The following review of Cowboy Tough by Joanne Kennedy (February, ISBN 9781402265525) ran in the December 15 issue of Booklist:

Cowboy Tough.

By Joanne Kennedy.

Feb. 2013. 384p. Sourcebooks/Casablanca, paper, $7.99 (9781402265525)

As far as Cat Crandall is concerned, the Boyd Dude Ranch is “rustic” only when seen in the rearview mirror. “Rundown” is more like it. But Cat really doesn’t have any choice but to make the best of matters. In no time, five students, along with Cat’s niece, Dora, will be arriving there for an artists’ retreat, and if Cat wants to secure a permanent place as an instructor for Art Treks, she has to make it work. The Boyd Dude Ranch desperately needs the steady infusion of cash Art Trek students can provide, so Mack Boyd is determined to do whatever it takes to keep Cat happy. Of course, “wrangling” artists sounds a lot easier than it actually is, especially once Mack discovers one citified lady artist in particular just may have lassoed his heart. Kennedy’s latest contemporary romance packs a powerful, emotional punch, and when it comes to capturing the appeal and feel of the West and its people, nobody does it better. —John Charles

This comes after good reviews from RT and Publishers Weekly:

“Kennedy really knows how to write fish-out-of-water stories where city girls cope with country life.” —RT Book Reviews

“Kennedy's love of the West shines...” —Publishers Weekly

Much more to come!

Sourcebooks Publisher and CEO Dominique Raccah was a featured guest on NPR’s All Things Considered yesterday afternoon.

Her interview was part of a series that examined New Horizons in Publishing, and Dominique spoke extensively about digital publishing opportunities.

All Things Considered is the most listened-to, afternoon drive-time, news radio program in the country.

Reporting the Revolutionary War by Todd Andrlik was reviewed in this weekend’s edition of American Profile, a weekly, four-color magazine that celebrates hometown American life and circulates within community newspapers nationwide with a readership of over 10 million.

As it says on the cover, “Before it was history, it was news.” This stylish and intelligent collection of colonial newspaper reports from the Revolutionary era, from 1764 to 1796, reveal the sprouts of our nation beginning to take root in American soil—and the vital role of the press in uniting colonists yearning to break free of British rule. Essays from historians and experts, sidebars, pop-outs and artwork guide readers through a fascinating display of the eyewitness accounts, battlefield correspondence, breaking news, editorial rallies to action and outright propaganda that helped to shape the young nation that would become the United States of America.

Andrlik’s event at The Old State House in Boston also aired on BookTV (C-SPAN) this weekend.

The January 1 issue of Booklist will review three February Sourcebooks Casablanca titles: Once Again a Bride by Jane Ashford, Wildcat by Cheryl Brooks, and Checkmate, My Lord by Tracey Devlyn!

Both Once Again a Bride and Checkmate, My Lord, received starred Publishers Weekly reviews earlier this month.

More to come for all of these titles in 2013!

BOOKLIST REVIEWS – JANUARY 1, 2013

Once Again a Bride.
Ashford, Jane (Author)
Feb 2013. 416 p. Sourcebooks/Casablanca, paperback, $6.99. (9781402276729).
Charlotte spent the entire wretched year she was married to Henry wishing he was dead. Now her dark wish comes true when her husband is murdered by thieves while returning home from his club late one night. Yet even from beyond the grave, Henry manages to make Charlotte’s life miserable. When his will is read, Charlotte discovers he has left her nothing. Everything, including what remains of her dowry, goes to establishing a private museum for his collection of antiquities. Even with the assistance of Henry’s nephew, Alexander, there is nothing Charlotte can do to break the will, but what is even worse is that Charlotte soon becomes the leading suspect in her husband’s untimely death. Ashford spices up the plot of her latest Regency historical with an intriguing thread of mystery while at the same time realistically tempering the story with details about the social and political unrest of the time. In addition, readers who remember the Upstairs Downstairs flavor of Marion Chesney’s classic Regencies will especially enjoy the secondary love story between Charlotte’s maid and Alexander’s footman.
— John Charles

