Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure

CONGRATULATIONS

In honor of the Romance Writers of America® national conference, we're featuring the different nominees for their highest published honor, THE RITA®, by category each day. We hope some of the authors will be able to join us, but remember they're getting ready for their big night July 28th. We'll celebrate the winners here on the 29th along with our celebration drawings from their gracious donations.

COOPER VENGEANCE

Paula Graves
Harlequin Intrigue
Allison Lyons, editor

It's not just the law of averages that convince Natalie Becker that her sister Carrie died at the hands of her playboy husband, Hamilton Gray. Newlywed Carrie had recently confided to Natalie that she thought Hamilton might be having an affair—he kept strange hours and didn't seem that interested in sex anymore. But proving murder, in a town where the Grays are even wealthier and more privileged a family than her own, may be the hardest thing Natalie's ever tried to do. The last complication she needs is a tall, stubborn ex-Navy mechanic named J.D. Cooper, who has his own crazy idea about who killed her sister—and his wife.

THE MAN FROM GOSSAMER RIDGE

Paula Graves
Harlequin Intrigue
Allison Lyons, editor

Gabe Cooper missed the chance to stop his sister-in-law's brutal murder by thirty inexcusable minutes. And even though the man responsible for Brenda Cooper's murder is dead, Gabe can't forgive himself for his mistake. So when his motherless niece Cissy leaves him an urgent message to visit her at college, Gabe drops everything to go. But he's not prepared for what his niece tells him. Cissy believes her mother's murder isn't solved at all. Worse, she's basing her beliefs solely on the theories of a pretty psychology instructor who looks more like a co-ed herself than any one he should take seriously. Alicia Solano believes the dead man had been only one of a pair of serial killers responsible for not only Brenda's death but dozens of murders across three southern states. And now there have been two new murders that fit the profile. There's still a killer out there, and he's found a new partner.

GLIAS interviews 
website

THE DOCTOR’S DEADLY AFFAIR

Stephanie Doyle

Harlequin Romantic Suspense
Wanda Ottewell, editor

Fresh on the heels of their disastrous date, Dr. Camille Lawson is none too pleased to find Dr. Wyatt Holladay darkening her doorstep. But a mystery ailment is claiming her patients - and just maybe the gorgeous doctor can help her get some answers. What should be a simple investigation of medical causes quickly reveals a very real threat. Someone is targeting Camille by killing her patients, one by one. 

Surrounded by suspects and unable to convince the authorities crimes are being committed, Wyatt is the only person who can keep the infuriating beauty safe. With everything on the line, he must protect her reputation, her life... and her heart. 

Stephanie is contributing to the RITA celebration give-away on July 29th.
GLIAS interviews 
Website    

SOLDIER'S LAST STAND

Cindy Dees

Harlequin Romantic Suspense

Patience Bloom, editor 

Navy Commander Brady Hathaway is done with women. Since H.O.T. Watch is pretty much a 24/7 job, that leaves no time for female entanglements. Then he's appointed Eve Dupont's handler. Tan, leggy and blonde, the lethal-looking civilian chosen to take down a terrorist cell scares the hell out of him. Can he keep Eve safe and resist her charms?  

This may be Eve's only shot to clear her name from any involvement in a terrorist cell and bring in a wanted assassin. But can the ultimate party girl do it? And can she convince the sexy Mr. I'm All Business Hathaway that there are times to move fast—and times to go very slowly…. 

website       

STRANDED WITH HER EX

Jill Sorenson

Harlequin Romantic Suspense

Stacy Boyd, editor

Trouble in paradise? 

An exotic wildlife preserve is a dream come true for conservation biologist Daniela Flores. Until she finds out her ex-husband is leading the research team. World-famous shark expert Sean Carmichael has only grown more ruggedly appealing in the time they were apart…the passion between them more intense than ever. But how could Daniela forgive Sean for betraying her when she needed him most? 

Sean had come to the remote Farallon Islands to study killer sharks. Now a real killer is on the loose, threatening the woman he’s never stopped loving. And this time, he knows he can’t walk away. Marooned together during a deadly storm, Sean vows to go to hell and back to save Daniela…and for the chance to begin again.

GLIAS interview
website   

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

Kara Lennox

Harlequin Superromance

Johanna Raisanen, editor

As chief legal counsel for Project Justice, widow Raleigh Shinn doesn’t seem the type to accept bribes. Still, Griffin Benedict has an anonymous tip that points to her guilt. And if he wants to make the move to national news anchor, he needs a sensational story. 

