Photo of the Week (#16)

There's nothing like the lazy flight of a bumble bee as it goes from flower to flower...

photo copyrighted by Ingela F. Hyatt

Romance Reviews: The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran

Emmaline Martin didn't know what to expect when she entered Anglo-Indian Society to marry her betrothed. It certainly wasn't to find her reputation already in tatters because she'd had the nerve to survive a terrible incident that drowned her mother and father, and everyone else on board ship. For a day she clung to debris, and was rescued by a freighter filled with Irish sailors kind enough to deliver her to Bombay. And she certainly didn't expect to find her once kind and honorable betrothed, Colonel Lindley, disgusted with not only the fact she survived in such a scandalous manner, but everything about her: from her forthright speaking to her vibrant and bold art and sketches of unladylike subjects. It seems the Colonel also has a penchant for the ladies and carries on his affairs right beneath her nose. But she most certainly did not expect anything from him...Julian Sinclair, Lord Holdensmoor and the future Duke of Auburn—not kindness, not kisses, and certainly not saving her life.

Julian Sinclair doesn't know what he's doing at the party. Because of his mixed heritage, one quarter Indian and three quarters English, he's not wanted on either side. The British consider him a traitor, and the Indians a shame, and neither one are willing listen. Something is very wrong in the humid Delhi air. Rumors are circulating amongst the Indian peoples—in a nearby city, handful of the Indo-solders rebelled against their English commanders. The very streets of Delhi rumble with unease, and yet the stubborn English refuse to listen to reason. He might as well leave...until he spots her. Miss Emmaline Martin who has the misfortune of being betrothed Julian's boorish cousin, Colonel Lindley. An odd sort of beauty, she's nothing like any lady he's met. She's spirited and speaks her mind, and there is something dark and sweet in her that tugs at something deep inside himself. He shouldn't want her, but he does.

The day Emma intends on leaving the brutish Lindley with the help of Julian, is the day all hell breaks loose in Delhi. The dire warnings Julian spouted have come true, the Indian troops are rebelling and their killing the English—men, women, and children. It is only by chance that Emma is rescued by Julian, and as they try to escape the bloodshed, they save each other from certain death. Escaping into the desert, they make their way to safety, avoiding the Indians soldiers at all costs. But somewhere along the way, Emma falls in love with Julian—with his quiet strength, his gentle touch, and his fierce gaze. Then Julian leaves her with friends—he must return to Delhi to see to his mother's family, and promises he will return to her, and together they will leave for England. Emma wants to beg him not to go, for deep in her heart, she fears she will never see him again...Julian never returns.

Four years have passed since the fateful day Julian learned of Emma's death. Four long and dreadful years spent in England's autocratic Society as the Duke of Auburn. And still he cannot forget, cannot stop the guilt from overwhelming him. He should have never left her, should have stayed with her and taken to England himself. When his fiance takes him to art showing, Julian is shocked when he is faced with paintings depicting the mutiny in India. So terrible in their reality, the paintings speak to him deeply. But no less shocking when he turns to find his beloved Emmaline is alive. Alive! He cannot believe it. Yet by the pain in her eyes, she knew all along where he was, knew he was in England but never came to him. She thought he had abandoned her when it is the farthest from the truth. But when Emma's life his threatened, Julian swears to protect her at all cost...not only protect her, but prove to her that he never forgot her, and never stopped loving her.


The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran is a richly woven tapestry of love, passion, and tragedy. Beautifully written, Ms. Duran's eloquent prose pulls you into the story until you find yourself standing along side Julian and Emma in the humid heat of India. It is a wonder to watch as Emma blossoms from a awkward flower to a beautiful woman under Julian's care. And Julian, freed to be the man he truly is deep inside in Emma's arms. Even the sadness which follows their tragic departure and return four years later is a wonder to behold. Emma, now scarred by the horrors of the mutiny, and Julian rendered an empty shell of a man, tugs at the heart. Colourful and darkly gritty, The Duke of Shadows is one of the best debut novels I have read in a long time, and I look forward to devouring more romances by Meredith Duran. Highly Recommended.

Photo of the Week (#15)

My Dad holding Rogue when he was just a wee puppy...

photo copyrighted by Ingela F. Hyatt

Ask An Author: Final Winner & Thank You!

Congrats to our final Winner (Week #10): JK Maze.


I would like to congratulate ALL our Winners of the Ask an Author Interview & Contest:


Week One Prizes - April 13: babyblue22

Week Two Prizes - April 20: lastnerve

Week Three Prizes - April 27: blackroze37

Week Four Prizes - May 4: Carol L

Week Five Prizes - May 11: kimmyl

Week Six Prizes - May 18: Kytaira

Week Seven Prizes - May 25: Kelly Fitzpatrick

Week Eight Prizes - June 1: Helena

Week Nine Prizes - June 8: soche


And a thank you to all the readers who participated by leaving comments and questions (I have a feeling some of those questions will be used in future Ask an Author segments).


