FEBRUARY 2010

Jennifer Ashley, PRIDE MATES, Dorchester/Leisure, ISBN 978-08439-6005-1

Defense attorney Kim Fraser has to venture into the dark and dangerous Shiftertown to get answers for a client accused of murder, but the secrets she learns from the enticing Liam Morrissey might just get her killed if the Shifter doesn't claim her for his mate.

 

Linda Barrett, QUARTERBACK DADDY, Harlequin Superromance, ISBN 978-0-373-71619-7

Life is never the same when you're suddenly a parent. But quarterback Dan Delito figures he can tackle fatherhood with the right coach. Alexis isn't a position to raise her infant niece on her own which means she has to make nice with the unsuitable man. Fine. Until her idea of shared custody is out, and Dan's claim to full custody is in. So when Dan asks her to be the nanny until the end of the season, Alexis agrees, not anticipating that their uneasy friendship will change into something special.

 

Allison Brennan, ORIGINAL SIN, Ballantine, ISBN 9780345511676

In this launch of a new seven book series, an evil occult releases the demonic incarnations of the Seven Deadly Sins, who feed on the worst sins of others to deadly results. Haunted by chilling memories of demonic possession and murder, Moira O'Donnell teams with tormented ex-seminarian Rafe Cooper, a demonologist, a tough female sheriff, and two star-crossed teenagers to trap the Seven and send them back to Hell.

 

Kathy Carmichael, DIARY OF A CONFESSIONS QUEEN, Medallion Press, ISBN 978-1605420950

Confessions writer Amy Crosby put her life on hold for the seven years since her husband, Dan's, disappearance. In writing for True Lies magazine, guilt-ridden Amy takes on the abilities her characters confess to, such as when she thought she was psychic after researching clairvoyants. Her home is about to be foreclosed and the only answer is having Dan declared dead and cashing in his insurance policy. Her home is safe-that is, until she receives a blackmail note. Equal parts mystery and humor, this novel is sure to keep readers guessing-and laughing-until the end.

 

Michele Dunaway, BABY IN THE BOARDROOM, Harlequin American Romance

AN RT BOOK CLUB TOP PICK. After her latest boyfriend breaks things off, Kristi Jensen's parents turn up the pressure. So the unlucky-in-love executive does the next best thing: she asks Mitch Robbins, her tall, dark,traffic-stoppingly gorgeous personal assistant to play date to thwart her matchmaking father. Yet things go a little too far... and then he learns he's going to be a father. With his new family's future at stake, can he forgive Kristi's deception? And will Kristi realize in time that Mitch is the man she's been waiting for all along?

 

Abby Gaines, THE COMEBACK, Harlequin NASCAR, ISBN 9780373185313

Gaby Colson's future depends on her convincing NASCAR driver Zack Matheson to enter and win the Bachelor of the Year Contest. Too bad Zack seems more likely to win Grouch of the Year! He can't focus on anything beyond his comeback in NASCAR and in the legendary Matheson Racing family. Gaby comes up with a creative way for them both to get what they want…but like any brilliant plan, it has its pitfalls, not least of which is the out-of-control attraction between her and a man who'll sacrifice anything…anyone to win.

 

Kay Hooper, AFTER CAROLINE, Bantam, ISBN 978-0-553-57184-4

Plagued by a bewildering connection to a woman she never knew, driven by an urgent compulsion she doesn't understand, Joanna Flynn travels three thousand miles across the country to the picturesque town where Caroline McKenna lived - and mysteriously died. There Joanna will run into a solid wall of suspicion as she searches for the truth: Was Caroline's death an accident? Or was she the target of a killer willing to kill again?

 

Holly Jacobs, A ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY, Harlequin SuperRomance, ISBN 9780373716159

Anna Chapel believes in people. She believes in helping them lead exceptional lives. Now the dedicated life coach wants to do that for different, yet special Colm Franklin. If Colm's breath-stopping, over-protective brother Liam will let her. But the guilt-ridden computer programmer refuses to believe, to dream. Or could it be he simply needs to learn how? Anna's biggest challenge may be ahead: can one woman with a head full of wayward curls and a smile a mile long convince Liam they have a fighting chance? That, together, they can overcome anything to create a family that's truly one of a kind?

