NPR’s arts reporter Neda Ulaby filed a feature story about Days of our Lives on Morning Edition. The piece dealt with how the soap opera has survived the recent demise of many daytime dramas, and features interviews with several cast members and Executive Producer Ken Corday.

Sourcebooks has a publishing partnership with Days of our Lives, which includes Corday's memoir, The Days of our Lives, and 45th anniversary coffee table book, Days of our Lives 45 Years.

Kristi Yamaguchi kicked off the second leg of her tour for her New York Times bestseller, It’s a Big World, Little Pig!, in Los Angeles with an appearance on KTLA-TV and events at Vroman’s, Mrs. Nelson’s and Whale of a Tale.

The next stop on her tour is Phoenix, with a store and school events with Changing Hands. The Arizona Republic ran a Q&A with Kristi as a preview of her event, and the article got picked up by USA Today.

Kristi will round out her tour this week in Salt Lake City with events at Sam’s Club, B&N Orem and King’s English.

Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi adds another New York Times bestseller to her resume with the debut of her new book, It’s a Big World, Little Pig! (ISBN: 9781402266447; MARCH 6, 2012; $16.99 U.S.; Jabberwocky; Juvenile Fiction/Picture Book; Hardcover), at #7 on the Children’s Picture Book list for the week ended March 10.

Yamaguchi launched It’s a Big World, Little Pig! on NBC’s Today Show last week and also appeared on FOX & Friends. She made event stops in New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Chicago on the first part of her seven-city tour, which resumes March 18–March 23 in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City.

It’s a Big World, Little Pig! is the sequel to Yamaguchi’s New York Times bestselling children’s picture book debut, Dream Big, Little Pig! (March 2011—Sourcebooks Jabberwocky). One hundred percent of Kristi’s profits from It’s a Big World, Little Pig! will benefit early childhood literacy programs supported by her Always Dream Foundation.

In It’s a Big World, Little Pig!, Poppy, the adorable, persistent, dreaming-big pig, has a new adventure in store for her—the World Games ice skating championship in Paris!

Poppy is nervous about meeting so many new people in a new place. But, ever courageous and supported by her family (and best friend Emma, too!), Poppy embarks upon this exciting adventure head on. She meets a snowboarding panda, a Maltese who skies, and two fellow skaters, a crane and a kangaroo.

Poppy begins to realize that although these animals look different, act different, and are from different places, they are all the same at heart. They all smile in the same language!

Seven Sourcebooks titles will be reviewed in the May issue of RT Book Reviews, including Top Picks of the Month for Under Fire by Catherine Mann and The Courtesan’s Lover by Gabrielle Kimm! I’ve pasted the reviews below. Included in the May issue:

•    Under Fire by Catherine Mann – 4 ½ Stars, Top Pick of the Month
•    The Courtesan’s Lover by Gabrielle Kimm – 4 ½ Stars, Top Pick of the Month
•    Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal by Grace Burrowes – 4 Stars
•    The Danger that is Damion by Lisa Renee Jones – 4 Stars
•    A Gentleman Says “I Do” by Amelia Grey – 4 Stars
•    Where There’s Smoke by Karen Kelley – 4 Stars
•    The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Cordova – 4 Stars

RT Book Reviews is a top national review publication, covering romance, fiction and young adult titles, as well as industry news, for consumers. 70,000 RT subscribers will receive their May issue in early April, and the magazine will be available in major bookstores soon after that.

The RT Booklovers Convention, sponsored by the RT Magazine, will be held in Chicago April 11-April 14. Over 20 Sourcebooks authors will be attending, and most of them will be coming to the Sourcebooks office for a tour on Thursday, April 12 in the early afternoon!

RT BOOK REVIEWS MAY 2012 SOURCEBOOKS REVIEWS

UNDER FIRE by Catherine Mann, ISBN 9781402245015
Genre: Romantic Suspense, General Romantic Suspense
Sensuality: HOT

4 1/2 Stars RT Rating , Top Pick of the Month
The bestselling Mann’s latest Elite Force installment is absolutely wonderful, a thrilling ride of ups and downs that will have readers hanging onto the edge of their seats. Fans will also love the return to Rachel and Liam’s storyline, as well as the reappearance of the whole team.

Rachel Flores has been avoiding Liam McCabe for the last six months. She does not want to get involved with a man who has three failed marriages under his belt.

