Salute to our Author Veterans!

A huge THANKS to authors who also served our nation's armed services!  First up is Patricia Wood author of LOTTERY.

Next is Susan Grant

If you are an author who is a veteran, or if you have a favorite author who is a veteran, please let me know in the comments and I will post his or her link and cover art.
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Thanks to Caro Carson  for this link to a group of veterans who write Romance novels.  RomVets   Their esteemed leader is  Merline Lovelace   a full bird colonel.

Tia Nevitt  was military mechanic.

SUREBLOOD by Susan Grant

Okay, so this isn't actually a review.  The truth is, I just don't have time.  Since I signed with Decadent, they now want the short story prequel to Sugar Rush too and I'm burning up the keyboard, besides getting four children ready for the new school year too.  I'm booked solid.
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Suffice it to see, I've read enough to know it rocks.  Pop over to Susan's website to link to several awesome reviews-  http://www.susangrant.com/  by other awesome reviewers and my fellow reviewers here are certainly welcome to pick up the ball. 
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Yeah, okay, back to work!
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P.S. Despite what the cover art might lead you to believe, SUREBLOOD is actually Science Fiction Romance.
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P.S.S. While you're at it, click over to her blog and check out this-

Changes for Enduring Romance

Good morning, Blog Buddies!
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In case you haven't heard, I've signed an ePublishing contract for my YA Paranormal, SUGAR RUSH.
http://enduringromance.blogspot.com/2010/07/kimber-ans-sugar-rush-to-be-published.html
This necessitates change for Enduring Romance.
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I will no longer review books, but fear not!  I do have an Heiress to My Book Reviewing Throne, my daughter whom I refer to here as Kimber, Jr.  She will review Middle Grade and younger Young Adult novels.  Right now, she's working on the entire HARRY POTTER series, leading up to the release of the last movie, THE DEATHLY HOLLOWS.

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However, we could use another reviewer, if anyone's interested.  Just email me at kimberannebulaATyahooDOTcom

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I will remain as Moderator and occasionally post newsworthy stuff.

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Next Saturday, July 24th, I will post my final review, SUREBLOOD, by Susan Grant.  One of my first reviews was for Susan and I think it was THE STAR KING.  It was on my old, old Star Captains' Daughter blog, which I deleted though.  Anyway, I thought it was fitting to review one of hers last.

Win the STAR Trilogy

Pop over to Susan Grant's site-   http://www.susangrant.com/contest.htm
to win her STAR trilogy with the original covers, which I, of course, think are a lot better than the new ones.  The original cover of THE STAR KING, for example, actually gives the half-naked guy on the front some personality.  Those upper arm bracelets make him look like Ramses, I swear. 
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Definitely a king in need of a queen.
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This is the new cover.  Now, be honest.  Let's say you don't like Contemporary Erotica, which book would you pick off the shelf?  If you didn't already know Susan was a top-notch author and her STAR trilogy was the best?  I already own the originals, of course.

Susan Grant's New Cover Art

Doesn't exactly scream "Totally Rocking Space Opera Romance Story Inside," does it?  Skiffy Rommers are not at all pleased.  Here's the conversation-

http://www.thegalaxyexpress.net/2009/12/science-fiction-romance-that-harlequin.html

The Science Fiction Romance Holiday Blitz!

Welcome to the SFR Holiday Blitz!
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The holiday season is upon us, and that means 2010 is simmering just below the horizon. Start your New Year off right with a chance to score a FREE read from the little subgenre that could—Science Fiction Romance!
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What is Science Fiction Romance?  Well, just imagine Han Solo and Princess Leia making mad-monkey-love on the Millinium Falcon in Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back and you pretty much got it.
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Be sure to read this whole post to get the scoop on all the other blogs and the books they're giving away.
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Heather over at the Galaxy Express, http://www.thegalaxyexpress.net/  in her infinite SFR wisdom, assigned Susan Grant to me.  If you scroll down and click on Susan's tag  at the bottom of this post, you'll understand why.  I've reviewed almost all her books and have the last one THE STAR PRINCESS sitting in my stack right now.  I bought it new.  I don't need to buy books new, you know, because I'm a book reviewer and get sent books free all the time. Susan's got enough published novels to fill an Intrepid-class starship, I swear.  Okay, that's a lillltle bit of an exaggeration.  (Did I spell that right?)  Anyway, I credit Susan with bringing me into the SFR fold. Actually, I credit her with bringing me back to the whole gosh-darn Romance genre.  See, I'd boycotted it for a couple of decades after reading my Grandma's Romance novels.  I thought if this was Romance, then I'd make do with chocolate and die a virgin!  Thank God, I found my husband and learned differently.  So, I was stumbling around the Blogosphere and ran into Susan's blog and learned that, hey, the Romance genre has matured quite a bit since Grandma's time!  There's a little bit of everything for everybody, including Science Fiction Romance.
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Here's the link to Susan's bio-   http://susangrant.com/meet.htm

