Anyone who’s read A Secret in Her Kiss would know how brilliant Anna is in telling exciting stories set in unique historical settings. Nothing much revealed about this book apart from that it is set in the ‘seedy underbelly of London’ but we can sigh over that stunning cover.
Looks like our ‘virginal’ heroine is a little bit naughty and likes to tease our hero 😉
RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 28, 2012
Click cover to view author site!
What do you guys think of the cover? Loving it? Hating it?
Can you believe we’re already 3 months into the year? How time flies! Thankfully there are loads more new romances to keep us entertained as we had further into 2012…
1) Out March 6 *Book 1 in Fairbourne Quartet*
Summary:
A woman running a prestigious London auction house? Preposterous! But that is exactly what Emma Fairbourne intends to do when her father dies, leaving her the reins of this fabulous enterprise. Of course, she is not addlepated enough to do this openly and scare away her wealthy collectors. So she and her friend concoct a deception, hiring a handsome and charming front man who will do her bidding…
All would have proceeded smoothly–if it weren’t for the maddening interference of Darius, the arrogant Earl of Southwaite, who has been her father’s “silent partner” and now shares ownership of Fairbourne’s. An earl, of course, has no interest in running an auction house–and Darius is certainly not interested in allowing the lovely Miss Fairbourne to run it either, her ludicrous scheme notwithstanding. Clearly the business must be sold.
But the headstrong Emma is like no other lady he has ever encountered, refusing to follow his dictates. Holding his temper in check, Darius decides to attack on a different front. There is another way to achieve her surrender, one far more pleasurable for both of them…
Click cover for more info!
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2) Out March 6 *Book 2 in Jaded Gentleman series*
Summary:
After the darkness of a dungeon in India, artist Josiah Hastings found that years of imprisonment left his eyesight weak and failing.
So when the fiery beauty of Miss Eleanor Beckett appears in his vision amidst the bleak grays of a London winter, he knows he’s found his muse and one last chance at a masterpiece…
But is this a match made in heaven?
Click cover for more info!
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3) Out March 6
Summary:
After four disastrous engagements, Penelope Rastmoor wants nothing but to travel to Egypt.
To escape her brother’s plan to marry her off, she’s determined to find herself such an improper fiance that he would do anything rather than let her wed.
Enter the notoriously unscrupulous Lord Harris Chesterton…
Click cover to read excerpt!
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4) Out March 6 *Book 1 in Bridal Favors series*
Summary:
The dazzling wedding of fashions of A Lady’s Favor dress shop are guaranteed to make any girl the talk of the ton. But the brides aren’t the only ones falling in love….
Lady Helaine’s father was cast out of society as a liar and a thief—a scandal which renders her unfit for marriage. In order to provide for herself and her mother, she adopts an assumed name and runs a dressmaker’s shop that specializes in bridal wear for ladies of high society. Helaine is happiest immersed in silk and satin, but she lives in terror that someone will learn her true identity and she will lose everything…again.
Robert Percy, Viscount Redhill, is entranced with the mysterious Helaine and weaves a web of seduction sure to ensnare the delectable dress designer. Yet too late he learns the heartbreaking truth about who she used to be. Now he must find a way to overcome the past to claim Helaine as his own. But what chance has love when a secret mistress becomes a scandalous wife?
Click cover for more info!
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5) Out March 6 *E-book DEBUT!*
Summary:
Her heart longs for justice, but her body clamors for sin.
Once the darling of high society, Mazie Chetwyn knows firsthand how quickly the rich and powerful turn their backs on the less fortunate. Orphaned, penniless and determined to defy their ruthless whims, she joins forces with a local highwayman who steals from the rich to give to the poor.
Then the pawn broker snitches, and Mazie is captured by the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire. A man who is far too handsome, far too observant…and surely as corrupt as his father once was.
Sensible, rule-driven Trent Carthwick, twelfth Earl of Radford, is certain the threat of the gallows will prompt the villagers’ beloved Angel of Kindness to reveal the highwayman’s identity. But his bewitching captive volunteers nothing—except a sultry, bewildering kiss.
And so the games begin. Trent feints, Mazie parries. He threatens, she pretends nonchalance. He cajoles, she rebuffs. Thwarted at every turn, Trent probes deep into her one vulnerability—her past. There he finds the leverage he needs and a searing truth that challenges all he believes about right and wrong.
