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Jennifer Shirk hijacked the virtual offices to share her favorite romantic books with you!  How does her list stack up against yours?

HI, all! Jennifer here.

Valentine’s Day is past, but if you’re a romance reader love is ALWAYS in the air. (Or at least we want it to be, which is why we read these books in the first place!)

I have a sweet romantic novella out now called A Little Bit Cupid, which I think is VERY romantic since it centers around the premise of love at first sight.

But everybody has different feelings on what is classified as "romantic", so I thought it would be fun to show you my Favorite Romantic Books–especially for those who haven’t read my books or don’t know me.

Maybe we even share some of the same personal favs! Check them out below!

Jennifer’s Top Ten Most Romantic Books

10) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (a classic and one of those romances that obviously goes way beyond just mere good-looks attraction)

9) Forgive my Fins by Tera Lynn Childs (a funny YA, but one where even though these two come from different worlds, they are meant to be together. Very sweet.)

8) Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins (the hero Malone was not your "all talk and no action" kind of guy. In fact, he was the opposite–but actions speak WAY louder than words)

7) Blue-eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas (boy, oh boy, this hero was HOT and noble and knew exactly how to romance the poor "broken" heroine)

6) Jewel of the Sun by Nora Roberts (love a big old Irish hero with heart of gold)

5) The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen (melancholy story but emotional and romantic YA)

4) Perfect by Judith McNaught (gorgeous hero kidnaps heroine to prove his innocence and they end up falling in love–perrrrrrrfect!)

3) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (do I really need an explanation on this one?)

2) Honey Moon by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (two tortured characters but together they’re able to heal one another. LOVE this book!)

1) Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas (Sam was so sure of himself and so sure he wouldn’t fall in love with the heroine. They even would make sure to tell each other daily "I don’t love you." Ha! Love it when the hero gets bamboozled. )

Well, that’s my list and I’m sticking to it. I hope you all get to check out these books as well as my book A Little Bit Cupid.

Thanks so much for having me today!

What’s your favorite romance book? Have you read any of the books on my list?

Thanks, Jennifer, for sharing your Top Ten Romantic Reads with us!

About Jennifer Shirk: Jennifer Shirk has a bachelor degree in pharmacy–which has in NO WAY at all helped her with her writing career. But she likes to point it out, since it shows romantic-at-hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and mind-numbing educations.

She writes sweet (and sometimes even funny) romances for Samhain Publishing, Avalon Books/Montlake Romance and now Entangled Publishing. She won third place in the RWA 2006 NYC’s Kathryn Hayes Love and Laughter Contest with her first book, The Role of a Lifetime.

Lately she’s been on a serious exercise kick. But don’t hold that against her.

Feel free to follow her on Twitter or become a friend on Facebook.

Connect with Jennifer here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniferShirk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorjennifershirk
Website: http://www.jennifershirk.com/
Blog: http://www.jennifershirk.blogspot.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3112488.Jennifer_Shirk

About A LITTLE BIT CUPID: Finding love should be easy, but wedding photographer Pheobe Ward knows better. When Cupid shows up on a crazy mission to help her —and save the world in the process—Phoebe realizes love might be even more complicated than she thought. Even with Cupid showing her Mr. Right , she can’t stop thinking about his best friend, Mr. Wrong.
Cal Crawford has never had time for love, but now he’s falling for Phoebe. Which means it’s got to be just plain wrong to set her up with his best friend, right? But even though seeing Phoebe with someone else will break his heart, he can’t walk away from her.

Phoebe can’t afford to choose the wrong guy with the fate of the world at stake. But maybe Cupid has it wrong. Maybe she has to rely just a little bit on Cupid, and a whole lot more on her heart.

Buy links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A-Little-Bit-Cupid-ebook/dp/B00B1228ZQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359644248&sr=8-1&keywords=a+little+bit+cupid
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-little-bit-cupid-jennifer-shirk/1114144344?ean=2940015995244&itm=1&usri=a+little+bit+cupid
Books on Board: http://www.booksonboard.com/index.php?BODY=viewbook&BOOK=1455229&TITLE=A+Little+Bit+Cupid&AUTHOR=Jennifer+Shirk

iTunes Bookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-little-bit-cupid/id593745761?mt=11

A LITTLE BIT CUPID on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17244482-a-little-bit-cupid

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

I am waiting for Cowboy Take Me Away by Jane Graves because the heroine runs an animal shelter.  I love romances that revolve around animals!

What are you waiting on?

Title: Betting on Texas Author:  Amanda Renee

May Contain Spoilers

From Amazon:

Review:

Once again, I am drawn to a cowboy book.  Betting on Texas by Amanda Renee even has horses.  Bonus!  Surly Jesse is a horse trainer, and they are actually featured predominately in the story.  Yeah!  Unfortunately, Jesse knowingly puts Miranda in some hazardous situations, which did make me think less of him.  A horse trainer of all people should know better to put a horse and a human at risk like that. 

Miranda Archer is embarking on a new life.  Having won the state lottery, she purchases a ranch in Texas, loads up her meager belongings in her brand new pickup truck, and heads for greener pastures.  What she finds isn’t exactly the solitary haven she’s expecting.  Instead, she discovers that she also owns several horses, a small herd of cattle, and some chickens in addition to the farm house and acreage.  Oh, yeah, and there’s that angry, angry cowboy, Jesse Langtry, in residence, too.  Jesse has sacrificed the better part of the last 15 years  working on the ranch, training sought after cutting horses and managing the property for the former owners.  They had a hand shake agreement that Jesse would buy the ranch when they were ready to retire.  Unfortunately, the older couple is tragically killed in an accident, and the ranch is placed on the auction block by.  Jesse is outbid by Miranda, and he is pissed!  How could this rich, city-slicker from DC just stroll into town and take away his  dream?

I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did, but the story didn’t gel for me.  The adversarial relationship between Jesse and Miranda turned me off.  Jesse completely and unfairly misjudges Miranda, which makes him hard to like.  They are constantly bickering about the ranch, which is legally Miranda’s, and Jesse blames her for buying it from under him.  He is so bitter that I just couldn’t buy into their relationship.  He puts her at risk several times with the horses, and I couldn’t get over that.  Horses are large animals, and when handled by inexperienced people, they can be dangerous.  Heck, they can be dangerous when you know what you’re doing!  To leave her to load a horse onto a trailer after getting mad at her; I just can’t imagine a professional horseman doing something risky like that.  After getting dumped off of my mare the same day I read a majority of the book, for no other reason than she was feeling frisky, I know how quickly things can go wrong with horses.  This probably won’t be a major sticking point for most, but it was for me.

