Lady Victoria Jane Emerson left behind her girlish notions of romance when Jonathan deserted her without a backward glance. Now the time has come when she must finally choose a husband, and she has vowed to marry someone who will never break her heart.
Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington, has returned home, free of all his family’s debts. Only to discover that by some miracle he has been chosen to vie for the hand of his beloved Victoria. To convince his only love to once again believe in the magic of love and the promise of desire will be his greatest challenge yet. And one he cannot fail!
Click cover for more info
*This is book two in the Scandal series*
Review:
I ADORED this book! I think Delilah keeps getting better with each book she writes! This one was particularly interesting as the hero was the ultimate romantic and the heroine was the who was cynical and needed to be wooed by the hero. Once again, Delilah has penned another irresistible witty, sexy and addictive novel!
I gotta say I love it when the hero is the kind and honorable one-we got too many of those brooding, dark heroes out there 😉 But Jonathan isn’t without his share of darkness, mostly due to the fact that he ends up in service as a part servant/part whore to a wealthy Italian woman, in order to pay his debts. This was actually a real practice that went on at that time and very much intriguing as it places a woman in power.
Despite all that, Jonathan stays true to the one woman he loves and returns five years late win order to win her back. It’s very easy to believe that Jonathan could be both romantic and yet the perfect alpha hero! I love how he waits for and keeps his heart for Victoria and openly admits she’s his one true love. Now what woman doesn’t want to hear that?
Victoria was also a great complex character. I like how she was slightly cynical and you can totally understand how she feels when Jonathan suddenly disappears for five years. And having the guy woo the girl into falling in love with him was so sweet to watch.
I feel that this novel is more romantic than Delilah’s previous ones but it’s not without it’s spicy moments, which were very highly anticipated by this reader 😉
Delilah knows how to mix great, not often talked about pieces of history with a great love story and give it a sexy edge. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a fast, addictive good love story-history buffs won’t be disappointed either as the book is filled with historical goodness 😉
Sensuality Level: Hot!
Final Verdict: A fabulous book filled with everything you could want in a romance novel!
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.
Whooo! New historical author and debut! Everyone please welcome Lecia Cornwall and her new enticing book…
Blurb:
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….
And another cover is released-Squeal! 😀 And my, but isn’t that one delicious looking chest? Whoever this Lord Langley is, he must bringing in the girls! 😉
Blurb:
Minerva Sterling swore she’d never marry again. So why is she suddenly engaged to the most notorious rake in London?
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.
Ahaha, who would have guessed people would use Pride and Prejudice to sell beer? I sure didn’t! This awesome and action packed commercial is totally worth the watch! Hmm, maybe an inkling of what we can expect if P and P and Z ever gets made?
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…
What do you get when you pair a courtesan and a virgin hero?
One unique and steamy book! 😀
This is the second in Courtney Milan’s series about the Turner brothers and features a virgin hero ;D Hehe, I don’t know about you but I say we need more virgin heroes out there! Nothing like a bumbling, awkward hero to freshen up a genre where rakes abound and bedroom confidence and arrogance are a must for a hero. Check out the blurb and excerpt and get ready to squeal with anticipation. I know I already am! 😉
Summary:
Handsome, wealthy and respected, Sir Mark Turner is the most sought-after bachelor in all of London—and he’s known far and wide for his irreproachable character. But behind his virtuous reputation lies a passionate nature he keeps carefully in check… until he meets the beautiful Jessica Farleigh, the woman he’s waited for all his life.
But Jessica is a courtesan, not the genteel lady Sir Mark believes. Desperate to win free of a life she despises, she seizes her chance when Mark’s enemies make her an offer she can’t refuse: Seduce Mark and tarnish his good name, and a princely sum will be hers. Yet as she comes to know the man she’s sworn to destroy, Jessica will be forced to choose between the future she needs—and the love she knows is impossible.
Anna Campbell’s new book Midnight’s Wild Passion is soon to be released in April 2011 and to celebrate it’s arrival, she has got a whole new look for her website! There’s something elegant about her new look and it is simply gorgeous! Just gotta love that red and black background! And to top it all off, there’s now even a page for a new release which includes a blurb and excerpt! 😀
London’s most notorious seducer, Nicholas Challoner lives solely for revenge…
The dashing, licentious Marquess of Ranelaw can never forgive Godfrey Demarest for ruining his sister – now the time has come to repay the villain in the same coin. But one formidably intriguing impediment stands in the way of Nicholas’s vengeance: Miss Antonia Smith, companion to his foe’s unsuspecting daughter.
Having herself been deceived and disgraced by a rogue-banished by her privileged family as a result and forced to live a lie-Antonia vows to protect her charge from the same cruel fate. She recognizes Ranelaw for the shameless blackguard he is, and will devote every ounce of her intelligence and resolve to thwarting him.
Yet Antonia has always had a fatal weakness for rakes…
***
Excerpt and more info (including a too sexy stepback):
Won’t be able to use the internet for a while so I won’t be able to update. I sincerely apologize for any inconvienience and promise to be online ASAP to continue giving you the latest news on historical romances 🙂
This site reviews and previews the best historical romance novels set in the late 1700's until the early 1900's England, including Georgian romances, Regencies, Victorians and even some Edwardian romance! Enjoy your visit here! :D
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 England/Venice
Historical Romance Addicts 