Liam is fascinated and intrigued by Rachel, and when she turns to him to help her escape a killer he will do everything in his power to make sure that she never walks away again. Old ghosts and new foes haunt this relationship, and their trust in each other and Liam’s team may be all they have to depend on. (SOURCEBOOKS, May, 384 pp., $6.99)

THE COURTESAN'S LOVER by Gabrielle Kimm, ISBN 9781402265884
Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Continental Locales
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: Renaissance Italy

4 1/2 Star RT Rating, Top Pick of the Month
In this spin-off of His Last Duchess, Kimm reintroduces Francesca as she reinvents herself as a successful courtesan. Kimm’s meticulous details not only evoke the era, but gifts readers with a touching, fascinating and uplifting tale with a carefully developed plot and unforgettable characters. Sensual, yet more intimate than sexy; realistic, with a sense of humor; truly sensitive and heart-tugging: This is a novel that speaks on many levels.

Francesca and her twin daughters arrive in Naples intent upon starting a new life. With the help of her loyal servant and friend, Modesto, Francesca sets herself up as a courtesan and quickly attracts protectors. She is aware of the inherent dangers of her profession, but manages to stay alive by choosing her callers with care. Her one moment of regret comes from a chance encounter with a young client, who makes her realize that she is missing love in her life. Francesca continues her quest for a good life, but when she falls in love she must develop the strength to face the consequences of her past and find a way to make a new future. (SOURCEBOOKS, May, 528 pp., $14.99)

LADY MAGGIE’S SECRET SCANDAL by Grace Burrowes, ISBN 9781402263774
Genre: Regency Period, Historical Romance, England
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: Regency England

4 Star RT Rating
Like the other novels in the Windham series, the second of the Duke’s Daughters spin-offs is an unconventional tale of strikingly unique characters with realistic emotions and exciting antics. It’s always a delight to read one of Burrowes’ creations, even when the pacing is slower than her usual lively fare.

To the world and to the family, Lady Maggie is a Windham, but she was taken in as a child by the family, and knows she may not share their blood. When Maggie misplaces her reticule, she looks to Benjamin Hazlit, private investigator, to help her find it and the secrets it holds. Benjamin may spend time with the gentlemen of the ton, but he is no gentleman — and when he wants to uncover secrets, he goes after his mission with determination and grit. But more than information, Benjamin wants Maggie. To stay close to her during his investigation, Benjamin convinces Maggie to allow him to court her. The sizzle between them is undeniable, and their courtship extends far beyond Maggie’s imagination. But will her secrets destroy everything? (SOURCEBOOKS, May, 384 pp., $7.99)

THE DANGER THAT IS DAMION by Lisa Renee Jones, ISBN 9781402251627
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Sensuality: HOT

4 Star RT Rating
The Zodius series continues with this enjoyable entry packed with intense characters and an intricate plot. Tension mounts as the squad attempts to determine Lara’s true loyalty. The relationship between the protagonists ignites the pages and satisfies emotionally.

Damion Browne knows he shouldn’t be distracted by the woman in the bikini during a mission. As a soldier of the highly-trained GTECH Renegades, he’s aware that his only thoughts should be on the war the Renegades are waging against the Zodius and his current assignment. When that operation fails and the woman is caught in the middle, he and she escape to his apartment, where Damion discovers she’s an unheard-of female GTECH.

Lara belongs to an experimental group of women called Serenity who have been genetically altered to destroy the Renegades. She is plagued with headaches only Damion can soothe. When he takes her to the Renegade labs to research her condition, they join the rest of the team and decide to take the offensive. But their arrival is anticipated by the Serenity gang. (SOURCEBOOKS, May, 352 pp., $6.99)

A GENTLEMAN SAYS "I DO" by Amelia Grey, ISBN 9781402239762
Genre: Regency Period, Historical Romance, England
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: Regency England

4 Star RT Rating
Grey combines a rakish hero, an innocent heroine, the ton’s penchant for scandal and unconventional secondary characters in this sensual, charming and touching read.

