It’s here, it’s finally here!  We are now, officially, one whole decade old.  And we’re celebrating all over the place–here on the Blaze Authors blog and on the Harlequin blog at Harlequin.com.  In fact, the Harlequin blog will be discussing Blaze-focused themes all month long (what is your favorite miniseries, what kind of heroes are the best, etc.), so be sure to drop by often.  And later on this month, the Barnes & Noble book blog will be talking about all things Blaze.  As soon as I get the link,  I’ll make sure it’s up here for you all to check out.

And now, what we’ve all been waiting for – the books.  You’ll remember from my last month’s post that for the anniversary, all six Blaze books in August were written by an author who had a book in the first 6 months of Blaze (we call these authors the Original Sexy Six–I think they’re having T-shirts made )  And all six books this month have a bonus read included–a reprint of their very first Blaze.  Pretty cool, eh?

So here’s what you’ll find on the shelves this month….

First up is Kimberly Raye’s THE BRADDOCK BOYS: TRAVIS, a Love at First Bite title.  Reader’s can’t seem to get enough of Kim’s cowboy vampires.   And what’s not to like?  They’re hot, they’re Texan and they do their best work at night.  They’re the perfect Blaze hero.   This book is paired up with Kim’s first Blaze title, THE PLEASURE PRINCIPLE.

Next up is our Uniformly Hot! title, Jo Leigh’s HOTSHOT.  This book not only has an Air Force pilot as a hero, but the heroine’s in the Air Force too.   And if that wasn’t awkward enough, they have a past–a really, HOT past.  Can you imagine how good makeup sex could be when the sky’s the limit?  The bonus book included is Jo’s GOING FOR IT, which was published in Month One.

Tori Carrington finishes up their Pleasure Seekers miniseries this month with UNDENIABLE PLEASURES.  This is Jason’s story (the bad boy ‘other man’ from RECKLESS PLEASURES).  But when he meets Jordan, he soon forgets that he was ever involved with anyone else.  This book is kind of special to me.  It features an adorably fluffy black kitten named Cleo, who was based on one of own my precious furbabies.  Thanks for that guys!  The bonus book in this case is this talented duo’s YOU SEXY THING!

Vicki Lewis Thompson also finishes up her latest installment of her Sons of Chance miniseries this month with COWBOYS LIKE US.  The Last Chance Ranch has worked its magic on many would-be cowpokes over the past year or so, but is a former all-star baseball player really cowboy material.  He is once a certain cowgirl gets her hands on him…  This is paired up with another cowboy story by Vicki–and the first book ever–NOTORIOUS!

But not all miniseries are ending.  In fact, Julie Leto is launching her first trilogy this month, Legendary Lovers, with TOO HOT TO TOUCH.  The three men in this trilogy are share a daring heritage–one they can’t escape, no matter how hard they try.  For they are all descendants of a notorious Latin crusader.  And when each man is given their illustrious ancestor’s ring, he finds himself being more of a hero than he ever dreamed.  A wonderful start to a fantastic series.   Ten year ago, Julie started another trilogy– Sexy City Nights–which she shared with Carly Phillips and Janelle Denison.  The bonus book included is that book, EXPOSED.

And finally, Debbi Rawlins rounds out the month with a Blaze Encounters, EXTRA INNINGS, which features 3 incredible short stories about the men who play America’s game – baseball!  (It’s also got a cover worth framing, if you get my drift.   Then again, I’ve always had a thing for a man in pin-stripes… )  This story is followed by Debbi’s first book for Blaze, IN HIS WILDEST DREAMS.

So there you have it – six incredible new stories, six unforgettable first books, all written by  the Original Sexy Six!  Can you think of a better way to celebrate?

For a chance to win one of 3 sets of the August books, tell us what you think about our anniversary celebration.  And if you have any innovative ideas for how we can celebrate 15 years, I’d love to hear them too.

Finally, I’d like to personally thank all the Blaze authors for ten wonderful years, and more than six hundred outstanding books!   You guys are the best!