Warning: The delicious, if left-brained, hero might forever change all you think you know about the Robin Hood legend. Contains razor-sharp wordplay, skinny dipping and tortured hearts.
Click cover to read excerpt!
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6) Out March 20 *Book 3 in Blackthorn Brothers series*
Summary:
Click cover for more info!
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7) Out March 20 *Book 2 in Ladies in Disgrace series*
Note: This is the US version released by Harlequin Historical
Summary:
Considered a spinster, Lady Drusilla Rudney has only one role in life: to chaperone her sister. So when her flighty sibling elopes, Dru knows she has to stop her! She employs the help of a traveling companion, who looks harmless enough….
Former army captain John Hendricks is intrigued by this damsel in distress. Once embroiled with her in a mad dash across England, he discovers that Dru is no simpering woman. Her unconventional ways make him want to forget his gentlemanly conduct…and create a scandal all their own!
Click cover to view author’s website!
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8 ) Out March 20
Note: This is the US version released by Harlequin Historical
Summary:
She must make a deal with the devil himself!
Portia Tofton has always yearned for brooding Mateo Cardea. His dark good-looks filled her girlish dreams–dreams that were cruelly shattered when Mateo rejected her hand in marriage.
Now Portia’s home has been gambled away, and Mateo is the only man she can turn to. This time, however, she has in her possession something he wants–and she finds herself striking a deal with the devil himself.
Click cover to read excerpt!
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9) Out March 20 *Book 3 in Danger & Desire series*
Note: This is the US version released by Harlequin Historical
Summary:
Sophia Langley is faced with a heartbreaking dilemma. Her childhood sweetheart Daniel Chatterton and betrothed has been lost in the wreck of the Bengal Queen and without the marriage her family will be plunged into dire financial straits.
Callum, Daniels twin, haunted by the loss of his brother, and driven by a sense of duty, offers for her – but can she marry a man she does not love? And has Callum made the biggest mistake of his life?
Click cover for more info!
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10) Out March 27 *Book 2 in Spindle Cove series*
Summary:
Minerva Highwood, one of Spindle Cove’s confirmed spinsters, needs to be in Scotland.
Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne, a rake of the first order, needs to be… anywhere but Spindle Cove.
These unlikely partners have one week
All while sharing a very small carriage by day and an even smaller bed by night.
What they don’t have time for is their growing attraction. Much less wild passion. And heaven forbid they spend precious hours baring their hearts and souls.
Suddenly one week seems like exactly enough time to find a world of trouble.
And maybe…just maybe…love.
Click cover for more info!
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11) Out March 27 *Book 4 in Burgundy Club series*
Summary:
They couldn’t be more different—but there’s one thing they agree on . . .
In London after a two-year exile, Lord Blakeney plans to cut a swathe through the bedchambers of the demimonde. Marriage is not on his agenda, especially to an annoying chit like Minerva Montrose, with her superior attitude and a tendency to get into trouble. And certainly the last man Minerva wants is Blake, a careless wastrel without a thought in his handsome head.
The lights and din of her debutante ball set Minerva’s teeth on edge. Surely a moment’s rest could do no harm . . . until Blake mistakes her for another lady, leaving Minerva’s guests to catch them in a very compromising position. To her horror, the scandal will force them to do the unthinkable: marry. Their mutual loathing blazes into unexpected passion but Blake remains distant, desperate to hide a shameful secret. Minerva’s never been a woman to take things lying down, and she’ll let nothing stop her from winning his trust . . . and his heart.
Click cover for more info!
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12) Out March 27
Summary:
Lady Leonora knows that Rivenham is the devil in beautiful disguise—and that the irresistible tension between them is as unpredictable as the dilemma in which Nora finds herself: held hostage on her own estate by Rivenham and the king’s men. But when war breaks out, Nora has no choice but to place her trust in her dearest enemy—and pray that love does not become the weapon that destroys them both…
Click cover for more info!
