I just finished reading Madeline Hunter’s latest book, “Sinful in Satin,” the third in her The Rarest Blooms series. I always savor Madeline Hunter’s seamless prose – often pausing to reread lines simply because they are so beautifully crafted. (By the way, Hunter is another one of those “scholarly” romance writers. She holds a Ph.D. in Art History and teaches at the college level.)

Getting back to “Sinful in Satin,” Celia is the daughter of a courtesan who’s been groomed to take over the family business. However, she runs away before Mom can sell her daughter’s services to the highest bidder. Years later, while trying to make a respectable life for herself, Celia falls for the enigmatic Jonathan. Luckily for him, Celia can finally put all those skills Mommy taught her to good use. Yep, it’s pretty steamy.

The story moves along at a restrained pace, steadily building a mystery — involving both Jonathan and Celia — that is resolved in a satisfying conclusion. I didn’t LOVE the last page but, who cares, by then I was already sold on the characters and the plot line.

While I enjoy all of Hunter’s books, I think my favorite remains “Secrets of Surrender,” which brings the son of a coal miner – who has done very well for himself – together with a lady whose reputation has been destroyed by a family scandal. The novel begins with him “buying” her at an auction. Need I say more?

Do you have a favorite Madeline Hunter book? Have you read “Sinful in Satin” yet?

By the way, Ms. Hunter is actually judging two of my finalist entries in the New Jersey Romance Writers 2010 “Put Your Heart in a Book” contest for unpublished writers. Both of my completed manuscripts, “Compromising Willa” and “Seducing Charlotte” are nominated in the historical category. The winners will be announced later this month.

When I picked up my first Madeline Hunter book a few years ago, I never dreamed that one day she would be reading my work!

I just finished reading Brenda Joyce’s new book, “The Promise,” the latest  in her intriguing de Warenne family dynasty. This is Alexi and Elysse’s story. I always enjoy Joyce’s books and this one is no exception. Do you have a favorite book in the series? I think mine is Rex and Blanche’s story, “The Perfect Bride.” What can I say? I guess I’m a sucker for damaged people – he’s lost a leg and she suffers serious flashbacks from a childhood trauma.

I am also looking forward to the return of Joyce’s Deadly series featuring amateur sleuth Francesa Cahill. Joyce wrote eight highly entertaining books in the series before she says her publisher asked her to put them aside. What a bummer for fans of the series who were looking forward to Francesca’s long-awaited marriage to that hot Calder Hart. Theirs must be the longest engagement in romance novel history!

The latest Deadly book comes out in March 2011. According to Joyce, she’d like to write three more books in the series but that depends on how well the books sell. I, for one, can’t wait to buy all three! If you haven’t tried this series, you should. For more details on the new Deadly books, check out Joyce’s letter on the subject. 

Next up for me is Madeline Hunter’s latest offering, “Sinful in Satin,” the third book in The Rarest Blooms series. Any Madeline Hunter book is a special treat.

That’s the upside of a long bus commute into the city…plenty of time to read!