Look what I found! Ok, I know this is a little irrelevant but I figure there’s a good chance most of us historical junkies are also big Austen fans. Well, you’re gonna love this new set of online videos that feature a updated version of Pride and Prejudice narrated by a modern Lizzie Bennet.
Try one and I promise you’ll be hooked 
Main Channel:
2012 brings the highly anticipated new book which features a beloved secondary character and acts as the first book in a brand new seven part series entitled The Survivors’ Club series!
It is available for pre-order on Amazon now!
Have a sneak peek at the book now…
Click cover for more info!
Summary:
Hugo never intends to kiss Lady Muir, and frankly, he judges her to be a spoiled, frivolous—if beautiful—aristocrat. He is a gentleman in name only: a soldier whose bravery earned him a title; a merchant’s son who inherited his wealth. He is happiest when working the land, but duty and title now demand that he finds a wife. He doesn’t wish to court Lady Muir, nor have any role in the society games her kind thrives upon. Yet Hugo has never craved a woman more; Gwen’s guileless manner, infectious laugh, and lovely face have ruined him for any other woman. He wants her, but will she have him?
The hard, dour ex-military officer who so gently carried Gwen to safety is a man who needs a lesson in winning a woman’s heart. Despite her cautious nature, Gwen cannot ignore the attraction. As their two vastly different worlds come together, both will be challenged in unforeseen ways. But through courtship and seduction, Gwen soon finds that with each kiss, and with every caress, she cannot resist Hugo’s devotion, his desire, his love, and the promise of forever.
The end of the year is always a great time to review the past year and all the successes and failures…
This year has been a particularly great year for romance with a bunch of new releases which have garnered lots of great reviews.
It was so hard picking a few good ones as there were several great romances out this year. But these ten (and two honorarys) were the best of the best! They appear in order of publication.
So, here is Historical Romance Addict’s first Top Ten list for The Top Ten Romances for 2011!
1) What I Did For A Duke by Julie Anne Long (Book 5 in Pennyroyal Green series)
Click cover for more info!
Avon (February 22, 2011)
Average Amazon rating: 4.6/5
2) Midnight’s Wild Passion by Anna Campbell
Click cover for more info!
Avon (April 26, 2011)
Average Amazon rating: 4.4
Review:
http://romanceaddict91.wordpress.com/category/historical-romance-authors/anna-campbell/
3) Wicked in Your Arms by Sophie Jordan (Book 1 in Forgotten Princesses series) 
Click cover for more info!
Avon (July 26, 2011)
Average Amazon rating: 4.3/5
4) A Midnight Dance by Lila DiPasqua (Book 1 in Fiery Tales series)
Click cover for more info!
Berkley Trade; Original edition (August 2, 2011)
Average Amazon rating: 4.5/5
5) In The Arms of A Marquess by Katherine Ashe (Book 3 in Rogues Of The Sea series)
Click cover for more info!
Avon (August 30, 2011)
Average Amazon rating: 4.6/5
6) One Night in London by Caroline Linden (Book 1 in The Truth About The Duke series)
Click cover for more info!
Avon (August 30, 2011)
Average Amazon rating: 4.4/5
7) Lord and Lady Spy by Shana Galen
Click cover for more info!
Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 6, 2011)
Average Amazon rating: 4.5/5
8 ) Recklessly Yours by Allison Chase (Book 3 in Her Majesty’s Secret Servants Series)
Click cover for more info!
Signet (December 6, 2011)
Average Amazon rating: 4.8/5
9) My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley (Book 4 in Inferno Club series)
Click cover for more info!
Avon (December 27, 2011)
Average Amazon rating: 4.8/5
10) How The Marquess Was Won by Julie Anne Long (Book 6 in Pennyroyal Green series)
Click cover for more info!
Avon (December 27, 2011)
Average Amazon rating: 4.7/5
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BEST DEBUT FOR 2011:
Secrets of a Proper Countess by Lecia Cornwall
Click cover for more info!
