Author Interview with Madeline Hunter

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Today on the blog we have one of my favorite authors spilling the beans on her latest release. I fell in love with her  The Rarest Blooms series and often find myself eradicated from a reading slump between the pages of one of her stories. Check out our interview below:

About the Author:

Madeline Hunter’s first romance was published in 

June, 2000.

Since then she has seen twenty-four historical romances and one novella published, and her books have been translated into twelve languages. Over six million of her books are in print. She is a seven-time RITA finalist, and two-time RITA winner. Twenty-three of her books have been on the USA Today bestseller list, and she has also had titles on the New York Times printed list, Publishers Weekly list, and the Waldenbooks paperback fiction list. She has received two starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, and Romantic Times has awarded twenty-two of her books 4 1/2 stars. Madeline is a Ph.D. in Art History, and she teaches at the college level. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons.

Find Madeline Online: Website | Facebook | Twitter


About the Book:

Most women will give him anything he wants. She is not most women… 

As a well-known barrister and the son of a duke, Ives confines his passionate impulses to discreet affairs with worldly mistresses. A twist of fate, however, has him looking for a new lover right when a fascinating woman shows up in his chambers, asking him to help save her father from the gallows. Unfortunately, he has already been asked to serve as the prosecutor in the case, but that only ensures close encounters with the rarity named Padua Belvoir. And every encounter increases his desire to tutor her in pleasure’s wicked ways...

Having always been too tall, too willful, and too smart to appeal to men, Padua Belvoir is shocked when Ives shows interest in her. Knowing his penchant for helping the wrongly accused, she had initially thought he might be her father’s best hope for salvation. Instead, he is her worst adversary—not least because every time he looks at her, she is tempted to give him anything he wants…

Read an excerpt: here |  Read a review at RT Book Reviews

Get Your Copy Today!

Amazon (paperback) | Amazon (Kindle) 

Barnes&Noble (paperback) | Barnes&Nobel (Nook) 

The Interview

RJ: Welcome and thanks for stopping by Not Another Romance Blog, Madeline! Congrats on your latest book, TALL, DARK AND WICKED (October 6, 2015 | Berkley/NAL). Could you give us the author’s cut of the book’s blurb?

MH: As a well-known barrister and the son of a duke, Ives confines his edgy sensuality to discreet affairs with worldly mistresses. A twist of fate, however, has him looking for a new lover right when a fascinating and unusual woman shows up in his chambers, asking him to help save her father from the gallows

Review: IF YOU ONLY KNEW by Kristan Higgins

 

WOW.

Yep, that’s my review.

Read an excerpt: here

Jenny Tate is the consummate New Yorker. A celebrated dress designer with access to the posh lifestyle- Jenny has it all. She even has a sickeningly cordial relationship with her ex-husband and his perfect wife. How modern. Nothing says closure like forced cheerfulness so you don’t seem bitter at an ex’s current wife’s baby shower!

Jenny decides to open a new page in her life and moves back upstate to be closer to her family and open a dress shop. While her sister’s life starts to unravel, Jenny may find a few other hearts in need of mending.

Rachel Carver, nee-Tate, is living the ultimate Stepford existence in Cambry-on-Hudson, NY; A loving husband, three adorable daughters (triplets no less), Mommy and Me Swim sessions...But the dream life gets flipped upside down by the ultimate betrayal. As Rach tithers back and forth on the right next step, she discovers more about herself than she ever realized existed.

4 ½ Red Roses

Review: When A Scot Ties The Knot by Tessa Dare

 

I kissed a man in a skirt…and I liked it.

Maybe those aren’t the exact lyrics but, thanks to WHEN A SCOT TIES THE KNOT, I wouldn’t be opposed to a revision. It worked for our bluestocking heroine well enough!

A little falsehood from the past snowballs into an engagement Maddie Gracechurch never anticipated nor wanted. The same childhood fantasy becomes a Highland Captain’s  ticket to a stable life for his loyal troop. Where lies meet opportunity, can love exist too?

