Barnes & Noble Hooks Up With Microsoft

Microsoft is getting into the tablet business by making a $300 million deal with Barnes & Noble.

The deal gives Microsoft a 17 percent stake in B&N's Nook division.  

The investment gives B&N much-needed funds to continue developing the Nook.

According to Publishers Weekly, B&N will develop a Nook e-reading app for the upcoming Windows 8 operating system, which runs on traditional computers and tablets.

Microsoft says it wants to do more than just provide a platform and intends to work with B&N to find ways to add value to content.

Interview & Giveaway with Grace Burrowes!

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes is my guest on The Dashing Duchesses blog today.

Grace is giving away three signed copies of her latest Regency romance Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal. It's book five in the Windham siblings series and book two in the "Duke's Daughters" series.

Dash on over to The Dashing Duchesses for the revealing interview and a chance to win a copy! 

2012 Laurie Contest Finalist

When the phone rang over the weekend, and Caller ID showed the call was from Tennessee, I guessed immediately it was good news.

I'd been waiting to hear the results of the Laurie contest and, after all, no one else calls me from Tennessee, home of the Smoky Mountain Romance Writers. 

I was thrilled to learn I'm a double finalist in the historical category - for my manuscripts Tempting Bella and The Parachutist (formerly called The Angel Who Fell From the Sky.) Very exciting news that made my weekend!


Here is the complete list of finalists:

 Contemporary

1. Clear as Glass by Lynn Kellan
2. Back in the Saddle by Susan Breeden
3. Yehaw Paisano by Pet Aubol

Young Adult

1. The Agreement by Angela Blount
2. Dream Crafters by Kim Riordan
3. The Gift by S.A. Tudhope

Historical

1. The Angel Who Fell From the Sky by Diana Quincy
2. Dealer’s Choice by Mayo Lucas
3. Tempting Bella by Diana Quincy

FFP

1. Mind Sweeper by Amy Jones
2. Witness to History by Becky Lower
3. Caller of Light by T.J. Shaw

Romantic Suspense

1. In Safe Hands by Lee Burgess
2. Body of Evidence by Melanie Duncan
3. Mesmerized in Madagascar by George Guthridge  and Talons of Desire by Kalyn Rehrig

Inspirational

1. Charmed Deception by Dianna Shuford
2. Listen to the Wind by Jane F. Thompson
3. God Whisperer by Kimberly Troutte

Sourcebooks Launches Online Romance Book Club

Sourcebooks is launching an online bookclub focused on romance titles.

Discoveranewlove.com offers a number of the independent publisher's digital romance novels for a monthly fee.

Members will have access to some of the publisher's most popular romance writers, such as Grace Burrowes and Catherine Mann.

Readers will also be able to interact with authors in live chats, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The venture launches on April 10. The website currently offers a 6-month membership for $9.99. Included with membership are featured selections at a prepaid price of $1.67 and savings of up to 40 percent on all titles in the online store.