Showing posts with label Regency. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Regency. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Interview & Spotlight - Reason to Wed by Heather Boyd

Spotlight: REASON TO WED by Heather Boyd Book Seven, Distinguished Rogues Series Release Date: December 8, 2015 Genre: Regency Historical Romance 
Heat Rating: Sizzling

RTW_DC200 

 Richard Hill, the Earl of Windermere, might desperately require a wife and heir, but thoughts of duty fly from his mind when he rescues Esme, Lady Heathcote, from the embarrassment of a failed affair. They usually never agree about anything. He’s never even kissed the vexing widow. But when the opportunity arises to whisk her away for a no-strings-attached rendezvous, Richard can’t imagine a better way to spend a moonlit evening. Esme has never lacked for admirers, but having Lord Windermere’s company goes a long way to ease the pain of losing her suddenly betrothed lover. And when Windermere suggests an affair, Esme is intrigued by the blazing-hot connection even while knowing their relationship has no future beyond his house party. But as with any temptation, it’s a bargain they’ll soon regret.
Read an Excerpt The hallway beyond the drawing room was filled to bursting with chattering guests and she moved smoothly through them, nodding and speaking occasionally to some. While she admired the elegance and comforts to be found in Lord Windermere’s home, she kept her eye out for Meriwether. She turned into the library, but the room was startlingly empty. “Looking for me?” Windermere asked as he came to stand near. His gaze raked her from head to toe in the most gauche way. Arrogant and presumptuous. “Hardly. You should pay more attention to your guests and the health of your servants.” Instead of taking the hint that she wasn’t in the mood to talk, he caught her hand and raised it to his lips. His blue eyes danced with amusement. “I do love when you’re friendly. How have you been, Esme?” She scowled at him and withdrew her hand to her side. “I’ve not given you leave to use my first name and I am not of a mood to spar with you. Go back to your other guests for amusement and send your butler to his bed. Anyone can see he’s on the verge of collapse tonight.” “I already banished Oswin to rest.” He laughed suddenly. “Young Pip has assumed his duties until Collins comes up.” “Just as well,” she replied, thankful for such sensible decisions at last. “Only you would ever dare tell me what to do in my own home. I wanted to thank you for coming,” Windermere murmured. “But to convince everyone we’re not at odds, you will have to talk to me occasionally with a little less acid in your tone.” “We’ve spoken as much as needed to quell any gossip.” She smiled at him. “Or was it your wish to have me chivvy you out of your mopes too.” “I will say again you were right.” Windermere sighed and raked a hand through his dark, wavy hair. “You’re enjoying rubbing my nose in that business with Lady Bartlett, aren’t you?” “Perhaps.” She smothered a laugh. He hadn’t wanted to believe he was being used until it was almost too late to extract himself from the connection. “You were so indignant that day, and after venting your pique at me, you charged down the street—on foot of all things, my man and your horse trailing after. I laughed for at least a whole day afterward. But I am sorry you were let down.” He inhaled sharply, his jaw clenching before he relaxed and shook his head. “No, you’re not. You’re positively gloating that you were proved right about her.”
Links  Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Nook  | Add to Goodreads Shelf 

About Heather Boyd

HeatherBoyd_Author ImageBestselling historical author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after, no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she writes sizzling regency romance stories that skirt the boundaries of propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Heather has published over twenty novels and shorter works. Catch her latest news www.heather-boyd.com. She lives north of Sydney, Australia, and does her best to wrangle her testosterone-fuelled family (including cat Morpheus) into submission. Connect with Heather: Website | Twitter | Facebook Page | Mailing list



I'd like to welcome Heather to One Book Shy today as she tours the blogosphere for the next two weeks. I had a chance to ask her a few questions.

Do you get more enjoyment out of creating heroes or villains?
I love writing heroes. Men are strange and fascinating creatures.

Where is your favorite place to write?
I work best at home and I have an office that I work in most of the time, but I like to vary where I write to avoid boredom and stay comfortable. If it’s a cold day, you might find me tucked up in bed with a laptop. On a hot day, I’m in the coolest room in the house.

Do you have any specific ‘rituals’ when you’re creating/writing?
Not really. I need to be comfortable (chair, clothing, water on hand) and my family needs to go away so I can get lost in the story I’m writing. That’s about as complicated as I get.

Tell us about your favorite literary character (can be your own or other, or both!)
I’ve always loved Jane Austen’s Anne Elliott. The woman who waited so long for her hero. I’ve re-read that story a lot.

What are three things you can’t be without?
Internet, coffee and my diary.

