Romances Coming in May 2012!

As we’re nearing summer, it’s time to finish up work and make plans for vacations! These brand new exciting romances are sure to get you in the mood for summer!

1) Out May 1 *Book 1 in The Survivors’ Club series* (NEW SERIES!)

Summary:

Gwendoline, Lady Muir, has seen her share of tragedy, especially since a freak accident took her husband much too soon. Content in a quiet life with friends and family, the young widow has no desire to marry again. But when Hugo, Lord Trentham, scoops her up in his arms after a fall, she feels a sensation that both shocks and emboldens her.
 
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.

Click cover for more info!

***

2) Out May 1 *Book 1 in Belgrave Square Affair series* (NEW SERIES!)

Summary:

In this tantalizing new novel of untold wealth, unbridled privilege, and unspeakable scandals, a family shakes the very foundation of proper Victorian Society—and sets the bluebloods to blushing..

When the wealthy middle-class Laurie family purchases a home in exclusive Belgrave Square, London Society is aghast. After all, the consensus is that they’re nothing but lowborn commoners-a family of nouveau riche daring to marry into the aristocracy. Others believe it’s an attempt to prove that their wealth makes them equal to nobility. Only one thing is certain: Belgrave Square will never be the same again.

Upon his father’s death, Alexander Laurie feels the best way to provide his family with the privileges they deserve and secure their business is to establish ties with the London ton. And the best way to do it is by marrying an aristocratic bride. But when his business rival’s beautiful daughter—the one person who can destroy his plans—appears in London, Alex must defeat her attempts at sabotage.even if that means stealing kisses from the enemy…

Click cover for more info! (Author website N/A)

***

3) Out May 1 *Book 4 in Lost Lords series*

Summary:

Grey Sommers, Lord Wyndham, never met a predicament he couldn’t charm his way out of. Then a tryst with a government official’s wife during a bit of casual espionage in France condemns him a decade in a dungeon, leaving him a shadow of his former self. Yet his greatest challenge may be the enigmatic spy sent to free his body—the only woman who might heal his soul.

Half English and half French, Cassie Fox lost everything in the chaos of revolution, leaving only a determination to help destroy Napoleon’s empire through her perilous calling. Rescuing Grey is merely one more mission.  She hadn’t counted on a man with the stark beauty of a ravaged angel, whose desperate courage and vulnerability touch her frozen heart as no one ever has.  With Grey, she can become the passionate woman she has long denied.

But a spy and a lord are divided by an impassable gulf even if they manage to survive one last, terrifying mission….

Click cover for more info!

***

4) Out May 1 *Book 1 in Fitzhugh Trilogy* (NEW SERIES!)

Summary:

When the Duke of Lexington meets the mysterious Baroness von Seidlitz-Hardenberg aboard a transatlantic ocean liner, he is fascinated. She is exactly what he has been searching for—a beautiful woman who interests and entices him. He falls hard and fast—and soon proposes marriage.

And then she disappears without a trace…

For in reality, the “baroness” is Venetia Easterbrook—a proper young widow who had her own vengeful reasons for instigating an affair with the duke. But the plan has backfired. Venetia has fallen in love with the man she despised—and there’s no telling what might happen when she is finally unmasked…

Click cover for more info!

***

5) Out May 1 *Book 5 of Windham series*

Summary:

Maggie Windham is the Duke of Moreland’s eldest, but illegitimate, daughter. She leads a retiring, dignified life… until stolen letters bring Maggie to investigator Benjamin Hazlit’s door.

When it becomes clear Maggie is being blackmailed, Benjamin becomes determined to find not just the letters, but the way to Maggie’s heart.

Click cover for more info!

***

6) Out May 1 *Book 5 in The Rogues’ Dynasty series*

Summary:

Her Writing Talent is Causing All Kinds of Trouble…

The daughter of a famous writer, Catalina Crisp has helped her father publish a parody that makes Iverson Brentwood’s whole family the talk of the town, and not in a good way.

Because He’s the Reality Behind the Story…

Furious and threatening, Iverson storms into Catalina’s house, demanding satisfaction, but the infamous rake has finally met his match. With her cool demeanor and intense intelligence, Catalina heats his blood like no other woman in his notorious history…

Click cover for more info!

