'Vow Of Deception' by Angela Johnson -Review-

   'Vow of Deception' is a solid and enjoyable medieval romance with a steadfast, yet vulnerable hero and a resilient heroine. You'll absolutely FALL for the irresistible characters and compelling plot line!
   What's a knight to do when his cousin, also known as the King, commands him to escort a friend's sister into the clutches of a monster? Sir Rand Montague has a job to do and can't allow his feelings for Rose to cloud his judgment.
   Rosalyn is just starting to find some peace after the death of her abusive husband, Bertram. When the King decides to betroth her and turn over control of her son's estate to one of his knights, he doesn't realize the turmoil he will put Rose and Rand through.
   Now, to save her from a repeat of the past, Rand will have to marry Rose. She may be reluctant and refuse to consummate their vows, but danger and passion will lend a helping hand in bringing our two together.


Sir Rand Montague has a duty and obligation to his cousin, King Edward I. Escalating hostilities between England and Wales has the King strategizing and fortifying his holdings for an imminent attack. One estate which is close to the Welsh marches along the English border-which is the perfect place for the Welsh or English to strike-belongs to the barony of Ayleston. With the previous Lord and master, Lord Bertram, dead, the widowed Lady Rosalyn Harcourt (Lady Ayleston) and her son, Jason, are unprotected and vulnerable to any attacks the Welsh choose to initiate. Rand being a friend of Alex, Rosalyn's brother (and hero of the previous book; 'Vow Of Seduction') and secretly smitten with Rosalyn, see the question of her safety as his to answer.

When King Edward decides to marry off Rosalyn to one of his knights so that the estate is under 'stronger' control, he send Rand as her escort to court. Rosalyn suffered through an abusive marriage which tore at her self-esteem and sensual freedom. She wants nothing more to do with men and now only lives for her son. She decides she wants to make a vow of chastity so that she will never have to be under a man's control ever again, but she gets derailed from her plans when Sir Rand Montague shows up at the King's insistence to escort her to court.

Rosalyn's King-selected betrothed, Sir Golan de Coucy, is a vile man who is similar to her late-husband, and Rose can't suppress the dread and dejavu as Sir Golan tries to force his attentions on her before they are even wed. Rose sees the marriage to Sir Golan as a prison sentence all over again and will do anything to be released from it.

Rand can't bare to see Rose go down the path of misery for a second time and offers to marry her and save her from her fate. She agrees, but only if the marriage is in name only. Her late-husband made her feel inferior and disgusting for having natural reactions to carnal pleasures, so even though she is attracted to Rand and knows he is a good man, she finds it difficult to indulge in her marital bed or open up to Rand.

Slowly, Rand will have to break through Rose's defenses to make their marriage one they both deserve. Little does he know, Rose holds a secret that will soon change his life forever, and all the while, Sir Golan is furious at being duped out of a wife and lush lands, so he vows revenge. Lives are in danger and passions rise to a boil as Rand battles to save the one he loves and give them both a chance at the happily ever after they've both been denied in the past.

Rating: 3 1/2 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Rose is assaulted by Sir Golan and Rand swoops in and saves her. I thought this scene was intense and sweet because you saw the years of torment Rose went through with her first husband rush to the surface again and Rand is there to help her through it. And then, Rand goes one step further and offers to marry her and save her from marriage to Sir Golan! The scenes were well-written and the made me itch to find out what would happen next.

If you're a fan of good medieveil romances, than you are a fan of 'Vow of Deception'. Whenever a plot deals with an abused heroine, the progression of the story is somewhat centered around her recovery. While reading this book, you'll be pulling for Rosalyn and swooning for Rand's gallantry. I would have liked that progresson of recovery to move/develop just a bit faster and have some of that extra page time devoted to the sub plot of the Jason's paternity, but there was enough interesting plot line to move you along in the story. I was sataisfied with the action-packed ending and will be reading more Angela Johnson books in the near-furture.

[Special Thanks to the author
for sending a copy for review]

* Want more Johnson novels? Try 'Vow Of Seduction', Rosalyn's brother, Alex's story!