Sincerely,

Brenda Chin

Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze.

That’s right!  Our 10^th anniversary month is almost upon us!  I still can’t believe it’s been that long.  Especially since I haven’t aged at all…  Funny how that happens, isn’t it?

Next month, there will be all kinds of exciting things going on here at the Blaze authors’ blog and at eHarlequin.com.  Watch for special anniversary wishes from the authors, as well as TV shows and films some of them think ‘Would Have Been Better as a Blaze’.  And of course, watch for our 2-in-1 special anniversary editions of the August books, featuring the first Blaze title–as well as current book– from six authors who helped launch the line.  It’s going to be great!

But of course, we offer great books every month.  And we’ve got some out now that you won’t want to miss.  Check them out…

Lori Wilde, Wendy Etherington and Jillian Burns start off the month with our hot summer read, BY INVITATION ONLY.     Three intrepid heroines decide to crash the wedding of the decade, only to find out that tying the knot isn’t always a prerequisite for a mind-blowing wedding night…

Cara Summers follows with the Uniformly Hot! book this month, TAILSPIN.   This story has it all –  a ‘lovers reunited’  theme, an intriguing mystery and a hot, hot, air force hero.  Who could ask for anything more?

Next up is Tori Carrington’s WICKED PLEASURES, the second book in their Pleasure Seekers miniseries.  According to Romantic Times magazine, ‘the action is hot and so is the chemistry’.  You’ll need to turn up the air conditioning for this one (or at least, I did. :-)  ).

And for those of you craving a cowboy fix, Vicki Lewis Thompson offers COWBOY UP, the second book in her latest Sons of Chance trilogy.  The heroine, Emily Sterling, has vowed never to fall for a cowboy.  But let me tell you, one look at this cover and even the most reluctant woman will be running for a  cigarette.  (FYI – I’ve got a blown-up poster of this cover on my door.  It never fails to inspire me.)

Kathleen O’Reilly is also knee deep in a trilogy.  The second book in her Harts of Texas miniseries, JUST LET GO… is fun from the get-go.  A small town sheriff gets a chance to hook up with her first crush.  What do you bet there are handcuffs involved?

And finally, Heather MacAllister finishes up the month with KEPT IN THE DARK, the final book in our 24 Hours: Blackout miniseries.   A cat burglar finds herself in deep with a sexy security expert—the same guy who sent her to jail six years ago.  This book is proof that paybacks are hell.

And there you have it.  This month’s books are the perfect way to spend those hot summer days…

I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to cut this blog post a little short this time.  Everyone in the office is running around, trying to get things ready for the Romance Writers of America national convention in New York this week, and I’m no exception.   In fact, as you read this, I’ll be in the Big Apple having a great time with my authors.   But I’ll be back on line tomorrow to keep you company.

For a chance to win one of two sets of the July books, drop by and tell me what you think of our Sexy Books of Summer so far.     And be sure to drop by next month for all the festivities—and to check out another Blaze Authors Pet Project, brought to us by author Lisa Renee Jones.

Happy Summer,

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

Happy summer, everyone. I don’t know what it’s like in your neck of the woods, but we seem to have jumped from winter right into summer in Ontario. It’s hotter than Hades here today. I can’t think of a better reason to stay inside (or better yet, hightail it to the beach) with a good book. And we’ve got some great ones for you this month…

Rhonda Nelson starts off this hot, hot, HOT month with REAL MEN WEAR PLAID, a Blaze Encounters, featuring 3 stories about ‘verra’ sexy Scotsmen. In her Dear Reader letter, Rhonda credits a trip to Scotland with the inspiration behind these novellas. Let me tell you, after reading this book, I was searching the internet for a good deal on flights…

Leslie Kelly comes next with her Uniformly Hot! title, TERMS OF SURRENDER. What happens an opinionated blogger falls for an undercover flyboy turned teacher? Fireworks–in the classroom and in the bedroom! Prepare to turn the A/C up…

And talking about heat, don’t miss Tori Carrington’s RECKLESS PLEASURES, the first book in their Pleasure Seekers miniseries. What’s a girl to do when her military man goes overseas…and his BFF is so very, very hot? (You’re sensing the theme this month, right?)

