Going with someone's request from last time, I thought we could look at another Bollywood Hero today, well since it's Friday and approaching weekend is extra cause to celebrate. :-)

So up today- The man who probably can give new meaning to playboy- Salman Khan, also the man who  introduced body building and rippling muscles to Indian masses. Name a recent Indian actress and this guy would have dated her....He also has the hilarious habit of taking his shirt off wherever he appears, be it, tv shows, awards etc.

So what does everyone think? Do we think him hot enough to be induced later into the Bollywood Man of the Month poll?

Author Spotlight - Emmie Dark

Today we welcome debut author Emmie Dark into our Spotlight.  Emmie hails from Australia, and writes for Harlequin SuperRomance. You can find out more about her at her website and on her blog.

• What is your writing process?

I like to write every day if I can. Usually it’s the first thing I do in the morning, and because I’m not yet a full-time writer, I get up early, grab my laptop, get writing and then once I’ve hit my day’s word count, I get on with the rest of the tasks for the day. I’m definitely a pantser not a plotter, I need to get quite a way into my story in order to work out what’s going to happen! Once I get a good way into the story then I find the threads start to come together and I can go back and layer things in.

• Everyone who writes knows it's not easy - what methods do you use to keep at it on days when it would be so much easier to go shoe shopping?

Some days it is definitely hard. It’s not much of an answer, but I just literally force myself to sit down and do it anyway. Even if I don’t feel ‘in the mood’ or inspired by what I’m writing. I just keep going. Sometimes my eyes are peeled to the word counter at the bottom of the screen and I’m just desperate for that number to reach my goal for the day so I can move on. But at least I’ve written something. Sometimes I might have to go back and change or edit, but that’s better than still having a blank page!

• Keeping fit: Do you have an exercise regime to counterbalance all those hours sitting at a computer?

Like many writers I have back problems so I’m quite religious about doing stretching exercises every day. I like to walk and do yoga, so although I’m not really a gym junkie I do realise I need to take care of my body so it can keep my brain and typing fingers in business!

• Do you believe in writer's block?

Hmmm! Tricky question! I don’t know. I’m not sure if I do. I’ve certainly had times when writing hasn’t come easily for me, and times when it’s just flowed as if I was possessed. I’ve found being a published author has been challenging because while I’m trying to write a new book I’ve had to be very focussed on publicity for Cassie’s Grand Plan, and that means I keep having to shift my ‘head space’ from one story to another. That, and all the activity involved in publicity, has got in the way of me writing – but I’m not sure if I’d call it writer’s block!

• Have you ever used an incident from real life in a book? If so, did it get you into trouble?

Cassie is the manager of a chain of retail furniture stores. My parents ran their own furniture businesses most of my life (they’re retired now) and my sister worked in a furniture store for a long time. So I had a lot of material to draw from. But my mother and sister have read the book and they both loved it, so I’m not in any trouble with them.

• In what way is being a published writer different to how you thought it would be?

I didn’t realise there would be so much non-writing work involved! Revisions, edits, publicity... Back when I was still trying to get published I used to wonder what full-time authors did with their time – how could it possibly take up a full working week?? Now I totally get it!

• Promotion is no longer a dirty word. In what ways do you strive to reach more readers?

I’ve been doing a blog tour to help promote the book. I’ve been trying to make sure I go to each blog and reply to readers’ comments – and I’m seeing some of the same names pop up and I’m definitely getting to know some people! I’m also very active on social media and I have my own website and blog. I’m still very new at this so I’m still learning what works and what doesn’t, but for now I’m just giving everything a go and seeing how it turns out.

• What is your top promo tip for other authors?

Get some help! I have had assistance with organising my blog tour (from Nas Dean) and there’s no way I could have done all the organising and scheduling myself – I simply wouldn’t have had time. You also need to take advantage of all your networks and contacts. While you’re still building your reputation you need all the help you can get with reviews, comments and getting the word out on social media. It’s also a karma thing – you need to help others so they’ll return the favour when it’s your turn!