Coffee Shop Conversations: Q&A and a Giveaway with author Angela Johnson

   Hello all you fabulous Dames, and welcome to Coffee Shop Conversations! On this segment of the blog I will be conducting interviews with Authors, Bloggers and anyone else relative to the literary world and willing to answer my questions. Coffee Shops are great places to just relax, let the hair down and talk about life, love and good books! So without further adieu, let's get to chatting with my special guest:

Author: Angela Johnson

"As long as I can remember I have loved to read books.  I have my mother to thank for my interest.  The earliest books I can remember reading were Little Red Riding Hood and The Little Engine That Could.  The Little Engine That Could is a book that teaches children you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.
In my adolescence, books like Little House on the Prairie, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys Mysteries, and Treasure Island colored my world, when I was not outside playing with the neighbors, or participating in fast-pitch softball.  In my late teens I ransacked my mother’s stash of novels, always on the prowl for a good read.  Then when I was 18, or perhaps 19, I borrowed Captive Bride, by Johanna Lindsey, from a friend.  From that moment on, I was hooked on romance.
Later I went to college to study my other passion; history.  And in 1999, I graduated summa cum laude from Washburn University with a B. A. degree in History. 
After graduation, Joe, my very own hero and significant other suggested, “Why don’t you write a romance novel?  You love history and reading romance.  Why not combine your two passions into a career?”  I admit I was skeptical at first.  But before long The Little Engine That Could began to pull me in that direction. I gave it a try, and soon, story ideas started to flow. Words on my computer screen eventually followed. 
After several years, and more rewrites than I care to admit, I pitched Vow of Seduction to a New York editor in the summer of 2007.  She liked it well enough to ask for a partial submission.  But I also entered my manuscript in several RWA sponsored writing contests that had New York editors as final round judges.  Happily, I placed, or won in three of the contests, and as a result, each judge requested a full submission of the manuscript. 
In September of 2008, I received and accepted an offer from Kensington Books for a two-book contract. I was thrilled. The Little Engine That Could ...just did.  
Vow of Seduction is due out October 6, 2009.  I’m currently working on my second medieval romance. It's a stand-alone sequel to Vow of Seduction, and is tentatively titled Vow of Deception." Sourced from author's website

Angela Johnson on the web: Website | Facebook 

Angela's Latest Release:

'Vow Of Deception' 

Released 11.02.10

"Your first allegiance is to your heart…

As a knight, Sir Rand Montague’s allegiance is to King Edward I. But when the king orders Rand to escort Rosalyn Harcourt to court in order to wed her off to Sir Golan—a crass knight Rand abhors—he’s torn between duty and desire. For Rand has never forgotten the woman he spent one unforgettable night of passion with…
After suffering abuse at the hands of her deceased husband, Rose wishes to never wed again. But when Rand rescues her after Sir Golan attempts to compromise her, she agrees to marry Rand in name only. However, sharing such close quarters with Rand brings back memories of their torrid rendezvous—and tempts Rose to give in to an all-consuming desire…"Source 

[Read an excerpt: here]

[Read My Review of 'Vow Of Deception': here]

Get Your Copy Today:
Barnes&Noble | Amazon | Borders  

Kensington | Powell's

-Q&A-

RJ: Hey Angela! Thanks so much for swinging by for a little chat. Firstly, congratulations on your latest release, ‘Vow Of Deception’; available for purchase as of November 2nd, 2010!! What were the past few months like as you prepared to get this particular book on the shelf? Did you experience anything emotionally or professionally significant with this new release? 

AJ: Rita, thank you very much for having me at your blog today. I’m thrilled to be here. So what have these last few months been like for me? I can sum it up in one word: busy, hectic, swamped, eventful, and amazing. LOL. Okay, so that was several words. To begin with, I want to say two years ago when I learned my first novel was going to be published, an indescribable feeling of surprise, then elation flummoxed me. I had no idea what was expected of me next. But two books, and two years later, I am a much less naïve writer. The single most important lesson I learned is that the novel writing process does not end once you sign a publishing contract. That's when the real work begins; manuscript edits, copy edits, page proofs, and book promotion. For naturally shy people, like me, it can be challenging. But I would not change a thing. Mostly it's been fun.