Avon (March 29, 2011)
Average Amazon rating: 4.1/5
Review:
http://romanceaddict91.wordpress.com/2011/05/11/secrets-of-a-proper-countess-by-lecia-cornwall/
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HISTORICAL ROMANCE ADDICTS PERSONAL PICK FOR 2011:
Silk is For Seduction by Loretta Chase (Book 1 in Dressmakers series)
Click cover for more info!
Avon (June 28, 2011)
Average Amazon rating: 4.1/5
Review:
http://romanceaddict91.wordpress.com/2011/07/17/silk-is-for-seduction-by-loretta-chase/
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What are your top picks for 2011? Comment and share your favorites below!
Setting: Regency 1816
Summary:
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?”
Click cover for excerpt and more info!
Review:
After seeing how many authors graced the front and back covers of Kieran Kramer’s new debut spouting all kinds of praise and hearing all the hype about her, I had high hopes for her first book to blow me away. Sadly, though the book had it’s moments, and wasn’t horrible, it wasn’t near to what I expected after reading all that praise. This was a light, funny, quite fun, easy read that sometimes dragged and was also very implausible. My biggest problem? Lack of chemistry between the hero and heroine.
At the very start, it is made clear that Harry and his sister-in-law Molly are enemies. Now, I’m a sucker for a good hate-to-love story (think Pride and Prejudice) but the romance here just felt underdeveloped. I just couldn’t see what drew these two together, except for how much they couldn’t stand (and then eventually lusted) for each other. It was one more moment I hate you then next moment I want you sooo bad! As a result, I didn’t feel particularly drawn to them and wasn’t going over the moon when it seemed they couldn’t be together.
As a hero, Harry was just ok, though I didn’t particularly feel drawn to him, like I do with other heroes. He was a bit bland for me. I did like Molly alot though and found her feisty and sweet nature thoroughly irresistible!
The storyline was entertaining though and very fresh. I couldn’t wait to see what would come next in the competition for the Most Delectable Companion. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, exp the other mistresses Molly meets who (as one would expect) had very modern personalities and were not that lady like.
However, I couldn’t get over how Molly was able to be Harry’s fake mistress and yet go home, reputation untarnished. It wasn’t very well explained and ruined the good storyline slightly as I kept wondering how.
So overall, a fun, light read that’s something new in the romance genre but there was a lack of chemistry between the hero and heroine, which is a bummer as it might have been brilliant!
Sensuality Rating: Hot (Love scenes are long and explicit)
Verdict: A fun, fresh read but suffers from lack of chemistry and an implausible premise
Rating: 3 and a half out of 5 stars
Looks like along with summer heat, we’ve got a selection of very improper heroes and one very improper bride! 
Check out next month’s scandalous reads that’s sure to heat up your summer…
Jennifer Haymore‘s new book!
Confessions of an Improper Bride
Click cover for excerpt!
Summary:
Serena Donovan left London six years ago, her heart broken and her reputation ruined by devilishly handsome Jonathan Dane. Now, with her family’s future in peril, she reluctantly agrees to return to England and assume her late twin’s identity. The price? Marry a man she doesn’t love and spend the rest of her days living a lie.
Jonathan Dane, Earl of Stratford, has become an incorrigible rake, drinking, gambling-and trying to forget Serena Donovan. Yet the moment he’s introduced to the prim and proper “Meg,” he recognizes the sensual young woman who captured his heart. Haunted by his past mistakes, he refuses to lose Serena again. But convincing her to trust him is no easy task. Claiming his lost love means exposing the truth and destroying the life Serena has sacrificed everything to rebuild. With the future of all the Donovans at stake, and their undying passion capable of triggering yet another scandal, how much will Jonathan and Serena risk for a chance at true love?
RELEASE DATE: JULY 26, 2011
And check out that steamy stepback-now isn’t that perfect for summer?
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And then we have 3 very improper gentlemen waiting to be introduced-move over you pampered dukes and earls, these men are street-smart, earthy and oh so sexy…
Improper Gentlemen Anthology
Click cover for excerpt!