What are you currently working on?
At the moment I’m working on a new series of books that will release in the second quarter of 2016. At this very early stage there are no firm book titles or series name chosen as yet. That will come later when I’ve finished the first draft of the first book and start work on the second story. What I can share is that the new series will boast dashing naval heroes, damsels in demand, and plenty of sexy time. I’m upping the heat for this series and love pushing the boundaries of regency era propriety. Keep watch on my blog for news of the series exact release date.


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~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Review - Improper Wager by Kristabel Reed + GIVEAWAY

Up for review today, a new first in a series by Kristabel Reed: Improper Wager


TITLE:    Improper Wager
AUTHOR:    Kristabel Reed
INFO:    Romantic Fiction, 248 pages
PUBLISHED:   CreateSpace, 2015
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review


ABOUT:   Two years ago, Isabella Harrington defied her parents and society, and ran off with her lover to Milan. They thought they’d conquer the world at the gaming tables. But her dream of happily-ever-after led to nothing but debts and a shattered heart.

Abandoned and left on her own in a foreign city with little but her wits and skill, Isabella managed to survive. Survive and thrive, commanding the cards until she won enough to send for a very particular matchmaker.

Isabella needed a way back into the society she shunned and what better way than through a proper, aristocratic marriage? And this matchmaker of note would be her key back home to England.

Traveling the Continent, Jonathon, Duke of Strathmore, agreed to meet the mysterious Miss Harrington. Wary of the rumors surrounding her, a woman who vanished from London with only scandalous tales left in her wake, he hadn’t counted on the intriguing Isabella to thoroughly capture his attention.

Will a game of cards change both their fates? Will she become a mistress or a duchess?

EXCERPT:  “I’ve observed you this evening,” he said as they stepped outside.
“I’m well aware,” she said with the control that so fascinated him.

He raised his eyebrow and bit back a smile. Oh, that restrained passion captivated him. “I’d no idea you were so skilled at the games,” he said instead, leading her carefully along.

Watching her, he had the feeling she knew his game and didn’t rise to the bait. Jonathon bit back another smile.

“You didn’t give me an opportunity to show you the other night,” she said with a small grin that was more pride in her talents than interest.

But her gaze remained steady on his, darker in the shadowed balcony. Miss Harrington stood straight, with none of the deference normally given a duke. And none of the deference a woman in need of a suitable match to return to England ought to show.

She fascinated him all the more.

“And if I’m ready now?” His voice lowered, and Jonathon didn’t fool himself when he saw her breath hitch.

Her smile turned predatory. “I wouldn’t mind relieving you of the coin from your purse.”

He leaned closer and lowered his voice again. He watched her, knowing she followed his every move and was not unaffected. “Money holds no interested as a wager.”

She raised her own eyebrow in question. “You wish to make it a more interesting evening, then?”

“What terms would you suggest,” he asked softly, his breath a caress along her cheek, “to make it more stimulating?”



MY TAKE:    This is a fun story with a lot of give and take between the characters. I enjoyed watching them (Jonathon & Isabella) deny their love for each other while all the time proving and showing it to everyone else. Their attempts at one-upping the other kept this story hopping. I won't delve into what happens during the adventure, but there are a lot of twists and turns that form a lovely backdrop to the love story that unfolds.

I especially enjoyed Isabella's independence and resourcefulness. It is refreshing to have a protagonist that isn't all simpering and wimpy, but instead can truly fend for herself using her wits and skills. Isabella's cardshark tendencies come in very handy here.

From what I understand this is the first in the author's series: Scandalous Encounters. I think it is a very good introduction and a sign that this will be a fun series to follow.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Kristabel Reed lives on the East Coast and loves to explore the steamier side of historical romance. "There are so many sexy situations that didn't just pop up in the 21st century and my goal is to burst the myth of the prim and proper debutante." She loves romances of all sorts but currently writes Regency and Contemporary romances with curvy women. She also loves old movies, taking the dog for walks, and anything Cary Grant. And is always interested in talking about erotic romance, so drop her a line: kristabelreed@yahoo.com; or Tweet her @kristabelreed; find her blog: kristabelreed.blogspot.com

Buy links:


Kristabel is awarding one lucky reader a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble giftcard. Enter below and be sure to stop in and visit with the other tour hosts to get more chances to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Stops

November 17: Unabridged Andra's
November 24: Buried Under Romance
November 24: The Reading Addict
December 1: One Book Shy of a Full Shelf
December 1: Two Ends of the Pen - promo
December 8: Harlie's Books
December 8: LibriAmoriMiei


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~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Review - Never Been Bit by Lydia Dare


TITLE:    Never Been Bit
AUTHOR:    Lydia Dare
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 363 pages
PUBLISHED:   Sourcebooks, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:  
 Lydia Dare's paranormal historical romances feature the hottest theme in paranormal combined with the most popular time period in historical romance. This is the third in a trilogy of vampire Regency romances, where the glittering world of English high society is a playground for the rich, titled, and undead.


