September 2007
Congratulations to Molly Herwood
whose manuscript, AND JERICHO BURNED
placed Third in the Paranormal category of
the 2007 TARA Contest. Molly is a
riveting storyteller and we applaud her
success. Way to go Molly!
It is with
pleasure that we welcome Emily Bryan into
the agency.
Writers
start as readers and Emily Bryan is no
exception.
She nearly
ruined her eyes as a child, sneaking books
into bed and reading by the thin shaft of
light from the crack in her bedroom door.
When she hit middle school, she
volunteered to take the bedroom in the
creepy basement so she could keep her
light on without her parents’ knowledge.
One summer, Emily stayed up till 2 or 3am
every night devouring the complete works
of Mark Twain, Shakespeare’s plays and
every Trixie Belden mystery she could get
her hands on!
After
graduating summa cum laude from the
University of Northern Iowa, Emily and her
husband have traveled extensively and
lived in 9 different states, 4 different
time zones. She views each of their moves
as extended vacations that they happen to
drag all their stuff along on.
Emily hopes
you’ll enjoy her debut novel, DISTRACTING
THE DUCHESS. Just don’t be surprised if
she keeps you up some night!
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Distracting the Duchess
Leisure Books, March
2008.
An artistic duchess
and Her Majesty’s spy drive each
other to …distraction.
Read an
excerpt! |
Congratulations, Emily!
August 1st - September 7th 2007
The Vivian
Beck Agency will be closed until September
7th, 2007.
This will give me a chance to reorganize files, revamp the
website and catch up on submissions
Please note that submissions dated after
July 15th, 2007 will not be processed until
after September 7th.
July 2007
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Leisure Books,
July 3, 2007
In a
strange land of flashing swords and
swirling silks, spicy aromas and hot
breezes that feel like a lover's
breath, Valdis is utterly lost.
Constantinople is so vastly
different from her homeland in
Scandinavia. And the harem she's
forced to enter so very treacherous.
Her family cast her away for seeing
portents of the future, and now her
visions are turning even more
ominous: They foretell the death of
the one man who could help her
escape, an exiled Viking who braves
the wrath of a kingdom to awaken her
passion one sinful pleasure at a
time. To save him, Valdis must play
a high-stakes game of power and
seduction that will either get her
killed or finally allow her and her
love to live their...SILK DREAMS.
Click here to
order the book! |
Reviews
Chicago Tribune
After being sold into slavery,
Valdis Ivorsdottir is bought for the
emperor's harem in Constantinople, but
Valdis' visions tell her that with the
help of a Viking warrior, she will one
day escape.
When Valdis meets Erik Heimdalsson, one
of the emperor's centurions whose new
job is to teach Valdis Greek, she is
surprised to discover he is the man from
her vision. But if Valdis' dream is
true, Erik will die while helping her
unless Valdis can find some way to save
him.
The colorful and captivating world of
ancient Byzantium provides the
intriguing setting for Diana Groe's
lushly sensual, sumptuously written
historical romance. -- John Charles
John Charles reviews books for Booklist
and Library Journal and is a contributor
to the romance section of Thomas Gale's
annual "What Do I Read Next?" series.
Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune"
Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
"Once again Diana Groe enchants readers
with the brilliantly written Silk Dreams.
The setting for the adventure is
beautifully done, so that you can't help
but see Miklagard in all its glory and the
lushness of the palace in your mind's eye.
It is a rare talent that can bring words
to life so vividly that it's like watching
a movie or living the life of the players.
The story moves along at a steady pace,
being more of a character driven novel
than a plot driven one. Don't let that
fool you though. So much happens from
beginning to end that I was carried along
on the emotional roller coaster ride."
"I am always guaranteed an immensely
enjoyable read when I pick up one of
Groe's books and Silk Dreams is no
exception. I can't wait for future works
by this talented author!"
© Kelley A. Hartsell, May 2007. All rights
reserved.
-
D. Merrimon Crawford
- Diana
Groe's skill shines in the details
surrounding the main hero and heroine
romance. Chloe, who were basically
prisoner even in an opulent Odalisque
world demonstrated such courage and
strength despite her punishment.
Punished for impurity, Chloe tells
Valdis not to look at the world through
what she has lost. The romance between
Erick and Valdis emerges more
passionately because it is built on the
grounds of their losses and the detours.