RJ: Let’s jump right in and learn a bit more about ‘Vow Of Deception’. From your perspective as the author, what is this book really all about?

AJ: The common theme in this book is trust. Trust in oneself and the one you love. Rand and Rose are both wounded souls who suffered abuse at the hands of a person who was supposed to love them. Rose’s first husband was mentally, physically, and sexually abusive. Rand’s father was emotionally and physically abusive. But also, Rand blames himself for the death of his mother and sister. To make matters worse, he and his sister were not only twins, but were inseparable until her death at the age of ten and two. As an adult, Rand is a renowned knight, successful wine trader, and charming rogue who hides his pain, and fear of love, behind a congenial mask. Love is a burden and a curse to him, because everyone he has ever loved, has died. Yet despite this fear of love, Rand risks his life and the king’s wrath to save the woman he vowed to ‘love, honor, and protect.’

RJ: Where did the inspiration for the characters, plot, and settings come from?

AJ: Much of my inspiration for the characters in Vow Of Deception, had their origins in my first novel. Let me give you some insight into the characters and setting of my first book in this series, Vow of Seduction. When I decided to write the novel, the setting and time period were secondary to the theme. I wanted to write a story about betrayal, forgiveness, and a second chance at love. I also wanted the hero and heroine to be married, but not easily able to separate. Hence I chose the medieval period when annulment and divorce were extremely rare, but not impossible. I also wanted the story to be set in England, and for the hero to have been held in captivity. Nothing epitomizes the Middle Ages more than the Crusades, so that’s where I began my research. I thought -- What if my hero abandons his bride to go on Crusade, fights, and then is captured and locked away in a Saracen prison? And then is thought to be dead, until he returns home unexpectedly to reclaim the bride he had abandoned. Once I thought this premise through, I knew I had my main character and the plot of my story.

Next, I gave my hero, Alex, a close friend; Sir Rand Montague. Rand had known Alex for many years, and therefore also knew Alex’s sister, Rosalyn. Rand always teased Rosalyn like a little sister, but beneath it all, he cared for her as more than a friend. But he chose to follow Alex on Crusade instead of offering marriage to Rosalyn because he had sworn to never marry. This relationship between Rand and Rose became the basic foundation for my second novel, Vow of Deception.

Now, I always like to give my characters some sort of traumatic emotional event in their lives prior to a story’s beginning. So for Rose and Rand, it was the abuse I mentioned above. But they also shared one night of burning passion that neither can forget. When Vow of Deception begins, England is on the eve of war with Wales, and Rand worries for Rose’s safety, living as she does with her young son on the border between the two countries. And that’s how the main characters, conflict and plot evolved for Vow of Deception.

RJ: Did you learn any interesting tid-bits while writing 'Vow Of Deception'?

AJ: When I was researching medieval hospitals for a scene in Vow of Deception, I found a great website online: The Great Hospital Online. It's dedicated to the St. Giles Hospital, Norwich, England. In the Middle Ages hospital architecture was similar to churches. They consisted of an infirmary where the inmates were cared for, a chapel with an altar, and a bell tower to chime the hour of the Elevation of the Host during Mass. The infirmary was a large, vaulted space like a church nave, and had smaller aisles on both sides where the beds resided. Opposite the center aisle, the chapel altar was visible to the occupants in the beds. The inmates were typically the old and poor. The wealthy paid for private, in house physicians and surgeons. Click on the following link to see a computer generated video of what St. Giles Hospital might have looked like in the Middle Ages. http://www.thegreathospital.co.uk/exploring/stGiles.shtml

RJ: Let’s talk about the Hero and Heroine (Rand & Rosalyn). What are their flaws and misgivings? What are their redeeming qualities? Also, what attracts them to each other (other than any physical desires)? 

AJ: Abused by her first husband, Rosalyn wants to take a vow of chastity so she can never be forced to remarry. But when the king orders her to marry a cruel knight, she obeys, despite her fears in order to protect her young son’s inheritance. Rose is kind and caring to everyone who depends on her, yet is desperately in need of healing from the pain of abuse. With Rand’s kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, and patience, Rose’s expectation of abuse begins to dissipate. Eventually she desires more than a marriage in name only, and hopes for a union based on love, respect, and physical intimacy.