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And Susan's backlist-  http://susangrant.com/books/index.htm

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And Susan's blog-   http://susangrant.blogspot.com/

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Now onto MOONSTRUCK.  Yeah, I know the cover screams 'Romantic Suspense,' but it is Science Fiction Romance, trust me.  Here's my review to prove it-   http://enduringromance.blogspot.com/2008/02/moonstruck-by-susan-grant.html
By the way, it was nominated for the RITA this year and it should've won too, but a neural-parasite or something got to the judges and Dr. McCoy wasn't around to help out.
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Book Number Three in the Borderlands series, SUREBLOOD, will be out next year.  I'm anxiously waiting to see what it's like for a Pirate Mama to raise a kid in outer space, especially once his daddy comes warping through again.  Click on her blog link and scroll down to her posts on SUREBLOOD to learn more.
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Now, remember, read the rest of this post to learn about the other blogs and books, and leave a comment under the post so I know you want to be entered in the drawing.  'Kay?
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THE SFR HOLIDAY BLITZ Scoop
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12 bloggers have teamed up with 17 authors for your chance to win over 30 SFR books. Whether you’re new to the genre, or a fan looking to add to her collection, this event is for you.
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Best of all, it’s dead simple to enter: There are no quizzes to answer, no hoops to jump.
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All you gotta do is pop over to the blog with the book you want.  I'm sure you all want MOONSTRUCK by Susan Grant, right?  Oh, okay, you can check the others out too.  I'm coordinating the giveaway of MOONSTRUCK though.  Leave a comment under the SFR Holiday Blitz post hosting the book of your choice.  The deadline to enter is midnight on Friday, December 11, 2009. The winner will be announced on Saturday, December 12, 2009.
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Once you've entered to win MOONSTRUCK, pop on over to the other blogs and check out what they got.
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Alien Romances
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Dirty Sexy Books
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Ella Drake
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Flying Whale Productions
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Lisa Paitz Spindler
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Love Romance Passion
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SciFiGuy
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Spacefreighters Lounge
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Take It To The Stars
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The Galaxy Express
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Queen of the Frozen North
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(((Kimber presses hand to heart.))) Hey, I AM THE QUEEN!  Oh, no, wait, I'm the Arctic Princess.  Okay, she can be the Queen.
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Finally, here's a list of the participating authors too:
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Ann Aguirre
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Katherine Allred
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Margaret L. Carter
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Rowena Cherry
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Ella Drake
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Jess Granger
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Susan Grant
(((Yay, Susan, woo-hoo!)))
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Nathalie Gray
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Leanna Renee Hieber
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Claire Delacroix
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Barbara Elsborg
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Susan Kearney
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Jacqueline Lichtenberg
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Karin Shah
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Linnea Sinclair
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Susan Sizemore
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Ann Somerville
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Merry Christmas!  Live long and prosper!  And may the Force be with you!
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P.S. Please scroll down to read K's and Kimber An's Top Ten Books for 2009!  You've got to finish that Christmas list, yanno.
;)

MOONSTRUCK by Susan Grant on the SFR Blitz

http://susangrant.com/books/moonstruck.htm
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I'm taking part in the SFR Blitz organized by Heather over at the Galaxy Express blog.  I just wanted to give you all a heads-up.  I'll be featuring and managing the give away of a free copy of MOONSTRUCK.  Yeah, I know the cover screams Romantic Suspense, but, trust me, it's Science Fiction Romance.  Click on Susan's tag at the bottom of the post to learn about MOONSTRUCK and all things Susan Grant on this blog.
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This idea came to us Skiffy Romers from GREEN EGGS AND HAM by Dr. Seuss.  "You may like it.  You will see.  You may like it in a tree!"  Hey, most of us are moms, you know.  So, tune in.  If you've never tried SFR, here's your chance to try it for free.