Summary:
Unsuitable. Forbidden. Oh-so-seductive. These gentlemen are hardly respectable. But they are the very best at being bad… What more could a lady want?
“To Match a Thief” by Maggie Robinson
Ex-pickpocket Sir Simon Keith can now afford the best of everything. But London’s most-desired courtesan is his lost love Lucy. Now Simon will need his wits and his considerably large…wiles to win his way back into her bed—and into her heart.
“Hair Trigger Palace” by Diane Whiteside
He rules Colorado’s most glittering gambling palace. Justin Talbot never does something for nothing. If daring Boston aristocrat Charlotte Morland needs his protection from a dangerous enemy, he’ll make her business his pleasure…
“A Knack for Trouble” by Mia Marlowe
Lord Aidan Stonemere didn’t go from prison to a title by playing by society’s rules. If he wants something, he takes it. Rosalinde Burke didn’t object to being taken. Once. To keep her from marrying a proper viscount, Aidan will do whatever it takes to remind her how deliciously good being improper feels…
RELEASE DATE: JULY 26, 2011
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Setting: Regency
*The first book in the Madison Sisters trilogy*
Summary:
The fairy tale courtship did not turn into a happily ever after…
Not until her husband dropped dead, that is. He had been horrible enough to Christiana during their short marriage, and she was not going to allow the traditional period of mourning to ruin her sisters’ debuts as well. So Christiana decides to put him on ice and go on as if nothing’s happened…
Until the real earl appears. Richard Fairgrave had every intention of confronting his villainous twin who robbed him of his name and title…only to discover that he’d died. Quietly assuming his identity, Richard must now deal with a maddening desire for his ravishing inherited “wife”—certainly a gold digger and possibly a murderess. And Christiana must deal with an unwanted new “husband”…and they both must figure out what to do before the ice melts!
Click cover for excerpt and more info!
Review:
I loved this funny, fast-paced read from this author I hadn’t read before! Though the plot was at times implausible and there were some anachronisms, the premise was fresh, fun, original and very well pulled off!
The story concerns Christiana, the eldest of the Madison sisters whose cruel husband drops dead one day in his study. She decides to put him away and pretend nothing happened but when she spots him at the ball that evening, her troubles are just beginning! Turns out he’s the one she was meant to be married to and the cruel husband is his evil twin! Naturally, the two en d up falling in love but must also deal with what to do with the twin’s body and the threat of a possible murderer!
I liked Christiana and found her easily relatable. Right from the beginning, you feel sorry for her and what she had to endure and you’re almost rooting for her to find happiness! However, it was a bit silly how long it took her to figure out that the man she met at the ball isn’t her husband-he was so clearly different!
The hero on the other hand (the real one not the fake evil twin!) was sweet, considerate and very sexy! None of that typical arrogance seen in most heroes-this one was sincere and honest. He made the perfect match for Christiana and was the right man to heal all her wounds (in more ways than one )
The tension was hot and the story was very intriguing. I stayed up more than one late night just to finish it off! Lynsay Sands has a very easy-to-read and humorous writing style and boy, does she know how to write a love scene! The plot was at times a bit implausible but hey, this is fiction after all, though if you like your stories more realistic, you might not like this one as much.
I also enjoyed the mystery subplot and it kept me guessing right up till the end. The only flaws in this book was that sometimes the characters acted in very modern ways and more than once during a scene, I would think, a Regency lady wouldn’t do that or say that! This kind of spoiled the magic for me slightly. Then there would be times in a love scene when a heroine’s undergarments would magically disappear and she would be completely bare under her gown!
But apart from those flaws, I still found the book to be a great read, perfect if you want something funny , upbeat and wonderfully romantic to escape into on a boring afternoon. If you’re a bit of a history stickler, than this one’s not for you.
Sensuality Rating: Pretty Hot (Love scenes are quite long and explicit)
Verdict: Prefect escapist fun!
