Classic Romance Revival Launch Party Today

The Classic Romance Revival blog and yahoo loop officially open today.

Classic Romance Revival is a group of sweet/sensual authors who have banded together to promote the kind of romances we write.

The idea of author Judith Raine, Classic romance Revival seeks to offer a place for those of us who write and read adult stories at the lower heat levels.

Romance is a wonderful thing in all its forms - sweet male/female, erotic male/female, menage, male/male. Although some writers at Classic Romance Revival do write hotter stories, this is not an erotic or menage group. At Classic Romance Revival we respect such genres but we showcase sweet and sensual reads. (Think PG14)

The group will hold chats, showcase authors, show excerpts. Readers will be able to ask authors questions and get to know them.

We are holding a CLASSIC ROMANCE REVIVAL LAUNCH PARTY on April 3rd from 1 to 8 PM EDT. There'll be excerpts, chats, questions, answers and prizes!

If you're interested, please have a look via the link here:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/classicromancerevival/

We also have a blog at

http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/

So come on over and have a look.

Thank you all,
Linda

NEC-RWA Conference was this weekend

This weekend the New England Chapter of the Romance Writers of America held their annual conference. We gathered for two days of workshops, networking, agent/editor appointments and fun.

I confess, the only reason I went is because they held the conference at a hotel six miles from my house. I HATE driving. I don't even go to the monthly meetings because they're held fifteen miles away.

But I did get to play Gushing Fan over some of my favorite authors, who are members. Loretta Chase (Your Scandalous Ways), whom I adore, was there. So was Terri Brisbin (One Candlelit Christmas, an anthology--Terri's story, Blame It on the Mistletoe, is up for a RITA) and Diana Groe/Emily Bryan (Vexing the Viscount). Also there were others of the Regency persuasion, Sally Mackenzie (The Naked Baron), Janet Mulaney(Rules of Gentility) and Caroline Linden(A View to a Kiss). So I gushed and bought their autographed books to get their autographs, even though I already own copies. And I can deduct the books on my income tax.

The 2010 conference will be held on March 26 and 27 in the same place, so I'll go again. A year ago today I hadn't yet received my first contract from The Wild Rose Press. Who knows what will happen in the next year?

And, a reminder, on Friday, April 3, I'm guest blogging at Between the Lines on I Write Regency.

Thank you all,
Linda

Pumpkinnapper Release Date - September 30

I just received my release date for Pumpkinnapper.

The Wild Rose Press will release Pumpkinnapper, my Regency Halloween comedy on Wednesday, September 30. Which is very good timing, because the story starts at the end of September.

Here's the blurb and excerpt. Heat rating is sensual.

Blurb:

Pumpkin thieves, a youthful love rekindled and a jealous goose. Oh my.

Last night someone tried to steal the widowed Mrs. Emily Metcalfe's pumpkins. She's certain the culprit is her old childhood nemesis and the secret love of her youth, Henry, nicknamed Hank, whom she hasn't seen in ten years.

Henry, Baron Grey, who's never forgotten the girl he loved but couldn't pursue so long ago, decides to catch Emily's would-be thief. Even after she reveals his childhood nickname--the one he would rather forget. And even after her jealous pet goose bites him in an embarrassing place.

Oh, the things a man does for love.

Excerpt:

"Emily, even with Henry, formidable as he is--" Hank glared at the goose. The goose glared back. "--you need protection. I will send over some footmen to guard the place."

"No.Turnip Cottage belongs to Charlotte's husband. What will the townspeople think, with Lord Grey's servants about my house?"

Her refusal increased his fury. The sight of her hand on that damned goose's head didn't improve his mood, either. He balled his fists as his patience thinned and something else thickened. "I'll find you a guard dog. You must have some protection out here all alone."

"But I have Henry." She patted the goose's head and the bird snuggled into her hand. Again.

Heat flooded Hank, part desire for Emily's touch, and part desire to murder that damned goose, who was where he wanted to be. His insides groaned. "Very well, then, you leave me no choice. I will help you catch the culprits."

"But--"

He changed his voice to the voice that either melted a woman or earned him a slap in the face. "Who knows, mayhap we would enjoy ourselves as I lie in wait with you." I would love to lie with you.

Her eyes widened. Had she understood the innuendo?

"I cannot stay alone with you, and you know it," she said, her voice severe.