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13) Out March 27 *Book 4 in the Courtesan Court series*
Summary:
Andrew Rossiter has used his gorgeous body and angelic face for all they’re worth—shocking the proper, seducing the willing, and pleasuring the wealthy. But with a young son depending on him for rescue, suddenly discretion is far more important than desire. He’ll have to quench his desires—fast. And he’ll have to find somewhere his scandalous reputation hasn’t yet reached…
Miss Gemma Peartree seems like a plain, virginal governess—or so she hopes. No matter how many sparks fly between them, she has too much to hide to catch Andrew’s eye. But with a stormy Scottish winter driving them together, it will be hard to keep her secrets. Especially when Andrew feels he has found the woman who can restore his soul—one kiss at a time…
Click cover for more info!
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14) Out March 27 *Book 3 in Secrets of Hadley Green series*
Summary:
When a tragic accident claims the marquis’ life soon thereafter, can Harrison seize his chance and cast aside one sister for another? Or will doing so expose the Carey family’s darkest secret—and ruin his only chance to win Olivia’s heart?
Click cover for more info!
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15) Out March 27 *Book 2 in The Royal Entourage series*
Summary:
Six Regency heroes — One royal hangover
Last night was a blur.
This morning is a shock.
Tonight will be a secret…
The Duke of Norwich has two rules: never marry and never go to sea. So on the morning after the most extravagant royal bachelor party of the century, he is stunned to find himself aboard a storm-tossed ship and locked in the arms of a proper lady.
The Countess of Derby has two rules as well: never give away your heart and never let anyone get in the way of your life’s deepest passions. But Esme cannot resist Roman when all seems lost at sea. Yet when their ship returns to London, everything will be forgotten . . . as long as they can keep their secret from the Prince Regent. For if the future king commands them to marry, all their fondest dreams will be ruined. But where love is concerned, some rules are made to be broken…
Click cover for more info!
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16) Out March 27 *Book 3 in Lords of the Seventh House series*
Summary:
A Mysterious Lord under A Vow of Chastity…A Virgin Who Must Seduce Him to Save Her Life
Lord Ramsay has waited years to exact his vengeance on the scheming courtesan who sent his sister to the guillotine. Now the courtesan’s grown daughter is completely under his control. Her virginity is essential for the ancient rite that will give him the mystical powers he’s worked to master since his sister’s death. But Ramsay isn’t prepared for the vulnerable, courageous woman he finds–a woman with powers of her own.
Zoe has only one weapon against the fate that awaits her…seduction. Only that will rid her of the virginity Ramsay so prizes. Yet even as Zoe uses her charms to bewitch her abductor, Ramsay’s haunted, Pisces soul weaves a sensual spell around her too. Soon, the two will be bound together by a passion as bright as the stars–and locked in a desperate struggle against an ancient sorcery that can only be vanquished by love.
Click cover for more info!
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17) Out March 27 *Book 2 in The Scandalous Brides series*
Summary:
One year ago, Lady Camille Pryce left her haughty fiancé at the altar—for good reason. Not only was the marriage arranged before she could even walk, her betrothed was too smug to exert himself to meet her! Now, disowned, with no husband or family to support her, she’s left with one option: go to work in the notorious Tantalus Club…
A gentleman’s gaming house run by a woman, the Tantalus is no place for a proper lady; so, to save face, her jilted fiancé must retrieve her. But banned from the club, he’s forced to employ his ne’er-do-well cousin instead. A handsome, experienced rogue, Keating Blackwood is the perfect man to lure Camille away. But the moment they meet, Keating instead wants to save her…for himself. Impossible? Perhaps. But if Camille can make the ultimate player lay his cards on the table—and risk his heart—all bets are off…
Click cover for more info!
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18) Out March 27 *Re-issue*
Summary:
The Rake
Known as “the despair of the Davenports,” Reginald Davenport lived a reckless, rakish life while waiting for his hated uncle to die and leave Reggie an earldom. Then the rightful heir claims the title and property and offers Reggie one last chance: Strickland, the estate where he was born and the site of his greatest joys and sorrows. Reggie returns to Strickland, resolving to build a healthier, more honorable life—if he can.
The Reformer
Young Alys Weston fled her home in despair, vowing never to trust another man. Over the years, she’s built a good life with a foster family and a position as steward of Strickland. She uses her skills to help her people, and her initials to convince the elderly earl who owned the state that she’s male.
Then the new owner appears in all his dangerous masculinity and threatens everything Alys holds dear. Good resolutions crumble when two passionate, complicated people are drawn together despite their best judgment. Can love lead to redemption and trust? Or is it too late?