The gossip surrounding Iverson Brentwood and his twin brother’s heritage is revived when renowned poet Sir Phillip Crisp publishes a satire that casts aspersions on Iverson’s family. He decides to teach the bounder a lesson. But Crisp has gone off to search for his muse, leaving his daughter Catalina to complete his unfinished work and deal with this aggressive, aggravating man. Iverson discovers he’s met his match in the self-assured and intriguing Catalina. As she sees more of Iverson, and things progress in their relationship, she knows she must tell him she completed the piece about his family but fears he will leave her when he learns the truth. But underneath that hard, rakish exterior lurks a kind, gentle and protective man who just might be able to forgive. (SOURCEBOOKS, May, 352 pp., $7.99)

WHERE THERE'S SMOKE by Karen Kelley, ISBN 9781402263866
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Sensuality: SCORCHER

4 Star RT Rating
Kelley burns up the pages with this hot series starter. A story about a fledgling demon trying to earn her full demon status, and a dark angel trying to make her see that becoming a demon is not all that it is cracked up to be, this book is witty, sexy and a lot of fun. Readers won’t be able to wait to read the next installment!

Destiny Carter is drop-dead gorgeous — literally. She died in 1959 and was sent to hell. She now steals souls for the devil, but needs to make her quota in her quest to become a demon. She is sent back to the real world with a goal, to corrupt one soul. But there is a catch: Destiny has only one week to do it. When she lands in Texas, she sees a bar called the Stompin’ Ground, where she finds the perfect candidate. A lonely cowboy at the bar will be easy to seduce to the dark side, right?

Chance Bellew is waiting on a woman. When that woman strolls in to the bar, he is floored by how gorgeous she is. As a dark angel, it is Chance’s job to talk to this demon-in-training and explain that becoming a demon is not as good as the sales pitch she was given. He also has a time limit on this job: one week and one day to save Destiny’s soul. His one rule is to not get involved with his jobs, but in this case, he is struggling not to. As these two battle to see who will come out on top, the chemistry between them explodes and suddenly the stakes get much higher. (SOURCEBOOKS, May, 292 pp., $14.99)

THE VICIOUS DEEP by Zoraida Cordova, ISBN 9781402265105
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

4 Star RT Rating
This mythical tale is a great read told on land and below the sea. These mermaids are not the lovely creatures you know — they may be beautiful but they are also deadly. Córdova gives us a great new ending to The Little Mermaid. Boys and girls will enjoy this book, because while there’s a romance here, there’s also a good amount of action. Take note, there is some questionable language used.

Tristan Hart has always been good — good at swimming, good at making friends, good at getting girls. But when Tristan gets pulled under in an unnatural riptide, things get a little weird. Now, Tristan cannot remember what had happened in the three days he was missing in the sea. He begins having nightmares about a terrible and beautiful creature, a silver mermaid. Now Tristan is about to find out what his mom really is, and what that says about what he really is. With time running out Tristan must fight for his rightful place in this world — and the one below. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 384 pp., $9.99, ISBN: 9781402265105, PB, 12 & Up)

Great news for SEVEN of our Casablanca Authors who published books last year! They are nominated for The Romance Reviews Best Books of 2011:

Grace Burrowes, a DOUBLE nominee: Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish and The Virtuoso— both in historical romance

Jennifer Blake: Silver-Tongued Devil—historical romance

Lydia Dare: Never Been Bit—paranormal romance

Amanda Forester: The Highlander’s Heart—historical romance

Emery Lee: Fortune’s Son—historical romance

Joanne Kennedy: Tall, Dark and Cowboy—contemporary romance

Elisabeth Naughton: Tempted—paranormal romance

Members of the site (free to sign up) can vote for their favorite titles. You can see the full list of nominees here: http://www.theromancereviews.com/bookvote.php

The Romance Reviews is a popular romance review website, with over 11,000 Facebook Fans, and over 23,000 Twitter followers. We’ve seen an increase in their coverage of our romance novels over the past year, and it has clearly paid off!

Congratulations to all of our nominees. More to come once we know the winners!

Olympic gold medalist and New York Times bestselling author Kristi Yamaguchi launched her new childrne's picture book, It's a Big World, Little Pig!, on the Today Show on Tuesday, March 6. Yamaguchi also appeared on FOX & Friends to talk about the sequel to her New York Times bestselling debut, Dream Big, Little Pig!

100% of Yamaguchi's personal profits of It's a Big World, Little Pig! will go to early childhood literacy programs through her Always Dream foundation.