Rating: 4 and a half out of 5 stars
Summer is here! (Well, for some of us anyway) And what a great summer/winter it will be with all these awesome books coming out Check out the list, which features one DEBUT and the first book of an exciting new series!!!
*UPDATED*
1) Out June 7
Summary:
A Night with a Marquess
Born on the wrong side of the blanket, matchmaker Sophie Reynard understands the consequences of unbridled desire all too well. Despite the many highborn friends she has matched, falling in love with an aristocrat without a pedigree of her own would be an act of futility. But that doesn’t stop her from succumbing to one evening of anonymous passion…
A Lifetime of Desire
Nicholas Tenbury, Marquess of Ancroft, knows nothing of Sophie’s lineage. He knows only that the enchanting beauty captured his heart in one night and then fled, leaving no trace of her identity. But when he seeks answers from London’s finest matchmaker, he finds none other than the woman herself—stubbornly refusing to acknowledge the attraction they share! Now the enamored Marquess has no choice but to sway Sophie with seduction…
Click cover to view author’s site…
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2) Out June 21 *Book Two in Blackwater Brides series*
Summary N/A
Click cover to order from Amazon!
About the Author:
Jane Feather is the New York Times bestselling author of A Husband’s Wicked Ways, A Wicked Gentleman and To Wed a Wicked Prince and more than twenty-five other historical romances. She was born in Cairo, Egypt and grew up in the south of England. She began her writing career after she and her family moved to Washington, D.C. in 1981. There are more than 10 million copies of her books in print.
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3) Out June 28 *DEBUT AUTHOR!* (Book One in Ministry of Marriage series)
Summary:
Jane, Lady Roxdale, has endured one marriage of convenience decreed by the Ministry of Marriage. While she deeply regrets her late husband’s death, she is relieved to be free at last. But when a dissolute rake threatens everything Jane holds dear, she must contemplate marrying a second time…
Disgraced libertine Constantine Black inherits his cousin Roxdale’s land and title–while Roxdale’s prim widow is left all the wealth. Constantine is not a marrying man, but wedding Jane is the only way to save the estate from ruin. Jane resists the smoldering heat between them, desperate not to fall in love with an unrepentant rake. But for the first time ever, Constantine wants more than seduction. He wants all of her–body, heart, and soul…
Click cover for excerpt and more info!
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4) Out June 28 *Book One in Dressmakers series*
Summary:
Brilliant and ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot is London’s rising star. And who better to benefit from her talent than the worst-dressed lady in London; the Duke of Clevedon’s intended bride? Winning the future duchess’s patronage means prestige and fortune for Marcelline and her family. To get to the lady, though, Marcelline must win over Clevedon, whose standards are as high as his morals are…not.
The prize seems well worth the risk. This time, though, Marcelline’s met her match. Clevedon can design a seduction as irresistible as her dresses; and what begins as a flicker of desire between two of the most passionately stubborn charmers in London soon ignites into a delicious inferno . . .and a blazing scandal.
And now both their futures hang by a thread of silk…
Click cover for excerpt and more info!
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5) Out June 28
Summary:
IN GRITTY, WORKING-CLASS LONDON, SHE DOES WHAT SHE MUST TO SURVIVE . . .
When Nell Whitby breaks into an earl’s house on a midnight quest for revenge, she finds her pistol pointed at the wrong man—one handsome as sin and naked as the day he was born. Pity he’s a lunatic. He thinks her a missing heiress, but more to the point, he’ll help her escape the slums and right a grave injustice. Not a bad bargain. All she has to do is marry him.
A NOTORIOUS LADIES’ MAN COULD TAKE HER FROM POVERTY TO OPULENCE . . . BUT AT WHAT PRICE?
A rake of the first order, Simon St. Maur spent his restless youth burning every bridge he crossed. When he inherits an earldom without a single penny attached to it, he sees a chance to start over—provided he can find an heiress to fund his efforts. But his wicked reputation means courtship will be difficult—until fate sends him the most notorious missing heiress in history. All he needs now is to make her into a lady and keep himself from making the only mistake that could ruin everything: falling in love. . . .