Rand has vowed to never to love, because he believes he is cursed to hurt his loved ones. When Rand was young, he tried to protect his mother and sister from his father’s abuse, but he failed dismally. When he was ten and two he let his twin sister drown to save himself. A year later his mother died trying to rescue him from a stable fire. Because of all these things, Rand has fierce protective instincts, but feels incapable of protecting the ones he loves. Ultimately, Rand must face his fear, and defy his king if he is to protect Rose and her son, and heal the beautiful, vivacious girl hidden behind the hurt.

RJ: Cover Love Time! The cover to ‘Vow Of Deception’ is HOT and FIERCE! What
did you feel when you first saw it? Did it live up to any expectations you had? Does it make YOU want to pick it up and read (sure made me want to!)?

AJ: Seeing your book cover for the first time is almost surreal. You immediately get a first impression. Then as you study it more closely, other impressions overtake the first. I have been extremely lucky on both of my book covers. I love the sexy models wielding their swords. I admit I had a concern about the tattoo on the cover of Vow of Deception, since Rand does not have one, but I have received many positive comments on the tattoo from those who have seen the cover. I like the scenery in the background too because it’s reminiscent of the Welsh foothills, near where part of the book is set.

RJ: What’s your writing process and atmosphere like? Do you plot and execute, let your hand and heart guide the pen non-stop; sit in a coffee house, or barricade yourself in your office? How and where does your work come to be?

AJ: The first thing I do when I get up (this can be day or night) is read/write any important emails. Then I start writing. Unfortunately, I have to fight distractions like internet searches and such. I do this by setting daily goals. I write in a small office space at home on my PC. But when the weather’s nice, I sit outside, enjoying the sun and fresh air as I write on my mini netbook.

I’m not a strict plotter. I'm more character driven. After my initial research, I know the main characters well; their goals, motivations, and conflicts. Plus the inciting incident. Then I let the characters tell their story. As I write, my subconscious mind works on building one scene upon another. When I get a bit stumped on what should happen next, I raise the question to myself in my mind before I go to bed, and the solution usually comes to me in my sleep. As far as atmosphere goes, I enjoy listening to music as I write, but the volume must be low, so as not to distract me.

RJ: What are some of your favorite romance picks for the following: Favorite Love Song? Favorite Scent on a Man? Favorite Romantic Comedy? And Favorite Romance Novel?

AJ: Favorite Love Song? Josh Groban’s Per Te; though it’s sung in a foreign language, the emotion in the song stirs something in me every time I hear it. Favorite Scent on a Man? I love the scent of my husband when he emerges from the shower smelling of his unique, fresh, clean essence. Favorite Romantic Comedy? The Girl Next Door. And Favorite Romance Novel? It’s a tie between Virginia Henley’s...Seduced, and Julia London’s...Ruthless Charmer.

RJ: Tell me about your path to publications? Where did it begin and how did you get here?

AJ: After surviving a near-fatal car accident, and becoming handicapped, I returned to college and received a BA degree in History from Washburn University. But afterward, I wasn't sure which way to go next until my husband said to me: “You love history and romance, why don’t you combine the two, and write your own historical romance.” I thought he was crazy, but soon story ideas began to flow, and I started writing Vow of Seduction. I entered and won several RWA sponsored writing contests using material from Vow of Seduction. As a result, I received three requests for a full submission of the manuscript from New York editors. Just three months after I got a rejection letter from the first editor, Hilary Sares at Kensington offered me a two book contract, which I accepted.

RJ: What do you do when the pen (or keyboard) is down for the count? What
hobbies or solitary interest do you like to pursue? 

AJ: I love reading, going to movies, visiting friends and family. I’m also addicted to watching HGTV.

RJ: What can the readers and I expect next from you? What are you working on now? 

AJ: I sent a proposal to my editor for the 3rd book in the Vow series, and am waiting to hear whether or not it will be contracted. I'm also planning a Regency trilogy called Scandalous Brides which I intend to submit to publishers.

