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
Dun dun dun–New month, new romances! Enjoy a preview of what’s new…
*UPDATED*
1 ) OUT NOW-Kindle version available March 1st *Third in Scandal series*
Summary:
If there is anything Tristan Adam Hargrove, fourth Marquis of Moreland, has learned to avoid, it’s scandal. For the dark and dashing lord is not only an honorable gentleman who would never seduce a woman for his own gain, he is also the author of How to Avoid a Scandal, the infamous red book that has swept like wildfire through the better part of London society.
When a raven-haired beauty arrives as his new neighbor, he knows better than to succumb to the desire he feels. He knows little about her—only that she is high born, a protégé of the Crown and completely unsuitable for the base passions he hides from the world. If only he had never glimpsed the vulnerable beauty one fateful night. If only her lips were not so ravishingly red. If only it were not already too late to save her and himself from the untamed passion he is about to unleash in the name of love.
From the first glimpse he knew he must have her-even if only for a single night…
Powerful, ruthless, seductive-the lord of London’s underworld-Roman Merrick gets anything he wants…and he burns for Charlotte Chatsworth, a polished jewel in the glittering ton. So he engages her debt-ridden gambler father in a game of chance, wagering ten thousand pounds against one night with the man’s exquisite daughter. And Roman Merrick never loses.
But one night is never enough…
Charlotte is devastated to learn that her reprobate father has lost her in a card game to the most dangerous man she’s ever met. With the threat of ruin behind every corner, Charlotte embarks upon a perilous path with the man she can not forget. But in truth, it’s Roman who has everything to lose-for a game undertaken for pleasure alone soon has him gambling his heart. And love and passion unleashed could bring his great, dark empire tumbling down…
After seven years of battling for survival on a pirate ship, Kit Frazier returns to England to right a wrong and make peace with what he lost. But once in London, he finds himself unexpectedly at sea, caught in his swirling attraction to the beguiling and elusive Maddy.
A WOMAN DETERMINED TO BE FREE…
Maddy will do anything to escape the desperate circumstances of her life, and helping her cousin Rose catch the man of her dreams seems an easy enough task–until Maddy meets the handsome pirate captain Kit. The dashing rogue has only two purposes: to rescue the boy in his care and to seduce Maddy into his bed.
A LOVE WITHOUT END
With each heated encounter, Kit pulls Maddy off her stated course. But when treachery threatens them all, she will have to choose between a respectable future and wicked, wonderful seduction.
Youth and beauty are a courtesan’s greatest assets. At forty-one, Lady Ruth Attwood appears to have lost both, as her latest lover just abandoned her for a younger mistress. Struggling with the knowledge that she’s no longer considered desirable, she’s uncertain whether to be offended or flattered when a younger man makes her an unusual offer. In need of funds, she agrees. But then she does the unthinkable. She falls in love.
Despite his reputation as a man’s man, Baron Garrick Stratfield has never been with a woman. His physical impairment is such that he knows not even a whore will touch him, and he needs a mistress who’s willing to be kept without sharing his bed. But passion is just a delicious kiss away because his new mistress is wreaking havoc with his senses. Worse yet, someone is not only out to ruin his reputation, but frame him for murder.
At twenty-one, Sebastian Goddard, heir to the duke of Roxbury, desperately sought diversion from a life smothered by peerage and position. His quest led him to one night of reckless passion, resulting in betrayal by his oldest friend Frederica Wells, and the discovery of his father’s darkest secret. Reeling from the devastation, he embarked on a ten-year debauch that well earned him the nickname–”Lord of Sin.”
One delicious bargain…
Now Sebastian has returned to find his late father’s estate in ruins and Freddie more seductive than ever. He’s determined to drive her from Goddard Castle to pay her back for her deception and to protect his own dark secret. But Freddie makes him an offer he can’t resist…she’ll be his mistress for a month if he’ll consent to sell her the crumbling castle afterward.
Everything he could desire…
The Lord of Sin plans to shock and scandalize Freddie—to tease her every desire and leave her wanting. But his fiery-willed lover soon teaches him the past may not be what it seemed, the present more tempting than he could have imagined, and the future filled with more promise than he dared dream. For thirty-one nights is not nearly enough when you’ve been given a license to do any wicked thing…
When Oliver, Earl of Stewkesbury, asks the dashing Lady Vivian Carlyle to ensure that his American cousins meet the cream of London society, he doesn’t anticipate the danger she will pose to his own self-control. Thrown into intimate contact with the lovely lady, Oliver finds he cannot stop thinking of Vivian—of her wit, of her smile . . . of her lips.