Read an excerpt: here

Madeline Gracechurch uses her boundless imagination to avoid the embarrassment of rejection her first London season by creating a fictitious relationship with an officer at war. This small lie blossoms into a full blown long distance relationship complete with smarmy letters posted for her parents' benefit and a heroic death that frees her to peaceful spinsterhood. But when a very real Captain Logan MacKenzie shows up on her doorstep years later- the tangled web of lies Maddie concocted will take more than a little finessing to undo.

Logan grew up rough, unloved and experiencing horrors of battle in a war that ended with him and his troop without a proper home to be welcomed to.  His hard exterior may ward off nefarious foes, but will it aide his claim on a castle bequeathed to him and the betrothed he never proposed to? 

The silly girl whose incriminating letters of their faux-engagement found their way to his camp over the years has grown into a gorgeous, maddening woman who proves cleverer at shirking his will than any enemy on the battlefield. To provide a home for his loyal followers Logan must get Maddie to submit to a marriage she never wanted in the first place; but also risks his heart as well as hers in the venture.

Rating: 4 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Was the beginning- with the letters. This could have been a boring, unfeeling info dump but I enjoyed them immensely. I could have gone on and read a full book of Maddie’s letters to a supposed fantasy fiancé. The letters helped display Madeline’s brain (and the author's fun, tangible writing style) in an unassuming way. It made me think of Lisa Kleypas’ Love in the Afternoon which starts off similarly and I love when authors with a strong voice flex them this way.

Overall, it was another HIT of a love story from Tessa Dare. Again, she writes in a way that speaks close to home and entertains thoroughly.

A few gripes: There were these amazing secondary characters she developed- I wanted more! We have this incredible grandmother who disappeared halfway through the book and pops up sporadically towards the end. And then the band of forgotten soldiers- they all had their own quirks and a dynamic I would have enjoyed getting to see more of.

I have a heavy dislike for the “I am fighting against love/I am not worthy of love” angle most rom-novels adopt, and felt a bit cheated with the MoC plot since consummation took so long to occur, but the spirited heroine (an all-time favorite now), dazzling supporting cast, and expert writing style keep readers fully entwined and satisfied!

I love a good marriage of convenience story, I love the pen-pals (however one-sided) to lovers angle, I love Highlanders and Bluestockings—the way these elements were weaved together, while not always in the proportions I love, were compelling and heartfelt. 

Basically, Read it. Now.

New Release Highlight + Excerpt: If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins

Time to highlight another new release this month from a fav author. 

When I need my contemporary fix, no one speaks to me quite like how Kristan Higgins can. Yesterday marked the release of her latest, IF YOU ONLY KNEW ! Another book I've begun which grabbed me at page one and I am dying to finish in-between work and responsibilities (bleh). 

Review on the way, but in the meantime, how about an extra special excerpt !? 

(You can stop screaming now and get to reading!)

About The Book: 
Letting go of her ex-husband is harder than wedding-dress designer Jenny Tate expected…especially since his new wife wants to be Jenny's new best friend. Sensing this isn't exactly helping her achieve closure, Jenny trades the Manhattan skyline for her hometown up the Hudson, where she'll start her own business and bask in her sister Rachel's picture-perfect family life…and maybe even find a little romance of her own with Leo, her downstairs neighbor, a guy who's utterly irresistible and annoyingly distant at the same time. 

Rachel's idyllic marriage, however, is imploding after she discovers her husband sexting with a colleague. She always thought she'd walk away in this situation, but her triplet daughters have her reconsidering her stance on adultery, much to Jenny's surprise. Rachel points to their parents' perfect marriage as a shining example of patience and forgiveness; but to protect her sister, Jenny may have to tarnish that memory—and their relationship­—and reveal a family secret she's been keeping since childhood.

Both Rachel and Jenny will have to come to terms with the past and the present and find a way to get what they want most of all.