• What did you learn while writing this book?

The value of perseverance. As my writing group pals can attest, before Cassie got published I was almost at the point of giving up on the whole thing – I felt I’d been so close but just hadn’t managed to find the ‘magic ingredient’ that would get me over the wall. I’m glad I didn’t give up!

• What was the most fun part of writing this book?

Planning Cassie and Ronan’s road trip! I used places I had been before, and did some further research so I could get the right feel when it came to writing up their adventures. The hotel they stay at in Sydney and the breakfast room with the view of the Harbour Bridge are based on somewhere I’ve stayed during business trips.

• And just for fun: what would your hero’s honeymoon destination of choice be?

Hmmm. Ronan is a pretty gentlemanly, sophisticated guy. I think he might like to take Cassie to the Whitsunday Islands because he’s also fond of Australia and I think he’d enjoy seeing a new part of the country. I’m sure he can sail, so I can imagine them staying in a resort villa overlooking the ocean and taking lazy daytime sailing trips around the islands.

Cassie's Grand Plan

Cassie Hartman knows what she needs to do to get her life under control. First, she’ll get herself promoted. Then she’ll update her appearance. Steps three and four—marriage and family—well, those will have to wait.

Then Ronan McGuire shows up. The too-sexy, too-polished business consultant has the power to derail Cassie’s plans before she’s even really started. If he doesn’t approve her promotion, she’ll be back to square one—and that’s not an option. Cassie needs to keep her focus on that first step, no matter how much Ronan tempts her to skip ahead to the third and fourth ones….


You can buy Emmie's debut novel on Amazon, AmazonUK, Book Depository, Barnes & Noble and Harlequin.

Favorite First Lines

I have a confession: the first line of a book is one of my favorite things. It's right up there with chocolate. Give me a good quirky line, shock me or wow me and I'll buy your book on the spot. Yes, I'm that easy.

So, today I'm going to share some of my all time favorite first lines. Here we go:

The day Kevin Tucker nearly killed her, Molly Somerville swore off unrequited love forever – This Heart of Mine, Susan Elizabeth Phillips

“Let me get this straight,” Jodie Pulanski said. “You want to give Cal Bonner a woman for a birthday present.”

Nobody's Baby But Mine, Susan Elizabeth Phillips

If Annabelle hadn’t found a body lying under “Sherman,” she wouldn’t have been late for her appointment with the Phython.

Match Me If You Can, Susan Elizabeth Phillips

If Darcy Jensen had known she was going to be kidnapped, she would have worn better shoes.

The Marcelli Bride, Susan Mallery

Okay, so here's the thing. My mother's worst fear has come true. I'm a nymphomaniac.

Hot Six, Janet Evanovitch

Mia Marcelli was used to sleeping alone so it came as something of a shock to wake up with astrange man in her bed.

The Marcelli Princess, Susan Mallery

One hot August Thursday afternoon, Maddie Farraday reached under the front seat of her husband's Cadillac and pulled out a pair of black lace underpants. They weren't hers.

Tell Me Lies, Jennifer Crusie

Francesca Marcelli had only been pregnant for twenty minutes and already her back hurt.

The Sassy One, Susan Mallery

So, what are you favorite first lines?

The Hunger Games

Just like the Twilight books, The Hunger Games books seem to have overtaken the world these last few months. Everyone who’s read it has raved about it. I haven't read tthem yet and to be honest, I don’t even know what the stories are about.

Today the first movie of the books comes out worldwide.

*This* I’m rather excited about even though I still have no idea what it’s about, lol. This got me wondering why I tend to prefer movies made about books than over the books themselves. Truth is, I’m not sure, because I love books! I never read the Twilight books either and everyone tells me how much better the books are over the films.

On the other hand, I’m told The Help makes a better film than the book!

How about you? Are you a movie first, book later person or the other way round?

One other question – 50 Shades Of Grey. What's that all about? And is the publicity worth it?