The character of Damian the eunuch was
superbly multi-faceted with all the many
ways he dealt with love, women and his
manhood. I loved him despite his devious
plots! The author writes memorable
secondary characters that intrigue as
much as the hero and heroine ---
memorable long after the cover is
closed.
-
Harriet Klausner
Considered
a witch by her Norse people for her gift
of the "sight", Valdis is sold by her
family into sexual slavery. Her owner
takes her to Constantinople where she
ends up in a harem. Exiled Erik the
Viking is to teach her the special siren
arts of a female's true gift to lure
men; while tutoring her he also
encourages Valdis to use her visions as
a help not a hindrance curse. However,
in spite of her gains in position and
skill, Valdis feels lost in this strange
city.
Valdis panics when she sees the death of
Erik, who her heart tells her is the one
who can not only free her from bondage
but also is her soulmate. He hides that
he loves her and would die to free her.
However, Valdis knows only she has the
power to save their lives and keep them
together sharing SILK DREAMS, but one
miscue means violent death for both of
them.
This is a refreshing historical romance
starring two fascinating exiles falling
into a forbidden love with one another.
Not sure of the concept of harems in the
1100s Constantinople as the Ottoman
Empire does not conquer the Byzantine
Empire until the mid fifteenth century,
readers will believe they are inside a
twelfth century harem as the senses are
on full alert as the audience cans taste
and smell this strange exotic world.
Diana Groe provides a deep picturesque
Middle Ages eastern tale of love.
-
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Congratulation!
-
-
Congratulations to Molly Herwood
whose manuscript, AND JERICHO BURNED
made the finales in the Paranormal
category of the 2007 TARA Contest.
Way to go Molly!
June 2007
Lyn
Randal's TEMPTED BY INNOCENCE, a
Harlequin Historical release, hits the
shelves this month. Congratulations
Lyn!
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Harlequin
Historical, June 2007
Diego
Castillo was a man born to power and
wealth. But he had left the things
of the world behind. Truly repentant
of the sins of his past, he
dedicated his life to God and prayed
for forgiveness.
He
had found a measure of peace in a
tropical paradise, until Lady
Celeste Rochester arrived! Her
beauty ravaged his dreams and
tormented his waking hours.
Diego would escort the lady back to
Spain, and to all the grandeur of
his former life. How hard would it
be to resist her captivating charms?
Click here to
order the book! |
Reviews
"Lyn
Randal has written an incredible
historical novel set in both England and
Spain. The book is full of mystery,
intrigue, action, temptation, love,
lust......just about everything a reader
could desire. For me it was a new
beginning as I don't usually read
historical books and I can honestly say I
thoroughly enjoyed this action packed
one!" -- Marilyn Shoemakes, Marilyn's
Romance Reviews
May 2007
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The Pirate
by Lyn
Randal
On
her way to Portugal and an arranged
marriage, Lady Anne Lithgow was
kidnapped by pirates! After cleverly
making her escape, Lady Anne takes
refuge with a band of gypsies who
agree to transport her to her
betrothed in Lisbon.
But
Alejandro Castillo, gentleman
pirate, will not give up his prize
that easily! Is it merely the ransom
money from Anne’s father that he’s
after—or has the lady herself stolen
his mercenary heart?
To
read this exciting story go to the
Online Reads Library
at
www.eharlequin.com
and click on the Harlequin
Historical section.
Enjoy! |
April 2007
I had a
fantastic time at the 2006 Southern Magic
Conference; everyone I met was so
gracious. Thanks to the Birmingham
Chapter of RWA for making me feel so
welcome.
March 2007
Lyn
Randal has accepted an offer to write
a series for
eHarlequin.com which will
coincide with the release of her second
Harlequin Historical, TEMPTED BY
INNOCENCE. More details later.
Congratulations Lyn!
February 2007
Lyn
Randal's WARRIOR OR WIFE, a Harlequin
Historical release, hits the shelves this
month. Her book is set during the
Roman Empire and is a vivid tale of love,
honor, and romance. "A stunning
debut," says Award-winning author Gayle
Wilson.
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Harlequin
Historical, February 2007
In the
heat and dust of the Roman arena, a
woman stands alone. The crowd
cheers for Leda, the famed
gladiatrix. Watching is the
man who loved then left her--Marcus
Flavius Donatus.
Leda used to be Lelia, beloved
daughter of a Roman senator.