I did like Miranda.  She put up with Jesse’s sullen behavior and tried not to let it bother her.  She met his dismissive treatment of her head on.  She didn’t let him alter her plans to have the home she had always dreamed of.  When life bit her in the behind, she quickly made adjustments to ensure that the animals and the people who were now depending on her were taken care of.  Her initial poor reception in town was entirely due to Jesse spreading false rumors about her and her plans for the ranch, and she acted forcefully to try to counteract the gossip he had spread about her.  Even though he did this before he met her, it’s hard to forgive a guy who would try to sabotage a complete stranger like that.

To settle things between them, Miranda and Jesse make a bet, and the winner ends up with the ranch.  Because of Jesse’s determination to win the bet and get his dreams back on track, it was hard to buy into his sincerity when his feelings for Miranda started to change.  I wasn’t sure if he really did like her, or if gaining control of the ranch was playing into his change of heart.  In fact, it wasn’t until the last two chapters that I even started to like him. 

Betting on Texas was a mixed bag for me, and I blame the confrontational relationship established early in the story for my tepid respond to Jesse.  It was hard to look beyond Jesse’s desire to own the ranch, and his less than chivalrous behavior rankled at times.  Even though Betting on Texas didn’t work for me,  I am looking forward to getting to know Jesse’s brothers better in Home To The Cowboy, the next book in the series. 

Grade: B-/C+

Review copy provided by publisher

Cover Shot! is a regular feature here at the Café. I love discovering new covers, and when I find them, I like to share. More than anything else, I am consumed with the mystery that each new discovery represents. There is an allure to a beautiful cover. Will the story contained under the pages live up to promise of the gorgeous cover art?

A Most Dangerous Deception by Sarah Zettel looks awesome!  Court intrigue, murder, and romance.  Who could ask for more?  I love historical settings, and wish more YA books had them, so A Most Dangerous Deception is high on my wish list.

In stores November 2013

Amanda Renee dropped by the virtual offices to chat about her debut novel, Betting on Texas.  Please give her a warm welcome.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Amanda Renee] Risk taking, no holds barred author who believes dreams really do come true if you work hard for them! No regrets, no apologies. Just do it!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Betting on Texas?

[Amanda Renee] Miranda Archer buys the Double Trouble Ranch sight unseen at the urging of her best friend and unwilling upends Jesse Langtry and his plans for the ranch.  Believing he can chase the city girl back where she came from, he bets she won’t make it one month working on the ranch like everyone else.  If she wins, he goes away quietly, if he wins, she sells him the ranch.  It’s a 30 day battle of wits and determination.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Amanda Renee] Miranda and Jesse live in my dream town.  The characters throughout Betting on Texas are the people I would want for neighbors, but that’s not to say there aren’t a few bad eggs in the bunch.  Life in Ramblewood, Texas is far from perfect. I love the down home atmosphere of ranch life.  It’s hard work, but at the end of the day, you have something tangible to show for it.  Jesse and Miranda never fear the unknown.  Nothing is ever impossible to them and that’s my favorite quality in a person.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Miranda?

[Amanda Renee] Determined, Spunky, Competitive

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Jesse had a theme song, what would it be?

[Amanda Renee] All We Ever Find by Tim McGraw – sums up his feelings for Miranda perfectly.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Miranda is never without.

[Amanda Renee] Her determination! It’s all she needs to get through life.  She never considers giving up on anything, regardless of what it is. 

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Jesse’s bedroom?

[Amanda Renee] Sex Toys (he’s good to go on his own), frou-frou (he keeps things simple), television (if you’re in his bedroom, you’re there for a reason and it isn’t to watch I Love Lucy reruns)

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Miranda’s greatest regret?

[Amanda Renee] Her relationship with her deceased alcoholic mother.  Miranda always wonders if she could have done more to save her from herself.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Amanda Renee] Edward Lear – For his whimsical style of writing and brilliant artistry

Sandra Brown – I aspire to one day reach her level of greatness

Antonio Vivaldi – His compositions inspire greatness

Jonathan Firth – For the emotional depth of every character he portrays

Dave Sabo of Skid Row – His musical creativity blows me away every time

My Grandpa Joe – There was nothing he wasn’t willing to try

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Amanda Renee] Quiet (I’m easily distracted), my netbook (all 1st drafts are written on my netbook so I can easily take it anywhere and the battery lasts the entire day), my dog

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Amanda Renee] Triggerfish Twist by Tim Dorsey – I howled all the way through it!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Amanda Renee] Wow!  I’ve read since I was 3 years old. I come from a family of bookworms.  Dr Seuss started it all – Green Eggs and Ham!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Amanda Renee] I hate to sound cliché but long walks on the beach with my dog, motoring in my Mini Cooper, spending time with family & friends, anything on the water and anytime I can work with animals, I’m happy!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Amanda Renee] My website: www.amandarenee.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheAmandaRenee

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmandaReneeFanPage

Snail Mail: Amanda Renee, PO Box 3251, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Thank you!  It’s been a pleasure speaking with you!

[Manga Maniac Café] Thank you!

You can purchase Betting on Texas from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the links below.

About the book:

About the Author:

Born and raised in the northeast, Amanda Renee currently resides on the Intracoastal Waterway in sunny South Carolina. She was discovered through Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest and began writing for the American Romance line. When not creating stories about love, laughter and things that go bump in the night, she enjoys the company of her Schnoodle named Duffy, traveling, photography, playing guitar and anything involving horses. You can visit her at www.amandarenee.com.

Add Amanda’s books to your shopping list!

BETTING ON TEXAS – March 2013

HOME SWEET COWBOY – August 2013

LEGACY OF A LONE STAR – Early 2014

Thanks to Walker Books, I have a copy of Megan Miranda’s Hysteria to give to one of you!

About the book:

Ready for your chance to win a copy of Hysteria by Megan Miranda? Just will out the widget below. Earn extra entries for following. US mailing addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Hysteria Author: Megan Miranda

May Contain Spoilers

From Amazon:

Review:

Okay, this was a different read for me.  Mallory killed her boyfriend one rainy night during the summer, after he broke into her house.  She isn’t charged because it was ruled to be in self-defense, but Mallory isn’t sure.  She can’t remember what happened that scary, rainy night, and she’s not sure that she wants to.  Unable to sleep without the aid of sleeping pills, she suffers from the emotional trauma that she can’t put behind her.  She feels a dark, heavy presence when she’s alone, and she keeps hearing the ominous boom, boom, boom of Brian’s dying heartbeat.  When her parents send her away to Monroe, the boarding school her dad went to, she doesn’t think things can get any worse.  Boy, was she wrong.

