Forever and a Day by Delilah Marvelle

Setting: 1830, Late Regency/ Pre-Victorian

*Book 1 in the Rumor series*

Summary:

Roderick Gideon Tremayne, the recently appointed Duke of Wentworth, never expected to find himself in New York City, tracking down a mysterious map important to his late mother. And he certainly never expected to be injured, only to wake up with no memory of who he is. But when he sees the fiery-haired beauty who’s taken it upon herself to rescue him, suddenly his memory is the last thing on his mind.

Georgia Milton, the young head of New York’s notorious Forty Thieves, feels responsible for the man who was trying to save her bag from a thief. But she’s not prepared for the fierce passion he ignites within her. When his memory begins to return, her whole world is threatened, and Roderick must choose between the life he forgot and the life he never knew existed.…

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Review:

When it comes to historical romance, no one does it quite like Delilah Marvelle. Her critically acclaimed, provocative, and steamy novels have pushed the boundaries of what is considered ‘normal’ in historical romance. Case in point: Her last series featured a sex addict and a hero who, to put it lightly, enjoyed ‘it’ a little more rough (if you know what I mean!).

This time around, Delilah once again does something unexpected-a story about a wealthy British duke’s heir who loses his memory and falls in love with the last person anyone would expect: an unrefined, sharp tongued American who lives in the slums of New York and is just struggling to get by. Sounds like a recipe for bonafide historical romance success right? 😉 And successful it is, as I loved every moment of this hilarious, deliciously naughty book. 😀

An amnesiac hero is not exactly a new idea in romance but Delilah manages to make it all fresh by introducing a cast of eccentric and fascinating characters and a twisted, often unpredictable plot. Usually in romance, it’s rare to have a poverty-stricken hero/heroine, let alone one who lives in a seedy, dangerous part of New York. But Georgia is such a unique, strong character, quite unlike any heroine I have ever read before! I just couldn’t help but admire how daring and uninhibited she was. There is no doubt you will love Georgia and her hero Roderick and will be rooting for them as enthusiastically as I did. The road to their happily ever after wasn’t easy but boy was it worth the wait! These two had amazing chemistry and I very much enjoyed their spicy interludes (wink, wink!).

Beyond the sexy love story itself, the New York City of 1830 is so skilfully and vividly brought to life that you can almost smell the baked yams for sale on Orange Street where our resourceful and independent heroine lives. This is a fresh and intriguing location for a historical and you can definitely see all the research that’s gone in to creating this vibrant world.

All I can say is: I want more, Delilah, more! 😀

Sensuality Rating: HOT! (Love scenes are long and explicit)

Verdict: Fresh, sexy and fun, this steamy historical version of The Prince and the Pauperette set in New York is definitely a must read!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Forever Mine by Delilah Marvelle

Setting: 1800-1802

Summary: N/A

Delilah’s Preface:

Dear Reader,
In this Prequel, you will be introduced to a series of events that will drag you steadily closer to the truth behind a most
ominous rumor.  Rumor has it that in the year of 1800, a ten year old boy, British heir to the Sumner estate disappeared in New York City & was never seen again.  Rumor also has it that 30 years later, details pertaining to his disappearance
have resurfaced.  What will it lead to?
Only you, the reader, will ever know.

-Delilah Marvelle

Click cover for excerpt!

Review:

Ever since Delilah Marvelle popped up in the historical romance scene a couple of years back with her first book, I’ve been a big fan. Her fun, hilarious, steamy, addictive romances were always something to look forward to. And now I’m not the only one who thinks so: she’s now one of the genre’s biggest stars-and her new series is highly anticipated by all.

Forever Mine is everything we love about Delilah in one sweet little package. This novella is about Lady Augustine Jane Ascott whose younger brother goes missing and soon becomes an unsolved mystery in high society. Naturally, we don’t get to find out what happens to the brother, this being a prequel, but we do get a sweet romance between Augustine and the Duke of Wentworth, who she has been admiring from afar.

Augustine is a outspoken heroine, with a core of vulnerability that takes hold after her brother’s appearance. The Duke is charming and right away you know he’s the right guy to help heal Augustine’s wounds. If we could all meet men who are this openly forthcoming with their feelings, and as kind and honorable! Their romance is touching, aww worthy sweet (and sexy :P) and you’ll fall in love with these two just like I did!

