Lena Diaz is a fellow Avon author and the wonderful part of being published at Avon is that the books are so diverse. I love my historicals, but occassionally a little suspense is good for the soul. So therefore, let me introduce, Lena Diaz:

1. Did you have a nickname growing up? Lele, pronounced ‘Lee Lee’. My oldest sister called me that and still does sometimes. No rhyme or reason behind it, just a nickname that was a play off my first name. I always liked it and thought it was cute.

2. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve … Read more »

So yes, Stephanie has dropped by here before, but some people bear repeating. ‘Sides, she’s awful nice. Plus, her 2011 book, Devil in Disguise has garnered a double nominations in the RWA RITA awards for Best First Book and Best Regency Historical Romance. I have to smile at this, because I got that double nod myself with my first book. It’s like we are twins who were separated at birth. LOL.

Plus, she sent me a picture of Thor to insert in the blog. Just saying . . .

1. Did you have a nickname growing up?
Mad Dog Stefano. … Read more »

I read Mary Jo Putney long before I met her. I had one of those fan-girl moments when I finally did get to meet her. After all, here was the author of The Rake! And it was with great joy that I discovered that besides being a fabulous writer, she was also a gracious and lovely lady. So it is with great joy that I share with you Five Things About Mary Jo Putney.

1. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? It’s hard to beat the Virgin Islands–turquoise waters and silver sand and jagged volcanic islands … Read more »

As you know, I like to add my friends to the blog whenever possible. Because, well, quite frankly, I adore the friends I have, even the ones who are long distance acquaintances that I barely know. I meet so many people from far flung corners, but some people you meet and you just know they would be your new BFF if only they didn’t live so darn far away.

And the romance genre is filled with these kind and generous women. I’ve been stewing this morning about all the things I need to get done before I venture off to … Read more »

I have met Kate–like most of my writing friends–online. Via blogs and Twitter and Facebook, but the real test of an author is how you like their stories. Hers are great. So if you haven’t met her before, here are Five Things About Kate Noble.

1. Did you have a nickname growing up? I had several. Katie, being the simplest, and longest lasting. Goldilocks and Buckwheat perhaps the more interesting.

2. Do you celebrate when you finish a book and what you do? When the deadline is bearing down on me, and I can see the finish line in the … Read more »

I want to be Sophia Nash when I grow up. Lovely, elegant and gracious. I try, but she seems to do these things effortlessly. So please welcome my friend, Sophia Nash.

1. Did you have a nickname growing up? Only later in life… First, “Fear” from colleagues at WTVJ, not because I exhibited it or inspired it:)–but because someone had a funny accent at the station and pronounced my name “Sofear”–and then it took on a life of it’s own! I also had a boss, the extraordinary Austin Kiplinger, who called me “Stretch!”

2. What is the very first romance … Read more »

Lorraine Heath is one of those authors who’s books you curl up and devour, and adore. In real life, Lorraine is one of those gracious, treasured people that you want to have coffee with and just chat. She’s kind and lovely and generous. And therefore, she needs to be included in the gallery of authors that is Five Things.

1. Did you have a nickname growing up? Lainie.

2. What is the very first romance book that you read? Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer.

EB: Sidenote: I met LaVyrle Spencer years ago–what a lovely woman and what a great book.… Read more »

Hello and welcome to Sarah MacLean! She’s one of these funny, bright, outrageous women that I love to meet and had to share with all of you. I think you will agree! So here are Five Things about Sarah MacLean:

1. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? There’s an island off the eastern edge of Puerto Rico called Vieques—it’s largely untouched because the US Navy used to use the rainforest on the island for bombing drills (which isn’t romantic, I know, but stick with me), so they’ve closed off 80% of the island to people, letting the … Read more »

I personally find Katharine Ashe a kick to hang out with. She’s funny, wicked and smart, as well as an unapologetic lover of the genre. Those all count highly in my book. So I would like you to take a moment and enjoy the wit of Katharine Ashe, or as we now call her around here:

1. Did you have a nickname growing up? I went by Katie. My father and one of my sisters called me Kate, which I loved because it was special to them. Also, in second grade when I volunteered to pass out the juice for … Read more »

I’ve known Maya for many years–have loved her books since her first one–and finally got a chance to meet her in person last summer. It was, no surprise, a delight. And now I want to share her with you and make sure you are reading her books. So with no further fanfare  (’cause she needs very little), may I present, Five Things about Maya Rodale:

1. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? Tanzania. The husband and I traveled there on our honeymoon, staying in a gorgeous, remote tented camp. The scenery and wildlife are just stunning. The … Read more »