Click cover for more info!
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19) Out March 27 *Re-issue*
Summary:
Everyone knew the earl of Penhollow needed a wife, so one thunderous night the villagers gathered together to ask the ocean to deliver a bride to the bachelor lord…
When Pierce Kirrier rescues a mysterious beauty from the billowing ocean waves, he has no idea who she is or where she came from. But at first sight of this enchanting maiden, he knows he must claim her for his own. Taking her back to Penhollow Hall, he pampers her like a princess, determined to win her trust and her heart.
For Eden, awakening in an elegant bedchamber in a remote corner of Cornwall is like a perfect dream. In Pierce’s arms she has discovered true love, true joy, and a passion she never imagined could exist. Yet she knows in her heart that, once her secret past catches up with her, her dreams could be shattered . . . forever.
Click cover for more info!
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HAPPY MONTH OF READING! 😀
Summer is here! (Well, for some of us anyway) And what a great summer/winter it will be with all these awesome books coming out 😉 Check out the list, which features one DEBUT and the first book of an exciting new series!!! 😀
*UPDATED*
1) Out June 7
Summary:
A Night with a Marquess
Born on the wrong side of the blanket, matchmaker Sophie Reynard understands the consequences of unbridled desire all too well. Despite the many highborn friends she has matched, falling in love with an aristocrat without a pedigree of her own would be an act of futility. But that doesn’t stop her from succumbing to one evening of anonymous passion…
A Lifetime of Desire
Nicholas Tenbury, Marquess of Ancroft, knows nothing of Sophie’s lineage. He knows only that the enchanting beauty captured his heart in one night and then fled, leaving no trace of her identity. But when he seeks answers from London’s finest matchmaker, he finds none other than the woman herself—stubbornly refusing to acknowledge the attraction they share! Now the enamored Marquess has no choice but to sway Sophie with seduction…
Click cover to view author’s site…
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2) Out June 21 *Book Two in Blackwater Brides series*
Summary N/A
Click cover to order from Amazon!
About the Author:
Jane Feather is the New York Times bestselling author of A Husband’s Wicked Ways, A Wicked Gentleman and To Wed a Wicked Prince and more than twenty-five other historical romances. She was born in Cairo, Egypt and grew up in the south of England. She began her writing career after she and her family moved to Washington, D.C. in 1981. There are more than 10 million copies of her books in print.
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3) Out June 28 *DEBUT AUTHOR!* (Book One in Ministry of Marriage series)
Summary:
Jane, Lady Roxdale, has endured one marriage of convenience decreed by the Ministry of Marriage. While she deeply regrets her late husband’s death, she is relieved to be free at last. But when a dissolute rake threatens everything Jane holds dear, she must contemplate marrying a second time…
Disgraced libertine Constantine Black inherits his cousin Roxdale’s land and title–while Roxdale’s prim widow is left all the wealth. Constantine is not a marrying man, but wedding Jane is the only way to save the estate from ruin. Jane resists the smoldering heat between them, desperate not to fall in love with an unrepentant rake. But for the first time ever, Constantine wants more than seduction. He wants all of her–body, heart, and soul…
Click cover for excerpt and more info!
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4) Out June 28 *Book One in Dressmakers series*
Summary:
Brilliant and ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot is London’s rising star. And who better to benefit from her talent than the worst-dressed lady in London; the Duke of Clevedon’s intended bride? Winning the future duchess’s patronage means prestige and fortune for Marcelline and her family. To get to the lady, though, Marcelline must win over Clevedon, whose standards are as high as his morals are…not.
The prize seems well worth the risk. This time, though, Marcelline’s met her match. Clevedon can design a seduction as irresistible as her dresses; and what begins as a flicker of desire between two of the most passionately stubborn charmers in London soon ignites into a delicious inferno . . .and a blazing scandal.
And now both their futures hang by a thread of silk…
Click cover for excerpt and more info!
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5) Out June 28
Summary:
IN GRITTY, WORKING-CLASS LONDON, SHE DOES WHAT SHE MUST TO SURVIVE . . .