***

7) Out May 22 *Book 1 in Cinderella Sisterhood series* (NEW SERIES!)

Summary:

Is This Love Real?

Raised in a girls’ school, Annabelle Quinn longs for the world outside the walls of the academy. When she’s hired as the governess to an orphaned duke, Annabelle never expects the child’s breathtakingly handsome guardian to capture her imagination—or her heart.

Or Are They Living in a Fairytale?

Falling for his young nephew’s governess is an irksome complication in Lord Simon Westbury’s orderly life, but Annabelle’s quiet beauty and wry intellect are too much to resist. Meanwhile, a mysterious danger looms over the remote Cornwall estate. Will their newfound desire stand the test of time? Or are some happy endings just too good to come true?

Click cover for more info!

***

8 ) Out May 22 *Book 4 in Hurst Amulet series*

Summary:

A DETERMINED EXPLORER

When famed Egyptologist Michael Hurst discovers that the infamous Hurst Amulet is hidden in Scotland, he insists his trusted assistant, Miss Jane Smythe-Haughton, accompany him north. Strangely, the usually unflappable Jane seems perturbed by their destination—the mysterious Isle of Barra. A fascinated Michael watches as his staid assistant transforms, revealing intriguing layers of mystery and vulnerability. Could he be about to uncover not one, but two, precious treasures?

A DAUNTLESS PRINCESS

Once her clan’s princess, Jane fled Barra years ago to avoid a forced marriage. Since then, she has made her living as efficient Miss Smythe-Haughton—the perfect (and highly paid) assistant. Now she must confront her secrets . . . including her feelings for her irascible employer, too-handsome-for-his-own-good Michael Hurst.

A PERILOUS PLEASURE

Others are also searching for the missing amulet, however. Can Jane and Michael learn to trust each other in time to solve two riddles: the location of the Hurst Amulet, and the meaning of the vivid passion flaring between them?

Click cover for more info!

***

9) Out May 22

Summary:

Adopting the guise of a buttoned-up spinster is nothing new for Chloe Hardwick. But under the watchful eye of her unnervingly handsome employer, the Marquess of Marland, for the first time Chloe yearns to be unbuttoned!Yet he sees her only as his assistant, the efficient Hardwick—not as Chloe the woman.

Determined to escape Braedon’s cold detachment, Chloe leaves. And when he pursues her to London, determined to entice her back, Braedon is utterly unprepared for what he finds there—the real Chloe Hardwick….

Click cover for more info!

***

10) Out May 22 *Book 1 in The Scandalous St. Claires series* (NEW SERIES!)

Summary:

A hundred years has passed since the bitter rivalry between the St. Claires and the Huntingtons began. But in London, the feud goes on . . .

UNDER THE COVER OF NIGHT, NOTHING IS FORBIDDEN…
Lily St. Claire will do anything for the family that saved her from the streets. With their support, the young widow has become the hostess of The Devil’s Fancy, London’s most exclusive gaming den. She’s determined to restore the St. Claire family fortune, lost a century before to the despised Huntington clan. But a ghost from her past may be her ultimate undoing . . .
Lord Aidan Huntington is handsome and wealthy, with a taste for adventure and a reputation for wickedness. A gambler and a rake, Aidan can’t resist a seductive woman with secrets – but one naughty night with Lily leaves him wanting more. As Lily is drawn into London’s dark underworld by an old enemy, Aidan will risk everything to save the woman who has awakened his deepest desires.

Click cover for more info!

***

11) Out May 22

Summary:

From riches to rags, Grace has had to swallow her pride and get a job as a baker. But everything changes when she’s the beneficiary of a surprise inheritance.

Her benefactor’s deal comes with a catch: give up her life of toil and live in luxury only if she marries his illegitimate son, a prisoner of war. It’s an offer she can’t afford to refuse. But her husband-to-be is dying, and he begs her to take one of his men instead—to marry purely out of mercy….

A marriage of convenience with a complete stranger… Could this arrangement ever work?

Click cover for more info! (Author website N/A)

***

12) Out May 29 *Book 2 in Smythe-Smith Quartet*

Summary:

Anne Wynter might not be who she says she is . . .

