[Tammy Kane] BREATH OF FIRE / Book 1

If you haven't already read Breath of Fire, released on June 30th this year, now would be the time to prepare for the early 2010 release of the sequel, Fires of Faith.

This first novel by new author Tammy Kane, blends engaging characters, great world-building, and solid writing skills to produce a book you'll have a hard time putting down.

Read Chapter 1 here:

http://www.tammykaneauthor.com/book.html

"More than your typical paranormal romance, this is great storytelling. Kane creates an amazing world of dragons, ancient civilizations and histories rich with conflict... Strong and intelligent characters, sweeping seduction and a most original plot make this a book to relish and remember."

~ Romantic Times Book Reviews (4 stars)

CONTEST - Literary Escapism Gives Away SPEAK OF THE DEVIL

Literary Escapism poses an excellent Question - Does a 'Tramp Stamp' book cover affect whether you buy that Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance novel?

CONTEST - LE's giving away a copy of Jenna Black's Speak of the Devil, Book 4 in her Morgan Kingsley series. Just click the link below to go to their site and answer the question:

What novels have been grossly underappreciated due to the Tramp Stamping trend? For all those “meh cover, story not worth it” attitudes, what have they missed out on?

The contest is open to everyone, so everyone overseas can join in the fun as well. However, you must answer this question in order to be entered. No answer, no entry. It’s as simple as that.

Read the post and enter the contest here:
http://www.literaryescapism.com/2009/07/28/3949/comment-page-1/#comment-10558
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[Nalini Singh] ARCHANGEL'S KISS/ Book 2: Guild Hunters

Nalini's just posted the gorgeous cover art for her next Guild Hunters novel, Archangel's Kiss.

Cannot wait for this book to hit shelves on February 2, 2010!

Here's what they said about Book 1, Angel's Blood:

"Angels' Blood...will have you captivated from the first page!...Raphael, the Archangel hero, is one of the most deliciously dark protagonist[s] I've come across in a long time and Elena is a hunter worthy of a strong mate...It's strong storytelling at it's very best!"
~ Lucy for Ever After, The Romance Book Specialists

http://nalinisingh.blogspot.com/

[Stacia Kane] DEMON INSIDE / Book 2: Megan Chase

Today's the day you can finally get your copy of Demon Inside, Book 2 of Stacia's 'Megan Chase' series.

Book 2 brings us back to the world of Megan Chase where everyone - except Megan - has a little personal demon sitting on their shoulder.

To celebrate, Stacia will be giving away a $30 gift card to the online bookstore of your choice, and answering questions all day @ BittenByBooks.com!

Stop by http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=8818 at 11:30am EDT

BREAKING NEWS - Romance Video Parody

UPDATE:
Bad News
Posted by Barbara Vey on July 28, 2009

I know I promised you all a special Thrillerfest video today.Unfortunately, my laptop has been stolen and it contained all the video. I am just sick about it. I had it in my bag in the overhead compartment of my plane from San Diego yesterday, but when I got home it was gone. I am still hopeful it will be returned by have spent the night changing all my passwords.


Who's up for fun?!!

Just got the word from Jade Lee that tomorrow - Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - Barbara Vey (photo) will premiere a Drive By Video™ video she made at Thrillerfest.

It features 8 male thriller authors doing a parady of romance novels.

Word is it's ROTFL (rolling on the floor laughing) funny!
Here's a link to the excitement:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/blog/880000288/post/620046862.html


As an extra incentive, Jade is giving away a copy of Dragonborn - her PRISM Award-winning novel (2nd Place, Fantasy category) - to a lucky commenter.
http://jadeleeauthor.com/blogger/2009/07/romance-video-parady.html

[Jennifer Ashley] PRIDE MATES / Book 1: Shifters Unbound

Jennifer Ashley is HOT!

She just won 2 PRISM Awards (Best of the Best & 1st Place, Fantasy category) from the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA for The Dragon Master under the pen name Allyson James.

Now we hear she'll be releasing Pride Mates, the first in her new 'Shifters Unbound' series, in February 2010. We can't wait to get more on this book!

http://www.jennifersromances.com/NewSite/comingsoon.html
http://jennifersromances.com/NewSite/shifters/SU_main.html
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[Anthology] BY BLOOD WE LIVE, edited by John Joseph Adams

Ooooohhhh! Could not be more excited to grab the upcoming anthology, By Blood We Live.

The book, edited by John Joseph Adams, will contain 33 vampire stories by the top authors of fiction and horror including: Stephen King, Anne Rice, Sergei Lukyanenk, Lillith SaintCrow, L.A. Banks, Brian Lumley, and many more.


Look for it on August 15th.


Here's the description to whet your appetite for a little blood:


Vampires. They are the most elegant of monsters--ancient, seductive, doomed, deadly. They lurk in the shadows, at your window, in your dreams. They are beautiful as anything you ve ever seen, but their flesh is cold as the grave, and their lips taste of blood. From Dracula to Twilight, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to True Blood, many have fallen under their spell. Now acclaimed editor John Joseph Adams brings you 33 of the most haunting vampire stories of the past three decades, from some of today s most renowned authors of fantasy, science fiction, and horror.

Charming gentlemen with the manners of a prior age. Savage killing machines who surge screaming from hidden vaults. Cute little girls frozen forever in slender bodies. Long-buried loved ones who scratch at the door, begging to be let in. Nowhere is safe, not mist-shrouded Transylvania or the Italian Riviera or even a sleepy town in Maine. This is a hidden world, an eternal world, where nothing is forbidden...as long as you re willing to pay the price.