Hysteria is a compelling, character driven story.  There is a steady building of suspense, and you aren’t sure whether Mallory is completely nuts or just suffering from PTSD.  Her escape mechanism when things get too intense for her is to run.  Run as fast and as far away from whatever it is that’s making her uncomfortable.  She runs a lot in this book.  From herself, from her memories, from her classmates.  But mostly she runs from the truth.  What happened that awful night, and why can’t she remember?

I was bewildered at Mallory’s parents’ apparent abandonment.  What the heck?  Their daughter is going through the worst time in her life, and they ship her off to boarding school.  Mallory can barely function because she is so consumed with what she did.  It colors everything in her life, as it should.  She killed someone, and she is being eaten mercilessly by remorse.  What could she have done differently?  Why did she do what she did?  The flashbacks to that night when everything went wrong  are intense and compelling, and kept me wondering how all of the pieces would fit together.  After first I wasn’t sure whether or not I liked Mallory because  she is so emotionally shattered that she comes off as uncaring and indifferent.  As the story unfolds, though, it becomes more and more evident that she is suffering but she has no one to turn to for help.  Her best friend back home isn’t responding to her emails or phone calls, and her parents are emotionally distant.  What Mallory needed was a good shrink, but all she seemed to get was a slick lawyer.  I didn’t get that.  If her parents could afford to ship her off to boarding school, they could have provided her with counseling as well.

Whether or not you enjoy Hysteria will depend on whether or not you like Mallory.  She is one messed up girl, and her coping methods are suspect at best.  Weird things are happening to her, and instead of trying to seek help, she tries to deal with all of her problems by herself.  The few times she reaches out to her parents are rebuffed.  When events become too much for her to handle, the authority figures in her life don’t believe her because of her past.  Mallory irritated at times, but I did come to like her, and I wanted her to find peace from her memories and her nightmares. The pacing is a little slow at times, but I found this a hard book to put down.

Grade:  B/B+

Review copy provided by publisher

Please welcome Victoria Vane to the virtual offices today!  Victoria is here to talk about her historical romance Treacherous Temptations, and after the interview, you can enter for a chance to win a Treacherous Temptations prize pack, courtesy of Entangled Publishing!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Victoria Vane] Obsessive compulsive writer, insomniac, horse lover, romantic, Georgian junkie

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Treacherous Temptations?

[Victoria Vane] Treacherous Temptations is a dark and somewhat erotic Georgian romance with strong elements of intrigue. (Think Dangerous Liaisons with Jacobite intrigue and South Sea scandal.) It is also, in essence, my personal homage to the classic novels of the 18th century in which virtue vs. vice and the seduction of a virgin were predominate themes.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Victoria Vane] As noted above, it was largely inspired by the book/film Dangerous Liaisons which can be seen in the primary characters of Hadley and Barbara who are closely modeled after Valmont and the Marquise de Meurteil. The innocent Mary is actually modeled after a real historical character by the same name who was also one of the great heiresses of her time.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Mary?

[Victoria Vane] Innocent and unworldly but sensible.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Hadley had a theme song, what would it be?

[Victoria Vane] HA! I LOVE this question! I am tied between two songs:

George Thorogood’s Bad to the Bone:

I broke a thousand hearts
Before I met you
I’ll break a thousand more, baby
Before I am through
I wanna be yours pretty baby
Yours and yours alone
I’m here to tell ya honey
That I’m bad to the bone

or Greg Allman’s I’m no Angel:

So you find me hard to handle … well …I’m easier to hold
So you like my spurs that jingle
And I never leave you cold
So I might steal your diamonds … I’ll … bring you back some gold
I’m no angel

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Mary is never without.

[Victoria Vane] Her common sense, although Hadley surely threatens it at times.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Hadley’s bedroom?

[Victoria Vane]  Hard to say. I don’t think anything is off limits to Hadley!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Mary’s greatest regret?

[Victoria Vane] That even though she is incredibly wealthy, she doesn’t have the freedom to live her life as she pleases.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Victoria Vane] History. Almost everything I write has a strong connection to something real that I read. This includes all of my characters.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Victoria Vane] Besides my computer? Music, caffeine, and chocolate

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Victoria Vane] That’s really a tough one! I really don’t get my socks knocked off easily, but for romance, I would have to say that two similar books really stand out in my mind: Flowers From The Storm by Laura Kinsale and The Madness Of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley. These are both excellent books that feature tortured heroes who are misunderstood by all of those around them. I really loved how these authors showed their respective heroes’ inner struggles. A close third on my list would be Firelight by Kristen Callihan which is a Victorian twist on Beauty and the Beast.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Victoria Vane] I have loved to read as long as I remember. I was particularly addicted to fairy tales and hors books when I was in elementary school, but when I was in the fourth grade one of my teachers read Lloyd Alexander’s The Black Cauldron aloud to the class. After that, I devoured the entire series and even read it aloud to my younger siblings. My next favorite book was Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty. I still cry when I read it!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Victoria Vane] I read, walk my dog, ride my horse, and play the Celtic harp.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Victoria Vane] Email: victoria.vane@hotmail.com , Web: http://authorvictoriavane.com,
Blog: http://victoriavane.wordpress.com, Facebook: Author Victoria Vane
Twitter: @authorvictoriav. I am also very active on Goodreads!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

Ready for your chance to win a Treacherous Temptations prize pack? Just fill out the widget below. Earn extra entries for following.

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Didn’t win? You can order a copy of Treacherous Temptations from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the link below.

About the book:

Cover Shot! is a regular feature here at the Café. I love discovering new covers, and when I find them, I like to share. More than anything else, I am consumed with the mystery that each new discovery represents. There is an allure to a beautiful cover. Will the story contained under the pages live up to promise of the gorgeous cover art?

The Trouble With Being a Duke by Sophie Barnes looks like a cute retelling of Cinderella.  I love the dreamy cover, too.  This hits stores August  2013.