But she’s managing quite well as a governess to three highborn young ladies. Her job can be a challenge—in a single week she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playing an evil queen in a play that might be a tragedy (or might be a comedy—no one is sure), and tending to the wounds of the oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodging unwanted advances, he’s the first man who has truly tempted her, and it’s getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.

Daniel Smythe-Smith Might be in mortal danger . . .

But that’s not going to stop the young earl from falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family’s annual musicale, he vows to pursue her, even if that means spending his days with a ten-year-old who thinks she’s a unicorn. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril, he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending . . .

Click cover for more info!

***

13) Out May 29

Summary:

“A young lady with a fortune is subject to all sorts of untoward attentions by the worst sort of vagrants.” Aunt Allegra

A lesson Tabitha Timmons, a penniless spinster, has never needed to heed. That is, until she is left a vast fortune payable only upon her marriage to the very respectable Mr. Barkworth—a match that offers little chance of discovering exactly what her aunt means by “untoward attentions.”

But the same can’t be said when the Duke of Preston happens along Tabitha’s path. He spies a rebellious streak in her that matches his own and he makes it his mission to save her from such a passionless match, interfering in her life at every turn. All too soon, Preston—whose very name spells ruin—has Tabitha caught between the good fortune that guarantees her security, and his kiss, which promises an entirely different kind of happily-ever-after.

Click cover for more info!

***

14) Out May 29

Summary:

Lydia Slaughter understands the games men play—both in and out of the bedroom. Not afraid to bend the rules to suit her needs, she fleeces Will Blackshear outright. The Waterloo hero had his own daring agenda for the gaming tables of London’s gentlemen’s clubs. But now he antes up for a wager of wits and desire with Lydia, the streetwise temptress who keeps him at arm’s length.

A kept woman in desperate straits, Lydia has a sharp mind with a head for numbers. She gambles on the sly, hoping to win enough to claim her independence. An alliance with Will at the tables may be a winning proposition for them both. But the arrangement involves dicey odds with rising stakes, sweetened with unspoken promise of fleshly delights. And any sleight of hand could find their hearts betting on something neither can afford to risk: love.

Click cover for more info!

***

15) Out May 29

Summary:

“A Dangerous Game”

As Lady Justina Wincott’s brutal guardian, Viscount Biddeford promises any disobedience from her will cost her son dearly. A pawn in his games of court treachery, the beautiful widow is forced to tempt secrets from his enemies and seduce allegiance from his friends. Yet even Biddeford’s wrath won’t make Justina sully the only man of honour she’s ever known…

Sir Synclair has earned his honour in blood and muck. War taught him the way to victory is rarely clean – but the passion Justina sparks in him is not to be ignored. Never mind the predators who crave her beauty, or Biddeford’s ruthless wiles; he will have her as his wife. And yet if he is to wed Justina, his fiercest battle may be with the lady herself…

Click cover for more info!

***

16) Out May 29 *RE-ISSUE*

Summary:

A celebrated beauty, Madeleine DuMais’s cleverness is her greatest asset—one she puts to good use as a spy for the British. Assigned to help break up a smuggling ring in the south of England, she arrives at the quaint resort town of Winter Garden and meets her partner in subterfuge: Thomas Blackwood.

Unlike any man she has ever met, Blackwood’s quiet confidence and mysterious intensity send shivers of pleasure coursing through her. And, despite the danger, as duty gives way to desire, Madeleine aches for Thomas’s gentle touch on her body . . . on her heart . . . on her soul.

For surrender holds its own sweet reward . . .

Click cover for more info! (Author website N/A)

***

HAPPY MONTH OF READING!

 

Just Like Heaven Trailer! :D

And the new month is upon us and we already have a new book trailer for one of the May releases to keep us excited!

Click cover for more info

DUE OUT MAY 31 2011

Romances Coming in May 2011!

And another month has arrived, bringing with it more new releases, including one debut author and one re-issue… Let the book-buying begin!

