July Coming Attractions

Can you believe this year is already half over? We've had so many amazing books and wonderful authors visit the Lair already, and there is yet another half-year yet to come. If July is any indication, you're all going to have a ton of fabulous books stacking up on your teetering TBR piles.

Check out these wonderful authors visiting us this month:


On July 5, Patricia Rice returns to the Lair with the latest in her Rebellious Sons historical series, The Devilish Montague. Join Patricia and Nancy and see how a stolen parrot brings Blake Montague and Jocelyn Byrd-Carrington to the altar.



Then on July 7th, Aunty Cindy hosts Rita Nominee Kendra Leigh Castle whose new series Dark Dynasties debuted a few days ago with Dark Awakening. (Aunty drools over hunky cover)

Will a vampire's vow of eternal protection stop the evil forces a human Seer has the power to awaken...or will he unleash her dark destiny?

Rose Maybud will be Donna's guest on the 8th. And the fabulously fun MJ Fredrick will be hanging out with Trish on the 9th, chatting about her summer releases.

Then on Monday, 11th July, Anna Campbell talks to historical romance author Christina Brooke (www.christina-brooke.com) about her wonderful new series THE MINISTRY OF MARRIAGE. The first book in the series, HEIRESS IN LOVE, is out in July and it’s a humdinger! And isn’t that such a pretty cover?


Later in the month, on July 19, thriller author Jon Land makes his Lair debut. He and Nancy will chat about Strong at the Break, the latest installment in his series about fifth-ge neration Texas Ranger Caitlin Strong.


On Wednesday, 27th July, lair regular Miranda Neville (www.mirandaneville.com) and Anna Campbell will talk about Miranda’s fantastic new release THE AMOROUS EDUCATION OF CELIA SEATON. I’m so looking forward to reading this book – Miranda’s THE DANGEROUS VISCOUNT was one of my favorite reads last year.



Sandy Blair is chatting with Suz on July 28th.






Lair favorite Marie Force returns on July 31st to celebrate the launch of book three of her "Fatal" series: Fatal Consequences.


The murder of two members of the Capitol Cleaning Service might’ve been just another homicide investigation—that is If one of them hadn’t been romantically involved with a married senator from Arizona. Racing to catch a killer before he can strike again, Lt. Sam Holland and her fiancé, U.S. Senator Nick Cappuano, attempt to plan a wedding while her colleague Detective Tommy “Gonzo” Gonzales faces life-changing news.

Whew!! As usual, I'm inspired and impressed by the variety of talented authors who visit with us. And even more impressed with the gorgeous covers!! Wowza, baby. Talk about hot (especially the hot pink). And with even more Bandita fun, be sure to check out this great contest!


Anna Campbell is running a Mammoth and Midnight contest in July and August. Anna’s giving away THREE signed copies of THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF REGENCY ROMANCE which includes her mini-novella “Upon a Midnight Clear”. Winners will also receive a bonus signed http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifcopy of MIDNIGHT’S WILD PASSION. All you need to do to be in the draw is email Anna on anna@annacampbell.info and tell her http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifthe names of the two characters who appear in the excerpt from “The Chinese Bed” on her website. You’ll find the answer here: http://www.annacampbell.info/chinesebed.html The contest closes 31st August, 2011. For more information, please visit Anna’s contest page: http://www.annacampbell.info/contest.html


Now that's enough to keep your July steaming hot, isn't it?! Be sure to drop by the blog all month long, as you can see, we're going to have a great time. Source URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2011/06/
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Celebrity Closets:Kate Middleton Canada Tour Outfits

Kate Middleton is having a tour to Canada and California. Find out what stylish outfits she got from her closet and packed for her current tour.

While boarding a plane at London’s Heathrow Airport, Kate Middleton sported a Roland Mouret silk and cotton blend sheath dress topped with a Smythe one-button blazer, a Smythe one-button blazer.


Upon her arrival in Ottawa, Canada, she appeared in a navy lace Erdem shift dress form the label’s 2012 resort collection, a nude patent leather L.K. Bennett heels and a nude clutch.



Source:InStyle.com
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Brooke Book Winners!

posted by Christina Brooke

These lucky readers have each won a signed copy of HEIRESS IN LOVE!

Pat
JenniferTanner
Sheila
Diane
LaurieG

And the hardback goes to...

Danielle Gorman!

Please contact me at christina AT christina-brooke DOT com with your snail address details to claim your prize.

Congratulations, ladies!

Looking for another chance to win? Anna Campbell and I are running a fabulous double act on facebook--sign up here to win signed hardback copies of HEIRESS IN LOVE and MIDNIGHT'S WILD PASSION!Source URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2011/06/
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Christian Louboutin 8-Inch Stiletto Pumps

We often see celebrities like Victoria Beckham wear Christian Louboutin sky-high heels. Now, Christian Louboutin step up to the next level by creating a pair of 8-inch stilettos that is made from silk and Swarovski crystals. This one-of-a-kind shoes will be auctioned off to benefit the English National Ballet.


Photo Source: Racked.com
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New Shots of Hailee Steinfeld for Miu Miu

Here are the two new shots of Hailee Steinfeld for Miu Miu Fall 2011 ad campaign.




Photo Source: Nymag.com
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A (Surprise!) Release Party for Christina Brooke

by Christina Brooke (aka Christine Wells)

Break out the cabana boys and get your dancing shoes on because it's time for a very special SURPRISE Release Party in the lair!

By the time you read this, I will be at RWA in New York, squeeing and hugging the Banditas and Bandita Buddies who are there, and missing the ones who aren't like crazy. Oh, and hopefully signing copies of my new book, HEIRESS IN LOVE!

Yes, it's a long time since I had a new book out and finally I can tell you the reason--I'm so thrilled to be writing a brand new Regency historical series for St. Martin's Press, called the Ministry of Marriage or M.O.M. for short. You can read more here.

The series is about six Westruther cousins, three boys and three girls, who have grown up under the guardianship of the Duke of Montford. In this first trilogy, we begin with the girls, Jane, Lady Roxdale in HEIRESS IN LOVE, Lady Rosamund Westruther (MAD ABOUT THE EARL, January 3, 2012) and Lady Cecily Westruther (A DUCHESS TO REMEMBER, July 2012).



Here is the official trailer, which gives you an idea of what HEIRESS IN LOVE is about. You can read more on my website.



Hope you were wearing flame-resistant glasses for that one! And I'm not talking about the candles:)

When Jane and Constantine first meet, they are immediately at loggerheads. Constantine has inherited the house Jane lives in but she doesn't realize at first who this disturbingly handsome stranger is...

JANE OPENED HER EYES and a large form filled her vision—or at least, he filled the doorway—dark hair tousled beyond any recognizable style, heavy-lidded eyes trained on her, and a cigarillo clamped between very white teeth.

She gasped. The rider she’d seen from the upstairs window.

Now, he was close enough to reach out and touch. He smiled at her around that horrible cigarillo, Jane realized with dismay. Her heart lurched into a frantic dance.

Jane’s mind fixed on the source of that smoke as a drowning woman might clutch at a rope. She shoved Rosamund’s handkerchief into her pocket and scowled up at him. “I hope you aren’t going to puff on that disgusting thing in here.”

The man’s green eyes narrowed, observing her for a moment. Then his lips closed around the repellant object. The hollows in his cheeks deepened; the end of the cigarillo glowed amber. Deliberately, he removed the cigarillo from his mouth, tilted his head and blew smoke upward. The stream of cloudy gray passed between his well-formed lips, lifting, clouding, curling in tendrils to caress the plasterwork.

In that attitude, the slightly stubborn jut of his chin became pronounced. Despite her annoyance at his studied disregard for her wishes, Jane’s fascinated gaze traced the strong lines of his throat as they disappeared into a stark white cravat.

The stranger turned and pitched the butt off the terrace in a sailing arc, into the rain.

As if the heavens resented this wanton act, they opened, hurling water down in sheets. The wind gave a ghostly howl. Blood red curtains billowed around him, and the fanciful image of a devil stepping out of hell popped into her head. The gentleman moved inside and closed the long window behind him, shutting out the storm.

Jane shot from her chair, which brought her within discomfiting distance of the stranger’s tall form. He smelled—not unpleasantly—of horse leathers and rain and the exotic hint of Spanish smoke.

They both moved at once, and she fetched up against him in a heady brush of palm to chest, side to muscular thigh. Two large, strong hands gripped her upper arms to steady her. “Whoa there.”

The heat from his palms and fingers seeped into her chilled skin. He seemed even larger than he’d appeared from beneath her window. She had to crane her neck to look up at him and his decided chin.

A sudden fire glinted beneath those lazy eyelids. She almost expected him to hold her longer, but he unhanded her almost before she’d regained her balance. She retreated a hasty step and the backs of her knees hit her chair.

The stranger smiled, another flash made brighter by the contrasting swarthiness of his face. “No, no! Don’t go on my account.” His voice, a husky tenor, plucked its way down her spine.

Jane frowned. Who did he think he was? A gentleman did not barge into private rooms without an invitation. “Oh, I’m not going anywhere. You’ll find the other mourners in the drawing room, sir.”

“I know. That’s why I’m in the library.” The corners of his eyes crinkled. “You don’t have the faintest idea who I am, do you?”

She was beginning to think she did.

As if a new series and a new name weren't exciting enough, I'm delighted to announce that Penguin Australia is releasing the Ministry of Marriage series in trade paperback at the same time as the mass market comes out in the U.S.

The Australian cover is slightly different from the U.S. one, although the beautiful girl in the pink gown is still there.

So to celebrate in style with my favourite people in Romancelandia, today I'm offering a signed copy of HEIRESS IN LOVE to FIVE readers who answer this question:

What's your favourite first meeting in a romance novel? Any cute true life first meeting stories to tell?

And just for today, in a shameless piece of bribery, I am offering a bonus prize of one HARDBACK edition of HEIRESS IN LOVE! All you have to do to go into the draw is sign up for my newsletter here and tell me in the comments that you've joined my mailing list! Let's party everyone!Source URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2011/06/
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2011 Minnesota Golden Gophers Football Tickets Now Available!

Heyyy Minnesota Golden Gopher football fans!! I know summer just began but that also means football season is right around the corner and will be here before we know it. If you're a die-hard Gopher football fan and you just cannot wait for the season to begin, why not get it started now by ordering your Minnesota Golden Gopher football tickets early!? That way you have a bigger selection of seats to choose from and you won't have to worry about finding them later on. Another reason is that ticket prices can fluctuate as time goes on depending on the market value, so you may end up paying more for the same seat location later on. If you would like to order your tickets early, Ticket King has Minnesota Golden Gophers tickets available NOW. Just check the 2011 Gophers football schedule on our website to find the game you want to attend, then click Buy Tickets! It's that easy. GO GOPHERS!!



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Cheap MN Zoo Amphitheatre Taj Mahal Tickets

The internationally recognized blues musician known as Taj Mahal will be performing at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheatre tonight at 7PM. If you aren't aware, Henry Saint Clair Fredericks is the man behind Taj Mahal and is known for combining various forms of world music into his offerings. He is a self-taught singer-songwriter and film composer that can play the guitar, banjo and harmonica, among many other instruments. He has helped to reshaped the definition and scope of blues music over his almost 50 year career. If you're a blues fan, you owe it to yourself to see Taj Mahal perform LIVE tonight! Check out our remaining Taj Mahal tickets and get yours before it's too late. We currently have seats as low as $28 in the center section, which is far below face value! But don't expect these to last much longer - get yours now!Source URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2011/06/
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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Transformers New York Premiere

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley sported a red Antonio Berardi gown at the premiere of Transformers: Dark of the Moon last Tuesday in NYC’s Times Square. She paired the red hot gown with Christian Louboutin shoes.


Photo Source: redcarpet-fashionawards.com
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Smurfette Style In Harper's Bazaar August Issue

Although Anne Hathaway is on the cover of Harper's Bazaar August Issue, Smurfette, star of The Smurfs movie got her own spotlight on the pages of the said fashion magazine. The blue diva sported some of the season’s best accessories.

Are you feeling blue today? Check out Smurfette's fashion style!

Marc Jacobs


Lanvin


Dolce & Gabbana


Louis Vuitton

Photo Source: harpersbazaar.comSource URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2011/06/
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Celebrity Closets: Taylor Swift vs. Katie Holmes

Taylor Swift and Katie Holmes have one thing in common on their closets: Contrarian New York's backless dress.

Taylor Swift sported this dress (lavender version) at Brooks & Dunn's Last Rodeo Show in Las Vegas last April with silver Christian Louboutin peep-toe slingbacks. On the other hand, Katie Holmes appeared in L.A. Film Festival screening of Don't Be Afraid of the Dark with the same dress (midnight-blue version)and nude Lanvin T-strap stilettos. Who look better?


Photo Source:eonline.com
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Authors in Real Life

by Susan Sey

Greetings from New York City, where the Romance Writers of America is kicking off its national conference today! If you're here, wheeee! If you're at home, booooo. We miss you.

This is the time of year when we all frantically try to match up the faces we see in the halls to the author photos we see on the internet & in the back of books. It's no easy task. We lose weight, we gain weight. We cut our hair, we color our hair. We put on make up, we take make up off.

And my personal favorite--we change our clothes.

I spent most of last year's conference trying to keep up with all the people who introduced themselves to me at the Literacy Signing that first night. Now I'm terrible with names & faces but I tried so hard. I really looked at people, I repeated their names the way you're supposed to. I shook hands, I hugged, I really thought I had it.

Then they all went and changed their shirts the next day & I was lost. Utterly lost.

This creates something of a social landmine. You don't want to sit down at lunch & cheerfully introduce yourself to your neighbor, only to have her remind you that you hugged her less than twenty-four hours ago. Right after she bought four copies of your book.

Equally unsettling is introducing yourself to your neighbor at lunch & having her blink in dismay & say, "Oh, wow, you don't look like your author photo at ALL."

Ha. Nope.

So here are two things I want to say as the conference kicks off:

1) I am not as cute as my author photo. Yes, my hair's short again & I got a pedicure for the occasion, but I will not be wearing make up. Not during the day anyway. It bugs my eyes. Feel free to express dismay at my appearance if you meet me. I'll laugh, then we can go get a Diet Coke & talk about how our high heels are killing us.

2) I will probably forget your name. I'm so sorry. This is a horrible social failing but I get nervous around new people and when I'm nervous I fail to remember important things. Like their names. But remind me. I will hug you most sincerely (I'm a very sincere hugger) and then we can go get a drink because if I forgot your name I'll be horrified & I'll need a drink. Then you can tell me something embarrassing you just did, or hit me with your pitch, & I'll tell you about the ridiculous thing I just did & I'll remember you because we drank & talked & shared our humiliations.

So, hey, make me feel better, huh? Share a social gaffe--a case of mistaken identity, a failure to remember a time/date/person, etc. Because I'm bound to be hip deep in humiliation at this point & I could use a good laugh.

p.s. I'm racing around the conference like a crazy girl, so I'll be scarce on the comments today but I promise I'll savor every word when I have two minutes to myself & reliable internet access!Source URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2011/06/
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Princess Diana vs Kate Middleton on Newsweek

The most recent cover of Newsweek magazine features a computer-generated image of Princess Diana walking with Kate Middleton. According to the magazine, Princess Diana will be turning 50 this Friday and they created an image that projects the princess at her golden age.

The Newsweek magazine also features an imagined Diana Facebook page and a slideshow comparing the fashion styles of Diana and Kate Middleton. To know what's inside these celebrities closet, grab a copy of the magazine. Who do you think will win in this fashion face-off? The mother-in-law or the daughter-in-law?

Source: msnbc.msn.com

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Give me more peN.Ne

My current obsession: penne arrabiata! I just cannot get enough of this simple, yet delicious pasta with a tomato/chili sauce (and garlic!). I had this three times (in the same restaurant) last week! I also like ordering it because the name is fun / a challenge to pronounce. Can you roll your r's?

But more importantly, do say penne properly: pen-neh. If you just say pen-eh, it means something rather different (hint: male body part)...!



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Inexpensive Roy Wilkins Auditorium A Perfect Circle Tickets

Rock supergroup A Perfect Circle formed in 1999 in Los Angeles, California. Although the group has gone through several lineup changes over the years, the content of their songs has remained consistent with Billy Howerdel, a former guitar tech for Nine Inch Nails, as the guitarist  & composer and former Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan penning the lyrics. Since their debut together, the band has released three studio albums and are currently on tour. If you would like your chance to see them at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul next Wednesday, July 6th, you'd better get your A Perfect Circle tickets now! We've only got a few left and they're currently priced BELOW face value, meaning they won't last long. Prices currently start at just $49 each - get yours today before they're gone!
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Minnesota Twins vs. Milwaukee Brewers Tickets