Wildcat.
Brooks, Cheryl (Author)
Feb 2013. 384 p. Sourcebooks/Casablanca, paperback, $7.99. (9781402251719).
Sara Shield, a horse breeder on Terra Minor, has no use for men, even though Zetithian males have an impressive array of characteristics making them the most coveted sexual partners in the galaxy. When the expensive stud she had shipped in from Earth disappears, rumors fly that her neighbor Jerden, one of the few survivors of a genocide, has been seen riding a magnificent stallion. Terra Minor was designated the new Zetithian homeland following the destruction of their home planet. Jerden, who attracts animals of all kinds, tries to return Danuban, but the horse has his own ideas. When Jerden falls ill, Danuban manages to bring him to Sara’s house. Sara and Jerden, both being stalked by suitors, decide to pretend to be dating. Brooks gives Jerden and Sara over two hundred pages to become real, believable, and important to the reader before their relationship evolves into a highly erotic sexual one. Although this is the ninth book in the Cat Star Chronicles, it stands firmly on its own merits.
— Diana Tixier Herald

Checkmate, My Lord.
Devlyn, Tracey (Author)
Feb 2013. 416 p. Sourcebooks/Casablanca, paperback, $6.99. (9781402258251).
Devlyn follows A Lady’s Revenge (2012), the first in the Nexus series, with a tale about Sebastian, Earl of Somerton, an aloof man who is the coordinator for secret agents. His neighbor, Catherine Ashcroft, approaches him with letters her husband left for her prior to his death. Now widowed with a young daughter, she is sure her husband was using some sort of code to her in these missives. Somerton knows her husband was an agent, and he tries to keep the intrepid Catherine from learning anything about that, even though he is increasingly interested in her. Another man begins pressuring her to learn more about Somerton, including the names of his Nexus agents. Devlyn’s edgy and sexy series is gaining momentum, and historical-romantic suspense fans, particularly those who enjoy Brenda Joyce, will delight in this. Readers may want to read the first installment to learn more about the Nexus and the twins who were wards of the earl, but this title is an enjoyable stand-alone.
— Amy Alessio

Right College, Right Price and Financial Fit, created by guidance counselor Frank Palmasani, were featured in a sidebar in a Publishers Weekly personal finance article under the headline “Paying for College the Smart Way.”

GREAT NEWS: I Own the Dawn by M.L. Buchman (ISBN 9781402258138) and A Royal Pain by Megan Mulry (ISBN 9781402269974) have been featured on NPR’s Best Romance of 2012 list, chosen by bestselling author Eloisa James!

You can read the full list at the link below, and also pasted what Eloisa had to say about both of these titles. Eloisa also writes a monthly column on the B&N Review website, where she featured both of these titles earlier in the year.

NPR is running an online series of the Best Books of 2012 in various categories—if this piece does run on air, we’ll be sure to let you know!

Romantic Reads From Shakespeare To Steampunk (Heavy On The Steam)
by Eloisa James

I Own The Dawn
by M. L. Buchman
Paperback, 404 pages
M.L. Buchman is one of very few male romance writers, and he leans on his testosterone: His Night Stalker series turns a passion for military helicopters into a fundamental characteristic of his heroines. These women are the ultimate alpha soldiers — although it should be said that the novels do not glorify the American military. What they do glorify is a military chopper with four seats — "the nastiest gunship God ever put on Earth and only the best flew in her," as the heroine of I Own the Dawn, Sgt. Kee Smith, puts it. Kee is a tough-talking girl who grew up on the streets and fought her way into being a helicopter gunner. Since I'm both squeamish and a pacifist, I tend to avoid military romance, but Buchman made Kee's obsession with a Black Hawk helicopter fascinating. The fact that Archibald Jeffrey Stevenson III, a first lieutenant copilot in her chopper, is a blue-blood alpha didn't hurt either. This is a classic tale of socioeconomic opposites who fall wildly into love — and passion.