Get Your Copy Today: 

Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback)

Barnes and Noble (Nook) | Barnes and Noble (Paperback)

Excerpt:

CHAPTER 1

Jenny

Today is one of those days when I realize that staying friends with my ex- husband was a huge mistake.

I’m at the baby shower for Ana-Sofia, Owen’s wife and my replacement. Indeed, I’m sitting next to her, a place of honor in this circle of beaming well- wishers, and I’m probably beaming just as hard as everyone else. Harder, even, my Gosh, isn’t it wonderful, she’s so radiant smile that I give at work quite often, especially as my brides get bitchier or their mothers get more critical or their maids of honor get more jealous. But this smile, the baby shower smile…this is superhuman, really.

I know that coming today is incredibly pathetic, don’t worry. It’s just that I didn’t want to seem bitter by not showing up (though I’m pretty sure I am bitter, at least a little). After all, I’m the one who always wanted kids. Every time I brought it up, though, Owen said he wasn’t sure the time was right, and he loved our life the way it was.

Yeah. So. That turned out not to be quite true, but we did stay friends. Coming today, though…pathetic.

Out Today: When A Scot Ties The Knot by Tessa Dare

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

I am so excited! I've yet to find a Tessa Dare book I didn't LOVE! Whenever I am in a reading slump- I check to make sure she hasn't released anything new to knock me out of it.
My prayers have been heard by someone because TODAY, WHEN A SCOT TIES THE KNOT has been released. I am almost done with it and will post a review later this week, but from what I've read so far- it's perfection. Instantly enthralling- it pains me to do things like eat and sleep and interact with other humans for wanting to finish the last few chapters. Damn responsibilities.

More on the book: 

On the cusp of her first London season, Miss Madeline Gracechurch was shy, pretty, and talented with a drawing pencil, but hopelessly awkward with gentlemen. She was certain to be a dismal failure on the London marriage mart. So Maddie did what generations of shy, awkward young ladies have done: she invented a sweetheart.

A Scottish sweetheart. One who was handsome and honorable and devoted to her, but conveniently never around. Maddie poured her heart into writing the imaginary Captain MacKenzie letter after letter . . . and by pretending to be devastated when he was (not really) killed in battle, she managed to avoid the pressures of London society entirely.

Until years later, when this kilted Highland lover of her imaginings shows up in the flesh. The real Captain Logan MacKenzie arrives on her doorstep—handsome as anything, but not entirely honorable. He's wounded, jaded, in possession of her letters . . . and ready to make good on every promise Maddie never expected to keep.

Get Your Copy Today! 

Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback)

Barnes and Noble (Nook) | Barnes and Noble (Paperback)

Have you devoured it? What are your thoughts!? Share in the comment section (but no Spoilers! I still have to finish!)

Review: Suddenly One Summer by Julie James

Julie James writes it, we read it, we love it- - rinse, lather, repeat. This time around we take an attractive journalist, add one snarky, kick ass family lawyer, multiply by their complicated pasts and a convenient "my sister needs your help, so let’s- grudgingly- work together” story line,  (and subtract a 'cavalcade' of misunderstood female companion sightings) = and you've got your next best read.

Read an except: here

Ford Dixon can get to the bottom of any story for his numerous investigative pieces for the local newspaper. His instinct bodes well professionally, but sometimes falls short outside of the newsroom - especially when Victoria Slade enters his life (and the apartment next door). 

Slade, a highly successful divorce lawyer, has seen it all. The trials of life have helped mold Victoria into the woman she is today. She’s the always on-it, semi-compulsive, love-cynic wunderkind that clients love as much as opposing counsel loathes. A traumatic episode sets her down a path of losing that hard-won control and it’s through resilience and some well-meaning prodding by her pesky-cute (new word) neighbor that she’ll begin to do the ground work needed to get to the root of her issues.