"You are a widow in your own home and no one will see. I will make sure of it."

"No." She marched back into her cottage and slammed the door. Henry smirked and waddled away.

Hank grinned. He would be back, whether she liked it or not.

Thank you all,

Linda

Guest Blogger - Christina Phillips

Every Friday Christina Phillips has a guest at her blog. She was kind enough to interview me when my Lady of the Stars was released. Today I'm happy to return her favor, with Christina answering her own interview questions. Welcome Christina!

Touch of the Demon is Christina's second Scarlet Rosette from The Wild Rose Press, and was released on Friday 13th March 2009.

Bio

Thank you so much for having me on your blog today, Linda!

I moved to sunny Australia from the UK almost ten years ago with my very own hero and our three adorable children. Over the last few years as I’ve actively sought publication for the romances I love writing, I’ve tried my hand at category romance, chic lit, paranormal and now write dark erotic romance for The Wild Rose Press. My mantra is Never Say Never, because I will immediately go and do whatever I said I could never attempt!

Can you tell us a little about your book?

According to my publisher, Touch of the Demon is a Futuristic/Fantasy. This thrilled me no end, as I thought I'd written an erotic romance with paranormal elements! Here's the blurb:

Dark angel Rafe travels back in time to destroy the woman who is fated to bring untold chaos to the cosmos. Instead, he finds Celeste, a child of the Earth Goddess, who is sworn to protect the one Rafe seeks. He mistakes her for his quarry but an irresistible attraction prevents him from taking her soul. And although Celeste holds the one weapon capable of banishing Rafe from Earth forever, she's unable to deny the overwhelming desire to possess this creature from hell. They come together in a frenzy of passion, each believing they are changing destiny by their actions. But when the Earth Goddess appears they discover her plans are more far reaching than either had imagined.

And here's an excerpt:

“I’ll beg you for nothing.” It was a lie. If Celeste thought begging could get her anywhere, then she would already be on her knees before him. She kept that knowledge locked deep in her heart.

Rafe took a step toward her and her heart hammered in her breast. He was taller than any human she had known over the years. But then, he wasn’t human. Beneath the long leather coat he wore against the night’s chill air, his broad shoulders all but blotted out the rest of the world.

She sucked in a suddenly panicked breath, and his evocative scent of other worldly essences, meshed with hot, heavy male enveloped her. Against every principle she stood for, her nipples strained against the fabric of her bodice, peaking with desire and disgust and pure, animal heat.

A mocking smile twisted his full sensual lips. “I could make you beg, human.” His finger traced the outline of her face and she shuddered, hating the way she reacted and yet unable to help herself. “I might even listen to your pleas.” His smoky whisper shimmered along her senses, searing with words unsaid.

How did the idea for the plot come about?

I was in the middle of writing a full length paranormal (non-erotic) and having a hard time with it. One night, while on the computer doing some correspondence, the entire plot of Demon literally fell into my brain. The image of a demonic assassin, lying in wait for his mark, captivated me (probably because this demon was so hot my keyboard started smoking!!!) But what also excited me was the fact the heroine, far from being an unwary victim, was actually tracking the demon with a view to elimination. I opened up a document there and then and started writing. My full length paranormal is still waiting for me to get back to it!

I love sale stories (ok I am just nosy!!) so can you tell us about your road to publication - and your call story?

At the beginning of 2008, after nine years of rejections, revisions and 'almost-but-not-quite-what-we're-looking-for' responses, I was seriously fed up with the whole writing business. I didn’t know whether to go back to my beloved category romances, or pursue my paranormals. A lot of the time I just procrastinated around the web and if it hadn’t been for my fantastic CPs who encouraged me to try something new – erotic romance – I’m honestly not sure I’d ever have got my act together again.

Then, in May 2008, the Romance Writers of Australia held their inaugural Romance Roadshow in Perth.

The Roadshow was an amazing experience. I met so many local writers I'd only known online before and the overall buzz and atmosphere was so friendly and encouraging it completely revitalised me. I was so inspired, I queried The Wild Rose Press the following Wednesday with my first erotic romance, Foretaste of Forever. On Saturday, the editor emailed and said my synopsis intrigued her and could I send her the full.

I sent her the full. A week later I received an email offering me a contract. I was so excited! After calling my husband I jumped on MSN where I spent several hours squee-ing with my CPs!!

