AND THE WINNER IS.... Kaylyn Davis. I've sent you an email, Kaylyn. Thanks everyone for sharing your favorite books. I've grown my TBR pile!

I love reading. That’s probably obvious because I’m an author. I love reading all sorts of books, but predominantly romance because it allows me to relax and slip into a new world, and to experience a range of emotions from laughter, fear, sadness and joy! Plus, let's not forget the Happy Ever After.

So I was excited to join The Romance Review Romance Madness Blog Hop open until 29 January, 2013, where I get to talk about my recently read favourite books. It’s hard to pick only a couple because I’ve read so many romances lately that are super – Grace Burrowes - Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal, Samantha Grace - Lady Amelia's Mess and a Half, Lori Wilde - The Cowboy Takes a Bride, Phillipa Ashley - Dating Mr. December.

As I’m now writing Regency and contemporary romances, I thought I’d highlight two of my favourite books, one from each genre...I also thought I’d highlight some relatively new authors instead of promoting those who really don’t need any promotion, we all know they are fabulous story tellers. That way, perhaps I can help you find a new favourite author...

Keep reading to learn about the three ebooks you can win here at my stop!

Regency – have you tried my fellow Kiwi and fellow Random House Loveswept author, Wendy Vella. Wendy’s just released her first book, The Reluctant Countess, Jan 2013, which I think is very funny as my first ever contemporary released late Dec 2012 is called The Reluctant Wife. Perhaps we kiwi’s do stick together.

I got to read this story for a cover quote and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Here’s the blurb...

Regal, poised, and elegant, Sophie, Countess of Monmouth, is everything that a highborn lady should be. But Sophie is hiding a past that is far from royal. When Patrick, Earl of Coulter, realizes that her story doesn’t add up, he resolves to find out the truth of what Sophie and her sister-in-law are concealing. Although Sophie has every reason to avoid him, the handsome and charismatic Patrick awakens something wicked deep within her soul . . . a powerful need that Sophie must stifle in order to protect her place in society.
 
Despite Sophie’s humble background, the raven-haired beauty has won Patrick’s heart. But what Sophie needs now is an ally. Viscount Myles Dumbly, the disgruntled former heir of Monmouth, is determined to expose Sophie as a fraud to recapture his lost inheritance. Soon Patrick is drawn into a fight for both their lives. Somehow he must find a way not only to rescue Sophie from poverty once and for all, but to keep her in his arms forever.

What I really liked about this story was watching Sophie and Patrick fall for each other. There are secrets, lies, a secondary romance, and a gorgeous, bold and vulnerable hero, and a sassy determined heroine. Patrick is looking for the love and laughter he was denied as the only child of his parents, smothered in duty and responsibility. Sophie projects herself as cold and aloof when underneath she is strong, caring and willing to do whatever it takes to protect what is hers. There is a strong sense of family, honor and protection and it adds some wonderful secondary characters that you grow to love as well. I thoroughly recommend you reading it. A bargain at $2.99!

Contemporary – sticking with my New Zealand theme, I’m introducing fellow Kiwi author Toni Kenyon, and her wonderfully different contemporary Private Love in a Public Place.

Mags O'Brien lives on the alcohol-soaked, drug-enhanced concert circuit, managing out-of-control rocker Julian MacAvoy. She helps him spread his musical gospel to his adoring followers, despite the fast-spinning turnstile on his bedroom door, and the broken hearts he leaves in his wake.

Mags believes she’s immune to Julian’s magnetic personality but when controversy hits the tour, she finds herself in danger of falling at his feet, slave to his appetites and her own desire and need.

Julian refuses to be tamed, but the pressure of the ravenous crowds’ clamps tighter and tighter around him. His chaotic world starts to crumble when he realizes his motivation to continue touring comes from an unobtainable woman. Can he force her to make the agonizing choice between himself and her estranged husband?

An erotic and candid look at life on the road.

I don't often like first person, but the strength of the characters and the 'world' this book is set in grabbed my attention from the start. The hero is unconventional and the set up very different from anything I've read lately and that's what kept me reading. I couldn't stop. From the minute I read the sample I had to buy and read.

Mags is open and real, a woman I could relate to, in a job many of us would see as glamorous (manager to a rock star or babysitter perhaps) but which she made very real, faults and all. Jules is that mix of arrogant tosser and little boy lost, who you can't help but fall in love with. A rock star that shows us he's human. I thoroughly recommend, go on give it a go.

Finally, I thought I’d finish by revealing a little about my latest and first contemporary release, The Reluctant Wife, Entangled Publishing Indulgence $2.99 December 2012.

Abby Taylor walked out on her irresistible husband three years ago. Now she has no choice but to return to Italy to ask him for a favor. To pay for her grandmother's heart operation she needs his money, but it comes with strings attached.

Conte Dante Lombardi has it all—an Italian villa, a successful family business, and a noble title. But he needs a child to carry on his legacy and time is running out. He also hopes to satisfy the desire Abby rouses in him.

As Abby uncovers why he’s in such a hurry for a child, she falls in love with him again … just as she realizes it might be impossible to keep her end of the deal.

...an intense, passionate rollercoaster of a love story—just perfect!
- USA TODAY bestselling author Natalie Anderson

 I hope I’ve wetted your appetite for a little romance. Follow the Rafflecopter instructions, and be in to win a copy of – To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield. PLUS an eBook copy of Toni Kenyon’s latest release, Catch. PLUS an eBook copy of Wendy Vella’s The Reluctant Countess. That’s THREE eBooks!!! But wait there's more... A $20 Amazon or B&N egift card
so you can buy more of your favorite books!

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Open Internationally! Winners Drawn 30 Janaury 2103.