Word on the street is that the Internet giant Amazon is going … concrete. That’s right, the retail company that got us all used to shopping online will possibly be moving “off-line.”

Amazon is reportedly going to open a boutique-like bookstore in Seattle where they are based, says Good E-Reader blog. But don’t expect this to be a bookstore a la Barnes & Noble or the ghost of Borders past. Instead this will be a smaller, “boutique” buying experience. The new store is expected stock all of the Amazon e-readers, device accessories and the books released from Amazon’s exclusive publishing lines such as Montelake Romance, Thomas & Mercer and 47North.

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James Rollins is the bestselling author of the Sigma Force thrillers, a fast-paced series which will continue with this summer’s Bloodline. Rollins has also penned the Jake Ransom series for young readers and the novelized version of 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. We are thrilled that this fantastic talent will be joining us at the 2012 RT Booklovers Convention which will be held in Chicago from April 11 - 15.

Today, Rollins shared why he’s looking forward to convention: “Conventions are like people, each has their own unique personalities. And as much as I've heard about RT from my fellow authors and about how much FUN they've had, I knew I wanted to go. In addition, RT BOOK REVIEWS Magazine has always been a great supporter of my books, and I hope to be able to thank everyone in person. Plus I hear the Faerie Ball is featuring a Scottish Theme. Finally, an excuse to wear a kilt!”

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So where can you find the author while he’s in Chicago? If you’re not already registered for convention but you want to see Rollins in action, you can catch him at these two events on Saturday, April 14.

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Last week we announced that February’s RT Seal of Excellence Award went to debut author Kristen Callihan’s Firelight, a genre-bending paranormal historical. However, this is not the only recent release that blends elements of the supernatural into a story set in the past. There are three other novels published in 2012 that fall into this category which all received RT Top Picks!

		Warrior's Redemption by Melissa Mayhue Supernatural Element: Time Travel The Story At A Glance: Laird Malcolm MacDowylt is haunted by the deaths caused by his magical half-brother’s rampage that resulted in their sister’s captivity and the death Malcolm’s wife. However, when the powers bring Malcolm’s wife back to him, she’s a young woman from the future, a Texan named Dani. Can this couple re-kindle their love and will having his wife back help Malcolm realize that he is not to blame for his brother’s actions? Read More >>

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Super-steamy author Jory Strong talks ménages and mythology in her new series starter Inked Magic. Meet heroine Etaín and the two very different men, Eamon and Cathal, who will do whatever it takes to protect this special woman.

Eamon took his mouth from hers, but only far enough so their eyes could meet. “Come home with me.”

Not a question. Not really. There was no hint of uncertainty as to what he thought her answer would be.

The call of like to like, the mingling of hot lust and dangerous curiosity tried to drown out any reason that would lead to no, but failed to. She had to finish what she’d started when she pressed her palms to the latest of the Harlequin Rapist’s victims.

“I can’t.”

Eamon’s fingers tightened on her wrists. “Because you intend to go to Cathal? You want him?”

She avoided the first question by answering the second. “You’ve seen him. What do you think?”

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Here's a look at the titles we love that hit shelves this week.

Historical Romance

A SCANDALOUS COUNTESS by Jo Beverley Genre: Historical Romance, England, Georgian Period Sensuality: HOT Setting: 1764 England RT Rating Known for her memorable, meticulously researched stories, Beverley sets her latest Malloren world story in the decadent Georgian era. With delicious bantering and a rapid pace, it’s a sensual and enthralling read. Her year in mourning at an end, Georgia, Countess of Maybury, wants to enter society again and find a husband. But the rumors still abound about the death of her husband in a duel, as well as her unfaithfulness. She doesn’t know that her father, paying a gambling debt, has offered Lord Darcy her hand in marriage and her large widow’s portion. Darcy, a scarred naval officer, left his position to take up the barony he’s inherited. In need of money, he cannot resist the challenge. Georgia is told to take him in her care amongst the beau monde. They get to know one another and both enjoy their verbal sparring. Darcy doesn’t believe the vile rumors about her and when a new one surfaces, he vows to find the gossipmonger. His investigation unearths interesting facts about Georgia’s husband’s death and the real culprit. (SIGNET, Feb., 432 pp., $7.99) Reviewed By: Joan Hammond Publisher: SIGNET Published: February 2012

"Known for her memorable, meticulously researched stories, Beverley sets her latest Malloren world story in the decadent Georgian era."

THE LORD OF ILLUSION by Kathryne Kennedy Genre: Historical Romance, Paranormal, England Sensuality: HOT Setting: 1774 England RT Rating The third book in the Elven Lord series enhances the author’s outstanding reputation for worldbuilding and mesmerizing stories of love. Superb writing and a fast-moving plot combined with magical passion make this a real page-turner! Lord Drystan Hawkes, half-breed son of a ruthless Elven lord, uncovers a clue to opening the portal that would force the Elven Lords out of England forever. His visions reveal that Camille Ashton, a slave in the Elven realm, holds the key to opening the portal. Drystan’s dream also tells him she is his soul mate. Camille is completely entranced by Drystan’s goodness. Drystan discovers his magic grows when Camille is near or in danger. Their respect and passion blooms and soon Camille is determined to help open the portal, no matter the personal cost. Their love will give them the power to fight evil and win. (SOURCEBOOKS, Feb., 448 pp., $7.99) Reviewed By: Kathe Robin Publisher: SOURCEBOOKS Published: February 2012

"Superb writing and a fast-moving plot combined with magical passion make this a real page-turner!"