A Royal Pain
by Megan Mulry
Paperback, 338 pages
The opposites-attract theme of the first two books here leaps into hyperdrive with Megan Mulry's A Royal Pain. The heroine of this contemporary-set novel, Bronte Talbott, suffers from an American weakness: She's obsessed with the British royal family (she would have been thrilled by the royal sprout in the news these days). You can see where this is going: Wounded by a love affair with a caddish Texan, she meets a British student just finishing his doctorate in economics. He's a perfect antidote to a two-timing American in a cowboy hat. Then Max Heyworth turns out to be the 19th Duke of Northrop. And it turns out that paparazzi aren't fun up close, and Max's idea of a "low profile" can't hide the fact that being a nobleman is a full-time job. What's more, as he tells her, it's "one we can never quit." There's quite a bit of flying back and forth across the Atlantic in A Royal Pain (thankfully, all of it in first class) as Megan tries to figure out whether the agony of being photographed for the same tabloids she used to read is worth the pleasure of marrying Max. You can guess the outcome yourself.

Barnes & Noble has selected Reporting the Revolutionary War by Todd Andrlik as one its Best Books of 2012 in the “Quirky, Beautiful, Different” category! The selections were made from customer favorites and personal recommendations by B&N booksellers.

You’ll find Reporting the Revolutionary War is in good company on a list that includes some of the most acclaimed and publicized books of the year.

Booklist reviewed Len Berman’s Greatest Moments in Sports: Upsets and Underdogs online.

“The energetic narrative reads like an ESPN broadcast, establishing the necessary background to understand the overwhelming odds against success, then providing a dramatic description of the amazing victories. Well designed with plenty of photographs and boxed related information, this will attract sports fans and reluctant readers.”

It’s been another busy media week for Todd Andrlik and Reporting the Revolutionary War!

Andrlik was a guest on CNN’s Starting Point and his interview with NPR’s Here & Now also aired on 170 stations.

The book was featured in an interview yesterday on WNYC’s  Leonard Lopate Show and during an interview that aired on WHYY.

AWESOME news: Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight by Grace Burrowes (ISBN 9781402268632) has been named a Library Journal Best Book of 2012 in the romance category!!

You can read the full list at the link below, along with the blurb for Lady Louisa. You’ll see she’s in very good company, sharing the Best Book honors with Nora Roberts, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and Loretta Chase, among others!

http://reviews.libraryjournal.com/2012/11/best-of/best-genre/best-books-of-2012-romance/
Burrowes, Grace. Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight. Sourcebooks Casablanca. (Windham Siblings, Bk. 6). ISBN 9781402268632. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
A supersmart heroine and an irresistible hero are thrown together in this intriguing, holiday-laced story that boasts an abundance of children, a dash of danger, a well-crafted plot, and an engaging pair of protagonists perfect for each other but who think they have secrets the other won’t forgive. (Xpress Reviews, 10/12/12)

This follows The Bridegroom Wore Plaid by Grace Burrowes being named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2012, also in the romance category. That’s TWO Best Books for Grace this year, and is a huge accomplishment for this critically acclaimed and bestselling author!

Previously, Grace’s debut novel, The Heir, was named a PW Best Book of 2010.

Congratulations to everyone! Much more to come for Grace…

Great news! TEN Sourcebooks Casablanca and Landmark historical titles nominated for RT Reviewers Choice Awards!

• TEMPTATION IN A KILT by Victoria Roberts, First Historical Romance
• A LADY AND HER MAGIC by Tammy Falkner, First  Historical Romance
• LESSONS AFTER DARK by Isabel Cooper, Historical Fantasy/Paranormal
• THE LORD OF ILLUSION by Kathryne Kennedy, Historical Fantasy/Paranormal
• THE HIGHLANDER’S PRIZE by Mary Wine, Scotland-Set Historical Romance
• WHEN YOU GIVE A DUKE A DIAMOND by Shana Galen, Historical Romantic Adventure
• THE NEEDLE IN THE BLOOD by Sarah Bower, Historical Fiction
• A PLACE BEYOND COURAGE by Elizabeth Chadwick, Historical Fiction
• THE COURTESAN'S LOVER by Gabrielle Kimm, Historical Fiction
• TRUE HIGHLAND SPIRIT by Amanda Forester, Historical K.I.S.S. Hero (Jacques Dragonet)

To see the full list of Historical Romance and Fiction titles nominated for the RT Reviewers Choice Awards, please visit: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/rt-daily-blog/first-wave-rts-2012-award-nominees-here-historical-romances

More than 3,000 titles have been reviewed in RT Book Reviews over the last year, and being nominated for these awards is a great accomplishment, and recognition for our authors by some of the most avid readers of romance—the RT Reviewers!

