Book BIN Tuesday - It's Always Been You

Victoria Dahl has a new historical out!

Once She Slipped Through His Fingers. . .

Aidan York has spent ten years mourning the woman he once loved and lost. He's filled the void in the only way he knows—by distracting himself with wild behavior and scandalous trysts. It's a hollow existence, but it dulls the pain. Until the day he encounters a ghost: the woman he thought drowned at sea, alive and as enchanting as ever. . .

Now He'll Keep Her In His Arms. . ..

When Kate Hamilton sees the man she once hoped to spend her life with, she is hit with a storm of memories and longing. But though resisting Aidan's passion proves impossible, Kate must try not to love him all over again. For her seemingly quiet London life shields a dangerous secret, one that will catch up to her the moment she lets herself fall. . .

****

Sounds deliciously angsty, doesn't it? Why not take a chance and Buy It Now?

Book BIN Tuesday - The Guardian

Margaret Mallory is one of my favorite historical authors, with relatable heroines and heroes to swoon over. So I'm thrilled she has a new book out - and not only that, it's book one of a new series! Be still, my heart.

It's called The Guardian, and here's the scoop:

THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS: BOOK I

Four fearless warriors return to the Highlands to claim their lands and legacies. But all their trials on the battlefield can't prepare them for their greatest challenge yet: winning the hearts of four willful Scottish beauties.

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.

***

Sounds fabulous, no? So why not head on over to the store and Buy One Now?

Book BIN Tuesday - The Station

Keira Andrews has a new book out, and it looks great!


Ever since Cambridge-bound Colin Lancaster secretly watched stable master Patrick Callahan mastering the groundskeeper, he’s longed for Patrick to do the same to him. When Patrick is caught with his pants down and threatened with death, Colin speaks up in his defense, announcing that he, too, is guilty of “the love that dare not speak its name.” Soon they’re both condemned as convicts and shipped off to the faraway prison colony of Australia.
Patrick learned long ago that love is a fairy tale and is determined that no one will scale the wall he’s built around his heart. Yet he’s inexorably drawn to the charismatic Colin despite his best efforts to keep him at bay. As their journey extends from the cramped and miserable depths of a prison ship to the vast, untamed Australian outback, Colin and Patrick must build new lives for themselves. They'll have to tame each other to find happiness in this wild new land.

******
I love historicals, and the setting for this one makes it even more tempting to me. I'm going to run over to Loose Id and pick up a copy. Why not join me and Buy It Now?

Book BIN Tuesday - A Little Bit Wild

Ooh! A new Victoria Dahl book is out now! Here are the deets:

He is not what she had in mind.

Jude Bertrand is not an excellent dancer. Nor does he wear the most fashionable coats. But when Marissa York's brother approaches him, desperate to preserve Marissa's tenuous reputation, Jude does prove heroic enough to offer to marry the girl. In fact, the union should more than make up for his lack of social graces - and his own scandalous past...

But minds change...

Marissa knows that betrothal to the son of a duke - even one as raw and masculine as Jude - will save her from ruin, but that doesn't mean she's happy about it. Soon, though, she finds that Jude has a surprisingly gentle touch - and plans to use it to persuade Marissa that their wedding day cannot come soon enough...

Sounds fabulous, no? I love Dahl's books, both contemporary and historical, and I can't wait to read this one. How about you? Why not head out and Buy It Now?

Book BIN Friday - Married By Morning

So I'm rounding out Book BIN week with yet another fabulous-sounding historical, Married By Morning by Lisa Kleypas. I love Lisa's books, and am really looking forward to diving into this one. Here's the blurb:


He is everything she wants to avoid…

For two years, Catherine Marks has been a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters — a pleasant position, with one caveat. Her charges’ older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating. Cat can hardly believe that their constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction. But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response — and even more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liaison.

She is not at all what she seems…

Leo must marry and produce an heir within a year to save his family home. Catherine’s respectable demeanor hides a secret that would utterly destroy her. But to Leo, Cat is intriguing and infernally tempting, even to a man resolved never to love again. The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever — unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires…

*****

Sounds great, doesn't it? So why not pick up some new reading material for the weekend and Buy It Now?