Discuss.

Guest Blogger - Lynne Marshall

We have something a little different on the blog today. Rather than our usual author spotlight, author Lynne Marshall is talking about: Putting the Minx in your Manuscript.

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Thank you, Minxes of Romance, for inviting me to guest blog today. As you can tell, I love the name of your blog, and decided to incorporate it into my topic:

The Pert and Plucky Heroines of Romance!

Who they are
• If you’ve read one or a hundred romances, you’ve probably already been introduced to a particular character type presented by Tami Cowden and cohorts named The Spunky Kid in their Sixteen Master Archetypes book Heroes & Heroines. This spirited underdog not only has to sort out her messy life, but win the guy along the way.
• These characters are the unsinkable Molly Browns of the world where “I ain’t down yet” is their mantra, and they are my favorite kind of character.

Who does them best?
• My absolute favorite author of these types of characters is Susan Elizabeth Phillips. She manages to strip her plucky heroines down to the bare bones in the beginning of her stories, force them to lose everything, leave them dangling over a cliff without a foothold, yet she still manages to bring them back to life…one step at a time, until they conquer all, including the hero, before the end of the book.
• Isabel Favor watches her self-help empire come crashing down around her in the opening pages of Breathing Room.
• Blue Bailey begins her journey wearing a beaver suit in Natural Born Charmer.
• Meg Koranda is down to her last few bucks and, as Maid of Honor, manages to ruin a perfectly planned wedding before the end of chapter one in Call Me Irresistible.

Why do we love them?
• Because we can relate to them.
• From where they’re standing, there is only one way to go – UP! These plucky, pert, minxes pick themselves up, dust themselves off, head into battle, and conquer both their lives and the most unlikely heroes. As readers, we believe every step of their paths. We cheer as they rebuild their lives and themselves into the women they were meant to be.
• When these pert and saucy underdogs conquer obstacle after obstacle, we believe we can do the same in our own lives. If they can come back from “there” (whatever major fix or disappointment they must overcome) so can we!

I like to think that both Anne Grady, the protagonist in Courting His Favorite Nurse, and Carrington Hanover from An Indiscretion, are in their own way, spunky kids. Both leave their old lives behind and build new ones, totally independent, but are forced to face their past again and finally set things straight.

Courting His Favorite Nurse:
Anne Grady knew better than anyone that love was complicated. When she’d left her hometown, she thought she was leaving her past heartbreak behind for good, as well. But practically the moment she returned to care for her injured parents, she stumbled headlong into their confidant—her first love, Jack Lightfoot.

Jack had been unable to deny his feelings for Annie when he was a teenager dating her best friend, and he certainly couldn’t muffle the spark twisting between them now—even if memories of the past kept threatening to push them apart. This time Jack wasn’t going to let history repeat itself—he was going to show Annie that the two of them were meant to be much more than best friends!

An Indiscretion:
A doctor... A nurse... An indiscretion...
Paul Valverde is stretched to the limit, caring for an elderly relative while running a business and maintaining a full-time medical practice at St. Stephen's Hospital--with no time for a relationship.
RN Carrington Hanover leaves her money-hungry fiance at the altar and moves on to a new job at St. Stephen's Hospital in Los Angeles. The next man in her life must love her, not her money.
All work and no play has made Paul an unfulfilled man, and the resurrected redheaded crush from his youth is driving him to distraction. Can their complicated past become untangled by their newfound attraction--or will their love be doomed by mistrust and long-held resentment?

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SPUNKY KID HEROINE AND WHY?

One commenter will win their choice of e-book or print for

Courting His Favorite Nurse, or e-book for An Indiscretion.

Courting His Favorite Nurse is available from Amazon, Amazon UK (as a Cherish book) and Harlequin. An Indiscretion is availble on Amazon and Amazon UK.

Six word stories

In the 1920's, Ernest Hemmingway bet someone ten dollars that he could write a complete story in just six words.