But nothing is as it seems. Including the do-good lawyer. Underneath shapeless suits and oversize glasses hides an exceptional beauty. Now Griffin not only seeks an exclusive, he wants to uncover Raleigh’s secrets for himself. 

When lies turn to attempted murder, they must hunt down the truth together…to prove her innocence, protect an honest man and save both their lives.

TAKEN TO THE EDGE
Kara Lennox
Harlequin Superromance

Johanna Raisanen, editor 

Ford Hyatt thought he was done. He was all set to give up on himself and on Project Justice. Then Robyn Jasperson walks back into his life. His former bad-girl crush looks better than ever and needs his help getting a case overturned. Robyn’s got an ex-husband in jail, a murdered son and nowhere else to turn. 

Ford let her down before. But now he can find the truth, set matters straight and redeem himself. And time is running out. If he fails, she has everything to lose. If he wins, he has everything to gain, including Robyn’s heart.

GLIAS interview

Website    

~ ~ ~

JOIN THE RITA® CELEBRATION by leaving a comment for each category between July 11th and 28th (multiple comments = multiple entries). GLIAS will be drawing for winners on Sunday, July 29th and posting along with all the RITA® winners announced Saturday evening in Anaheim, California.

Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only unless specifically mentioned in the post. If an INTERNATIONAL name is drawn, mailing the book or supplying an electronic version will be the decision of the donator. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address.

JOIN US tomorrow as RITA® week continues with the best CONTEMPORARY SINGLE TITLE category. Don’t forget to FOLLOW us on Twitter #GetLostStories or LIKE us on Facebook. ~Angi

Maureen Does Orlando

RWA CONFERENCE 2010


The 2010 Golden Heart Class known as THE UNSINKABLES at The Golden Network reception. Angi Morgan & Maureen (right).



Linda Lovely, Maureen and YA author Linda Gerber.


Beth Andrews, Angi Morgan & Maureen at the 2010 Golden Heart/RITA nominee reception. Beth was also in Maureen's 2007 GH class -- the '007 Bond Girls and won a RITA a couple of days after this photo was taken.

THE CREW ASKS: What was your favorite part of the 2010 RWA National Conference?


MAUREEN:

Hands down, the RITA night. I didn't win my category but it was so fabulous to see so many friends walk up onto that stage, including fellow bloggers, Angi Morgan and Cat Schield.

But the real thrill for me was my critique partner and long-time BFF Molly O"Keefe winning a RITA!

Here are some snaps from that night.

Eileen Rendahl, (aka Eileen Carr), kissing Molly O'Keefe who's holding her lovely RITA

The gals from the Drunk Writer Talk blog (missing the elusive Sinead M.) celebrating in the lobby. Maureen McGowan, Molly O'Keefe, Eileen Rendahl, Stephanie Doyle.

A close second for favorite moment has to be the the Harlequin party. I was so lucky that I got an invite. What a fun night.

Here's me at the party with Harlequin Historical author, and critique partner, Ann Lethbridge who also won a published Daphne that week!

And one with Harlequin authors: Molly O'Keefe, Brenda Harlen, Stephanie Doyle and Ann Lethbridge admiring the lovely flower arrangements.

DEBUT BOOKS

CINDERELLA: NINJA WARRIOR
Silver Dolphin Books
ISBN-10: 1607102552

Young Adult

SLEEPING BEAUTY: VAMPIRE SLAYER
Silver Dolphin Books
ISBN-10: 9781607102564

Young Adult

WHERE TO FIND MAUREEN
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Drunk Writer Talk blog

GET LOST WITH THE CREW

Leave a comment this week and be eligible for Gift Cards or Books from The Crew (or autographed books they pick up at the conference). Drawings to be held on July 4th.

Maureen is adding to the prize pool one signed copy of each of:
Cinderella: Ninja Warrior
Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer
The Mammoth Book of Time Travel Romance

Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

TODAY'S QUESTION: When you were twelve, what was your favorite book?

Stephanie Doyle

Two weeks in a row, I’m hosting one of my Drunk Writer Talk pals! How awesome is that? I’ve known Stephanie for several years through our mutual friend Molly O’Keefe. Stephanie’s always too modest about her career, so I’ll add to her bio below that she’s had twelve books and one novella published by Harlequin—across several lines—and is an incredibly talented writer and storyteller.

