Wild Splendor

Wild Splendor
Author: Cassie Edwards
Publisher: Zebra Books
Total Pages: 329
Release: 2016-07-26
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1420136836

From New York Times-bestselling author comes a wildly passionate Western tale of two lovers as destined to be together as they are forbidden . . . A hothouse flower in the parched, rugged desert of the Arizona Territory, beautiful, headstrong Leonida Branson isn't about to waste her youth in a duty-bound marriage to a pompous general. And her resolve only strengthens when she sees Sage, the fierce Navaho chieftain her fiancé has sworn to crush. For the comforts of civilization are no match for the adventurous passion the handsome warrior awakens in her. Each time Sage catches sight of Leonida's porcelain beauty, his dark eyes smolder with forbidden heat. Nothing has prepared him for the feelings that suddenly rage within him . . . or for his overwhelming desire to sweep this exquisite woman into his powerful embrace, to teach her the ancient ways of his people . . . and the timeless ways of love. Praise for Cassie Edwards “Breathtaking . . . Cassie Edwards is one of the leading writers of historical Native American romance.” —Fresh Fiction “Cassie Edwards captivates with white hot adventure and romance.” —Karen Harper “A sensitive storyteller who always touches readers' hearts.” —RT Book Reviews “Edwards moves readers with love and compassion.” —Bell, Book & Candle

This Fierce Splendor

This Fierce Splendor
Author: Iris Johansen
Publisher: Loveswept
Total Pages: 528
Release: 2011-08-08
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0307798941

In a classic historical romance from #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen, a bookish beauty and her rogue guide go in search of a city lost to the sands of time—and find a burning passion. Ever since she was a little girl, Elspeth MacGregor has dreamed of completing her father’s quest to find the legendary lost city of Kantalan. After poring over textbooks, atlases, and tribal legends, Elspath knows everything there is to know about the ancient metropolis—except how to reach it. Now she’s made the journey to Hell’s Bluff, Arizona, in search of the man who may be her last hope of reaching Kantalan, despite his dangerous reputation . . . or maybe because of it. The last thing Dominic Delaney needs is to lead some stubborn scholar around on a wild goose chase. A wanted man, Dominic has never had time for fairy tales. But there’s something about Elspeth’s fiery determination that has him willing to suspend disbelief . . . and something about Dominic that has Elspath falling for the wrong man. Now, to reach the magnificent riches of Kantalan, the mismatched pair must first conquer the dark mysteries of desire. Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: Remember the Time, The Vow, The Baron, Lightning That Lingers, Tall, Dark, and Lonesome, Dream Lover, and Legends.

The Delaney Christmas Carol

The Delaney Christmas Carol
Author: Iris Johansen
Publisher: Bantam
Total Pages: 252
Release: 2004-10-26
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 055390079X

Celebrate the joys of the holiday season with a trio of exquisitely crafted, richly romantic tales by three of the brightest stars in contemporary fiction. Filled with passion, drama, and a touch of magic, this festive gathering of classic Christmas stories—available for the first time in ten years—tells about the lives and loves of one unforgettable family and the enchanted heirloom that links one generation to the next. Christmas Past by Iris Johansen: Killara, Arizona, 1893. Kevin Delaney had heard his share of tall tales, but none could match the one told by the Gypsy beauty he found rummaging in the attic of Killara, his family’s estate. The waif claimed to have traipsed halfway around the world simply to recover an old, long-forgotten mirror. But Zara St. Cloud knows it is no ordinary mirror—and she can see that the striking Delaney is no ordinary man. While he doesn’t believe her talk of mystical relics and fortune-telling, there’s no doubt that a kind of magic is at work on his heart—just in time for Christmas. Christmas Present by Fayrene Preston: True love remains elusive for Bria Delaney. But when she joins her parents at Killara for the holidays, Bria discovers an unusual mirror that reveals far more than her reflection. Appearing in the glass is a startlingly handsome man who just as mysteriously disappears—until she meets him in person that very night. Kells Braxton is visiting on business, but the desire he stirs in Bria is anything but professional—and the mirror foretells their every intense encounter, leading to a Christmas they’ll never forget. . . . Christmas Future by Kay Hooper: A heartbreaking vision in the legendary Delaney mirror drove Brett Delaney to the other side of the world years before. Now his father’s death brings him part of his inheritance: the mirror—and the unbearable prophesy it offers sends him home to Killara this Christmas, determined to save the home he loves and the woman he’s always loved.

The Killing Game

The Killing Game
Author: Iris Johansen
Publisher: Bantam
Total Pages: 386
Release: 2000-05-02
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0553581554

A merciless killer on the hunt...an innocent child in his sights...a woman driven to the edge to stop him... The killer knows Eve Duncan all too well. He knows the pain she feels for her murdered daughter, Bonnie, whose body has never been found. He knows that as one of the nation's top forensic sculptors she'll insist on identifying the nine skeletons unearthed on a bluff near Georgia's Talladega Falls. He knows she won't be able to resist the temptation of believing that one of those skeletons might be her daughter's. But that is only the beginning of the killer's sadistic game. He wants Eve one on one, and he'll use his ace in the hole to make sure she complies. And he won't stop playing until he claims the prize he wants most: Eve's life.