And pesky-cute neighbor guy…the one with penis pop parties with brunettes at night and mysterious blondes saying they loves him in the A.M. --well, he has his own misguided philosophies and views on love to reevaluate.  

 These two are perfectly imperfect for one another, and while working towards a mutual goal, they'll recognize that fact profoundly- or risk devastating the other in resisting. 

Rating:

Watch Poldark on PBS this Sunday, 6/21!

"The infamous, swashbuckling hero is back! Ross Poldark returns in a new take on a beloved story. Poldark premieres Sunday, June 21 at 9/8c on MASTERPIECE on PBS. #PoldarkPBS"

You guys know how much I love period pieces- and this one looks like it'll be my new obsession ! New appointment TV for Sundays (Thank God- HBO devastated me with GoT + Silicon Valley finales- I am going to need something to fill the void!)

Check out the trailer below: 

More about the series: 

Aidan Turner (The Hobbit) stars as Captain Ross Poldark in a gorgeous love story set in windswept Cornwall in the late 1700s. Returning from war, the dashing captain faces financial ruin, romantic betrayal, and a golden opportunity that only he sees. Eleanor Tomlinson (Death Comes to Pemberley) costars as the fiery beauty Demelza. A remake of the 1970s series that helped launch MASTERPIECE, the glorious new Poldark was a runaway hit in the UK and garnered reviews such as the following: “A beautifully filmed Sunday night romp,” said The Times (London), and from the Guardian: “You need look no further for your next guilty pleasure.”

Will you be watching? Make sure to live tweet with #PoldarkPBS and let's fan out together!

Review: THE DUKE OF DARK DESIRES by Miranda Neville

Finally! Lord Julian's book is here and it definitely delivers! From the first chapter you'll become enraptured by this seductive tale of mutual subterfuge which is sprinkled with wit and heart. An unwanted dukedom, three unwanted wards, but a very much wanted governess will drive Julian Fortescue to commit unthinkable acts-- such as love and rising to responsibility.

Read an excerpt: here

If you thought Marie Antoinette had it bad, those aristocrats who survived the French Revolution might beg to differ. One fortunate (or unfortunate) noble who made it was Jeanne-Louise Marie-Adoree de Falleron, the once pampered daughter of the Marquis de Falleron. She endured the horrors of witnessing her family's execution and jumping from traitorous "protector" to "protector" to stay alive. She vows revenge against the man named Fortescue who betrayed her father's trust and foiled her family's escape plan- just as soon as she finds him.

Going by the alias of Jane Grey, Jeanne's hunt leads her to London and the home of the new Duke of Denford. The unexpectedly handsome new duke has just been saddled with the care of his precocious half sisters. This allows for the perfect opportunity to infiltrate the home of a member of the Fortescue family and with that Jane applies for the position of governess. The dubious potholes in her past notwithstanding, the duke finds her (and her looks) satisfactory and gives Jane the job. A dangerous dance of balancing pretenses and desires ensues, becoming further complicated with the entry of some treacherous characters in the form of an evil surviving cousin of Jeanne/Jane and a nemesis from the art world who has his eyes on Julian's treasured collection.

Rating:
4 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Story: Was witnessing Julian rise to the challenge and become an admirable brother, friend, lover, and peer of the realm. From the previous book, you know Julian isn't as dark and careless as his persona lets on, but it was very gratifying to see his evolution and the ways in which Neville displayed this. I was in love when he was a rotten apple, so I am positively smitten now.

I am no longer surprised when I reach the back cover of a Miranda Neville novel and realize she's done it again. This has to be one of my favorite stories and a perfect end to an exciting series. I can't think of much I didn't enjoy in this book. The references and respect of art (some aspects I could actually identify!) were always well represented and complimentary to the story. That rat of a cousin Jeanne/Jane had truly got under my skin, and the three step sisters were endearing and funny. I am never one for a long, drawn out, secret identty plot, but Neville made it bearable with her amazing secondary characters and scenes filled with heat. I am already anxiously awaiting what Neville conjures up next!