On My Honor author Shannon Henry Kleiber wrote a piece for the Washington Post Kids Post section for the Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary and On My Honor is prominently featured! The piece will run in print on Sunday, March 11, and you can view it online now. The Washington Post has a Sunday circulation of 846,019 and the website gets 1.45 million visitors per month. The book will also be included in an upcoming Washington Post books roundup.

Following up the great feature in Scholastic Parent & Child, The Kid Dictionary by Eric Ruhalter is also featured in the March issue of New York Family. They say:

“Has your kid ever blown out the candles on another child’s birthday cake? There’s a word for that. What about when a child refuses to take a family photo? Yep, there’s a word for that, too. Local author Eric Ruhalter has penned a hilarious book to describe those indescribably things that all kids do. The Kid Dictionary releases this month and you won’t be able to put it down. It’s amazing how accurately Ruhalter--a father of three--captures the small moments that define childhood with hilarious new words. But you’ll have to pick up a copy to learn the lingo! A hilarious present for any parent, new or seasoned, to get them laughing (and in the know).”

This week’s issue of Publishers Weekly is running a wonderful starred review of Grace Burrowes’ May 2012 release, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal (ISBN 9781402263774)!

STARRED REVIEW: Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal
Grace Burrowes. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $7.99 mass market (416p) ISBN 978-1-4022-6377-4
The delicious fifth book in Burrowes’s Regency series (after Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish) centers on the illegitimate eldest daughter of the duke of Moreland. When Maggie’s reticule goes missing with critical items inside, she hires investigator and family friend Benjamin Hazlit to recover it quickly and quietly. Hiding their working relationship behind a facade of courtship, the two share tea, confidences, and tingling kisses until Maggie realizes that her feelings for Benjamin mean she must fire him to protect him from a figure she’d hoped to leave in the past. Burrowes delivers red-hot chemistry with a masterful mix of playfulness and sensuality, and her themes of healing and familial strength give this page-turner unusual depth. Charming and original with superb characters ready to walk off the page, this is a splendid addition to any Regency fan’s bookshelf. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency (author now represented by Steve Axelrod, Axelrod Literary Agency). (May)

This is the first early review we’ve received of the latest from Grace, and I’m sure there are many more to come!

The same issue of PW if also running a great review of Nadia Knows Best (ISBN 9781402265467) by our bestselling British author, Jill Mansell:

Nadia Knows Best
Jill Mansell. Sourcebooks Landmark, $14 trade paper (480p) ISBN 978-1-4022-6516-7
In this quick and ultimately uplifting chick lit romp, released in the U.K. in 2002, bestselling Brit Mansell (To the Moon and Back) weaves together the stories of an untraditional family and its members’ efforts to find love. Nadia Kinsella thinks she has it all: GQ model boyfriend Laurie, loving father James, grandmother Miriam, sisters Clare and Tilly, and admittedly exasperating absentee mother Leonie. When Nadia is stranded in a snowstorm with handsome Jay Tiernan, she remains faithful to Laurie—only to be unceremoniously dumped when she arrives home. Fast-forward 15 months, when Nadia runs into Jay again. As the two move toward a relationship, Laurie returns from L.A. and attempts to win Nadia back. Meanwhile, Clare, Tilly, and James embark on their own romantic adventures. Mansell smoothly toggles between romances, deftly keeping the multiple story lines moving. While not everyone gets a happily-ever-after, readers are left with a sense of hope that things will work out eventually. Agent: Jennifer Unter, RLR Associates. (May)

The Naked Roommate by Harlan Cohen has been selected as a finalist in the 2012 About.com Readers’ Choice Awards in the "Best Book on Adjusting to College Life" category. 

Between now and March 21,  readers will be voting for their favorite books and winners will be announced on March 30.

Each person can vote once a day until voting closes.

The top story in School Library Journal’s Extra Helping Newsletter this week is “Kristi Yamaguchi’s Big World” - a Q&A about her forthcoming children's picture book, It's a Big World, Little Pig!

The April issue of RT Books Reviews will feature NINE reviews of Sourcebooks titles. It also features Elisabeth Naughton, author of Enraptured, on the cover, with a great feature interview and 4 ½ Star Review!