Strong, Hot Winds

Strong, Hot Winds
Author: Iris Johansen
Publisher: Bantam
Total Pages: 290
Release: 2013-02-26
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0345539524

#1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen gives readers plenty of heat in a sultry tale of love and betrayal in the hot desert sun. Four years ago, after Cory Brandel’s passionate affair with Sheikh Damon El Karim ended, she gave birth to his son—and kept it secret from him. When Damon finds out the truth, he kidnaps the boy and takes him across the world to his desert kingdom, knowing Cory will follow. Damon vows to punish Cory for depriving him of his son and heir, but does he really mean to imprison her in his palace until she surrenders to him? It is savage, unthinkable—but because she is fighting for her son, Cory has no choice. Time seems to have deepened the alarming heat of her attraction to this desert pirate, and Cory knows he has only to stoke her body and she will go up in flames. In rage, Damon had intended to bind Cory to him by force, but instead he is bewildered by his need for her touch. Until now, Cory never understood Damon’s loneliness, but is she strong enough to give him the enduring love that he needs?

In the Arms of the Law

In the Arms of the Law
Author: Deborah Harmse
Publisher: Loveswept
Total Pages: 172
Release: 2012-01-09
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0307799131

A murder investigation pairs a cynical detective and a vivacious teacher in Deborah Harmse’s engrossing novel of romantic suspense. A cop who has seen too much of the dark side of life, Mackenzie Hoyle has developed a few rough edges. He’s working a murder case and has some hard questions for a troubled student at the local high school. But getting past Rebekah de Bieren challenges his toughest tactics. The tiny, blonde civics teacher is as protective as a mother lion, making his job a little more difficult—not that he’s complaining. She’s sexy, straight-shooting, and reawakens something deep and primal he’d forgotten existed. Mack may be as big, tough, and sexy as they come. but underneath the badge is a gentle man who pulls Becky even as he pushes. He’s got a crime to solve; she’s got a kid to protect. But maybe somewhere in the middle, the crazy, wonderful passion igniting between them will lead to a chance for happiness neither one ever saw coming. Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Remember the Time

Remember the Time
Author: Annette Reynolds
Publisher: Loveswept
Total Pages: 503
Release: 2011-08-08
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0307798755

A shattered wife with secrets and the man who has always loved her are united in this wrenchingly beautiful novel of longing, loss, and second chances from bestselling author Annette Reynolds. Since the tragic death of her famous baseball player husband, Paul Armstrong, Kate has lived a life of seclusion. Riddled with guilt, unhappiness, and secrets about her not-so-perfect marriage, Kate has turned away from everyone who cares—except Mike Fitzgerald, her neighbor and childhood best friend, a man determined to bring Kate back to the living. Mike was Paul’s best friend, too, so he kept his love for Kate a secret. He never stopped wanting her, never stopped yearning to kiss away the sadness from an unfaithful husband and too many shattered illusions. Now Mike, a successful architect, is determined to tear down Kate’s walls. He persuades her to renovate her home, providing a foothold for his deepest desire—giving her the life she deserves. Kate married the wrong man, but now the right one is going to show her what’s always been in his heart—a love that belongs to her forever. Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Vow, This Fierce Splendor, The Baron, Lightning That Lingers, Tall, Dark, and Lonesome, Dream Lover, and Legends.

The Rose of Blacksword

The Rose of Blacksword
Author: Rexanne Becnel
Publisher: Loveswept
Total Pages: 452
Release: 2011-12-12
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0307799220

From bestselling author Rexanne Becnel, this classic romance is the beguiling tale of two souls cast together by fate. Like all her historical novels, The Rose of Blacksword speaks to a love that resonates throughout the ages. Lady Rosalynde of Stanwood has the power to entice men to deeds of reckless daring. And none is so rash and bold as the condemned outlaw known as Blacksword. In return for safe escort to her ancestral castle, Rosalynde is forced to marry the rogue, never dreaming that holy wedlock will fan the flames of unholy desire. Wielder of the coveted Blacksword, with the fate of his noble name resting on his massive shoulders, Sir Aric of Wycliffe lives to bring death to his treacherous nemesis—until his heart is bested by the enchanting maiden who saved him from the hangman’s noose. Bound together by ancient custom, the brazen knight demands nothing less than Rose’s total surrender. But even as revenge and honor war within him, he is undone by the most seductive conqueror of all: wild, irresistible love. Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: Tender, Loving Cure, Spellbound, and This Fierce Splendor.

Publishing Romance

Publishing Romance
Author: John Markert
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 611
Release: 2016-03-15
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN: 1476621241

Romance novels have attracted considerable attention since their mass market debut in 1939, yet seldom has the industry itself been analyzed. Founded in 1949, Harlequin quickly gained market domination with their contemporary romances. Other publishers countered with historical romances, leading to the rise of "bodice-ripper" romances in the 1970s. The liberation of the romance novel's content during the 1980s brought a vitality to the market that was dubbed a revolution, but the real romance revolution began in the 1990s with developments in the mainstream publishing industry and continues today. This book traces the history and evolution of the romance industry, covering successful (and not so successful) trends and describing changes in romance publishing that paved the way for the many popular subgenres flooding the market in the 21st century.