Guest Post by Mary Wine, Author of A Lady Can Never Be too Curious

Good Morning!

It’s great to be blogging today and doubly so because I’m really excited about ‘A Lady Can Never be too Curious’. When I first began to tinker with the idea of writing a Steam Punk, I found myself diving into history. 

History is full of odd and often curious things. After all, we humans have always enjoyed being entertained, so it stands to reason that many of our ancestors had crazy ideas of how to blow off steam. In the Victorian era, science was advancing, providing living comforts such as gas lights and violas. Today, with our iPods, a record player which needs to be hand cranked might seem like very small comfort but if you’ve ever been out camping without anything but the wind, you’ll understand that having music at your fingertips was just as wonderful to the Victorians as an iPod to our teenagers.

I love my iPod too.

But constructing a book from research is a little more complicated. I am still a romance author and needed a great story. Steam Punk is a fiction and yet, oddly based in a bit of fact. There were people who believed steam powered engines were the future. Gasoline was a byproduct and proved to be far less expensive.

Still, I was fascinated by the idea of creating a portion of society that tinkered with steam powered machines. In a way, a bit like the Masons. A society, within the Victorian society, with secret rules and an oath of allegiance. Let’s add to that a very curious young lady, brought up among the rules of Victorian society. Part of me wanted to give her a place to go where her gender didn’t prevent her from following her dreams wherever they might take her.

My Illuminist are people of science. I say people because gender isn’t considered. Anyone may join, so long as they can pass the entrance exam. But just like in Victorian society, you are either one thing or another and once you accept the lapel pin of the Illuminist Order, upper society will shun you.

I hear a lot of readers asking just what Steam Punk is and the short definition is ‘Victorian Sci-fi’.  At its core, A Lady Can Never be too Curious, is still a great historical read and a wonderful romance. I hope you’ll consider giving it a try. Pop over to my website, MaryWine.com, for an excerpt.

Cheers!

Mary Wine

MaryWine.com

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Book Review: A Lady Can Never Be Too Curious by Mary Wine

I really enjoyed the premise of this story but I felt it got overwhelmed with the intimate encounters. 

A Lady Can Never be Too Curious

by Mary Wine

• File Size: 985 KB
• Print Length: 321 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1402264801
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (August 7, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008B8A7C4

Genre:  Steampunk, Paranormal, Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: August 7, 2012

Beneath the Surface of Victorian Life Lies a Very Different World...

Hated and feared by the upper classes, the Illuminists guard their secrets with their lives. Janette Aston's insatiable quest for answers brings her to their locked golden doors, where she encounters the most formidable man she's ever met.

Darius Lawley's job is to eliminate would–be infiltrators, but even he may be no match for Janette's cunning and charm...

Review: 

Janette has an insatiable desire for learning instilled, somewhat secretly, by her mother.  Her society conscious father insists that she be prim and proper and that she have nothing to due with the Illuminists, an organization of scientists.  Janette sneaks into the Illuminist compound and slips into a lecture.  There it is discovered that she has certain unique skills that make her valuable to the Illuminists and their enemies, the Helikeians.

Darius is the head of the Illluminist Guard and he finds himself reluctantly attracted to Janette. He doesn’t believe she could ever leave her privileged society to become part of the Illuminists. Then Janette’s father sends her to a mental doctor to straighten her out and remove her interest in the Illuminists. Darius and his friend rescue her and he sets himself as her personal protector even if she does threaten his control.

Janette is glad to have Darius’ help but isn’t so happy that he wants to make decisions for her and tell her what to do. She is thrilled to pass the Illuminist exam and be allowed to train. She is to study as a novice for a year before taking the oath. There is trouble in the ranks though when certain authorities show up insisting that her skills be put to use before her year is up.

I really enjoyed the underlying story of the battle for the crystal energy source and I loved the steampunk elements with all of the inventions used by the Illuminists in the 1843 setting.  There is also an interesting view on the fine line of male and female equality. Janette is a wonderfully strong character seeking independence and willing to explore the free love attitude of the Illuminists. Darius is brooding and resistant but also dedicated, loyal and a grand protector. There seemed to be some experience in his past that made him distrust Janette but I never quite figured out what that was.  There are other characters who have some conflict and may be paired off in the further books.

Unfortunately, the plot of this story was overshadowed by bantering, resisting ‘foreplay’ between Janette and Darius that soon moved into rather graphic sexual encounters. It got to a point where another intimate scene would begin and I would say “Come on! Get on with the story.”