He won that bet with these words: 'For sale: baby shoes, never worn.'

Isn't that genius? Six words, yet a myriad of possibilities.
I love the six words idea, and it's one that has spawned a thousand forum threads.
What would your six word story be?
As a romance writer, my mind turns inevitably towards love and love lost. How about these...

'One blue line. Two possible fathers.'

'Black dress. Red rose. Goodnight Love.'

'Her best friend. His secret love.'

I've just returned from Disney, so I can't resist this one. Sorry, Mickey!
'Minnie kissed Donald, don't tell Mickey.'

Lord, this is addictive! Have a go, it's really quite hard.

 'Am still thinking, be right back...'

Man Of The Month

The winner of the last poll, with 28% of the vote, is Joe Manganiello (who I actually had to google, because I'd never heard of him), so well done to him.

This month, having thrown the challenge open, we've received some very interesting suggestions.

First, for Rachel, is David Gandy in pants (who I also had to google - sorry Rachel).

Then we have the very lovely John Barrowman for Sadie (and for me - look, how pretty).

Caroline suggested a hot detective and, because I am a minx of a certain age, I've chosen a detective of a certain age - step forward Gene Hunt from Life on Mars.

Next we have Sawyer, for Anna.

And Glen the Scottish Beef Guy for Aimee.

Maya asked for a cowboy, so I've chosen Jake Gyllenhaal in a lovely hat.

And, finally, A man called Valance, who happened by our blog and left a message. Follow the link to find out all about him.

Author Spotlight - Nina Harrington

The Minxes are happy to welcome lovely author Nina Harrington to the blog today. Several Minxes had the opportunity to meet Nina at the RNA Conference in London and she is as warm and wonderful as her books! WARNING: These answers contain some seriously fab, not to be missed advice. Here's Nina:

What is your writing process?

Since I am under contract with Harlequin my editor needs to see a proposal for any new story idea before I launch in to the writing. For me, this starts with a story idea and usually, a strong impression of who my heroine is and what she needs and wants.

As a reader I like to step into the heroine’s shoes – whether she is a pole dancer or baker or detective – and see the story world through her eyes. So I do spend quite a lot of time brainstorming aspects of her backstory and how and why she came to be standing here in chapter one, with her life in turmoil.

What are the rules she lives by? Who or what is her passion? And what will she do to protect it? For example, in my first book, ‘Always the Bridesmaid’ my heroine Amy Edler is running her bakery single handed while trying to adopt and making sure that her best friend’s wedding goes smoothly. And then the “Inciting Incident” that brings the heroine and the bride’s brother together – the wedding planner runs off with one of her grooms. Story situation, linked to her passion, combined with her short and long term goals and dreams.

From this I build up a picture of how she will react when challenged and the emotional barriers she has created to having a love with my hero. Then the lovely hero sweeps in. And does not know what hit him. Ah. My hero. Much time is spent looking at pictures of hunky actors and models - purely for research purposes. But the hard work is all about what rocks his world and I ask exactly the same questions I asked my heroine.

If you put these two people into a white room together – they still need to have internal barriers which they believe will prevent them from being together. What are they?

Since I am a scientist by training, I love reading craft books and have studied story structure for years, so I do try and plan the rough shape of the book in terms of the major emotional turning points in the love story. But at the proposal stage, I leave lots of room for change following that initial set-up and my editor seems to trust me. I am a great believer in the idea that the first draft of any book is a ‘discovery draft’ where you are working through how the characters react to the rocks that are being thrown at them and, most importantly, how they change and grow on their journey to love and a life together after the book is ended. Once I have a working draft, then I can start tracking the character arcs, scene by scene. Making sure that the motivation and internal conflicts of both hero and heroine are crystal clear to the reader. And of course – a happy ending. I love my happy endings.

Everyone who writes knows it's not easy - what methods do you use to keep at it on days when it would be so much easier to go shoe shopping?

