Tuesday, July 19, 2011

PARTY DAY 2!

I can't have a celebration without a little cake. Just a mouthful.

Can someone tip Reynaldo out of that hammock and get him to pass them round?

Kate Walker ... just the woman for the job. I'll leave you to handle that while I introduce today's guests.



So, today I have great pleasure in welcoming one of Harlequin's newest authors to the party.  Soraya Lane is a woman made of the right stuff. She delivered a book and then, scarcely pausing for breath, she delivered a baby! As if that isn't enough, she's also being shaken to bits by earthquakes on a daily basis back home in New Zealand.  Romance authors are not made of pink and fluffy; we're Steel Magnolias!


Her book The Army Ranger's Return is about a soldier's second chance…



As nervous as a teenager about to go on her first date, Jessica Mitchell waits for Special Forces Ranger Ryan McAdams—her best friend for the past year— whom she's never met! They've been pen pals while Ryan was away fighting for their country and Jessica was secretly fighting her own demons back home.



She knows widower Ryan's fears of returning to civilian life and his hopes of reconnecting with his son. Now she can't wait to meet him face–to–face—to hear his voice and see his smile…


The returning soldier is so much part of our experience these days and I can't wait to read this story.  And if you'd like the chance to win a copy all you have to do is leave a comment.

Truth, dare, kiss or promise, remember?

Tell us about a kiss from someone special you haven't seen in a long time. A parent, a child, your grandmother, the love of your life.

And meanwhile, back to Kate, if she's finished with Reynaldo! Oh, right, she's brought Jake Gyllenhaal with her, so Reynaldo is going to have to make his own amusement.

I've known Kate almost as long as I've been writing for Mills and Boon and she's the warmest, kindest person you can imagine. Every year we indulge in a "Here Come the Grooms" contest, along with Anne MAllister, definitely one to look out for.  Today she's brought a copy of her most recent book, The Proud Wife, to the party.

Marina thought her dreams had come true when her husband placed a wedding band on her finger. But their marriage was not the fairy tale she'd hoped for, and eventually Marina walked away, her heart broken.  Two years on Pietro D’Inzeo no longer haunts Marina's dreams. She knows the time has come to move on, and even a summons to join him in Sicily won't deter her.


However, with his wife standing before him, about to sign on the dotted line of their divorce papers, Pietro wonders why he ever let her go?

Kate writes the most amazing Mediterranean heroes and you won't want to miss this one.

For a chance to win a copy, tell me which of the great exotic hero types you dream of being swept away by?  A Greek tycoon? A Sicilian Conte? A hot Italian or fiery Spaniard?  Nothing but the truth now!





I've just spotted another guest arriving.

I met Lesley Cookman when she was studying for her Creative Writing MA here in Wales. It started as a cyber-connection but we're now on hugging terms!

A glass of Chianti, Lesley? (Snaps fingers for Reynaldo to deliver!)

While she's distracted by Reynaldo, I'll mention that Lesley writes the "Libby Serjeant" crime series - cosies set in the Kent countryside and I think it's about time they kicked Misummer Murders into touch and moved east! She's the go-to girl if you want to write a pantomime, too, but the multi-talented Lesley is also a long standing member of the Romantic Novelists' Association, writing as Rosina Lesley for Accent Press and she has two of those eBooks to give away, Running Away and A Will to Love.

Catherine Long, in RUNNING AWAY, has a habit of running away from her problems - and one of the biggest problems she's ever had to face goes by the name of James Grant. He was a great support to her and her younger sister Felicity when their father passed away, but when Catherine started developing feelings for this older, married benefactor, she fled to take up residence in her grandmother's country cottage. Except now James has arrived in the village to redevelop his uncle's grand house into a hotel and their lives suddenly seem so intertwined, there's no place left to run for Catherine.
 
It's time for another dare!  For a chance to win one of Lesley's books tell me what you have dared for love. Have you defied your family? Gone to a new country? Run away?  Or do you think that love itself, the risk of your heart, is the greatest dare of all?


Oh, and if you want to see me talking about TEMPTED BY TROUBLE, click on the link at the top of the sidebar!

43 comments:

Anonymous said...

And the party continues - hooray! My favorite exotic hero would be an Arabian Sheik.

Falling in love and geting married for a second time was my biggest dare. It will be 17 years in October and we have a beautiful daughter, so this dare did pay off in so many ways,

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

Yay, don't you love a week long party?

Special kisses...hmm...the lovely smoochy ones I get from my kids every day :)

For sparks, I think nothing beats the romance of a first kiss.

Liz Fielding said...

Whew, Tammy! Fanning myself here. I love writing sheikh books :)

Falling in love has to be the biggest risk we ever take, don't you think? I'm so glad it worked out for you.

Liz Fielding said...

Smoochy kisses from kids - gorgeous. (And grandchildren!)

And that first kiss. That look when you know it's going to happen, the whole raised heartbeat, melting thing. Golly - it's going to be a great day here!

Raven McAllan said...

oh a sexy french man.. who is a master at gallic shrugs!! please?
my biggest dare was submitting a M/S that was way out of my comfort zone, and was only written as a dare from my crit group. and its going to be published!

Kate Walker said...

Ooops, Liz - I tipped Reynaldo so far out of the hammock that he rolled miles away - so Jake and I will hand out the cakes and we'll - er dust Reynaldo down when he comes back.

Happy 20th Anniversary to you dear Liz! Congratulations on all those fabulous books and the gorgeous heroes and sparky heroines- keep 'em coming!

What? Oh now Jake(aka Pietro) is jealous because I called yout heroes gorgeous! These touchy mediterranean men!

I'm so enjoying your celebrations, Liz - and I hope you are too because you deserve every accolade - here's another - one of Kate Walker's very favourite authoes in books and in person.

What? Oh Jake's getting impatient - he wants more cake . . .and Reynaldo has reappeared so I'm going to - er have my hands full . . .

Happy 20th! And here's to many more

love

Kate

Lesley Cookman said...

Oh, Kate, I really think you ought to share those men... and I'll have another glass of Chianti, thanks, Liz.

Happy anniversary, and I'm very flattered to be in such exalted romantic company.

Love
Lesley Rosina (yes, that's the real name!)

Nas said...

Oh,wow! Today we have Kate Walker with not one but two gorgeous heros? Wow!

Such a pleasure attending your party, Liz and being served by Reynaldo!

Anonymous said...

Hooray for the kiss. I agree with Nicola Marsh. Nothing first the romance of your first kiss provided that it's your first love.

Jane said...

I recently saw my niece for the first time in months and I made sure she gave me a big kiss. I think I'll go with the Italian tycoon. Maybe he owns a vineyard and that means free wine.

Valerie Parv said...

Happy 20th anniversary Liz, lifting a glass to your next 20 (sorry, didn't mean to scare you LOL) Biggest thing I dared for love was marrying a man 25 years my senior when everyone said it would never last....38 years later my crocodile hunter and I were still acting like newlyweds, right to his very last breath. No regrets, just the most amazing memories. Big hugs, Valerie

Valerie Parv said...

I forgot to wave to Kate as well, but she looks kinda busy trying to roll Reynaldo back into his hammock...if that is what she's doing.

Heidi Rice said...

If Kate's bought Jake to the party does that mean Hugh's available (in his towel of course).... I'm just asking??

My biggest dare for love, getting married on the spur of the moment in NYC just before watching Ireland v Italy in the 1994 World Cup... I was supporting Ireland, he was supporting Italy, and against all the odds Ireland won!! Amazingly, despite all my honeymoon gloating, we're still married! It takes a real hero to rise above a bad football result IMHO!

Jessica Hart said...

Oh dear, oh dear ... I'm late. Am so sorry to have missed the start of a fabulous party - but my excuse (and what might be my biggest dare) was being away in the Yorkshire Dales exploring the idea of whether reunion romances can work in real life as well as in fiction (and you know, I think maybe they can!)

Now excuse me while I take my drink and circulate. Mwah, mwah to Nic and Kate, of course, and especially to you Liz - many congratulations and thanks for inviting me!

Soraya Lane - Romance Author said...

Sorry Heidi, didn't you notice Hugh on my arm already ... talk about dream hero inspiration!

While you gals party I'm off to bed because it's late here and my baby is finally down, hopefully for a few hours in a row.

See you in the morning!

sleepysian said...

Congratulations on twenty years, xxx

Helen said...

Whoo Hoo and the party is stil going strong YAY I would love a piece of birthday cake.

I love to get kisses from my grandchildren (even though I see them at least once a week) they are always the best LOL. Sticky but good.

A Greek Tycoon would be wonderful especially if he took me to the Greek Isles I would love to go there.

I fell in love when I was 15 and Hubby was 17 and we married 5 years later and have been happily married for 34 years although we have been through tough times and good we are still happy LOL

Have Fun
Helen

HollyJacobs said...

Happy Anniversary, Liz!!

I love a party I can wear my pajamas to! LOL

Holly

Liz Fielding said...

Raven - that is so fabulous. The heroine of one of my earlier books got herself into a bit of a mess with a writing dare!

A sexy Frenchmen - spot on!

Liz Fielding said...

Kate! You are outrageous. :) Have fun with Reynaldo and Jake, but we want them back!

Liz Fielding said...

Glass topped up, Lesley! Thanks so much for dropping by - and you are equally exalted, truly. :)

Liz Fielding said...

Hi Nas, Hi Jeff - lovely to see you both here. How about getting some dancing going. Can't have Kate keeping two men to herself.

Liz Fielding said...

Jane, my next book has an Italian tycoon with a vineyard. I'll see if I can find a photograph of Matteo for you. :)

Liz Fielding said...

Valerie - tearing up just thinking of your lovely Paul. One of the great romances.

Liz Fielding said...

Hi Heidi!

Marriage is such an huge step. And supporting different football teams ... well ... what can I say.

Hugh is around here somewhere. I'll give him a shout. :)

Liz Fielding said...

Glad to have to here at any time, Jessica. And I'm glad you had what sounds like a great time in the Dales.

Liz Fielding said...

Hi Soraya! Hope the baby gave you a few peaceful hours.

Thanks, Sian!

And Helen - young love is so sweet. And brilliant when it lasts through all the trials life throws at us. Congratulations.

Liz Fielding said...

A pajama party, Holly! Now that is fun!

Lesley Cookman said...

This is a very good party!

Very intrigued by Jessica's possible reunion romance!

And that Chianti's good, too! x

Kaelee said...

Happy Anniversary Liz! Thank you for lots of favorite books over the years. I've been busy gardening and trying to stay away from the blogs as I've got dry eyes. Putting eye drops in them four times a day and hoping I can soon be around again on a regular basis. I couldn't miss the party though.

I must thank you as I have been reading some of your books lately and enjoying them a lot. You have got me reading again.

Just have to mention I loved Tempted by Trouble. It was great to see you on your video. Lots of applause for both the book and the video.

KATE ~ I Loved The Proud Wife. I found a few more of your books from the late 80's and early 90's in my mom's collection of Presents. My brother inherited my parents house. I still haven't moved all mom's romance books to my place.

SORAYA ~ I have both your books in my TBR. I'm looking forward to reading them.

Liz Fielding said...

So sorry to hear that you've got eye problems, Kaelee. Nothing, absolutely nothing worse for a dedicated reader like you!

Kate's book is great, isn't it! I have Soraya's and Lesley's on my Kindle - the tbr is stacking up (but portable!)

Jessica Hart said...

Anyone seen Ros or Sheree at the party today? They've both won a copy of The Secret Princess because I couldn't decide between them - loved both their answers about their Prince Charmings!

Ladies, if I don't bump into you, do email me your address (jessica@jessicahart.co.uk) or Liz, I'm sure, will pass it on.

Torrential rain here - it's a great day to get cosy at a party!

_yay_ said...

You probably haven't heard that one, but my favorite exotic hero is an Israeli spymaster.

My grandfather kissed me on the cheek in 2001 and it was the last time before he passed away half a year or so later (we didn't live in the same city)

I must say to trust someone completely is probably the greatest dare of all when it comes to love.

sk_86(at)gmx(dot)de

Liz Fielding said...

Hi Yay - was it the guy with the black eye patch? He definitely had the look. :)

And bless on your grandfather.

Liz Fielding said...

Thanks so much, Jessica. I'll post the winners for all the books in a day or two in case they're missed.

Soraya Lane - Romance Author said...

I'm super late again! Helen, you're the winner of my book - hope you haven't already left the party! You can contact me via my website www.sorayalane.com or else I'll try to track you down!

Anonymous said...

Just popping into the party to say congratulations on your 20th anniversary, Liz. May there be many more anniversaries - and books!

Claire (Baxter)

Trish Morey said...

Did someone mention Reynaldo? Oh boy, you know how to party, Liz!

Congratulations on 20 fabulous years. Thank you for all your gorgeous books. Please keep them coming!

And I'm with Tammy, give me a red hot sheikh. Actually, I've got one simmering away right here. Might just go give him a wee stir...

Happy 20th anniversary, Liz!

Liz Fielding said...

Congratulations, Helen - if you'll get in touch with either me, or Soraya, your book will be on its way before you know it!

Liz Fielding said...

Hi Claire! Thanks so much for dropping by - and thanks for the good wishes.

Liz Fielding said...

Hi Trish - stirring up a sheikh sounds like dangerous business to me! Asbestos gloves required. :)

Liz Fielding said...

Winners for Lesley's books - Tammy, that was one big dare and wins you A WILL TO LOVE. Nas, the copy of RUNNING AWAY goes to you.

These are ebooks, so if you'll get in touch with me at liz @lizfielding .dot (no gaps) we'll see about getting the books to you asap!

Liz Fielding said...

I've just heard from Kate and she's chosen Tammy and Raven as winners - well, Sid the cat has chosen them and he never stops at one!

Email me your details at liz @lizfielding .com and I'll pass them along.