Showing posts with label Madeline Hunter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Madeline Hunter. Show all posts

Friday, October 2, 2015

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!

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

Friday, April 1, 2011

Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for April 2011

It may still be rather cold outside, but April showers are here, and that can only mean one thing: the start of SPRING...RELEASES! Oh, and the coming of Spring, the subsequent coming of Summer, someones Blogoversary..;) But I probably had the most important one right the first time! A new batch of reads are all waiting for their spot in your bookcase! Some amazing series are coming to a close, some equally great ones are still getting added to...WHAT TO CHOOSE!?
I hope my list of Anticipate Releases helps you pick some great books! I can't wait! Enjoy!

Here are the Anticipated Releases for April 2011!!!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for September 2010

 Okay! It's Sexy September and the releases this month are MOUTH-WATERING! The lovely Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, Emma Wildes and scores of other authors have some amazing novels heading our way. I think this month has some of the most delicious and beautiful covers I've ever seen! The month of September is always a difficult one. Most of us are making the transition from summer to school-time, and personally, I will have to say goodbye to my beloved Grandfather (R.I.P Boyzie Thomas Jr.). But life continues and changes constantly, so it's best to remember the past (whether it's memories of the recent summer, or those of a loved one), and make way for a positive future. So without further adieu, let's embrace and salivate over September's must-haves!

Here are the Anticipated Releases for September 2010!!!

September 1st- Hey, that's today!! LOL. Time to start the new month off RIGHT. And what's more right than a smexy Irish warrior to whom you surrender? | appearance note: The wonderful Michelle Willingham has a new release out today and will be stopping by the blog on Sept. 3rd for some Coffee Shop Conversation and to give away a copy of her latest novel to one lucky commenter. The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL (as long as the book depository delivers to your home) so all of my Australian readers (yes, I know about you lot!) and fans of my blog from near and far have the chance to win this great book by this great author!

'Surrender To An Irish Warrior' by Michelle Willingham
"An Irish warrior with a thirst for revenge…
Trahern MacEgan—his body is honed for fighting, his soul is black and tortured. Women want to tame him, but he has loved once, and now is lost.
A woman who has suffered in silence…
Morren Ó Reilly—she has known pain and shame, but holds her head high, even though she shrinks from a man’s touch.
Their passionate redemption
Can Morren be the light to Trahern’s darkness, and can she be made whole again by her surrender?"Source 
[Read an excerpt: here]
~*~
September 7th- Will see two stellar novels hitting the shelves and leaving said shelves just as quickly. The incomparable Emma Wildes has a new book (the first in a new series) waiting in the wings, and Christina Phillips' Roman/Druid romance threatens to prolong this exceedingly hot and steamy summer-autumn. | appearance note: Christina Phillips will be hi-jacking the blog on this day (the 7th) and guest posting! She'll also be interviewed and offering a copy of her latest book to one lucky commenter!

'My Lord Scandal' by Emma Wildes
"Alexander St. James may be a thief of hearts, but he is no burglar. Nevertheless, he must recover and item belonging to his family to avoid a scandal, and so he has stolen into the home of Lord Hathaway, only to come upon the beguiling and chaste Lady Amelia in her bedroom, wearing little but a look of surprise. Alexander leaves Amelia breathless-but is it from fear or excitement? Captivated by her beauty and charmed by her intellect, he ignores the scandalous whispers as he sets out to seduce the woman of his dreams..."Source  
[Read an excerpt: here]


~*~
'Forbidden' by Christina Phillips
"First in a new erotic historical series of magical heroines and sexy warriors.
Carys knew from the moment she first spied on Maximus in his naked barbarian glory that he was a dangerous Roman centurion-his taut, battle-scarred flesh marking him as a fearless warrior. But her desire for him was as undeniable as it was illicit.

Charged by his emperor to eliminate a clan of powerful Druids in Britain, Maximus never expects his mission to be thwarted by the clan's ethereal princess, Carys. Falling under her spell, he doesn't realize her true heritage-until he captures her heart as well as her body.