Edited by John Joseph Adams (Wastelands, The Living Dead), By Blood We Live is 245,000 words of the best in vampire fiction. Thirsty? By Blood We Live will satisfy your darkest cravings...

BREAKING NEWS - PRISM Award Winners Announced

Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA : National Contests & Awards
The FF&P chapter of the Romance Writers of America association has published the final placements in their 2009 Prism Awards Contest.

Winners were announced on July 16, 2009 in Washington D.C. at RWA® National and Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Chapter at The Gathering.


Best of the Best
The Dragon Master by Jennifer Ashley w/a Allyson James

Best First Book
La Vida Vampire by Nancy Haddock

Erotica
1st Place: Siren Singing by Isabo Kelly
2nd Place: Carnal Desires by Crystal Jordan
3rd Place: A Mermaid's Kiss by Joey W. Hill

Fantasy
1st Place: The Dragon Master by Allyson James
2nd Place: Dragonborn by Jade Lee
3rd Place: King of Sword & Sky by C.L. Wilson

Futuristic
1st Place: Shades of Dark by Linnea Sinclair
2nd Place: Fallen by Claire Delacroix
3rd Place: Moonstruck by Susan Grant

Novella
1st Place: "Dark Nest" by Leanna Renee Hieber
2nd Place: "Kung Fu Shoes!" by Jade Lee in These Boots were Made for Stomping
3rd Place: "The Spacetime Pool" by Catherine Asaro in Analog Science Fact and Fiction magazine

Dark Paranormal
1st Place: Mona Lisa Craving by Sunny
2nd Place: Immortals: The Redeeming by Jennifer Ashley
3rd Place: Hotter After Midnight by Cynthia Eden

Light Paranormal
1st Place: Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready
2nd Place: La Vida Vampire by Nancy Haddock
3rd Place: The Trouble with Moonlight by Donna MacMeans

Time Travel
1st Place: Twist by Colby Hodge
2nd Place: A Sexy Time of It by Cara Summers
3rd Place: Madman’s Dance by Jana G. Oliver

Young Adult
1st Place: Sleepless by Terri Clark
2nd Place: CHOSEN: A House of Night Novel by P.C. Cast
3rd Place: Cave of Terror by Amber Dawn Bell
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BREAKING NEWS - RWA Award Winners Announced

ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA: National Contests & Awards

Romance Writer’s of America: 2009 RITA Awards

The purpose of the RITA® contest is to promote excellence in the romance genre by recognizing outstanding published romance novels and novellas.

The award itself is a golden statuette named after RWA's first president, Rita Clay Estrada, and has become the symbol for excellence in published romance fiction.

Best Contemporary Series Romance
A Mother's Wish by Karen Templeton
~ Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Special Edition - Gail Chasan, editor

Best Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure
Danger Signals by Kathleen Creighton
~ Harlequin Enterprises, Silhouette Special Edition - Gail Chasan, editor

Best Young Adult Romance
Hell Week by Rosemary Clement-Moore
~ Random House Group, Delacorte Press - Krista Marino, editor

Best Historical Romance
The Edge of Impropriety by Pam Rosenthal
~ Penguin Group USA, Signet Eclipse - Laura Cifelli, editor

Best Regency Historical Romance
My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne
~ Penguin Group USA, Berkley Sensation - Wendy McCurdy, editor

Best Inspirational Romance
Finding Stefanie by Susan May Warren
~ Tyndale House Publishers - Karen Watson, editor

Best Romance Novella
The Fall of Rogue Gerard by Stephanie Laurens in It Happened One Night
~ HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books - Lucia Macro, editor

Best Paranormal Romance
Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready
~ Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books - Megan McKeever, editor

Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
Tribute by Nora Roberts
~ Penguin Group USA, Putnam - Leslie Gelbman, editor

Best Romantic Suspense
Take No Prisoners by Cindy Gerard
~ Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books - Maggie Crawford, editor

Best First Book
Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs
~ Penguin Group USA, Dutton - Sarah Shumway, editor

Best Contemporary Single Title Romance
Not Another Bad Date by Rachel Gibson
~ HarperCollins, Avon Books - Lucia Macro, editor

Romance Writer’s of America: 2009 Golden Heart Awards
The purpose of the Golden Heart® contest is to promote excellence in the romance genre by recognizing outstanding romance manuscripts.

Best Contemporary Romance Series Manuscript
Second Chance for a Family by Kim Law

Best Contemporary Romance Series: Suspense/Adventure Manuscript
Romance or Retribution by Jamie Michele

Best Young Adult Manuscript
Stage Fright by Shoshana Dawn Brown

Best Historical Romance Manuscript
Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin

Best Regency Historical Romance Manuscript
An Inconvenient Marriage by Sara Ramsey

Best Inspirational Manuscript
Kitty's Fire by Kelly Ann Riley

Best Paranormal Romance Manuscript
First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements Manuscript
Death, Taxes, and a French Manicure by Diane O'Brien Kelly

Best Romantic Suspense Manuscript
Only Fear by Anne Marie Becker

Best Contemporary Single Title Manuscript
Easy Money by Vivi Andrews

Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement AwardOne of the highest honors RWA bestows is the RWA Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is presented to a living author in recognition of significant contributions to the romance genre. To qualify for the award, the recipient's career in romantic fiction must span a minimum of 15 years. Recipients must in some way continue to promote the romance genre, teach romance in fiction, or publish romantic fiction. In 1994 a new requirement was added, that recipients must maintain active RWA membership. Authors are nominated for the award by RWA members and selected by the Board of Directors.