Of course, we couldn't have done this without our fabulous romance authors who took the time out of their busy schedule to not only participate in the interviews and donate prizes, but who diligently responded to reader comments:

Kate Alister

Donna Alward

www.donnaalward.com/

Michelle Beattie

www.michellebeattie.com

Terry Irene Blain

www.terryblain.com

Elaine Charton

www.elainecharton.com

Phoebe Conn/Cinnamon Burke

www.phoebeconn.com

Michele Dunaway

Michele's Blog

Nancy Haddock

www.nancyhaddock.com/

Kelley Heckart

www.kelleyheckart.com

Ingela F. Hyatt

www.ingelahyatt.com

Paty Jager

www.patyjager.com

Sherry King

sherryking-paranormalromance-books.com/

Anna Kathryn Lanier

www.aklanier.com/

Elizabeth L'Inconnu

www.est-linconnu.com/

Sherry Lewis

www.sherrylewisbooks.com/

Carrie Lofty

www.carrielofty.com

Bess McBride

www.bessmcbride.com

Shelley Mosley/Deborah Shelley

www.deborahshelley.com

Jacquie Rogers

www.jacquierogers.com

Patricia Sargeant

www.patriciasargeant.com/

Patti Shenberger

www.pattishenberger.com

Elizabeth Sinclair

www.elizabethsinclair.com/

Roxanne Snopek/RG Willems

www.roxannesnopek.com

Michele Stegman

Michele's Myspace


To learn more about these wonderful authors and their books, be sure to check out their websites. ;)

For more fun contests, author spotlights, rants & raves, be sure to visit this blog often...

Photo of the Week (#14)

What a lovely and unusual sunset...

photo copyrighted by Ingela F. Hyatt

Ask an Author Week #10 PRIZES!

Congrats to last week's Winner: soche.


Congratulations soche! To claim your prize, email me at author @ ingelahyatt (dot) com . Please email me ASAP as you have 72 hours to claim your prizes...


This week (June 15 to 22) we're giving away:

Romancing the Holidays by Deborah Shelley (print)	The Ghost Amethyst by Sherry King (ebook)
What A Scoundrel Wants by Carrie Lofty (print)	Targets of Affection by RG Willems (print)

To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment on anyone of the Ask An Author posts. The more comments you leave, the more chances to win! This week we ask our authors: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author? Tip: The more comments you leave, the better chances you have to win...

Ask an Author Week #10: Shelley Mosley/Deborah Shelley

Question: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Shelley Mosley/Deborah Shelley: he coolest thing that’s happened to me since being published is meeting lots of other writers. I’ve never met such a bunch of creative people!

I write as Deborah Shelley with Deborah Mazoyer. Our novels are in Dutch, Danish, French, Russian, Norwegian, Portuguese, and large type. My nonfiction includes: The Suffragists in Literature for Youth; Romance Today: An A-to-Z Guide to Contemporary American Romance Writers; The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Ultimate Reading List; and Crash Course in Library Supervision.

Visit Shelley's Website 

Ask an Author Week #10: Sherry King

Question: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Sherry King: The absolute coolest thing was having a novel and a novelette accepted in the same week!

The Ghost Amethyst: Sexy professor TOM's undead ex-wife ELAINE sustains her unnatural existence by consuming the blood and sexual fluids of Tom and his lovers. Can Tom's true love, VI save him with the power of her trust and a special amethyst stone, or will she be Elaine's next victim? 

Visit Sherry's Website 

Ask an Author Week #10: Carrie Lofty

Question: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Carrie Lofty: I had a book signing at my local RWA chapter (Chicago North) in December when What a Scoundrel Wants was released. Here are women I've been friends with for years lining up for me to sign their copies. That really freaked me out, in the best way. Their support and enthusiasm for my success really touched me, and I certainly never thought I'd have people queuing up.

Born in California, raised in Indiana, Carrie found the love of her life in England. What a Scoundrel Wants, the hot, adventurous tale of Will Scarlet and his dangerous lady love, was a 12/08 Zebra Debut. Scoundrel’s Kiss will follow in 01/10, featuring a warrior monk and an opium addict. 

Visit Carrie's Website 

Ask an Author Week #10: Donna Alward

Question:  What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Donna Alward: Whenever I hear someone say they’ve read my books. It doesn’t seem real and it’s definitely not something I take for granted. Fan mail is the best. And when I joined my local RWA chapter after moving, one of the women said “Oh My God! I’ve read your books!” That was a total squee surreal moment for me.

Donna Alward is an award-winning Canadian author for Harlequin Romance. Her next release is HIRED: THE ITALIAN’S BRIDE, available in June 2009. You can catch up with her on her site (www.donnaalward.com) or blog (www.donnaalward.blogspot.com ).  

Buy the Book 

Ask an Author Week #10: Elaine Charton

Question: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Elaine Charton: I got my first fan email from someone who I had met at a recent book fest.

Just when she thought she was safe... Someone is stalking Pandora Reilly, someone dark and sinister, someone who knows things only her ex-husband would know. Her dead ex-husband.

Buy the Book 

Ask an Author Week #10: Elizabeth L'Inconnu

Question: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Elizabeth L'Inconnu: Having someone tell me they love my book and can't put it down. That was stunning to me and much appreciated.

Victoria Powers and Adam Gentry are caught in the same trap. Regardless of the temptations Victoria wags under his nose, Adam doesn't want a mate. Victoria does not want a mate either, but with full moon coming, can they fight their attraction or will their werewolf genes win?  

Buy the Book 

Visit Elizabeth's Website

Ask an Author Week #10: Ingela F. Hyatt

Question: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Ingela F. Hyatt: I think there's a tie regarding the coolest thing that's happened to me... First was when I received my "author copies" of A Knight of Passion (copies of your book included in the contract with your publisher). I couldn't believe that the book I was holding in my hands had actually been written by me. It was such a surreal feeling, especially after striving so many years to be published and suffering so many rejections, it was humbling. And the other cool thing, was when I received an email from a reviewer who'd stayed up late to finish reading A Knight of Passion. And instead of going to sleep afterwards, she emailed me saying how much she absolutely loved my book. It was such a thrill to know my book had touched her as deeply as it had me (and yes, she gave me 5 stars and a recommended read). There is nothing like "fan" mail.

He is a desperate prisoner escaped from the dungeons...She is his beautiful and daring captive... Will his passion kill again?

Imprisoned by his look-alike cousin, Lord Reynard de Fauconer escapes with the aid of beautiful Lady Rianna de Termonde, come to marry the imposter Baron Rothwell. Desperate to escape his cousin's wrath, Reynard kidnaps Rianna realizing, though unbeknownst to her, he is her true betrothed, becoming infuriated when she does not recognize him. Racing across England, they fight brigands, hidden foes, and a love so passionate it threatens to destroy them both.

Buy Ingela's Book

Visit Ingela's Website

Ask an Author Week #10: Michele Stegman

Question: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Michele Stegman: I was doing a book signing when a little girl about 8 came up to the table. She asked, "Did you write these books?" I said, "Yes!" She looked around the bookstore wide-eyed and asked, "ALL of them?"

Michele Stegman has always loved history. She lives in a 170 year old log cabin, spins, weaves, makes her own soap, but still enjoys the modern conveniences of computers to write her historical and contemporary romances.

Buy Michele's Books 

Ask an Author Week #10: Elizabeth Sinclair

Question: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

EElizabeth Sinclair: I have to say the day I met a little old lady in the book section of Walmart, and she recognized my name and began rattling off the titles in my backlist of Harlequin/Silhouette books. It was the very first time I was recognized by my name and not the title of one of my books. Then she had me autograph her electric bill so she could prove to her reading buddies that she'd really met me.

I’ve written over a dozen novels for Harlequin/Silhouette, Kensington, and Medallion Press. My husband and I live in St. Augustine, FL with our two “furry children” -- Ripley, a collie, and Lily, a Golden Retriever. Current releases – Angel Unaware and Burning Secrets. Upcoming release – Garden of the Moon 12/10.

Buy Elizabeth's Books @ Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com

Ask an Author Week #10: Kelley Heckart

Question:   What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Kelley Heckart: I have to say that I thought being an author would be way more boring than when I played in an all-girl hard rock band, but I have met just as many weird and interesting people at my book signings. One guy I remember talked non-stop about the earth's magnetic core and aliens. He made my head spin. The coolest thing that happened was at a book signing last year. People who had read my first book came up to me and said they had to buy my next book. It was a great feeling. 

Morgaine will do anything to save Avalon, but is she willing to sacrifice Lancelot, the only man capable of filling her heart with love?   

Visit Kelley's Website 

Ask an Author Week #10: Patricia Sargeant

Question: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Patricia Sargeant: One of the coolest things that's happened to me since becoming a published author is the opportunity to participate in multi-author book signings with some of my favorite authors: Beverly Jenkins, Laura Resnick, Francis Ray, Lori Foster, Dianne Castell. Very, very uber cool. :)

Sweet Deception is a single-title contemporary romance featuring a dutiful minister's daughter who leads a secret life as an erotic romance author. When her secret is revealed, she's forced to choice between obligation and passion. 

Visit Patricia's Website

Ask an Author Week #10: Patti Shenberger

Question: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Patti Shenberger: Two summers ago, I had lunch with Debbie Macomber. She is the nicest, sweetest person you would ever want to meet.

The Laird's Lady from TWRP is Patti's latest release. Published in paranormal, historical time travel, and contemporary romance, Patti loves to hear from readers and writers alike. Please check out her webpage at www.pattishenberger.com. She is married with two grown children, two pets, and lives in Michigan. 

Buy Patti's Books 

Ask an Author Week #10: Michelle Beattie

Question:   What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Michelle Beattie: Finding out this week that Random House in Germnay bought the subrights to the first 3 books of my pirate series and knowing my books will be printed in German. I've never been there, don't speak the language. I think that's so cool!

I live in Alberta Canada, in an off-grid house run completely by solar power. I began writing shortly after coming back from my honeymoon.  
I originally wrote westerns but fell in love with Pirates of the Caribbean and wrote my own pirate story, which became the first book I ever sold.

Visit Michelle's Website

Ask an Author Week #10: Sherry Lewis

Question: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Sherry Lewis: I would have to say serving on the board of directors of Romance Writers of America, especially the year I served as president. It was a fascinating experience for a lot of reasons. I learned a lot about the industry, I met many interesting people and visited interesting places, and I made incredible friends. I found sitting in board meetings with a group of intelligent, savvy, women who were all focused on the same thing and wanting the best for their organization invigorating. It was so cool to watch people disagree vehemently at the board table over an issue, but be adult enough and professional enough to realize that disagreeing didn’t have to become a personal issue. We’d argue -- er debate – and then put aside the issues and go to lunch. I greatly admire the women I served with on the board, as well as the members of RWA’s corporate staff. As an added bonus, I worked through some personal issues, like the fear of having my face plastered on the big screen during conference. And for the first time in my life, I can answer the question “what would you do if you didn’t write?” It may make me sound unbearably boring, but I was fascinated by the world of non-profit organizations. 

Sherry is the multi-published author of contemporary and time-travel romance, and of traditional mystery. When she’s not writing or talking on the phone with her incredibly beautiful, intelligent and gifted grandchildren, she can be found teaching writing classes online. 

Visit Sherry's Website 

Ask an Author Week #10: Terry Irene Blain

Question: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Terry Irene Blain: I get to teach workshops and on-line classes. I’ve taught History, and now I’m teaching writing. And you get to meet so many other authors.

Kentucky Green: Journeying to her childhood home of Kentucky, April Williamson allows nothing to deter her. Certainly not Dan McKenzie who’s duty bound to escort her. Dan believes the frontier of 1794 is no place for women. But in spite of their mutual attractions, a dark secret in his past means April cannot be his.

Buy the eBook

Buy the Paperback

Ask an Author Week #10: Jacquie Rogers

Question: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Jacquie Rogers: I’m in awe because my current release, Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues is getting outstanding reviews. So far it has two Top Picks, two Keepers, the TRS 5-heart Sweetheart, and all the rest of the reviews have been five stars, hearts, moons, or whatevers. It’s very humbling.

I'm a former software designer, campaign manager, deli clerk, and cow milker, but always a bookworm. I've been writing fiction for nearly 10 years, and have several completed novel-length manuscripts in the western historical and futuristic romance genres. My current release is a short contemporary novel, Down Home Ever Lovin' Mule Blues (trade paperback). Before that, Faery Special Romances was released: 10 stories in 10 time periods. Royalties go to Children Tumor Foundation: http://www.ctf.org

Visit Jacquie's Website 

Ask an Author Week #10: Phoebe Conn/Cinnamon Burke

Question: What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Phoebe Conn/Cinnamon Burke: Making the NY Times bestseller list was definitely cool!

I was blessed with parents who read to me, so I grew up loving to read. Taking up writing was a natural for me. I began writing one summer for fun, and have kept writing since. Books change lives, that is a marvelous gift.

Visit Phoebe's Website 

Ask an Author Week #10: Paty Jager

Question:   What is the "coolest" or most interesting thing that has happened to you since becoming a published author?

Paty Jager: This sounds kind of morbid, but after a gathering for a relative's funeral, my daughter and I were starting to drive away after saying good bye to family. A lady came running out of the building waving her arms. We stopped and she leaned in the window. "Oh, my heavens, I didn't realize who you were until someone mentioned you're an author. I had to tell you your aunt has given me all your books, and I've loved every one of them."

Award-winning author, Paty Jager, has a third book in the Halsey brother series, Miner in Petticoats, available June 12, 2009. Ethan Halsey clashes with Aileen Miller, a widow, who refuses to part with the land he needs. As they battle, their lives become enmeshed and their hearts collide. 

Visit Paty's Website