The talented author Mia Marlowe has been kind enough to showcase the finalists of the Writing with the Stars contest on her blog.

 I’m showcased today and there’s another very short excerpt from Seducing Charlotte.

Check it out! And leave a comment if you’d like.

I just finished reading Mary Jo Putney’s One Perfect Rose. And I found it to be…well…just about perfect.

When Stephen Kenyon, Duke of Ashburton, finds out he is dying, he sets off on a journey to come to terms with the devastating news. He hooks up with a traveling acting troop and falls in love with Rosalind, one of the players.

Putney’s sensitive portrayal of Stephen’s changing emotions is particularly complex, insightful and poignant. She expertly delves into his maelstrom of emotions: the desperation, fear, anger and, finally, some acceptance. Putney’s excellent characterization also heightens the bittersweetness of Stephen’s relationship with Rose since both of them know time is running out.

Of course, this is a romance novel so there is a happily ever after. The twist of how this happens is both surprising and satisfying. Putney leaves clues along the way but my theory as to what was really wrong with Stephen turned out to be completely wrong!

If you’re looking for a particularly satisfying romantic read, I highly recommend One Perfect Rose.

Next up for me: Mary Wine’s Highland Hellcat. It’s the follow up to To Conquer a Highlander, which I first picked up after Mary was assigned to be my mentor in the Writing with the Stars contest.

Writing With the Stars

 For those who don’t know, I am one of 10 finalists vying for the top prize in the contest: to be published by Kensington Brava!  In the first round, readers of RT Book Reviews vote for the Best First Paragraph and Last Line.

Click here to read all of the entries.

I hope you will consider voting for my entry, Seducing Charlotte. Be warned though, it’s a little spicy! And, if you want to read more,  here’s a sample of the FIRST CHAPTER.

There are only four days left to cast your vote in the first round. VOTING is quick and easy. You can click in, vote and be out in under a minute

I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY hope to move into the next round but I can’t get there without your help!

I truly appreciate your support!

Leading romance publisher Harlequin is making some changes.

One of those moves includes phasing out its well-known Silhouette line.The series will now be called Harlequin instead.

In a letter to its authors, the publisher says the move comes at the suggestion of a leading branding company.

Silhouette Nocturne was already renamed Harlequin Nocturne in June 2010. Special Edition, Romantic Suspense and Desire will debut with their new Harlequin brand in April.

The company believes stamping the Harlequin name on the series will strengthen the brand. Makes sense to me.

The Steeple Hill logo is also riding off into the sunset. It will be replaced by Love Inspired as the primary imprint for Harlequin’s inspirational fiction line.

Read more about all of the Harlequin changes HERE.

What I’m Reading…

By the way, I just finished Liz Carlyle’s latest offering, One Touch of Scandal.

It’s an enjoyable read although I found it to be a slight departure from her previous novels.

The hero, Ruthveyn, belongs to a secret ancient society and possesses dark gifts that he grapples with. He falls for Grace Gauthier, a governess who might be guilty of killing her employer, who was also about to become her betrothed.

Next on my reading list is a throw-back: Mary Jo Putney’s One Perfect Rose, which was re-released by Kensington in April 2010.  

And don’t forget…

If you haven’t already, please take a moment to vote in the Writing with the Stars contest. I am one of 10 finalists vying for the top prize: to be published by Kensington Brava!  In the first round, readers of RT Book Reviews vote for the Best First Paragraph and Last Line.

Click here to read all of the entries.

I hope you will consider voting for my entry, Seducing Charlotte. Be warned though, it’s a little spicy! And, if you want to read more,  here’s a sample of the FIRST CHAPTER.

VOTING is quick and easy. You can click in and out in under a minute. I promise.