Vampire Alec McQuarrie's heart was broken long before it stopped beating. Now Alec's after-life is an endless search for pleasure. Young witch Sorcha Ferguson has come to London in search of a man, beast-or even a blood sucker-of her very own...

MY TAKE:    Once again Lydia Dare has entertained me immensely.  I reviewed In the Heat of the Bite earlier this year and was thrilled to get a chance to check out this book as well.  


The author has continued her hot streak with Alec and Sorcha.  Alec is a gentlemanly vampire who has known the fiery witch Sorcha all of her life.  When she announces that she is determined to ensnare a Lycan for her husband, Alec goes into protection overdrive.  The story that follows is hilarious, romantic and fun.  


Ms. Dare has a knack for creating characters that make you laugh and root for their success.  I love the fact that she has storylines occurring in the background the entire time.  The machinations of some of the secondary characters is fascinating.


This is a fun series with stories that stand well on their own but also make great additions to the entire collection.  I'm looking forward to the next Regency vampire story and to reading more about the wolfy men of her companion Lycan series.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

Available NOW from:


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~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Review - In the Heat of the Bite by Lydia Dare



TITLE:    In the Heat of the Bite
AUTHOR:    Lydia Dare
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 368 pages
PUBLISHED:   Sourcebooks, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:  
 Chivalry is far from undead...

Matthew Halkett, Earl of Blodswell, is one of the few men in the ton who can claim to be a knight in shining armor- because that's precisely what he was before being turned into a vampyre. When he spies a damsel in distress in the midst of a storm in Hyde Park, his natural instinct is to rush to her aid...
 
But not every woman needs to be rescued...
 
Weather-controlling witch Rhiannon Sinclair isn't caught in a storm-she's the cause of it. She's mortified to have been caught making trouble by the imposing earl, but she doesn't need any man-never has, and is sure she never will...
 
But when Rhiannon encounters Matthew again, her powers go awry and his supernatural abilities run amok. Between the two of them, the ton is thrown into an uproar. There's never been a more tempestuous scandal...


MY TAKE:    Lydia Dare is an author who has been on my radar for a while.  She has created a fascinating world using ingredients from two of my favorite romance sub-genres:  historicals and paranormals.  I love that in The Heat of the Bite we have the background setting of Regency England and the unsuspecting ton populated with vampires and werewolves - in nob's clothing!

Matthew and Rhiannon are quite the pair.  Sparks are literally flying between the two of them as they try to navigate the rough waters surrounding them.  The fun really starts when both of their powers go haywire.  Rhiannon's ability to affect the weather fascinated me.  I enjoy stories about those who are connected to the elements and this was no exception.  The book is full of richly written characters which is definitely what drives the tale. 
  
Very enjoyable read, entertaining as stand-alones and as part of the series.

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:







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~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Review + Giveaway - How to Seduce a Scoundrel by Vicky Dreiling

AUTHOR:    Vicky Dreiling
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 396 pages
PUBLISHED:   Forever, 2011
SOURCE:   Received from Publisher for Review and Blog Tour


FROM GOODREADS:  When Lady Julianne Gatewick realizes the rake of her dreams thinks of her as practically his sister, she decides it's time to get even. The charming Marc Darcett, Earl of Hawkfield, is every lady's fantasy, but he's determined to evade virgins and their matrimonial traps - especially his best friend's sister.

Hawk reluctantly agrees to be Julianne's guardian for the season, but he's having trouble resisting his gorgeous ward. Worse still, she's taunting him by flirting with every scoundrel in London - and he's sworn to protect her! Certain she's learned her tricks from the authoress of that scandalous publication "The Secrets of Seduction", Hawk sets out to uncover the writer's identity. But he never expects to find the formerly angelic Julianne behind the mask - and between his sheets.

MY TAKE:    I read and reviewed the first book in the series How to Marry a Duke back in January and completely fell in love with Marc and Julianne's characters.  In fact I mentioned Marc aka Hawk, as being one of my favorite secondary characters in that story.  When I was offered a spot on this blog tour, I jumped at the chance to finally get to find out how Julianne would snag her Hawk.

Vicky Dreiling is a master at setting the scene.  Her descriptions of the ballrooms, the park and various locations throughout the book help the reader imagine they are right there with the characters.  One of my favorite scenes is near the beginning of the story when Hawk and Julianne are waltzing.  The author made time stand still for the reader as well as the dancing pair with everything appearing very clear in my mind's eye.