THE DUCHESS DIARIES by Jillian Hunter Genre: Regency Period, Historical Romance, England Sensuality: HOT Setting: Regency England RT Rating The scandalous Boscastles return in another fast-paced, sexy and hilarious love story that readers won’t forget. Readers will be thrilled to see most of the family and the indomitable Harriet return. Run, don’t walk, to get a copy. Charlotte Boscastle is thrilled that the Scarfield Academy graduation ball went without a hitch. She even dodged a dance with Gideon, the Duke of Wynfield, about whom she fantasizes in her erotic writings. Then her diary goes missing and ends up in the duke’s hands. She sneaks into Gideon’s bedroom to locate it and is compromised by the rogue. But even a wedding cannot stop the scandal when the diary is stolen. Gideon and Charlotte must unmask the thief without making more of a scandal — but these are Boscastles, and where they go, scandal follows. (SIGNET SELECT, Feb., 380 pp., $7.99) Reviewed By: Kathe Robin Publisher: SIGNET SELECT Published: February 2012

"The scandalous Boscastles return in another fast-paced, sexy and hilarious love story that readers won’t forget."

NOT WICKED ENOUGH by Carolyn Jewel Genre: Regency Period, Historical Romance, England Sensuality: HOT Setting: Regency England RT Rating Jewel’s latest addition to her Reforming the Rakes series reinforces her reputation for writing character-driven, subtle, but highly emotional tales readers will take to their hearts. Lily Wellstone, a wealthy and educated young woman, attempts to comfort her widowed friend by traveling to her brother’s estate. She arrives on a rainy night and encounters the Duke of Mountjoy. Both experience emotional sparks and turmoil. Formerly a farmer, Mountjoy unexpectedly inherited the title when several family members died, and he takes his responsibilities seriously. He finds Lily’s playful personality and sincere efforts to help his sister eye-opening. He realizes that there is more to life than duty. As Lily and Mountjoy spend time together their emotions reach new levels, but is it real or just the magic from a Gypsy medallion? (BERKLEY, Feb., 320 pp., $7.99) Reviewed By: Kathe Robin Publisher: BERKLEY Published: February 2012

"Jewel’s latest addition to her Reforming the Rakes series reinforces her reputation for writing character-driven, subtle, but highly emotional tales readers will take to their hearts."

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We love Georgian era tales, like Brenda Joyce's new series starter, Seduction, Jane Feather's A Wedding Wager and Isobel Carr's Ripe series. And our list of delicious recent releases set in this glittering historical time period could not be complete without a mention of the Malloren series by Jo Beverley. The latest in her emotion-filled series, this month's RT Top Pick, A Scandalous Countess, will have readers forgetting all about modern conveniences in favor of the romance of this bygone era. Today Beverley gives us a look at how the Georgian period influenced this story's plot and shares one of her favorite "unexpected truths" of life during the era!

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We are very excited that beloved romantic suspense author Suzanne Brockmann will be kicking off a brand new paranormal series, Fighting Destiny! Today we take a look at what readers can expect from series starter, Born to Darkness, with an exclusive quote from the author on what prompted her newest project which will be releasing in March.

Born to Darkness begins Brockmann's Fighting Destiny series with a story about an ex-Navy SEAL who agrees to be a test subject at the Obermeyer Institute. However, soldier Shane soon realizes that this job is very different from his expectations. Amidst a group of extraordinary humans, he must fight to stop the spread of a designer drug with amazing powers during the hostile climate of America’s second great depression. Further complications arise when Shane and Michelle “Mac” Mackenzie have a one night stand that threatens their working relationship as well as their piece of mind. 

While fans of Brockmann will certainly recognize Navy SEAL characters, the paranormal aspects are certainly something new to the author. We had to ask her why the new subgenre, and here is what she had to say:

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With our column, Forewords, we let readers know the latest book news about some of the web team's most-anticipated upcoming releases across the genres — just as the projects are announced!

NEW SERIES ALERT

Paranormal Romance - Do you like your supernatural stories with a helping of vampires? If so, you will want to check out Cindy Gregory’s next series. Writing under the pen name Ashlyn Chase, the author will be bringing readers light paranormal books beginning with Flirting With Fangs. During the series, different groups of supernatural creatures will all come together at a Boston bar — and mix with the mortals who also frequent the establishment. Get ready for several happily ever afters that will last longer than the average human lifespan.

Mystery - Angela Burt-Murray embarks on a new series of thrillers. Her Diva mysteries will be based in part on the time that the author spent working at Essence, as the entertainment journalist heroine attempts to find professional success and unmask a criminal or two along the way.

RETURNING FAVORITE SERIES

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Did you spend the whole week taking care of The Detective's Accidental Baby?

Here's what you missed on the RT website:

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HISTORICAL ROMANCE: Like Lorainne Heath's latest? Then You'll Love These Three Books >>

YOUNG ADULT: Simone Elkeles' shares details about her new Fullriders series. Get A Sneak Peek >>

PARANORMAL:  Looking for fantastic post-apocalyptic reads? Here Are Our Favorites >>

MAINSTREAM: Discover what's big in mainstream fiction this month. Don't Miss These Books >>

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RT Reviewer Maria Planansky is such a fan of Christina Courtenay's historical romance Highland Storms,  that she wants to share exactly what makes this tale a standout read. 

I hate starting in the middle of a series. In fact, I almost never do it — so when I found out Highland Storms was a sequel to Christina Courtenay’s acclaimed novel Trade Winds (confession: I hadn’t read it before taking on Highland Storms), I was floored.

My reaction comes from Highland Storm’s strength. This killer Scottish romance is seeped in fascinating history, with plenty of chemistry and action to go around. Brice Kinross and Marsaili Buchanan are a devoted couple with passion that simmers into a slow, satisfying boil.

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