Title:  Real Men Don’t break Hearts Author: Coleen Kwan

May Contain Spoilers

From Amazon:

Review:

Real Men Don’t Break Hearts is a fun, quick read.  It’s about second chances and changing your outlook on life.  Both Ally and Nate learn to forgive and put the past where it belongs – in the past.  They finally take the lessons learned from a few challenging moments in their lives and start to look to the future.  Ally is especially chained to her past, having suffered a heartbreaking and humiliating breakup six years earlier.  Having been burned painfully by her fiancé, she turns her focus on saving her grandmother’s souvenir shop and decides that she’s not ready to trust again.  After being jilted at the alter, and worse, having hated Nate Hardy, her intended’s cousin, deliver the news, she’s not willing to put her heart at risk like that again.

Nate, a delinquent in his younger days, made it big in Sydney, but now he’s looking for something else.  All of his money and fancy toys don’t mean anything to him, and he’s searching for a new direction, and a new purpose, for his life.  He decides it’s time to face his past, as well as make up for some of the poor choices he made when he was younger.  Moving back to Burronga, the small town where he grew up, he reopens his deceased brother’s landscaping business.  Along the way, he is forced to realize that neither he, nor his older brother, were blameless for their poor reputations and the reluctance of some of those in town to welcome him back home.  Especially Ally Griffin.  He’s always thought of her as prissy, but as he gets to know her, he begins to think that he’s judged her unfairly.

I enjoyed how both Ally and Nate are made to reassess their opinions of each other as the story progressed.  Ally is having a hard time making ends meet at the shop, and she’s past due with her rent.  When she discovers that Nate is her new landlord, she’s terrified that he’ll kick her out, causing her to lose both her business and her home, the apartment above the shop.  She also hasn’t forgiven him for destroying her relationship with her ex. She has blamed him for years for being abandoned at the altar, and having to come to terms with her anger and resentment is hard for her.  She has blamed Nate for so much for so long that it’s hard to just let it go.  As she gets to know him better, though, she begins to realize that she misjudged him and that he’s not the cause of her relationship dissolving.

Nate’s attempts to make amends for his past mistakes makes an engaging backstory.  He’s matured and realizes what a turd he was when he was a teen.  He defaced public property, harassed the next door neighbor, and committed petty crimes.  He was on a ruinous path, and now he realizes how lucky he was to be able to put that behind him.  I liked the interactions between Nate and the neighbor and her crabby dog the best, and felt moved by Nate’s attempts to fix the relationship that he and his brother broke.

Real Men Don’t Break Hearts pushed all the right buttons for me.  Enemies to lovers, redemption, and discovering your path in life, one that makes you happy and enriches the person you are, are all themes I love to read about, and Coleen Kwan explores them with compassion and compelling prose. This is the first book I’ve read by her, but it won’t be the last.

Grade: B

Review copy provided by publisher

Welcome to my Leap Into Books Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and co – hosted by Jinky is Reading .  This hop runs from February 28th to March 7th,  and you can win lots of new reads.   Click here for a complete list of blogs participating in the hop.

Thanks to the super awesome Sue at Random House, I have a print galley of Debbie Macomber’s Starting Now to giveaway.  This is the next book in the Blossom Street series, and is the perfect read for your leap into spring!

About the book:

Sound good?  Ready to enter for your chance to win both of these books?  Fill out the widget below for your chance to win!  Earn extra entries for following.  US shipping addresses only, please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oh, my gosh, this was a hard book to review. Maybe because I kept kind of having to shudder, because I knew what was going to happen - what had to happen. I mean, hello, title. It's clearly there. The. Summer. Prince. People who read enough... Read the rest of this post

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

I love the tag line for Waking Up Dead by Emma Shortt.  Where there is horror can there be love?  You betcha!!  I don’t know much about this book other than it will be in stores in October, and it has ZOMBIES!  Can’t wait!

What are you waiting on?

Cover Shot! is a regular feature here at the Café. I love discovering new covers, and when I find them, I like to share. More than anything else, I am consumed with the mystery that each new discovery represents. There is an allure to a beautiful cover. Will the story contained under the pages live up to promise of the gorgeous cover art?

Tempting a Devil by Samantha Kane sounds like a fun read. I’m not sure how I feel about the cover, but the premise has me intrigued. With the female model’s hand clenched in a fist, I have the impression that the male model is being too aggressive. Or maybe she’s just helping him rip his shirt off, but she’s taking a break because he is so manly and tearing his shirt off is exhausting? What do you think?

In stores July 2013

Technically? This is a WCOB - one of those wicked cool, overlooked books. The technicality surfaces when you realize this anthology is made up of previously-published pieces by author Ruth Nestvold. Asimov’s Science Fiction mag, Realms of Fantasy,... Read the rest of this post

JM Stewart recently dropped by the virtual offices to discuss her new release Her Knight in Black Leather.  Please give her a warm welcome.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[J.M. Stewart] Writer of contemporary romance, reader, wife, mother, spiritualist, lover of puppies.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Her Knight in Black Leather?

[J.M. Stewart] The story is set in a small (fictional) town on the Oregon Coast. Cat Edwards has spent her life playing the wallflower in an effort to escape the repressive weight of her mother’s tarnished name. Dragged to the local pub by her best friend in an effort to get over a broken heart, she longs to be someone else for the night, but gets in over her head. She’s “rescued” by dark mysterious stranger wearing a black leather jacket and mischievous grin that proves exactly what she needs.

Michael Brant has come home to settle his debts. His first night in town, he’s captured by a damsel in distress with bright green eyes he can’t resist. Cat’s temptation is made all the more alluring when he realizes she has no idea who he is. He can’t resist spending a single night in her arms. With her, he’s only a man, disconnected from his family’s name and the past that haunts him here.

They find freedom in each other, but the next morning, the town erupts with news of Michael’s return. Pictures of them keep ending up in the paper, Cat’s safety is threatened. Michael is desperate to keep history from repeating itself, and offers her his family’s name in order to keep her safe. But the lie spirals out of control as they find themselves caught up in the charade.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[J.M. Stewart] For me, I always say I don’t create my characters. They come to me and they tell me their stories. I just take dictation. I call myself a secretary. That’s about how this story came about. I actually started this story over seven years ago, and the original began as the sequel to my first novel, The Playboy’s Baby. What happens for me is that I sit down and I started to ponder the brother’s book, whose name was Logan. Cat shyly introduced herself.

As I wrote, the story grew beyond the limits of the first book, so I separated the two. I started by changing the hero’s name. It just popped into my head one day, and Michael stepped out and introduced himself. The minute I changed his name, Michael finally came to life for me.

Plot wise, all I knew when I started the book was that they would share a single night. I had help with the plot. Somewhere between critique partners and my agent and a revise and resubmit, the story finally ended up where it is.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Cat?