The RT Reviewers Choice Awards will be handed out at next year’s RT  Booklovers Convention, at an awards ceremony on Friday, May 3. The full list of winners will be printed in the June 2013 issue.

Congratulations to our nominated authors!

Great News: 4 of our January 2013 titles will be featured in the January issue of RT Book Reviews!

• Waking Up with a Rake by Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe, 4 Stars
• The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne by Jane Fresina, 4 Stars
• The Officer Breaks the Rules by Jeanette Murray, 4 Stars
• Prince of Power by Elisabeth Staab, 4 Stars

The January issue of RT will be sent to its 70,000 subscribers later this month, and it will be available on newsstands in early December.

RT BOOK REVIEWS – JAUNUARY 2013
SOURCEBOOKS CASABLANCA REVIEWS

WAKING UP WITH A RAKE
by Connie Mason, Mia Marlowe
Genre: Historical Romance, England
Sensuality: SCORCHER
Setting: 1818 London
 RT Rating: 4 Stars

Review: Mason and Marlowe have taken a historical tidbit — the Hymen Race Terrific — and made it the foundation of their new trilogy, the Royal Rakes. Three rakes will come between royal dukes set on marrying their way onto the throne — and what better way to stop said dukes than by seducing the intended brides-to-be? This first book is deliciously scandalous, with authentic settings, realistic characters and wicked seductions.
Summary: Lord Rhys Warrington is drinking and sleeping his way through London’s notorious demimonde to forget his military disgrace and his family’s disdain. Now, he is given a chance to regain his honor: All he has to do is seduce an innocent and stop a duke from marrying her. But Miss Olivia Symon is not what he expected. She’s witty and unconventional. Flirtation turns to seduction, but Rhys doesn’t have the heart to ruin her. When a ride in the country turns into a brush with death, the rake becomes the bodyguard. As nights with Olivia turn hot and carnal, Rhys must find the villain before he loses the woman who saved his soul. (SOURCEBOOKS, Jan. 352 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed By: Maria Ferrer

THE WICKED WEDDING OF MISS ELLIE VYNE
by Jayne Fresina
Genre: Historical Romance, England
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: 1822 England
 RT Rating: 4 Stars

Review: Readers who adore wickedly funny, fast and sassy romances will delight in Fresina’s latest. The naughty desire-in-disguise theme, coupled with sharp, hilarious repartee, steals the reader’s heart, making it more than easy to forgive the predictable misunderstandings that the author has incorporated into the plot.
Summary: Ellie Vyne will do just about anything to avoid marriage, including disguising herself as the notorious Count de Bonneville, a dashing gambler who fleeces nobles out of their fortunes. She even tricks her childhood nemesis, James Hartley, by winning the fabulous Hartley diamonds from his foolish mistress. James is determined to retrieve the family heirlooms from the unscrupulous count, but all he finds in the count’s room is Ellie. Believing she must be the count’s mistress, James decides to keep tabs on her, even accompanying her to her aunt’s country home. Their trip includes an accident, blackmail, “amnesia,” James masquerading as her servant, a delicious game of seduction, another Count de Bonneville appearance, past secrets, new suspicions — and, of course, a wedding! (SOURCEBOOKS, Jan., 416 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed By: Kathe Robin

THE OFFICER BREAKS THE RULES
by Jeanette Murray
Genre: Contemporary Romance, General Contemporary Romance
Sensuality: HOT
 RT Rating: 4 Stars