RJ: Final Question: What is something interesting or shocking about you that the readers may not know? If you lead a staid existence (besides the whole writing and selling novels to hundreds of thousands of people), what is something daring that you’ve always wanted to do? 

AJ: I’ve always wanted to go bungee jumping, and explore a tropical jungle.

--

RJ: Thanks again for stopping by, Angela!

AJ: Thank you, Rita. I enjoyed sharing a little bit about me and my writing with you and your blog readers.

~*~Giveaway Details~*~

Angela Johnson has generously offered two (2) giveaways for copies of 'Vow Of Deception' to some lucky commenters! First Prize: A copy of 'Vow Of Seduction' (previous book in the series) and 'Vow Of Deception'. Second Prize: A copy of 'Vow Of Deception'. Follow the guidelines below and comment for your chance to win. The giveaway will end on Tuesday, November 16th, 2010 at 11:59:00 PM. The winner will be announced and contacted via email on Wednesday, November 17th, 2010. (*Restricted to US and Canadian residents)

Giveaway Guidelines: To be entered in the giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment. Please include your email address!

(NO EMAIL= INVALID ENTRY)

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For Extra Entries (do one or more of the following for extra shots at winning):
+2 'Like'  Angela's Facebook Fan Page

+2 'Like'  The 'Not Another Romance Blog' Blog on Facebook
+3  Leave a comment on My Review of 'Vow Of Deception'
+4 Spread the word: Tweet on Twitter, Post a Facebook status, or Blog about this interview and giveaway (provide a link where you did it so I can check)
+5 Become a Follower/ Be a Follower
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(Easy instructions on how-to find and share direct links to a specific facebook or twitter status': here)

***Tell me in your comment which extra entries you are entitled to and include the necessary links so I can check, or they will not count!

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To all the readers, be sure to make use of those 'on the web' links above to better acquaint yourself with this fabulous author! This has been great! Good luck to all of the giveaway contestants and I hope all of you have enjoyed this edition of: 

Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for Novermber 2010

"Gobble, Gobble."
The 'New Releases' Turkey has just flown in! (disclaimer: Only wild turkeys can somewhat 'fly'- and not even at great distances; but in the pretense of this post, we are just going to pretend that they do!)
It's November! Gee, where did all the time go?It seemed like just yesterday I was getting ready to enjoy a nice, long summer, and now the Holidays are here!
The romance releases this month are on FIRE, and while you digest your Thanksgiving Day fest, make sure a few of these new titles are waiting for you next to the peptobismol!

Here are the Anticipated Releases for the month of October 2010

November 2nd: Plenty of smoking romances are poised to hit the shelves on this day, but here are the top 5 on my list. The highly anticipated (and real fun-looking) Kieran Krame debut will make an appearance on this day, Angela Johnson will add some more medieval action into you life, Lila DiPasqua will regale us with more Fiery Tales, and many more authors have great reads to share!(Note the BONUS PICK  listing. I was so torn, I just had to include this novel!)/ Programing Note: Angela Johnson will be stopping by on this day (Nov.2) for an interview and giveaway. The review will be posted shortly. And Lila DiPasqua is scheduled to stop by on the 22nd for some book talk and a giveaway as well.

'When Harry Met Molly' 

by Kieran Krame

"He’s always been a player.

Dashing Lord Harry Traemore is perfectly content to live out his days in the pursuit of pleasure. But when he’s named by the Prince Regent as one of society’s “Impossible Bachelors,” Harry is drafted into a ribald romantic wager. The rules of engagement are scandalously simple: The bachelor whose mistress wins the title of “Most Delectable Companion” gets to remain unmarried. Harry is utterly unconcerned about his status…until his latest lightskirt abandons him.

Who will win this game of love?