We are all about the love here, so please share your fave books, movies, TV shows or current fantasy squeeze (it's all in the line of research!)

Fave books I love paranormal romances, whether they are dark or fun and quirky and also love reading books by my friends, who write across the spectrum from YA, category, regencies and erotic.

Fave movies include but aren't limited to Love, Actually, While You Were Sleeping, Notting Hill, Serenity, Pride & Prejudice.

Fave TV shows. I can't go past this without mentioning Battlestar Galactia. I'm completely obsessed by the entire universe and can't wait for Season 4.5 to come out on DVD. If all my burning questions aren't satisfactorily answered by the final episode there will be Trouble!!!!!!!!!

My current fantasy squeeze. OOOH! this is a hard one!! Well I did lust over Hugh Jackman for many years, and still think he is gorgeous and hot. But Clive Owen still has that special place in my heart, although strangely enough I've yet to base any of my heroes on my fantasy squeezes. However, after discovering the sinfully beautiful Henri Castelli just before Christmas I've realised he's a dead ringer for my last hero!!!

What are you working on now?

I'm currently attempting to finish off several projects which I left hanging towards the end of last year. This includes the paranormal mentioned above, which I've decided to rewrite as an erotic romance, a fallen angel and my lovely Roman.

How can readers keep up with your writing and books?

I have a website and blog which I try to keep updated on a regular basis. I'm also at MySpace and Facebook.

To buy Touch of the Demon from The Wild Rose Press, click Here

Trailer for Touch of the Demon

Thanks for having me! It's been fun!

Thank you Christina.

And Thank you all,

Linda

Release of Christina Phillips's "Touch of the Demon"

Today The Wild Rose Press releases Christina Phillips' erotic romance Touch of the Demon.

Congratulations, Christina!

Join Christina on her blog today to congratulate her.

And remember, she will be guest blogging here on Sunday, March 15.

Blurb:

Dark angel Rafe travels back in time to destroy the woman who is fated to bring untold chaos to the cosmos. Instead, he finds Celeste, a child of the Earth Goddess, who is sworn to protect the one Rafe seeks. He mistakes her for his quarry but an irresistible attraction prevents him from taking her soul. And although Celeste holds the one weapon capable of banishing Rafe from Earth forever, she's unable to deny the overwhelming desire to possess this creature from hell. They come together in a frenzy of passion, each believing they are changing destiny by their actions. But when the Earth Goddess appears they discover her plans are more far reaching than either had imagined

Shameless Promotion (But Not What You Think)

Buy Christina Phillips' book! Please!

My latest foray into promotion is having a guest blogger. Next Sunday, March 15, erotic romance author Christina Phillips will be my very first guest as she celebrates her latest release. Christina was kind enough to interview me on her blog after Lady of the Stars' release. Now I'm happy to return to favor.

On March 13, The Wild Rose Press will release Christina's Touch of the Demon.

In the meantime, here's her cover and blurb:

Blurb

Dark angel Rafe travels back in time to destroy the woman who is fated to bring untold chaos to the cosmos. Instead, he finds Celeste, a child of the Earth Goddess, who is sworn to protect the one Rafe seeks. He mistakes her for his quarry but an irresistible attraction prevents him from taking her soul. And although Celeste holds the one weapon capable of banishing Rafe from Earth forever, she's unable to deny the overwhelming desire to possess this creature from hell. They come together in a frenzy of passion, each believing they are changing destiny by their actions. But when the Earth Goddess appears they discover her plans are more far reaching than either had imagined.

Congratulations, Christina, and I look forward to your post here next week.

Thank you all,
Linda

A-Blogging We Will Go

I've joined the Neverending Story on Judah Raine's Romantic Synonomous blog. The Neverending Story is a round robin, where each participating author writes the next chapter in this sweet/sensual contemporary.

I'm up for the first time on March 26. I've never done this kind of thing before, and I don't usually write contemporary. But I'll give it a try.

Also, tomorrow I will be posting on my group blog, Happily Ever After. The title, if I can get the whole thing in the title box, is Gorgeous Men in Tight Breeches & Ruffled Shirts. And I have pictures! Hope to see you there.

And I've changed the layout of my blog. Let's see how this one works.

Thank you all,
Linda