Additionally, Lessons After Dark by Isabel Cooper, has also received a 4 ½ Star Review and is one of the Top Picks of the Month! Isabel’s debut last Septembner, No Proper Lady, was also a top pick of the month, went on to win the September Seal of Excellence, and is now nominated for 2011 SEAL of Excellence and First Historical Romance nominee in then RT Reviewers Choice Awards.

The Wolf Who Loved Me by Lydia Dare and The Highlander’s Prize by Mary Wine received 4 ½ Star Reviews as well. A 4 ½ Star Review is considered RT’s highest rating!

RT Book Reviews is the premiere publication for romance novel reviews and industry news. It has 70,000 print subscribers and can be found in most major bookstores and libraries.

APRIL 2012 RT BOOK REVIEWS – SOURCEBOOKS REVIEWS

ENRAPTURED  (ISBN 9781402262128)
by Elisabeth Naughton
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Sensuality: HOT
RT Rating: 4 1/2 stars

REVIEW: Naughton’s story of gods, daemons and minions entertains with its dark intensity. Drawing on Greek mythology as a foundation, the story builds momentum throughout. Creative worldbuilding and ever-present danger pull the reader into this mesmerizing tale. The brooding Orpheus is the perfect foil for the lively siren.

Orpheus is a misfit. Half-daemon/half-Argonaut, he is shunned by his people because of his daemon blood. Yet by a trick of fate, he is part of the Eternal Guardians. His quest is to rescue his twin brother from the Underworld, and he needs a special orb to accomplish this.
When Orpheus first meets the beautiful siren Skyla, he’s in his daemon form and she tries to kill him — not an auspicious beginning. Skyla joins him on his journey, but with ulterior motives. Although wary of each other, the couple become lovers. But if Orpheus knew her mission was to kill him, he might not be so generous with his affections. The gods and the demons of the Underworld will stop at nothing to gain the orb and keep Orpheus from his goal. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 416 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed By: Donna M. Brown

LESSONS AFTER DARK (ISBN 9781402264405)
by Isabel Cooper
Genre: Historical Romance, England
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: 1880s England
RT Rating: 4 1/2 Stars, Top Pick of the Month

REVIEW: A direct sequel to Cooper’s debut, No Proper Lady, this second volume is, if anything, even better. Seamlessly weaving the paranormal elements around the romance between Olivia and Gareth, Cooper’s worldbuilding is solid and believable. Both Olivia and Gareth are sympathetic characters, and it is a real joy to watch them negotiate their inner and outer lives in order to create a life together.

Olivia Brightmoore is the newest teacher at Englefield School, recently founded by Simon and Joan Grenville for students who either have magical talents or who wish to learn ceremonial magic. A former medium, Olivia has both the theoretical background and practical experience required to firmly ground her young charges in the principles of magic.

Gareth St. John is the resident physician at the school and has a natural talent for healing. Having seen Mrs. Brightmoore in her former occupation as a medium, he doesn’t trust her intentions and resolves to keep a close eye on her. As the attraction between them grows, the magical goings-on at the school become more worrisome, and it falls to them solve what’s going on — before something even more troubling occurs. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 354 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed By: Natalie A. Luhrs

THE WOLF WHO LOVED ME (ISBN 9781402263460)
by Lydia Dare
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Sensuality: HOT
RT Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

REVIEW: The ladies who write as Lydia Dare strike a high note in their Regency Werewolves series with this winning entry. A delightful take on the Beauty and the Beast theme with a twist, this novel is sure to enchant and delight. The characters sparkle, from the wicked to the sublime, and the plotting is precise and pleasing.

Lady Madeline can’t believe her eyes when she sees Weston Hadley change into a wolf under the light of the full moon. Unfortunately for them both, he sees her witness the deed. To his mind, once she knows his secret, they must get married. The downside is that he’s penniless while she’s the well-dowered daughter of a duke. Wes is amazed when Maddie escapes her father and runs off with him to Gretna Green to become his bride. Their journey is eventful, to say the least. There’s a merry chase and it seems as if the entire world is on the way home from Scotland — including someone Wes doesn’t want to encounter. (SOURCEBOOKs, Apr., 416 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed By: Donna M. Brown

THE HIGHLANDER'S PRIZE (ISBN 9781402264719)
by Mary Wine
Genre: Historical Romance, Scotland
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: 1487 Scotland
RT Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