Showcase Sunday: Christmas Romance Novels

Probably won'th have time to review these, so I'll just buy my own copies.
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MISSION: CHRISTMAS was out new last year and one of the stories, SNOWBOUND WITH A PRINCE, was written by Susan Grant who usually pens Science Fiction Romance.  However, this is Romantic Suspense in the Here and Now.
http://susangrant.com/
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A CREED COUNTRY CHRISTMAS is by Linda Lael Miller who's an author new to me this year.  I usually don't go in for her kind of stories, but her 'voice' and style is so beautiful, I can't help myself.  Isn't that cover gorgeous?

http://www.lindalaelmiller.com/

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THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS is an anthology of short stories by authors which include Molly O'Keefe.  I've never read or reviewed her stories before, but she contacted me about this and it sounds wonderful.   http://www.molly-okeefe.com/

Happy Veterans' Day to Authors!

Susan Grant, former pilot with the Air Force, and

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Patricia Wood, formerly in the Army.  Thanks for your service and also for your great stories!

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If anyone knows any other author veterans, please let me know in the comments.

THE STAR KING Rules!

And I mean the first one!

He reminds me of Yul Brynner, the most sizzling hot villain of all time. (((sigh)))

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However, getting new cover art on old books and getting them out there again is a very good thing, so here they are-

Way to go, Susan! So, um, whens SUREBLOOD coming out, hmm? (((Kimber An drums fingers on desk))) I'm suffering from a deplorable shortage of Science Fiction Romance around here. However, the new cover art has reminded me, yet again, that there is one Susan Grant novel I have never read, THE STAR PRINCESS. So, I'm ordering it NEW. Always buy your favorite authors' books new. That's how they make money and stay in the business of writing the books you love. I'm also ordering a replacement copy of DOWN HOME ZOMBIE BLUES. Lost it. Busy babymaking year, you know. Good news is, I had a cleaning lady come to my house yesterday! (Yes, that's angels you hear singing!)

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To learn more about Susan's books, click here-

http://www.susangrant.com/books/index.htm

Sunday Showcase: Forthcoming Books from Susan Grant, Linnea Sinclair, and Lisa Shearin

Linnea Sinclair has cover art for her next book, REBELS AND LOVERS, due out March 2010. Read all about it by clicking here- http://aliendjinnromances.blogspot.com/2009/09/rebels-and-lovers-making-of-cover.html

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Lisa Shearin has back cover copy for her next book, BEWITCHED AND BETRAYED. http://www.lisashearin.com/
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My name is Raine Benares. I'm a seeker. I find lost things and missing people -- usually alive. Finding the specters of six evil mages who escaped the Saghred, a soul-stealing stone of unlimited power, was easy. Stopping them before they unleash hell on earth just might be the death of me.Being bonded to the Saghred wasn't my idea -- neither is hunting down its escapees. Especially not when one of them is also hunting me. He's regenerating his body by taking the lives of powerful victims, their memories, knowledge, and most of all, their magic. The dark mage wants control of the Saghred, and if he gets it, he'll become an evil demi-god that no one can stop. The only thing in his way is me.One of us doesn't stand a ghost of a chance.
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Susan Grant also back cover copy for her forthcoming novel, SUREBLOOD. http://susangrant.blogspot.com/
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Torn apart by lies and deception...

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Five years ago, rival space pirate captains Val Blue and Dake Sureblood stole one incredible night together. But their brief, passionate history ends with the assasination of Val’s father and the condemnation of Dake's clan. Now, Val struggles prove her mettle—to herself and to dissenters within her own people. Every successful raid is a boot-heel ground in the burning memory of Dake Sureblood--and their secret son is a constant reminder of their shared past…
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Ambushed and captured before he can clear his name, Dake Sureblood returns from hell to expose the true killer of Val’s father. But as the identity of their enemy becomes chillingly clear, the former lovers must put aside their mistrust and join forces to protect their clans--and their precious son.

