In Lynn Raye Harris’ new Harlequin Presents book, Strangers in the Desert, widowed Prince Adan ibn Najib Al Dhakir is weeks away from remarrying so he can officially take his throne when he gets a report that his first wife, who is presumed dead, is actually alive. Adan immediately goes to collect Isabella only to find that she has amnesia. He doesn’t believe her claims, however, Isabella’s surprise at hearing she has a husband seems real, as is her shock at learning that she has a young son.

Whitney: Poor Isabella, Lynn Raye Harris doesn’t pull any punches when setting up this scenario.

Morgan: Actually, I think Isabella has a great life. She lives in Hawaii working as a singer that has got to be pretty comfortable.

Whitney: But then Sheik Adan bursts into her life and tells her that not only is he her husband, but she has a two-year-old son that she abandoned.

Morgan: Over a year ago, it seems, Isabella wandered into the Jahfaran desert and into a sand storm. Nobody thought she survived.

Whitney: The only question was whether or not she chose “death by desert” or if it was an accident.

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The e-book publisher Samhain, which is best known for releasing romance novels, launched a new imprint, Samhain Horror, in late 2011. It might seem odd that a romance publisher would launch a horror line, since the two genres seem to be on the opposite ends of the fiction spectrum. It’s happily ever afters versus unhappily, even, bloody, terrifying ever afters. However, both genres have very distinct, dedicated communities. Samhain Horror editor Don D’Auria, who previously spearheaded Dorchester’s horror line, shared on the line’s website, “[fan] response exceeded our expectations, and we have big plans for continuing to build readership and generate excitement in 2012.” Being an avid horror fan, I decided to take a look at three recent releases from Samhain Horror, to see if they meet my (admittedly high) expectations for stories in a genre, which, like romance, is full of familiar tropes and sometimes predictable plot lines.

B-Movie Reels by Alan Spencer

When recent film school grad Andy’s uncle dies, the young man inherits an old, ramshackle house in his uncle’s small town. He promptly moves there and lands a job working on the sets of B-horror movies. But when the creatures in Andy’s movies start coming to life and terrorize the town, Andy realizes that there was more to his uncle than he ever thought ... With plenty of gore and an abundance of monsters, B-Movie Reels was written by someone who clearly knows and loves the genre. Unfortunately this book reads like a mash-up of every horror film Spencer has probably ever seen, which lends the tale an air of predictability. But that is not all together a bad thing, as this easy read was also entertaining, much like the B-movies it’s named for.

Buy It Now >>

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New author Ruthie Knox debuts with this month's lighthearted, sexy contemporary romance Ride With Me. When cyclist Lexie places an ad for a someone to bike across the country with her, she's hoping for a fun companion. Instead, she gets Tom, her polar opposite. But as the two journey across the country on their bikes, sparks fly and soon it's clear that Lexie and Tom may just be the perfect pair. Today we take readers inside the story with an author interview, and then give you a chance to win a copy of Ride With Me!

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Ride With Me is all about extreme cycling. What made you think about writing a romance that literally takes place on the TransAmerica Trail?

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Author Kristina McMorris got her story-telling start after her own family history inspired her. Recently, the author sat down with RT's Morgan to talk about the way that her grandmother's story moved her to write a novel about love, loss and World War II. Hear all about McMorris' writing experiences and get an inside look at her newest book Bridge of Scarlet Leaves. This recently released historical mainstream work follows an interracial American couple as they try to navigate the waters of a new relationship in a storm compounded by the attack on Pearl Harbor, the raging war and a tide of anti-Japanese sentiment.

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Lets face it, Paris from Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series has never had a hard time getting women. Sure, it helps that he is heart stoppingly gorgeous, but really his prowess is due to his inner demon, Promiscuity, which gives off irresistible pheromones that get him sexytime with the ladies. And if this sounds like every man’s fantasy … not so fast.

Being the keeper of Lust is only a part of Paris' curse. As a punishment, Paris cannot have sex with the same person twice. So for him, the centuries blur into an unrelenting collection of faces and bodies. If he doesn’t get satisfaction from another (man or woman) on a regular basis Paris will weaken and become vulnerable to his enemies, the Hunters.

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Working at a RT, people often ask me for romance novel reading suggestions. And for a long time I didn't have a good answer. I read romance, sure. But the genre I loved was YA, and I also read mystery and erotica and science fiction ... and basically anything else I could get my hands on. But I didn't have a go-to romance.

But then one day I picked up Sarah MacLean's Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, on recommendation of historical romance buff Whitney. And well. I stayed up all night reading! I was hooked. I ran into the RT office the next day and said to her, "You didn't tell me these books were this good! I WANT MORE."

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

Historical Romance

A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME

by Sarah MacLean

"It’s another unforgettable love story with passion and power — power that will shake you to the core."

BETWEEN THE DUKE AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA

by Sophia Nash

"[Nash's] delightfully outspoken, rebellious heroine and sexy, honorable hero are a perfect match and readers will savor every word of their sprightly repartee ... "

LESSONS IN LOVING A LAIRD

by Michelle Marcos

"Marcos’ deeply moving romance features strong, atypical protagonists, a witty and fast-moving plot with surprising twists and a truly passionate love story with a different take on the Regency."

THE TATTOOED DUKE

by Maya Rodale

"Rodale continues her Writing Girl series, demonstrating that strong women can always find a way to make a difference and have it all. This charming and fun story will delight readers."

WHEN A SCOT LOVES A LADY

by Katharine Ashe

"Ashe meets reader expectations for a character-driven romance with strong emotions ... "

THE HUSBAND HUNT

by Lynsay Sands

"Sands knows how to keep the pages flying as she satisfies readers with her trademark poignancy tinged with humor, wonderful characters and a delightful plot."

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Author Hope Tarr has just digitally released her 2002 RT Reviewers' Choice Award-nominated Victorian romance, Tempting. Readers will be delighted to follow hero Simon Belleville, the head of her Majesty's Morality and Vice Commission, as he rescues and then falls in love with Christine Tremayne, a young woman on the run. Today the author answers our questions about this charming tale and explains the revisions that she made to get the story ready for it's e-version. Plus, don't miss your chance to check out an excerpt of the story at the end of this interview, and enter to win a copy of Tarr's Vanquished!

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You've said that Tempting is the book of your heart. Can you tell us a bit about the story as well as what makes it so special to you?

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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!

RETURNING FAVORITE SERIES

Paranormal Romance - Talented author Lauren Dane will return for another story in her Bound by Magick series. We loved Dane's November series starter, Heart of Darkness, which was clever and fast-paced romance that included witches. Here's hoping for some more hocus pocus when the series third, Going Under, releases next spring.

Historical Romance - Maggie Robinson will also be continuing her popular London List series with Captain Durant’s Countess. We are loving this new trend of Regency heroes who aren’t lords, so we can't wait to see if Captain Durant is really just a captain or if he's a titled gentleman. But either way we know we will love this swashbuckler when his story hits shelves!

NEW SERIES ALERT

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Did you spend your whole week sorting through Sex, Lies and Valentines? 

Here’s what you missed on the RT website.

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HISTORICAL ROMANCE: Kristen Callihan shares her favorite Firelight character. Plus Win The Book >>

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: Like Cathie Linz's Tempted Again? Then You'll Love These 3 Books >>

YOUNG ADULT: We spoil you with details on Tera Lynn Childs' upcoming mermaid tale. Dive In >>

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