Book BIN Wednesday - One Dance With A Duke

Squeee! Tessa Dare has a new book out - the start of a brand new trilogy! Here are the deets:

True temptation begins at midnight…

A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members — yet membership is attainable to anyone with luck. And Spencer has plenty of it, along with an obsession with a prize horse, a dark secret, and, now, a reputation as the dashing “Duke of Midnight.” Each evening he selects one lady for a breathtaking midnight waltz. But none of the women catch his interest, and nobody ever bests the duke — until Lady Amelia d’Orsay tries her luck.

In a moment of desperation, the unconventional beauty claims the duke’s dance and unwittingly steals his heart. When Amelia demands that Spencer forgive her scapegrace brother’s debts, she never imagines that her game of wits and words will lead to breathless passion and a steamy proposal. Still, Spencer is a man of mystery, perhaps connected to the shocking murder of the Stud Club’s founder. Will Amelia lose her heart in this reckless wager or win everlasting love?

****

Doesn't it sound great? So why not go Buy It Now?

Book BIN Tuesday - Knight of Passion

I'm so excited! 2010 RITA finalist Margaret Mallory has a new book out today! It's called Knight of Passion and it's the 3rd book in her All The King's Men series. Here's the scoop:

HOW CAN THIS PASSIONATE KNIGHT…

Renowned beauty Lady Linnet is torn between two desires: revenge on those who destroyed her family or marriage to her childhood sweetheart Sir James Rayburn. One fateful night, she makes a misguided choice: she sacrifices Jamie’s love for a chance at vengeance.

TRUST A BEAUTY WITH A PAST?

Jamie Rayburn returns to England in search of a virtuous wife—only to find the lovely Linnet as bewitching as ever. Their reckless affair ignites anew, even hotter than before, although Jamie vows to never again trust her with his heart. Then just as Linnet begins to make amends, she’s tempted by one last opportunity to settle old scores. But a final retribution could cost her Jamie’s love – this time forever.

****

If you live in Western Washington, you can pick up a copy of the book TODAY, at the Olympia Borders near the Capitol Mall, signed by the author! 5:30-7:30 pm.

Otherwise, you can find it online and in your local bookstore! So be sure to put it on your list to head out and Buy It Now!

It's a Book BIN Week!

Just a head's up that there will be a LOT of Book BIN recommendations this week, because it's just filled with fabulous new releases and I can't choose! So keep an eye out, be sure to comment, and there may be a prize or two at the end of the week!

Also, the winner of last week's tote bag contest will be announced near the end of the week as well. So be sure to stop on by!

Book BIN Tuesday - Moon Craving

I've been hooked on Lucy Monroe's historical werewolves from the beginning, so you can guess how excited I am to see Moon Craving finally hit the shelves! Here's the deets:

If it were up to him, Talorc—laird of the Sinclair clan and leader of his werewolf pack— would never marry. But when the king orders that Talorc wed an Englishwoman, the lone wolf is shocked to find his mate in the strong-willed Abigail. And after an intensely climactic wedding night, the two fiercely independent souls sense an unbreakable bond…

Deaf since childhood, Abigail hopes to keep her affliction from Talorc as long as possible. And for his part, he has no intention of telling her about being a werewolf. But when Abigail learns that the husband she’s begun to love has deceived her, it will take all of his warrior’s strength—and his wolf’s cunning—to win his wife back. And Talorc will have to face his biggest challenge yet: the vulnerability of a man in love…

It sounds wonderful, don't you think? So why not run on out and Buy It Now?

A Winner, an Announcement, and a Recipe!

Whew! Today's blog post is chock-full of stuff that really isn't related to each other. But what the heck, it's Wednesday. Why not?

First, congratulations to HEATHER MAC, winner of Margaret Mallory's Knight of Pleasure. Hope you enjoy the book once your finals are over! Just send your address off-blog and I'll be sure Margaret can get in touch with you.

Second, just in case you missed it yesterday when I was bouncing and flailing and squeeeing all over the internet, my book Lessons Learned has been nominated for an RT Reviewer's Choice Award! It's one of four books nominated in the Indie Press Contemporary Romance category. Color me absolutely gobsmacked! It was totally unexpected and I am so thrilled. Winners will be announced in April at the RT Convention.