Now Carys and Maximus must overcome the devastation of war and face the ultimate sacrifice if their forbidden love is to survive.
"Source  
[Read an excerpt: here]
~*~
September 21st- Oh, Ms.Jeffries! SJ will be coming out with the second book in her 'Hellions Of Halstead Hall' series. Everyone was blown away by 'The Truth About Lord Stoneville', and since I am reading it now, my review will be up soon. This newest book is the story of Oliver's brother, Jarret, and his love.

'A Hellion In Her Bed' by Sabrina Jeffries
"Furious at his grandmother's ultimatum to marry or lose his inheritance, Lord Jarret Sharpe wagers his luck - and his heart - at the card table against a most unlikely opponent. 
Mired in scandal after his parents' mysterious deaths, notorious gambler Lord Jarret Sharpe agrees to tamely run the family brewery for a year if his Machiavellian grandmother rescinds her ultimatum that he marry. But the gambler in him can't resist when beguiling Annabel Lake proposes a wager. If she wins their card game, he must help save her family's foundering brewery. But if he wins, she must spend a night in his bed. The outcome sets off a chain of events that threatens to destroy all his plans . . . and unveils the secret Annabel has held for so long. When Jarret discovers the darker reason behind her wager, he forces her into another one - and this time he intends to win not just her body, but her heart."Source 
[Read an excerpt: here]
~*~
The M.Y.C day will now be called/referred to as Fat Tuesday (for books). I think this new name for the one day where all of us bookies/avid readers pig out on tons of new releases is very appropriate ;). As I was saying, the Fat Tuesday (for books) in the month of September is obviously the 28th. On Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 , the following novels will all be released (and what an incredible line-up to behold!). | appearance note: Miranda Neville is scheduled to appear on 9.28.10 to celebrate and talk about her latest release. And Avon newbie Jenny Brown will be by on October 3rd for a little Coffee Shop Conversation as well! Make sure to put in your pre-order today, so you don't have to wrestle with fellow romance junkies in the middle of Borders for the last copy of these books!