Review: The second book in the Semper Fi series is just as good as the first. Delving into the psyche of her hero, a military service member, Murray give readers an intimate look at the trials our heroes face when they aren’t on active duty. Murray is a wonderful storyteller and does an excellent job updating the reader on the previous story in this series and giving us a sneak preview of the next book. Her characters and their challenges are relatable, and will inspire readers to fight for what they want in their own lives.
Summary: Captain Jeremy Phillips made a promise to himself to stay far away from Madison O’Shay, his best friend’s sister and the woman he can’t get out of his mind. It doesn’t help that Madison wants him just as much and does not take kindly to the word “no.” Bowing down to temptation, Jeremy and Madison start an affair that he hopes to keep casual. Eventually he is forced to choose between the life his father wants for him and the one he wants for himself. (SOURCEBOOKS, Jan., 352 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed By: B. Nakia Garner

PRINCE OF POWER
by Elisabeth Staab
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Sensuality: HOT
 RT Rating: 4 Stars

Review: This is an action-packed, half-urban fantasy/half-romance with a meaty plot and a lot of characters. The story between Tyra and Anton is exciting, engaging and hot, but readers may be more drawn to some of the other characters in the book and wondering what would happen to them. There’s the centuries-old vampire and a party-girl human, as well as two vampires who have both recently lost their mates and are brought together by the circumstances. Here's hoping this series continues and we get to find out the fate of all of these couples!
Summary: Vampire soldier Tyra has become the target of wizards, due to her unique powers. Anton is the son of the wizard ruler, left to die after he’s turned against his people and refused to kill more vampires to gain power. When he saves Tyra’s life, sparks immediately fly and Tyra sees a way for her to hunt down the wizard ruler herself, or at least give her people a secret weapon. But the rest of the vampire race is much more suspicious about Anton’s interest in Tyra. (SOURCEBOOKS, Jan., 352 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed By: Cyndy Aleo

Wolfishly Yours by Lydia Dare (November, ISBN 9781402263491) has been reviewed on BooklistOnline.com:
 
Wolfishly Yours.
Dare, Lydia (author).
Nov. 2012. 384p. Sourcebooks/Casablanca, paperback, $7.99 (9781402263491).
REVIEW. First published October 23, 2012 (Booklist Online).
Livi Mayeux is devastated when her father ships her off to England to become a proper lady. She may not be Lycan like her brothers, but she has run as wildly across the Louisiana bayou. Despite her wishes to return home, however, her new chaperones convince her to put her best foot forward. They may need a better helper than Grayson Hadley, who stirs desires in Livi no proper lady should feel. Dare delivers a sparkling second entry in her Hadley Brothers trilogy, following The Wolf Who Loved Me (2012), an adventurous romp light enough on the paranormal that readers who relish the traditional Regency romance and its play on social mores should give it a try.— Nina C. Davis

Link: http://booklistonline.com/ProductInfo.aspx?pid=5558080&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Earlier this year, Wolfishly Yours was named a Publishers Weekly Top 10 Romance of the Fall 2012 season.

Kirkus reviewed Reporting the Revolutionary War by Todd Andrlik.

"An impressive cache of primary-source documents, normally the province of scholars, presented here in an entertaining, aesthetically pleasing fashion guaranteed to entice general readers."

Shari Mezrah, author of The Baby Sleeps Tonight, appeared on FOX Tampa to give tips for parents on teaching your child to sleep alone.

VIEW APPEARANCE

Awesome news: The Bridegroom Wore Plaid by Grace Burrowes (ISBN 9781402268663) has been named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2012 in the romance category! The full list of Best Books will be in Monday, November 5^th’s print issue of PW, but the list has been posted to the PW website. You can see The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and the rest of the romance category here: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2012/romance#list.

This is a HUGE accomplishment for Grace! Her debut novel, The Heir was named a PW Best Book of the Year in 2010, also in the romance category. With this new honor, Grace now has TWO PW Best Books!

Below is a media update for The Bridegroom Wore Plaid, which hits stores in December.

Congratulations to All!