[J.M. Stewart] wallflower. bookworm. strong.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Michael had a theme song, what would it be?

[J.M. Stewart] Bad to the Bone… No, seriously. This was a tough question. Usually I get one or two songs that represent the story or a character, but I’ve never found one for Michael. Doing a search, though, I found the lyrics to “Unbreakable Heart” by Three Day’s Grace fit for him. Also, “Somewhere I Belong” by Linkin’ Park.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Cat is never without.

[J.M. Stewart] Her keys.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Michael’s bedroom?

[J.M. Stewart] Another hard question. Michael’s a simple guy. It’s a bit easier to say what’s in his room, but for the sake of the question… Anything pink or frilly. Extra pillows—as in throw pillows. A desk and/or other furniture outside of a dresser.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Cat’s greatest regret?

[J.M. Stewart] Letting her fear (of becoming her mother) rule her life.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?

[J.M. Stewart] Life. And books.  Everything I read, every person I pass or interact with, is all inspiration for me. Inspiration can come from anywhere. Sometimes it’s a song or something I read in passing.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[J.M. Stewart] Oh gosh, I can only think of two that I absolutely need: Coffee and a quiet house. Everything else is negotiable. lol

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[J.M. Stewart] Those Violet Eyes by Vonnie Davis. Her hero, Win Fairchild, is a war veteran, and she had me in tears by the end of the first chapter. He really touched me. I’ve read some great books since, but this one really got to me.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[J.M. Stewart] I couldn’t recall one particular book, but it was those Romana Quinby books. I found one in the school library in I think it was sixth grade and I’ve been hooked since.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[J.M. Stewart] Read. Play games. I’m a sucker for those mind numbing computer games, like Diner Dash. Cause that’s what they do—they numb the mind, so I can shut down for a while.

Also watch TV, and movies. For the same reason.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[J.M. Stewart] Website: http://authorjmstewart.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JMStewartWriter

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-JM-Stewart/129990420383155

Blog: http://jm-stewart.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3159044.J_M_Stewart

Amazon Author Page—http://www.amazon.com/JM-Stewart/e/B004SJPT6O/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authorjmstewart/

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

Her Knight in Black Leather is out NOW.  You can order it from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the link below.

About the book:

Title: Her Knight in Black Leather

Subtitle: n/a

Author: J.M. Stewart

Editor: Jennifer Lawler

Sensuality Level: Sensual

Author Bio: J.M. writes what she likes to call sweet and spicy contemporary romance. She’s a stay-at-home mom who lives in Seattle Washington, with her husband, two boys, and their two very spoiled puppies. She’s been devouring romances for as long as she can remember. Writing them has become her passion. Find out more about her at http://authorjmstewart.com/

And follow her on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JMStewartWriter

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-JM-Stewart/129990420383155

Blog: http://jm-stewart.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3159044.J_M_Stewart

Random House has another excerpt to share! This time, check out a sample from Lara Adrian’s Edge of Dawn.

Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian (Excerpt) by

If you enjoyed reading this excerpt, you can order Edge of Dawn from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the links below.

About the Book:

Please welcome special guest Coleen Kwan to the virtual offices today.  Coleen dropped by to chat about her Entangled Publishing release Real Men Don’t Break Hearts.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Coleen Kwan] I am a daydreamer. I feel it’s important to unplug every day, especially in today’s world of constant electronic connection.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Real Men Don’t Break Hearts?

[Coleen Kwan] It’s a romance between a reformed bad boy and a good girl wanting to break out of her rut. Nate and Ally have never got along, especially after Ally blames him for her ex-fiancé jilting her at the altar. When Nate returns to his hometown and becomes her new landlord, she’s furious, yet at the same time curiously attracted to him.

Nate has come home because he’s tired of his high-living bachelor lifestyle and wants something different. His efforts to re-invent himself are hampered by his sudden growing attraction to Ally, the girl who’s always despised him.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Coleen Kwan] I’d always wanted to write a romance between a rake and a Miss Goody Two Shoes set in a small town where memories of past misdeeds aren’t easily forgotten. Nate and Ally gradually filtered into my imagination as two flawed people on a journey of self-discovery.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Ally?

[Coleen Kwan] Loyal. Self-effacing. Passionate.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Nate had a theme song, what would it be?

[Coleen Kwan] “Bad to the Bone” by George Thorogood.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Ally won’t leave the house without.

[Coleen Kwan] Her purse.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Nate’s pockets?

[Coleen Kwan] A comb (Nate is not the vain type). A little black book (His Lothario days are over). Cigarettes.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Nate’s greatest regret?

[Coleen Kwan] Getting into trouble and causing his late older brother headaches.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Coleen Kwan] Other writers. My lifelong habit of burying my nose in books has been the biggest influence on my writing and my creativity. Good writing and storytelling always inspire me.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Coleen Kwan] My laptop. A cup of tea. Quiet.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Coleen Kwan] “Fevre Dream” by George R.R. Martin. I started it not knowing what to expect and found it un-put-downable. For days and weeks I was haunted by his tale of vampires on the Mississippi.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Coleen Kwan] The Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton. Blyton is not very PC these days, but when I was a child she was my favorite author by far.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Coleen Kwan] I try to catch up on my TBR pile or I watch TV. I’m a natural couch potato!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Coleen Kwan] My website is www.coleenkwan.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/coleenkwan.authorpage

Twitter www.twitter.com/ColeenKwan

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

You can purchase Real Men Don’t Break Hearts from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the link below.

About the book

Purchase from Barnes &Noble: http:/tinyurl.com/a9qxs8c

 About Coleen Kwan

Coleen Kwan has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.

Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office.

Author Website: http://www.coleenkwan.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/coleenkwan.authorpage

Twitter: @ColeenKwan

GoodReads: http://tinyurl.com/a3pzyaq

Cindi Madsen dropped by the virtual offices to chat about Falling for Her Fiancé, a romance published under Entangled’s Bliss imprint.  Cindi also pens YA stories, so be sure to check out All The Broken Pieces!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Cindi Madsen] Romance writer of both adult & YA who loves writing, reading, music, dancing, junk food & shoes. Also loves her awesome, supportive family.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Falling for Her Fiancé?