'Sinful In Satin' by Madeline Hunter
"When famed London courtesan Alessandra Northrope passes away, her daughter Celia Pennifold inherits little more than a hopelessly contaminated reputation, a house in a middle class neighborhood, and an education that prepared her to take her mother’s place the way Alessandra intended. Celia hopes to make her own life on her own terms, however, and moves into the house only to discover one more legacy—an enigmatic, handsome tenant who knows her mother’s plans for her future rather too well. It does not help that Jonathan Albrighton’s mere presence creates delicious excitements that remind her of the thrilling pleasure that Alessandra taught her to arouse in others and enjoy herself. When new claims on her mother’s estate threaten her hold on the property, she is forced to fulfill her deathbed promise to Alessandra—to give fair consideration to the future for which she was trained. Unfortunately, she discovers that the only man with whom she really wants to share the secrets of her erotic education is unsuitable for a role in any future she might claim.
Jonathan thinks he is on a simple mission to discover whether Celia’s mother left accounts of her lovers that might embarrass important men. Instead he finds himself embroiled in a mystery full of dangerous betrayals and secrets, old and new, that touch on his life as well as Celia’s. The chamber that he leases in Celia’s home becomes convenient for protecting her, but their proximity only fuels his desire to seduce the radiant, beautiful woman she has become. With his first touch and stolen kiss, he decides that she will have no lover except him, whether she considers him suitable or not."Source 
[Read an excerpt: here]
~*~
'The Dangerous Viscount' by Miranda Neville
"She is determined to find a husband ...now!
Diana Fanshawe's impeccable bloodline doesn't stop society from laughing at the antics of her eccentric family. She knows the right marriage is her one chance to make her way in the world--which is precisely why she will Marry Lord Blakeney. But then she's kissed by the brilliant ansd unconventional Sebastian Iverley, and her well-laid plans tumble into disarray.
Sebastian wants absolutely nothing to do with love or marriage. He likes his books, his male friends in the Burgundy Club, and he avoids women. But when he arrives at his hated cousin Blakeney's house party, he's smitten by the tantalizing Diana.
Should the lady follow her heart and try to win Iverley's, though it seems hardened against her–or should she sacrifice love for respectability?"Source   
 [Read an excerpt: here]
~*~
'Lord Lightening' by Jenny Brown
 "They call him Lord Lightning
...for his shocking behavior. An unrepentant rogue with a wicked reputation, his outrageous conduct ensures no woman will get close enough to hurt him.
But demure and lovely astrologer Eliza Farrell casts a chart that tells her Lord Hartwood is capable of great, passionate love. When Hartwood indulges in one of his famous pranks and invites Eliza to become his new mistress, the virginal country miss must meet her fate armed only with her knowledge that the cynical lord will become the tender lover she sees predicted in the stars.
Though Eliza is nothing like the brazen strumpets he prefers, the seemingly incorruptible seer excites Lord Lightning much more than the hard, calculating women he is accustomed to. Eliza's trusting spirit and quick mind touch his cold heart—and when the bewitching innocent surprisingly agrees to be seen on his arm, neither can predict the sparks that fly between them—or resist the electric passion that threatens to transform them both."Source   
[Read an excerpt: here]
~*~
'Scoundrel In My Dreams' by Celeste Bradley
"The child is his: Jack, or rather, Lord John Redgrave knows it the instant he glimpses the blue-eyed girl who was abandoned on the steps of his gentleman’s club. Her mother came to his room one dark night more than three years ago—and spurned his proposal the very next day. But when Jack visits Amaryllis Clarke to demand an explanation, he receives the shock of his life. For it wasn’t proud, worldly Amaryllis with whom he spent that soul-stirring night. It was her infatuated younger sister, Laurel.
Laurel was only seventeen when she gave her innocence to Jack—and paid a steep price. She might be overjoyed about her reunion with little Melody, but Laurel won’t surrender to her desires again. Jack, meanwhile, has no wish to give up the daughter he never knew he had. Nor will he part with the sensual woman who makes him feel alive with longing. He intends to use any means possible to convince Laurel to stay. After all, all’s fair in matters of seduction—especially to a scoundrel in love…"Source   
[Read an excerpt: here]
~*~
'One Touch Of Scandal' by Liz Carlyle
"Desperation drove her into the arms of a devil…
Grace Gauthier had taken a position as governess hoping to find security and peace in a life that had very little of either. She’s always yearned for a good marriage, a family, and a home, but it was not to be.  And when the brutal murder of her employer leaves her unprotected and alone—as Scotland Yard’s prime suspect—she has no one to turn to except the mysterious and reclusive Lord Ruthveyn.
A dark-eyed Lucifer, Ruthveyn guards his secrets carefully. His shadowed past as the Queen’s most trusted agent in India is the stuff of whispered rumor, as is his mixed ancestry.  Deeply moved by her plight—and haunted by her beauty—Ruthveyn is determined to save Grace by unmasking a killer. But his growing passion for her soon places his own heart at risk and threatens to expose his dark gifts—and his dark society—to the world . . ."Source    
[Read an excerpt: here]
~*~
'The Surrender Of A Lady' by Tiffany Clare
"THE PRICE OF PASSION…
Sold. With one word, Lady Elena Ravenscliffe’s destiny changes forever. Forced into Constantinople’s slave market to pay off her late husband’s debts and save her son, Elena reinvents herself as Jinan—a harem girl adored by the rich lords who bid on her favors. But one man instantly sees through her façade.
…IS COMPLETE SURRENDER

Griffin Summerfield, Marquess of Rothburn, let Elena slip through his fingers years ago. When he recognizes her on the auction block, he pays an outrageous sum to possess her even if it is for a short period of time. But when his deadline looms, Griffin will risk all in a desperate bid to make her his—and his alone…"Source   
[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~
-And there you go. The Must-Have's for September 2010! Go to any online book retailer and get your pre-order on (yes, pre-order on is a verb), enter some of the contest/giveaways being hosted for this month's featured authors (a few on here), marry the guy who owns HarperCollins and get all the ARC's you can read; Do what ever you gotta do to make sure that these books have a home in your personal library!