WARLORD'S DAUGHTER by Susan Grant

Well, it's better late than never. That's what I always say. I've been trying to get this review out since the book hit the shelves last March. What can I say? My brain was stewed in pregnancy hormones. Anyway, here 'tis.

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WARLORD'S DAUGHTER is the second in the Borderlands trilogy. You may remember MOONSTRUCK, which recently garnered a RITA nomination for Best Paranormal Romance. This is Space Opera, Folks. You'll find the Borderlands universe a comfortable hang-out for the likes of Han Solo. Earth is the new kid on the block in this universe. TheDraakan and the Coalition were battling it out for a looong time before the plasma sword-wielding Queen Keira got lucky with a self-proclaimed human prince in MY FAVORITE EARTHLING. Then, peace was declared which Admiral Brit Bander found rather annoying in MOONSTRUCK until she got lucky with a hunky tatooed Draakan dude. Now Wren, the Warlord's Daughter, is on the run and every bounty hunter in the galaxy's turning the place upside down huntinger her down.

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Wren's dad was one bad jackass, kind of like Hitler, but with offspring. He kept Wren a secret because it was so humiliating for him to sire a daughter first. Later, he figured she'd make a good gambling prize. So, while she was still just a girl fumbling for her glasses, he paraded her out for the other warlords to bid on.

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Aral's dad wasn't a good candidate for the Father of the Year award either. Aral happens to be there with Wren is paraded out. It's love at first sight, but he can't let on or his jackass-dad won't let him have her. As it works out, the two are betrothed but don't see each other again until they grow up.

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Shortly after growing up, peace is declared at the Warlord is offed by heroes in a previous novel. Suddenly, everyone who ever hated him is out to punish his daughter for his atrocities, which, of course, is stupid. But, then, violent, angry people aren't known for their intelligence, obviously.

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Sabra (Wren's Commando Nanny, woo-hoo!) has protected Wren as best she knew how for as long as she could. When the time comes to hit the road, she takes the hit (kinda like Obi Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker, the mentor must die for the student to grow) and Wren is suddenly alone in the galaxy, disguised as a refugee with every Bobo Fett out to get her.

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Aral is called upon to hunt down Wren so she can be destroyed, but, of course, he wants to find her for his own reasons.

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Meanwhile, Hadley, who served under Admiral Bander in MOONSTRUCK, has command of her own ship. I enjoyed her a lot more in this book, in fact. Her battle simulation was beautifully written and I was quite jealous because I've written space battles and they are dang hard to write. It was also great to read how Admiral Bander was doing. Hadley's been called upon to find the Warlord's Daughter too.

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And so Aral does find Wren and all heck breaks loose. He's convinced they're already married. She sees marriage as a prison and with good reason after the way she grew up. Plus, she wants to find a stunning treasure and she wants to find it before the bad guys who are hunting her. Oy, what a mess.

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You can always count on a wild ride in the stories of Susan Grant. She's one of the most original storytellers allowed in the New Release aisle. Pop on over to her website to learn more- http://susangrant.com/

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P.S. A little birdie (actually, her blog) just told me her next novel, a lady space pirate story, has a title now.

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P.S.S. Susan just posted a sneak-peak scene from her lady space pirate novel, SUREBLOOD, on her blog. Pop on over and check it out- http://susangrant.blogspot.com/

Enduring Romance Favorites at the 2009 RITA Awards

The 2009 Romance Writers of American conference is over and the RITA award winners have been announced. My favorites made a strong showing.
First up, MOONSTRUCK by Susan Grant, a Science Fiction Romance novel was a finalist in the best Paranormal Romance category. Unfortunately, some people still don't get the appeal of Vulcans over vampires yet. The good news is Susan kept the door open for the rest of SFR. No small feat during the economic recession when smaller subgenres like SFR are dwindling away while publishers grasp for reader's hard-earned nickles.

Secondly, A MOTHER'S WISH by Karen Templeton won the best Contemporary Romance category. Yeah, Karen! Just got her next novel in the mail.

