Are you obsessed with Downton Abbey like I am – and most of my coworkers? It comes as no surprise that a bunch of people who love sweeping historical sagas with a hefty dose of romance are so into the series.

Recently the New York Times carried an article about books for fans of the series (read it here). But what about romance novels???? Don’t worry Downton fans, I got your back and found some Harlequin books to whet your appetite for upstairs/downstairs and early 20^th Century historical romances….

Please note I wrote this post after seeing the second episode of Downton season 2 (that’s how far Masterpiece Theatre is into the series here in North America) so some of my comments may be outdated if you’ve seen more of season 2 or leave out later developments.

The Last Rake in London by Nicola Cornick (Harlequin Historical)

Setting: England, 1908

Back of the Book:

“All my winnings tonight against one night with you.”

Under a blaze of chandeliers, in London’s most fashionable club, Jack Kestrel is waiting. He hasn’t come to enjoy the rich at play, he’s there to uphold his family name. But first he has to get past the ice-cool owner: the beautiful Sally Bowes. And Jack wants her to warm his bed–at any price!

Edwardian society flocks to Sally’s club, but dangerous Jack Kestrel is the most sinfully sensual rogue she’s ever met. Inexperienced with men, the wicked glint in Jack’s eyes promises he’ll take care of satisfying her every need….

Similarties to Downton: Scandal, blackmail, romance — all set amongst the Edwardian high society. The country estate, Dauntsey Park, even sounds like a bit like “Downton” (In fact, this book has been reissued in the UK as Dauntsey Park: The Last Rake in London with “for fans of Downton Abbey” right on the cover J ).

Jack Compton’s Luck by Paula Marshall (Harlequin Historical)

Setting: post-WWI England

Back of the Book:

Four years of war and even more years of trying to save the family estate have knocked the daredevil out of Jack Compton. He’s hanging on to his place in society by the skin of his teeth.

Seeing Lacey Chancellor joyously dancing the Charleston brings his passion for life back full force! As luck would have it, this wealthy heiress is drawn to him. But pride is a powerful thing. Unwilling to be branded a fortune hunter, will Jack choose honor over love?

Similarities to Downton: I’m not sure who the hero and heroine are more like – Matthew and Mary, the WWI veteran and heiress? Except Lacey is actually an American heiress and the hero’s estate needs funds, so maybe that makes them more like Cora and the Earl of Grantham…?

Rescuing the Heiress by Valerie Hansen (Love Inspired Historical)

Setting: San Francisco, 1906

Back of the Book:

As a San Francisco firefighter, Michael Mahoney has never seen anything burn more brightly than the determination in socialite Tess Clark’s eyes. Her fiery green gaze and the persuasive curve of her smile convince him to support her involvement in the women’s suffrage movement. His unspoken, forbidden love for the privileged young woman drives him to be her only protector as the earth begins to quake and the city catches fire. Now, in the midst of panic, corruption and disaster, Michael’s survival is uncertain, yet his faith in God and love for Tess are stronger than ever. Will he have the chance to show Tess that love can’t be contained by social binds?

Similarities to Downton: The American setting and inspirational theme are different, but who can resist a class-defying love romance, like the hunky chauffeur Branson’s crush on Lady Sybil and Edith’s fling with the local farmer? (Though I have to add, per the note above, I have no idea where these plots are going but I have my fingers crossed it’s towards an HEA!) The heroine is also a suffragette, like Downton’s forward-thinking Sybil.

It Happened at Christmas (anthology) by Penny Jordan, Helen Brooks and Carol Wood (Harlequin Special Releases)

Setting: 1900s England

Back of the Book:

Experience the love, warmth and magic Christmas brings, with this heartwarming collection from three favorite Harlequin authors.

So much stands between Lancashire mill owner Haywood Denshaw and his new housekeeper Marianne Brown. But even disparate social standing and rumors of disreputable pasts can’t get in the way of their love. Only Marianne’s refusal to compromise her principles can, in a captivating story by Penny Jordan.

Wealthy farmer Luke Hudson gets more than he bargained for when he plucks a destitute young woman from the workhouse. He may have rescued Connie Summers from a life of penury and hard labor, but her spirit and warmth give him a new outlook—and a second chance at love, in an enthralling story by Helen Brooks.