Friday, May 28, 2010

'Provocative In Pearls' by Madeline Hunter -Review-

   Great addition to an awesome series! 'Provocative In Pearls' is the story of a wronged-heiress who was forced into a marriage she didn't want and took matters into her own hands when she faked her own death and went into hiding for two years. She is found by her husband whom wasn't able to use her fortune until she was either found or declared legally dead. He fights her willfulness and her past while she slips her way into his heart. He has to convince her to abandon it all and take a chance on love.

Read an excerpt: here

Book Trailer:


   Hidden away from the world after her supposed 'drowning in the Thames' 2 years ago, Verity Thompson, also known as 'Lizzie', never expected to see her husband face-to-face ever again. So when Grayson, the Earl of Hawkeswell, accompanies his friend, Sebastian Summerhayes, to retrieve his wife from a visit with 'The Rarest Blooms', what's never expected become actual reality. Her futile attempts to conceal her identity once Hawkeswell claps eyes on her are in vain and only add to his frustration and short temper. Resolving to go with Hawkeswell to Essex (with Audrianna and Sebastian in tow) to spare any nasty incidences brought on by her unwillingness to go, Verity agrees to a plan that will have her in a carriage and Hawkeswell foregoing any exercising of his husbandly rights; but under the concession that she must give him three kisses a day. Although Hawkeswell agrees to forfeit conjugal rights during the 4 day trip to Essex, he knows Verity only sees it as her last chance to hold on to her virginity and use the fact to aid in her petition for an annulment. With no intention of letting Verity leave the marriage, Hawkeswell begins to devise ways to seduce her cooperation.
   The reason Verity ran away 2 years ago and made it look like an accidental death was because of her cousin, Bertram, and his wife. Her legal guardians since her father died, the Thompsons saw Verity's huge inheritance as bait to draw in a destitute aristocrat whom will open doors to society that were previously shut. What Verity wanted and needed didn't matter. So when Bertram threatened to harm a family whom had treated Verity with a scrap of humanity, she agrees, only to be devastated by learning on the day of her wedding, that he went ahead and harmed them anyway. Furious at the betrayal and suspecting Hawkeswell of having a part in it (which he didn't), Verity ran away and made it look like she died. It was only suppose to last until she reached her majority and could take control of her finances and her life. But she stayed with 'The Rarest Blooms' a little to long and got discovered.
   Mid way through the visit in Essex, Hawkeswell gets word that Verity's trustee has successfully managed a hearing with a county coroner who may declare Verity legal dead and all the assets that were frozen to him upon her disappearance would be granted to him. Seeing as Verity is alive and well, he must make the trip and introduce Verity into society ahead of schedule. She is met with obvious strained-politeness and nasty rumors, but her submission to Hawkeswell is definitely the most scandalous bit of action. They build and develop a connection between each other, but Verity's insistence that she discover how Bertram harmed her Bowman family (more specifically the son Michael) to make amends started to wedge on Hawkeswell's conscience. He believes Michael was the real reason Verity ran away like she did, and as his feelings for her deepen, his resentment for her past begins to fester.
   Sometimes, when you love someone, you've got to let them go. That's exactly what Hawkeswell does for Verity when he tracks down her beloved Michael and gives her all the necessary evidence she needs to get her annulment. But if it's truly meant to be, when you let it go, it always finds a way back to you.;)

Rating: 3 1/2 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Hawkeswell finally gets Verity's surrender. She'd been putting off the consummation of their marriage ever since her exposure at the Rarest Blooms and by submitting to the act, she would be resigning herself to the marriage. Hawkeswell worked his magic and seduced her right in the garden of their home. They had been eating dinner on the terrace and soon found themselves naked and making a real marriage of it on top of the flower bed. The next morning, Hawkeswell discovers he can't find his wife anywhere in the house and assumes she ran way again after the flower bed debacle; only to be told that she was out in the garden. He doesn't know if she's angry or upset about what happened, but as they gaze at the spot where the flowers were flatten by their love-making, she cracks a joke to ease the tension. She says, "..we should set out a sign and be done with it. A memorial plaque.'Here did Lady Hawkeswell lieyeth while her lord taketh her the first time'". Pretty Funny.