And when Vivian, who has sworn never to subject herself to the bonds of matrimony, boldly suggests that she and Oliver become lovers instead, her scandalous proposal is temptation indeed! But with an alarming series of jewel thefts rocking London, the ever-outrageous Vivian insists on trying to discover the perpetrator despite Oliver’s admonitions. And when a bold lady steps into danger, it is a gentleman’s duty to protect her at all costs. What neither Oliver nor Vivian can anticipate, however, is that the ultimate cost may be both their hearts. . . .
Excerpt coming soon!
7 ) Out March 29 *Third in Inferno Club series*
Summary:
She has loved him for as long as she can remember…
Once, she had vowed to marry the Earl of Falconridge. Now, she vows to forget him. After he abandoned her for a life of shrouded secrets, Mara, Lady Pierson, has succeeded in keeping him away, until he appears in London unexpectedly, making her fall in love all over again.
Forced back into Mara’s life by duty, the earl quickly stays for love. He has never forgotten this passionate beauty and never meant to break her heart. But their newfound happiness is endangered—because the Inferno Club demands much of its members, and his vital mission is exposing a deadly plot that could threaten their very lives.
Serena Carlyle dreams of a happily ever after. Firmly upon the shelf at twenty-five, instead she’s determined to find the perfect match for her beautiful younger sister. What better prospect than their neighbor, the wealthy, rakishly handsome Earl of Savege? Now Serena can beg his help in halting a local band of smugglers. Then, one night, stealing away from yet another disappointing ball, Serena finds herself trapped alone with a stranger . . .
Until he captured her—body and soul
His kiss was irresistible, his caress unforgettable, and he hides a devastating secret. A Robin Hood upon the sea, Alex Savege is the brazen pirate Redstone, seizing the yachts of spoiled noblemen to settle an old debt. Serena needs a hero, but her heart is in the gravest danger—for it is soon to be captured by a man as skilled at seduction as he is at plunder.
Excerpt coming soon!
9 ) Out March 29 *DEBUT*
Summary:
If Lady Isobel Maitland is caught even speaking to an incorrigible rogue like the Marquess of Blackwood, she stands to lose everything she holds dear. Strict rules in her husband’s will ensure that if she remarries or even forms friendships her mother-in-law does not approve of, then she will never see her young son again. But one night, in a dark garden at a masquerade ball, Isobel gives in to temptation, and lets an innocent flirtation turn into seduction.
Phineas Archer, the notorious Marquess of Blackwood, may hold the reputation as the worst rake in London, but as a spy for the crown, he merely plays the role of a fool to learn the most closely guarded secrets of the ton.
As a new threat to England’s success in the war against Napoleon emerges, Phineas must foil a plot to kidnap the exiled Bourbon heir to the French crown. Every clue seems to lead to his mysterious lover, but while Phineas can spot trouble a mile off, and see through the cleverest of disguises, he cannot find any trace of his elusive femme fatale. No man alive would imagine the prim widow Maitland could be his dream lover. But behind the mask and the secrets, Isobel is everything Phineas has ever desired….
We asked our readers what story they would most like to see from four bestselling authors. They responded . . .
A handsome hero returns from war, battle-scarred and world-weary. But family duty calls and he must find a bride.
A young lady facing yet another season without a suitor never expects to find herself the object of his affections.
It Happened One Season
Four amazing talents
Stephanie Laurens Mary Balogh Jacquie D’Alessandro and Candice Hern
have come together to create one of the most unforgettable events of the year. The results are spectacular—each story is as unique as a lover’s first kiss.
After reading an interesting post on the Season blog, I came across a new name in romance that I simply had to check out! Voila! It’s time to introduce Kieran Kramer, a debut author with some very intriguing new books (the start of a new series!) coming out very soon…
The Books: (of the new series entitled The Impossible Bachelors)
Book One-When Harry Met Molly
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?”
Book Two-Dukes to the Left of Me, Princes to the Right
Most women would not be pleased to be labeled a spinster. But Lady Poppy Smith-Barnes isn’t most women. In fact, Poppy has invented an imaginary fiancé, the Duke of Drummond, to deter unwanted suitors. A very useful fellow, this duke, until the real Drummond turns up and uses Poppy’s ploy to trap her in a betrothal.