The Bridegroom Wore Plaid by Grace Burrowes

December 2012, ISBN 9781402268663

“Historical details enrich Burrowes’s intimate and erotic story, but the real stars are her vibrant characters and her masterful ear for dialogue. Burrowes is superb at creating connections that feel honest and real...” —Publishers Weekly Starred Review

“Will engage readers with emotion and sensuality... Burrowes has a talent for filling traditional romance situations with depth and the unexpected.” —Booklist

“As always, Burrowes creates a character-driven novel... The slowly simmering sensuality and the strong bonds of family hold readers’ interest and hearts.”—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

“A tale of sweet romance... a lovely story. Night Owl Reviewer Top Pick” —Night Owl Reviews, 5 Stars

“Sweet and romantic... this touching novel is a historical to remember.” —Bookaholics Romance Book Club

“A classic Grace Burrowes' character-driven romance... A gently sensual romance that will remind historical romance fans why this genre never loses its appeal.”  —The Romance Reviews

“This book has wonderfully drawn characters... you can’t help but root for their ‘happy ever after.’” —Romantic Historical Lovers

“A heartwarming romance between two decent people struggling in the world around them... another winner from Grace Burrowes.”  —No Casanova, but I Read

Macy Beckett’s October small town romance debut, Sultry with a Twist, has been included in a Chicago Tribune romance round up! You can see the full list here, http://www.chicagotribune.com/site/newspaper/entertainment/sc-ent-1024-books-romance-roundup-20121023,0,3261475.story. Here’s what the Trib had to say about Sultry:

“Sultry with a Twist” by Macy Beckett (Sourcebooks Casablanca, $6.99 paperback)
If June Augustine wants to open her martini bar in Austin, Texas, on schedule, she has to get the ancient bench warrant she earned in Sultry Springs expunged from her record. But to do that she must complete a month's worth of community service in her hometown with the same man who got her in trouble in the first place: Luke Gallagher. Written with a sassy wit, Beckett's debut is charming.

The Chicago Tribune has a daily circulation of 414,590, and ChicagoTribune.com receives 3,212,510 unique visitors a month!

Below is a praise sheet for Macy Beckett. Her next book, A Shot of Sultry, will be in stores in March 2013.

Sultry with a Twist by Macy Beckett
Book 1 in the Sultry Springs Series
October 2012, ISBN 9781402270369

PRAISE:
“Written with a sassy wit, Beckett's debut is charming.” —The Chicago Tribune
“Beckett’s delightful debut is a sweet mix of lighthearted romance and down-home charm.” —Publishers Weekly
“Heaping doses of heart, passion and laughter. The well-drawn characters and setting give this story a depth that makes it pop off the page.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
“Beckett’s clever book is full of both humor and pathos...” —Booklist
“Captivating... I really enjoyed reading it.” —Long and Short Reviews
“A great introduction to a series that looks to be wonderful.” —Night Owl Reviews
“Humor and charm... Sultry with a Twist is pretty darn good.” —All About Romance
“Witty and fun with entertaining dialogue.”  —The Book Girl
“The laughter, tears, and smiles I shed while reading this book certainly put this one on my keeper shelf.” —Roundtable Reviews
“This was such a sweet love story.  I loved the small town and would love the chance to visit once again.” —Book-a-holics Anon
“A winner! SULTRY WITH A TWIST is one of the best contemporary romances I've ever read. I absolutely loved it!” —The Romance Reviews
“An absolutely delectable tale... a witty, sexy contemporary romance that will captivate you from the very beginning.” —Romance Junkies
“An emotional story with great dialogue. I felt ensnared within the story; experiencing the heart-wrenching emotions.” —Books Books and More Books
“If you are looking for a sweet, fun and entertaining second chances story, this would be it. Good writing, sweet lovin' and a great HEA.”  —Nocturne Reads
“Great characters, steamy scenes, and a good story line.” —The Book Garden
“A wonderful emotional mixture – humorous, sexy, and heart-warming.” —BookTrib.com
“Macy brings this alive in readers' imaginations through this very sultry novel.” —BookLoons.com
“I absolutely loved and adored this spicy southern romance.”  —Where’s My Muse?
“A sweet romance about finding the love you always wanted.” —Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
”This novel has a lot of laughter, scary mishaps, stubbornness and an abundance of love.” —The Romance Man
“Macy Beckett has gotten herself a new fan. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one.” —Books Like Breathing
“Macy Beckett delivers a hilarious romance that will make you feel all tingly and happy.” —Book Lovers, Inc.
“Hard to put down... I am eager to see what is next for this author.”  —Ramblings from this Chick
“A deliciously sexy and heartwarming romance.”  —Book Reviews and More by Kathy
“Incredible... sultry sex scenes, witty banter, and an engrossing story.”  —Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
“Macy Beckett writes with humor and charm and infuses her characters with the same spunky personalities.” —Panda Reads
“The romance is H-O-T but still sweet and swoony... “—Life is Short, Read Fast.
“Entertaining story... Very original ideas... Look forward to reading more of Macy Beckett’s stories in this series.”  —SingleTitles.com
“Hilarious, heartwarming, sexy and real – you’ll fall in love, guaranteed.” —Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author
“Witty and fun, warm and endearing, Macy Beckett will tug your heartstrings!” —Carly Phillips, New York Times Bestselling Author

