RT’s Morgan and Whitney are back to discuss a digital historical romance as we continue our month of e-Book Dishes. This week it’s a look at The White Swan Affair by Elyse Mady. When Hester’s beloved brother disappears, she turns to landlord Thomas Ramsey for help. Hester has loved this swashbuckling man from afar, and he is equally entranced by her. But with Hester’s brother in prison (and her scandalous past) standing in the way of a happily ever after, does this couple have any hope for a future together? 

Whitney: This story is a historical romance lover’s dream. With an uncanny accuracy for both setting and language, The White Swan Affair sweeps the reader back in time to 1810 London.

Morgan: The author goes to great lengths to craft an authentic tale. And because I’m not first and foremost a historical romance reader, the story’s language — all the “whilsts” and such — threw me a little, but it wasn’t long before I fell headlong into the story.

Whitney: I can say without a doubt that this e-book has the most compelling plot I have read in a very long time.

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German author Kerstin Gier made her US debut last summer with the first book in the fast-paced paranormal YA adventure series with Ruby Red. But don't expect vampires or werewolves between these pages. Instead, the series starter follows Gwyneth Shepherd, a girl who discovers that she and her family are part of a timetravel society called the Circle of Twelve. 

The paperback edition of Ruby Red was released early this week (giving readers a way enjoy it on the cheap) before book two, Sapphire Blue, comes out in October. In Gier's upcoming series second, Gwen's life has changed drastically since learning that she is part of the Circle, but her unexpected ability to timetravel may be putting Gwen and her loved ones in peril. However, you don't have to wait until Fall 2012 to get the first taste of this adventure, bon appetit!

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One of our favorite features of the e-revolution is the sheer amount of books you can pack into such a tiny digital device. But what do you do when the growing number of new reads causes your wallet to shrink uncomfortably? Shop the e-book deals, of course! In this column we highlight some of our favorite book buys that will cost you less than a medium-sized coffee. 

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Every year at the RT Booklovers Convention's Giant Book Fair, there is a breakout author. Amidst the sea of writers autographing, one author will have a line so long that it will wrap around the entire event. This year, the one to watch was Larissa Ione. A writer of the paranormal romance variety, Ione is known for creating great characters, complex plots and steamy, steamy reads and her newest series, Lords of Deliverance, is incredibly popular. Featuring the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse, these books have readers' hearts racing, desperate for more end of the world action! This month, Ione is feeding our need with the next novel in her series, Lethal Rider and "Apocalypse," an e-only compendium about the series. Included in "Apocalypse" is a behind the scenes look at the author's sexy heroes, daring heroines and smashing series. This 99-cent buy also sports a terrific short story that will have readers wanting more. Whether you are already a fan or are just getting your first taste of Ione's Lords, enjoy this RT-exclusive excerpt from the new e-short "Apocalypse".

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There are few things more enjoyable than a fresh new release from a fan favorite bestselling author … except for a fresh new release from two fan favorite bestselling authors. And we have Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter to thank for this gem of good reading fortune.

Pratchett is renowned as the king of humorous, oddball fantasy. His Discworld series is still going strong at 39 books, with about a new book in the series releasing every year since it began in 1983. However, the man hasn’t written a science fiction story in nearly 30 years. On the other hand, Baxter is a prolific hard science fiction writer. His stories about space, aliens and, more recently ecological disasters in his Northland trilogy are influenced by his background as a mathematician and engineer.

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Honestly, looking at me it wouldn’t be hard to figure out, but because many of us RT staff members go without a face (unless you happen to catch us at a RT Convention) I’m going to go ahead and preface this post with a piece of information. It’s not the first time I admit this, but I rarely lead with this Fun Fact About Elisa: I’m a curvy girl. It’s the truth, I’ve got some extra stuff in some places. And you know what? I’m pretty okay with it. Living in New York City can kind of make me feel like the only Big Girl in the world at times, but overall, I think my body is pretty rockin’. So when I came across the Curvy Girls erotica anthology, edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel, I knew I’d be reading it.

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There’s no denying it, self-publishing is booming and the result is an enormous amouts of great books ready for readers. Each month in the RT magazine we take a look at some of the authors and titles in our new “Self-pub Hub” column and in our review sections. But with so many books, how do you choose which one to try first? Well, now you can take our simple quiz and we’ll help you figure out which new self-published book from this month’s issue is your next read!

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I like a book that is filled with:

A) Long-hidden secrets

B) Everyday challenges

C) Revenge plots

D) Supernatural adventure

You never know when you might need:

A) A pair of rain boots and an umbrella, so you are ready for any storm

B) A bike, so you can get away from it all

C) A laptop with a 4G wireless connection, so you are always connected

D) A book of spells, so you can use your special abilities

Your celebrity idol is:

A) Diane Lane

B) Kate Hudson

C) Michelle Rodriguez

D) Amanda Seyfried

Your always fall for a hero that:

A) Has a problem his buckets of money can't fix

B) Is hard-working and steadfast

C) Has a code of honor that is black and white

D) Believes in doing his duty, no matter the personal cost

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Historical romance author Paula Quinn has just released Conquered by a Highlander, the fourth book in her popular Children of the Mist series. All four books received a rating of RT Top Pick! In today's interview with RT's Morgan, the author reveals how she uses real-life politics and religion in the series. Quinn also lets us in on why this new release is very close to her heart. And then don't miss your chance to find out what's ahead for this talented writer. (If you were wishing for more Highlanders, you might get your heart's desire!)

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Elizabeth Lowell is one of the undeniable queens of romance, having written everything from historicals to contemporaries and beyond. In recent years she’s made her writing home straddling the line between mystery and romantic suspense. However, her latest novel, Beautiful Sacrifice, places her firmly on the romance side of the divide. Today we snag five minutes (and five questions) with the incomparable Lowell on Beautiful Sacrifice’s release date! Plus, learn how you can snag your own copy of Lowell's new release at the end of this post!

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From the outside, it seems like Beautiful Sacrifice heroine Lina, the professor, is the brain and hero Hunter, the security expert is the brawn. But your characters are certainly more complex than this. Besides her intelligence and his protective instinct, what do you consider your characters' greatest strengths?

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

Historical Romance

THE TAMING OF A SCOTTISH PRINCESS

by Karen Hawkins

"A quick-moving, dramatic plot populated with memorable characters, witty and humorous dialogue and sizzling sensuality makes this her best yet — a tale to reread."

CONQUERED BY A HIGHLANDER

by Paula Quinn

"While fascinating as a romance, it also delivers a message about moral courage. Definitely a keeper."

IF THE SLIPPER FITS

by Olivia Drake

" ... [Drake] kicks off The Cinderella Sisterhood with a tale filled with gothic overtones, sensuality, sprightly dialogue, emotion, an engaging cast and a beautiful pair of perfectly fitting slippers."

ONE NAUGHTY NIGHT

by Laurel McKee

"McKee sweeps readers into an enthralling story with memorable characters, a powerful plot and plenty of passion ... "

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