Plus, there will be fan Q & A, exclusive download for those in attendance AND Aimée will sign & giveaway, LIVE on-screen, her latest book GODDESS INTERRUPTED!

WHERE: Harlequin Teen Facebook Livestream » http://on.fb.me/I8UgbH

WHEN: Tuesday, May 1st 3pm ET / 12 pm ET

Do you have a question for Aimée? Send them to us via Twitter with hashtag #harlequinlive attached and we’ll pass them along. You can also leave it here in the comments section!

Mark it on your calendar!

I’m thrilled to tell you that Gena will be the first author to join the Kobo Pulse community to chat with fans—from within her ebook!  Here’s how you can get in on the action:

• Add The Darkest Seduction to your Kobo library.
• Open the book on your iPhone or iPad and tap on the Kobo Pulse icon between April 16-23.
• Look for the Author Note symbol to read a note or leave a comment.

You can chat with Gena and your fellow readers on plot points, fun facts, and the characters in The Darkest Seduction. To make it even sweeter, interact with Gena and you’ll unlock the Author-ized Reader Award.

Exciting, yes? I think so. Hope to see you there!

We have launched a new Community platform on Harlequin.com!!!

All of the navigation on the main Harlequin site will be updated to point to the new boards, however if you have been using bookmarks to access your favourite discussions and then try to use them after we’ve migrated, you will get an error message. The best thing to do is to use the site  navigation to find your way to our new location or type in http://community.harlequin.com. That link will remain the same.

We hope that you will join us and continue to tell us your stories, share your tips and remain a part of our online presence even as we shift into this different space. Things will look a lot different on the new platform, but it’s still a place to talk about reading and writing with your fellow Harlequin fans.

The hosts and I will be on-hand to address member questions and concerns, so please keep us in the loop if any unexpected issues arise.

When Olga asked me to do an update on Harlequin’s backlist ebook program, I couldn’t believe it had been nearly 2 years since our last blog post on the subject! Since 2010, we’ve published so many great older titles in ebook – and we currently publish about 200 more backlist titles digitally every single month!

Here are some highlights from our backlist program:

-          Harlequin Treasury. Last year, we digitized over 2000 vintage series romances from 1996-1999. Look for classic romances from favorite authors such as Penny Jordan, Marie Ferrarella, Betty Neels and many, many more that haven’t been available for years.

-          Speaking of Betty Neels, if you’re a fan of Betty’s classic romances you’re in for a real treat next month. In mid-April, dozens of her books will be available for the first time in ebook format!

-           Some classic Nora Roberts titles also became available for the first time digitally in 2011. Nora’s Stanislaskis, Stars of Mithra, and McKade Brothers series have all be converted, as well as a selection of stand-alone titles like Unfinished Business, which has become a New York Times bestseller!

-          Fans of series romance can also catch up on a ton of titles from their favorite series published after the year 2000. Practically all of Harlequin Presents, Silhouette Desire, Harlequin Blaze, Love Inspired, Silhouette Intimate Moments and a handful of other series have been converted—and if you include Treasury, that means the entire series from 1996 to the present is in ebook*! Most of those 200 backlist ebooks each month are series romances and we’re currently working our way through Superromance, Intrigue, Historicals, Next and Special Edition. Look for more single titles from HQN and MIRA on the horizon as well.

-          Giving readers what they want is also a big priority for us. We keep a running list of reader requests so we can make their favorite backlist books available again as soon as possible. For example, look for highly requested titles in ebooks that either went on sale recently or are coming soon: Bloodlines and Mimosa Grove by Dinah McCall; Fool for Love anthology by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Stephanie Bond, and Judith Arnold; The Bravo Billionaire and Bravo Unwrapped by Christine Rimmer; The Texas Brand: The Homecoming by Maggie Shayne; All Fall Down by Erica Spindler; and more of Caroline Burnes “Familiar” series.

So that’s a quick look at what we’re working on from Harlequin backlist at the moment! Do you have a favorite title, author or series you’d love to see in ebook format? Please leave your suggestions in the comments!

*Please note while Harlequin makes every effort to make all your favorite titles and series available in ebook, there are a small number that we are unable to convert due to a variety of factors, such as contractual limitations.

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!