Humor is an element that I look for in a good story.  I don't mean the knee-slapping, hee-hawing laughter type, but the subtle tongue-in-cheek quips and situations that make the reader grin and want more.  The first book had this quality and Vicky has kept that undercurrent alive in How to Seduce a Scoundrel. Witty dialogue abounds without ever feeling silly or contrived.  It fits the personalities of the players perfectly.

If you haven't read How to Marry a Duke yet, you will still enjoy this story immensely.  It does well as a stand-alone read, but I highly suggest you try the first book as well.  Strictly because it is also a treat.  I'm already counting down the days for the next installment: How to Ravish a Rake.  It will feature Hawk's roguish younger brother Will and Julianne's quiet friend Amy.  Another shower of sparks awaits!

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:


 


Vicky Dreiling and Forever Romance are generously offering THREE of you avid readers a chance to get your own copy of How to Seduce a Scoundrel.  Entry is simple:
  • You must be 13 years of age or older
  • US and Canadian residents only
  • No PO Boxes
  • Leave a comment on this post answering Vicky's question from her guest post earlier today.  Be sure to include your email address.
  • Drawing will close at midnight 7/29 PST.
  • Winners will have 72 hours to respond to email notification.
  • One prize per household of this title.
Good luck and...


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~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.

Guest Post - Vicky Dreiling with Courtship Regency Style




 


I am pleased to welcome Vicky Dreiling back to One Book Shy today as she tours with her latest novel: How to Seduce a Scoundrel.  Vicky visited with us back in January when she brought the first book in this series How to Marry a Duke to our attention.  Today Vicky is sharing her thoughts on what dating may have been like during the Regency era.

Courtship Regency Style
by Vicky Dreiling

In Regency England, courtship had prescribed rules that both ladies and gentlemen were required to follow. Today, the rules of dating are far more nebulous and fluid. One might believe that dating is simpler in today’s times since men and women aren’t bound by specific rules and rather chaste encounters prior to marriage. But there can be comfort in knowing what specifically is required in matters or courtship. In fact, I think part of the reason the how-to book The Rules was a bestseller is because women found comfort in having boundaries for behavior on dates.

Let’s take a look at some of the rules for courtship in the Regency.

1.Prior to asking a lady to dance, a gentleman must first request an introduction, if he does not know her.

2.A gentleman could pay a short call on the lady who captured his affections. He might even demonstrate his interest by bringing her a posy.

3.The gentleman caller was required to take his leave after a maximum of twenty minutes, making the call something of the precursor to speed dating.

4.The couple was always chaperoned in order to protect the young lady’s reputation.

5.Another courtship ritual involved taking a lady for a drive along Rotten Row during the fashionable hour.

6.A young, single lady must avoid being overly familiar and certainly blatant flirting if she is to protect her reputation. I bet more than a few ladies broke that rule!

7.A couple might continue their courtship through correspondence. However, once again, they must observe the rules and gain permission from the young lady’s father or guardian.

8.A couple might continue their courtship through correspondence. However, they must observe the proprieties and gain permission from the young lady’s father or guardian.

9.A gentleman could not break an engagement, without loss of respect from others. His only hope, if like Edward Ferrars in SENSE AND SENSIBILITY the ardent gentleman regretted a rash proposal. His only hope was for the lady to “cry off.”

10.Some high sticklers, such as the anonymous author of The Mirror of Graces, warned against handshaking (shocking!) and most certainly kisses. But I like to imagine some of these smitten couples managed to circumvent the rules by stealing a kiss or two.

What were some of the rules of dating others handed down to you? Do you see any similarities between Regency courtship and modern dating?

~~~~~

Thank you so much for sharing these tips with us Vicky. Congratulations on this great new book and best wishes for continued success!  I do hope you'll be checking in with us when How to Ravish a Rake is finished...hint hint


Vicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to the UK allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname her “Trouble.”

When she’s not writing, Vicky enjoys reading, films, concerts, and most of all, long lunches with friends. She holds degrees in English literature and marketing. A native Texan, she shares her home with her daughter and a spoiled mini-lop rabbit that lives in a slightly gnawed cardboard cottage.



She lives in Texas with her family and loves to hear from readers. Visit her at
www.vickydreiling.com,  Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.
 
To read an excerpt from How to Seduce a Scoundrel. check out THIS PAGE.
 
Attention beloved readers  -  you may want to keep your eyes open for my glowing review post later today.  There may be something available that is almost as valuable to you as my opinion.....
 



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~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.