Wow, is it the first of the month again already? It just seems like yesterday I was telling you about all the hot summer books you needed to pack in your beach bag. Well, the beach might be out, but what’s a chilly night by the fire without a Blaze book to warm you up?

We have a fantastic November line-up for you:

First up is a personal favorite of mine – More Blazing Bedtime Stories by Julie Leto and Leslie Kelly. Trust me, you’ll never look at a book of fairy tales in the same way again. Both stories are so much fun that I even got a note from the copyeditor, telling me how brilliant I was for buying it. So, if you buy it, you can be brilliant too.

Nancy Warren is next up with Power Play. This Forbidden Fantasy introduces the kind of hero we Canadians would love to get our hands on – a hot hockey player.

Multi-published Michelle Rowen makes her Blaze debut this month with Hot Spell. What happens when two feuding paranormal investigators find themselves the victim of an instant lust enchantment? A lot of great sex, that’s what!

In the third book of the Dressed to Thrill miniseries, Hold on to the Nights, Karen Foley’s heroine, Lara Whitfield has a real challenge on her hands – she has to tell her former husband that they’re still married. Unfortunately, she has to do it…dressed as Princess Leia.

Jill Monroe has the Uniformly Hot! book this month with SEALed and Delivered. The hero, of course, is a Navy SEAL. Do I really need to say anything more?

And Lori Wilde finishes up the month with the wildly exotic, Zero Control. Her characters, Roxie Stanley and Dougal Lockhart, might have different agendas when they fly Eros Airlines. But at least they have great sex in common….

Did you know that November 1st is considered to be the Celtic New Year? Personally, I love the idea of fresh starts and new beginnings. (You can tell I have a few bad habits I badly need to shake.) So I take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.

Since my family hails from the British Isles, I figure I should start thinking about resolutions now. If I don’t get my act together right away, I can always start again on January 1st. Then, if the winter blahs kill my enthusiasm, I still have one more shot –Chinese New Year. Since that’s my husband’s heritage, I figure it’s fair game. And if that doesn’t work, I’ve even been known to wait until my birthday in February, since that’s my own personal new year. There’s nothing like making resolutions with a good contingency plan in place.

So, is anybody else making resolutions this early? I have one I’d like to suggest. How about we all decide that we’re going to relax this holiday season, and not get stressed out about the things that don’t matter. And, just to get everybody starting off on the right foot, I suggest we all grab the November books, sit by the fire and simply indulge. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

If you’d like a chance to win a set of the November books, just add the phrase “I’m going to chill…in a very hot way” into the comment field.

Good luck!

October is a big month for Blaze! Believe it or not, we’re celebrating our 500th book!

It seems like only yesterday that Birgit came up with the idea of creating the Blaze miniseries in Temptation. And now look at us! Five hundred books strong, with an author list that’s the envy of many series.

One of the coolest things about Blaze though, is that many of the authors who were so instrumental in making the line what it is, still write for us. In the first three months of Blaze, readers were seduced by sizzling stories by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Julie Leto, Jo Leigh, Stephanie Bond, Tori Carrington, Carly Phillips, Janelle Denison, Julie Kenner and Kimberly Raye. As you’ll notice, you still see those talented authors in the Blaze lineup from time to time. And they’re still delivering really hot reads that push the envelope farther and farther. As the Senior Editor for the line, I couldn’t be more proud.

So I’m pleased to let you all in on the October line-up…

First up is Jacquie D’Alessandro’s Touch Me, a Blaze Historical set in the Regency period, that features a really cool heroine. For those of you who’ve read and loved Jacquie’s single title Regency Historicals, this book is a real treat. All the great romance at half the price. I highly recommend it. (Of course, I’ve read and loved all of Jacquie’s single title Historicals).

And then Kimberly Raye is back with a new twist on her Love at First Bite miniseries – Cody. Like Kim’s previous heroes, Cody is a vampire and a cowboy. But he’s also one of four brothers who returned from the Civil War to find his home in flames. Now he wants vengeance – on the person who killed his family AND on the vampire who turned him. There are lots of plot twists in this quartet…and of course, a lot of really good sex.

Karen Anders continues her Undercover Lovers miniseries this month with Dangerous Curves, a steamy read that has it all – adventure, great characters…and fantastic chemistry!

Then Samantha Hunter brings us Caught in the Act, the second book in the Dressed to Thrill miniseries. Costume mixups have never been so sexy.

