just how special and formidable she is. Her Native American heritage (which I share) makes her the perfect shapeshifter hunter, and this opening sequence tells readers everything they need to know about Seneca, including why she hunts shifters. Her special abilities may be a curse, but she feels bound to use them to keep her world safe.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “Let’s get a mani-pedi!”

What celebrity is your hero like: Matt Damon in the Bourne movies. Max is quiet, watchful, and intense–right up until it’s time to do battle, and then he leaves nothing on the table.

What celebrity is your heroine like: Kate Beckinsale in the Underworld movies. Seneca is fearless, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. The only time you see her tough veneer falter is when the people she loves are in danger or harmed.

What is your heroines occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: A human agent for XCEL, NYC Division, tasked with locating and capturing criminal shapeshifters. She lives with her grandmother, a wise Iroquois woman who tries to teach Seneca what faith is. In Seneca’s world, however, faith won’t keep her alive.

What is your heroes occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: A shapeshifter prototype XCEL agent who is using Seneca and her organization to find the man who murdered his wife. Before that, he and his race were driven from their last planet in mass genocide. He is a man with nothing else to lose.

What you think readers will like best about this book: It’s set in one of my favorite places–New York City. I love Manhattan because it is a microcosm of humanity, all consolidated on an island. With this setting, I am able to showcase the shifter’s circumstances and how they are not very different from humans after all. I’m hoping that readers get to experience both sides of a very complex relationship beneath all the steamy attraction.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: From my original Futuristic romance series, ALL the secondary characters in UNMASKED!

What’s next: A sequel to BODY MASTER is in the works. Titled BODY THIEF, this book picks up where the last book left off and explores the changes in XCEL: New York City division.

Visit www.cjbarry.com for more information about BODY MASTER and to read the first chapter.

BODY MASTER trailer:

Discussion questions: How would you react if you discovered shapeshifters replacing your friends or family? Would their presence here cause mass hysteria or do you think we are more accepting? If you were a shapeshifter, who would you want to become most?

I’ll be drawing a winner from those who comment to receive an autographed copy of BODY MASTER.

Today we welcome the finalists from The Readers’ Crown Contest! These talented authors were selected by readers who judged their books as the best in romance fiction.

They will be chatting with us about the stories behind their books, what’s next in their series,
and other fun things, such as what they do when they aren’t writing. The folks at RomCon (www.romconinc.com) will be giving away $10 Borders gift cards to 3 lucky commenters today!

2010 Readers’ Crown Finalists:

Short Contemporary Romance -
Unexpected Gifts by Holly Jacobs
The Sheriff of Horseshoe, Texas by Linda Warren

Her So-Called Fiance by Abby Gaines
No Ordinary Cowboy by Mary Sullivan

Short Contemporary Romantic Suspense/Adventure -

Here Today, Gone to Maui by Carol Snow
Beyond The Code Of Conduct by KM Daughters
Better Than Bulletproof by Kay Thomas
Christmas Guardian by Delores Fossen

Long Contemporary Romance -

Sunset Bay by Susan Mallery
Double Play by Jill Shalvis
Hard & Fast by Erin McCarthy
Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

Long Contemporary Romantic Suspense/Adventure

Seeing Red by Susan Crandall
Wild Heat by Bella Andre
Defender by Catherine Mann
For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper

Short Historical Romance -

In the Masters Bed by Blythe Gifford
The Conqueror’s Lady by Terri Brisbin
A Storm of Passion by Terri Brisbin
The Viscount Claims His Bride by Bronwyn Scott

Long Historical Romance -

Captive of Sin by Anna Campbell
A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist
The Lone Texan by Jodi Thomas
To Desire a Devil by Elizabeth Hoyt

Romance Novella -

Weekend Tigress in WINTER HEAT by Jade Lee
This Wicked Gift in THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS by Courtney Milan
My Lady Below Stairs in A CHRISTMAS BALL by Emily Bryan
UNDEAD MAN’S HAND, in Out of the Light, Into the Shadows by Erin McCarthy

Paranormal Romance -

Finding the Lost by Shannon K Butcher
Burning Alive by Shannon K Butcher
My Forbidden Desire by Carolyn Jewel
Ties That Bind by Keena Kincaid

Urban Fantasy with Romantic Elements -

Tainted by Julie Kenner
Witch Fury by Anya Bast
Amazon Ink by Lori Devoti
Bound by Sin by Jenna Maclaine

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Futuristic/Time-Travel Romance -

Beyond the Rain by Jess Granger
The Hunt by Anne Marsh
A Highlander of Her Own by Melissa Mayhue
Lord of the Highlands by Veronica Wolff

Erotic Romance -

Mona Lisa Darkening by Sunny
Beloved Vampire by Joey Hill
Into the Lair by Maya Banks
Sweet Persuasion by Maya Banks

Best First Book -

The Hunt by Anne Marsh
Knight of Desire by Margaret Mallory
Mistress by Mistake by Susan Gee Heino
Mastering the Marquess by Vanessa Kelly

& now the Winners:

Short Contemporary Romance Winner - Abby Gaines! for The Groom Came Back

Short Contemporary Romantic Suspense/Adventure Winner - Sheri Whitefeather for Protecting Their Baby

Long Contemporary Romance Winner is Carly Phillips for Lucky Break!