There are numerous traitors in the Illuminists organization and it seemed that the guard was doing little to discover their identities. Several actions near the end didn’t quite make sense and there are loose threads which I hope will get resolved in the next book.  Having two thirds of the book as love scenes, no matter how creative, is more than I want to wade through.  If you like your stories with strong characters, a mysterious and interesting ‘good versus evil’ plot and steamy romance you should like this.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Darius has lots of warnings for Janette:

You long for something you know comes with consequences. Reaching for it will cost you the security of the position you currently occupy. Location 334

The ride will be intense, but it will have to end eventually. Reality will be waiting, I assure you. Location 3127.

Thank you to Sourcebooks who provided this book from NetGalley.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: The Highlander's Prize by Mary Wine

This story has likeable and passionate characters struggling to find love through an interesting political intrigue.

The Highlander's Prize

by Mary Wine 

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (April 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402264712
• ISBN-13: 978-1402264719

Also Available in Kindle and other ebook formats.

Genre: Historical Romance

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: April 3, 2012

BASTARD ROYAL DAUGHTER, PAWN IN A DEADLY GAME

Sent to Scotland to be the king's mistress and produce an heir, Clarrisa of York has never needed a miracle more. But the brusque Highland laird who kidnaps her is a bit too rough to be considered divine intervention.

HE'LL DO ANYTHING TO THWART HIS KING

With rival lairds determined to steal Clarrisa from him and royal henchmen searching for her all over the Highlands, Laird Broen MacNicols has a mess on his hands. Worse yet, there's a magnetic attraction between them, although he's betrothed to another. But even an independent–minded lady like Clarrisa knows that a Highlander always claims his prize...

Review:
Clarissa of York is an illegitimate but acknowledged daughter of a King. She is raised with no fondness but rather as a pawn for a power trade in marriage. Her choices seem to be risking being killed as a threat to the throne or to be obedient and provide a royal blooded heir to the King of Scotland.  When she is kidnaped she is frightened for her future but relieved to be out of the immediate trap.  As time goes by she begins to hope that she might have another choice - a chance at a life with freedom and happiness.

Laird Broen MacNicols volunteered to steal the English ‘princess’ from the spineless King James to trade her for a favor. The King has failed to resolve disputes among the clans leaving the likelihood of clan battles that will kill many good men.  The Scots are dividing between the Royalists who support King James and those who want to replace him with his son in hopes he will be a better King for Scotland.

Broen found it fairly easy to snatch Clarissa but he finds it much harder to keep her as others seek to kill her or seek to take advantage of the political power she might bring.  Broen starts out with a promise to deliver her alive and he is intent on keeping that promise... or at least half of it. He wants her alive but now he doesn’t want to deliver her to anyone else. But Broen is betrothed to another and how can he keep Clarissa against the orders of his superiors?

I like how Ms. Wine has shown Clarissa as a lonely girl who isn’t allowed a normal life with friends but certainly was never given the life of a princess either.  Clarissa does have a wonderful fiery personality and I enjoyed the simmering distrust and tension that slides into a different passion between Clarissa and Broen.  I also liked several of the secondary characters, especially Broen’s outspoken and brave mother, Edme, his clever but reluctant betrothed, Daphne, and his friends who step forward to help him win the woman he has fallen in love with. 