   The second book in 'The Rarest Blooms' series doesn't disappoint. The sensuality is undeniable and through Hawkeswell's compassion and selflessness, you believe in the love that is forged between him and Verity. I think the story started off well enough; diving straight into the drama. The characters definitely developed steadily and the pacing was pretty good. Some deep issues were touched on, and I appreciated that Hunter could take us there and have it add to the plot but not overwhelm it. Although I thought the catalyst for the plot (Bertram's deception about the Bowman's and Verity's running away) was a bit lofty and slightly stretched, the book did what a 3 1/2 '"Aww's" rating entails- The 3 E's, as I like to call them- I Enjoyed, it was Exciting and I was pleasantly Entertained.

*Also check out the first book in the series, Sebastian and Audrianna's story, 'Ravishing In Red'/ My Review can be found: here
 * Want more from Madeline Hunter? Try 'The Sins Of Lord Easterbrook'
-Read an excerpt: here

Saturday, May 22, 2010

'Lord Of Sin' by Madeline Hunter -Review-

   This seductive, Scottish-themed tale delivers the goods. Romance, mystery, betrayal, forbidden and 'indecent' paintings not fit for females with weak sensibilities; prepare for it all. Fiery Bride Cameron is in for the distraction of a lifetime in our hero, Ewan MacLean. Their story is touching and develops steadily as action and conflict invade the background. Let our Lord of Sin take you on a journey through lies and deceit and unadulterated-passion.

Read an excerpt: here

   Deathbed promises to an Earl that ensures his heir will follows his predecessor's instructions is one thing; Having said Earl and his heir AND the back-up heir die, all in rapid succession, and abruptly becoming the one to shoulder all the responsibility is another. Ewan MacLean wasn't prepared nor expecting to come into an Earldom; he was much happier floating through life on his allowance and hosting some of the most notorious orgies London has ever seen. Words like 'duty', 'obligation' and 'responsibility' never resonated anywhere with him; but all three and then some are thrust upon him in a sick turn of events that finds Ewan MacLean the current Earl of Lyndale. Now the promise to make sure long-ago affairs are made amends for falls into Ewan's pesky and long lists of 'duties'.
   Bride Cameron is in way too deep. The sole protector of her 3 younger sisters, all of whom attract unwanted attention from the wrong sort, has Bride stepping up since the age of twelve to keep their heads above water. Their deceased father, Angus Cameron, was an engraver, whom made some of the most exquisite prints of famous works of art. His legacy will keep bread on the table and a roof over his daughters heads; but luxury is never in abundance. When Bride calls out Jamie MacKay to a duel, for trying to seduce her youngest sister, Mary; it is Ewan who rides up and puts a halt everything. He has come to Scotland to fulfill the promise he made to his Uncle, the old Earl; that Angus Cameron and his family, who were wronged by him, are to be taken care of as a way to make amends.Finding only 4 daughters near destitution, Ewan decides to stay with the family for a little while to determine if they need his assistance; which they (or at least Bride) fervently refuses.
   To try and satisfy Ewan's curiosity about her family's means, Bride shows him her fathers legacy; which consists of some rare prints (some a little risque'). Though not thoroughly pacified, it is Ewan's lust for the head strong Bride that starts to become insatiable. At first Bride shys away from Ewan's amorous attentions; but when he finally coaxes her surrender, it is he who backs out at the last minuet (having an attack of the conscious). He leaves shortly after that; getting acquiescence to puts together a settlement that will ensure the sister's welfare.
   When the owner of the lands the Cameron sister's property is located on, decides to evict them, they are forced to leave their Scottish glen and seek out Ewan's hospitality until the funds of the settlement are transferred over. But it is not only hospitality they seek when they go to London. Counterfeit bank notes are in circulation, and the plates used to make them, which were stolen from the Cameron sisters a year ago, will be traced back to them unless they find out who took them and get them back. Solicited by a friend involved with the case, Ewan, being a connoisseur and expert of fine prints, is enlisted to aid the efforts in finding the culprits behind the counterfeit bank notes and putting them behind bars; he never expects to find one piece of the puzzle living under his own roof.
   His attraction to Bride only intensifies as the days go by, and he even proposes marriage. Although Bride would like nothing more than to become Ewan's bride, her involuntary involvement with the counterfeit bank notes and the possible criminal charges that she intends to shoulder in order to save her sisters, has her decline Ewan's offer. At first Ewan doesn't understand, but as the secrets are revealed, the Lord of Sin has to decide whom will pay for their sin; and who will get the chance to love for a lifetime.