Publishers Weekly gave a glowing Web-exclusive review to A Place Called Armageddon by C.C. Humphreys.

"Humphreys' skill with historical fiction is apparent on every page, and his ability to handle the large cast without tripping up readers is impressive. While the conquest is a foregone conclusion, Humphreys creates suspense and empathy for both sides of the conflict. Readers will enjoy reading a little-heard tale."

The following reviews of Sourcebooks Casablanca titles will run in the December issue of RT Book Reviews:

•    The Bridegroom Wore Plaid by Grace Burrowes, 4 stars
•    A SEAL at  Heart by Anne Elizabeth, 4 Stars
•    Deliver Me from Temptation by Tes Hilaire, 4 stars
•    Waltz with a Stranger by Pamela Sherwood, 4 stars

RT Book Reviews is the top national publication, focused on romance fiction, women’s fiction and YA fiction. Its 70,000 subscribers will receive this issue at the end of the month, and it will be available on newsstands and in bookstores in early November.

RT BOOK REVIEWS – DECEMBER 2012
SOURCEBOOKS CASABLANCA REVIEWS

THE BRIDEGROOM WORE PLAID, ISBN 9781402268663
by Grace Burrowes
Genre: Historical Romance, Scotland
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: Victorian Scotland
RT Rating: 4 Stars
REVIEW: Burrowes’ new Scottish Victorian trilogy begins with a charming tale in which the importance of family beautifully blends with sweet love. As always, Burrowes creates a character-driven novel, allowing the secondary love stories to add depth to the hero and heroine’s trials and complexities. The slowly simmering sensuality and the strong bonds of family hold readers’ interest and hearts.
SUMMARY: Ian MacGregor must marry well to save his family estate and believes he has found his solution in English heiress Genie Daniels — until he meets her spinster cousin, Augusta. Augusta is more than the poor relation; she is Genie’s best friend and would never hurt her chances for happiness. Ian and Augusta are equally stunned by their mutual attraction. Augusta is caught between loyalty and love as Ian is trapped by duty. Finding a way out of their predicament leads to a surprising revelation. (SOURCEBOOKS, Dec., 380 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed By: Kathe Robin

A SEAL AT HEART, ISBN 9781402268908
by Anne Elizabeth
Genre: Contemporary Romance, General Contemporary Romance
Sensuality: HOT
RT Rating: 4 Stars
REVIEW: Elizabeth’s series starter is, like the title, filled with heart and action. Vivid descriptions of military missions, and the pain that can come from them, make this a page-turner. Make sure you grab some tissues because your heart will break for Jack, a warrior dealing with the loss of his best friend, and you will cheer for him and Laurie as they learn how to love. There are some coincidences in the book that don’t ring true, but the author more than makes up for it with snappy dialogue and fantastic characters.
SUMMARY: Navy SEAL John “Jack” Roaker is stuck. After his last mission, which killed his best friend, he has amnesia. Until he can remember what happened, his commanding officer has him on medical leave. Jack is surprised by his attraction to beautiful physical therapist Laurie Smith. However, her biological and adoptive fathers were both SEALs and she has no intention of dating one. Instead, Laurie focuses on using alternative medicine to heal his body, and being with her seems to help soothe his soul. With dangerous secrets locked in his head, Jack has to heal if he wants to be a soldier. But will returning to the military push away the woman he loves? (SOURCEBOOKS, Dec., 320 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed By: Eve Polak