Third, it's party day over on the Nine Naughty Novelists' blog! We're answering holiday questions and everyone who comments on the post will be entered in our contest!

Fourth, here's my contribution to the group blog post on NNN - a recipe for Almond Butter Smash Cookies, one of my favorite holiday treats.

2 cups butter, softened

1 cup sugar

4 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons almond extract

Cream together butter and sugar. Add remaining ingredients and beat well.

Roll into 1 inch balls, then roll in sugar (regular or colored). Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press flat with bottom of glass or cookie stamp. Bake at 350* for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are light golden brown.

Easy-peasy! And oh, so delicious. :)

Book BIN Tuesday - Knight of Pleasure

Today marks the new release of Margaret Mallory's second book, Knight of Pleasure. It sounds just as fabulous as the first one! Plus look at that cover. Yum!

THE GREATEST PASSION
Lady Isobel Hume is an expert swordswoman who knows how to choose her battles. When the king asks her to wed a French nobleman to form a political alliance, she agrees. But that's before the devilishly charming Sir Stephen Carleton captures her heart-and tempts her to betray her betrothed, her king, and her country.

IS WORTH THE GREATEST PERIL
Sir Stephen Carleton enjoys his many female admirers-until he dedicates himself to winning the lovely Isobel. When a threat against the king leads Isobel into mortal danger, Stephen must prove that he

is more than a knight of pleasure ... and that love can conquer all.

"... [A] riveting story, intertwining adventure and history...with a constantly increasing level of sensuality....[A] rare treat." RT Book Reviews
“Margaret Mallory's passionate novel, KNIGHT OF PLEASURE, is an absolute delight for fans of historical romance.” Fresh Fiction
“You're not just reading a novel, you are stepping into the story...KNIGHT OF PLEASURE is amazing.” Gloria Gehres, The Romance Readers Connection
“Book two of Ms. Mallory’s All the King’s Men series is thrilling, romantic, and just plain good reading.” RomRevToday

So there you go. Sounds delish, doesn't it? Why not head on over to your nearest bookstore and Buy It Now?

ETA: Margaret has generously offered an autographed copy of Knight of Pleasure for one lucky reader of my blog. All commenters are entered to win!

Discussion topic: What's the best book/movie/TV show you've enjoyed recently?

Book BIN Tuesday - Iron by PG Forte

I'm a sucker for all things historical/paranormal, so this new release by PG Forte looks like a perfect fit for me:

Nineteenth century Ireland. Blacksmith Gavin O’Malley is a bitter man, with a heart as hard as the iron he forges. He wants his life back—the one that was stolen from him the day his wife died in childbirth—taking their firstborn son with her.

When Aislinn Deirbhile, an immortal, shape-shifting fae, arrives on his doorstep, he knows he’s in luck. For Aislinn can give Gavin everything he’s been missing: A devoted-seeming wife in the image of his beloved Mairead, and children who are sure to outlive their father. Now, all he has to do is find a way to keep her—without losing his immortal soul in the process.

But Aislinn has an agenda of her own. On the run from a vengeful fae lord who’s vowed to either make her his or end her existence, she knows the iron that allows Gavin to take her captive will also keep her pursuers at bay. In order to put herself permanently beyond her enemy’s reach, however, Aislinn will need something more. She’ll need to win Gavin’s heart and convince him to willingly part with a piece of the very soul he’s trying to save.

****

Ireland? Fae? Historical? Sign me up! If this is your sort of thing, follow me over to Liquid Silver Books and Buy It Now!

Book BIN Tuesday -- Knight of Desire

FEARLESS IN BATTLE
His surcoat still bloody from battle, William FitzAlan comes to claim the strategic borderlands granted to him by the king. One last prize awaits him at the castle gates: the lovely Lady Catherine Rayburn.

TENDER IN BED
Catherine risked everything to spy for the crown. Her reward? Her lands are declared forfeit and she is given this choice: marry FitzAlan or be taken to the Tower. Catherine agrees to give her handsome new husband her body, but she’s keeping secrets and dares not give him her heart. As passion ignites and danger closes in, Catherine and William must learn to trust in each other to save their marriage, their land, and their very lives.

