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
New titles added!
Found new titles to add to the May 2011 release post. Scroll down to view the updated version.
Click on the covers to read excerpts.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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HAPPY MONTH OF READING!
New Romances for April 26!
Seeing as how April 26 is a day when several new romances are to be released, I thought I’ll update everyone on which romances are coming out using a neat little slide show!
And now for the breakdown; Click on each cover for more info (I’ve also included book trailers)
Unveiled by Courtney Milan
Setting: Pre-Victorian 1837
*The first book in the Turner trilogy*
Summary:
Ash Turner has waited a lifetime to seek revenge on the man who ruined his family, and now the time for justice has arrived. At Parford Manor, he intends to take his place as the rightful heir to the dukedom, and settle an old score with the current duke once and for all. But when he arrives, he finds himself drawn to a tempting beauty who has the power to undo all his dreams of vengeance.…
Lady Margaret knows she should despise the man who’s stolen her fortune and her father’s legacy—the man she’s been ordered to spy on in the guise of a nurse. Yet the more she learns about the new duke, the less she can resist his smoldering appeal. Soon Margaret and Ash find themselves torn between old loyalties—and the tantalizing promise of passion….
Click cover for more info
Review:
This book shows why Courtney Milan is one of my must buy authors. An absolutely brilliant novel that kept me up all night just to finish it! Can’t wait for the next book in the trilogy!
Courtney’s new trilogy features three brothers who have recently come into a large fortune, thanks to the efforts of our hero for this book, Ash Turner. He uncovers the old duke’s fake marriage and gets ready to take his revenge on that family. Unfortunately for him, the woman he sets his sights on is also the daughter of the duke he wants to have his revenge on.
I adored Ash Turner. I loved his strength, his vulnerabilities and his fierce loyalty to his brothers. I even loved his stubbornness. He is one of the best heroes I’ve read to date. I enjoyed how he wooed our heroine even under the guise of a servant and how he wanted to marry her despite her ‘supposed’ station. He made shiver through several scenes with his charm and his bare sincerity. Now this is a hero I would gladly stay up for! 😉
As for Margaret the heroine, I felt like I could really relate to her. At the end of the day, she was just a young woman trying to find herself and I loved how Ash made her see her own value. She was smart and very real and I rooted for her happy ending. The sexual tension was spot on and I loved seeing how Margaret who initially disliked Ash eventually fell for his charm and *ahem* sex appeal 😛
I LOVE the way Courtney writes! I love how she goes above and beyond the typical romance. I love the depth in this novel and I love the wisdom and great insight into these character’s emotions and lives. You feel like you really know them, and you feel what they feel and you want them to be happy so much. The secondary characters were also well-fleshed out and I enjoyed the peek at Ash’s two brothers.
This was more of a plot-driven novel, but it had enough heart to drive it emotionally as well. There were exciting things going on outside around the characters and between the characters as they slowly fell in love. The perfect mix! 😀
There are no predictable misunderstanding dramas in this book, which I also found very refreshing. Instead of the typical ‘Oh-you-lied-to-me, I-hate-you’ scenario, we get a nail biting twisting unpredictable end. I was up the whole night; half thinking things weren’t going to be ok!
Pick this one up-you’re guaranteed an amazing read!!!
Sensuality Rating: Pretty Hot (Love scenes are quite long and explicit)
Verdict: Perfect beginning to a great new series! 😀
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
This would never have happened in Regency England: The Dangers of Travelling Alone
Flying to visit family alone.
Taking the bus alone.
Staying on the overnight train alone.
Getting on the subway alone.
No one blinks an eye when girls travel alone nowadays-in fact sometimes it’s seen as a sign of independence. My mum was travelling to France alone when she was just 13. I use taxis alone all the time. And yes, while such it can be convenient and/or efficient to do so, perhaps we are also forgetting the dangers of women travelling alone.
In the 19th century, women would never be allowed to travel alone and would at the very least be accompanied by a maid or another family servant. To travel alone would be to put a woman’s reputation at risk and expose her to gossip about her virtue. In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet shocked the Bingley sisters when she showed up at their house all alone. Even General Tilney in Northanger Abbey did not allow Catherine to return home alone, even though he was angry at her and had her banished from his house (though the movie version showed otherwise).
I had an experience today which made me rethink the so-called privilege women nowadays have, in being able to travel alone. I was returning home on the bus and when I got off a man followed me and started talking to me. He asked me to spend the weekend with him because he was lonely and told me that he wanted to treat me. He said money wouldn’t be a problem either. Naturally I refused and said I needed to be home but he persisted and continued to pester me to follow him. At one point, he even took out his wallet to show me his money, and I got a flash of a contraceptive. At this point, I was starting to get desperate and very, very scared. The man was a lot bigger than me and looked a lot stronger. He was also passive aggressively begging me to go with him. I decided to try another tactic and told him my grandma was sick and then tried walking away. Finally he let up and asked me for my number so he could see me on Sunday, and said he hoped I didn’t have a boyfriend. Thankfully, I said I did and he backed off and said bye.
I wonder how many women have been similarly accosted in this way, and in broad daylight, no less. I kept thinking that if someone had been with me, the whole encounter would never have happened. I count myself lucky that he stopped when he did cause things could have gotten a lot uglier.
The feminists can argue all they like about how women are independent and should be able to travel alone but at the end of the day, it’s safer to travel with someone, if you’re a woman. Would you rather be safe then potentially harmed?
So ladies, take a tip from the Regency ladies: Try not to travel alone-you never know what can happen.
Finally! News on Pride and Prejudice and Zombies!
This movie is actually going to be made! Filming starts this summer!!! 😀
Click on the book cover to read the full exclusive interview…
Funny Interview with Courtney Milan!
Click on cover to read FULL INTERVIEW
Some of the juicy tidbits that Courtney spilled during her interview:
1) Her next book in the Turner trilogy will be called Unraveled (featuring Smithe Turner)
2) The heroine of Unraveled will be a wig-maker
3) She is currently working on another new series filled with class tension, and the first book has a heroine who just had an awful first season
DON’T FORGET TO PICK UP UNVEILED IN A STORE NEAR YOU!
Historical Romance Addicts 