I liked the historical background and the visual settings of the story.  The romance is prominent but there is an underlying intrigue and political circumstance that add an extra obstacle of interest. This is an easy read and I recommend it to readers who enjoy passionate romance with a strong-willed and confident Highlander hero.

~~~~~~~~~~~

A few quotes to give you a flavor:

He wanted her.  Plain, simple and blunt.
Brute...
He was one, indeed, and his fiery English captive liked that quality best of all. Page 123

“I’m sorry ye do nae know what a home is, lass.”
... “Maybe you can teach me.” ...
“I’d like to lass.” Page 275

“They love each other. Parting them is a sin against the heart God gave us to feel love with....” Page 309 

Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing this book to read and review.

I will add this to my ARC challenge.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY: 
 1. Visit the Author's website and tell me something that interests you there. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Two total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE ONE WINNER.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on May 4, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on May 5 with 72 hours to complete the winners' form.

Book Review and ARC Givaway: Highland Heat by Mary Wine

Which will prevail? Passion or moral duty and honor?
Highland Heat by Mary Wine

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402237391
• ISBN-13: 978-1402237393

Genre:  Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.0

Ruined, betrayed, and banished…
As brave as she is impulsive, Deidre Chattan’s tendency to follow her heart and not her head has finally tarnished her reputation beyond repair. But when powerful Highland Laird Quinton Cameron finds her, he could care less about her past—it’s her future he’s about to change forever…

Review: This is a solidly entertaining highland romance.
Deidre was barely a young woman when she lost her heart to a deceiving man. He proclaimed love and promised marriage but was really using her to strike out at her betrothed. Disgraced and broken hearted she goes to the convent. She tries to be content and work through her shame but it is hard to dampen a true nature of passion.

Quinton, Laird Cameron, once met Deidre and was impressed by her fiery spirit. When he meets her at the convent he immediately taunts her with suggestive teasing.  She faces off with him but is unable to stop him from searching the abbey for the Queen.

Shortly after the search the Queen does seek refuge in the convent.  When she meets Deidre she decides that they look enough alike to have her play decoy. The Queen offers Deidre a position as one of her Ladies in Waiting in exchange for help.  Deidre sees this as a way to have a better life and a way to make her father proud of her.  She helps the Queen slip off but Deidre is soon captured by Cameron’s men.  They take her to Quinton thinking they have successfully delivered the Queen to him. Quinton immediately recognizes her and is pleased with his men even if they got the wrong woman.

Deidre wants to leave the Cameron clan and go to her position with the Queen but Quinton has a different idea and has no intention of allowing her out of the keep.  Thus the conflict continues in their personal battle. Quinton may be able to prevail in getting Deidre to succumb to the chemistry between them but can he capture her spirit and get her to stay? Deidre has to struggle with the internal battle of desire against the need to not dishonor her father by her actions.

The dialogue is suggestive and sexy; the conflict keen and fun. There are escapes and danger and of course a passion that flares bright and hot.  This has it’s own share of wisdom and I liked when Laird Douglas says to Deidre:

“We were all young and innocent once, lass.”...”Now ye understand what the world is really like.  Some crumble when they kicked in the jaw, but others pick themselves up and become stronger. They take the sting and pain and use them to fortify themselves.” Page 255.

That is just the sort of person Deidre is.

The characters are very likable and this is a fast, easy read. I enjoyed this romance but give caution that there is some brash, raw language.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on April 8, 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Winner of Highland Hellcat by Mary Wine

CONGRATULATIONS 

to the Winner of 

Highland Hellcat by Mary Wine

 

Thank you to everyone who entered.
I will email Shannon for her mailing info.

Review and ARC Giveaway: Highland Hellcat by Mary Wine

I am confident that this book will be a nice treat for the winner and any reader!

Highland Hellcat by Mary Wine

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (October 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402237383
• ISBN-13: 978-1402237386

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

In the raw, rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, tumultuous times bred warrior men and women who fought for country, keep, and kin, and loved as passionately as they lived. An illegitimate son, chosen as laird after the ruling Douglas clan slaughtered his family, Connor Lindsay is surrounded by men who challenge his right to lead. Looking for a virtuous bride to cement his leadership by presenting him with an heir, he kidnaps a feisty laird’s daughter. To keep this Highland Hellcat in his bed, he’ll have to do battle with the Douglases, the Church, and most of all Brina herself.

Review: I love the little details in this book, plus the fine conflict and romance.

Brina is one beautiful young woman - inside and out. She is a third daughter of a clan chief and has been raised to go to the Church and become a nun.  She is accustomed to humble dress, skills to take care of herself without being waited on, and an absence of touch. She has disciplined herself to honorably accept the duty that her father expects of her. Although you might expect her to be sweet and timid, she has a distinct independent and stubborn streak which may not be totally suited to the convent but help her face adventure!

Connor is kind, but firm and determined.  He has had to struggle to gain the leadership and respect of his clan.  When his arranged marriage to Brina’s oldest sister, Deirdre, is compromised by Deirdre’s actions, Connor steals Brina.  He is clearly frustrated when the “hellcat” continually fights him and refuses to marry him without her father’s blessing.

Obviously Brina and Connor are at odds as to their duties and Brina tries hard to stay obedient to her promise to her father and the church. But she sees the honor in Connor and slowly succumbs to the warmth of human touch she has been denied. She is especially drawn to Connor’s strong but tender touch.

I liked all the little details of Highland life that are easily woven into this story: the clothing, the harvest, the loyalties and importance of clan leadership, and the politics behind clan alliances. The slow and gentle wooing is near erotic yet sweet and beautiful in the tenderness of their first love encounter. The plot moves at a good pace with a nice blend of romance and action.

There were a few technical errors (an overrobe removed without removal of a cloak which was evident a few paragraphs before) and a few repeated phrases which may even have been intentional but were noticeable to me. These technical items did not detract from my clear enjoyment of the read.

This was another book that I read in two days, even running late to work (it's okay since I'm the boss) because I was enthralled at a good action part of the story!  I am hoping there will be sequels for several of the characters as I would love to read the stories for Vanora, Connor’s twelve year old sister; Deirdre, Brina’s sister, who trusted the wrong man; and Quinton Cameron, Connor’s good friend.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something you learned there.
Alternative comment:  Comment on the review.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Three total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on October 18, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.