2009 Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Jennifer Greene

Jennifer Greene is the RWA Hall of Fame and RITA award-winning author of more than 75 romance novels. Greene sold her first book in l980, and her first professional writing award came from RWA, a Silver Medallion in l984, followed by over 20 nominations and awards. She has been on numerous best-seller lists, has written for Harlequin, Avon, Berkley and Dell, and has sold over the world in more than 20 languages. She has also accumulated a number of pseudonyms, most recognizably Jennifer Greene, but also Alison Hart, Jeanne Grant, and Jessica Massey. http://www.jennifergreene.com/

Emma Merritt Service Award
The RWA Emma Merritt Service Award is presented for the accumulated body of work a member has contributed as a volunteer to RWA. The award is not only for service to individual chapters, but is intended to honor major commitments of service to RWA. A member may receive the RWA Emma Merritt Service Award only once in a lifetime. In the past, the RWA Emma Merritt Service Award has also been known as the Golden Rose and the National Service Award.

2009 Emma Merritt Service Award Recipient
Sherry Lewis
Sherry Lewis is a long-time member of Romance Writers of America, and she served on the Board of Directors for four years and was the association's president from 2007–2008. Lewis sold her first three books to Berkley Prime Crime in 1993, and she sold her first Harlequin Superromance in 1994. She continues to write mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime, romances for Harlequin Superromance, and is working on a single-title romantic suspense. http://slbwrites.homestead.com/

RWA Service Award

RWA Service Awards are intended to honor major commitments of service to RWA and are presented for the accumulated body of effort a volunteer may make during a lifetime.

2009 RWA Service Award Recipient

Karen Fox
Karen Fox is the author of 8 romance novels and has been a member of RWA since 1992. She is active on both the local and national RWA levels, having served on the RWA Board of Directors and various committees (such as the Web Site Committee, Membership Committee, Bylaws Committee, and more). http://www.karenafox.com/

Steffie Walker Bookseller of the Year

The RWA Steffie Walker Bookseller of the Year award is given annually to one special bookseller who provides outstanding service to romance readers and demonstrates notable support of romance authors and the romance genre.

2009 Steffie Walker Bookseller of the Year
Rosemary Potter, Rosemary’s Romances (Brisbane, Australia)

Librarian of the Year

The RWA Librarian of the Year is awarded to a librarian who demonstrates outstanding support of romance authors and the romance genre.

2009 Librarian of the Year

Deborah Schneider of the King County Library System (King County, WA)

Vivian Stephens Industry Award

The RWA Vivian Stephens Industry Award is presented to one or more professionals in the romance-publishing industry, who is not a writer, who has contributed to the genre or to RWA in a significant and/or continuing manner.Named for one of RWA's founders, the RWA Vivian Stephens Industry Award is for an accumulated body of work and may not be presented every year if no candidate is clearly identified as meeting the level of excellence established by past recipients of the award.

2009 Vivian Stephens Industry Award Recipient
Tracy Farrell, Acquisitions Editor-at-Large@ Harlequin Enterprises

Tracy Farrell began her career at Harlequin in 1984 working on contemporary women's fiction. She moved to the Harlequin Historical line at its inception in 1986, was made senior editor in 1991, and in 1998 took over the additional responsibility of Steeple Hill's Love Inspired line.

She became an executive editor and moved over to develop and manage Harlequin's mainstream romance imprint, HQN Books, in 2003, and in the fall of 2006 she added the fantasy imprint, LUNA Books, to her list of responsibilities.

Tracy continues to work out of Harlequin’s offices in downtown NYC, and in June of this year, was made an Acquisition Editor-at-Large for the Single Title Department.

Media Award

RWA's Veritas Award may be given annually for the article that appears in print or in another medium that best depicts the romance genre in a positive light.

2009 Veritas Award Recipient

Ron CharlesWashington Post, "Heating Up the Stacks"

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WRITER'S MOMENT - InkyGirl.com

What can we say - every career has its hazards.
Thanks for the warning, Inky Girl. *wink*
http://www.inkygirl.com/

BREAKING NEWS - Jennifer Ashley / Highland Pleasures series

Wonderful news!

Jennifer Ashley, author of the fabulous The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie, has just announced the titles & release dates for the next 3 books in the series.

Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage: July 2010
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron: April 2011
The Duke Takes a Wife: Oct. 2011


At this point the titles and dates are tentative, but we're just glad to know they're on the way!
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CONTEST - Ilona Andrews

Wow! Ilona Andrews is celebrating the new design for her website - by Lisa @ F-Bod studios - by giving away free stuff!

Check it out here:

http://ilona-andrews.com/2009/07/omg-omg-omg-also-contest-but-mostly-omg/

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[Cheyenne McCray] THE SECOND BETRAYAL / Book 2: Lexi Steele

The Second Betrayal, the next sexy installment in the 'Lexi Steele' series by Cheyenne McCray, will be on shelves on August 4th.

If you're looking for action and suspense in a smoulderingly erotic read - this is for you.

"Superior action-suspense! McCray has created a powerhouse in Lexi Steele, who's strong, vulnerable, sexy and smart. Powerful characters and a dark and compelling plot make this a great read."

~ Romantic Times BOOKreviews

http://cheyennemccray.com/books/suspense/thesecondbetrayal.html

If you haven't read book 1, The First Sin, there's still time before Lexi's next mission begins.
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BREAKING NEWS - ATLANTIS UNMASKED [Alyssa Day]

Way to go Alyssa!

Atlantis Unmasked just hit the NY Times Best Sellers List.

http://www.alyssaday.com/index.php?id=5

This makes it two Best Sellers in-a-row for Alyssa since Atlantis Unleashed, the previous installment released last month, made the chart.

Congrats!

BREAKING NEWS - BRANDED BY FIRE [Nalini Singh]

Congratulations Nalini!