Exiled from the riches of her birth,
she sold herself into gladiatorial
slavery. Donatus is determined
to right the wrong he did her and
reclaim his bride!
Now
Leda faces the ultimate
choice--independence and the danger
of the arena, or an uncertain future
with the man she once adored...
Click here to
order the book! |
Mai
Christy Thao has announced THE
PROPHECY and HEART OF A HIGHLANDER has
made the finales in the Smoky Mountain
Romance Writer's Laurie Contest in the
paranormal category. The entries
will be judged by Jessica Wade at Berkley.
January 2007
Congratulations to Mai Christy Thao!
THE PROPHECY placed second and PRINCE OF
DARKNESS placed third in the From the
Heart Romance Writer's member's only
contest, The Wallflower in the
Fantasy/Time Travel/Paranormal category.
December 2006
Season's Greetings!
Great news
from Mai Christy Thao. THE
PROPHECY and the PRINCE OF DARKNESS
made
the finales in the From the Heart Romance
Writers' contest. Way to go Mai!
The entries will go to Leah Hultenschmidt
at Dorchester Publishing for judging.
The office will be closed for the holidays
from December 15th, 2006 until January
15th, 2007. Thanks to each and every
one of you for your support in 2006, and
may your home be filled with much
happiness during this Holiday Season and
all through the New Year.
November 2006
Exciting
news for Lyn
Randal. She just signed a two book
contract with Harlequin Mills & Boon.
The first book, TEMPTED BY INNOCENCE is
due out in June 2007 and the second book will
be an August 2007 release. Linda's
first book for Mills & Boon, WARRIOR OR
WIFE is due out in February 2007.
Way to go, Linda!
Congratulations to Mal Olson who has two
books that finaled in contest --
ADRENALINE RUSH in the Heart of Denver
Romance Writers 2006 Molly Contest, and
PUMPING ADRENALINE in the Mid-America
Romance Authors 2006 Fiction from the
Heartland Contest.
Congratulations to Mai Christy Thao whose two
manuscripts finaled in the From The Heart
Romance Writers Wallflower contest.
THE PROPHECY and PRINCE OF DARKNESS both
finaled in the Paranormal, Unpublished
Division.
Thanks to
the Chesapeake Romance Writers and their
warm and creative greeting at the airport.
I had a
fantastic time at the 2006 Fantasies by
the Sea Writer's Conference at Virginia
Wesleyan College; everyone was so gracious and made me feel
so welcome. Thank you CRW for inviting me to your
conference!
October 2006
Diana
Groe's ERINSONG, a Leisure release,
hits the shelves this month. This is
the second book in Diana's Song Series and
a must read. Congratulations Diana!
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Leisure Books,
October 31, 2006
An
Irish princess. A Viking warrior.
His people’s raids on her country
should have made them bitter
enemies. But when he washed up on
her beach with no memory of his
life, Brenna found herself drawn to
the handsome stranger. His kind
words and gentle touch helped ease
memories of brutality and inflame a
passion she never thought possible.
She longed for his hands to caress
her body the same way they ran over
the gleaming wood of his ship. But
even their desire can’t deny the
secrets of the past. And as they
travel through the land of Erin on a
quest that could change the course
of history, long-ago betrayals and
treachery threaten to destroy the
haven they’ve found in each other’s
arms.
Click here to
order the book! |
Reviews
From
Booklist
Sisters Brenna and Moira, ninth-century
Irish princesses, find a Northman washed
up on the shore. Suffering from amnesia he
accepts the name of Keefe Murphy and is
allowed to live. Saving Moira from a
Viking raiding party reveals his true
name, Jorand, and the fact that he can
achieve the berserker rage. He is rewarded
with Brenna's hand in a one-year handfast
marriage, but Brenna has secrets, and the
priest will not give her the information
she needs until she recovers a stolen
manuscript. Groe renders the clash between
the Norse and the Irish with fascinating
historical detail, creating a vivid
backdrop for a dramatic love story.
Diana Tixier Herald
Copyright © American Library
Association. All rights reserved
RT BookReviews
Diana Groe "calls to mind the great
mistresses of the genre: Bertrice Small,
Virginia Henley and Connie Mason."