ATLANTIS UNMASKED by Alyssa Day & Books Which Slip Through the Cracks at Enduring Romance Through No Fault of Their Own

All us reviewers here at Enduring Romance read and review books out of love for great stories and a desire to help our fellow readers find the books they'll love. We don't get paid, except with free ARCs and we have very busy real lives outside the blogosphere. Once in a while a book which we meant to review will not get reviewed. I was just over at Romancing the Blog http://www.romancingtheblog.com/blog/ and noticed the advertisements for Alyssa Day's newest books, ATLANTIS UNLEASHED and ATLANTIS UNMASKED, and I thought, "Oh, crap, I don't think the first two books in her series got reviewed!" http://www.alyssaday.com/

What happened is Alyssa Day sent me the first two, but I was suddenly deluged with ARCs when they arrived. So, I packed them up and sent them to another reviewer. Since then, that reviewer has stopped reviewing for us, due to an even busier real life outside the blogosphere.

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Sometimes we have near-misses too. Just yesterday, author Lauren Hope emailed me because she couldn't get a hold of the reviewer who reviewed her first novel, HIDDEN SHADOWS. Well, it's smart to try to get the reviewer who loved your first book because odds are she'll love the second one too. Unfortunately, that reviewer has since been deluged by real life outside the blogosphere too. I looked up Ms. Hope's new book, CHASING SHADOWS,

loved the premise (estranged parents team up to rescue their baby) and asked her to send it to me instead. She did, electronically by the way. I have a groovy new mini-laptop, so I'm happy to read eBooks now too. http://laurenhope-booknews.blogspot.com/

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Then, there are books which slip through the cracks because of my own human error. I've been wanting to read and review WARLORD'S DAUGHTER by Susan Grant

since it came out in March of this year. You only have to click on Susan's name in the tags to know how much we enjjoy her stories here. But, alas, I still have not reviewed and I can't find it anywhere. How it slipped through the cracks when I was so excited about it, I have no idea. Such is life. MOONSTRUCK, also by Susan Grant, is up for the RITA, the most prestigious award in the Romance genre. http://susangrant.com/
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My policy here at Enduring Romance is we only do positive, or mostly positive reviews, because our goal is to help readers find the books they'll love. Think of us a matchmakers. We want the authors who write the books we love to keep writing and they can only do that if they make money for their publishers. So, when we choose books to review we only choose books we're sure we'll at least like. If an ARC arrives and I realize after a few pages in that I cannot read it or post a positive review, I mail it back at my own expense. I've only had to do that once. The book was beautifully written, but I didn't find out until a few pages in that it contained scenes of child rape and murder. Well, if you've hung out here long, you know how incredibly sensitive I am about children.

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So, if you're an author or author's associate who's sent an ARC to an Enduring Romance within the last three months and it still has not been reviewed, email me, Kimber An, and I'll try to track down what happened. However, if you sent an ARC which was not specifically requested, you should know that requested ARCs take priority.

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I'm still reading and reviewing right now, though not on a set schedule due to my new baby. Besides pregnancy bedrest, I'm also a clumsy nursing mother. I'm pinned down while my baby nurses, which means all I can do is sit there and read until she's finished. I'll get back on a regular blogging schedule in a couple of months.

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So, maybe you're wondering what I'm reading now. THE KING'S DAUGHTERS by Nathalie Mallet.
Her first book, PRINCES OF THE GOLDEN CAGE, was my favorite book of 2008. http://www.nathaliemallet.com/

What Kimber An is Reading Now

Being on semi-bedrest, my posting of reviews is in spurts right now. However, I assure you, I am reading. The following should give you an idea of my wide range of reading interests. THE BRIDEGROOM by Linda Lael Miller. Although I adore Historicals, I rarely go for Westerns. However, Ms. Miller has a style impossible to resist and my writerly self is so insanely jealous.

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GIFTS by Ursula K. Le Guin

I bought this one new, full price, with my very own money because I just had to have it when I read the blurb. Remember, I can get just about any book free and sent direct to me, so buying new means I wanted it really bad NOW.
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WHAT KIMBER AN WISHES SHE WAS ALSO READING RIGHT NOW

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THE KING'S DAUGHTERS by Nathalie Mallet.