ABOUT STEPHANIE

Stephanie Doyle is a dedicated romance reader. She began to pen her own romantic adventures at age sixteen. She began submitting to Harlequin at age eighteen and by twenty-six, her first book was published. Fifteen years later she still loves what she does as each book is a new adventure. She lives with her cat Lex and two new kittens who have taken over everything. When she’s not daydreaming about heading to the beach, she’s thinking about her next idea.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Fresh on the heels of their disastrous date, Dr. Camille Lawson is none too pleased to find Dr. Wyatt Holladay darkening her doorstep. But a mystery ailment is claiming her patients – and just maybe the gorgeous doctor can help her get some answers. What should be a simple investigation of medical causes quickly reveals a very real threat. Someone is targeting Camille by killing her patients, one by one.

Surrounded by suspects and unable to convince the authorities crimes are being committed, Wyatt is the only person who can keep the infuriating beauty safe. With everything on the line, he must protect her reputation, her life… and her heart.

Romantic Times – Top Pick – “Wonderfully wounded characters and edge-of-your-seat excitement make this a great read you won’t put down.” Page Traynor

GET TO KNOW STEPHANIE DOYLE

MAUREEN: What’s your favorite holiday?

STEPHANIE: Thanksgiving… because I don’t have to cook. Which means none of the pressure of gift buying and all the fun of eating.

MAUREEN: Where do you most like to read and how often?

STEPHANIE: This might make a lot of wives and moms jealous - but one of the perks of being single and childless is I have all the time in the world to read. I have a chaise lounge, a couch and a leather recliner all designed for comfort reading. I can spend a Saturday or Sunday on the couch reading for hours and hours. I love it.

MAUREEN: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

STEPHANIE: A good one. Just give me a great story and I will sink so far into it that I won’t move for hours.

MAUREEN: What’s your favorite fairy tale?

STEPHANIE: Beauty and the Beast. I’m not Beauty but I always saw myself with more of a “beast” type guy then a Prince Charming.

MAUREEN: Hiking boots or high heels?

STEPHANIE: High Heels.

MAUREEN: What sound or noise do you love?

STEPHANIE: Water. It’s crazy but I love all the sounds of water. A bath running, a faucet, the ocean, a creek. All of it.

MAUREEN: What was the first story you remember writing?

STEPHANIE: The first time I started writing was basically Star Wars fan fiction. I was obsessed with Leia and Han. But my first completed book was an historical about an Irish revolutionary fighting against the English… and of course she was a woman. All my stories feature really strong women.

MAUREEN: What really scares you?

STEPHANIE: Snakes. Snakes scare the hell out of me. Whenever I’m stressed about something or worried I’ll dream and then I’ll see a snake in the dream. It’s how my subconscious interprets anxiety. Crazy I know… but me and Indiana Jones. The difference is I NEVER would have gone into the tomb.

MAUREEN: If you were given a chance to travel to the past where would you go and why?

STEPHANIE: Oh wow… this is a tough one. If time-traveler was a position I would so apply for that. I would go back to Philadelphia in 1776. I would head for the American west in the 1800’s. I would love to be a Templar Knight – but before they started killing all of them…. So many times and places.

MAUREEN: Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, and why?

STEPHANIE: I would invite every one of my heroes – obviously I’m in love with all of them. Of course they would also probably tick me off… but still.

MAUREEN: What would you say is your most interesting quirk?

STEPHANIE: I don’t know how interesting it is but I mix up common sayings all the time… I say things like… “We’ll burn that bridge when we get to it” or “He really threw a monkey at my wrench with that one…” My co-workers not only make fun of me for this but have started writing them down.

MAUREEN: Hilarious. I had a friend in high school whose dad used to say, "Black duck of the family." It became a thing with us.

MAUREEN'S GOTTA ASK:

What’s your idea of a perfect Sunday afternoon?

STEPHANIE'S GOTTA ANSWER:

Sleep in until the crack of eleven… breakfast at the diner which includes eggs and pork roll (NJ delicacy). Followed by two hours of quality writing. Then a long walk possibly followed up with a nap. Then a couple of hours of reading followed by dinner, a glass of wine and a good HBO show or movie. Wait – that is “typical” Sunday. You wanted my perfect Sunday… nope, same Sunday.

BOOK GIVEAWAY

Stephanie is offering a copy of THE DOCTOR'S DEADLY AFFAIR to one lucky commenter randomly chosen!

Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Stephanie!

Readers, make sure you comment for a chance to win, and stop by tomorrow when Jill hosts Carolann Camillo **UPDATE** Winner of THE DOCTOR'S DEADLY AFFAIR is.... Chicks of Characterization!