Rating: 3 1/2 Aww's

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when the Cameron sisters have to travel to London and ask for Ewan's hospitality until their living situation stabilizes. Ewan walks into his make-shift, erotic gallery; fully equipped with an indoor swing for god only know what; and finds the sisters waiting for him. He is reluctant to have them stay in his home, but Bride refuses to allow him to accumulate even more financial burden by getting them rooms at a hotel. She uses reverse psychology to strong-arm Ewan's reluctance by saying to her sisters. "One of us will have to sell herself tonight, to earn the funds for lodging. Do I have a volunteer, or should we pull straw". She wasn't being serious, but after a few pages of doom and gloom (where will they live, how will they find the counterfeiters), it was a little unexpected and hilarious to have that line just thrown in there. Ewan couldn't refuse and I couldn't stop LOL-ing.

   There were things I liked and disliked about this book. Books with investigation-aspects to them, tend to be a little on the boring side to me. There is a need to impart certain facts on the reader so that they can follow the plot, but said facts and they way they are introduce can become tedious. Hunter did a great job with mixing action to the info drops so we wouldn't be too weighed down. Also, a degree of expertise was imparted in this book, with the mentioning of famous painters, works of art, and the detailed explanation into the mechanics of engraving. Ms.Hunter has a phD in Art History, so she is defiantly flexing her expertise muscles in this book, although I wasn't overly interested in it.While character reactions to certain scenarios felt a little unbelievable, the romance element and conflict elements in this book are good and I say 'Lord of Sin' is worth a read!

* Check out the next book, 'Lady of Sin'. This series is a spin-off of Hunter's 'Seducer Series' which comes highly recommended.
Read an excerpt from 'Lady of Sin': here

*Also, if you'd like more from Madeline Hunter, check out 'Ravishing in Red', which is the 1st book in the 'Rarest Blooms' series. It's Audrianna's story./ My Review of 'Ravishing in Red' can be found: here

Monday, May 3, 2010

Recommendation of the Week: 05/02/10-05/09/10

'Lord of Sin' by Madeline Hunter
"When carefree rake Ewan McLean inherits an earldom, his plans for his new fortune are entirely in keeping with his lifestyle: to expand his collection of erotic art and expensive mistresses. That is, until he becomes acquainted with his most intriguing new responsibility. . .

Bride Cameron is beautiful, unmarried, and sole caretaker of her three younger sisters. Now it’s Ewan’s duty to see that she is provided for. But to his amazement, the last thing the fiery lass wants is Ewan’s help. The simplest thing would be to walk away. But Bride, with her sparkling gaze and fierce wit, is the most bewitching woman Ewan has ever met. And he intends to have her–and to learn how she has managed to survive on her own. Even if he has to employ all the arts of seduction for which he is notorious. . .
"Source
You can find my review of 'Lord of Sin': here

This is your Recommendation for the week of May 2nd,2010 thru May 9th, 2010

Until Next Post<3...