When Nell Whitby breaks into an earl’s house on a midnight quest for revenge, she finds her pistol pointed at the wrong man—one handsome as sin and naked as the day he was born. Pity he’s a lunatic. He thinks her a missing heiress, but more to the point, he’ll help her escape the slums and right a grave injustice. Not a bad bargain. All she has to do is marry him.
A NOTORIOUS LADIES’ MAN COULD TAKE HER FROM POVERTY TO OPULENCE . . . BUT AT WHAT PRICE?
A rake of the first order, Simon St. Maur spent his restless youth burning every bridge he crossed. When he inherits an earldom without a single penny attached to it, he sees a chance to start over—provided he can find an heiress to fund his efforts. But his wicked reputation means courtship will be difficult—until fate sends him the most notorious missing heiress in history. All he needs now is to make her into a lady and keep himself from making the only mistake that could ruin everything: falling in love. . . .
Click cover for excerpt and more info
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6) Out June 28 *Book Two in Regency Rogues*
Summary:
Injured in the line of duty, Young Corinthian agent Marcus Maxwell, the Earl of Weston, travels to his country estate to recover—or so he believes. His superior’s request that he investigate a smuggling ring run by Napoleon sympathizers seems ridiculous at first, but then becomes all-too threatening as pieces of a treacherous puzzle begin to fall into place. And the most troubling piece of all is Miss Sarah Tisdale, an unconventional beauty whose lust for life is rivaled only by her ability to drive Marcus to distraction. When her family comes under suspicion, Marcus must watch her very, very closely…even if her touch ignites the deep, fiery desire burning just beneath his cool façade.
When it comes to suitors, Sarah’s lush curves and perfectly kissable lips aren’t enough to compensate for her outspoken and willful nature. Sarah’s tasted disappointment before, and she long ago decided that she’s better off without an overbearing husband. Still, flirting with the sinfully handsome Marcus is a pastime worth savoring—even when it leads to wicked pleasures. But when Sarah’s life is in jeopardy, Marcus discovers that the fire between them can no longer be denied—and that he’ll do anything to keep her in his arms.
Click cover for more info!
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7) Out June 28 *Book Three in London’s Greatest Lovers series*
Summary:
They are masters of seduction, London’s greatest lovers . . .
Renowned for his bedchamber prowess, Ransom Seymour, the Duke of Ainsley, owes a debt to a friend. But the payment expected is most shocking, even to an unrepentant rake—for he’s being asked to provide his friend’s exquisite wife with what she most dearly covets: a child.
Living for pleasure, they will give their hearts to no one . . .
Lady Jayne Seymour, Marchioness of Walfort, is furious that such a scandalous agreement would be made. If she acquiesces, there must be rules: no kissing . . . and, certainly, no pleasure.
Until love takes them by surprise.
But unexpected things occur with the surprisingly tender duke—especially once Lady Jayne discovers the rogue can make her dream again . . . and Ransom realizes he’s found the one woman he truly cannot live without.
Click cover for more info on the series!
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8 ) Out June 28
Summary:
It was the moment she had been dreaming of: a stolen kiss at a masquerade ball with the dashing Camden St. Giles. He may not have known who she was, but Christel would never forget . . .
Nine years have passed since that magical evening. Now Camden, the seventh earl of Carrick, is widowed with a young daughter, a man with a heart in need of healing. And Christel has just stolen onboard his ship bound for Scotland. Neither has forgotten the kiss that had set their hearts ablaze. The longer she remains with him, the hotter his desire burns. But as they grasp their second chance at love, will the secrets from his past threaten to destroy the one love true enough to free his tormented heart?
Click cover to view author site…
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9) Out June 21 (LATE ADD)
Summary:
With the scandalous nature of her birth to live down, Isabella Fairmont dreams of a proper marriage – even if a passionless one. She saves her deepest desires for the novel she dares to pen, wherein a handsome lord with dark powers seduces her. But then her courtship with an appropriate suitor is threatened by the sudden attention of the Earl of Black …whose pale blue eyes and brooding sensuality are exactly as she described in her book.
Isabella tries to resist the mysterious Earl of Black. Yet as he pursues her with inexplicable knowledge of her past and kisses that consume her, Isabella fears she will succumb.
If only the earl could tell Isabella the truth. With very real and treacherous thieves endangering her life, Black will need to protect Isabella from the very people she trusts the most…
Click cover for excerpt and more info!