***

Not just a new book, but a debut book, by a fabulous new author! Margaret Mallory and I are in the same RWA chapter, and I've been just thrilled watching her career take flight. The book has been getting a lot of buzz, and I couldn't be happier for her.

It's out now, and I encourage everyone to do what I'm going to do this week -- pop down to the bookstore and Buy It Now! (I'll have the added benefit of having it signed by the author, at her booksigning Wednesday at the Olympia WA Borders. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by!)

And one lucky winner will be selected from all comments this week to win a signed copy of the book. Just post a comment sometime between now and Friday, and you could win!

Book BIN Tuesday -- Passionate

Whoo-hoo! Today's the day -- release day for Passionate, the very first release from Anthea Lawson!

I've been looking forward to this book for ages, ever since I found out Anthea (an RWA chapter-mate) sold her first book. Or, should I say, their first book, because Anthea Lawson is actually a husband and wife writing team. Go, team!

Anyway, I digress. Here's the blurb:

Temptation…

Before she must wed, Lily Strathmore decides upon one final adventure—a botanical expedition through the wilds of North Africa with her uncle and his family. In search of a fabled bloom, James Huntington soon joins them. Handsome to a fault and rakish to boot, he has the maddening habit of catching Lily at her most improper. And his sensual kisses are only the beginning of their passionate intimacy…

True Love…

Huntington finds the beautiful Miss Strathmore impossible to resist. With each passing day, their desire for each other grows. And in his wildest dreams, Lily is his—and his alone.

Doesn't it sound yummy?

Okay, your assignment for this week -- hunt down a copy of Passionate and Buy It Now!

Book BIN Tuesday -- The Ideal Wife

I'm on a bit of a Mary Balogh kick these days. Nothing like a big, juicy historical to dive into on a lazy summer day. So I'm pretty chuffed that her early books are being re-released, since I missed them the first time around.

I started reading Balogh somewhere in the middle of the Slightly series, and of course had to go back and read them in order, followed by the Simply series. Now, I'm hunting down her other books, so it's very nice to see her earlier works being re-released. Makes the search a bit easier. :)

I just finished The Tangled Web tonight, and have Web of Love on hold at the library, but I'll have to stop at the bookstore and pick up The Ideal Wife this week as well. Here's the blurb:

When Miles Ripley, Earl of Severn, learns that his mother and sisters are about to descend upon him in London, he is in despair. For they have a bride picked out for him and are busy with wedding plans-and he does not know how to say no. They love him, and the trouble is that he loves them too. He vows to his best friend that if only someone would set before him the plainest, dullest, most ordinary female, he would marry her without delay.

He is not really serious, of course, but the very next day a woman who resembles the one he described to an uncanny degree appears in the visitors' salon of his home, claiming a distant kinship and begging for a reference so that she can seek employment. Suddenly Miles becomes very serious indeed and offers her something quite different from what she expects.

The only problem is that Abigail Gardiner is not at all the woman Miles judges her to be during that first encounter. Because she has just been dismissed from her employment for insubordination and is feeling rather desperate, she has come to the earl-a very distant relation indeed-with a deliberately plain, demure mien.

The drastic mistake Miles has made does not bode well for the future!

Now, this book was originally released in 1991, so I may discover that what I love about Mary Balogh books has evolved since her earliest works. But that's part of the fun of reading, isn't it? So, I'm off to the bookstore this week to Buy It Now. If you like Mary Balogh (or are a fan of regency romance), why not join me?

Book BIN Tuesday -- The Best Man

So the crossing guard at my middle child's school is a big-time romance fan. It's not unusual for her to hand me a grocery sack full of paperbacks as I walk across the street in the morning. (Or vice-versa.) Then we spend five minutes discussing recent reads and reality TV while my youngest stomps in puddles and announces that hot chocolate would be a nice snack.

Hint, hint.

So a few weeks ago she passed along a bunch of older paperbacks, saying that some were hit and miss. But she was really excited about one of them. "It's the historical about the cattle drive. I think you'll love it!"

Of course, she was right. The Best Man by Maggie Osborne is a ripping great read, with characters that absolutely inhabit the page and a breathtaking race against all odds. It may be a little hard to find, especially since you probably don't have a book-pushing crossing guard to give it to you, but I heartily recommend that you track it down and Buy It Now!