REVIEW: Wine’s understanding of the readers’ attraction to the Highlander has never been more apparent than in this book. Place one beautiful, independent minded woman in the custody of a ruggedly handsome Highland laird, shake well. The result is a wonderful, sensuous, highly charged romance. Cleverly written, totally believable and nearly impossible to put down, this is a winner.
Clarissa of York, an acknowledged illegitimate daughter of England’s King James, is being brought to the Scots king to become his mistress. Should she bear a son, James will rule Scotland through the blood relationship and not have to constantly battle the clans. Laird Broen MacNichols kidnaps Clarissa to thwart the British. The immediate and unexpected passion between them flares, while the attempts to recapture her by both the English and the Scots, subject Broen and Clarissa to an ever-changing roster of allies and enemies. Broen’s quick thinking and Clarissa’s independent spirit quickly increase their mutual respect and admiration for each other, almost as fast as their passion and love grow. But their willingness to accept an unconventional situation to save their love puts everything at risk. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 352 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed By: Kathe Robin

A LADY’S REVENGE (ISBN 9781402258220)
by Tracey Devlyn
Genre: Regency Period, Historical Romance, England, France
Sensuality: HOT
RT Rating: 4 Stars

REVIEWS: Devlyn debuts with an intense spy thriller that hooks readers from the first page. Her strong heroine gives the novel a distinctly feminist appeal, yet some may find the violence (think Salt) distracts from the romance. Still Devlyn makes a unique mark on the genre with her powerful prose and a gripping vengeance theme.

Since the death of her parents, Cora deBeau lives for revenge. Like her brother, she joins an elite group of British spies in France and infiltrates the highest echelons of the spy game. Cora plays a dangerous game as the Raven, and when she’s caught she can only hope Guy Trevelyan comes to her rescue. Badly scarred emotionally and physically, Cara is wary of men; even her friend and savior, Guy.

Guy had no idea that, when he deciphered a message, he was placing Cora in danger and giving her over to Valere, the man responsible for her parents’ deaths. Guy is horrified that he had a role in her ordeal and vows to protect Cora and win her forgiveness. As Valere stalks Cora, Guy endeavors to convince her she is his woman. Her scars run deep and Guy must be willing to allow Cora to face her enemy and have her revenge. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 400 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed By: Kathe Robin

UNTOUCHED (ISBN 9781402258466)
by Sara Humphreys
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Sensuality: HOT
RT Rating: 4 Stars

REVIEW: The second installment in Humphreys’ Amoveo Legend series is full of fast-paced action and complex characters. Untouched gives readers an inside look at the shapeshifters from these amazing clans, as well as the evil that lurks at the edges of this amazing group.

After surviving a horrific attack, Kerry Smithson wants to get back to her life, lonely though it may be. Even as a world-famous model, she fears the touch of others, for with just a touch there is excruciating pain, along with glimpses of their true thoughts and whether they are good or evil. Heading to a shoot in New Orleans, Kerry is accompanied by a bodyguard hired by her worried best friend.

Dante Coltari has finally found his mate, though she is unaware of what she is, and the unique abilities she possesses. Unlike the Amoveo, Kerry cannot dream-walk due to the barriers she erects. Dante accompanies her to New Orleans as her bodyguard, but he also intends to show her that she has nothing to fear from his touch. Kerry begins receiving threatening letters. As the two scramble to figure out who the perpetrator is. they are pulled in to a dangerous web of lies. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 320 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed By: Jennifer Wilson

ONE HOT COWBOY WEDDING (ISBN 9781402253645)
by Carolyn Brown
Genre: Contemporary Romance, General Contemporary Romance
Sensuality: HOT
RT Rating: 4 Stars

REVIEW: Lazy drawls and pointy-toed boots are at the heart of Brown’s Texas-set romance. The third book of the Spike & Spurs series will make readers laugh along with the large and colorful cast of characters. While the couple’s relationship is hot as the Texas sun, their path to happiness is just a tad too smooth to be completely believable.