Branded by Fire is now #14 on the New York Times Best Seller List.

http://www.nalinisingh.com/branded.html

No surprise here as this is arguably the best work in the Psy/Changeling series to-date. That is at least until Blaze of Memory, Book 7 in the series, is released on November 3rd.

http://www.nalinisingh.com/blaze.html?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238849667&sr=1-1
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WRITER'S MOMENT - Nora Roberts

Fantastic advice on the craft of writing from an author who's written 160 NY Times best selling books.

Nora gives her thoughts on inspiration and discipline at a Q&A hosted by the Washington Post on July 14th:

Excerpt:
"You can fix a bad page, you can't fix a blank page.

So you have, even if you're writing, if your writing it just sucks that day, you still have something down, and you can fix it, or you can throw it away, or you can move on. But if you walk away and wait for the Muse, she's a fickle bitch. Don't depend on her."

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/shortstack/2009/07/nora_roberts_one_book_every_tw.html

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COVER ART - INKED Anthology

Primal & Hot!

Marjorie M Liu has put up the cover art for the upcoming urban fantasy and paranormal romance anthology Inked.

Inked will feature stories in which body art is intrinsic to the plot. Authors contributing are some of the hottest writers in the market today: Karen Chance (creator of the 'War Mage Corps' storyline), Marjorie M. Liu (Hunter Kiss novels), Yasmine Galenorn (Otherworld series), and Eileen Wilks (World of the Lupi books).

Look for Inked in bookstores on January 5, 2010.

Artist: Chad Michael Ward

Other covers: Hotter Than Hell, Succubus On Top, Magic Bites, the 'Rogue Angel' series novels, and more.

You can check Chad's artistic vision at website :

http://www.digitalapocalypse.com/

[Shannon Stacey] NO SURRENDER / Book 3: Devlin Group

Action that will keep you riveted!

Check out the excerpt from Shannon's new enovel, No Surrender, coming out on August 11th at Samhain Publishing. It's packed with the action, adventure and romance her fans crave.

This is book 3 in the 'Devlin Group' series. Both 72 hours (book 1) and On The Edge (book 2) were nominated for The Romance Store's annual Cupid and Psyche Awards in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

http://shannonstacey.com/nosurrender/

WRITER'S MOMENT - Dakota Banks

Signing a contract is a much-heralded step on the road to success as a professional author. But what comes next?

In her blog, Dakota Banks provides a month-by-month look at what to expect in the year after the contract is inked.




6/22/09
What Happens After the Book Contract's Signed

Advice abounds on the web for aspiring writers trying to get an agent or get published. A great deal of angst and energy is expended leading up to the signing of the book contract. What then? What's beyond the curtain? Let's take a peek.

I can tell you that it isn't all putting your feet up and waiting for the accolades to roll in. You'll be plunged into the work on your next book and the ever-growing work on the business of writing. Here's an outline of a theoretical (but grounded in reality) year after the contract is signed.

You sign a book contract December 31, 2008! Here’s what you have to look forward to in the months to come.

January 2009
Celebrate!
Send your agent a thank you card or gift.
In rare cases your acquiring editor will assign a new editor to work with you - if so, introduce yourself and establish a working relationship.
Begin work on any revisions your editor has requested.
Begin collecting a mailing list of bookstores and individuals for promotion.
Supply any needed permissions to editor for quotes used inside your manuscript.
Continue working on the proposal for your next book, which will be done under a deadline.
Contact possible sources of jacket quotes for permission to send a manuscript to them. Be bold. Ask members of writing organizations you belong to. Be sure you're selecting writers whose work is similar to yours.

February 2009
Turn in revised manuscript as negotiated with editor.
Your book is placed on production schedule.
Pub Date set at January 1, 2010 - it seems so far away!
Send out manuscript copies (unbound) for advance quotes - let recipients know the deadline for getting quotes in. Make sure you let them know you are not demanding a quote, but that you'll have to earn it.

Plan your web site, if you don't already have one. Choose your poison for social networking and begin to establish yourself in your real or pen name.
Get written permission from publisher to use a book excerpt on your web site.
Don't give away too much, and be sure to stop at a "tease" point.

March 2009
Receive the payment of your advance for the first book, but don't get too attached to it.
Plan on spending those dollars on promotion. Unless you have struck it big, new authors can plan on plowing the advances for the first three books into developing a readership.
Make contact with the publicist assigned to you by your editor and determine what, if any, promotion will be done. Plan yours to complement, not duplicate. Some publicists will want to wait until the book release date is much closer before even making plans. This is okay for web promotion, but watch out for long-lead print media.
Plan giveaway items such as bookmarks, but don't order them until you get the cover art for your book.
Study proofreading marks - you'll need to understand those squiggles if you don't already.
You did make sure that your contract specified review of the copyedited manuscript and not just the galleys, didn't you?
Remind your editor that you would like to review/correct the jacket text (in rare cases, you'll be asked to write the jacket text).
Think about cover art and be prepared to offer suggestions. Don't expect to have too much influence over art or jacket text - it's a marketing thing.

Read the rest: http://www.dakota-banks.com/blog/index.php?itemid=14

[Susan Kearney] LUCAN / Book 1: Pendragon Legacy

Oooh, we're looking forward to the August 25th release of Lucan, the first of Susan's new 'Pendragon Legacy' series!

Kearney, a USA Today best selling author, is known for her sexy Rystani warrior books and this new series promises all the passion and adventure her readers have come to expect.

The next 2 books, Rion and Jordan, will be out on December 1st and February 23, 2010 respectively.