Long Contemporary Romantic Suspense/Adventure Winner is Cindy Gerard for Whisper No Lies

Short Historical Romance Winner is Robyn DeHart for Seduce Me!

Long Historical Romance Winner is Jennifer Ashley & The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie

Romance Novella Winner is Sophia Nash & Four Dukes and a Devil in CATCH OF THE CENTURY

Paranormal Romance Winner is Jory Strong for Ghostland

Urban Fantasy with Romantic Elements Winner is SJ Day for Eve of Darkness

Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Futuristic/Time-Travel Romance Winner is Sandra Hill & Viking Heat

Erotic Romance Winner is Livia Dare for In the Flesh

Best First Book Winner is Mary Sullivan for No Ordinary Cowboy

Starting on August 15, 2010, we’ll have visits from each of the contest’s winners–so be sure to stop back by!

So, tell us know, which of these marvelous authors are you anxious to try? One random commenter will win a $10 Borders Gift Card — start now!

Happy Romance!

Setting: Early 1800 ~ newly settled region of upstate New York
Subgenre: Historical Indian Romance
Hero: Winnokin
Heroine: Leslie Michaels

One sentence summary

A story of longing, a wanton need to survive all odds and a love so strong, that it conquers human evil.

Scene you like most and would never cut

Ouuu … this is really difficult to pinpoint because Wind Warrior is a story of survival. I would say at the moment where my heroine Leslie is forced to leave her home and father who was just killed by a demented trapper hell bent on kidnapping her for his own pleasures. She has truly only moments to decide her fate and chooses to flee into the wilderness to escape with only a knife and the clothes on her back. Faith and a strong will to survive are her only companions … that is, until she encounters Winnokin.

What celebrity is your hero like?

Definitely Michael Spears who played the role of Otter in Dances With Wolves and also recently in the lead role for TNT’s mini series In The West as Dog Star. Talk about strong, virile and handsome … this man could play lead in everything I write … a true hunk of burning love.

What celebrity is your heroine like?

If you’ve ever seen Farrah Fawcett in her Emmy Award performance of The Burning Bed depicting a battered wife, then this is my character Leslie with the same attributes: beauty, strength, resiliency and a strong will to survive.

What is your heroine’s occupation?

Leslie is a visionary and only those close to her know of her special gift and the visions that come when her mind and body surrender to sleep. Along with her father, Jebidiah they leave their Ohio home to discover a new territory with the hope of fresh start after tragically losing three family members within a few years of each other.

What is your hero’s occupation?
Winnokin is the handsome Seneca war chief who first comes to Leslie in her dreams. Not only does he prove to be her rescuer and protector after she flees into the wilderness, he teachers her that tragedy can breed happiness and the passion to live and love deeply once again.

What do you think readers will like best about this book?

First that it is inspiring. I think we all come to a point in our lives when you find yourself at the edge of a very deep, dark abyss that threatens to engulf you and steal away your sanity and resolve to fight. Fate has a way of righting many wrongs and for Leslie it is a destiny that changes her life dramatically. It is through this discovery that makes the reader fall in love with her. Wind Warrior will not only plunge them into the intimate depths of a relationship that unfolds like a live drama before their eyes but also places them in a world that portrays an insightful and intriguing portrait of Native Indian life.

What’s next?

Wind Warrior is Book #1 of my Iroquois Series (total of 5 books). You can read an excerpt on my website and also catch a glimpse of Book #2 Captive Heart as well at www.romanceauthorcynthiaroberts.com.

I’m just a diehard romantic and love to write in many genres. I also have two romantic suspense projects entitled Pawn For Malice and Keeper’s Watch and lastly, a contemporary Unchain My Heart in the works.

I would also like to extend my sincerest and heartfelt thanks to Susan Grimshaw and Borders for inviting me here today to share with you some enticing facts about Wind Warrior.

If you would like to win an autographed copy please take a moment and answer me this … if you could be swept away by a hero of your choice i.e. English knight, Indian warrior, Scottish lord, daring cowboy or someone else, who would it be and why?

One randomly chosen commenter will win — good luck!

& don’t miss Friends & Family 7/16-19/10: