Single Dad’s Holiday Wedding by Patricia Thayer
Summoned back to her hometown, Lori Hutchinson hides her apprehensions behind a dazzling smile. She may be totally out of her depth, stepping into her father’s corporate shoes, but she has a job to do….
Single dad Jace has learned to rely only on himself and his adorable little daughter. His construction business now depends on him working with Lori—so Jace sets out to prove who’s boss….
But with the holiday season drawing near, it’s not all just business. Jace discovers a sweet, generous woman hiding behind those pinstripes….
The Secret That Changed Everything by Lucy Gordon (Larkville Legacy)
Tired of being in the shadow of her prettier, more popular sisters, Charlotte Patterson decides to leave Manhattan behind and discover just what Italy’s la dolce vita has to offer—good food, fine wine…delicious men?
But even Charlotte’s Roman holiday can’t help her escape a devastating family secret back in Larkville,Texas, and she finds herself seeking solace in the arms of mysterious widower Lucio Constello. Unable to deny their attraction, they share one intensely passionate night together—a night that will affect them more than they could possibly imagine….
Mistletoe Kisses with the Billionaire by Shirley Jump (Holiday Miracles)
Free-spirited journalist Grace McKinnon is happy jet-setting from one adventure to the next. That is, until work beckons her back home for Christmas, to Beckett’s Run—the cozy winter wonderland that contains everything she ran away from years ago, including childhood sweetheart J. C. Carson….
Blazing into town in her red convertible, Grace nearly runs J.C. off the road! And working together to organize the Christmas festival, sparks fly even as their past looms between them.
But with the first snowflakes falling, will Grace be able to resist J.C. under the mistletoe…despite all their differences?
Her Outback Rescuer by Marion Lennox
Hugo Thurston, big-shot billionaire and heir to the Thurston Empire, prefers to keep a low profile. But when traveling on the grand Ghan Railway, he finds himself sharing a dinner table with beautiful ex-ballerina Amy Cotton, who threatens to seriously derail his icy cool!
She may be alluring, but Hugo has no time for distractions. This trip is about making life-changing career decisions…not succumbing to Amy’s charms. But when Amy turns up in his suite, dressed in pink satin pajamas and begging him for help, it might just be too late….
Baby Under the Christmas Tree by Teresa Carpenter
San Diego hockey team’s PR director Elle Austin goes beyond the call of duty to keep their rebel captain in check—even playing nanny to his son!
Max Beasley knows nothing about looking after a baby, so he enlists Elle’s help after little Troy is left on his doorstep by his irresponsible ex.
Maybe it’s the spirit of Christmas, or seeing Max’s softer side, but Elle wishes he saw her as more than just an employee, and that they could give Troy the best gift of all—a family!
The Nanny Who Saved Christmas by Michelle Douglas
This Christmas, Nicola McGillroy will:
1. Be a great nanny to Cade Hindmarsh’s two adorable little girls, and give them the best Christmas they’ve had since their mother left.
2. Enter into the Christmas spirit and forget the fact she should have been planning her own wedding right now.
3. Keep a straight head in her attraction to her gorgeous off-limits boss… Surely this is just a rebound thing and not true love—for both of them?
Snowed in at the Ranch / The Nanny Who Saved Christmas
Cara Colter / Michelle Douglas
Snowed in at the Ranch
As the only child of a single dad, Ty Halliday had wished for a different life, a mother, a family and, when his hopes were shattered, that place in him that dared to dream had died. But when Amy Mitchell takes a wrong turn and ends up snowed in at the Halliday Creek Ranch for Christmas, Ty becomes aware that an ember of hope remains in his hardened soul…
The Nanny Who Saved Christmas
This Christmas, Nanny Nicola McGillroy is determined to be a great nanny to Cade Hindmarsh’s two adorable little girls – and forget her horrible ex-fiancé, along with the fact that she should have been planning her own wedding right now. Only problem is her attraction to her gorgeous, off-limits boss…surely this is just rebound, not true love – for both of them?
The Count’s Christmas Baby / The Rancher’s Unexpected Family
Rebecca Winters / Myrna Mackenzie
The Count‘s Christmas Baby
The hours that Sami Argyle spent in the arms of Italian stranger Count Ric Degenoli were the most amazing of her life. In Ric she found a man she could love for ever – but then tragedy ripped him from her embrace, leaving her expecting his child… Ric has never forgotten Sami, and when they find each other again he’s thrilled to discover he’s a father. Now all he wants for Christmas is his miracle family – together at last…
The Rancher’s Unexpected Family
Since Holt Calhoun’s marriage ended, the town of Larkville knows that ‘no’ is pretty much the sum total of the taciturn cowboy’s vocabulary. But Kathryn Ellis won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. She needs Holt to save the local clinic before her baby arrives! Holt does his best to ignore his growing feelings, until an early arrival with Kathryn’s heart-melting smile makes it impossible to turn on his spurred heel and walk away…
The English Lord’s Secret Son / A Gift for All Seasons
Margaret Way / Karen Templeton
The English Lord‘s Secret Son
Cate Radclyffe is a single mum and successful businesswoman living in Sydney. After falling in love with Lord Julian Ashton Wyndham, she plans to get married. However, their love isn’t strong enough to overcome his vicious family and Cate leaves, broken-hearted and carrying with her a tiny, nine-month secret!
A Gift For All Seasons
Recently widowed April Ross isn’t looking for a relationship, especially since her about-to-open inn will take up much of her time and energy. But when she hires Iraq war vet Patrick Shaughnessy as the inn’s landscaper, she realises two things: first, his scars go much deeper than those she can see and second, she can’t rest until she’s brought him comfort…
What happens when you get nearly 2000 romance authors together in one hotel?
It’s LOUD.
And you need a really big wine budget.
A few of the Harlequin Romance authors made their way to Anaheim last month for the Romance Writers of America annual conference. It was a smaller group than usual, probably due to it being on the west coast, but that didn’t dampen the fun AT ALL. It’s been nearly a month now since we descended en masse on the Anaheim Marriott, but it takes time to recover from these things. So today I thought I’d post a recap of some of the stuff we got up to with some visual help from Fiona Harper who can always be relied upon for taking lots of snaps! I’ve got a few of my own, and thanks to Melissa McClone for providing the group shot coming shortly…
Fiona and I arrived on Tuesday, late afternoon, and after a quick hug/catch up we headed downstairs to see if we could register (we were roommates). It took a while to get to the conference area, mostly because I’m a Chatty Cathy and saw tons of people and since we were all just arriving…anyway, registration was closed so we ventured to the lobby bar where we met up with Presents authors Sharon Kendrick, Abby Green and Heidi Rice (who had flown over with Fi on the same flight). Fi and I had a restorative glass of wine, as we were waiting to go to dinner with another group. And we ordered a second. And then the long day hit us and we were a bit silly when we finally met our group – including Rom author Barb Wallace – for dinner. I ran into Barb again late Wednesday morning, and we grabbed an early lunch by the pool – time to just catch up the two of us, which was soooo nice! I also kept running into Melissa McClone every time I turned around. Melissa was a RITA finalist last year, so she totally got my nerves that kept plaguing me throughout the week.
Wednesday night of conference always includes the Literacy for Life signing. Here’s a pic of Fiona at her table!
And here’s a pic of me, with my RITA Finalist Flag (along with fellow Finalist Deanna Raybourn)!
Thursday was “Romance” day. After the luncheon, several of us went to the Mills and Boon Meet and Greet and then on to the Romance Author Tea at the Cheesecake Factory. Here’s that group photo I was talking about. From Top left and down the side: Tessa Shapcott, Fiona Harper, Bryony Green, Donna Alward, Barbara Wallace. Top right and down the side: Teresa Carpenter, Lucy Gilmour, Patricia Thayer, Melissa McClone and Dianne Moggy.
This was the ONE time that all the Romance authors in attendance were together along with the three M&B editors and Harlequin’s VP of Series, Dianne Moggy, who was a lovely addition to our group. We had all met before at previous conferences except Patricia Thayer, who many of us met for the first time. The ten of us ordered eight different kinds of cheesecake, and then we all sampled each kind. Ten people – eight pieces – and we STILL couldn’t finish it all! Fiona took a picture of the carnage…it was sooo good. The Reese’s Peanut Butter seemed to be a fave…
When it was over, Barb and Fiona and I walked back to the hotel for some sunshine and exercise.
Friday night most of us met up again at the famed Harlequin Party which was held at the Hyatt. Fi and I went to dinner first with Presents authors Jennie Lucas, Janette Kenny and Lynn Raye Harris. It was fun being a glam Presents girl for a night! The party is always an awesome time – tons of dancing and somehow we always seem to stay until the last bell. I’ll let the pictures do the talking!
And…if you go HERE, you can see Barbara Wallace in her animal print, shakin’ her THANG!
And Saturday most of us saw each other again after the RITA Awards, as we had a Mills and Boon champagne toast. We really had something to celebrate as Sarah Morgan won a RITA for Doukakasis’s Apprentice!
So that’s what we managed to get up to – in between trips to Disneyland for Fiona and Melissa!
But you know it’s not all fun and cocktails – we do actually…um…work while we’re there. I’ve saved this for the last because there are some exciting things coming for the Romance line!
On Friday morning several of us attended the Harlequin Spotlight on Series. We learned lots about what’s happening across the board.
For those of you in the UK, RIVA is back! Mills and Boon have been rolling out new covers on facebook so do have a peek! This is the sassy end of the spectrum for our authors and include books from Liz Fielding, Jessica Hart, Trish Wylie, Nina Harrington, Fiona Harper….etc.
If you’re in the US, come February you’ll be seeing some changes as the RIVA books will have their own line called KISS! Two RIVA authors will be included in the line up each month, and the Romance line will release four titles instead of the current six. This is all to really anchor the kind of editorial that each line promises to the reader. We got a sneak peek at the KISS covers – they are going to be lovely! Stay tuned for more information as we’ll be keeping you updated here about the changeover, so it’ll stay easy to find your favourite authors. We’ve got some exciting things planned.
The Romance line, as well as all HQ lines, are getting a wee face lift too – and the new cover branding etc. looks great! Some lines will be sporting a new look early in 2013, and Harlequin has said that it’ll be across all series by mid-year!
Then on Saturday morning, there was an information session strictly for Harlequin authors (whereas the Spotlight was open to everyone). It’s great to learn about what’s coming up within the company for the authors and what new initiatives are happening both within editorial and things like marketing and PR.
In between times, we all had running around to do to various functions and luncheons and workshops. It really is a jam-packed week!
But without a doubt, the very best part is simply seeing each other again, sharing a hug and a laugh and coming away knowing that we’ve got the best job in the world AND THE BEST CO-WORKERS!
WE ROCK!
Here are some special releases from the Harlequin Romance authors that might make your holidays a little brighter!
In time for Remembrance Day, check out LOVING OUR HEROES:
Loving Our Heroes
Jessica Hart / Amy Andrews / India Grey
Special Releases
November 2011
£1 donation to Help for Heroes for every book sold.
They risked their lives for their country… Now their hearts are on the line!
Included in this anthology: Last Minute Proposal, Mission: Mountain Rescue & Mistress: Hired for the Billionaire’s Pleasure
1st story: In a charity competition curvy cake-baker Tilly is paired with ex-military chief executive Campbell Sanderson. For the rugged tycoon it’s the winning that counts, but bubbly Tilly coaxes a show-stopping kiss!
£1 from the invoiced price of each Book will be contributed to Help for Heroes Trading Limited which Gift Aids all its taxable profits to Help for Heroes (Registered Charity Number 1120920).
Daddy’s Christmas Miracle
Rebecca Winters / Marie Ferrarella / Shirley Jump
Special Releases
November 2011
by Rebecca Winters, Marie Ferrarella & Shirley JumpIncludes: The Sheriff’s Christmas Surprise City lawyer Olivia’s come to claim the sweet baby boy that Sheriff Rick loves as his own. Yet could she bring Rick some yuletide comfort and joy too? Also includes: Santa in a Stetson and Family Christmas in Riverbend.
Christmas Kisses
Maggie Cox / Alison Roberts / Fiona Harper
By Request
December 2011
The Spanish Billionaire’s Christmas Bride Billionaire Cristiano Cordova is determined his late cousin’s child will be raised by the Cordova family – not by some gold-digger… Only Dominique Sanderson is a devoted mother, living in a shabby bedsit. Despite her delicate appearance she stands up to Cristiano . So he’ll take her and the baby back to Spain…Christmas Bride-To-Be Dr Jack Sinclair turned his back on love – a long time ago! Now, stranded and rescued by vivacious Jill Metcalf, Jack’s belief in Christmas miracles starts to return… Working with Jill at the local hospital to give the children a Christmas Day leaves Jack convinced that he’s finally found a home. If he can claim a bride under the mistletoe…Christmas Wishes, Mistletoe Kisses Three wishes…1) A new life in the country: Louise Thornton’s starting again with her young son!2) Someone to help decorate the Christmas tree: a meltingly attractive landscape architect makes her sparkle again.3) A proposal under the mistletoe?
Christmas Marriages & Miracles
Lucy Gordon / Caroline Anderson / Alison Roberts
By Request
November 2011
The Italian’s Christmas Miracle Brooding Italian Drago di Luca and lawyer Alysa Dennis are brought together by a shocking betrayal. But they strike an unlikely friendship and forbidden awareness simmers… As Christmas approaches could the joy of the season make the two of them and Drago’s motherless child a family? A Mummy for Christmas Consultant Kate Burgess is intrigued. Her gorgeous new surgeon is so talented – but why is he always late? Because, she discovers, he’s alone with two small children. If he asks her to marry him, maybe this Christmas all their dreams can come true! The Italian Surgeon’s Christmas Miracle Nurse Amy Phillips has two things she has to do this Christmas – look after six children and save their house from the ruthless new owner! Billionaire surgeon Luke is faced with evicting this vibrant brood from the house he’s inherited, but he can’t be such a bad guy… And when Amy welcomes him into her life, he experiences a Christmas miracle of his own…
| by | Barbara McMahon Barbara Hannay |
Cath Morgan knows she was right to spend Christmas alone, far away from the city and her husband, Jake. For six years, Cath has dreamed of more from her marriage—a husband who isn’t off globe-trotting, and a home ringing with children’s laughter. But Jake isn’t about to let his wife go so easily. He has one Christmas to prove how much he loves her…and share the secrets that have kept him away.
Christmas Gift: A Family by Barbara Hannay
Happy with his life as a wealthy bachelor, Hugh Strickland is stunned to discover he has a daughter! He wants to bring her home, but he’s absolutely terrified. So Hugh pleads with Jo Berry to help him. While Jo is happy to see the father and daughter get closer, she realizes that soon she’ll no longer be needed. But surely the ideal solution would be to give each other the perfect Christmas gift—a family.
Mills and Boon has a Mother’s Day collection going on to celebrate Mother’s Day in the UK. There are single titles and anthologies of mom-themed stories, including Romance authors Rebecca Winters, Barbara Hannay, Melissa James, Liz Fielding, Michelle Douglas, and more!
All you need to do is click on this link to start saving!