Kelly
Hartsell, CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
"Diana Groe is a new author who has what
it takes to make it to the top. Her story
brings to mind the lyrical prose of the
long gone tradition of troubadours and
traveling storytellers as may have been
found in deep history. There is a richness
to her writing that makes it so easy to
visualize the vivid greens of ancient
Ireland, the majestic castles, and the
deeply spiritual people. She paints a
picture with her novel that takes me on a
journey to a time I can only dream about."
Harriet Klausner
ERINSONG is an engaging medieval
star-crossed romance as the Irish princess
and the Viking warrior fall in love though
their people detest and distrust one
another. The story line is driven by
Brenna's changing attitude towards Keefe;
as he heals he proves not to be a raging
marauder raping and plundering, but
instead he shows kindness to everyone
especially her sister. Though the action
picks up in the latter half when the lead
duo journeys to Dublin, historical romance
readers will want to read Diane Groe's
fine tale that brings to life early Eire
at a time when the Vikings have already
raided and conquered part of the country.
The
Chicago Tribune on Maidensong
"Diana Groe's refreshingly different debut
historical is a splendidly entertaining
tale."
New York Times Bestselling Author
Connie Mason
"Diana Groe is a fresh new voice in
romance."
September 2006
Congratulations to Myra Johnson who is a
finalist in the Ticket to Write Contest.
Way to go, Myra!
Diana
Groe has lots of exciting news, her second
book in her Viking series, ERINSONG, is
due out October 31st, and she has just
signed a two-book contract with Leisure.
Be sure to visit her website at
www.dianagroe.com
for more information on Diana's upcoming
release.
Welcome
to Melody Marshall and Darcy Carson who
recently signed on with VBA. Melody
writes Romantic Suspense and Darcy writes
Fantasy. I'm sure we're going to
hear great things concerning these authors
in the coming months.
August 2006
The Vivian
Beck Agency will be closed for
reorganization until September 15th, 2006.
This will give me a chance to train new
staff, reorganize files, revamp the
website and catch up on submissions
Please note that submissions dated after
June 30th, 2006 will not be processed until
after September 15th.
July 2006
The office
will be closed for the month of July while
I
attend the Writers' Institute Conference
at the University of Wisconsin at Madison,
and the Romance Writers of America National Conference
in Atlanta, Georgia.
I'd like to
take this opportunity to thank all of you
for your kind words and support as the
Vivian Beck Agency continues on its path
to success.
June 2006
Lyn Randal
has accepted a
contract from Mills & Boon, Harlequin Historicals.
Her book is set during the Roman Empire
and is a vivid tale of love, honor, and
romance.
I'll be out
of the office from June 10th - June 25th
setting up our North Carolina office.
Call the office number on information on
how to reach me.
May 2006
Diana
Groe's MAIDENSONG, a Leisure release,
hits the shelves this month! Take an
unforgettable journey from the icy fjords
of Scandinavia to the sun-drenched streets
of Constantinople in her epic novel of
adventure and passion.
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Leisure
Books, May 2006
When Rika sang the Norse legends,
her beautiful voice captivated all
who listened. But after a raid on
her homeland, she found herself the
captive—a slave to the powerful
Bjorn the Black. He was the one man
who could destroy her life, yet the
only man she could truly trust. The
only man who had ever ignited the
passion in her soul…and introduced
her to the pleasures of the body.
But Bjorn was duty-bound to bring
her to wed another. And thus they
begin a perilous journey to a
foreign land, a voyage that will
test their courage in countless ways
and challenge the strength of the
love that is their destiny.
Click here to
order the book! |
Reviews
New
York Times Bestselling Author Connie Mason
"Dramatic and stirring, Maidensong's
Viking saga will leave you clamoring for
more from Diana Groe."
New York Times Bestselling Author
Connie Mason
"Dramatic and stirring, Maidensong's
Viking saga will leave you clamoring for
more from Diana Groe."
Suzanne Tucker, FreshFiction.com
"A unique and beautiful love story. Diana
Groe’s debut shows an incredible amount of
storytelling talent and is a winner."
Book Description
Let Diana Groe take you on an
unforgettable journey in this epic novel
of adventure and passion that will sweep
you from the icy fjords of Scandinavia to
the sun-drenched streets of Byzantium.
From the Publisher
Let Diana Groe take you on an
unforgettable journey in this epic novel
of adventure and passion that will sweep
you from the icy fjords of Scandinavia to
the sun-drenched streets of Byzantium.
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