[Cindi Madsen] Best friends since college, Wes and Dani decide to fake an engagement to get Wes through his sister’s wedding, where his ex is a bridesmaid, and Dani through a company retreat and hopefully earn her a promotion. Along the way they start realizing there might be something more than friendship between them.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Cindi Madsen] My editors were talking about their wish list for the Bliss line, something I’d talked with my editor about writing, and she said she loved the friends to lovers storyline. Her editing assistant said she wanted a fake engagement. That night when I went to go to sleep, suddenly I was thinking about friends who fake an engagement. I started thinking of how funny it’d be as they lied their way through it, and all the slip ups and forced proximity & faked kissing that had them start wondering how much was fake. I couldn’t fall asleep until I had the whole thing mostly outlined in my head, and got a sense of how the characters played off each other. I knew I had to write it ASAP.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Dani?

[Cindi Madsen] Caring, athletic, family-oriented

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Wes had a theme song, what would it be?

[Cindi Madsen] Interesting question. I’m going with Afterlife by Switchfoot. It’s on the playlist for the book and since Wes is all about being impulsive the following lyrics fit:

And I wonder why would I wait till I die to come alive?

I’m ready now

I’m not waiting for the afterlife

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Dani is never without.

[Cindi Madsen] She played basketball in college, so while she doesn’t carry a ball around, she does have one in the trunk of her car, so she can play at a moment’s notice. And of course she’s pretty attached to her cell phone, especially whenever the “SexyBack” ringtone plays, because that means Wes is calling. (He programmed it in, telling her the song was just “so me”)

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Wes’ bedroom?

[Cindi Madsen] Candles

Folded laundry—his laundry is in piles, or hung up if he’s on top of things

Before Dani came to visit, he’d probably say a dress, especially one that looked backwards. But after he gets a look at the “backwards dress” on Dani, he’s all about it.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Dani’s greatest regret?

[Cindi Madsen] Moving to Arkansas with her ex-boyfriend, following his dreams instead of her own.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Cindi Madsen] Music. I love the way it can make you feel and transport you. I want to put those emotions into my book, which is why I make playlists for my books. Other than that, I read a lot and really well-written movies and TV shows also get my creative juices flowing.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Cindi Madsen] Music

Mountain Dew

My laptop

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Cindi Madsen] Something Like Normal by Trish Doller. That book was recommended to me by a couple of my twitter peeps, and it was AMAZING!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Cindi Madsen] So hard. I’m going to have to go with Anne of Green Gables. I mentioned it in another interview, but one of my teachers, a woman named Shelly Russell turned me onto them when I was in grade school, and I loved them. Then my mom gave me The Witch of Blackbird Pond and that pretty much cemented my love of reading.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Cindi Madsen] Usually watching movies with my husband, or desperately trying to catch up on all the cleaning I let go while I was writing (watching movies is MUCH more fun) We also like to go out to eat as a family.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Cindi Madsen] Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CindiMadsen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CindiMadsenBooks

email: info@cindimadsen.com

website: http://cindimadsen.com

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

Ready for your chance to win a copy of FALLING FOR HER FIANCE?  Entering is easy!  Just fill out the widget below.  Earn extra entries for following.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Didn’t win? You can order a copy of FALLING FOR HER FIANCE from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the link below.

About FALLING FOR HER FIANCE:

Buy Links:

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/falling-for-her-fiance-cindi-madsen/1114137785?ean=2940015969276

About the Author:

Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

Today, Wendy Sparrow is visiting the virtual offices!  Wendy’s here to chat about Frosted, and then you can enter to win a beautiful sterling silver snowflake necklace with blue and white Swarovski crystals as well as a copy of Frosted!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Wendy Sparrow] Wife. Mother. Quirky. Obsessive and compulsive. Addicted to Mtn Dew. Professional Insomniac. Believer in happily-ever-afters. Easily amused.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Frosted?

[Wendy Sparrow] Frosted is Jack Frost’s love story. Seven years ago, as prophesied, Kate fell through the ice and into his world. Jack is the Peter Pan of winter at the time. He’s giddy that he’s found his queen and doesn’t see any obstacles. Kate, on the other hand, comes from a broken family and she’s never thought anything could last forever let alone have an immortal bond with a guy she’d thought was only part of a song. In return for marrying him, Jack lets Kate go back to the mortal world so she can say goodbye…and Kate runs off to Florida—out of his reach.

Seven years have passed—five years longer than Kate had agreed to—and Jack is done waiting. His kingdom and its king both need their queen back. Frosted is that story. The courtship of Kate by the king of winter.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Wendy Sparrow] I had this dream about a girl, Kate, walking on the sidewalk and avoiding stepping off with a serious determination—she was not going to step in the snow. She looked down into a frozen puddle and saw Jack Frost’s reflection and he’s irked because she’s his queen and she’s out of reach. I typed it down and tossed it in a folder and then a year later, I heard Kate say in my head, “You’re going to have to find yourself a new queen,” and it was time to write it.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Kate?

[Wendy Sparrow] Insecure. Independent. And even though it doesn’t seem like it at times…deep down…she’s hopeful.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Jack had a theme song, what would it be?

[Wendy Sparrow] Let it Snow. Actually, I guess it should maybe be the Christmas song where he’s been tagged as a nose-nipper…but he hates that. Don’t ever sing that around him.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Kate is never without.

[Wendy Sparrow] Seven layers of clothing.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Jack’s bedroom?

[Wendy Sparrow] A roaring fire. A book on dealing with death. A DVD with the stop motion animated TV special Jack Frost.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Kate’s greatest regret?

[Wendy Sparrow] Kate regrets the extra years she took to realize…uhh…I almost spoiled it. Phew. Close one. She regrets running away.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Wendy Sparrow] Does insomnia count? Insomnia and my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are usually what drive me to write. I can’t sleep if I’ve got a story stuck in my head—and I already don’t sleep much.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Wendy Sparrow] Mountain Dew. Quiet. My laptop. Everything else is negotiable.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Wendy Sparrow] I just read a suspense last month that had a haunted house filled with secret passages on a bayou and some elements of the paranormal. It was just about as much fun as you can have with a book without it getting kinky. The Secret of Cyprier Bayou by Jana DeLeon. Last year, though, I read a lot that were fantastic. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, the False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen, and I, Robot by Isaac Asimov just to name a few.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Wendy Sparrow] Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Wendy Sparrow] When I’m not writing, I’m either reading or on Twitter—I’m fairly addicted to both.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Wendy Sparrow] Twitter. @WendySparrow I will talk to anyone about anything and due to my insomnia…the hour usually isn’t a factor.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!!

[Wendy Sparrow] Thanks for having me on your blog!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

First, Wendy is giving away this beautiful necklace:

Fill out the widget to enter for a chance to win it.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ready for your chance to win Frosted? Just fill out the widget below. Earn extra entries for following.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Didn’t win? You can order Frosted from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the link below.