Enter Lady Molly Fairbanks. Harry’s childhood friend—actually, “foe” is more like it—is the most unlikely companion of all. She’s attractive but hot-headed, and in no mood for games. Besides, what could the self-indulgent Harry possibly know about what makes a woman delectable? It’s time for Molly to teach him a lesson once and for all…but will it lead to “happily ever after?”"Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'Vow Of Deception' 

by Angela Johnson

"Your first allegiance is to your heart…   

As a knight, Sir Rand Montague’s allegiance is to King Edward I. But when the king orders Rand to escort Rosalyn Harcourt to court in order to wed her off to Sir Golan—a crass knight Rand abhors—he’s torn between duty and desire. For Rand has never forgotten the woman he spent one unforgettable night of passion with… 

After suffering abuse at the hands of her deceased husband, Rose wishes to never wed again. But when Rand rescues her after Sir Golan attempts to compromise her, she agrees to marry Rand in name only. However, sharing such close quarters with Rand brings back memories of their torrid rendezvous—and tempts Rose to give in to an all-consuming desire…"Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'The Princess In His Bed' 

by Lila DiPasqua

"The Marquis’ New Clothes: To save her cousin, Aimee de Miran must retrieve a jeweled ring from the most sinfully seductive man at court, the Marquis de Nattes. But to search his considerable wardrobe she’ll have to get very close to the notorious rake…and soon she finds herself very close to him indeed, with his clothes—and hers—utterly forgotten…

The Lovely Duckling: Reputed for his carnal skills, Joseph d’Alumbert prefers amorous encounters without emotional entanglement—until a quick-witted lady stirs tender feelings and hot desire. Emilie de Sarron suffered burns to her body as an infant, and keeps her scars—and her heart—well hidden. But Joseph is determined to peel away her inhibitions, one slow steamy kiss at a time, to reveal the beautiful swan inside…

The Princess and the Diamonds: Princess Gabrielle can’t sleep at night. There is something hard in her bed. No, not just the stolen diamonds tucked under her mattress, but the handsome Marquis on it….whose carnal talents she can’t resist. But he threatens her secret mission, and worse, she stands to lose far more than the diamonds---her heart is at stake…."Source

[Read an excerpt: here] 

~*~

'A Bewitching Bride' 

by Elizabeth Thornton

"When those around her begin meeting tragic fates, Kate Cameron knows she's next-until she's rescued by psychic Gavin Hepburn. But after a night of hiding together, Kate is branded a fallen woman and forced into marriage with Gavin-an arrangement that suits Gavin's purpose to do anything it takes to keep Kate safe from a killer haunting her past. For this enigmatic and lonely beauty has become the unexpected love of his life."Source

[Read an excerpt: here] 

~*~

'A Duke's Temptation' 

by Jillian Hinter

"Samuel Charles Aubrey St. Aldwyn, Duke of Gravenhurst, is a radical rogue and champion of unpopular causes. No one would dream that he is also the author of a bestselling series of dark historical novels, a writer accused of corrupting the morals of the public, and a master seducer who counts among his passionate fans wellborn Miss Lily Boscastle. But Lily is no stranger to disrepute.
When her engagement to another man ends in a tarnished image and public disgrace, Lily is forced to seek employment outside London - as housekeeper for Gravenhurst himself. Her sharp wit and sensuality appeal to his wicked instincts - and she’s a perfect match for every beguiling move he makes. Yet there’s more to him than Lily imagined - a secret known to few living souls, ghosts from the past that haunt both of their futures in ways too dangerous for even the duke to have invented."Source

[Read an excerpt: here] 

~*~

BONUS PICK!!

'Seven Nights To Forever' 

by Evangeline Collins

"Destitute after her father's death, Rose Marlowe has debts to settle and a younger brother to support. But she also possesses a matchless beauty-one that could command quite a price. Now, every month, Rose spends one week at a decadent London brothel, where she's become a sought-after prize.

Then one night she meets a wealthy merchant. Handsome, kind and compassionate, with a lonely soul that matches her own, James Archer is not her typical client. Falling in love with a client, never mind a married one, is unthinkable. Yet Rose can't help but lose herself as one night becomes seven-and seven nights leads to a chance at forever."Source
[Read an excerpt: here] [Read My Review (posted on Romance Novel News): here]

November 30th: Plenty of fantastic historicals will be hitting the shelves on this day. After all, it's the Fat Tuesday (for books) day in November. Christmas will come a bit early for those of us enamored with Cathy Maxwe's worok (I surly am apart of that number). Be on the look out for additions to some great series by Lorraine Heath and Kathryn Caskie, a brilliant tale from Lavinia Kent, and the follow-up novel from Kieran Krame (whose debut book you will notice is mentioned earlier on this list!)