 

Trish Jensen, "Sixteen Decades" in the LADIES PREFER ROGUES anthology, Berkley Sensation, ISBN 978-0-425-23381-8

 

Ari Marmell, THE CONQUEROR'S SHADOW, Spectra, ISBN 978-0553807769

Corvis Rebaine, the Terror of the East. The man who conquered half of Imphallion before he unaccountably... stopped. Corvis Rebaine, the villager. Retired, happily married, proud parent of two. A man eager to leave the past buried. But not everyone is willing to let it lie. A new warlord-Audriss, called the Serpent-has picked up where Corvis left off. And when the tip of the Serpent's sting threatens his own family, the aging warrior knows he's had enough. It's time for the Terror of the East to show this arrogant upstart how these things are done. (2/23/10)

 

Nicola Marsh, MARRIAGE: FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE?, Harlequin Presents, ISBN 9780373128983

Wedlocked: Rogue Billionaire, Contract Wife

Brittany Lloyd faces the deal of a lifetime..with an ex who broke her heart--Italian tycoon Nick Mancini. Little does she know that her rebellious bad boy is now a multimillionaire… Nick can't believe his eyes! His red-haired wildcat is now a businesswoman, with designer suits to match. She needs his help…and he wants her. So he proposes a convenient marriage--strictly business, of course! But wickedly sexy Nick is planning a red-hot wedding night to remember: there's nothing on his agenda but pure pleasure!

 

Deborah Siegenthal w/a Deborah Simmons, THE GENTLEMAN'S QUEST, Harlequin, ISBN 978-0-373-29580-7

The arrival of a mysterious woman thrusts Christopher Marchant into pursuit of a rare and dangerous book that others will do anything to obtain. Although he has his own reasons for joining Miss Hero Ingram in the chase, soon he suspects her motives, as well.

 

Kim Watters, ON WINGS OF LOVE, Steeple Hill, ISBN 978-0373875825

Ruth Fontaine's job is to deliver lifesaving organs. But the gruff pilot of her charter plane has no kind words for her work. And then she discovers the heartbreaking reason why. Noah Barton lost his wife and young son. Grieving, he gave in to pressure to donate his child's organs--a decision he regrets. He's bitter against those who "take advantage" of people's anguish. Yet he still flies her on her missions, with his beloved dog, Houston, as his copilot. Now Ruth will have to show Noah he has two other copilots: the Lord and her love. [book trailer on website]

 

Sue-Ellen Welfonder w/a Allie Mackay, SOME LIKE IT KILTED, Penguin/NAL, ISBN 978-0-451-22893-2

A ghost's home is his castle - and she's about to storm the gates. Ex-flight attendant Mindy Menlove lives in a castle transported from Scotland to Pennsylvania. When she decides to sell, her plans unravel. She's bound for the Hebrides where she's confronted by her castle's builder, Bran of Barra, a legendary Highland chieftain. Bran enjoys his ghostly pleasures until Mindy arrives to restore his home. She hasn't accepted the task willingly and if Bran doesn't change her mind about his bonny homeland-and him- neither of them will ever find peace. But unexpected passion can be most powerful….

 

Eileen Wilks, BLOOD MAGIC, 6th in the World of the Lupi series, Berkley, ISBN 978-0-425-23305-4

Lily Yu is a homicide cop turned FBI agent, part of the Bureau's MCD-that's the Magical Crimes Division. Lily became a cop to stop the monsters . . . though it was human monsters she had in mind. These days, the perps she tracks may be a lot more-or a lot less-than human. In Blood Magic, Lily and her lupi mate, Rule Turner, are faced with their most dangerous opponent yet. One the law can't touch. One who can't be killed. One willing to wait for centuries to achieve what really matters. Revenge.

 

Michèle Young w/a Ann Lethbridge, WICKED RAKE, DEFIANT MISTRESS, Mills and Boon UK, ISBN 978-0263875690

Stand and deliver! When a mysterious woman holds him at gunpoint, Garrick Le Clere, Marquess of Beauworth, knows he's finally met his match. Alone, with her home lost to creditors, Lady Eleanor Hadley has taken drastic steps. She's without hope - until a notorious rake offers as way out of her predicament... When will Garrick discover his new mistress is not only a virgin, but also a Lady - with a dangerous secret life? The pleasure she brings may be just what he needs to soothe the pain from his past.

 

MARCH 2010

Dara Girard, WORDS OF SEDUCTION, Harlequin Kimani Romance, ISBN 978-0-373-86155-2

 

Alesia Holliday w/a Alyssa Day, ATLANTIS REDEEMED, Berkley, ISBN 978-0425233030 (3/2/10)

Poseidon's warriors have learned that the battle to protect humanity produces unexpected enemies and even more unexpected alliances. When a group of human scientists joins with the vampires in their plan to enthrall and enslave humanity, only an emotionless Atlantean with a deadly attraction to a human woman can stop them… When truth and emotion collide--Atlantis is redeemed.