Modern-thinking doctor Harry Fleet and compassionate but old-school nurse Tilly Dainty clash at the Tap House surgery in 1920s East London. But working together to care for the sick and needy turns out to be a healing balm on both their hearts, in an emotional story by Carol Wood.

Similarities to Downton: If you like the “downstairs” side of Downton Abbey more than the “upstairs”, this anthology about working-class characters finding love should be up your alley. The three stories are also set in slightly different time periods, from 1899 to the 1920s.

Plus, here are a few more early 20^th century-set books to check out:

• On the Wings of Love by Elizabeth Lane (Harlequin Historical)
• Gift from the Sea by Anna Scmidt (Love Inspired Historical)
• Soaring Home by Christine Johnson (Love Inspired Historical)
• The Flower Arrangement by Adelaide Cole (Spice Briefs. Note: this is an erotica novella, not an erotic romance)
• Brenda Joyce’s Francesca Cahill series, including Deadly Illusions, Deadly Kisses and Deadly Vows (HQN Books)

Do you know any books to recommend to Downton Abbey fans? Please share them in the comments!

1. $2 off Debbie Macomber Christmas Cookbook

Loved the Christmas Eve Eggnog recipe I posted this week? Do you have a big Debbie Macomber fan on your Christmas list? Why not gift them with the Debbie Macomber Christmas Cookbook? From Dec. 14 – 21 you can save $2 off the cover price of the book with this exclusive coupon. The book is full of both recipes and crafts that you can use to create new traditions or provide fun alternatives to your own.

2. Carina Press Here Be Magic – the new Fantasy blog from Carina Press authors!

From December 17th through December 24th, Here Be Magic (a blog comprised of Carina Press fantasy and paranormal authors) will be running an amazing contest to celebrate the season of giving. Prizes include a brand new Kindle Fire, a virtual basket filled with over two dozen Carina Press titles, and a $25.00 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice). No hoops to jump through, all it takes is a comment, so swing by http://herebemagic.blogspot.com/ starting December 17th to enter!

3. Carina Press’ Sea of Suspicion is now on sale in print!

Toni Anderson’s Sea of Suspicion is now on sale in print at Harlequin.com. We love when Carina Press titles move into print. We hope you’ll check out Toni’s novel!

Marine biologist Susie Cooper traded her life in America for a dream job on the rugged Scottish coast. Now all she lacks is the right man to start a family with. After their first meeting, she knows sexy Detective Inspector Nick Archer isn’t what she’s looking for. He’s the type of guy whose idea of commitment is staying the whole night.
Nick has returned to St. Andrews for one reason only—to fulfill his vow to find his wife’s killer. Relentless in his twelve-year quest for justice, he has no problem using Susie to get close to his primary suspect: her boss. But the passion between them smolders, and as it ignites, Nick finds himself torn between his past and his present—with Susie.
When one of her boss’s students is murdered, Nick’s investigation draws Susie into a web of madness and betrayal. They will have to learn to trust each other if they’re going to catch a killer…and come out of this alive.

And if you’re interested in more Carina Press titles in print, Marie Force’s Fatal Affair is still available.

4. Harlequin.com: Holidays@Harlequin: 12 Deals, 12 Gifts

Well, it’s hard to believe, but the 12 deals of Christmas are over. HOWEVER! There are still plenty of Gifts to come, so you should keep checking back to the Santa Tree for more deals. Visit Harlequin.com to check on today’s!

5. FREE Linda Lael Miller Cowboy Wallpaper

Alright, the moment you’re waiting for! Thinking about changing your desktop wallpaper to something a little more manly? How about this FREE wallpaper from Linda Lael Miller’s McKettricks of Texas series? Sexy as all sin and did I mention that it’s totally, utterly FREE? You can download it from Facebook today!

Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins book trailer

I leave you today with the new (to me!) book trailer for Kristan Higgins’ Until There Was You (HQN Books). Kristan’s a big name around the Romance Mothership because her covers have been graced by some adorable pups. Check out the video to see more from Mumford, the latest “star” of her novel! (Rumour has it the next canine cover model is going to be pretty large too! Any guesses what kind of pooch it will be?) And in case you’re wondering, Kristan Higgins’ novels make great Christmas presents!

The only constant in life is change, though–didn’t someone say that once? So here are the latest changes in the world of Harlequin!

Susan Mallery’s exclusive Harlequin.com coupon

Last month Susan stopped by the blog to discuss true love and reality TV. This month Harlequin.com has an exclusive coupon for all of the books in Susan’s Fool’s Gold series. Use the promocode HARLIVE1. Susan also recently participated in a Harlequin Facebook livestream where she announced more books in the series. You can find a replay of her livestream on our Facebook page. Stay tuned for more Facebook livestream announcements!

Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamers Blog Tour

Author Rachel Vincent is about to kick off a blog tour on Sept. 19 starting with The Story Siren. Follow the blog tour for a chance to win a Soul Screamers Special Edition Nook Soft Touch. Daily giveaways of a copy of If I Die, the latest Soul Screamers book, will happen as well. The tour stops at the Paranormal Romance Blog on Sept. 28.

Brenda Novak’s September Contest

Each month author Brenda Novak offers a contest through her website. This month she’s giving away an autographed set of the full The Last Stand series novels. There’s a couple of fun skill-testing questions involved, but they aren’t too difficult. You can enter the contest through her website. And look for Brenda’s blog post on the Harlequin Blog at the end of the month. She’ll be writing about her latest novel In Seconds.

Carla Neggers Interview on RT Book Reviews

Carla Neggers is interviewed by RT’s Morgan Doremus on video about her latest release, Saint’s Gate. Art theft, a nun-turned-FBI agent, an undercover cop and a murder mystery set in Maine! You can see the interview here.

Finally, check out the latest trailer for Crave by debut author Melissa Darnell!

Savannah Colbert has been shunned all her life by the kids of the Clann. And when she undergoes some drastic changes after a strange illness, Savannah learns secrets about the Clann and about herself – dangerous secrets. For the Clann are powerful magic users, and Savannah herself is half Clann and half vampire – a forbidden, unheard of combination.

Book ONE in the Crave trilogy is available Nov 1st from Harlequin TEEN

Julie will be streaming live on the Iron Fey Facebook page to discuss the Iron Fey series, including her upcoming title The Iron Knight. She is GIVING AWAY one advanced reader’s copy of The Iron Knight, as well as making two BIG announcements so you won’t want to miss it!

But! I’m not too overcome by the green-eyed monster because I’m writing this from my parents’ home in cottage country. I foresee a mojito in my near future.

Here’s what you need to know about Harlequin for now:

Harlequin Responds to Royalty Concerns and Contract Issues

We sent Dear Author via Angela James a response to the concerns being raised about author royalty payments and contracts. It’s worth a read for readers of romance, aspiring writers and authors because it puts into plain English what you’ll get if you happen to publish a book with Harlequin. After reading the blog post, I would also read the comments by readers. Great discussion as always among Jane’s readers.

All Romance’s Summer’s Hottest Hero Contest

Starting today AllRomance.com is putting 32 of the hottest heroes in romance in head-to-head competition through five elimination rounds with romance readers to find out who sizzles the most. The competing heroes span a wide array of romance sub-genres, including gay, multiple partner, contemporary, speculative fiction, historical and BDSM. These Navy SEALS, alpha werewolves, rodeo cowboys, highlander warriors, smokin’ hot geeks, and drool-worthy dream guys will be tested in challenges such as best first kiss, the ability to woo their love with the most compelling dinner invitation and menu, and their answer to the burning question “what makes a man strong”.

The authors with the winning fictional heroes get prizes ranging from a Sony Pocket Edition eReader to an All Romance eBooks advertising package and cash prize valued at $1,000. Plus? Bragging rights.

We’ve got six authors and their sexy heroes in the running from Harlequin and Carina Press: Inez Kelly, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Lori Wilde, Delilah Devlin, Josh Lanyon and Bonnie Dee.