Ms. Mallet's first book, PRINCES OF THE GOLDEN CAGE, was my favorite book last year.

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WARLORD'S DAUGHTER by Susan Grant
Been trying to get this one done since it released! Drumming my fingers waiting for her next book, a lady space pirate mama one.

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CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER by Michelle Moran.
Ms. Moran's first book, NEFERTITI, was my favorite book of the previous year. Geez, lots of daughters this year. Not that I'm complaining.

;)

WHAT KIMBER AN WILL BE READING SOON

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I have a few more coming, but they're new-to-me authors. The ones coming from favorite authors include SIZZLING SEDUCTION by Gwyneth Bolton and
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FROM FRIENDS TO FOREVER by Karen Templeton. Sadly, no cover art yet. Sigh.

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Saw this one on Gwyneth's blog, ROAD TO SEDUCTION by Ann Christopher.

Haven't requested it yet, but I am so tempted. I swear, Kimani has the best cover art at Harlequin. Isn't this gorgeous?

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So, there you are. Remember, I can never find enough YA Science Fiction and I'll gobble up any book with a baby on the cover right now. If the baby's being held by a really gorgeous guy, all the better.

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***ePublished books happily accepted!*** Been meaning to ask for KEEPER OF THE LOCH by Candace Sams for a while now. http://www.jasminejade.com/p-4565-keeper-of-the-loch.aspx

Join the Lobby for a Better Book Cover for Susan Grant

http://www.thegalaxyexpress.net/2009/04/can-this-harlequin-cover-be-saved.html Heather over at the Galaxy Express is sounding the charge for a better book cover for Susan Grant's next novel, a lady space pirate story. Some of us SFR readers think she's had more than her fair share of bad luck in this area. I don't blame the publishers. I think it's just a lack of understanding on what appeals to readers who already or potentially will love Science Fiction Romance. So, pop on over and add your voice to the call. If you want to see Susan's cover art, the good, the bad, the "Huh?" then pop over to her website too. http://susangrant.com

MOONSTRUCK nominated for the RITA!

MOONSTRUCK by Susan Grant...

...has been nominated for the prestigious RITA award for Paranormal Romance for 2009, presented by the Romance Writers of America. http://www.rwanational.org/cs/2009_rita_and_gh_finalists_announcement Click on Susan's name at the bottom to see just how much we support her here at Enduring Romance. Way to go! We're rootin' for you. http://susangrant.com/

;)

WARLORD'S DAUGHTER by Susan Grant

Okay, Blog Buds, this one's on my list, but I'm afraid I won't get to it before it leaves the stores. So, I wanted to link you to a review now. http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=30663 A heroine who starts the story shy and petite and has to grow into her role? It's positively revolutionary! Stereotypical Kick-Butt Heroines take note.
;)

Kimber An's Showcase Sunday

THE KING'S DAUGHTER by Sandra WorthI reviewed Ms. Worth's other novel earlier this year- http://enduringromance.blogspot.com/2008/06/lady-of-roses-by-sandra-worth.html - and I might as well tell you it made Kimber An's Top Ten Books for 2008. I'll be posting that list for December's Showcase Sunday in time for holiday shopping. Anyway, Ms. Worth recently emailed me about the ARC for KING'S DAUGHTER to which I replied, "Yes, please!"
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There's an excerpt and other cool stuff at Ms. Worth's site- http://www.sandraworth.com/queen.htm
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Here's the blurb:
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Some are destined for greatness, few more so than Elizabeth of York. Yet, while she was the only English Queen to have been a wife, daughter, sister, niece and mother to English Kings, the legacy of her noble spirit and love of country far outweigh her impressive bloodline.
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“Meticulously researched, exquisitely written, here is a rich, magnificent novel of the Tudor court evoking a once forgotten queen, now impossible to forget.”~ Michelle Moran, author of the national bestseller, Nefertiti: A Novel.
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Fiercely devoted to her beloved father and King, seventeen-year-old Elizabeth of York trusts that his dying wish has left England in the hands of a just and deserving ruler. With a young successor not ready to reign, the power is passed to Elizabeth’s uncle, Richard of Gloucester—a man her mother has never trusted. It isn’t long before Elizabeth fears that her own faith was misplaced. Upon Richard’s rise, her family experiences one devastation after another: her late father is exposed as a bigamist, she and her siblings are branded bastards, and her brothers are taken into the new king’s custody, then reportedly killed. How could her father have believed in a man capable of such treachery? But one fateful night shakes Elizabeth to the core and leads her to question all of her prejudices. Through the eyes of Richard’s ailing queen she sees a man worthy of respect and undying adoration. His dedication to his people inspires a forbidden love and ultimately gives her the courage to accept her destiny, marry Henry Tudor and become Queen. While her soul may always secretly belong to another, her heart forever belongs to England . . .