Check out an excerpt of Lucan here:

http://www.susankearney.com/lucan.html

CONTEST - [Dakota Banks] DARK TIME

Gotta love free stuff! Dakota's running 2 contests and a giveaway to celebrate the release of Dark Time, the first novel in her 'Mortal Path' series:

1. Signed copy Dark Time.
Enter to WIN a free signed book
(1 weekly/ 20 weeks/ starting August 1st).

2. iPod Touch, 32GB
Answer 3 questions about Dark Time and enter the drawing
(1 prize/ enter July 28th - November 30th/ drawing December 1st)

3. Pen and signed Bookmark
Publish on online review of Dark Times to receive your Pen & Bookmark
Just contact Dakota to provide a link to the review and your mailing address to collect.

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CONTEST - Cover Art Contest [Sloane McBride] THE FURY:

The Clash of the Covers contest at Embrace The Shadows has moved to Mondays so voting can continue throughout the week.

This week the cover of one of our fave books - The Fury - is being featured. Sloane McBride's book - scheduled to be released in paperback on August 1st - couldn't be better dressed than in this hot cover by Natalie Winters.

Follow the link below to vote for your favorite:

Clash of the Covers 07-06-09

[Stacia Kane] DEMON INSIDE / Book 2: Megan Chase

Demon Inside, Book 2 of Stacia's 'Megan Chase' novels, will be on shelves on July 28th. This novel follows the release last year of Personal Demon.

Book 2 brings us back to the world of Megan Chase where everyone - except Megan - has a little personal demon sitting on their shoulder.

<

The reviews have us wanting more:

"Spirited heroine Megan Chase returns in a swift-moving story full of chills, thrills and exploding demons. Get ready for an action-packed rollercoaster ride. Kane’s unique take on the supernatural is entertaining, and flaming hot sex with a fire demons heats up the pages."

~ Romantic Times (4 Stars)

"Ms. Kane packs this book with action at each turn, and a sizzling romance that heats up every page. Demon Inside plunges readers deeper into a world where demons and danger go hand in hand. I’ll be looking forward to the next Megan Chase adventure."

~ Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

http://stacia-kane.livejournal.com/

Read the excerpt at Amazon.com


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[Dakota Banks] DARK TIME / Book 1: Mortal Path

Dark Time, comes out on July 28th. This is the first in the new 'Mortal Path' series by Dakota Banks in which the former assasin for a Sumerian demon tries to redeem herself by saving as many lives as she's taken.

This marks Dakota's first foray into the paranormal and fantasy realms. She's already published 6 suspense thrillers dealing with forensic science, computer simulation, and virtual reality under another name.

Read the excerpt:

http://www.dakota-banks.com/excerpt.html

WRITER'S MOMENT - Teresa Medeiros

Teresa shares her first query letter from 1989 with us - and yes, we were all that naive at some point.


Teresa Shares Her Secret to Success
Monday, March 20, 2006

I've always believed one of the primary functions of a blog is to humiliate yourself publicly. I'm here to prove that today by sharing my very first query letter with you. For those of you not familiar with the lingo, a query letter is the letter you send to a publisher or agent asking them if they'd like to look at (and hopefully buy and publish) your book. As you will see, this is the worst query letter in the history of query letters--a veritable treasure trove of "Whatever you do, don't do this!" I'm including my editorial comments in red and in parentheses.

May 29, 1985
Dear (Editor Who is No Longer Employed By This Company),

I frantically searched my bookshelves one evening for the romance novel that I wanted to read. I didn't find it. (Because you and the other dimwits at your publishing house obviously aren't publishing anything worth reading.) Reading "The Flame and the Flower" (which was published 13 years ago, clearly demonstrating that I've kept up with current trends) for the fifth time reeked of redundancy (gotta love that alliteration! And look-I know big words!)

What did I want to read about? I wanted to read about a heroine with guts; a noble hero with fascinating flaws; a passionate love-hate relationship that grows with time; interesting sattelite (sattelite? Um, you wouldn't mean "secondary" by any chance?) characters; humor; enough tragedy to keep the good times looking good. (I also know how to use semi-colons, although not particularly well!) I wanted adventure and fantasy and intrigue.

And thus was born "Loving Vengeance." (Thank heavens it wasn't spawned!) I am submitting it to you for publication (or to use as a booster seat for your kid). It is a historical romance set in ancient Ireland. (Because that's a really popular setting!) I look forward to hearing your reaction. (As opposed to shuddering.)

Sincerely,
T.H. Medeiros (because I'm incredibly pretentious and aspiring to be the next T.H. White)

I have shared this letter today not just to humiliate myself or to amuse you, but to give you hope. If an idiot like this can sell a book and get published and go on to have a successful career that has now spanned almost twenty years, so can you!

BOOK BOT: Jul-09 Releases

FANTASY
7/7
Eyes Like Stars / Book 1: Theatre Illuminata (Lisa Mantchev) *YOUNG ADULT*


PARANORMAL ROMANCE
7/1
Edge of Dawn / Book 3: Light Warriors (Patti O'Shea)
Into the Lair / Book 2: Falcon Mercenary Group (Maya Banks)
Prey / Book 4: Werecat (Rachel Vincent)
Storm Warning / Book3: Shadow Destroyers (Sydney Somers)

7/7
Atlantis Unmasked / Book 4: Warriors of Poseidon (Alyssa Day)
Bloody Awful / Book2: Supernatural WW2 (Georgia Evans)
Branded By Fire / Book 6: Psy-Changeling (Nalini Singh)
Touched by Light / Book 3: Sentinel (Catherine Spangler)
Where There's a Witch / Book 5: Bewitching Mysteries (Madelyn Alt)