'Taken By Desire' 

by Lavinia Kent

"Strong and independent, she dreams of him in secret.

Fierce, yet world-weary, he's always desired her.

Neither considers marriage an option.

But when a single kiss has unforeseen consequences, and wedding bells follow, they'll both learn the power of passion. Desire can change everything. "Source

~*~

'Dukes To The Left Of Me, Princes To The Right' 

by Kieran Krame

"Most women would not be pleased to be labeled a spinster. But Lady Poppy Smith-Barnes isn’t most women. In fact, Poppy has invented an imaginary fiancé, the Duke of Drummond, to deter unwanted suitors. A very useful fellow, this duke, until the real Drummond turns up and uses Poppy’s ploy to trap her in a betrothal.

A good spy flies below the radar. Which is why being named one of the Prince Regent’s “Impossible Bachelors” is so inconvenient for Nicholas Staunton. Every society female will be out to ensnare him. Nicholas needs a fiancée—and Poppy’s ruse is the answer. How could he have known she’d be a brazen, sensual siren with an irresistible taste for adventure? Now nothing less will do than to convince his fiery Poppy to revoke her spinster status…for good."Source

[Read an excerpt: here] 

~*~

'Pleasures of A Notorious Gentleman' 

by Lorraine Heath

"As the black sheep second son of an Earl, Stephen Lyons has gained a reputation in the art of seduction, but when his wicked ways result in scandal, he joins the army to redeem himself. On the battlefield, he proves courageous . . . until he is seriously wounded. Returning home to recover, he discovers he can't remember the angelic beauty who arrives at his doorstep, his babe nestled in her arms.

Mercy Dawson will risk everything to protect the son of the dashing soldier she once knew and admired. When Stephen offers to do the honorable thing, she is determined that London's most notorious gentleman will desire her and no other. But Mercy fears that what began as an innocent deception could destroy her dreams and their blossoming love if Stephen ever learns the scandalous truth . . .

They are masters of seduction, London's greatest lovers. Living for pleasure, they will give their hearts to no one . . . until love takes them by surprise."Source

~*~

'The Duke's Night Of Sin' 

by Kathryn Caskie

"A sin he cannot forget

The Duke of Exeter knows it's time to find a bride, and he's determined to locate the passionate minx who enticed him in a pitch-black library. But how can you find someone you've never really seen? Then, while supervising his young ward's education, he is irresistibly attracted to her exquisite new teacher. He keeps wondering if they've met somewhere before, never suspecting she's the woman he's never forgotten after his one night of sin.

A wicked secret

As a beloved instructress at an exclusive school for young ladies, Lady Siusan Sinclair is a model of deportment. But no one knows her secret—that she fled London for Bath, her reputation on the verge of tatters, her fortune lost. Still, no matter how hard she tries, she can't forget the knee-weakening kiss of the man who led her astray . . ."Source

[Read an excerpt: here] 

~*~

'His Christmas Pleasure' 

by Cathy Maxwell

"Anything can happen at Christmas!

When her father threatens to marry Abigail Montross off to a man twice her age (and with thirteen children!), she decides to elope instead with the irresistibly handsome BarÓn de Vasconia. She knows all about his notorious reputation. He is the most seductive man in all of London, but he's vowed to protect her, so she allows herself to be tempted into his bed, promising to guard her heart at all costs.

Andres believes he's entered into nothing more than a marriage of convenience with a charming and very wealthy young woman. But the days—and nights—Abigail spends in his arms soon reform this rogue. He'll do anything to gain her love—until they each discover the truth about the other and old wounds are revealed.

It's the season of miracles and passion—when love not only awakens the senses but delivers the greatest gift of all . . ."Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

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And there you have it. My list of Anticipated Releases for November 2010! Which books from the list can you NOT WAIT to get your hands on? Which books have I skipped that should be up here?

Happy Readings =D