Will their passion make it real?
A good spy flies below the radar. Which is why being named one of the Prince Regent’s “Impossible Bachelors” is so inconvenient for Nicholas Staunton. Every society female will be out to ensnare him. Nicholas needs a fiancée—and Poppy’s ruse is the answer. How could he have known she’d be a brazen, sensual siren with an irresistible taste for adventure? Now nothing less will do than to convince his fiery Poppy to revoke her spinster status…for good.
Due in December 2010
***
Lovely covers and exciting stories! Sounds like these books will be romantic comedies reminiscent of Julia Quinn
November and December are already set to be awesome months!
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.
Click cover for more info
Review:
Anna Campbell is truly gifted. Every year she comes out with another book that’s just beyond amazing! Her books never feature characters that are the same or plot ideas that are repeated. Each book is a superbly crafted and complex piece of romance fiction that always leaves you satisfied.
What can I say about this book except that I completely and totally loved it? As a veteran romance reader, I’m used to what a usual romance novel entails but it takes a truly original novel to keep me hooked to the story. This was one of those books. I seriously could not stop picking it up to read a little more and when I was not reading it, I was thinking about it. Now that’s a sure sign a book is a hit
The hero of the book is the dashing Tarquin Vale, who we meet and are introduced to as a rake with no principles. Naturally, it turns out that we’re wrong and he does have his own sense of honor and principles. The very first time he hid our heroine’s face in his coat to protect her identity, you just knew. I fell for him right along with Diana. And boyy, does that man know how to please a woman in bed I must have blushed at least a hundred times during the course of the book! He’s generous, kind, thoughtful, forgiving-a genuine jewel in disguise! He may be my favorite Campbell hero yet!
The heroine on the other hand is much harder to like. Once you discover how great Tarquin is, you can’t believe Diana would deceive him. Still, though there have been a lot of conflicting views on this point, I have to say that I felt an affinity with her and couldn’t completely hate her. It was hard to get over the fact that she sold her body for a house though. But after wards, I began to understand her and empathize with her. A very complex character but likable at the end of the day, I say.
When it comes to the writing, there’s no one like Anna Campbell to really get you into the mind of the characters. Though at times, the writing was a bit over the top and too wordy for my tastes, it was spot on and amazing when it came to divulging the characters’ thoughts and emotions. I felt like I really knew and understood these characters and I could place myself into their shoes. The plot was hooking and kept me interested the whole way. I have to say that I found the ending a bit rushed and cheesy though and personally I would have liked a little more groveling on the hero’s side. It was the book’s only flaw in my opinion that kept it from being perfection.
As for the love scenes… well it’s an Anna Campbell book. If your tastes don’t run to explicitly detailed and very long and spicy love scenes than you should probably stay away. There were alot of love scenes in the book but they weren’t gratuitous. Campbell doesn’t write sex just for sex’s sake. The love scenes had a purpose in the development of the plot, which made it ok for me as I usually don’t like too much sex. At times it did feel like the couple were into each other just for the sex. They had an undeniable sexual tension thoughout the book which was their relationship starting point.
Still, all in all a great, complex, hooking, well written romance novel that I would definitely read again. Can’t wait for Anna’s next!
Sensuality Level: EXPLICIT (Very detailed love scenes and numerous in number)
Verdict: Spicy and romantic, with an amazing hero and a plot so hooking, it will have you up all night!
I recently read a post about authors who are ‘below the radar’ meaning those authors that aren’t as well known in the romance world or are under-rated. This really struck a chord as there are some authors out there who deserve more recognition than they get. One author who is very wrongly under the radar is Delilah Marvelle.
Delilah Marvelle is an author who debuted her first book, Mistress of Pleasure in October 2008 as part of her School of Gallantry series.
I personally adored her novel and found it fresh, hilarious, witty and very sexy
Her second book, Lord of Pleasure was just as good, if not better. It is such a pity then that her series had to end there.
Her publisher had decided not to publish the remaining books in her series. I say this is due to a poor lack of advertising on the part of the company as I only heard of her book when I came across it randomly. I’m glad I did. Delilah’s books are among the best romances I have ever read!
Thankfully, she now has a new publisher (who recognizes her talent) and a new series that will be released next year! Even better, it’s a back to back release meaning we will get to enjoy one book each month, three months in a row!