*UPDATED*

1) Out May 3 *Book One of Ladies in Waiting series*

Summary:

Lady Cecily Francis is resigned to become the wife of Lord Drury, the man she suspects her sister is pining for. But upon her first scandalous encounter with the exotic Earl of Augustine–the American everyone is whispering about–Cecily is intrigued by the possibility of a more exciting life. If only she could contrive some way to marry the unconventional earl instead…

Around town he’s known as Earl Savage. Although he inherited his title legitimately–and with it the responsibility for his three half-sisters–Augustine is half American and part Iroquois. He can’t wait to settle his father’s estate, marry his sisters off, and return to his native soil. Until charming Lady Cecily has him considering a prolonged stay in England…

Click cover for excerpt and more details

***

2) Out May 3

Summary:

She is difficult, demanding, and at times, quite fierce.  And Dr. John Blackmore can’t take his eyes off her.  The Countess of Randolph is the most striking woman he has ever seen…and the most infuriating patient he has ever tended.

Mired in responsibility, Bathsheba doesn’t have time to convalesce in the country.  She should be in London, hunting for a wealthy new lover to pay off her late husband’s vast debts, not dallying with a devastatingly handsome doctor.

But it is only a matter of time until the good doctor and the obstinate countess will have to contend with the sparks that fly between them.  Once their bodies surrender, their hearts may follow…

Click cover for excerpt and more details

***

3) Out May 3

Summary:

Jason Cummings, Duke of Rayne is feeling the weight of his responsibilities – one of which is to get married. Being the most sought after bachelor in London can be trying, so who can blame him if he seeks refuge from the voracious hordes of young debutantes at the decidedly female-free Historical Society? Female-free, that is, until Winnifred Crane marches up to the door, demanding entrance.

Despite her prowess as a historian, Winn is denied membership to the Society. So she daringly offers an unusual bargain: if she can prove the authenticity of a certain painting, she’ll be granted recognition, fame, and respect. But to do that, she must go abroad. And to go abroad, she must have an escort, even a stubbornly unwilling one…

Jason has no desire to accompany Winn on her adventure across Europe, but even he is not immune to Winn’s passion for her profession. As the journey proves more difficult than planned, they must work together to stay one step ahead of their rivals… and the closer they get to the proof Winn seeks, the closer she and Jason become. But as their adventure turns dangerous, can Jason keep this headstrong bluestocking safe? And what will become of their growing bond when the adventure ends?

Click cover for excerpt and more details

***

4) Out May 23 *Book Three in Wellingham series*

Summary:

As the third brother in the Wellingham series Cristo is a dark, dangerous and lonely character. When Lady Eleanor Bracewell-Lowen is deposited without clothes on his bed in a Paris Chateau his whole world changes…

Click cover for excerpt

***

5) Out May 24 *DEBUT SERIES-BOOK ONE IN REGENCY ROGUES SERIES*

Summary:

Lord William Randall, the Duke of Clairemont, is a wicked rake with little regard for society—a most unlikely suitor for the prim and proper Lady Lucinda Gray. But his latest assignment for the Young Corinthians, an elite spy organization, involves protecting her from a kidnapping plot and to do this, the notorious “Iron Will” must get close to Lucinda, and convince her that he’s a man worthy of her attention. It is a simple enough task to use his devilish charm to seduce her, but William never would have guessed that he’d become enthralled by the lovely Lady Grey—or that he’d lose his own heart in the bargain.

Beautiful and fiercely intelligent, Lucinda has managed to gracefully sidestep even the most persistent suitors. Until the Duke of Clairemont, that is. His rugged features, sinfully sensuous mouth, and piercing eyes are as alluring as the champion thoroughbred he tantalizingly offers in exchange for the honor of courting her, and she finds it hard to resist either temptation. The feelings he stirs in her both excite and arouse, urging her on despite the very real danger he represents. But when the truth is revealed, will Lucinda risk her heart and her life for a chance at everlasting love?