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GAMER GIRL by Mari Mancusi

I was aware of Mari Mancusi, but didn't really check her books out until recently. You see, the previous ones had blood-sucking dead guys and such in them and you know how queezy I am about such things. Then, I noticed young people were having trouble finding the Science Fiction they'd love. Like Science Fiction Romance, the publishers lose track of their best readers while trying to win new readers. It's the biggest marketing backfire I see. So, I started a blog as sort of a hub to collect Science Fiction young people love, regardless of labels. http://youngadultsciencefiction.blogspot.com/ Girls are the most neglected YA SciFi reader, so I made a special effort to find books with girl heroes. And that's what led me back to Mari Mancusi. I have three of her novels on the way, including her newest release, GAMER GIRL. Granted, it's not exactly Science Fiction, but a lot of my younger friends are into gaming. A lot of young gamers also love Science Fiction. So, there you have it.

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Learn more at http://www.marimancusi.com/


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Here's the blurb:
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ZOMG, IT ROX TO BE A GAMER GIRL!
Maddy’s life: not so rockin’. Her parents split, she’s stuck in a new, small town at a school full of Aberzombies and Haters, she has a crush on someone she really shouldn’t like, and she’s stuck with the nickname Freak Girl.


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Sometimes it’s enough to retreat into her drawing – her Manga is totally important to her – but when she gets Fields of Fantasy for her birthday, she knows she’s found the one place she can be herself. In the game world, Maddy can transform from regular outcast high school student to Allora, a beautiful Elvin Princess with magical powers to take down enemies with a snap of her fingers and wave of her wand.


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As Allora, Maddy can totally be herself. She spends a lot of time questing with Sir Leo, a brave knight who seems to really like Allora, and maybe even the IRL (In Real Life) Maddy. Allora’s virtual life is perfect, but a real gamer girl understands that real life comes first – Maddy knows she can’t escape from her IRL problems. She has to find ways to kick back at the Haters, rock her manga and find the new, real life friends she knows she deserves.
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MISSION: CHRISTMAS by Lindsey McKenna & Susan Grant

Susan Grant is a Science Fiction Romance favorite here at Enduring Romance and Lindsey McKenna is just riding shotgun for this one. However, you might also like her story, so I encourage you to learn more about it. But, let's face it, I picked this one up because of Susan. As a writer, I have dozens of stories in my head from a dozen different genres, but have you noticed most authors only write in one, or two at the most? The logic behind doing that on purpose is to establish an author's brand and build up a readership, but some authors only want to write in one or two genres. It all made me wonder if there are authors who write in one genre/subgenre, but have stories nagging them to go elsewhere. Little surprise that the most original SFR storyteller I know would try a Romantic Suspense story for a Christmas anthology. Doesn't hurt that the protagonists are pilots, because, you know, I married a pilot and started breeding more. MISSION: CHRISTMAS is on the shelves now.
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Pop over to Susan's website to learn more- http://susangrant.com/books/missionchristmas.htm