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HAPPY MONTH OF READING! 😀
Check out this great little interview with the debut author and don’t forget to pick up her new book!
Regency Rogues Book #1
RELEASE DATE: MAY 24, 2011
Click cover for more info and to read excerpt
Interview:
Click picture to read!
START THE NEW YEAR WITH A BANG!
There’s nothing like discovering a new delicious sounding romance, especially when one has spent days away out camping in limited comfort and isolation. Coming home to discover this little gem has made my welcome home even warmer!
Summary:
A dazzling new romance in which one otherwise proper lady discovers the passion that is her legacy…
Widowed Julia, Lady Winterset, has inherited a book—a very shocking book—that every gentleman in London seems to want. For a charismatic businessman, it’s a chance to build an empire. For a dashing novelist, it could guarantee fame. But to a proud, domineering earl, it means everything…
Harrison Landingham, Earl of Mountdale, can’t let the obstinate Julia release the shameless memoir that could ruin his family’s name. But the only way to stop her may be equally sordid—if far more pleasurable. For his rivals are intent on seducing the captivating woman to acquire the book. And Harrison isn’t the sort to back away from a competition with the stakes this high. Now the winner will claim both the scandalous memoirs and the heart of their lovely owner…
Due out January 25, 2011
Excerpt and more info (including a too-sexy stepback):
http://www.victoriaalexander.com/books/the-perfect-mistress/
And to stoke the fires of our anticipation even more, we have an exciting trailer!
I love Miranda Neville and can’t wait to read her new novel! Till then, I have this to amuse me and keep me entertained.
http://blog.macleanspace.com/2010/10/miranda-nevilles-ten-ways-for-regency.html
Courtney Milan unveils ‘Unveiled’!
Alright guys, I know it’s a little too early to start thinking about buying Courtney’s new book when her last one (Trial by Desire) was only JUST released but I couldn’t help myself! Just looking at that stunning cover is getting me all worked up already! Seriously, I WANT HER BLUE CORSET.
Too bad we’ll have to wait till next year to get the book but for now we can enjoy the blurb and the excerpt!
Unveiled-coming January 25th, 2011
Ash Turner has waited a lifetime to seek revenge on the man who ruined his family, and at last 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….
Read the exciting excerpt here-
http://www.courtneymilan.com/unv-excerpt.php?top
Now isn’t that exciting?! 😀 Next January just looked a little brighter!
Oh and as a point of interest, if you haven’t read her current novel Trial by Desire (Lord knows why you haven’t unless you’re like me and can’t get hold of a copy, darn) than here are ten good reasons why you shouldn’t buy the book that Courtney herself wrote for Sarah MacLean’s website-
1. You need to save all your money to buy at least two copies of Ten Ways to be Adored when Landing a Lord.
2. Speaking of which, if this book had a rhyming, numbered title, it would be Three Things that kind of Rankle when You’re Breaking your Ankle, which you have to admit is not nearly cool enough. Nor sufficiently high in numerosity.
3. The book starts off with a horse (of course), whose name is either Meat or Champion–depending on who you ask. It runs through a sheep dog by the name of Dobbin, and doesn’t stop with a rooster named Kevin. Do you really want to read about animals with ridiculous names? Or is that, ridiculous animals with names? I can’t even tell which one it should be, and I wrote the book.
4. Let’s go back to that horse. Everyone knows that when the hero picks up a wounded, abused horse in the beginning of the book, by the end of the book he will turn into a fine racing animal who will save the day by winning enough money in the Royal Horse Tournament Cup Ascot to pay off the mortgage on the family cottage. But Champion (or Meat) doesn’t ever race. There is no Royal Horse Tournament Cup Ascot. And Ned, my hero, doesn’t have a family cottage–he has an entire manor–and he doesn’t need money. Seriously. What kind of book is this?
5. Then there’s my heroine. You might think you want to read about her–Lady Kathleen is shy, demure, and she loves to shop. Except, wait a second. Maybe she’s not so shy–she has rescued six women from abusive husbands by the start of the book. And maybe she’s not so demure: when her husband returns from China after three years’ absence, she’s the one who agitates for, ahem, marital relations to resume. But she does love to shop.