Click cover for excerpt and more info

***

6) Out May 24

Summary:

From the moment Abby meets her new employer—the mysterious, brooding Earl of Brendall—she is appalled by his brutish manner…and even moreso by her own attraction to him. Has she lost her senses? As a governess, Abby has no choice but to play by the rules. But as a woman, she cannot deny the fiery sensations he ignites—or the fantasies he inspires…

From the moment Elliott lays eyes on his new young governess, he knows he’s in trouble. Abby is intelligent, defiant, and utterly captivating, though Elliott must do his very best to resist her. But as the two grow closer, the passion burns hotter. Soon, the only thing that can destroy their love is the darkest secret of his past—and the secret desires of a governess…

Click cover for excerpt and more details

***

7) Out May 24 *RE-ISSUE* (Two books in one)

Summary:

MORE THAN A MISTRESS
Hired to serve as nursemaid to the wounded Duke of Tresham, Jane Ingleby tries to pretend it’s strictly a business arrangement. Surely there could be nothing more perilous than being the lover of such a man. Yet when she gets past his devilish façade and sees the noble heart within, she knows the greatest jeopardy of all—a passion that drives her to risk everything on one perfect month with an improper gentleman who thinks that love is for fools. 

NO MAN’S MISTRESS
Lord Ferdinand Dudley is accustomed to getting what he wants—until he tries to claim his rightful estate from the bewitching Lady Viola Thornhill. Refusing to cede him the home she calls her own—and unwilling to consider marriage—Viola knows that this is a battle she cannot afford to lose. Each day under the same roof brings its share of frustration—and temptation—as both sides in this contest of wills find their resolve melting in the heat of passion’s bright flame.

Click cover for excerpt and more info

***

8 ) Out May 31 *Book One in Smythe-Smith Quartet*

Summary:

Honoria Smythe-Smith is:

A) a really bad violinist
B) still miffed at being nicknamed “Bug” as a child
C) not in love with her older brother’s best friend
D) all of the above

Marcus Holroyd is:

A) the Earl of Chatteris
B) regrettably prone to sprained ankles
C) not in love with his best friend’s younger sister
D) all of the above

Together they:

A) eat quite a bit of chocolate cake
B) survive a deadly fever and the world’s worst musical performance
C) fall quite desperately in love

It’s Julia Quinn at her best, so you know the answer is . . .

D) all of the above

Click cover for excerpt and more info

***

9) Out May 31 *Book Three in Standon widows series*

Summary:

A diplomat and a spy, the dashing Lord Langley is happy to be home after years spent abroad, though less so to discover the ladies he so callously loved and left have been anxiously awaiting his return. Hoping to put his checkered past – and his persistent ex-lovers – behind him, he proposes to staid, serious Minerva Sterling . . . and maneuvers her into a compromising position to ensure her assent.

At the brazen rake’s mercy – since anything less than a wedding and her reputation is destroyed – Minerva agrees, but only under strict conditions: no more attempted seductions, no kisses or scandalous behavior. But Langley’s a man ruled by passion – especially when he realizes how fiercely he burns for his reluctant intended . . . and how willing he is to risk life itself to truly win her heart.

Click cover for excerpt and more info

***

10) Out May 31 *Book One in The Lords of Sheffield Square series*

Summary:

Claire Ashcroft has good reason to despise Viscount Grayson Sutherland—and not because of his arrogance, charm, and irresistible allure. A wildly unpredictable man with a frightening reputation, Sutherland is responsible for the death of someone Claire loved deeply. She’d kill him if the could. Instead, she’ll employ her feminine wiles to make him pay. And once he’s deeply, irreversibly in love with her, she’ll shatter his vulnerable heart and leave him broken. Her scheme works perfectly… too perfectly.

For who would have imagined that beneath Sutherland’s dangerous exterior was a lost man haunted by his sins?

Or that one night in his arms would ignite a scandal so dire she’d be forced to wed the handsome blackguard?

Or that she’d find herself helpless, falling under the spell of the very rogue she means to destroy?

Click cover for excerpt and more info

***

11) Out May 31

Summary:

A woman of pristine breeding, Lady Rosalind Devine is also an unrepentant meddler and snoop–which is why her brother refuses to leave her to her own devices while on his wedding trip. But Rosalind will not make things easy for any unseen, unwanted “nursemaid”–and vows to use her considerable wiles to expose her mystery guardian.

Nicholas Kincaid, the Marquess of Winterbourne, agreed to secretly guard his friend’s spoiled, stubborn sister, though her infuriating penchant for mischief is causing him to question his decision. Though bound by the rules of society–and friendship– Rosalind’s spirit and sensuality have sparked a fierce desire in Nicholas to play a very different role in her life, one that entails passion, ecstasy . . . and unavoidable scandal.