Delilah’s signature style is here-the tongue in cheek humor, the witty repartee, the sexiness, the scenes you can almost imagine happening right in front of you, the addictive plot… From the moment you start, you won’t be able to stop! 😀

This novella works well as a teaser of what you can expect from her new series and was in itself, a lovely, romantic, sexy and effective prequel! It’s a delicious little treat you’re sure to love! Don’t miss it when it becomes available in December to download from her website free of charge! I can’t wait for the first book in the series now 😉

Sensuality Rating: Hot! (Love scenes are pretty long and pretty explicit)

Verdict: A sweet and short romance and a great prequel to a exciting new series!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Perfect Scandal by Delilah Marvelle

Setting: 1828, Regency

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.

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*This is Book 3 in the Scandal series*

Review:

And a brilliant series has come to an end! I’ll admit this was the book I was most looking forward to, because the hero was the mysterious writer of How To Avoid a Scandal and he was hiding a dirty secret. 😉

This book was really unique in a lot of ways and very refreshing. The hero and heroine aren’t what you expect and the plot is intriguing, full of twists and so not like a typical historical romance. I really enjoyed the fast-paced, funny, steamy plot. Better yet, I enjoyed learning some history that I previously did not know about.

Our hero is Lord Moreland, who was introduced in the last book as one of that book’s heroine’s suitors. Right from the start, it’s clear he’s a real gentleman, only we soon discover he’s hiding his true self behind that civilized exterior. Won’t spoil the secret, but let’s just say our hero likes it ‘rough.’ *ahem* He might be a difficult hero to like (cause of his little secret) but essentially he is the perfect hero, ready to risk it all for his woman.

Our heroine on the other hand is openly bold, daring, feisty and in short, everything a lady isn’t supposed to be. The first time she meets our hero, she boldly announces her intention to marry him. But you gotta love a heroine who’s strong and independent. She’s also got her own little secret she’s hiding, which makes her even more lovable. She’s also Polish which is a major part of the storyline, as she wants to be able to help her country liberate itself from Russia.

This was the other thing I enjoyed about this book-the history. I felt like I learned some interesting things about Poland being under Russian rule and it was fascinating as this isn’t usually done in romances.

All in all, I’ll have to say, that this is a great romance. It’s addictive, witty, funny as hell, with real characters you can’t help but adore. The plot will keep you guessing as it jumps from point to point. The only problem I had with it, was that the hero’s ‘problem could have been explored more. I also felt like there wasn’t any closure on that point. Other than that, the book was an awesome read and you all should pick it up!

Sensuality Rating: HOT (Love scenes are explicit!)

Verdict: Great ending to a great series!

Rating: 4 and a half out of 5 stars

Once Upon a Scandal by Delilah Marvelle

Setting: Regency England/Venice

Summary:

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!

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*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!

Rating: 5 stars out of of 5

Prelude to a Scandal by Delilah Marvelle

Setting: 1829

Summary:

Marriage is NOT the end of desire.

THE BATTLE BETWEEN LADY AND RAKE IS ABOUT TO BEGIN…

Lady Justine is willing to trade her good name, her reputation and her place in London’s gossip-hungry ton, to secure her father’s release from prison.  But when the notorious Duke of Bradford counters her offer with a proposal of marriage, the stakes grow higher still.  For while the smoldering lord is famous for his conquests, the man is oblivious to both her devotion and her charms.  And Justine is soon afraid she has wagered all for naught…

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*This is Book One in the Scandal series*

Review:

OMG, I have been waiting for this book since forever! I knew it would be good, but I never expected it to be THIS good! Delilah has outdone herself with this one!

Seriously, from the moment I started it, I was hooked. The sexual tension is spot on, the chemistry is there, the dialogue is funny, the romance is simply heart wrenching and all in all this is a first-rate romance!

The Duke of Bradford has a secret obsession and this is the cause of the conflict of the novel. Bradford is an awesome hero! Even though he has to deal with a lot, he’s always there for our heroine, and my god, is he sexy! He’s exactly the tall, dark, brooding hero you want to read about!

Justine, the heroine, is the light to Bradford’s dark. She’s so unlike the typical women of the time and the perfect match for Bradford-I LOVE how she enters his house with a pistol to demand to see him. Her upbringing was unusual and this definitely shows through. She’s strong and determined and the perfect one to help Bradford with his obsession.

Justine’s father is making a case against the law that bans sodomy in England. This was interesting to read about. I must have mentioned it so many times already but for me, no historical romance is complete without adding historical facts and context. Delilah doesn’t disappoint here and I found it interesting to read about this topic.

The story has it’s dark elements but it also funny and fast-paced. Delilah has a very sexy sense of humor which I thoroughly enjoyed! 😉  I found it very hard to put this one down as the plot was continually pulling me into the story. The sexual tension was wired so tight, it was almost at breaking point and it was totally yummy and kept me hooked!