You are quite right – this is not a business for those who lack self-discipline. You have to be able to find the joy in what you are writing each and every day and be a total self-starter, because nobody else is going to do this for you. I believe that every writer, published or pre-published, should take some pride in what they have achieved. We are surrounded by every possible form of entertainment, diversion and distraction. Writing for publication is hard. So you have to want it more than the TV or the siren call of the Internet. The methods I use are to treat my writing as a job just like any other. So I have to work out when the best times of the day are for me to write, and put the hours in. I find working in 30 to 40 minute slots can achieve more than you think.

Keeping fit: Do you have an exercise regime to counterbalance all those hours sitting at a computer?

I try and get out for a walk every day and usually have at least one family walking holiday in a sunny climate each year. But I never sit at my desk for more than an hour without getting up and moving.

Do you believe in writer's block?

No I don’t. But I do think that you can get disillusioned and down, and come to see your writing either as a terrible chore which has to be endured like the dentist [sorry dentists] or just one more thing that other people use to beat you up with through rejection or criticism or disrespect of your talent. It is tough to come back to writing with a fire in your belly and love it.

Have you ever used an incident from real life in a book? If so, did it get you into trouble?

Yes I have. I saw an advert in a jobs wanted column which kicked off a story idea for the unusual occupation of the heroine I am writing at the moment. And no, I don’t think I will get into trouble. I have disguised it well.

In what way is being a published writer different to how you thought it would be?

Oh, in so many ways. Probably the biggest for me, is that I had no idea how time consuming and challenging revising your work following editorial feedback can be. On the other hand, nothing can prepare you for the once in a lifetime thrill of seeing your book on the shelves for the first time. Magic.

Promotion is no longer a dirty word. In what ways do you strive to reach more readers?

Well I have tried standing on the table in the local public library and waving my books around, but they just called security. Luckily I enjoy blogging and started a blog well before I was published. I am also on Facebook, find Twitter hilarious and am just starting to appreciate Good Reads – and of course I visit the blogs of my many writer pals daily.

What is your top promo tip for other authors?

Be yourself. Always.

What did you learn while writing this book?

Oh, I loved the research for this book. Did you know that there are four main types of cocoa fruit and that each variety has a very different flavour? Just like a fine wine, the delicious chocolate we find in the shops is the end product of months of careful handling and processing and blending where anything can go wrong. It was totally fascinating.

What was the most fun part of writing this book?

I considered it my duty to my readers to track down single estate organic plain chocolate from St Lucia and carry out extensive taste testing so that I could describe the flavour accurately. It was tough but I was willing to make the sacrifice.

And just for fun: what would your hero’s honeymoon destination of choice be?

Max Trevelyn lives and works on the Caribbean island of St Lucia where he grows organic cocoa beans, and after a beach wedding he sweeps his new bride Daisy onto a luxury private yacht for a tour of the islands.

What have the changes to the current Harlequin lines and branding meant to you? Have they affected your writing process?

Since my first book was released in July 2009 there have been many changes to the Harlequin publishing schedule and branding, but I am particularly excited about the RIVA line in the UK and the promotion of digital e-books which make our books instantly available to readers around the world. My writing process has not changed very much. I have always written warm and witty romantic fiction with lots of dialogue which fits the RIVA and Harlequin Romance lines well.

What do you think makes a Riva book Riva?

A modern contemporary setting, probably urban, and a theme which will resonate with the readers. Upbeat and intense, with plenty of emotional and sexual tension. Plus that elusive quality called “voice” or style which some people call chick lit but I prefer to call witty.