 

HelenKay Dimon, UNDER THE GUN, Harlequin Intrigue, ISBN 9780373694631(3/18)

Who wanted her dead? That's what Claire Samson wanted to know. On the run and alone, there was only one man she trusted to find her. Recovery agent Luke Hathaway was the best at locating and saving, and she needed the best if she wanted to live. But every second that brings them closer together is also ticking toward an explosive confrontation that might tear them apart….

 

HelenKay Dimon, LEAVE ME BREATHLESS, Kensington Brava, ISBN 9780758229076

According to Judge Bennett Walker, trying to kill him is a dumb idea. They might make him wear a big black nightgown to work, but it covers a lot of muscles. He's an ex-prosecutor and an ex-GI Joe. So when Callie Robbins is assigned protect him, Ben has a few issues. He doesn't need a bodyguard. And she's a 130-pound girl-more smoking hot than smoking gun. Keeping it professional - that might be impossible

 

Samantha Hunter, "I Wish He Might..." in BLAZING BEDTIME STORIES, Vol IV, Harlequin Blaze, ISBN 978-0373795291

Nina Larson has a personal genie...seductive, sexy Alec! Her every wish is his command...and does she ever have some X-rated wishes! Each desire he fulfills propels her into another, even hotter one. But Nina holds the key to Alec's freedom. Problem is, she's not sure she can surrender the most fantastic sex of her life.

 

Susan Lyons, "Private Eyes" in SOME LIKE IT ROUGH, Kensington Aphrodisia, ISBN 9780758238986

Assigned to work undercover as an exotic dancer, straight-laced Haley Croft discovers the thrill of strutting her stuff. And when she catches sexy PI Ry Montana checking out her moves, she can't wait to give him his own private show... "A tempting treat of a tale, Private Eyes will leave you smiling" (Romance Reviews Today). "Susan Lyons has a way of telling a tale that has you enraptured" (Coffee Time Romance).

 

Lisa Manuel w/a Allison Chase, MOST EAGERLY YOURS, Signet Eclipse, ISBN 978-0451228949

Book one in a new series, Her Majesty's Secret Servants: Raised on their uncle's country estate, the four orphaned Sutherland sisters formed a close friendship with the young Princess Victoria. Shortly before her coronation as queen, Victoria asks the sisters to serve her in matters requiring the utmost discretion. They are to become her secret servants. The first to serve is Laurel, who poses as a widow to uncover a traitor, and discovers instead an irresistible rogue conducting his own undercover investigation.

 

Alexis Morgan, DEFEAT THE DARKNESS, Pocket Star, ISBN 978 1 4165 6345 7

Hunter Fitzsimon isn't what Tate Justice expected in a tenant for the apartment above her garage. Hunter's mission is to protect the barrier between Earth and Kalithia against the Paladins' enemies -a job easier done without his sexy landlady nosing around. He decides to teach Tate a lesson with a passionate kiss that brings her to her knees but ignites a red-hot desire deep within his soul. Hunter's world is no place for his fiery lover. Does possessing Tate mean turning his back on his brethren or will Hunter forsake her for the harsh duty that's all he's ever known?

 

Mary Jo Putney, NEVER LESS THAN A LADY (The Lost Lords series), Kensington, ISBN 978-1-4201-0389-8

As the sole remaining heir to the Earl of Daventry, battle weary Major Alexander Randall knows his duty: find a demure, lady-like wife and sire a son. But the woman who haunts his imagination is Julia Bancroft-a widowed village midwife with shattering secrets that thrust her into Randall's protection. Though a union with the handsome, enigmatic major she barely knows offers safety, Julia fears she can never trust any man again. But as passion slowly warms her damaged heart, she starts to hope that perhaps a Lost Lord can teach her what a true marriage can be.

 

Wendy Wax, MAGNOLIA WEDNESDAYS, Berkley Trade Paperback, ISBN 978-0-425-23235-4

 

Janet Woods, STRAW IN THE WIND, Severn House UK, ISBN 9780727868930 (3/25/10)

The stand-alone sequel to Salting the Wound 1835, England. A married woman, pregnant with her sea-captain lover's child, dies giving birth. The child, Serafina Finn, is abandoned to an orphanage and grows up longing to feel that she belongs somewhere. Eighteen years later, her father, hearing rumours that his lost daughter survived, dispatches a detective, Adam Chapman, to discover the truth. Adam finds, and falls in love with, Serafina - but, even if he can prove her identity, will her real family accept her?