The series is tied together with a little red book known as How to Avoid the Scandal and the way it is used in this novel was hilarious. I love how every chapter starts with a tongue-in-cheek paragraph of advice from the book which turns out to be broken hehe. I can’t wait to read how it the book will be used in the next two books! 😀 (Strike that, I can’t wait to read the next two books, period!) It’s nearly impossible to find something wrong with this book because it was just so well-crafted! The characters were fleshed out, the chemistry was there, the plot was always intriguing.

So, a strong, sexy hero to die for, a heroine we’ll all like to be, oodles of sexual tension, lots of humor and a plot you just cannot get away from! What does this mean? A perfect historical romance!

Sensuality Level: Steamy (Explicit love scenes)

Final Verdict: Fantastic! Buy it, just buy it!

Rating: 5 stars out of of 5

Spotlight on Delilah Marvelle’s new series!

Hey romance addicts!

I can barely type for excitement! At long last, Delilah’s new three book series will be released back to back starting January of next year! Those of you who have read Delilah’s previous books will know what a talented, funny, and witty writer she is. She’s been undeservedly under the radar so far but no doubt with next year’s offering, she’ll be moving onto everyone’s must buy lists!

Her new series will revolve around a mysterious red book that advises people on how to avoid scandals. Naturally of course, the three books revolve around major scandal-delicious!

With those gorgeous covers and those tanatlizing blurbs-These three books will be ones to watch come next year!

Book One: Prelude to a Scandal

Having been raised in the jungles of South Africa, assisting her father in the study of mammal copulation, Lady Justine Fedora Palmer sweeps back into London to embark upon her coming out.  She quickly discovers animals are far more civilized than the men surrounding her.
When her father’s observations are made public, proving buggery is natural to the animal kingdom, all of London is in a huffing outrage, including His Royal Majesty.  Her father is imprisoned and slapped with outrageous penalty fees they simply cannot pay.

Lady Justine becomes more than willing to trade her good name and her place in London’s gossip hungry society to secure her father’s release.  There is only one person she knows she can trust: her father’s patron, the Duke of Bradford.  A dashing libertine, yes, but one she passionately adores for his unwavering kindness, wit, humor, and a willingness to support her father’s studies even as everyone else had laughed her father off.
To her astonishment, the Duke of Bradford is not the same man.  His newly marred face hides a scandal that is about to test them both…

Book Two: Once Upon a Scandal

Lady Victoria Jane Emerson’s girlish notions were left behind when she is deserted by her first love, Lord Remington, without a backward glance.  Five years later, she is being forced to choose a husband by her father who is dying from an unspeakable disease that has obliterated the last of his mind. Though Victoria must marry out of duty, she has vowed to marry a man who will never break her heart.
Jonathan Pierce Thatcher, Viscount Remington, has returned home to London from Venice, free of all his family’s debts but is unable to forget the incredible Victoria he was forced to abandon as a means of protecting her from a scandal that had destroyed his life.

To his astonishment, Victoria’s dying father has chosen Jonathan and 2 others to vie for Victoria’s hand.
Before Jonathan can convince Victoria he’d be a worthy husband, he has to convince himself he is no longer the man he left behind in Venice.
Victoria finds herself falling for the only man she will ever love…for a second time.  But when she unearths the truth about the life Jonathan has been living in Venice, her heart is about to be tested.  Again.

Book Three: The Perfect Scandal

If there is anything Tristan Adam Hargrove, the fourth Marquis of Moreland has learned to avoid, it most certainly is scandal.  The dark and dashing lord is a true gentleman of honor who would never seduce a woman for his own gain
or pleasure.  But he plays the role of a gentleman for a reason, and it has nothing to do with respectablity.
When a raven haired beauty appears one night 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 protege of the Crown, vain, overly forward, and completely unsuitable for the dark, base passions he hides from the world.

If only his bedchamber window wasn’t aligned with HER bedchamber window.  If only she would cease taunting him by leaving those damn curtains open just for him.
If only it were not already too late to save her and himself from the scandal he is about to unleash in the name of an untamed passion that has kept him from becoming involved with women for years…

And if that teasing hint wasn’t enough for you, there is even a trailer to promote the series-

To find out more and to view excerpts for each of these books, please visit this website…

http://www.delilahmarvelle.com/

Bits O’ Silk-Spotlight on Delilah Marvelle

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.

http://www.delilahmarvelle.com/index_005.htm

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 🙂

http://delilahmarvelle.blogspot.com/

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. 😀