Click cover for excerpt

***

12) Out May 31 *Book Two in Brides of Nevarton Chase trilogy*

Summary:

Having already been deceived by a heartless fiancé, the young heiress Genevieve Wallington-Wallis knows better than to trust any man—which is why her attraction to John Ready is so very disturbing. Though devilishly handsome, he is far too mysterious—and a humble coachman, no less! But one inadvertent kiss and Genevieve is lost.

John dares not reveal his true identity to anyone or it’s the gallows for certain! He must concentrate on clearing his name—and prevent the fiend who sullied it, the notorious Raventhorpe, from working his evil on another innocent victim. But being this close to the clever, courageous, and exquisite Miss Wallington-Wallis is driving him to distraction. And surrendering to his desire—not to mention to love—may prove the most dangerous risk of all.

Click cover for excerpt and more details

***

HAPPY MONTH OF READING!

Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn-New Excerpt!

Click on the cover for the new excerpt!

Julia Quinn’s new book! :D

Ahhhh! I love Julia Quinn and I love her books even more! Her new one is set to release May 31st and sounds delicious! Check out blurb and covers!

Ooo and the too cute for words UK cover:

The Blurb:

HONORIA SMYTHE-SMITH IS:
A) a really bad violinist
B) still miffed at being nicknamed “Bug” as a child
C) NOT in love with her older brother’s best friend
D) All of the above

MARCUS HOLROYD IS:
A) the Earl of Chatteris
B) regrettably prone to sprained ankles
C) NOT in love with his best friend’s younger sister
D) All of the above

TOGETHER THEY:
A) eat quite a bit of chocolate cake
B) survive a deadly fever AND world’s worst musical performance
C) fall quite desperately in love.

It’s Julia Quinn at her best, so you KNOW the answer is…

D) All of the above

Excerpt and more info coming soon!

The Lady Most Likely by Julia Quinn, Connie Brockway and Eloisa James

Setting: Regency

Summary:

Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly, needs a wife—so his sister hands him a list of the very best young ladies on the market. And then, because he refuses to tear himself away from the stables where he trains Arabian racehorses, she invites all those ladies to a house party, along with some other bachelors, of course. So who will Hugh choose? The Botticelli-esque, enchanting Gwendolyn? The outspoken, delightful Katherine? If he doesn’t work fast, he’ll lose those ladies to his closest friends, and then where will he look for a wife? Perhaps, just perhaps, toward a lady who’s not on a market at all, and would require a great deal of persuading…

Click cover to order from Amazon

Review:

I adored this book! It was light, funny, touching and a true Regency romance! As a reader of previous anthologies, I was slightly cautious about touching this one. The thing is, it’s not really an anthology at all but a novel told in three parts by 3 authors and all connected to each other. A very unique idea and pulled off very well!

I loved the idea of a house party designed to find a suitable wife for the earl and I would love to be in this particular one! Everyone was delightful and nice and this is the kind of romance you’ll want to read if you’re feeling down cause it’s cheerful, charming and happy all the way through. There are no villains or any dark conflict-the only conflict is trying to find the earl a wife before they are all snatched! This is really three short romances in one book, naturally with Hugh’s story happening last.

The ‘guest list’ includes the shy but gorgeous Gwendolyn, the outspoken Katherine, the war hero Neill Oakes, the charming new Earl of Charters, the widow Lady Georgina, and of course the earl himself. The hostess is his sister who is a charming, witty and mischievous matchmaker. I really enjoyed every character in this novel, with my personal favourite being Gwen. I wished her story went on a little longer.

Though each author has their different style of writing, with Julia’s being the most distinctive, it still managed to work and not detract from the story. I felt the style of each author suited each story. My favourite was the first one and the last one. I felt the second one to be too predictable and wanted to race over it. The first story was cute and sweet, while the last one was deep and touching.

This book was over all cute and happy, and there were a lot of aww scenes. The sensuality in this book was slightly spicy which suited the mood. All in all, a very sweet and charming romance!