About Frosted:

About Wendy Sparrow:

At home in the Pacific Northwest, Wendy Sparrow writes for both an adult and young adult crowd. She has two wonderfully quirky kids, a supportive husband, and a perpetually messy house because writing is more fun than cleaning. She enjoys reading with a flashlight under a blanket—the way all the best books should be read—and believes in the Oxford comma, the pursuit of cupcakes, and that every story deserves a happily ever after. Most days she can be found on Twitter where she’ll talk to anyone who talks back, and occasionally just to herself.

Wendy can be reached at the following:

website:  http://wendysparrow.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Wendy-Sparrow/471652932872034

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WendySparrow

Blog:  http://ladybugsroar.blogspot.com/

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3346109.Wendy_Sparrow

Ashlyn Macnamara is visiting the virtual offices today to chat about A Most Scandalous Proposal.  Please give her a warm welcome!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Ashlyn Macnamara] Reader, writer, mother, bilingual, cat-lover, escapist, Internet junkie.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about A Most Scandalous Proposal?

[Ashlyn Macnamara] My debut Regency begins when my hero, Benedict Revelstoke, sees his old childhood friend, Julia St. Claire, named as party to a wager in White’s betting book. Neither one of them is sure what’s going on at first, but they piece it together soon enough. Julia’s sister’s long-term crush on has set his sights on winning Julia’s hand in marriage. She only has to find a way to dissuade a man who won’t take no for an answer—which is understandable since he’s already bet a considerable sum on her saying yes.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Ashlyn Macnamara] A couple of years ago, I read two separate historical romances. One was Beverley Kendall’s debut Sinful Surrender, in which the heroine has a long-time crush on the hero. Missy, the heroine, confides a lot in her sister, and that relationship got me thinking about how the angst of a long-standing, unrequited crush might color the younger sister’s views of love and romance.

At the same time, I read Emma Wildes’s Lessons From a Scarlet Lady, which featured two romances. So that got me thinking about telling the story of both sisters in the same book. My working title was A TALE OF TWO SISTERS to reflect the duality of the story.

And then somewhere along the way I realized I was unconsciously riffing on Sense and Sensibility, but that was perfectly in line with my Regency setting, so I went with it.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Julia?

[Ashlyn Macnamara] Loyal, headstrong, devious.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Benedict had a theme song, what would it be?

[Ashlyn Macnamara] Benedict begs I not reveal this particular bit of information, lest the Upperton sisters get wind of it and insist on performing it at their next musicale. They’re certain to butcher anything they attempt. However, they’ll have a job trying to present “Wonderwall” by Oasis on Regency musical instruments. “There are many things that I would like to say to you, but I don’t know how…”

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Julia is never without.

[Ashlyn Macnamara] Unlike her sister, who always has her head in the clouds, Julia is never without the head on her shoulders. Well, unless Benedict gives her a bit too much wine. At that point, all bets are off.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Benedict’s pockets?

[Ashlyn Macnamara] Oooh, let me think about that one.

He’d never carry lumps of sugar to feed his horses as treats. He prefers to give them carrots, as it’s better for them. Plus sugar was a bit of a luxury item in the Regency.

He would most definitely never have an invitation to one of the Earl of Clivesden’s parties. He hasn’t liked Clivesden since they were in school together, and the blow-up over Clivesden’s choice of bride only exacerbated matters.

For the third, I’m going to say a copy of Debrett’s Peerage, because while he is the (younger) son of a marquess, he doesn’t hold much with all the goings-on in London. He much prefers a quieter life in the country.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Julia’s greatest regret?

[Ashlyn Macnamara] This is going to be difficult to answer without introducing spoilers. I think Julia’s answer at the beginning of the book and at the end would be two different things. At the beginning, anyway, she’d have made reference to a traumatic event she experienced during her childhood, which colored her view of love and passionate feelings.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Ashlyn Macnamara] Odd as it might sound, J. K. Rowling. If it wasn’t for Harry Potter fanfiction, I’d never have learned I can write. When I was in school, I never wanted to get anywhere near anything that smacked of creative writing, but maybe that’s because my teachers often forced us to write poetry. Adhering to things like rhythm and rhyme schemes require far too much discipline.

For this particular book, see the reply to the concept and characters question.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Ashlyn Macnamara] An empty house, a broken Internet connection, and at least an idea of where things are going (but I can’t decide this ahead of time—my characters have their own ideas and don’t like to listen to me).

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Ashlyn Macnamara] I’m going to go with Sherry Thomas’s Tempting the Bride, only because it’s her latest. Just about anything she writes, really. I love, love, love her lush prose style.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Ashlyn Macnamara] I don’t know if I can pinpoint one book that turned me on to reading per se. I’ve always loved to read, and before that I loved to have stories read to me. What I recall most is a book of fairy tale we owned when I was a child. I remember asking for “Wassilissa the Beautiful” as often as possible, because, like any good Russian tale, it was the longest in the collection. It was a great way to delay bedtime.

I can tell you which books turned me on to re-reading: the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I read those over and over when I was younger.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Ashlyn Macnamara] Anything that allows me to avoid the housework. I’ve got a teetering TBR pile, so I’m pretty good. If I don’t feel like reading, I’ve got a stash of yarn begging for me to knit it into something. Or I might decide to catch up with the latest goings-on at Downton Abbey.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Ashlyn Macnamara] Through my website: http://ashlynmacnamara.net

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAshlynMacnamara

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/ashlyn_mac

Sign up for my newsletter.

And you can often find me blogging with the Dashing Duchesses.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

You can purchase A Most Scandalous Proposal from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the links below.  Available in print and digital.

About the book:

About the author:

Ashlyn Macnamara writes Regency romance with a dash of wit and a hint of wicked. She considers writing her mid-life crisis but reckons producing romance novels is a lot less dangerous than skydiving or rock climbing. She lives outside Montreal with her husband, two teenage daughters and a cat. When not thinking about ballrooms and gentleman’s clubs, she looks for other excuses to neglect the housework, among them knitting, reading and wasting time on the internet in the guise of doing research.

Jennifer McQuiston is visiting the virtual offices today to talk about her book What Happens in Scotland.  Please give her a warm welcome!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.

[Jennifer McQuiston] I am a newbie romance author/mom/scientist/veterinarian/wife/critique partner/Girl Scout troop leader. Not necessarily in that order.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about What Happens in Scotland?