Then Vicki Lewis Thompson returns this month with the first of three more Sons of Chance stories. The Chance men might have all found their match last year, but the ranch is still working its magic, turning ordinary guys into extraordinary cowboys. Don’t miss SHOULD’VE BEEN A COWBOY.

Isabel Sharpe finishes up her Checking E-Males series this month with HOT TO THE TOUCH. Isabel’s heroine definitely has the right approach. She isn’t looking for Mr. Right. Or Mr. Right Now. No, this girl wants a Mr. Right-Here-And-Now–and will do anything to get him! A fun conclusion to a sassy, very contemporary trilogy.

And finally, Samantha Hunter brings to the month to a stunning finale with MINE UNTIL MORNING, the second book in the 24 Hours: Blackout miniseries. What’s cool about this book is that the hero is always in the dark (he’s temporarily blinded). But he’s more than an expert at making the most of his other senses…

I hope you all enjoy this great lineup, the perfect way to usher in Hot Summer Read season. And it’s also an exciting month for our Pet Project–the first books featuring our Furry Friends are now on the stands! Look for Brionne in Leslie Kelly’s TERMS OF SURRENDER and Irish in Samantha Hunter’s MINE UNTIL MORNING. And there are more on the way in upcoming months.

And there’s even more exciting news – we’re bringing a new Pet Project on board, thanks to author Karen Foley. The second Blaze Author’s Pet Project is….

The Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachussetts!

The Northeast Animal Shelter, located just a half hour north of Boston in historic Salem, is one of New England’s largest nonprofit shelters that does not destroy any of the pets entrusted to its care. They have placed over 100,000 dogs and cats since they opened their doors.

Two weeks ago, thirty-eight shelter dogs from Georgia were welcomed to New England to make room in southern shelters for other animals displaced by the terrible series of twisters. It was a 19-hour non-stop ride from Georgia in a specially outfitted Puppy Pipeline Rescue van, which has moved more than 4,000 dogs to no-kill shelters since 2007. The van travels at night so that the puppies can sleep much of the way. The recent shipment of puppies is just the first infusion of needy animals, with more to come from all over the hard-hit south.

The shelter has more than a hundred dogs, cats and kittens available for adoption. Maybe one of these animals is perfect for you.

If you live near Salem and are thinking about bringing a pet into your life, be sure to check this place out. Or, if you’d just like to help, you’d be hard pressed to find a more worthy cause. And, as always, watch for pets from the shelter to find their way into upcoming Blaze books. Let’s face it – nobody’s totally complete without a pet – not even a Harlequin hero or heroine.

So that’s it for this month. For a chance to win one of three sets of Blaze book, let us know what you think about this month’s line-up, or our Pet Project.

Happy Summer!

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

It’s almost here – hot summer read season! And am I ever ready for it! We Canadians are a hearty bunch, but it just seems as if this winter has lasted FOREVER. And I can’t think of anything better than sitting on the beach (in between taking my kayak out for a spin or two), catching a few rays and settling down with a good book.

And we’ve got some great ones to get you started. Look what’s in store for you this month…

Debbi Rawlins starts us off with DELICIOUS DO-OVER, the second of her Spring Break books. You know that expression, ‘Youth is wasted on the young.’ Well, Debbi’s heroine is the perfect age – old enough to go after what she wants, and young enough to know what to do with him.

Next up is our Uniformly Hot! title, HIGH STAKES SEDUCTION, by Lori Wilde. Lori’s hero is a Navy Security Specialist. But even he’s getting a little hot under the collar keeping the sexy heroine under constant surveillance.

Then Kathleen O’Reilly launches her brand new miniseries, Harts of Texas, with JUST SURRENDER… Two Texas siblings find the adventure of their lives (and yes, it’s a woman), when they go to New York to meet the sister they never knew they had.

But that’s not the only miniseries starting this month. Tawny Weber introduces readers to the 24 Hours: Blackout miniseries this month with JUST FOR THE NIGHT, a delightfully dark (get it?) reunion romance. The tagline for this miniseries says it all – No lights. No power. And no holding back….

Candace Havens continues her Stonegate miniseries with TRUTH AND DARE. This time, Candace’s intrepid heroine is investigating a cold case murder. But her dealings with the victim’s son are hot, hot, HOT!

And Lisa Renee Jones brings the month to a exhilarating conclusion with the final book in her Texas Hotzone miniseries, BREATHLESS DESCENT. Sorry girls. There won’t be any more hotties falling from the sky for us Blaze readers. At least, not any time soon.

Before I get to the craft section, I’d like to wish a hearty congratulations to Jillian Burns, Leslie Kelly and Cara Summers – all finalists in the Oklahoma RWA’s Readers’ Choice Award contest. Way to go, ladies!!!

As for the Blaze Authors’ Pet Project, we’re quickly approaching the first month where we’ll see some of our Furry Friends. And I’ve got great news! Both of the cats showcased in June (Irish in Sam Hunter’s MINE UNTIL MORNING and Brionne in Leslie Kelly’s TERMS OF SURRENDER ) have already found homes! We’ll be sending an autographed copy of ‘their’ book to their new owners, to remind them that their newest addition is famous.

~*~*~*~

And now, on to craft. One of the things editors look at very carefully are opening chapters. These few pages have a lot to accomplish – they have to showcase your voice, set up the plot, and make the reader identify with at least one of the characters. And, of course, they have to grab a reader’s attention and not let go!

And it all starts with a fantastic first line. The best of these will stay with you, long after you’ve finished the book. We’re all familiar with Dickens’ “It was the best of times…” opening from A Tale of Two Cities, as well as James M. Barrie’s “All children, except one, grow up.”

One of my favorite first lines was from a Kimberly Raye book (I think it was TALL, TANNED AND TEXAN) published a few years ago. The line? “She needed really good sex in a really bad way.” It’s the perfect opening for a Blaze, right?

But even more recently, I was reminded of how important first lines are. Last November, everyone in Ontario got to participate in the ‘Bring Your Kid to Work’ day. All over the province, Grade 9 students were going to work with a family member, learning just what it takes to make it in the real world. I brought my niece in with me to discover the wonderful world of publishing. She’s an avid reader and by the end of the day, she was warning me not to get too comfortable – she was taking my job.

Where’s this going, you wonder? I’m getting there, really. So, there I was, walking her through the revision process when she picked up a manuscript on my desk, read the first line, and promptly killed herself laughing. The line?

“For a girl who isn’t about to get laid, you’re spending an awful lot of time obsessing over your underwear choices.”

Pretty cool, eh? My niece certainly thought so. That great bit of dialogue comes from Tawny Weber’s JUST FOR THE NIGHT, available this month.

And now it’s your turn. For a chance to win 1 of 3 sets of the May books, tell us your favorite first line. The more entertaining, the better.

And finally, I’d like to send a cyber-hug to all of those people whose lives have been turned upside down by this wicked weather we’re having. They’re in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

…give us a great excuse to stay inside and read! And trust me – you’ll want to have lots of time this month to satisfy your Blaze craving. We’ve got a great lineup in store for you.

But before I get to that, I’d like to say a big congratulations to Jill Shalvis, whose novella in the Blaze hot summer read– BORN ON THE 4TH OF JULY — is nominated for a RITA award! For those of you who don’t know, the RITA awards are the Academy Awards for the Romance Industry. So, way to go Jill! We’re all behind you…

Now, let’s get back to the books you’ll want to put on your shopping list…

Debbi Rawlins starts us off with the first of her two Spring Break books, SECOND TIME LUCKY. Haven’t we all wished we could go back and re-do a few things? Well, Debbi’s heroines aren’t waiting any longer. They’re going to relive all the fun (and sex!) of Spring Break. But things don’t exactly work out as planned… Watch for the sequel, DELICIOUS DO-OVER, next month.