 

APRIL 2010

Thea Devine, SEX, LIES, & SECRET LIVES, Pocket Books, ISBN 978-1416562658 (April 27, 2010)

When her identical twin sister disappears, Justine Durant slips into the sex-fueled, high-stakes life she never knew her sister lived: escort to some of the richest, most powerful men in the world.. And it's clear Jillian loves and lives for the lifestyle. Searching for clues, Justine plunges into a world of carnal extravagance, becoming locked in a sexual power struggle with a man who could be her ally or her worst enemy. And she must play this dangerous game to perfection and win … if she and Jillian are to survive.

 

Carolyn Hart, LAUGHED 'TIL HE DIED, William Morrow, ISBN 978-0061453090 (4/6/10)

In LAUGHED 'TIL HE DIED, the 20th title in the Death on Demand series, an innocent woman faces arrest unless Annie and Max Darling solve three inter-locking puzzles: The pulled-out pant pockets of a murder victim, three guns that appear and disappear, and the whereabouts of a runaway teenager who may know too much.

 

Kay Hooper, IN SERENA'S WEB, Bantam

 

Susan Lyons w/a Susan Fox, LOVE, UNEXPECTEDLY, Kensington Brava, ISBN 9780758238269 Nav Bharani is in love with his neighbour, Kat Fallon, but she's stuck him in the buddy trap. Her train trip from Montreal is his opportunity to play "stranger on the train" and seduce her into seeing him in a whole new light - and realizing he's the man of her dreams. This is Book 2 in the Wild Ride to Love series that started with Sex Drive by Susan Lyons (Dec 2009).

 

Patti O'Shea, IN THE DARKEST NIGHT, Tor, ISBN 9780765361707

Kel Andrews has spent the last year living with nightmares and flashbacks. Unwilling to share what happened, he's withdrawn from his family and the Gineal council has removed him from his position as a troubleshooter. But when a woman shows up asking for protection from a demon, Kel reluctantly agrees to help--and finds himself facing an unexpected adversary, one he doesn't know how to fight.

 

Mary Jo Putney, ONE PERFECT ROSE (Reissue), Kensington , ISBN 978-1420108521

A doctor's grim diagnosis has Stephen Kenyon, the new Duke of Ashburton, fleeing from his duties, determined to experience life as never before. Traveling incognito, he falls in with a warm-hearted theatrical family and becomes entranced by their lovely adopted daughter, Rosalind Jordan. Despite his misgivings, Stephen proposed to Rosalind since marriage will benefit them both. The warm companionship and profound passion they share is greater than Stephen has ever known. But each passing, perfect day together is a bittersweet reminder that love is the one thing he cannot offer, and the one thing she can never admit…

 

Patricia Sargeant, HEATED RIVALRY, Kensington Publishing, ISBN 075823144X

Ex-NBA-star-turned-advertising-executive Steven Crennell fakes an engagement to Valerie Parker, his boss's daughter, to escape the persistent attentions of his ex-fiancee. But, when Valerie requests a favor in return, is the price too high for both of them?

 

Maxine Sullivan, HIS RING, HER BABY (Billionaires & Babies Series, HIS RING, HER BABY (Billionaires & Babies Series), Silhouette Desire, ISBN 978-0-373-73021-6

The job title was housekeeper, not fiancée! But billionaire cattleman Kirk Deverill couldn't throw the lovely single mom off his ranch. Especially when he knew the job would help her keep her son. Of course, the eligible bachelor hadn't expected her to tell everyone she was also Kirk's bride-to-be! He agreed to Vanessa's ruse for her adorable son's sake. And for the opportunity to claim some "husbandly" pleasures. Of course, making their fake engagement a real union was never going to happen. The Outback loner had his reasons…and even the most desirable of women wouldn't get him to change his mind.

 

Michèle Young w/a Ann Lethbridge, WICKED RAKE, DEFIANT MISTRESS, Harlequin Historicals, ISBN 978-0373295920

Stand and deliver! When a mysterious woman holds him at gunpoint, Garrick Le Clere, Marquess of Beauworth, knows he's finally met his match. Alone, with her home lost to creditors, Lady Eleanor Hadley has taken drastic steps. She's without hope - until a notorious rake offers as way out of her predicament... When will Garrick discover his new mistress is not only a virgin, but also a Lady - with a dangerous secret life? The pleasure she brings may be just what he needs to soothe the pain from his past.