Click cover for excerpt and more info
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6) Out June 28 *Book Two in Regency Rogues*
Summary:
Injured in the line of duty, Young Corinthian agent Marcus Maxwell, the Earl of Weston, travels to his country estate to recover—or so he believes. His superior’s request that he investigate a smuggling ring run by Napoleon sympathizers seems ridiculous at first, but then becomes all-too threatening as pieces of a treacherous puzzle begin to fall into place. And the most troubling piece of all is Miss Sarah Tisdale, an unconventional beauty whose lust for life is rivaled only by her ability to drive Marcus to distraction. When her family comes under suspicion, Marcus must watch her very, very closely…even if her touch ignites the deep, fiery desire burning just beneath his cool façade.
When it comes to suitors, Sarah’s lush curves and perfectly kissable lips aren’t enough to compensate for her outspoken and willful nature. Sarah’s tasted disappointment before, and she long ago decided that she’s better off without an overbearing husband. Still, flirting with the sinfully handsome Marcus is a pastime worth savoring—even when it leads to wicked pleasures. But when Sarah’s life is in jeopardy, Marcus discovers that the fire between them can no longer be denied—and that he’ll do anything to keep her in his arms.
Click cover for more info!
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7) Out June 28 *Book Three in London’s Greatest Lovers series*
Summary:
They are masters of seduction, London’s greatest lovers . . .
Renowned for his bedchamber prowess, Ransom Seymour, the Duke of Ainsley, owes a debt to a friend. But the payment expected is most shocking, even to an unrepentant rake—for he’s being asked to provide his friend’s exquisite wife with what she most dearly covets: a child.
Living for pleasure, they will give their hearts to no one . . .
Lady Jayne Seymour, Marchioness of Walfort, is furious that such a scandalous agreement would be made. If she acquiesces, there must be rules: no kissing . . . and, certainly, no pleasure.
Until love takes them by surprise.
But unexpected things occur with the surprisingly tender duke—especially once Lady Jayne discovers the rogue can make her dream again . . . and Ransom realizes he’s found the one woman he truly cannot live without.
Click cover for more info on the series!
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8 ) Out June 28
Summary:
It was the moment she had been dreaming of: a stolen kiss at a masquerade ball with the dashing Camden St. Giles. He may not have known who she was, but Christel would never forget . . .
Nine years have passed since that magical evening. Now Camden, the seventh earl of Carrick, is widowed with a young daughter, a man with a heart in need of healing. And Christel has just stolen onboard his ship bound for Scotland. Neither has forgotten the kiss that had set their hearts ablaze. The longer she remains with him, the hotter his desire burns. But as they grasp their second chance at love, will the secrets from his past threaten to destroy the one love true enough to free his tormented heart?
Click cover to view author site…
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9) Out June 21 (LATE ADD)
Summary:
With the scandalous nature of her birth to live down, Isabella Fairmont dreams of a proper marriage – even if a passionless one. She saves her deepest desires for the novel she dares to pen, wherein a handsome lord with dark powers seduces her. But then her courtship with an appropriate suitor is threatened by the sudden attention of the Earl of Black …whose pale blue eyes and brooding sensuality are exactly as she described in her book.
Isabella tries to resist the mysterious Earl of Black. Yet as he pursues her with inexplicable knowledge of her past and kisses that consume her, Isabella fears she will succumb.
If only the earl could tell Isabella the truth. With very real and treacherous thieves endangering her life, Black will need to protect Isabella from the very people she trusts the most…
Click cover for excerpt and more info!
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HAPPY MONTH OF READING!
Gotta love book trailers-they make you that much more excited about reading that novel! Enjoy a peek at Stefanie Sloane’s new series and don’t forget to buy them when they’re out!
BOOK ONE: OUT MAY 24, 2011
BOOK TWO: OUT JUNE 28, 2011
BOOK THREE: OUT JULY 26, 2011