Joanne Rock brings readers the Uniformly Hot! book this month with HIGHLY CHARGED! The hero is the first of our Navy boys, and also happens to be an explosives expert. This skill comes in handy when the heat between him and his sexy neighbor gets particularly volatile…

Kira Sinclair is back in the schedule with WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN. Can sex be better the second time around? Kira’s heroine is about to find out. Lucky, lucky girl…

Next, Isabel Sharpe continues her Checking E-Males miniseries with LONG, SLOW BURN. Isabel’s heroine is turning the big 3-0 and needs a man–fast. So she turns to e-dating. But the only guy who catches her interest is the one at home…

It sure looks like this is the month for duets. Like Debbi Rawlins above, Candace Havens is introducing SHE WHO DARES, WINS, the first of her two book series featuring heroines who work at the mysterious Stonegate Agency. These women can handle just about anything…except the sexy guy they’ve been hired to protect. Look for Truth and Dare next month.

And finally, I’m proud to introduce Blaze’s newest author, Meg Maguire. Meg’s first book, CAUGHT ON CAMERA, is an absolute delight! According to Romantic Times magazine, ‘…their banter (the hero and heroine’s) is charming and laugh-out-loud hilarious.’ And I couldn’t agree more. Welcome to Blaze, Meg. We’re thrilled to have you.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I was hoping to bring another Pet Project on board this month, but it’s taking a little longer than expected. I’ll keep everyone posted.

And now on to the craft discussion (or in this case, the business of writing). Since the whole Romance industry is still buzzing about the recent RITA award nominations, I thought I’d talk a little about contests.

For writing groups, contests are a fantastic source of income. Contests, dues and conferences are the main ways a group can bring in some much needed cash. And for new writers, contests can offer all kinds of wonderful opportunities.

But to get what you need out of a contest, here are a few things to think about.

1) What stage are you at in your writing, and what do you really need to get from a contest?
If you’re just starting out, you might be further ahead looking at contests that offer feedback from people who are in a position to know. If you’re close to being published, you’ll want to find a contest judged by an editor or agent, someone who can help you finish those last steps to publication.

2) What exactly is being judged?
If you’re going to enter a contest, make sure you’re entering the right thing. While offering a cute scene sounds like fun, will it actually accomplish anything? Yes, it will show your voice, but not much else. Just something to consider…

3) And finally, who will be judging the contest?
Will the contest judges have the expertise to actually help you? Are they published authors, who understand the romance industry? Are they editors or agents, who can actually buy or represent you? And are they those judges the people you want to see your manuscript? For instance, do you want an Inspirational editor judging something that you’ve targeted as erotica? Don’t laugh – it happens.

Now, this is just my opinion. However, I think contests can be really beneficial to an aspiring writer…if they do their homework. After all, it’s your money.

For a chance to win one of two sets of the April line-up, tell us about any contest experiences you’ve had. Or just say ‘Way to go, Jill!’ Both will get you in the draw.

Happy Spring!
Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

Spring officially returns this month and let me tell you, for those of us in the Great White North, it can’t come soon enough. We’ve had a wicked winter this year, and according to Environment Canada, it’s not over yet. Still, there are signs that the cold is coming to an end – I’ve had grackles and gold finches at my bird feeders (both species fly south for the winter). This morning, a skunk ambled across the street in front of our house (although given the way he was walking, he’d either gotten into some whiskey or was still half asleep). And, of course, the red-hot March Blaze books are on the shelves.
Check out the great books this month…

Nancy Warren gets things started with FACE-OFF, a 3-in-1 Blaze Encounters with a theme that’s irresistible to those of us above the 49th Parallel – HOCKEY! And what a cover! Suddenly, the phrase ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ is taking on a whole new meaning….

Next up is Jennifer LaBrecque with the Uniformly Hot! title this month – IN THE LINE OF FIRE. This soldier can handle just about anything–except the runaway bride who needs him to be her hero. Oh, and to drive the getaway car.