Sensuality Rating: Warm (Short and not explicit scenes)

Final Verdict: Warm, funny and sweet romance-perfect when you’re feeling down

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Anticipation-How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling

Good morning readers!

Ahh another debut author to start the new year with! And heads up readers, this one looks to be a real star of light hearted Regency romantic comedies!!! Think Julia Quinn!

Her first book, How to Marry a Duke, pictured below in luscious romance cover style, seems to be a real great, funny read!

Summary:

Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. No love is necessary—nor desired. But how to choose amid a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London’s infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she’s not the most captivating woman he’s ever met . . .

Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she’s determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife—she’ll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke’s affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan’s desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker’s number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.

Due out January 3, 2011

Excerpt:

http://www.vickydreiling.com/excerpt_duke.html

It’s been described as the Regency version of  The Bachelor! There’s even a charming trailer to go with it that really sets the tone for the book:

Anticipation-The Lady Most Likely…

What do I love more than a book from a talented author? A book by three great authors!

This one is due out a bit later(December 28) but thought I would preview it now so you can get excited for holiday season

Gentlemen, listen up! This one would make a great Christmas gift for the lady in your life!

Here’s the blurb before I ramble on anymore-

Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly, needs a wife—so his sister hands him a list of the very best young ladies on the market. And then, because he refuses to tear himself away from the stables where he trains Arabian racehorses, she invites all those ladies to a house party, along with some other bachelors, of course.

So who will Hugh choose? The Botticelli-esque, enchanting Gwendolyn?  The outspoken, delightful Katherine? If he doesn’t work fast, he’ll lose those ladies to his closest friends, and then where will he look for a wife? Perhaps, just perhaps, toward a lady who’s not on a market at all, and would require a great deal of persuading…

 

*Sigh* Sounds like a great read and you gotta love that cover!

Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn

Setting: 1822, Regency

Summary:

Sebastian Grey is in limbo. He is the heir presumptive to the Earl of Newbury, unless the current earl, a widower, can find a bride who will bear him a son. Newbury is in his sixties and somewhat portly, but as an earl he’s considered quite a catch. Sebastian, on the other hand, is twenty-nine and extremely handsome, but in no hurry to find a wife.

Annabel Winslow, a country girl through and through, has received an offer to go to London for the season. The eldest of a family of eight, she knows that a good marriage might be the only thing that will save her family from ruin. After a few weeks in town, Annabel attracts the attention of the Earl of Newbury. The thought of submitting to him makes her skin crawl, but she is practical and determined to do her duty. Even when Sebastian Grey comes on the scene.

*Note-The aforementioned blurb comes from the UK paperback edition

Click cover for more info

Review:

This is my first Julia Quinn novel, sadly way overdue. I’ve been meaning to read her since forever but was always distracted by other novels from authors I already knew and loved. It was only at last on the recommendation of a friend of mine who is a great reader that I decided to give her a try.

I’m so glad I did! I loved it! This is truly the definition of a Regency romantic comedy! This book made me remember why I love the Regency period and how I came to fall in love with it! I couldn’t help but laugh all the way through at the antics of the characters and the witty commentary and dialogue. I completely understand now why she is considered as one of the best Regency authors! Her writing flowed and kept me so well entertained, it did not matter that the plot was a relatively simple story of girl meets boy but is promised to somebody else. The ending was also a bit implausible but the story thrived on the writing alone, in my opinion.

Sebastian, the hero is wonderful all the way through. From the very start, you just love him for his charm, his easygoing nature, and his kindness. I also loved that he was secretly writing popular fiction for the masses-it just made him that more lovable.

Our heroine, Annabel, is adorable as well. She is a sensible, practical girl, but a girl who also knows how to laugh and have fun. Their romance is sweet and has the reader eagerly anticipating the happily ever after. The other characters were well-fleshed out and rounded and I particularly loved Annabel’s over-the-top grandmother! What a character! The ending was a bit implausible but that didn’t distract from the general loveliness of the novel!

I wish I could say more, but I might bore you with too many positive adjectives! Pick this lovely book up because you will not be disappointed-I’m putting Julia Quinn on my must-buy list!

Sensuality Rating: Warm (Love scenes are short and not explicit)

Verdict: Simply a treasure that every romance reader needs to read!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars