A REVIEW I HAD TO SHARE...

I have a real problem with the packaging of my November book, Wedded in a Whirlwind. The cover is light, air, movement -- a joyful moment. (And the fact that the hero is dressed in white tie and tails like a competitor in Strictly Come Dancing rather than the morning coat more usually worn at a formal wedding leaves me frankly bemused.)

I was concerned that readers would look at that cover and then, when they read the book think, "What?"

Well so far Catherine Witner at Romantic Times has given it 4.5 stars and the accolade "...exceptional emotional honesty."

And now Merrimon Books has described it as as a "Double delight!" with "...a unique inner and outer landscape."

"WEDDED IN A WHIRLWIND captures the reader's attention immediately with a combination of emotion and dramatic fast-paced action that will keep readers up late at night wanting to discover how these two can possibly escape. Forced to work together in darkness and close physical proximity, Miranda and Nick..."

Read on...

And if you want to discuss the book with people who've already read it, click here

heroine inspiration

Male on Monday has to be our most popular destination. (Did you check out Trish Wylie's post yesterday? Yum!!!) We can only hope that we have helped a million readers and writers come up with the perfect images to keep in their heads while writing or reading their next book.

But you can’t have a hero without a heroine, so over the next few months I’ll be giving you the heads up on a whole load of heroine inspiration as well. Consider us the one stop shop for all your inspiration needs!

First up, this month, I give you:

- THE BLONDES –

THE SMART GIRLS

Uma Thurman -

Is it the height? Is it the elegance? Is it the way she looks in a pair of glasses? Uma can yummy mummy or kick ass, but most of all she just seems to be one smart gal.

Cate Blanchett -

She opens her mouth and every word sounds like she’s telling us something we all need to here. Married to a regular guy, living a semi-regular life, our Cate simply oozes sophistication.

Reese Witherspoon -

She just comes across as super smart to me. So much so I used her as my smart girl heroine in last month's Modern Extra GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS. She can glam it up at award shows, but behind the choppy fringe and hot bod, Reese is all brains.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

THE NUBILE SEXPOTS

Scarlett Johansson -

Voluptuous, husky voice, she was a girl next door until she grew into her curves. Now she’s a vamp of the highest order. You simply can’t dress her down and hope no one will notice those lips.

Heather Graham -

I think she is about the most beautiful woman on the planet. This generation's Kim Basinger. Dewy, doe-eyed, blonde, big-boobed, and beautiful. She has a sweet face, but that killer bod and a role in BOOGIE NIGHTS puts her into serious sex pot mode.

Kylie Minogue -

All five foot nothing of her poured into hotpants and fishnets and high heels and tight tops she is just sexpot heaven. I went to a concert of hers years ago and managed to be in the front row. I tell ya, she's tiny, but she has some kind of presence!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

THE GIRLS NEXT DOOR

Sarah Michelle Gellar -

Petite, pretty, small-voiced, this chick can kick butt but there is just something so sweet about her that made Joss Whedon's casting as Buffy beautifully ironic.

Gwyneth Paltrow -

This is the girl next door if you are living in Beverley Hills. Tall, lithe, kind of ethereal, she is too smart to be a waif, but her kids have too weird names for her to be a smart girl ;).

Claire Danes -

An ingenue in Romeo and Juliet, but now all grown up. Smart, with a hint of shy, and not a typically beautiful face. Completely appealing in THE FAMILY STONE she's got potential.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

THE WAIF / THE INGENUE

Noami Watts – fine featured, fine-voiced, the love of King Kong’s life, Aussie Naomi has waif written all over her. A delicate aura makes her seem almost breakable. Beware the hero who hurts her feelings.

Kate Hudson – think Penny Lane in ALMOST FAMOUS. Outwardly strong, but inwardly fragile as a flower petal. And just so teeny-tiny like her mum with those huge eyes and beaming smile. Men will melt.

Siena Miller – dainty, delicate, used, broken, edgy, British. I reckon this gal has a fiery side lurking beneath the hippy clothes. Lots to like.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

THE BOYS’ BEST FRIEND

Cameron Diaz – she plays the perfect tomboy. Sexy and spirited but able to drink our boy under the table. From CHARLIE'S ANGELS to IF THE SHOE FITS, she's lanky, leggy, and fun, but spirited as all get out. Can't you see her on a surfboard clearer than behind an ironing board?

Renee Zellweger – I picture her as the modern day Shirley MacLaine hanging with the boys like our Shirl hung with the Rat Pack. If you get the chance, see the visual director's commentary for JERRY MAGUIRE. She plays with the boys veerrry easily. And have you seen COLD MOUNTAIN? A gal that willing to be stripped bare of any fineries has my vote.

Keira Knightley - proved her charms as a tomboy in BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM and the PIRATES movies. Can kick butt with the best of them, while also vamping and playing it pretty when the need presents.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Rebecca Romjin, Drew Barrymore, Kirsten Dunst, Meg Ryan, Sarah Jessica Parker (a great Katie girl), Grace Kelly, and new kids on the block Ellen Pompeo and Katherine Heigl...

Who's your favourite blonde?

Ally’s next Harlequin Romance, BILLIONAIRE ON HER DOORSTEP, hits bookshelves in the UK and North America next month. She based her heroine Maggie on Keira Knightley.

But it is available online already! Yep, right now! So head on over to eHarlequin to pick up a freshly minted, super-scented, fairy dust sprinkled hot off the presses copy today!

Check out an excerpt here...

Harlequin Romance - relaunch!

Welcome to the site for the relaunch of Harlequin Romance.

Watch this space for news, reviews, appearances, upcoming titles and lots of juicy info about your favourite romance series and your favourite romance authors!