Kathy Lyons follows up with IN GOOD HANDS, a sequel to her previous book, TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS. Kathy’s high-powered attorney hero has a little problem – dangerous high blood pressure. Good thing for him that he’s sleeping with a new age healer who knows how to make him feel very, very good.

Michelle Rowen is back in the lineup with INEVITABLE, a wonderfully magical story. What do you get when you take two hostile co-workers (who secretly want each other!), and give them a leaky bottle of lust potion? A lot of great sex! Only they can’t seem to stop once the potion wears off….

Lisa Renee Jones is up next with HIGH OCTANE, the second book in her Texas Hotzone trilogy. This series is really cool – three books about hot guys who like to live on the edge. What’s not to like?

And Jillian Burns finishes up the month with PRIMAL CALLING, a sexy adventure set in Alaska. After all, who can resist enjoying every moment of those long, long nights?

Well, there you go. Another fantastic month! And let’s face it, during some of those chilly Spring evenings, you’re going to need something to keep you warm….

I’ve decided to forego the Craft section of the blog this month in order to share some exciting news. As most of you know, August 2011 is Blaze’s 10th Anniversary. And to celebrate, we’ll be publishing Special Collectors’ Editions of those six novels –books written by The Original Sexy Six (authors who had books out in the first few months of Blaze). As a bonus, we’re adding the author’s very first Blaze story to each volume!

So, in August, look for:
THE BRADDOCK BOYS: TRAVIS and THE PLEASURE PRINCIPLE by Kimberly Raye
HOTSHOT and GOING FOR IT by Jo Leigh
UNDENIABLE PLEASURES and YOU SEXY THING! by Tori Carrington
COWBOYS LIKE US and NOTORIOUS by Vicki Lewis Thompson
TOO HOT TO TOUCH and EXPOSED by Julie Leto
EXTRA INNINGS and IN HIS WILDEST DREAMS by Debbi Rawlins.

So Happy Anniversary to us! And thanks to all of you for your support over the years. As a thanks, we’ll give away a set of March Blaze books to one lucky commenter.

Sincerely,
Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

I’m sure I’ve mentioned before that here at Harlequin, Valentine’s Day is our biggest day of the year. We even put out a Romance Report, telling all about the state of love and romance in the world today. It also includes a list of the top ten hottest celebrities – always good reading.

Even better – this is the month when all the the series focus on the day dedicated to love–Valentine’s Day! And Blaze is no exception. So, here’s what Harlequin and Cupid are bringing you this month…

First up is our Valentine Collection, NOT ANOTHER BLIND DATE…by Janelle Denison, Leslie Kelly and Jo Leigh. And it features…you guessed it – Valentine’s Day Blind Dates. But these aren’t just any blind dates…. In Jo Leigh’s story, the heroine gets set up by her ex! How pathetic is that? Luckily, it turns out to be the best date–and best sex–ever! As an aside, I’d like to say ‘welcome back’ to Janelle Denison. We’ve missed you.

Next up is our second Uniformly Hot! title of the year, BREAKING THE RULES by Tawny Weber. This strong, hunky hero has major control problems. Good thing the heroine has no problem wrapping him around her little finger–while making him think it’s his idea, of course…

Cara Summers has a Wrong Bed book this month with TAKE MY BREATH AWAY…. What’s a girl to do when she finds an unconscious man on the verge of hypothermia? Keep him warm, of course. And body heat’s always the most expedient method…

Rhonda Nelson is back with another Man out of Uniform in THE WILD CARD. I loved this hero – he takes honor to new levels. And he’s totally out of his element when dealing with the feisty heroine. This one’s a lot of fun.

Isabel Sharpe introduces her new miniseries, Checking E-Males, with TURN UP THE HEAT. Three friends take on the thrilling world of on-line dating with very, sexy results…

And finally, Karen Foley finishes up her It Takes a Hero miniseries with HEAT OF THE MOMENT. This guy is so hot, the heroine will follow him anywhere–including Afghanistan! She’s a woman who knows what she wants. And she’s strong enough to take it.

Great lineup, isn’t it? And I’ve made things easy for you. You can just cut and paste the list and send it to your sweetie, on the off chance he hasn’t even thought of Valentine’s Day yet. (I know mine hasn’t. ) After all, Blaze books are much more satisfying than chocolate!

And now on to the craft portion… I’d like to talk about conflict (it seemed timely, especially considering how many guys will be running into convenience stores to buy flowers at the last minute.) In Blaze, we strive for two tier conflict. First of all, there has to be internal conflict between the characters. This could be a secret one character is keeping, an agenda, etc. It has to be substantial, though–not so simple that if you put the two characters in a room and they talked, it would be over. It has to create a true, believable black moment, in which the two protagonists will have to look at their lives so far and make changes.

The second type of conflict is external. This is the story that’s going on around the characters. It could be secondary characters creating problems, a business going under, a war going on. However, it too needs to be big enough that it can directly threaten the lives your characters are leading. It has to be serious–at least to them.

The best books have both of these conflicts. And they should escalate at the same rate as the romance. For example, once a couple has been intimate, the secret the hero is keeping from the heroine becomes that much bigger.

One of the most common reasons books are rejected by all the Harlequin series is lack of believable conflict. And, as always, it goes back to your characters. If you create real, living protagonists, their conflict has to be just as believable…and individual to them. Not an easy feat, I know. But it makes for a fantastic story.

And finally, I’d just like to update everyone on our Pet Project. We’re moving full steam ahead, getting cats from the Furry Friends animal shelter into Blaze books from June 2011 to February 2012. If you’re in the Toronto/Barrie area, I’ll be at an adoptathon at the PetSmart on Mapleview Drive, giving away copies of some of our Valentine books for a small donation. Drop by and see me if you can.

So that’s it! If you’d like to win 1 of 2 sets of the February book, let me know about your favorite type of conflict
(in books, that is. )

And I hope that Cupid is good to all of you.

Sincerely,

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

.
First of all, I’d like to thank all of you for your enthusiasm for this venture. It’s amazing to see what can happen when we all come together to make a difference. And I believe we will.
Our first shelter, Furry Friends (furryfriendsshelter.org) is absolutely thrilled to be involved with such a wonderful group of writers. They’ve had a great response so far, and that should only increase as the Pet Projects get better known.

So, I just thought I’d give you all an update on what we’re doing.

One of the shelter volunteers sent me a list of the cats who have been waiting their forever homes…well, forever! Many of the authors have generously decided to feature these animals in upcoming books, mentioning their availability in their Dear Reader letters. When these cats get placed, an autographed copy of ‘their’ book will go with them. Pretty cool, eh?

So, go to the Blaze Authors Pet Project link at the top of the page to check these beautiful animals out. And then find…

And if you’re in the Barrie, Ontario area around Valentine’s Day, come to the PetSmart Adoption Center on the 12th to see me and get a free copy of The 2011 Blaze Valentine Collection, NOT ANOTHER BLIND DATE… by Janelle Denison, Leslie Kelly and Jo Leigh. And maybe even find a furbaby of your own. You know what they say – every life should have 9 cats.

This project is still pretty new for all of us, and we can use all the help we can get. If any of you have thoughts about other ways we can help these rescue organizations, I’d love to hear from you.

Sincerely,
Brenda Chin
Senior Editor, Harlequin Blaze

It’s that time of year again – the season for fresh starts, making new plans…and snuggling up by the fire with a good book. I don’t know about you, but after all the holiday rushing around, I’m dying to just relax. If you feel the same, the Blaze authors have six New Year’s treats in store for you…

Check out the fantastic lineup this month!

Kate Hoffmann gets the month off to a super sexy start with her Forbidden Fantasies story, Into the Night. Kate’s heroine avoids an unwanted marriage proposal by running away to a tropical island with a sexy stranger. Don’t you wish all of our problems could be taken care of so easily?