RWA 2011

As I mentioned earlier, this week is the Romance Writer’s Association of America conference in New York City. Next week I’ll have a massive photo blog post for you comprised of the best shots from the week, which will hopefully include tonight’s RITA Awards. (Hear that @HarlequinBooks? I’m counting on you!)

Free eBook Download from Artist Arthur

Mutiny by Artist Arthur, part of the Mystyx series from Kimani TRU, is available for free right now from the Harlequin eBook Store!

What did I do to end up in this nightmare?

One minute Franklin Bryant is a normal teenager in school with his girlfriend, Krystal. The next, a reaper leaves him in Trance, the place between worlds where his destiny will be decided. Franklin has been summoned by the demon Charon to help destroy the Mystyx, a group of classmates including Krystal, with supernatural powers that can defeat Charon.

Franklin loves Krystal, but he faces an impossible choice: join Charon and be rewarded with powers beyond his dreams, or refuse and die….

New Harlequin Books Trailer

This week’s featured Youtube clip is for Sophie Littlefield’s AFTERTIME series from Luna Books. Spine-chilling zombie fiction is combined with a gripping tale about one woman’s journey to find the daughter she lost in Aftertime. The end of the world…is just the beginning.

So I hope you all enjoy this lovely summer weekend, much like I will be.

Anyway, enough of my blathering. I have a fun Harlequin digital news round-up for you today. And it starts with:

A sneak peek at the new Kristan Higgins book cover pooch.

Meet Mumford:

This massive horse of a dog will be on the cover of Kristan Higgin‘s September HQN release, Until There Was You. Just look at how big he is compared to the beagles in the pic. Talk about a Great Dane! I’ll have more news about Kristan’s new book when it comes up. ‘Til then, this canine sneak peek will have to suffice.

The RWA Harlequin Blogger Tea

Are you a book blogger going to the RWA conference in NYC? Harlequin wants to meet you! Join us for a Book Blogger Tea on Wednesday, June 29th from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Times Square room at the conference hotel. Join us for tea & scones and ‘fascinating’ conversation! Fascinators, hand-made by the Digital team, will be provided to set the mood – or bring your own tea-party appropriate headgear

Cowboys, Cowboys, Cowboys

It’s no surprise to anyone that we love cowboys at Harlequin. Next month we’ll be running a week dedicated to the men in Stetsons. Authors B.J. Daniels, Jillian Hart, Donna Alward and Lorelie Brown (from Carina Press) will be spreading the love. We’ll be giving away copies of books and a special cowboy-themed prize pack at the end of the week. It’ll be a hoot, y’all!

Finally, my Youtube clip pick is from author Lori Foster‘s Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor series. There are only two words that can describe this video: Man. Candy.

Enjoy!

First off, Harlequin now has an app!

That’s right–now there’s an app even for that! Er, reading on the go, that is. You can keep track of new releases, take a peek at what’s coming soon, build a wishlist of your own, access free reads by Harlequin authors, get up-to-the-minute news, like book signings and special promotions, and you’ll even be able to share your love of books with your friends through the app. It’s a great way to stay up to date with all the news about your favourite authors and books. You can download the app through iTunes or online here for US and here for Canadian residents.

Speaking of keeping up to date with your favourite authors and books, we’ve recently launched the Harlequin Tumblr account. Short, quick posts from authors, readers and members of the Harlequin Digital Team that can be easily reblogged on your own Tumblr account.

Are you a fan of Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamers series from Harlequin Teen? Then you should definitely “like” the Facebook page! You’ll get updates from Rachel and the Harlequin Teen team on all things Nash, Kaylee and Todd.

Finally, I have to leave you with the latest book trailer for Kady Cross’s The Girl in the Steel Corset. In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one…except the “thing” inside her. When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch….

And you can pick up a FREE prequel novella by Kady Cross right now: The Strange Case of Finley Jayne is available in ebook format.

Plus, we have a special gift for you. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re giving away our very own kiss kit! Check out the top five kiss patents below the Read More link!

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Aren’t they great? Click on each one to view a larger version at the HOPK and vote on your favorites! After you’ve done that, you’ll want to create your own, because…

We’ve put together a kiss kit for you, which consists of a Mac lip gloss in “Big Kiss”, Hershey’s Kisses, Scope mouthwash, cinnamon hearts, and a copy of Tawny Weber’s February 2011 Blaze Breaking the Rules and A Compendium of Kisses from Harlequin Nonfiction!

To win the kiss kit, leave a comment on this blog post with a link back to a kiss that you’ve patented yourself at the HOPK. Click on this link to submit a kiss. Submit your kiss before 5:00 pm EST tomorrow, February 15th. We’ll draw a winner randomly and announce it on the blog. Sorry, international friends, but only entries from the U.S. and Canada are eligible to win. For full contest details, see here.

Every year Harlequin releases the Romance Report, where we detail the comings and goings of romance from the past twelve months. Last year’s report was called Tempted. Boy, did we find out a lot about temptation! Well, this year we’ve decided to do something a little different. We’ve opened the doors to the Harlequin Office for the Preservation of the Kiss (HOPK for short) to spread the word and we’re patenting the kiss (Seriously! Check out our application here).

Check it out here: www.PatentYourKiss.com

The HOPK’s interactive website has a unique kiss creation tool to help lovers all over the world create and share their kisses. We want to find a kiss bigger than the Butterfly, even bigger than the French! Check out the kiss that I’m busy working on right now. I’m a fan of puns, so this one’s called…wait for it: The Seine-tillating Kiss!

Now, if you’re still looking for a little data to go with your kiss, never fear: you’ll find the Romance Report in the office. For the first time ever, we’ve decided to make the report digital-only. Check out the facts right here. Here’s a sneak preview of just some of the data we’ve collected:

We hope you’ll stop by the office and help us patent the kiss. There’s even a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas to ring in the new year if you submit your kiss. I hear 2012 is going to be a good one! Keep tabs on the patent on Facebook and Twitter (@PatentYourKiss). You just never know who might drop by to patent a kiss. 

Hello, Harlequin! So nice to be making another appearance here the blog. I just can’t get enough! Please let me reintroduce myself: I am Natalie P. McNeal, author of The Frugalista Files: How One Woman Got Out of Debt Without Giving Up the Fabulous Life.

Well, what I REALLY should tell you is that I’m a former promiscuous spender who learned to stop “putting out” at every mall, hair salon and nail shop. I charged trips, dinners and whatever else on my credit card. All of this on a print reporter’s salary. It wasn’t a sexy way to live. It sucked!

Nowadays, I get a lot more passionate about pampering my finances instead of paying for the next overpriced mani-pedi. The result? I slayed more than $20,000 worth of debt and I still was able to frolic on South Beach with my friends and keep up the fabulous life. Being debt-free is fabulous!

I just learned where to spend, where to save, and how to find the most fabulous freebies! You can read all about it in The Frugalista Files, where I chronicle a year of the ups, downs and embarrassing moments of living well on a budget. Trust me, reality TV has nothing on that year in my life.

It was the year I became a Frugalista, a woman who lives frugally but still manages to enjoy her lifestyle. During this year, I decided to start blogging about my ups and downs of trying to manage my money, career and life over all.

Over the course of the year, as I kept blogging and connecting with other people who were going through the same things I was going through or had advice on how to live better, being a Frugalista became empowering. Social media played a big role in helping me connect with the right people to help me on my frugal path.

I even blogged candidly about doing a No-Buy Month, where I went a month without spending any extra cash. I didn’t dine out. I didn’t go to the hair or nail salon. I didn’t even order a bag of chips from the vending machine. I didn’t get my car washed. I saved almost $400 that month! After doing the No-Buy Month, I fell in love—with my money! I am doing another No-Buy Month in February. I really hope everyone in the Harlequin family joins me!

I wrote this book for every woman who knows she could be doing little bit or a lot better by her finances but isn’t quite sure where to start, or is scared about where she will end up.

And because the book is published by Harlequin, I included details about all of the hot man candy I encountered while living in sunny and sexy South Florida. And oh yes, the book has a happy ending—maybe not like the ones you’re used to—but just as satisfying!

Please check me out on my blog, thefrugalista.com or on twitter @frugalista