7/28
Dark Hunger / Book2: Demonborn Trilogy (Rita Herron)

Dark Warrior Unbroken / Book 2: The Talions (Alexis Morgan)

Demon Inside (Stacia Kane)
Destined for an Early Grave / Book 4: Night Huntress (Jeaniene Frost)
Hunting Ground / Book 2: Alpha & Omega (Patricia Briggs)

Leader of the Pack / Book 2: Tales of an Urban Werewolf (Karen MacInerney)

Obsession Untamed / Book 2: Feral Warriors (Pamela Palmer)
Redemption Alley / Book 3: Jill Kismet (Lilith Saintcrow)
Speak of the Devil / Book 4: Morgan Kingsley, Exorcist (Jenna Black)
Succubus On the Town / Book 3: Succubus (Nina Harper)


TIME TRAVEL
7/7
Best Wishes Always (Lucy Finn)


URBAN FANTASY
7/7
Dragons Prefer Blondes (Candace Havens)
Skinwalker / Book 1: Jane Yellowrock (Faith Hunter)

7/28
Dark Time / Book 1: Mortal Path (Dakota Banks)

Good Ghouls Do (Julie Kenner) *YOUNG ADULT*

Skin Deep / Book 1: Laura Blackstone (Mark Del Franco)


ANTHOLOGY
7/7
The Eternal Kiss: 12 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire *YOUNG ADULT*
(Kelley Armstrong, Holly Black, Libba Bray, Sarah Rees Brennan, Cecil Castellucci, Cassandra Clare, Rachel Cain, Melissa De La Cruz, Nancy Holder, Dina James, Karen Mahoney, Maria V. Snyder, Lili St. Crow & Debbie Viguie)

7/7
Strange Brew
(Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, Karen Chance, P. N. Elrod, Charlaine Harris, Faith Hunter, Caitlin Kittredge & Jenna Maclaine)

7/14
Good Things Come in Threes
(Anya Bast, Jan Springer & Shiloh Walker)

7/31
Not That Innocent
(Kresley Cole, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Sharie Kohler & Gena Showalter)
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[Pamela Plamer] DESIRE UNTAMED / Book 1: Feral Warriors

ROARING REVIEWS
Reviews are pouring in for Desire Untamed:

Fresh Fiction calls Desire Untamed, “A powerful start to a unique series with suspense, intrigue, and lots of heat.”


Publishers Weekly says, “Magic and passion run wild in this steamy paranormal series debut.”

SingleTitles.com calls it, “Grippingly spellbinding.” And Coffee Time Romance says the Feral Warriors are “…another must-read series for paranormal fans everywhere.”


BACK-TO-BACK EXCITEMENT!
Desire Untamed is the first of three sexy 'Feral Warriors' novels coming out this summer. Check out Pamela Palmer's website for a newly-posted excerpt of Book 2, Obsession Untamed, and for downloadable miniposters of all three steaming covers.

Both Obsession Untamed (in stores July 28th) and Passion Untamed (on shelves August 25th) are available for pre-order now.

http://www.pamelapalmer.net/
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CONTEST - Nalini Singh

Nalini's throwing a cyber party to celebrate the release of Branded By Fire (the latest Psy-Changeling book) on July 7th. Only 8 days to go, Woot!

Today you can win a copy of Angel's Blood (the 1st in her new urban fantasy series), or Yasmine Galenorn's Demon Mistress (Book 6 of Yasmine's popular 'Otherworld' series).

To enter, all you have to do is answer a simple question: Which romance novel hero would you like to find alive and gift-wrapped on your doorstep?

So many hunks - how's a girl to choose?

http://nalinisingh.blogspot.com/
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[Diana Rowland] MARK OF THE DEMON / Book 1:

Mark Of The Demon - just released on June 23rd - is this new author's first foray into paranormal fiction/urban fantasy.

This exciting first installment will be followed on January 26, 2010 by Book 2, Blood of the Demon.

As a former street cop, detective, computer forensics specialist, crime scene investigator, morgue assistant, bartender and pit boss, Diana's unusual background brings a unique authenticiy to her work.

http://www.dianarowland.com/motd.html

“Rowland spins a tale that is riveting, suspenseful, and deliciously sexy. With a unique take on demons, and with one of the most terrifying serial killers ever, Mark of the Demon will keep you up late at night turning pages.”
~ Jenna Black, author of Speak of the Devil

“Mark of the Demon is a fascinating mixture of a hard-boiled police procedural and gritty yet other-worldly urban fantasy. Diana Rowland’s professional background as a both street cop and forensic assistant not only shows through but gives the book a realism sadly lacking in all too many urban fantasy “crime” novels.”
~ L. E. Modesitt, Jr., author of the Saga of Recluce

WRITER'S MOMENT - Anya Bast

Yesterday Anya Tweeted:

http://twitter.com/anyabast


"I'm halfway through Cruel Enchantment & my characters are running amok. I'm headed in my cave (w/ a whip). Have a good one, all."

Interesting relationship you have with your characters, Anya...
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WRITER'S MOMENT - Yasmine Galenorn

Excellent advice from Yasmine on Twitter:
(in reply to Isobael)

http://twitter.com/YasmineGalenorn


"Do you realize how much is actually polished in re-writing and revision? So much of the book is so diff. than 1st draft for most."

"Think of it this way: how does cake batter taste with half the ingredients and before it's been baked? Not all that good."

"during revisions you add the rest of the ingredients, make sure the oven temp is right and bake it--only then is it really a cake."

"but if you always go back to double check the recipe and worry about what you've already put in, you'll never get the rest done."
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CONTEST - Linda Robertson

Just got a note from Linda.

