We're into summer already, which is hard to believe, and my garden is demanding a lot of my time. I'm also writing the last chapters of the next book and preparing for the intense edit/correct/polish phase. I have a title, however: A MOST UNSUITABLE MAN.

This is the book about Damaris and Fitz from WINTER FIRE. You'll remember that Damaris is the grand heiress who expected to marry the Marquess of Ashart. She's so mortified by her behavior, and also by being the loser, that she tries to run away. Octavius Fitzroger, Ashart's friend, rides after her to bring her back and promises to help her deal with the situation and restore her reputation. Then things get complicated.

It's scheduled for February 2005 and I'll tell you more closer to the time.

The hot news right now is that THREE HEROES is out. This is the trade paperback omnibus edition of the "three guys called George" stories: The Demon's Mistress (which appeared in In Praise of Younger Men and is now quite hard to find); The Dragon's Bride; and The Devil's Heiress. These stories do form a true trilogy so I'm thrilled to have them come out in this way. I'm especially thrilled by the gorgeous cover, with three military heroes who actually look like my characters (how did that happen???), and now by the fabulous price of only $14 US. It really is a big, handsome volume. Even if you have the stories, check it out in the bookstore or other shop just to admire it. If you missed all these stories back in 2001, it's a steal!

By the way, it's going to be advertized on movie screens in some parts of the States soon. As I'm in Canada, I'm not going to see these ads, but I'd be interested in any sightings and feedback about this form of advertizing. Do you think it will reach readers, especially new readers for romance?

I found the website for one of the models for the men on the cover -- the central image, which is Vandeimen. The site has two free wallpapers using that image and they're gorgeous. I've used one at the top of the excerpt from The Demon's Mistress, Van's story, which is also the first story in the book. Check out the picture here.

The amazing thing is that he's also the model for Stephen on SKYLARK. I say amazing because it would be hard to recognize him, because someone added all that excessive muscle. What a shame. Left as he is, he would be much more like my idea of Stephen's physique.

If any of you live in or near Vancouver, BC, I'll be at the Canadian Authors' Association conference on the last weekend in June. There are a couple of free events, and I'll certainly be at the Friday one. Details here.

The next book out will be the reissue of WINTER FIRE in November, followed by DANGEROUS JOY in December. Right now, it seems a long time until the cold weather returns.

Gather ye roses -- and strawberries -- while ye may.

All best wishes,

Jo