When Chocolate Is Not Enough by Nina Harrington
Riva: March 2012

A shared passion for...chocolate! One taste of Daisy Flynn’s delicious confectionery and Max Trevelyan is hooked! This quirky chocolatier is just the person to showcase the cocoa from his plantation. Daisy jumps on the idea – she’s always dreamed of having her own chocolate shop, and with Max’s offer that dream can become a reality! But Daisy finds Max very distracting: the sexy single dad should come with a health warning! Keeping her eyes on the prize (and off Max’s chiselled features) isn’t easy. But Daisy has learned the hard way that she’s safer indulging in chocolate than in relationships – and her dream is too important to mess up! She mustn’t be tempted by something even sweeter…

Amazon UK

Mills & Boon UK

Nina's blog

Today's inside tip on how to get published

Do you want to be a better writer? Do you want to be published?

Then READ.

The editors at Harlequin / Mills & Boon frequently suggest that aspiring writers read the books they publish. The cynical might believe this is so they can sell more books. But think about it.

Would you trust a tax lawyer to defend you in a criminal case? Would you want the world's top cardiac specialist operating on your foot? So why would anyone buy romance novels written by someone who doesn’t like to read romance? Will this writer understand the conventions, and know how to keep them interesting?

Only when you’ve read enough vampire/angel/witch stories will you understand what makes some merge together into obscurity, and makes others stand out. Only when you’ve read enough ‘secret baby’ stories will you be able to put your unique spin on it. When you know what has already been done, you know what hasn’t yet been done. And that is what you need to do: write the story that hasn’t yet been written.

And that’s today’s inside tip on how to get published:
Read, read, and read some more.

If you don't believe me, check out Scott Eagen's recent blog post on what you can learn from reading.

So what are you reading today?

Time

So last month I wittered on about my domestic failures and lots of you took pity on me and said any writing is good writing when you're a busy mother. Thank you for that! I also received lots of great tips to help me be more organised so thank you so much for those :-)

This month I thought I would blog about a related subject. I'm presuming the organisation has taken place and you've carved out some time in your busy lives for writing. I'm wondering when that time is? Do you fit it in early after dropping children off at school? Over lunch time when little ones are taking a nap? At night time when the children are all in bed? Or are you one of those people I really really admire who get up before anyone else in the house and write while everyone is asleep. [As an aside, I am in awe of anyone who regularly gets up before 7am. Those people have my undying admiration.]

I've read advice that suggests you should work out when you are most productive and make sure you schedule your writing time to coincide with that time. So some people work really well first thing in the morning and some later at night. This month I'm specifically wondering when your time is? Maybe we could have a little unofficial Minxy poll? When do you write? Do you guard that time with the ferocity of a momma bear? And if you do ensure that time isn't disturbed--how do you do that?!

Author Spotlight - Louisa George

Today we're delighted to welcome new medical romance author Louisa George, one of Harlequin's 'new voices'. Originally from Yorkshire in the UK, Louisa now lives in New Zealand in a testosterone-filled household - it's no wonder she writes romance!

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Thanks so much for inviting me here!

What is your writing process?

I wish I knew! Before I got The Call I dithered and plotted a little and pantser-ed (is that a word?) a little. But now I’m on deadlines I try to plot out the conflict and motivation at very least. I start with an image usually. For One Month to Become a Mum it was a car crash scene. For my second book, Waking Up with His Runaway Bride it was as simple as a stain on the ceiling. For the one I’m writing now it was a lone man standing on a jagged outcrop staring out to sea. Then I build from there. I usually write a synopsis before I start, but often veer away. I write a dirty first draft, and am constantly adding layers.

Everyone who writes knows it's not easy - what methods do you use to keep at it on days when it would be so much easier to go shoe shopping?

It’s a constant struggle. I force myself into my office from 11.00-4.00pm every week day. But that doesn’t mean I use that time well – and there is always internet shoe shopping! Lately I’ve discovered Freedom for Mac, which is a dinky little app for my Mac which disables the internet. I set it for 2 hours and am surprised how many more words I get done. I also read that spending five minutes at the beginning of the writing session just planning, longhand, what you are going to write helps. And it really does!

Keeping fit: Do you have an exercise regime to counterbalance all those hours sitting at a computer?

Absolutely. At least three times a week I do a very intense zumba class (I am a total addict and have been known to do 6 classes in a week). I try to do kickboxing once a week too.