[Jennifer McQuiston]   What happens in Scotland is your typical "she woke up married" Vegas story… only based in Scotland. In 1842, no less. Which made it loads of fun to write, and hopefully loads of fun to read.

Lady Georgette Thorold is a widow who survived a disastrous first marriage, and who is determined to enjoy her life now that her self-imposed period of mourning is over. James MacKenzie is a miscreant second son who is starting to build a better life with his own two hands. When the pair wake up in bed together surrounded by the evidence of a night gone wrong, each thinks the worst of the other. The truth is bound to be something unpalatable… especially as the clues start to trickle in. But was it a night worth remembering? Or a mistake they would rather forget?

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?

[Jennifer McQuiston]  I decided to turn the big 4-0 in Vegas, with my husband and some close friends. As I started planning the trip in November of 2011, I was also trying to plot out a new story idea. It occurred to me in a flash of insight that modern-day Vegas was not that different from Regency and early Victorian-era Scotland, at least in terms of quickie weddings. Scotland at the time was the go-to destination for young lovers looking to elope, and more often than not they were married by a blacksmith (yup. I said blacksmith). Preacher dressed like Elvis, anyone? The two life-altering events–birthday and book proposal–merged into an indistinguishable mess in my mind, and the result was What Happens in Scotland.

The main characters spilled out of me from places unknown. I would like to say the yummy bearded hero, James MacKenzie is based on my husband… alas, while yummy, my husband cannot grow a decent beard to save his life.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Georgette?

[Jennifer McQuiston] I’ll describe them in order, as she discovers herself in the book.

Panicked. Resilient. Passionate.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If James had a theme song, what would it be?

[Jennifer McQuiston] Oh, it would definitely be "Viva Las Vegas". And Georgette’s would be Carrie Underwood’s country tune "I Don’t Even Know My Last Name".

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Georgette is never without.

[Jennifer McQuiston] Shoes that would never be described as sensible.

She is always, however, losing her corset.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in James’ pocket?

[Jennifer McQuiston] 1) Enough money

2) Stolen goods

3) Rope (I don’t know why, I just made this one up. But I am guessing he is not into that.)

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Georgette’s greatest regret?

[Jennifer McQuiston] Georgette’s current panic upon discovering she may have gotten hitched during a forgotten night of debauchery is based on the fact that her first marriage (a well-planned affair) was absolutely disastrous, with a philandering, drunkard husband. She regrets having given up so much of herself, and not being the sort of wife she thought she ought to be.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?

[Jennifer McQuiston] I am a scientist by training, so I need all the creative help I can get to avoid spitting out stilted dialogue and backstory that reads like Wikipedia. I love reading excellent authors, and I count Joanna Bourne, Meredith Duran, Cecilia Grant, and Ken Follet among my favorites (that last one is weird, I know. But I swear the man writes Romance).

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?

[Jennifer McQuiston] I get very cranky in the winter when the days get short, and I swear by my Happy Light. I spend two hours every morning writing in its warm glow, and I swear it’s like an IV drip for productivity. Well, that plus the pot of tea I drink every morning. Who isn’t creative on caffeine? Finally, in order to write, I need complete quiet in my busy house, and because I am a morning person, I need that time to be on the early side of the day. Believe it or not, I set my alarm for 4am and write from 4-6 every morning. Which makes me crazy. And more than a little tired come 9pm. But this is the process that works for me, and I am sticking to it!

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?

[Jennifer McQuiston] I am going with Winter’s Bone by Daniel Woodrell. I was blown away by its incredible toughness, its no-holds-barred and unsentimental look at the heroine’s struggle. Not very romantic, of course, but it left an indelible impression on my brain. I wonder if I could work a meth lab into a historical romance… will have to give that some thought.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?

[Jennifer McQuiston] Without a doubt, it was Ken Follet’s Lie Down with Lions. I was traveling in Ghana, West Africa working on the polio eradication program, and had stupidly only brought 5 books to last 3 months… I ran through those books in less than a week. Luckily, I discovered a used bookstore in Accra, and this book was one of the first I bought there. I was enthralled by the gut-wrenching description of the conflict in 1980′s Pakistan, and the beautiful love story the author had crafted. I then sought out everything Follet had ever written (and his early WWII spy novels feature the most amazing, tough female leads and love stories you could ever want). But Lie Down With Lions is hands-down my favorite book of all time – if only because it saved my sanity during those long, lonely nights in Africa.

[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

[Jennifer McQuiston] Sometimes I can’t believe how busy I am. Writing is my escape, what I do when I am not working at my day job as an infectious disease researcher or yelling at my girls to clean up their messes. My family loves to travel, and during 2012 we visited Mexico, Belize, the Outer Banks, upstate New York, Virginia, and New York City. If I have even a few free hours, my favorite thing to do is take my girls to ride their pony, Mr. Beaux Regard. (ED – Oh, my gosh! I love his name!)

[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?

[Jennifer McQuiston] I love hearing from readers on Twitter (@jenmcqwrites) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/jennifermcquistonauthor) . They can also email me via my website, www.jenmcquiston.com .

[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!

You can purchase What Happens in Scotland from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the links below. Available in print and digital.

About the book:

About the author:

Jennifer McQuiston lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, two daughters (who got a pony out of mom’s book deal!) and a house full of mostly mammalian pets. A veterinarian and infectious disease researcher by training, Jennifer has always preferred reading romance to scientific textbooks. Jennifer was a 2011 and a 2012 Golden Heart® finalist with two previous novels. She is signed with literary agent Kevan Lyon, and works with Esi Sogah, Tessa Woodward, and the amazing team at Avon.

"I believe I'm one of a kind." In a world full of sentient robots exploited by humankind, Cat knows there is no one else like her childhood tutor, Finn. The tapestry of her life is woven with uncertainty and loss as she makes increasingly poor decisions in her struggle to conform to the expectations of society. [...]

Ashlyn Macnamara visited the virtual offices last week, and now Random House has an excerpt from A Most Scandalous Proposal to share with you! 

A Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn Macnamara (Excerpt)

If you enjoyed this excerpt, you can purchase A Most Scandalous Proposal from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the links below:

About the book:

About the author:

Ashlyn Macnamara writes Regency romance with a dash of wit and a hint of wicked. She considers writing her mid-life crisis but reckons producing romance novels is a lot less dangerous than skydiving or rock climbing. She lives outside Montreal with her husband, two teenage daughters and a cat. When not thinking about ballrooms and gentleman’s clubs, she looks for other excuses to neglect the housework, among them knitting, reading and wasting time on the internet in the guise of doing research.