6. And what does she shop for? Nightwear. Everyone knows that heroines of the time period usually wore demure, linen nightrails to bed. But my heroine, Kate, purposefully departs from that norm. Twice. TWO TIMES, she chooses to garb herself in something other than the typical linen night rail. Why, why, why would she do that kind of thing? It is almost as if she wants someone to notice her. And do something about it. Shocking, scandalous girl!
7. It’s even worse than the nighttime garb. Ladies in Victorian times don’t speak about politics. Ladies don’t speak about gentleman’s wagers. And ladies don’t speak about a gentleman’s vegetables. Yet despite these well-known demands of etiquette, Lady Kathleen Carhart speaks about politics, wagers, and, most importantly, vegetables. She should be ashamed of herself. She isn’t. Oh, Kate.
8. And while we’re talking about shame, how about the scene where Kate walks in on Ned while he is… actually, I can’t even make myself say it. He should totally be ashamed of himself, too! He isn’t. Oh, Ned.
9. Also, peppermints. (Full disclosure: I am allergic to peppermints. They make me sneeze, which as you can imagine means I have to pick my brand of toothpaste Very Carefully.) My hero uses peppermints as an incentive. My heroine uses peppermints as a weapon. It’s just not believable that two people, so utterly different, could come together and find love.
10. And finally, there’s the title. Trial by Desire. It’s misleading and inappropriate. The only trial in this book is conducted by Magistrate Fang, and so I’m just not sure what on earth I was thinking when I named the book. Trial by Fang has a much better ring to it, doesn’t it?
I hope I have convinced you not to go to the store, not to take this book off the shelf, and to definitely not plunk your hard-earned money down for it. Do not buy this book–not unless you want to be accosted by peppermints, horses, and a heroine who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to wear a nightrail to get it.
Haha, I hope you all laughed as much as I did when reading this! If you haven’t read it, what are you waiting for?
Setting: 1838, Victorian Period
Summary:
She was his last chance for a future of happiness…
A gifted fortune-teller from a humble background, Jenny can make even the most sophisticated skeptic believe her predictions simply by batting her smoky eyelashes. Until she meets her match in Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely, a sworn bachelor and scientist.
He just didn’t know it yet
Broodingly handsome, Gareth is scandalized to discover his cousin has fallen under the spell of “Madame Esmerelda,” and vows to prove Jenny a fraud. But his unexpected attraction to the fiery enchantress defies logic. Jenny disrupts every facet of Gareth’s calculated plan—until he can’t decide whether to seduce her or ruin her. Now, as they engage in a passionate battle of wills, two lonely souls must choose between everything they know…and the boundless possibilities of love.
Click cover for more info
Review:
I was so happy when my copy of this book finanlly came through. I had to wait a whole 3 weeks before getting it and the anticiaption nearly killed me!
What did I think of the book? I loved it! It had me hooked from the first chapter and I spent nights staying up just to read it, completely shunning my homework. Towrds the middle of the book, I developed a hatred for it as it was such a distraction! Everytime I finished a chapter I had to start the new one and then that turned into another one… Needless to say that when I finanlly finished it, I breathed a sigh of relief. Now life can return to normal.
I love the heroine of this book! She was smart, savvy and independent. She didn’t let anything get her down. The hero was a great match for her and he reminded me so much of Mr. Darcy. He was cold and distant at the beginning and I loved reading how Jenny managed to thaw him up slowly. The scenes between the two were hot with tension which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Plot-wise, the book had a unique premise that was well pulled off. I laughed during the first half the book as Jenny and Gareth fought each other on fortune-telling matters. Courtney’s writing is great and really flowed.
My only problem with the book was that it slightly dragged on towards the end, making it easier for me to put it down (Perhaps that isn’t such a bad thing after all?:P). The book started off with a bang, dragged a little towards the end but then managed to end beautifully.
It was very romantic, very steamy, very funny and very wise. Courtney understands people and their emotions so well, and the characters and their feelings were so well portrayed, I felt like I knew them.
I also enjoyed the glimpse of her next book and can’t wait to read it when it comes out later this year!
Sensuality Level: Very SPICY (Long and very detailed love scenes)
Final Verdict-A must read! You will read it, laugh, stay up all night to try and finish, learn to hate it because it is distracting and then love it again when it’s over. Don’t miss it.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Historical Romance Addicts 
