Monday, June 15, 2015

Now Available - The Royal Bastard

It's here! The Royal Bastard, the fourth book in the Royal Scandals series, is available everywhere. If you haven't read the other books in the series, never fear: this was designed to be enjoyed either alone or as part of the overall series.

The story features wealthy, reclusive Rocco Cornaro and his estranged wife, World Cup skier Justine Flyte.

Want a taste?  Here's the beginning:


Chapter One



            Five hours after Rocco Cornaro buried his mother, having tossed the last shovelful of dirt over her grave while wishing her a swift ascent to heaven, Satan knocked at his front door.


More accurately: Satan’s driver rang the bell at Rocco’s wrought iron security gate.


Rocco stood at a second story window in his Dubrovnik villa, seething at the gall of the woman hidden behind the tinted windows of the rented black Mercedes.  The uniformed driver hadn’t given his client’s name, but Rocco knew.  Her appearance was inevitable after she’d phoned two days ago and he’d hung up after informing her that he had no interest in anything she had to say.  He’d thought she’d at least give him the day of his mother’s funeral in peace, but apparently royals did what they wanted when they wanted, and to hell with anyone else.


Rocco took a seat in his late stepfather’s favorite worn leather chair, kicked his feet onto the windowsill, and dragged his palms over his face.  Keeping it together while delivering his mother’s graveside eulogy was the toughest thing he’d done in his life.  Despite the emotion that threatened to overwhelm him, he’d made it through, his voice resolute as he addressed the small gathering of friends and family.  He finished a heartbeat before spying his wife watching from the shadows of a tree near the edge of the cemetery.  There was no mistaking Justine’s stature, still lean and tight as any Olympic athlete, nor the fact she recoiled as he glanced in her direction.  He hadn’t invited her, and she hadn’t intended to be seen.


What was it with women showing up where they weren’t wanted today? 

Thank God his siblings hadn’t noticed Justine standing alongside the trunk of the thick oak.  Double thanks that they hadn’t accompanied him back to his residence to see the sleek Mercedes now parked outside.  It would’ve spurred even more questions than his wife’s appearance. 


Rocco leaned forward in his chair to take another look outside.  The driver spoke near the Mercedes’ cracked rear window, nodded, then returned to the gate and folded his hands in front of him in a show of resolve.  On the roadway behind the Mercedes, a red BMW belonging to Rocco’s uphill neighbor slowed as it passed on its way to the heart of the city.


“Damn it all to hell.” 


“Sir?”  Kos Horvat stood in the doorway of Rocco’s study.  Twice Kos had informed the driver that Rocco was not available.  Twice the driver had insisted that Rocco would wish an audience with his passenger and that they would wait.


Rocco swirled the amber liquid inside the crystal tumbler he clutched in one hand, then took a long, slow sip, savoring the burn as it made its way down the back of his throat.  If anyone could be deterred from darkening Rocco’s entrance, Kos was the man to deter them.  Not only did he manage Rocco’s properties, he had extensive security expertise and a build as powerful and unyielding as Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls.  But Queen Fabrizia, whose husband ruled the wealthy Mediterranean island nation of Sarcaccia, apparently wasn’t one to be put off by a burly, sour-faced Croatian with a voice rough enough to intimidate men twice her size.  Nor was she one whose mood would improve with the delay.


“Talking to myself, Kos.”  Rocco rose from the chair and turned away from the window.  “Allow the visitor to enter, but the car and driver stay outside the gates.  If this person is so anxious to see me, they can walk.”


The corner of Kos’s mouth twitched.  It was as close to a smile as the big man ever revealed.  “Of course.”

 I hope you enjoy Rocco and Justine's adventure!  For more on the story, behind the scenes info, and links to bookstores, please visit The Royal Bastard page on my website.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Now Available in German...

Attention German readers! Two of my classic Silhouette Romances are now available in the EU in German language editions.





Romana Extra #29, which is on stands now, contains the German translation of Going to the Castle, the first book I ever published. Set in the fictional country of San Rimini, it tells the story of a crown prince reluctant to marry and the refugee camp worker who helps him see the world--and his role in it--in a new way.

Romana Extra #30, which will be released on Tuesday, June 16, contains the German translation of Falling for Prince Federico, which is set in the same fictional country as Going to the Castle. It features the crown prince's younger brother, who is a single father to two rambunctious boys, and the woman he hires to help care for them.

I haven't seen the German editions yet, so I look forward to hearing what you think of the translations (particularly those of you who've read them in English already and then try the German versions!)

CORRECTION  (posted three hours later...)  The book being included in Romana Extra #30 this coming Tuesday is NOT Falling for Prince Federico as I originally thought. Instead, it's another book in the same series, The Prince's Tutor.  It's the book that immediately followed Going to the Castle, and is about the family's youngest--and wildest--sibling, Prince Stefano di Talora. 

My guess is that, with the first two books in the series now being released in German, the others--including Falling For Prince Federico--won't be far behind. If and when I get more info, I'll share it here ASAP.

  

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Eternity Springs



Many of you know I'm a huge fan of Emily March's Eternity Springs romance series. What I like best is that, though they're all set in the same fictional small mountain town in Colorado, the challenges the characters face and plot twists are different every time. Well-written, emotional, and fun...they're simply fantastic reads.

Right now, Goodreads is running a virtual book club for anyone interested in reading (or re-reading!) the series. There will be discussion, of course, as well as giveaways galore. Emily March herself will be checking in, so this is a great opportunity to get to know the author. Invite your romance reading friends or book club members and ENJOY! Check it out right here on Goodreads.