Jennifer LaBrecque has the Uniformly Hot! title this month with Ripped! Is there anything more awe-inspiring than a hot military guy, a true American hero, who also jumps out of planes?

And finally we have Book 500, Seduction by the Book, by Stephanie Bond. In this Blaze Encounters, we meet four slightly socially awkward women who join an erotic book club…and then use the lessons they’ve learned to seduce the men of their dreams. This book will be followed in January by an short linked ebook (available only at eHarlequin.com) entitled Too Hot to Print, because, well, it’s too hot to print. And then the final book club member finds her sexily-ever-after in February in Stephanie’s Her Secret Valentine.

It’s a great month to be a Blaze reader. And for a chance to win a copy of them all, don’t forget to add the phrase ‘I can hardly wait to read those books!’ to the comment section.

Good luck and happy reading.

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Blaze

As much as I hate to admit it, summer’s just about over. The kids are back in school and life is beginning to settle down. Still, I love September. The nights are cooling off, the scents of fall are already in the wind, and there’s a sense of starting over, that old back-to- school mindset, that has me itching to do something new (trying my hand at wildlife photography is on my to-do list this month).

Still, we can’t lose sight of the things we love. Like Blaze books. So check out all the great new titles we have for you this month…

For those of you with thoughts of going back to school, Tawny Weber’s Feels Like the First Time might inspire you…or bring you to your senses! Heroine Zoe Gaston, reluctantly attends her 10 year high school reunion…and finds a few sexy surprises! This story is the first book in the Dressed to Thrill miniseries, and is available as an enriched ebook.

East meets west in Jade Lee’s newest story, Getting Physical. But no matter where a Blaze book is set, the sex is always off the maps!

Jamie Sobrato takes voyeurism to new levels in our Forbidden Fantasy this month, Made You Look.

What’s better than a cowboy hero? Three of them! Look for Debbi Rawlin’s Texas Heat, this month’s Blaze Encounters.

Marie Donovan brings us Her Last Line of Defense, the Uniformly Hot! title this month. Is there anything sexier than a Green Beret?

And finally, Alison Kent finishes up the month with a story featuring the ultimate hero – a Texas Ranger. Don’t miss One Good Man, part of the American Heroes miniseries.

So, am I the only one making plans to try something new? Tell know what you’re planning to do (after reading all the Blaze books, of course). Inquiring minds want to know…. And if you use the phrase “I Blazed my Way through Summer” you’ll be added to the drawing for a month’s free Blaze titles!!

Hi everyone,

Sorry I’m late showing up for work. Blaze authors Rhonda Nelson and Kira Sinclair came up to Toronto this past weekend and I just had too good a time…which meant I wasn’t exactly fit to put together a brilliant post last night.

Anyway, I’ve been reminded that in previous posts, I’ve been missing a prime opportunity to do what I do
best – talk about Blaze! So I’m going to give you a run-down on the great books you’ll see on the shelves this month…
Tori Carrington heats things up fast this month with Branded! Rancher Trace Armstrong finds himself on the ride of his life when he falls for Jo Atchison, his head wrangler. This one is HOT!

Then, Crystal Green takes us to Japan in When the Sun Goes Down…. Even I was surprised by how much naughty trouble a couple could get into in the Land of the Rising Sun!

And I’m pleased to announce that I’ve finally accomplished something I’ve been working on for years – luring bestselling Temptation author Heather MacAllister over to the dark side! Heather makes her debut with a Blaze Encounters, Undressed. You’re officially a Blaze Babe now, Heather!

Cara Summers introduces the first of her Wrong Bed …Again and Again books with Twin Temptation. Not only does her heroine, Maddie Farrell discover that she has a twin sister she’s never known, but she has to switch places with her sibling to claim her inheritance. And you’ll never guess who she finds in her sister’s bed… Watch next month for Twin Seduction.

Then Rhonda Nelson brings us this month’s Uniformly Hot! title, Letters From Home. When Army Ranger Levi McPherson picks up his mail, he never expects to find letters like these! This fantastic book received a 4 ½ Top Pick from Romantic Times magazine.

And finally, Kate Hoffmann is back with more Mighty Quinns – only these guys hail from down under! They are descendants of pickpocket Crevan Quinn, who ended up on a convict ship bound for Australia. But these Quinns are just as wickedly sexy as their North American cousins. Look for The Mighty Quinns: Brody, this month and Brody’s brothers Teague and Callum in July and August.

We’ve got a strong month in store for our lucky Blaze readers—just in time for beach season. And the next few months are just as great. Don’t miss them.

And of course, don’t forget to add your comment that Blaze Authors are Awesome for your chance to win the May Blaze books. Good luck.

Many years ago, Vicki Lewis Thompson and I did a workshop on the author/editor relationship. Now, at this point, Vicki and I had done several books together, and we knew we had it pretty good. But why did we work so well?

In preparing for the workshop, Vicki came up with a great analogy – she compared an editor to a coach. And the comparison fits perfectly. (It also tells you a lot about my upbringing. Pick a sport, any sport… Only this time, I get to give the suggestions, not take them. )

Like any good athletic coach…

1) An editor is always looking for talent.

2) Once that talent is acquired, the editor works with the writer to hone her skills, test her abilities, and push her limits. After all, who knows if the author will sink or swim until she’s thrown in the water?

3) When the author achieves success, the editor is the first one singing her praises. When the author occasionally falls down, the editor is right there to pull her back up.

4) An editor is always reevaluating the author’s readiness to try bigger and better things.

5) An editor is a middleman. She has to consider what the author wants from her career, AND what the publishing house wants from that author. Then she and the author need to figure out a way to make it happen.

6) In the end, an editor has little choice but to stand back and hope that her organization can afford to keep the incredible talent she’s had a hand in creating.

We’ve all heard that writing life is a solitary one. But an author doesn’t have to do it alone. Writers need editors. Editors need writers. To create the best book, both parties need to contribute what they do best. And when it works, it really works.

In my humble opinion, openness is the key to this special relationship. Both players need to be able to communicate freely without hesitation, to brainstorm together when needed, to compromise when they seem to be at cross purposes…and most of all, to respect what the other one brings to the table.

I believe that every author deserves an editor who loves her work. And every editor deserves an author who believes her editor can spin her words into gold.

So, I’m asking everyone, authors and would-be authors alike – what do you consider the essential elements of teamwork? Dedication? An open mind? A sense of humor? A free-running supply of wine?

On another note, I’d like to congratulate the winner of the first Blaze contest, Sally Kalkofen. The January, February and March Blaze books will be on their way to you shortly.

And now, for this month’s contest. If you’d like to receive the April Blaze books (all 6), please finish your comment to this blog with…

Blaze books are cool!

The winner will be randomly selected. Good luck to everybody.

Brenda

Wow! What a thrill to be the first person to christen this great new site!

As many of you know, the Blaze series is very special to me. I’ve been involved in the line since the beginning, (for those of you doing the quiz, I’m not going to give anything away – sorry), and have personally worked on a good number of the books we’ve published so far. In that time, the editors have discovered some incredible new voices, and have been routinely amazed at just how talented an author base we have. Many Blaze Babes are now considered Harlequin Stars! Personally, I’m always blown away by the ingenuity, the imagination and the determination our authors show. On more than one occasion, I’ve seen one of them pull off the near-impossible, then reach for another challenge. To say I’m proud to be working with such a fantastic group of women (and Tony, of course) would be an understatement.

So, what does this mean for Blaze readers? Simply that you’re reading the very best of series romance! Okay, I’m biased…but I’m also very sincere. In Blaze, you’ll find every kind of book – historical, adventure, suspense, forbidden fantasies, romantic comedies, paranormal, short stories, erotic bedtime stories, westerns and even time travel. The only elements tying the books together are the high level of sensuality and a lot of sizzling sexual tension. And really, what good is a romance novel without those?

So, now it’s your turn. Tell me what you love about Blaze (everything, I’m sure) and what you think we could improve on (don’t get carried away now…).

In the meantime, don’t forget to download Triple Threat by Jennifer LaBrecque, a free Blaze e-book that’s linked to the Uniformly Hot! miniseries. After all, we could all use a man in uniform to heat up those cool spring evenings. And, if you haven’t already, check out HarlequinCelebrates.com to download Leslie Kelly’s Blaze book, Slow Hands, absolutely free! There are other offerings there too…but I can vouch for Leslie’s. You’ll love it!

Finally, I’d like to thank our dedicated Blaze readers. Without you, we couldn’t do what we love best. And I think all the authors and editors will agree – we do love it!