DELIVER ME FROM TEMPTATION, ISBN 9781402264375
by Tes Hilaire
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Sensuality: HOT
RT Rating: 4 Stars
REVIEW: Hilaire’s sophomore effort is an enthralling, multilayered story that sees an all-powerful angel succumb to the power of true love and a remarkable human whose heart and courage give her the power of a god. The trope of a “bond mate” is always tricky, but this story complicates the issue, making for an emotional journey rather than a predictable outcome. Newcomers might have a little trouble navigating the first half, but the passion and intensity of the story will sweep away series beginners and fans alike.
SUMMARY: Logan Calhoun is the last full-blooded Paladin warrior, an angel sworn to defend humanity. Perhaps because his father is The All Powerful, Logan has always seen humans as weak and fallible — until he meets Jessica Waters, a homicide detective whose determination is as fierce as his own. Unfortunately, Jessica is also the lead detective on a murder investigation that intimately involves the Paladins. Logan knows he should find the courage to erase her memories and remove the threat she poses, but the longer he remains in her company, the more he is prepared to move heaven and earth to keep Jessica safe from the dark powers that threaten them both. (SOURCEBOOKS, Dec., 352 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed By: Bridget Keown

WALTZ WITH A STRANGER, ISBN 9781402273223
by Pamela Sherwood
Genre: Historical Romance, England, Victorian Period
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: Victorian England
RT Rating: 4 Stars
REVIEW: Sherwood debuts with a lovely story where threads of family and friendship play an important role. Though this gentle tale holds no surprises, the evenly flowing plot and nicely written dialogue set the tone of the era and the characters’ motivation so well that readers will be enchanted. Sherwood will certainly find a following among Grace Burrowes’ readership.
SUMMARY: Injured after a riding accident and shy of society, Aurelia Newbold shares a dance with a handsome stranger. It is a harmless flirtation, since she will be leaving for Paris. A year later they meet again: James Trelawney is now engaged to her twin sister, Amy. Dancing with Aurelia in the moonlight was a magical moment for James and possibly one reason he became engaged to Amy. Though Aurelia is more confident and bold now, she would never steal Amy’s fiancé and masks her pain. They are constantly thrust together, and James finds it increasingly difficult to ignore his true feelings. But there are surprises in store when they risk scandal to claim their love. (SOURCEBOOKS, Dec., 434 pp., $7.99)Reviewed By: Kathe Robin

This week’s issue of Publishers Weekly features a great review of Waking Up with a Rake by Connie Mason and Mia Marlowe (January 2013, ISBN 9781402272400), the first book in their new regency romance series:

Waking Up with a Rake
Connie Mason with Mia Marlowe. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $7.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-1-4022-7240-0
Mason and Marlowe’s dual effort is the first book in their Royal Rakes regency series. With the “Hymen Race Terrific” underway in 1818 England, the Prince Regent’s three unmarried brothers are anxious to find virgin brides so that either they or their offspring can inherit the throne. In exchange for being exonerated of losing a battle to the French, Lord Rhys Warrington must seduce and deflower the heiress Olivia Symon before the duke of Clarence, one of the three potential heirs, can win her. He manages to gain Olivia’s trust, but soon feels torn between his mission and his growing love for the intelligent, unpretentious beauty. Rhys becomes her protector after discovering that she is targeted for murder. Romance veteran Mason and newcomer Marlowe serve up spicy love scenes as the backdrop to an alluring read complete with an outspoken female protagonist and a hint of mystery. Agent: Natasha Kern, Natasha Kern Literary Agency. (Jan.)
Reviewed on 10/11/2012 | Details & Permalink