Sunday, April 18, 2010

'Ravishing in Red' by Madeline Hunter -Review-

Read the first page of this entertaining book and you will be itching for more. It's THAT captivating

-Read and excerpt: here









Book Trailer:


   After a mysterious advertisement is placed in the paper by a man known only as 'Domino', directed towards her recently deceased father, Audrianna Kelmsleigh feels compelled to follow its instruction and show up to a meeting at the Two Swords Coaching Inn in the hopes of clearing her fathers name. After a damning mishap with some tampered gun powder that failed some soldiers on the front lines erupted, blame was left on Audrianna's fathers door and scandal and social scorn traveled in its wake. He took his life, which further implicated him as the one responsible, and left his family in tatters. Friends stop calling, fiancee's begged to be released of their duties and melancholy mothers proved to be almost too much for Audrianna to bear.
   At the invitation of her angel of a cousin, Daphne Joyes, a widower due to the war, Audrianna find herself on the outskirts of London, in a makeshift haven for women who prefer not to talk about their past. The house doubles as a livelihood for the woman who make use of the large greenhouse and grow flowers; the business is called 'The Rarest Blooms'.
   The story begins with Audrianna arriving at the Inn and requesting a room from a skeptical inn-keeper. She tells him that if anyone inquires about a Mr.Kelmsleigh then to send them up to her room. Sebastian Summerhays, the brother of a now handicapped Marquess of Wittonbury, whom suffered his crippling injuries as a result of the war, took a special interest in the whole tainted gun powder debacle. After coming across the same mysterious advertisement in the paper, Sebastian takes it upon himself to investigate. He makes his inquires about Mr.Kelmsleigh once he arrives at the inn and is directed to Audrianna's room. Suffice to say, when he stumbles across a beautiful woman, he has to rethink his game plan and figure out why she is there and what connection she has in all this. There is a scene where he gets a little too close for her comfort and she brandishes a pistol at him. He seduces the gun from her grasp with a kiss, and unknowingly distracts himself from the real purpose for their both being there. 'Domino' walks in on them, thinks its a trap and wrestles with Sebastian for the gun. Domino escapes but not before the gun goes off and Sebastian receives an injury to his arm. This brews up a large scandal that leaves Audrianna's virtue and Sebastians honor in question.
   Reluctantly, Audrianna accepts Sebastian's proposal for marriage after the scandal ensues and is pleasantly surprised that it isn't as unpleasant as she imagined. The passions of the marriage bed sustain her for a little while, but soon she finds that she want more from Sebastian, who continues to pursue the matter of the tainted gun powder and keeps her at a distance. Although she is still determined to prove her fathers innocence, Audrianna realizes the 'scab' her tenacity on the subject is making on her marriage and the endless poking and bleeding is weighting on her happiness.
   Through Sebastian's investigations, he finds his brother may be at the center of the crime and fights with the decision to preserve his familial loyalties and satisfy his duty to justice. And all the while, his resistance at the notion of being in love with his wife begins to lose it's potency.
  At the end of the book, revelations are made and justice will be served, but more importantly, husband and wife accept the bonds that will hold them together and a love that they equally and unconditionally share.

My favorite part of the book: Is in the beginning, when Sebastian kisses Audrianna to distraction and eases the gun from her grip. Actually the entire scene (and chapter) are among the favorite I've read in a while. It was exciting, sensual and compelling. What a wonderful way to start off a book. It drew me in at the start and refused to release me until I found all the pieces to the puzzle.

     This is a good piece of writing and the first I have read by Madeline Hunter. What an introduction to an author I feel will captivate me more and more as I move through her works. Although I did feel it started to go flat during some of the scenes involving the investigation and questioning of key witnesses', it still held me and ranks up their with some of the more passion-filled novels I liked. It was as much mystery as romance and should be enjoyable to any fan of romance!

*Also check out 'Provocative in Pearls', Grayson's story (a minor character in 'Ravishing in Red'), which also interlocks with the tale of another one of the 'women who prefer not to talk about their past'  at 'The Rarest Blooms'/ My Review can be found: here
 

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