Check out the League of Reluctant Adults this weekend (starting June 26) and enter to win a signed copy of Vicious Circle.

http://reluctantadults.blogspot.com/

[D.D. Barant] DYING BITES / Book 1: The Blood hound Files

Another highly anticipated series begins June 30th. Dying Bites, is the first of 3 contracted books by new author D.D. Barant.

http://us.macmillan.com/dyingbites

Advanced press is looking very good:

"Surviving in this unique alternate reality will take a heroine with plenty of guts, moxie and a sense of the absurd. This fresh and original take on urban fantasy follows the first-person exploits of an FBI profiler literally yanked out of her world. Huge kudos to Barant for spicing things up with a story that expertly integrates detective work, kick-butt action and a wacky sense of humor. Make sure you get in early on the outstanding new Bloodhound Files series."

~ Romantic Times

[Linda Robertson] VICIOUS CIRCLE / Book 1: Circle Series

Vicious Circle, the first entry in up-and-coming author Linda's new 'Circle' series, will be available in stores on July 1st.

The next two installments will follow quickly: Book 2, Hallowed Circle is out on December 29, 2009; and Book 3, Fatal Circle, will hit shelves in July, 2010.

http://www.wolfsbaneandabsinthe.com/VICIOUS_CIRCLE.html

Advance Buzz is fueling the anticipation:

"Extraordinary events can occur in ordinary settings when a tarot-reading witch is pitted against a powerful vampire. This urban fantasy has a good plot told in the first person by a feisty heroine with a sense of humor. Well-developed supernatural characters, mystery and a touch of romance add up to an out-of-this-world thriller."
~ Romantic Times Review (4 Stars)

[Larissa Ione] ECSTASY UNVEILED / Book 4: Demonica

UPDATE:

Larissa has just unveiled the cover art for Ecstasy Unveiled, Book 4 in her 'Demonica' series.

So hot!!

Get more info on this upcoming release below:
Thursday, June 18, 2009

[Rachel Vincent] PREY / Book 4: The Shifters

Hearing the most amazing advance reviews for Prey Book 4 of Rachel's 'Shifters' series due in stores on July 1st.

The 'Shifters' series is widely considered a must-read for paranormal romance. You may still have time to read the first 3 books: Stray, Rogue, and Pride...

http://rachelvincent.com/prey.htm

"...you won’t be bored with Prey and you’ll end up crying or raging right along with Faythe. Anyone reading this will want to have a box of tissues right next to them, especially if you’re a softie like I am, because I could have really used them. I really really liked Prey, but there is still so much I want to talk about that I’m going to end it here before I give away too much. Let’s just say, that if you’re a fan of this series, you cannot wait for the library. Head to the bookstore and get this on June 30th (or as soon as you can). I seriously started Prey this morning and haven’t been able to put it down..."
~ Jackie, LiteraryEscapism

(Read the full review at: http://www.literaryescapism.com/2009/06/21/3428/)
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BREAKING NEWS - Alyssa Day

Congratulations, Alyssa!

Alyssa has just inked a deal to write 3 additional novels in the hugely popular 'Warrior of Poseidon' series.

You might think it couldn't get any better, until you hear she also signed a new 2-book urban fantasy contract.


Don't forget to pick up your copy of Atlantis Unleashed which was just released June 2nd, and Atlantis Unmasked on stands on July 7th.

http://warriorsofposeidon.blogspot.com/2009/06/yahoo-more-books.html
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WRITER'S MOMENT - Ilona Andrews

Ilona: You've captured a moment every writer has to overcome - I think we can all relate!
From Ilona's Blog:





June 10th, 2009 by Ilona Andrews
Yes

One wall in the living room is painted - white. Very nice white. Very clean and buyer-friendly.

I will now have to write Edge 2. I will sit here on my butt and try to get excited about writing Edge 2. Oh yes. Edge 2. Excited. Here we go.

Here we go.

A thousand words. I can do a thousand word in my sleep. Yep.

Any minute now. Aaaaany minute.

Maybe if I change the font.

Who names a font Centaur anyway? I expected little horsies.

Maybe I should start a whole new file.

Dear writing gods. Inspiration would be nice.

Maybe I should go look at my bank account. That ought to help.

Come on, Ilona. Who wants a shiny new contract in the fall? Who isn’t going to get said contract unless she writes the books she’s already contracted for.

I can do it.

You know what would help, what if I back up all of my writing onto this usb drive and delete everything I don’t need. Then I wouldn’t have all those folders. Ooh, it lights up. Cool beans.

5 minutes of copying… Tadadam. Tadadadam. I should clean out my downloads too while I am at it. I minute and 5 seconds. Maybe a new wallpaper for the screen.

Ooh. Something Diana Francis might like http://www.wincustomize.com/zoom.aspx?skinid=40209&libid=8

Hmm kinda pretty http://www.wincustomize.com/skins.aspx?skinid=37926&libid=8

Okay. Everything is cleaned out. Like it or not, I have to work. New file. Arial font. 1,000 words. See you on the other side.
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[Larissa Ione] ECSTASY UNVEILED / Book 4: Demonica

February 2010 will see the release of Ecstasy Unveiled, the 4th entry in the Demonica series by Larissa Ione.

This is the latest entry in a popular and award-winning series:

Book 1, Passion Unbound, was honored as the 'Best Paranormal Romance of 2008' in the First Annual Reviewers Choice Awards at Romance Novel TV.

Books 2, Desire Unchained, hit the USA Today Bestseller list one week after release.