Love’em and leave 'em cowboy Ace Riley is stunned when he finds out that he must get married — and stay married for a year — or lose his inherited Texas ranch. To his rescue is his best friend Jasmine, owner of the local café where Ace has spent hours enjoying her cooking and her company. The two agree to a secret marriage that will end quietly in divorce. Everything is going well until their “secret” wedding is featured on the news. Now that everyone knows, Ace and Jasmine have no choice but to act like newlyweds. It isn’t long before the kisses for show become the real deal. Then, it’s a short trip to figuring out that a year of matrimony isn’t enough — forever sounds just about right. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 384 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed By: M.H. Morrison

THE LAST ROMANOV (ISBN 9781402265945)
by Dora Levy Mossanen
Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Continental Locales
Sensuality: MILD
Setting: Turn-of-the-century & 1900s Russia
RT Rating: 4 Stars 

REVIEW: Mossanen has a gift for bringing the atmosphere of an era to readers in a mystical, lyrical manner that quietly sweeps the readers away. Building on the mystery surrounding the execution of the Russian royal family, she has created an unforgettable cast of characters, including the beautiful old woman who believes she has uncovered the last Romanov. Her journey, told in poetic prose, is one of redemption and magic, glory, suffering and passion. Truly an intriguing read.

Darya is 104 years old, yet her beauty shines like that of a young woman. Long ago she was taken in by the Romanovs and became part of the luxurious court life. As part of the inner circle she experienced a rich life, one bound to the royal family. As Rasputin comes to “guide” Nicholas and Alexandra about their son, Alexis, everything changes. Rasputin’s prophecies force Darya to believe she is responsible for the family’s tragic demise, and she realizes she must be the one to find their last heir. Along the way Darya uncovers her past, the love of her life and a second chance at salvation. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 400 pp., $14.99)
Reviewed By: Kathe Robin

MR. DARCY FOREVER (ISBN 9781402251382)
by Victoria Connelly
Genre: Mainstream, General Mainstream Fiction
RT Rating: 3 Stars

REVIEW: The trend for Austen lit continues, and Connelly’s latest contribution is a diversion worthy of the trend. Sarah and Mia’s stories are complicated and still empathetic, and while the novel itself is not world-changing, the writing is good, the scenery is well researched and the relationships believable. The big reveal will be discerned by the savvy reader early on, but that does not take away from the “curl up with this book” vibe the novel gives off as a whole.

Sisters Sarah and Mia have been best friends their whole lives through. Mutual fanatics for all things Jane Austen, they take a holiday at Barton Cottage, a site revered by Jane-ites. What happens at the cottage that week will change both of their lives, causing a period of estrangement and discord. Three years later, at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, they cross paths again. But can anything ever be the same? (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 336 pp., $14.99)
Reviewed By: Victoria Frerichs

Yesterday marked the 20^th anniversary of Kristi Yamaguchi’s gold medal victory at the 1992 Winter Olympics, and People.com’s Moms & Babies blog ran an article that featured Poppy the Pig!

Get an exclusive first look at the gorgeous new trailer!  Entertainment Weekly calls Embrace by Jessica Shirvington "another addictive YA trilogy to add to your must-read list." http://shelf-life.ew.com/2012/02/20/embrace-book-trailer-jessica-shirvington/#more-12986

TIME For Kids is running its feature Q&A with Olympic gold medalist and author of the forthcoming children's picture book, It's a Big World, Little Pig!, Kristi Yamaguchi online. The interview with kid reporter Saniya Soni will also be included in the March 2 print issue.

Celebrity blogger extraordinaire Perez Hilton gave It’s a Big World, Little Pig! a big thumbs up on his blog, Perezitos, this morning!

 “Thought Kristi Yamaguchi was just a figure skater and Dancing With The Stars champ?

WRONG!

She's also a New York Times bestselling children's book author!

Last spring, she debuted her first book Dream Big, Little Pig! and now she's set to premiere the sequel, Big World, Little Pig!

Sounds so cute! And the best part is that 100% of the proceeds from the book will benefit early childhood literacy programs supported by Kristi's "Always Dream" Foundation.

Very, very impressive.”

Feather Schwartz Foster, author of The First Ladies: From Martha Washington to Mamie Eisenhower, was featured in a Men'sHealth.com slideshow.

Financial aid expert Frank Palmasani was quoted in an article last week in the Boston Herald entitled “The (Net) Price Is Right.” The Boston Herald has 124,000 daily readers.