Then Rhonda Nelson re-launches the Uniformly Hot! miniseries this month with The Rebel, the first of three books featuring soldiers in the US Army. This one has it all – a fantastic hero, a heartwarming romance and a bulldog named Atticus who steals the show!

Wendy Etherington is up next with another one of her South Carolina specialties – Irresistible Fortune. The hero, Gavin Fortune, might be a treasure hunter…but it’s the heroine, Brenna, who wins the ultimate prize.

Kira Sinclair follows with Caught Off Guard, her long awaited sequel to her first book, Whispers in the Dark. The heroine, Anne, has a family she’s avoiding, a stalker she’s running from and a bodyguard she can’t keep her hands off of. What’s a girl to do?

And for those who haven’t satisfied their appetite for men in the military yet, check out Jill Monroe’s SEALed with a Kiss, the sequel to her SEALed and Delivered. And, as you can guess, the hero is a Navy SEAL. Do you really need any other reason to pick this up?

And finally, Lisa Renee Jones introduces her Texas Hotzone miniseries this month with Jump Start. This series features three ex-military buddies who launch their own skydiving business. And, as you can guess, these guys are so hot women don’t seem to mind jumping out of a plane now and then…

I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to skip the ‘Craft’ section this month to talk to you about a new venture the Blaze authors are undertaking. It’s the Blaze Authors’ Pet Project.

Since most of the Blaze authors have multiple pets (I have six myself), this is a subject near and dear to our hearts. And we thought you might feel the same.

Throughout the year, we’ll be showcasing animal shelters and rescue organizations throughout North America, places we think do a fantastic job. If you’re in the market for a new bundle of fur of your own, or just want to help out somehow, be sure to check these places out.

And the first Blaze Author Pet Project is… (drum roll please)

Furry Friends

The Furry Friends Animal Shelter is a non-profit, no-kill organization dedicated to providing shelter and love to abandoned, lost or rescued animals in Barrie, Ontario. They provide care to almost 1,000 animals each year – mostly cats and kittens, though they also care for abandoned dogs. They are a registered charity funded by generous donors and supporters and operated completely by dedicated volunteers.

I can personally attest that this is a great organization. I got two of my little furbabies from them – both were healthy, happy, well-adjusted kittens. And since then, I’ve been lucky enough to see some of the great work they do first-hand. If you’re interested in finding out more about this wonderful charity, check them out at www.furryfriendsshelter.org. You’ll be glad you did. And be sure to watch for some of these furry friends making their Blaze debut in books starting in June 2011.

Not a bad way to start off the New Year, is it? First, by indulging in 6 great books and second, by spreading the word that love doesn’t just happen in romance novels.

For a chance to win one of three (yes, three!) sets of January Blaze books, let us know what you think about our Pet Project.

Wishing you all a happy and prosperous New Year,

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze

We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals. Immanual Kant

Can you believe the big day’s almost here? Are you ready? I think I am, but that could just be me being delusional. It happens at this time of year. (H) Another thing that happens more in December are Christmas photo ops. And so, the Blaze authors and I thought we’d entertain you with pictures of our kids, celebrating the holidays.

Our furkids, that is.

So check out all the little darlings below. Animals and children are the only creatures I know of that can be naughty and nice at the same time. And we love them all the more for it.

There’s something about this time of year that brings out the best in people. And that’s why I’d like to tell you all about something we’re starting up in January. We’re calling it the Blaze Authors Pet Project. Since most of the Blaze authors have multiple pets (I have six myself), this is a subject very dear to our hearts. And we thought you might feel the same.

Throughout the year, we’ll be showcasing animal shelters and rescue organizations across North America, places we think do a fantastic job. If you’re in the market for a new bundle of fur of your own, be sure to check some of these places out. You’ll also meet some of the pets needing forever homes in a few of our Blaze books, starting in June 2011.

So keep posted. I’ll be making the official announcement in my January blog. And in the meantime, I wish you all the happiest of holidays.

Brenda Chin
Senior Editor
Harlequin Blaze