Book 3, Passion Unleashed, made both the USA Today & New York Times Bestseller lists.

http://larissaione.com/books/paranormal/ecstasy-unveiled/
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[Karen Chance] DEATH'S MISTRESS / Book 2: Dorina Basarab

Although it won't be available until 5-Jan-2010, buzz is already flying around Death's Mistress, Book 2 in Karen's 'Dorina Basarab' series.

The series - a spin-off of the more-than-popular 'Cassandra Palmer' novels - started with first installment, Midnight's Daughter, which was nominated for a 2008 Romantic Times Reader's Choice Award in urban fantasy.

If you can't wait until Jan 5th, try the first 3 'Cassandra Palmer' books to brush up on the backstory.

http://www.karenchance.com/books_dm.html

Praise for the 1st installment, Midnight's Daughter:

"Midnight’s Daughter is a brilliant start to a new series and contains all the elements needed for a great urban fantasy."

~ vampireromancebooks.com

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CONTEST - Literary Escapism

Who doesn't love a contest?

Literary Escapism (Jackie M.) hosted guest author Shiloh Walker on 16-Jun, who talked about the excitement she feels about her stories as she writes.

It appears LE got so excited they're offering an opportunity to win an autographed novel from Shiloh's backlist!

Check out both the post and contest details at:

http://www.literaryescapism.com/2009/06/16/3282/comment-page-1/

[Jory Strong] SPIDER-TOUCHED / Book 2 following GHOSTLAND

Spider-Touched, the follow-up to dazzling urban fantasy romance Ghostland, will hit shelves on August 4th.

http://www.amazon.com/Spider-Touched-Jory-Strong/dp/0425227936

Jory Strong has published 22 erotic romances with Ellora’s Cave. She’s won numerous awards for her writing and was nominated for the 2006 Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice for the Best Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi Erotic Romance.

[Sunny] LUCINDA, DANGEROUSLY / Book 2: Demon Princess Chronicles

Gearing up for the must-have novel, Lucinda, Dangerously, Book 2 of the 'Demon Princess Chronicles' by Sunny which becomes available October 6th.

Book 1, Lucinda, Darkly was a National Bestseller garnering a 2008 PRISM Award, 2nd place in Fantasy and was a 2008 Golden Quill Award finalist in Fantasy, Sci Fi, Futuristic.

The 'Demon Princess Chronicles' area a spin-off of Sunny's hugely popular 'Monére, Children of the Moon' series.

http://www.sunnyauthor.com/lucinda-dangerously/

BREAKING NEWS - [Jaci Burton] TAKEN BY SIN

Taken by Sin, Jaci's newly released 4th entry in the 'Demon Hunters' series, is getting rave reviews.

Excerpt:
"Ever read a book and everything it going exactly as expected and then all of a sudden the author turns everything upside & inside out and the result is far better than you expected. This is exactly what Jaci Burton did with her upcoming release Taken By Sin, the fourth book in her Demon Hunters series, available June 23, 2009. Taken By Sin exceeded all expectations and is not only the best book of the series but one of the best books I have read this year."
~ Greta (Posted on June 15, 2009)

Review the review at: IDoNotWantToWaitIWantTheBookNow
http://idonotwanttowaitiwantthebooknow.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/review-taken-by-sin-by-jaci-burton/

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WRITER'S MOMENT - Marjorie M Liu

From Twitter: " Want to know what makes an author scream - in a good way?"

http://twitpic.com/727ks

Looks great, Marjorie!

WRITER'S MOMENT - Meljean Brook

From Twitter: "Holy crap, Demon Forged went into 5 digits on Amazon. None of my books have ever done that this far before a release. 64K FTW, w00t! :-D"

Go Meljean!

[Diana Pharaoh Francis] BITTER NIGHT / Book 1: Horngate Witches

Bitter Night, the first of Diana Pharaoh Francis' new 'Horngate Witches' novels will hit stores October 27, 2009.

This foray into urban fantasy follows on the heels of two successful epic fantasy franchises - 'The Crosspointe Chronicles' and 'The Path' books.

Finding a description wasn't easy: "a woman is sent to investigate a murder that hasn't happened yet, and what she learns triggers a battle between two feuding witches and sets off a war of magic that draws in both the Uncanny and the Divine and has the potential to remake the world."

http://www.dianapfrancis.com/

“In the deliciously epic Bitter Night, Diana Pharaoh Francis has married the Charles de Lint-style old school urban fantasy to the new college of asskickery in a pagan-pirate handfast. I totally loved this book.”

~Ann Aguirre, national bestselling author of Blue Diablo and Grimspace

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BREAKING NEWS - [Nalini Singh] BRANDED BY FIRE

Branded by Fire, Nalini's upcoming entry in the 'Psy-Changleling' series is getting amazing reviews.

BbF will be in stores on July 7, 2009.

Excerpt:

"If I could write odes to this little beauty, I would. If I could hang out under its balcony and sing it sweet songs, I would. If I could bake it a cake the size of Texas, draped in miles of frosting ribbons proclaiming Branded by Fire as the best Psy/Changling novel yet, I would. Then I’d eat it. The cake that is. Hmm, maybe the book, too."

~ kmont

Check out the lovefest at LurvAlaMode
http://lurvalamode.wordpress.com/2009/06/09/arc-review-branded-by-fire/#more-4345 .

WRITER'S MOMENT - Shannon Stacey

When the review is nearly as entertaining as the book,
there's some serious synergy going on!
Shannon Stacey's review of The Wicked West by Victoria Dahl - written as a limerick.
From Shannon's Blog:

*Trust me - worth the read!*





Review: The Wicked West by Victoria Dahl

entry posted on Friday, June 5th, 2009 at 11:35 am