Do you believe in writer's block?

Yes. And no. (should I get off the fence now?). Yes, I think it is possible to get stuck in a hole. But I find that forcing myself to write just anything helps, another scene, from a different POV... Who was it that said you can’t fix a blank page?

Have you ever used an incident from real life in a book? If so, did it get you into trouble?

Not an incident, but snippets, settings. And so far I’ve been trouble free!

In what way is being a published writer different to how you thought it would be?

It’s harder than I thought! It’s more than a full time job! I write from 11-4 but there are a lot of other things that need doing too – promo, edits, plotting next book, research….But it’s such fun, better than I ever dreamt!

Promotion is no longer a dirty word. In what ways do you strive to reach more readers?

I’m on most of the social networking sites – facebook, twitter, goodreads, pinterest, I am about to start writing for two blogs – Love Cats Downunder and Medical Romance Authors, so I am trying to raise my profile. I’m also fairly active on the New Voices Facebook page.

What is your top promo tip for other authors?

Oooh, good question – tricky….write a damned good book. Your book is your brand, if it isn’t good it won’t sell regardless of how much promo you do. Or at least, your first one might sell, but the rest won’t.

What did you learn while writing this book?

So, so much. How conflict has got to be deep rooted and consistent. No matter how deep you go, you can go further! How fabulous my editor is!

What was the most fun part of writing this book?

The first kiss scene where Luke dares Jessie to kiss him…such fun to see the fireworks!

And just for fun: what would your hero’s honeymoon destination of choice be?

Vietnam appears in the book so possibly there. Lots of culture, yummy food and spectacular beaches.

One Month to Become a Mum

Some things in life are worth waiting for…

Jessie Price has lost her only chance at motherhood – it’s a constant hurt, until she meets sinfully sexy single dad Dr Luke McKenzie and his gorgeous little girl. Luke’s intoxicating kisses and his daughter’s adoring hugs have Jessie longing for the impossible. But she's a temporary locum, the clock’s ticking – and there’s only a month to make all her wishes come true…

* * *

I'm happy to give one copy of my debut release, ONE MONTH TO BECOME A MUM which is in a 2-in-1 book with Margaret McDonagh on each blog stop plus a $50 US amazon voucher to whoever visits me the most on the tour!

One Month to Become a Mum is available from Amazon, Amazon UK, Mills & Boon and The Book Depository.

You can find out more about Louisa on her website, at her blog, on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.

Bollywood Hero #1

When the minxes were thinking about then next hotties poll..,umm, I mean, man of the month poll, I instantly thought of Bollywood (I cringe every time I hear that) Heroes..meaning Indian heroes...
But then I realized , wait, not everyone knows Indian hotties like I do...and of course, I had to remedy that...

So, for purely educational purposes :-), I decided I would introduce a hunk from Bollywood, so that we can all vote droll..Ahem...vote...

And the first one up is Shahrukh Khan, referred to as  as King Khan by the Indian media and masses...

What do you think of our first lesson into leading men of Indian Cinema?

Looking for a man... - And news of a fabulous freebie (for today only)

As the title says, I'm looking for a man. Specifically a hot man. Or, rather, several hot men - to grace our Minxy March Hot Man Poll. It's my turn and I've run out of inspiration, so I'm turning the challenge over to you.

We've done a variety of nationalities, we've done sportsmen and actors. We've even done hairy men. And now it's your turn to let us know who makes your heart beat a little faster as you gaze at their likeness?

Find me hot men by my next post, the Friday after next (please), and I'll organise the poll.

And the fabulous freebie? Well, it is indeed fabulous. The Morning After, written by very lovely minx, Sally Clements, is free to download today. Follow the link to find out more about the book. While you're there, have a look at the gorgeous cover - I smile every time I see it. And what's inside that cover is so good I've read it twice already.

Click here to snap up 'The Morning After' for free, but be super fast as it's only for today!