Frank Palmasani, veteran admissions and guidance counselor and creator of the online financial aid resources ManagingCollegeCost.com and MyFinancialFit.com, suggests students take advantage of the new federally mandated net price calculators as a way to determine the “true” cost of college as students research schools they want to apply to.

“Net price is the college’s cost of attendance,” he said. That includes, “tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and personal miscellaneous expenses.” When families use the net price calculator, they get an estimate of how much they’ll be required to pay because they’ll be able to see an estimated financial aid package.

“The important element is families can get a better idea of comparing one institution’s cost with another,” he said.

http://bostonherald.com/entertainment/lifestyle/view.bg?articleid=1401751

About Frank Palmasani

Frank Palmasani, founder of two websites to help families manage the costs of college, began learning about the college financial aid process in 1976, his first year as a high school counselor. In 1981, he moved to the college level, eventually becoming a director of admissions. After twelve years in this capacity, he returned to the high school arena as a guidance counselor, a position he continues to enjoy today. In 1985, Palmasani began delivering seminars to parents and students on the college financial aid and planning process. He has delivered seminars to more than 200,000 people.

An accomplished seminar presenter, Frank is a member of the Illinois Association of College Admissions Counselors (IACAC), the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), and the College Board. In addition to his parent seminars, he also has produced seminars for high school counselors, seminars for college admissions representatives, and a classroom presentation for students.

Thank you so much to everyone who has participated in the Elven Realm Book Blogger Hop over the past week! We are so thrilled with the turn out, and even more excited to take part in the celebration of all three of Kathryne’s Elven Lords books now in stores: The Fire Lord’s Lover, The Lady of the Storm and of course, The Lord of Illusion!

Kathryne prepared a special note to all of the readers and bloggers involved on the blogger hop:

I want to thank all the readers who participated in the blog hop, and journeyed with me through the seven realms of THE ELVEN LORDS! Good luck to all of you in the drawings, and I want you to know that I sincerely appreciate your enthusiasm for my books, and your loyal support. I had such a wonderful time reading your creative answers to the fantastic questions! Special thanks to go my blog hostesses: Lynda from Star-Crossed Romance, Grace from Books Like Breathing, Kim from SOS Al
oha, Martha from Martha’s Book Shelf, Angela at Royal Reviews, Debbie from Debbie’s Book Bag, and Blodeuedd from Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell. You all asked the most fun questions about magical settings and fantasy costumes and favorite jewels…I loved it, and I’m sure my readers did as well. Another sincere thank you to Sourcebooks CEO and publisher Dominique Raccah, for her generous support, and Casablanca Publicist Danielle, for brainstorming this brilliant hop, and making all the arrangements. And of course to Sourcebooks, who sponsored all of the prizes and give-a-ways during the hop. My writing may be a solitary endeavor, but it takes a community for me to continue to bring my stories to readers, and I am grateful for all of you!

And now—for the Grand Prize of the Elven Realm Book Blogger Hop: a $100 Gift Card to Barnes and Noble! Please note: everyone who has commented on the blogs throughout the Book Blogger Hop will be entered in this drawing, as well as anyone who comments on this blog today (so you can have multiple entries!).

To enter please leave a comment with an answer to this question: Which if the Elven Realms would you choose to live in and why?

To help you choose, here are links to the blogs on the Hop:
2/6 “Dewhame”—hosted by Star-Crossed Romance http://star-crossedromance.blogspot.com/
2/7 “Firehame”—hosted by Books Like Breathing http://bookslikebreathing.blogspot.com/
2/8 “Dreamhame”—hosted by SOS Aloha http://www.sosaloha.blogspot.com/
2/9 “Stonehame”—hosted by Book Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/
2/10 “Bladehame”—hosted by The Royal Reviews http://theroyalreviews.blogspot.com/
2/11 “Terrahame”—hosted by Debbie’s Book Bag http://debsbookbag.blogspot.com/
2/12 “Verdanthame”—hosted by Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell http://books-forlife.blogspot.com/

The grand prize winner will be announced in the comments of this blog on Wednesday, February 22. Please leave an email address so we can contact you. The giveaway is open to US and Canada addresses only. Good luck!

Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know by Hy Conrad and Jeff Johnson was reviewed in the February 1 issue of Library Journal.

“These entertaining authors know and love dogs and give them appealing voices…it’s all about the stories.”

This follows a STARRED review from Publishers Weekly.