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You can read an excerpt of Ms. McKenna's story here-

http://www.amazon.com/Mission-Christmas-Bunch-Snowbound-Silhouette-Romantic/dp/0373276052/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226235616&sr=1-1
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Here's the blurb:
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During an unprecedented cold wave causing death, injury, and extensive damage to property throughout most of Northern Europe, Major Kat Wallace volunteers to fly a humanitarian Christmas drop to assist those affected by record-breaking snow. Stranded in bad weather, she soon finds herself battling off hostiles.
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Kat’s reason for taking a mission so close to Christmas is quite sentimental. While serving as a young pilot training instructor, she met Prince Alek, crown prince to one of the oldest, unbroken lines of royalty, second only to the Danes, who is attending pilot training at her base. Despite her attraction to the impossibly cocky prince, when put in the position to pass or fail him on a check ride for which he’d obviously not prepared despite his undeniable, natural flying skills, she busts him, causing him to meet a review board to determine whether he stays or goes. Recognizing his potential that he doesn’t seem to see or accept in himself, she recommends that he get a second chance. But it’s too late. He’s called back home to face revolution, never to be heard from again. In the years since, she’s often wondered what happened to him.
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Alek is anything but dead. For years he’s been fighting as a rebel leader, determined to restore the monarchy in his homeland as well as his people’s freedom and honor. He’s made many mistakes, not the least of which was refusing to accept that there are consequences for bad behavior. From the bastard son he fathered when he was a teen to his not educating himself on the problems of his kingdom, he has made many mistakes. Now he’s set out to right those wrongs, even if it means losing his life in the process. He owes part of his epiphany to the gorgeous, fast-talking, and (to his confusion and dismay) totally unaffected by his charms USAF pilot Kat Wallace, who (rightfully so) bounced his ass out of pilot training. She changed his life, even if he didn’t yet recognize it. Somehow she saw in him what he didn’t, or couldn’t, but what he hoped to God he could call on now in the battle for his homeland, his people, and the chance to reverse his failing them.
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Kat is more than wary of the wannabe prodigal prince’s intentions. She’s not entirely convinced he’s done playing with life as if it were a silly game. But with communications cut off, weather moving in and her own crew to protect, Kat forms a way-outside-the box (not to mention protocol) alliance with Alek. With forces joined, and their fiery attraction melting the wintry ice, Kat and Alek wonder if trust alone will be enough to survive the dangers looming ahead.
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THE SACRIFICE by Kathleen Benner Duble

This one sparked my interest because it's a Young Adult Historical and I'm totally into that right now. In fact, the next novel I polish up for submission will probably be a YA Historical. SACRIFICE is set during the Salem Witch Trials and explores the primal instinct of herd terror. That's when normally rational and intelligent human beings get together, one freaks out, and pretty soon the whole herd is stampeding. Tragedy always results. Here in the 21st century, we like to think we've evolved beyond that. Think again.

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You can read a first chapter excerpt at Amazon.com-

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0689876513/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

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Here's the blurb:
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In the year 1692, life changes forever for ten-year-old Abigail Faulkner and her family. In Salem, Massachusetts, witches have been found, and widespread fear and panic reign mere miles from Abigail's home of Andover. When two girls are brought from Salem to identify witches in Andover, suspicion sweeps the town as well-respected members of the community are accused of witchcraft. It isn't long before chaos consumes Andover, and the Faulkners find themselves in the center of it all when friend turns themselves in the center of it all when friend turns against friend, neighbor against neighbor, in a desperate fight for the truth. At the heart of this gripping story are Abigail and her sister, Dorothy, who together must find a way to persevere during a period marked by terror, adversity, and ignorance.
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Told from Abigail's point of view and based on actual events in the author's own family histoy, The Sacrifice offers a unique perspective of the Salem witch trials by delving into the devestating effects the trials had not just in Salem but throughout Massachusetts.

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***That's it for this month, Blog Buds! Now, repeat the Enduring Romance Oath: "I (insert name here) do solemnly swear to always buy my favorite authors' books new." Remember, when you buy new you keep your favorite authors in the business of creating the stories you love.***

Tuesday News, Part Two

Susan Grant is teaming up HOW TO LOSE AN EXTRATERRESTRIAL IN 10 DAYS with a chocolate expert for Mother's Day. Pop over to her blog to read all about it. http://susangrant.blogspot.com/ Genius!

In case you don't get the connection, this novel has a divorced mother of teens and a hot intergalactic space hero in it. We can always count on Susan to deliver the heroic moms!

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Also, don't forget, Susan's next novel, MOONSTRUCK, hits the shelves May 29th.