Hey Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers fans!! The series you've all been waiting for is finally right around the corner at just 3 days away. Starting this Friday evening, the Minnesota Twins will welcome our favorite neighborly rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers, to Target Field for a 3-day series running all weekend into Sunday afternoon. If you don't have plans for Independence Day weekend, why not celebrate it with some good old fashioned American baseball?! Ticket King is your #1 source for the best Minnesota Twins vs. Milwaukee Brewers tickets around! We have the biggest selection to choose from at prices you're willing to pay. Don't believe me? Check them out for yourself! We currently have seats as low as $24 on Friday; $17 on Saturday or $27 for Sunday. Also, don't forget any of our tickets can easily be picked up from our Minneapolis office on your way to the game! We're conveniently located on the corner of Washington & Chicago Avenues and open until game time everyday. Get your tickets today! GO TWINS!!Source URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2011/06/
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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Transformers Promotion Style in Europe

Transformers: Dark of the Moon will be on the theaters this Wednesday. The new female lead, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley promoted the movie in Europe with a good sense of fashion. Let us take a peek on the celebrity closet and find out what she wore during the promotion.

At the film’s Berlin premiere Saturday, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore a cap-sleeve, open-back trumpet gown by Naeem Khan. At a press conference, she sported a curve-hugging maroon dress and nude heels. In London, she appeared on a sapphire-blue custom Burberry dress and at an after-party she opted for a sexy peek-a-boo Burberry number and open-toed booties.


Soure: People.com
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Beyonce Gold Glastonbury Fashion Style

Beyonce created a fashion buzz at England’s Glastonbury music festival last weekend. For the occassion, she wore a sequined gold mini from French designer Alexandre Vauthier‘s fall 2010 couture collection. The outfit was originally presented as a dress but Beyonce took a bolder step by wearing it as a tunic over black hotpants and accessorized it with a gold belt.


Photo Source: InStyle
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Anne Hathaway Harper’s Bazaar August 2011 Issue

Anne Hathaway will be featured on Harper’s Bazaar August 2011 Issue. See her fashion styles for the said magazine before it hit the newsstands.

Gown by Alexander McQueen.


Silk chiffon gown by Gucci.


Embroidered dress by Miu Miu.


Sweater and skirt by Max Mara. Clutch and boots by Prada.


Dress by Chanel. Flats by Christian Louboutin.


Coat by Prada.


Dress and belt by Valentino. Bag by Miu Miu.

Source: harpersbazaar.com
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Can You Keep An Eye On These Guys?

by Suzanne

As you know the annual Romance Writer's of America National Conference is taking place this week in New York City. I'm really excited to be going this year. It's only my second trip to New York. I get to see many of the hackey hudjson, some of our Bandit Buddies who hang out with us here, my critique partner Sandy Blair who no long lives near me, and this year I get to meet my editor, Jillian Bell, of Ellora's Cave Publishing. How cool is this?


This will be my second year there as a published author and my first as a PAN member. (That stands for Published Author's Network.) So I'll get to learn the secret handshake (Kate Carlisle PROMISED me there was one) and hear all the publishing news at special workshops, (do they have those at the bar?).

But while I'm gone I'm hoping y'all can give me a hand with something. See, I have these guys on my website who have a tendency to get a bit out of hand in a naughty, very sexy sort of way... Well, here, let me show you...


Quinn Halliday, the Dominant hero in my book, The Surrender of Lacy Morgan





Dakota O'Keefe, the second hero in The Surrender of Lacy Morgan



Will Danville, the hero of my second book, which is in the works right now


and soon to come


Ian Smith aka Ian Smythe, Lord Brookstone


And


Nicco DeCosta, the fiery Italian brother

LIKE?

Yeah, I do too! My friend, Kat Baldwin,  www.katbaldwin.com 
did the designs and I'm proud to give her a shout out. You should see the backs.

Oh wait, I didn't tell you, did I? (Can you blame a girl for getting distracted by all this lovely maleness?)

These are the fronts of my new Romance Trading Cards!!! The backs are way cool and give you a feel for what these guys are all about. If you e-mail me @ suzanne@suzanneferrell.com and send me your snail mail addy, I'll happily send you a set! Or if you're at the conference this week, you might pick up a set at the goody room! Supplies will be limited...intentionally!! heheheSource URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2011/06/
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Kate at Wimbledon

Cute dress - I probably wouldn't have chosen it for myself but it looks good on her - and in the spirit of Wimbledon. Have you seen her arms? Very toned, not just skinny - I thought she'd simply lost a lot of weight recently but it looks like she's been working out! 






Dress: Temperley London

Via here & here
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