The books in order and release date are:
Prelude to a Scandal (Jan 2011)
Once Upon a Scandal (Feb 2011)
The Perfect Scandal (March 2011)
So far the only bit of information on them is that it is a series connected by a book known as the How To Avoid A Scandal, written by an Unknown author.
You can sign up for Delilah’s newsletter to learn more.
Delilah also has a great historical blog that focuses on the naughty aspect of history also known as A Bit O’ Muslin (which is the Regency slang for a prostitute), the blog is entertaining and definitely contains a side of history you’ll never learn in a classroom! Posts include topics on dildoes, condoms, and even the secret dirtiness in Shakespeare’s plays! Posts are published on the 1st of every month. If you want an education you won’t forget, click on the link below to get started
Meanwhile, get a chance to check out Delilah’s first two books as I promise you won’t regret purchasing them. In contrast with her blog title, her books are real bits of ’Silk’ that deserve a place on every romance reader’s shelf.
I’m betting once her new series comes out, Delilah Marvelle will be a name every romance reader will have heard of.
So read her first two books and keep an eye out for her new series-cause it’ll be worth it.
He must be wealthy, wellborn, and want her more than he wants any other woman. Those are the conditions that must be met by the man Cassandra Belmont chooses for her lover. Marriage is out of the question for the destitute widow who stands accused of murdering her husband and must now barter her beauty in order to survive. With seduction in mind, she sets her sights on Stephen Huxtable, the irresistibly attractive Earl of Merton and London’s most eligible bachelor. But Stephen’s first intriguing glimpse of the mysterious, alluring Lady Paget convinces him that he has found the ideal woman to share his bed. There is only one caveat. This relationship fueled by mutual pleasure must be on his terms.
As the two warily circle each other in a sensual dance of attack and retreat, a single night of passion alters all the rules. Cassandra, whose reputation is already in tatters, is now in danger of losing the one thing she vowed never to give. And Stephen, who wants Cassandra more than he has ever wanted any woman, won’t rest until she has surrendered everything – not as his mistress – but as his lover and wife.
Click cover to order from Amazon
Review:
This is book four of the Huxtable series.
I don’t know what it is about Mary Balogh books but they get me all the time, As soon as I bought this one (finally out in paperback after a year’s wait) I put it right at the top of my TBR list to be read immediately and for good reason.
Stephen Huxtable is the youngest of the four Huxtable siblings and throughout the first three books in the series, he was my favorite secondary character. It’s so refreshing to have a good hero for once instead of all the brooding, tortured heroes out there. Watching Stephen grow up was a pleasure and I couldn’t wait till he could get his own book. This book was the most anticipated for me. With such a charmed childhood, Stephen really hasn’t got anything to complain about and is in a word, ‘angelic’. He is handsome, outgoing, good-natured, friendly, honorable, and believes a relationship with a woman should be more than about sex.
Can we say swoon?! Oh yes we can!
Our heroine on the other hand, Cassie is the one with the problems. She’s been married for 10 long years to a brute of a husband and is now poor and sworn off all men. She decides to become a mistress so she can provide for herself and her friends who have come with her to London. When she sees the handsome and charming Stephen, she assumes he will be easy to manipulate as he has an innocence about him. So begins the seduction of an angel, which in this case, is the hero. An interesting turnabout as it’s always the angel of an heroine that the rakish hero wants to seduce.
I loved this book. I found Stephen to be wonderfully sweet and though people might find that dull, I personally found it refreshing. Don’t mistake Stephen though-He has strength in him. The journey that they both went on was touching and pulled at my heartstrings. Stephen is the perfect man for Cassandra who believes that all men are cruel and hateful. Cassandra is really not as deceiving as she appears and Stephen can see through her mask to the kind, brave, self-less woman underneath.
They made quite a pair and I loved every minute of their journey into happily ever after. It was worth the wait and in my opinion is the best of the series so far! It kept me entertained the whole time and the tension between Cassie and Stephen was very palpable.
Sensuality Level: Warm (The love scenes were not long and weren’t explicit)
Verdict: Bad girl meets good boy story written in true Balogh style. Not to be missed! This one goes on my re-read shelf!
I love historical romances that aren't overly sexual, with great chemistry and witty dialogue. I don't like it when a H and H jump into bed with each really quickly and if a romance can give me that warm, fuzzy feeling after I read it, it's considered a great read! I don't mind if a romance is slightly modern and I'm a huge Jane Austen fan so Regency romances will always have a special place in my heart. :)
Setting: Regency 1816
