"The newlywed bride of a Creole aristocrat, Celia Vallerand prays for deliverance from the blood thirsty brigands who abducted her from a New Orleans-bound schooner. Though she believes her beloved husband slain and despairs for her own life, the shy French beauty fears above all the dashing privateer who pays a king's ransom to claim her ... and boldly risks capture to possess her.
The most notorious pirate of the open seas, he is called "the Griffin" — a rugged and powerful renegade who arouses within Celia desires as dangerous as they are irresistible. But the magnificent adventurer is a man trapped in a perilous deception-and he guards a shocking secret that could deny him the love of the gossamer-haired enchantress who stirs his manly passions and enslaves his heart."Source
-'Only With Your Love' was one of those books that I picked up, not expecting to be blown away, but it did exactly that. With twists and turns that I could never even anticipate; it kept me on the edge of my proverbial seat from page 1 to page 416. I adore this book and take pride in informing you that....
This is your Recommendation for the week of May 9th, 2010 thru May 16th, 2010
Have you ever read a book, a historical romance in particular, and wish it were coming to a theater near you?
There are a lot of different movies out there in the net-flicks archives that feature story lines straight from our favorite periods in time. Victorian and Regency era films are so plentiful; there are even some where the acting isn't TOO over the top!
Here are some titles you may or may not have heard of/seen:
'The Libertine' with Johnny Depp is amazing! I watched it a few times when I picked it up at the local video store one summer afternoon. Click the link to read more about it; but as the title suggests, its about a libertine! A notorious libertine at that.
'Persuasion' ,a film adaptation to Jane Austen's memorable novel under the same title. This is by consensus of all those doing consensuses, that Rupert Penry-Jones is BY FAR the hottest Captain Fredrick Wentworth we've ever seen. There is a 1995 adaptation as well, but although it had better acting, the aesthetic properties (old, slightly unattractive) of the actors didn't please as well as it did in this version.
'Northanger Abbey' is yet another Jane Austen film adaptation. It has gorgeous characters and in my opinion, does some sort of justice to the book.
'Sleepy Hollow' Another Johnny Depp! This one is about 'The Headless Horseman'. It was graphic and grotesque! I didn't like how chaste it was, but maybe Christina Ricci (pictured in the poster to the right) was a minor while filming so the romance couldn't be to exploitative. Its still a good flick!
'From Hell' YET another Johnny Depp. This one centers around the fiend 'Jack the Ripper'. Its has bawdy buxoms and gruesome murders. Anything more romantic?
'Marie Antoinette' with Kirsten Dunst, received mixed reviews. It's really a 'if it floats your boat' kind of movie. You'll either love it, or nitpick it to a skeletal shell. It also won some awards for costume and design...so if anything, the dresses are really pretty =)
'The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex' made in 1939, features an all-star cast inculdeing the incomprable Bette Davis. It was directed by Michael Curtiz, who had been directing since 1910, and has dozens upon dozens of films in his repertoire
'Shakespeare in Love' with Gwyneth Paltrow and the ever-sexy Joseph Fiennes! This is a classic for everyone. We all know about William Shakespeare and we all know about 'Shakespeare in Love'
'Emma' with Gwyneth Paltrow. Emma has been re-created countless times including multiple times in TV mini series and an earlier film adaptation in 1932.
'The Other Boleyn Girl' with Scarlett Johannsen, Natalie Portman and Eric Bana (mmhmm)! Oh, that scandalous Anne Boleyn! Great film. (for some reason, I hated ScarJo's acting, but she sorta fit into the film anyway o.0)
serious honors this year at the Oscars. Winning in the best costume design and best make-up and hair categories. I've seen the movie, and it indeed deserved the adulations and the nomination for best female lead at the Oscars! Miss Blunt did 'WORK'. This was a great movie; I wanted to cry at the end when she had his clothes laid out!
'The Duchess' with Keira Knightley is probably one of the most accurate portrayals of the Historical Romances you and I read today. The title alone is reminiscent to a Mary Balogh or Julia Quinn novel, minus the happy ending. It was depressing, but accurate; and the acting wasn't horrible.
'Ever After' is a classic that everyone should have seen at least a good 60 times in their lifetime by now. I loved Drew Berrymore in this film. Modern Cinderella stories always warm the hearts!
'Becoming Jane' is a biopic about the God Mama of Romance. Miss Jane Austen. An upcoming post will be dedicated to her, so look out for that.
As I've stated before, there are hundreds of movies from the Renaissance, middle ages, times of kings and queens and from the formation and systematic dismantling of the British aristocracy. They aren't that hard to find; use a good search engine and type in Dumbo-proof searches: 'regency romance movies' or 'best historical romance movies'.
> Masterpiece | on PBS is a wonderful source for romance re-enactments and motion-picture adaptations of great historicals. There was a whole event centered on Jane Austen's work, which was amazing (and which yours truly missed)! Right now, they are in their 'mystery mode', spotlighting that particular genre at this time; but if you keep checking back, you can get the schedules for upcoming romance masterpiece performances.
*I'll be scouring you tube this weekend for material to use in a video-media/ trailers companion post to this topic.
*Make sure that you e-mail me if you feel there's a great title I may have missed! And post your comments telling me what you thought of the films I've already featured.
Miss Eloisa James is an enigmatic author for me. Her writing style is distinctly different from what I usually find agreeable. I have a preference for directness and a single-focused story-lines; I do not have the patience (nor attention span) to waver from the hero/heroines inevitable interactions for too long. As I read 'Midnight Pleasures' , there were different perspectives flying around that threw me for a subtle loop. While I wasn't exactly taken with this book at first, it grew on me. Miss James has a story-telling quality that never fails to leave you emotionally involved with her characters.
I've 'read' another James novel, 'An Affair Before Christmas', which I couldn't hold interest in (funny bit about the itching wig power, though); but even as I skimmed the book, the characters stayed with me. While 'Midnight Pleasures' wasn't a resounding success with me, it left an impression; A wanting to explore more of James' works for the book that will click for me; because I know its out there.
Our story starts off with Sophie reminiscing about a (in her opinion) half-hearted proposal of marriage from Patrick Foakes. She had recently been caught in his embrace; and honor dictated a proposal be made. Sophie had feelings for Patrick like none other, but if he was only going to propose for the sake of propriety, she wouldn't have him.
She ended up engaged (the next day) to chubby, dull, dim-witted (sorry for being so judgmental) Braddon Chatwin, Earl of Slaslow. She believes she will be contented with the union, and taking ques from her mothers follies with marriage, will act as the Countess she is destined to be and NOT take exception to the Earls inevitable mistress-taking. She could handle Braddon, there was no fear of falling 'in-love' with him. But she knew that Patrick could do things to her heart she would never be able to rebound from.
As Sophie is preparing to attend the Dewland ball; where she will be announcing the impending nuptials to Braddon; she receives a routine 'tongue-lashing' from her mother whom thought her a light skirt, provocative flirt. She holds back the tears her mothers words induced, and promises herself that she would NOT be reduced to the bitter life her mother was living; tortured and acrid because she allowed years of her husbands blatant escapades to influence her attitudes towards him and thus put even more distance between husband and wife.
Patrick was visibly irritable at the prospect of following through on the pretenses of being happy for his friend, Braddon. Patrick wanted Sophie and had no idea why she didn't want to marry him; title shopping probably, he thought. Because Braddon was an Earl and Patrick was a second son. Little did she know he was recently called in by Lord Berksby, Secretary For Foreign Affairs, to act as an ambassador next year at the Selim III the Sultan's title exchange for Emperor. Patrick would be given the title of Duke of Giles to further aid in his efforts.
After the ball, Braddon brags to Patrick and his twin Alex about his finding the perfect mistress. He wasn't even married yet, but he believes he's found the mistress he will keep on as a permeate fixture in his life (and Sophie's too). Patrick becomes enraged and takes up Sophie's cause, but quickly must back-peddle because he holds no clout in the situation at all.
When Sophie demands an immediate elopement which is to be done in dramatic fashion (climbing up a ladder at midnight and racing off to Gretna Green),after sharing a kiss with Patrick that makes her almost-taken so still-vulnerable-to-Patrick status unbearable, Braddon comes up with a scheme to get out of it and avoid the ultimatum of elope-or-bust. He fakes a broken leg and has Patrick act in his place to climb the ladder and take Sophie to the Earl's grandmother's house to dissuade her there. Patrick ends up giving into temptation and after Sophie reveals (under the pre-text that Patrick is Braddon under a deep-hooded disguise) that she doesn't want an elopement or marriage after all, Patrick (revealed as Patrick by this point) takes her virginity and lets her know he intends to marry her instead.
Slyly avoiding complete social scandal, Patrick and Sophie enjoy a languorous wedding trip and explore the wonders of the marriage bed. The only damper, which is prevalent throughout the majority of the book, is that Patrick thinks Sophie was/is in-love with Braddon and he try to keep his distance so neither will get hurt (but, like in all romances, he only succeeds in causing more pain than good).
Sophie goes on weekly jaunts with Braddon; which are really conveyances to a neutral place where Sophie can teach a stable-master's daughter, a.k.a Braddon's old prospective mistress but now love-of-his-life/future betrothed, how to be a proper lady and fool the ton of her ladies status. The trips wear heavily on Patrick's mind and have him seeking refuge in his warehouses and solitary walks till the wee hours of the morning; also leading Sophie to believe he has taken the mistress' she swore she wouldn't take exception to.
Soon Sophie discovers she is pregnant, and an indifferent (but really terrified) Patrick continues (and even strengthens) his distance. Patrick has always had aversions to child-birth, having lost his mother (a very important figure in his life) to it; so hearing of Sophie's condition is traumatic on him and he wrestles with the right way to act with her.
Everything comes to a head when after a particularly one-sided argument between husband and wife ends with a seven-months-pregnant Sophie toppling down the stairs and suffering a miscarriage. Sophie was already informed that the baby wasn't going to live before she took her tumble, but Patrick didn't and becomes beside himself with grief and guilt.
They work through the bereavement, talk through their misunderstandings and settle into agreeable, incomparable, exquisite and all encompassing marital bliss.
My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when we learn of Sophie's pregnancy. It adds another layer to the story that I appreciated. I always feel compelled by novels that explore that element thoroughly. Most novels just focus on the feelings and the misunderstandings, but babies represent something divine and incomparable that make the relationship of the hero and heroine more real and compelling. Its different, reading about babies in 3-paged epilogues and then reading the detailed account of their effects on the parents before actual birth. I always love a book that can explore that aspect, even though in this book we had an unfortunate ending.
Rating: 3 Aww's
As I've said before, Miss James is a most curious author for me. I hate to love her work. Its a new style for me; the many multi-view points. I sometimes find that way of writing tiresome, unnecessary and boring. But I got to the meat-and-potatoes of the story well enough to know its got solid likability. The characters were endearing and their struggles became my struggles (the purpose of a well-written novel). I felt Sophie's pain at trying to hold on to herself while her heart reached for something her mind wasn't quiet sure about. The anguish and emotion that was felt in the subsequent scenes of the miscarriage truly ate away at me. My advice is to give it a read and see if it floats your boat. This isn't the last I've read of you, Miss Eloisa James!
*The stories in this particular series (the Pleasure Series) have interlocking characters. Throughout 'Midnight Pleasures', Alex (Patrick's twin) and Charlotte (Alex's wife and Sophie's best friend) are prominent characters. Little backtracks and hints make you privy to the previous book's storyline in the series (which I haven't read, but now MUST). Check out 'Potent Pleasures', Alex and Charlotte's story!; which has some good adulation and reviews.
Amazing!
There, I said it. This book was WAY more than I expected. Being a Lisa Kleypas novel, there were certain expectations I had before I even turned over the front-cover. Even though this is a contemporary, and even more so that I hardly EVER dip into contemporaries without good reason, this book was all the reason I could ever need to add a new sub-genre to my repertoire. Wittiness, endearing strength and courage, trying times and immaculate triumph are all reigning supreme as you follow Liberty Jones on her journey of perseverance and '68'-less romance.
In the beginning of the story, we find fourteen year old Liberty Jones adjusting herself to her new town of Welcome, Texas. On her first day at the her new single-wide trailer home, she is sent on an errand to deliver a check to Mr.Sadlek, Manager of the 'Bluebonnet Ranch'. On her way there she is attacked by two crazy pit-bulls and ultimately saved by one of her new neighbors; Hardy Cates. After the gallant rescue, Hardy takes Liberty back to his family's trailer and hoses her knees down, which she scratched up in her attempt to flee from the dogs. They converse for a little while and Liberty is instantly attracted to the 17 year old Hardy. Although she is a plain looking, half-Mexican teenager, Liberty can't help but want to become all the woman Hardy could ever want.
Shortly after 'befriending' the savage pit-bulls who attacked her, at Hardy's insistence, and their owner, Miss Marva, big changes start to happen in Liberty's life. Her mother kicks out her lazy, slacker, live-in boyfriend, FINALLY, and Liberty begins to resign herself to life with just her mom. But that thought is short lived when Liberty finds out that her mother, Diana, is pregnant. Liberty reacts in the exact opposite way her mother had predicted; "Because now I wont be alone anymore" she tells her mother, and quickly assures Diana that she will shoulder as much responsibility as needed.
As a fifteenth birthday present, Liberty's friend Lucy gives her a makeover which even Hardy can't believe (or resist). During a 'tips & technique' sessions of basketball, subtle move are made that leave Liberty wanting more; even though she is provoked beyond comprehension at Hardy's assured confidences in her never kissing a boy before. After some study-dates with a classmate that disproves Hardy's claims, Liberty feels ready to put all the 'practice' to the test. Opportunity presences itself as Liberty is visiting Miss Marva and Hardy is there picking up some artwork she wanted conveyed to the local gallery. Hardy asks if she would like him to help her practice basketball again and soon they are embracing on the asphalt.
Among Hardy's many reasons for forgoing any further overtures, he lists his age and his determination to get out of Welcome, which he couldn't jeopardize by coming to care for Liberty and then not wanting to leave her behind.
They are able to keep their distance from one another until a storm blows a few months later while Diana is in labor. Hardy is called to drive both mother and daughter to the hospital in his pick-up truck. Baby Carrington is born and Liberty takes on a more-than-ordinary role in her life. Mother Diana is slow to warm up to Carrington; choosing to hang out with friends and let Liberty take care of the baby. During one of these 'baby-sittings', the pressure wells up in Liberty and she starts to breakdown; all while Carrington is crying in her arms. Hardy hears the baby's wails and comes to the rescue once again, taking the baby to his mothers trailer to be looked after while giving Liberty time to sleep and then tutoring her in Math so she can pass her test the next day. As Hardy departs, he shares a painfully sweet moment with our heroine, telling her "Don't you know I'd do anything for you", when she asks why he did what he did. Their moment is interrupted by Diana's arrival home and her insistence that Hardy shouldn't spend anymore time alone with her daughter. He agrees and makes his exit, staying away this time for much longer.
In the subsequent years that followed, Liberty gets a boyfriend named Luke whom she tries to substitute for Hardy. Its doesn't work as she plans and after spotting Hardy making out with a girl at some party, Liberty gives her virginity to Luke and it leaves her feeling her loneliness and longing even more keenly. She clings to Carrington like a buoy to stay afloat in the ocean of her disappointments in life. At nineteen years old, Hardy decides to follow a job lead that will take him away from Welcome once and for all, but not before he gives Liberty the goodbye that sent the rest of her life spiraling out of control. They didn't do more than kiss, but those achingly bittersweet kisses brought home the fact that she may never see the love of her life ever again.
After Hardy left, Liberty was dealt another devastating blow. Her mother died in a car crash, and Carrington was now completely and legally her responsibility. She had a hard time getting though the first few months after her mothers death, but with the help of her friends and the lovely Miss Marva, Liberty find a rhythm that isn't ideal, but works. She gets a part-time job at her friend's family pawn shop, went to cosmetology school and took care of Carrington until she receive her licenses and got referred to work at an exclusive hair salon in the ritzier districts of Houston. She dated a few frogs, got a boyfriend who was a total '68' (likes for a girl to go down but doesn't return the favor), and meets a 'Sugar Babies' wet dream in Churchill Travis; an older, wealthy business tycoon.
Churchill took an immediate interest in Liberty, but not for the reasons everyone else assumed. They became friends, confided in each other their deepest thoughts and within the span of the four year acquaintanceship, Churchill convinced Liberty to move into his home (River Oaks-which is luxurious on excess). she met with adversity right-off-the-bat, namely in the form of Churchill's eldest son Gage, whom disliked Liberty whole-heartedly and thought she was sleeping with his father. It comes to pass that Liberty must nurse a stubborn Gage back to health and it is then, where we see a budding romance begin.
Gage is the first man in Liberty's life that she wasn't constantly comparing to Hardy. Gage was extravagant and business-minded and soon became everything Liberty could ever want. That is, however, until an older, more financial sound Hardy waltzes back into her life. She asks Gage to be patient with her while she tries to sort out her feelings for both men; and after some shocking family revelations, she learns from the past mistakes of others and chooses the one whom can give her everything she wants and needs. (Highlight the text in between the >><< if you want to know whom she chooses) >>>GAGE!!!<<<
My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Liberty nurses Gage back to health. She goes to his apartment, at his fathers request, and discovers a sickly little kitten of man opening the front door. She sees the house is decorated and stocked in the most minimal of fashion and heads out to fetch some groceries; telling him he needs to shower before she departs. She comes back 45 minuets later with the groceries and starts to prepare Chicken and Dumplings. They converse for a little while and you can see the beginnings of a formidable relationship start to form. He offers her a guest room to stay in overnight since its past midnight by the time they finish eating, but she refuses the invite and another layer (Liberty's resistance to her attraction to Gage) is added to an already deep book.
Rating: 5 Aww's
This is the first 5 out of 5 Aww review on the blog and with great reason. This book was a Journey! We sat back and watched as a naive, self-conscious 14 year-old is transformed by life and grows into a strong young woman. The first half of the book was a look at lost innocents; of a girl who was quickly realizing that life wasn't going to give her break unless she worked hard and kept her eyes on the prize. The second half of the book was her acceptance of her new, mature self and her discovery of unconditional love. This book was just GOLD. plainly, and simply, gold.
* The next book in Lisa Kleypas' contemporary series is Blue-eyed Devil. It's the story of Gage's sister Haven and another character we know well ;)/ My Review can be found: here
* The book after 'Blue-Eyed Devil" in the series is 'Smooth Talking Stranger', Gage's brother Jack's story!/ My Review can be found: here
"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
This author is a GOD SENT! All of her works speak to me on different levels. Lindsey is responsible for giving me the introduction to GREAT HR's that have made me such a picky reader to this day. When you start of with the best, you think nothing of the rest!
Since her first book in 1977, 'Captive Bride', Johanna Lindsey has become a raving success! The 40+ novels that have followed 'Captive Bride' have all reached the New York Times Bestseller List; many coming in at number 1.
Lindsey has been around for a while and as the times changed, her writing evolved as well. She has weaved seamlessly in and out of many different sub-genres in the Romance world. From classic Historicals that hold her their own essences and makes them stand out in a crowd of other novels on the self, to stories of pirates and vikings that put Disney to shame, Lindsey has dabbled in a little bit of everything. There are exotic Arabian tales, medieval masterpieces, gloriously rustic Western American sagas and even some Time-Traveling and Deep Space exploration.
Lindsey has done it all, but that doesn't mean were finished with her yet. Some of her most well known works and series are: the 'Mallory-Anderson Series', the 'Reid-Locke Series' and the 'Sherring-Cross Series'. Poised to come out in June 2010 with yet another addition to the critically acclaimed 'Mallory Series'- 'That Perfect Someone' will undoubtedly be anticipated like a stimulus package until the day of release.
And is it any wonder that our first 'Author of the Month' is the one that started it all for me? Someone with as impeccable a writing style and as captivating a story-telling ability such as Johanna Lindsey only comes by every so once in an often.
So, there is your May 2010 'Author of the Month' !
This month will feature a barrage of new releases. Two of which I've spoken of recently with unabashed anticipation! In an Industry where literally thousands of books are published and released yearly, it's up to the bloggers of the world to shift through the sand and find the gems!
Here's what you should look for in the Month of May:
*Today is May 1st; we've got a great new release to pick up and gorge on! After reading the synopsis on this one, I know I've got to speed up these blog updates, get some shut-eye, and amble on down to the nearest book retailer tomorrow!
*'Never Less Than A Lady' by Mary Jo Putney
"As the sole remaining heir to the Earl of Daventry, battle weary Major Alexander Randall knows his duty: find a wife and sire a son. The perfect bride for a man in his position would be a biddable young girl of good breeding. But the woman who haunts his imagination is Julia Bancroft—a quiet village midwife with shattering secrets that thrust her into Randall’s protection.
Within the space of a day, Julia has been abducted by her first husband’s cronies, rescued, and proposed to by a man she scarcely knows—yet has been unable to forget. Though a union with the handsome, enigmatic major offers safety, she fears she can never trust any man again. But as passion slowly warms Julia’s damaged heart, she starts to hope that perhaps a Lost Lord can teach her what a true marriage can be…" Source
*May 4th will send a sizzling new Vanessa Kelly novel to a bookstore near you! With a title straight from a lifetime movie (Yes, I find time to indulge on an occasional lifetime movie; is there anything more feminine?) and a cover that will have you takeing a second look, this book looks to be a must-read!
*'Sex And The Single Earl' by Vanessa Kelly
"Their marriage was convenient... Simon St. James, fifth Earl of Trask, knows he could do worse in the marriage of convenience department. Sophie Stanton may be a bit of a social liability, with her ungovernable ways and flighty nature, but Simon has responsibilities as an earl that far outweigh happiness in the household. As for happiness in the bedroom...he has to admit he sees Sophie’s potential in that arena...
Their passion was not!
But Sophie isn’t some bargaining chip to be traded, and she’s not about to let Simon St. James tell her how to live her life—even though she has nurtured a crush on the handsome young earl for as long as she can remember. If his idea of courtship is telling her what to do, then she is not interested, or at least she is trying not to be. But when his scolding words turn to scorching kisses, suddenly Sophie starts paying attention..."Source
*On May 11th, a wonderful new anthology written by three equally wonderful authors will be hitting the shelf's.
*'Three Times A Bride' by Catherine Anderson,
Loretta Chase and Samantha James
"Three times a lady. Three times a beauty. Three Times a Bride Three brides, three beginnings, three stories of incomparable romance from USA Today bestselling authors Catherine Anderson, Loretta Chase, and Samantha James. Celebrate the glorious, magical moment when man and woman become husband and wife with these three couples, joined by a passionate promise of forever—and inspired by true love. Wedded bliss has never been this wicked . . ." Source
-Read an excerpt of Samantha James' contribuation to the anothology! (it was originally released in 1996 under a two book mini-series titled 'Married at Midnight' and 'Every wish Fulfilled'. Now it has been re-released in 'Three Times A Bride'): here
* May 11th, get ready for something a little...Notorious.
*'The Notorious Scoundrel' by Alexandra Benedict
"Like an irresistible siren, the veiled dancer with the bewitching green eyes lures dukes and earls down into London's underworld to see her dance-and succumb to her spell. Some say she's a princess, but only one man knows her darkest secret.
She is Amy Peel, an orphan from the city's rookeries, and she believes the bold rogue who unmasks her to be nothing but a scoundrel-albeit a dangerously handsome one. He may have rescued her from an attempted kidnapping, but she will not give in to his sensual seduction or to the wicked desire she begins to feel . . .
He is Edmund Hawkins, swashbuckling pirate turned reluctant gentleman, and he will not let the lovely Amy slip through his grasp, especially when he learns she's in greater peril than she could possibly know. He will do everything in his power to protect her-for this notorious scoundrel has truly, unbelievably, lost his heart . . ." Source
*May 18th, The secret will be unveiled.
*'A Secret Affair' by Mary Balogh
" The Devil was about to be tamed.” Her name is Hannah Reid. Born a commoner, she has been Duchess of Dunbarton ever since she was nineteen years old, the wife of an elderly duke to whom she has been rumored to be consistently and flagrantly unfaithful. Now the old duke is dead and, more womanly and beautiful than ever at thirty, Hannah has her freedom at last. And she knows just what she wants to do with it. To the shock of a conventional friend, she announces her intention to take a lover—and not just any lover, but the most dangerous and delicious man in all of upper-class England: Constantine Huxtable. Constantine’s illegitimacy has denied him the title of Earl, so now he denies himself nothing . . . or so the ton would have it. Rumored to be living the free and easy life of a sensualist in his country estate, he always chooses recent widows for his short-lived affairs. Hannah will fit the bill nicely.
But once these two passionate and scandalous figures find each other, they discover that it isn’t so easy to extricate oneself from the fires of desire—without getting singed. For the duchess and the dark lord each have startling secrets to reveal, and when all is said and done, neither will be able to say which one fell in love first, who tamed whom, and who has emerged from this game of hearts with the stronger hand." Source
-an excerpt can be found: here
THE BIG DATE: MAY 25th, the following novels will all be release.. who will top them all?
* 'A Gentelman Always Remembers' by Candace Camp
"Married young to a charming but improvident army officer, Eve Hawthorne was widowed with little left except for a few extravagant trifles. Desperate to avoid her domineering stepmother, she accepts employment as chaperone to the Earl of Stewkesbury’s American cousins. Who better than a levelheaded widow to remind these young girls that they no longer live on a frontier? But when she flirts with a handsome stranger who turns out to be the earl’s brother Fitz, Eve worries she’s given the wrong impression. Trying to prove herself responsible—with Fitz challenging her at every turn—is hard enough, but a blackmailer with an interest in Eve’s prior marriage proves far more troubling. With the earl away, Eve can turn only to Fitz for help. But dare she confide in him, when getting too close to this confirmed bachelor might risk her heart to his alluring ways? "Source
* ' Seven Secrets Of Seduction' by Anne Mallory
" Scandalous and provocative, The Seven Secrets of Seduction is an intoxicating insight into the mind of men and the desires of women—and the book has all the ton talking. Secret #1: Every good seduction begins with a baited hook . . . Well-educated, but not part of society, Miranda Chase is just as captivated by the erotic pages as everyone else in London. Intrigued by the layers she sees beneath the book's surface, she writes an editorial about it, never realizing that her passionate words will draw an actual viscount to her uncle's bookshop. Maximilian, Viscount Downing, has very particular ideas about passion and sees truth only in desire. He freely flaunts his sensual power and seeks nothing more than another conquest—the one that could justify his entire debauched existence. But Miranda's blend of innocence, trust, and love cause a strange thing to happen on the way to this seduction. Something that just might threaten the very fabric of his jaded heart . . ." Source
* 'My Reckless Surrender' by Anna Campbell
"Headlong into sin . . . A well-practiced rake, weary of easy conquests and empty pleasures, Tarquin Vale, Earl of Ashcroft, knows women—and his every instinct warns him to beware of this one. Diana Carrick's brazen overtures have thrown the haunted, sinfully handsome lord completely off his guard. Why, the exquisite temptress stated outright that she wishes to be his lover. But it is neither Diana's boldness nor her beauty that intrigues him so—it is the innocence he senses behind her worldly mask. Intent upon the seduction that will finally free her, Diana has set her sights on the notorious Ashcroft—never dreaming that there is much more to the enigmatic rogue than sin and deviltry. His kiss is bewitching, his caress intoxicating—and even the dangerous secret Diana must protect cannot shield her from Ashcroft's dark allure. Unwittingly yet most willingly, they are playing with fire. Now the fuse has been lit and there is no escape . . . except surrender." Source
- An excerpt can be found: here
* 'When Marrying A Scoundrel' by Kathryn Smith (May 26th)
" A lady must be prepared for anything . . . when marrying a scoundrel.
Sadie Moon once thought she was in love. Then her dashing husband left her to seek his fortune, and she had no choice but to transform herself from a heartbroken waif into London Society's favorite fortune-teller. But even she could not have foreseen Jack's return—until their paths cross in the last place either would have expected: London's most exclusive house of pleasure.
Now wealthy and successful, Jack Friday has everything he'd ever dreamed of . . . except Sadie. He swears he will never trust the woman who broke her promise to wait for him, though his passion for her burns as hotly as ever before. But love, like the past, comes back to haunt them—drawing them into a web of intrigue and betrayal that could save or destroy them both." Source
* 'Married By Morning' by Lisa Kleypas
" For two years, Catherine Marks has been a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters—a pleasant position, with one caveat. Her charges’ older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating. Cat can hardly believe that their constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction. But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response—and even more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liaison.
Leo must marry and produce an heir within a year to save his family home. Catherine’s respectable demeanor hides a secret that would utterly destroy her. But to Leo, Cat is intriguing and infernally tempting, even to a man resolved never to love again. The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever—unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires…" Source
-An excerpt can be found: here
-featured in this previous post.
*'Ten Things I Love About You' by Julia Quinn
"Ten Things You Should Know About This Book 1. Sebastian Grey is a devilishly handsome rogue with a secret. 2. Annabel Winslow's family voted her The Winslow Most Likely to Speak Her Mind and The Winslow Most Likely to Fall Asleep in Church. 3. Sebastian's uncle is the Earl of Newbury, and if he dies without siring an heir, Sebastian inherits everything. 4. Lord Newbury detests Sebastian and will stop at nothing to prevent this from happening. 5. Lord Newbury has decided that Annabel is the answer to all of his problems. 6. Annabel does not want to marry Lord Newbury, especially when she finds out he once romanced her grandmother. 7 is shocking, 8 is delicious, and 9 is downright wicked, all of which lead the way to 10. Happily. Ever. After." Source -An excerpt can be found: here
-featured in this previous post.
You can find tons (the measurement, not society) of other releases, reviews and so much more from one of my favorite source sites historicalromancereleases.com/. Their site is amazing and so well designed. Before you take a trip to your local B&N to pick up something to read, make sure you check out this site and take their suggestions. And harperscollins (one of the leading publishing houses in the HR genre, keeps a thourogh 'upcomning releases' page under their 'books' tab on their website.
This is the first change of the calender page for the blog and I couldn't be more excited! The blog was started on April 14th, 2010 and I hope that I can repeat that fact on April 14th, 2011.
Ah, I am getting ahead of myself though. The month of May will prove undeniably fruitful as I work to put up more & more posts and build a stronger community. To all of the new followers of the blog and the official twitter page, I give you my most heartfelt thanks and appreciation. Each new follower, new comment, new email, is the reassurance and validation that keeps me going and logging on everyday.
Here is some of what you should expect this month:
-More reviews (a duh)
-More video content (book trailers, author interviews, ect)
-Upcoming book releases to look out for
- The first 'Author of the Month' feature
-Victorian and Regency mainstream movie reviews (There are some great motion picture adaptations about our favorite era in history; might as well explore that too)
-More additions to the blog ( freebie wallpapers and AIM icons and other graphics)
-The first series spotlight week (week long event focusing on one particular series;including a review of all the books from that series)
