CONGRATULATIONS
to the Winner of
by Amelia Grey
I will email debp for her snail mail info.
Thank you to all who entered.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Winner of Never a Bride by Amelia Grey
I will email debp for her snail mail info.
Thank you to all who entered.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Giveaway - Five Copies of A Season of Seduction by Jennifer Haymore
He tempts her to trust but will he betray her in this dance of seduction?
A Season of Seduction
by Jennifer Haymore
Five Fun Facts
Friend Jennifer on Facebook
Follow Jennifer on her Blog
Follow @JenniferHaymore on Twitter
Visit JenniferHaymore.com
Extra material from her two previous titles:
A Touch of Scandal
A Hint of Wicked
THANK YOU TO HACHETTE FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPONSOR THIS GIVEAWAY.
1. For your main entry Check out the Five Fun Facts or Author's website and tell me something you found interesting. Required entry.
Make sure you leave your e-mail address!
2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.
3. For THREE extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.
4. For THREE extra entries comment on the review post.
5. For THREE extra entries: Answer the Author's Question #8 from the Q&A Interview.
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(11 total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL! Five winners!
* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons
* This contest will close 10 PM
(Central) on November 3, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.
A Season of Seduction
by Jennifer Haymore
Five Fun Facts
Friend Jennifer on FacebookFollow Jennifer on her Blog
Follow @JenniferHaymore on Twitter
Visit JenniferHaymore.com
Extra material from her two previous titles:
A Touch of Scandal
A Hint of Wicked
THANK YOU TO HACHETTE FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPONSOR THIS GIVEAWAY.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. For your main entry Check out the Five Fun Facts or Author's website and tell me something you found interesting. Required entry.
Make sure you leave your e-mail address!
2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.
3. For THREE extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.
4. For THREE extra entries comment on the review post.
5. For THREE extra entries: Answer the Author's Question #8 from the Q&A Interview.
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(11 total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL! Five winners!
* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons
* This contest will close 10 PM
(Central) on November 3, 2010. The winners will be randomly selected from all entries. Blog Tour Q&A INTERVIEW with Jennifer Haymore, author of A Season of Seduction
Today I am pleased to welcome Jennifer Haymore, author of A Season of Seduction. Won't you please join us with comments or questions.
. Won't you please join us with comments or questions.
MQ1. When did you decide to turn your love of reading into a writing a career and how did you go about it?
JH: I have always loved to write, but I had always heard how difficult it was to become published, and that discouraged me for a long time. When I was younger, being a published author seemed to be a farfetched dream. But I still wrote. I’d finished an entire novel before looking at the business side of writing, and it was only then, after my daughter was born, that I thought it just might be possible for me to make a career out of this.
MQ2. What made you choose to write in the genre of Historical romance?
JH: Before I ever started reading romance, I read historical fiction. I eventually realized that my favorite parts of the historical fiction books I was reading were the love stories. So, since it was a combination of my two favorite things to read, historical romance ultimately struck me as the perfect thing to write.
MQ3. Do you have any rituals that help you get in the mood to sit down and write?
JH: There are a few things that help me to get in the mood:
(1) Sitting down with my long, eclectic playlist on my iPod
(2) Having a comfortable chair
(3) Being away from my kids (i.e. no distractions!)
(4) Having a hot, tall cup of coffee or tea nearby
MQ4. I noted that you list favorite authors, books and movies at your website. Do you ever picture particular actors or actresses as you write your characters - either before or after completion of the story?
JH: I very rarely do this. The characters turn into flesh and blood in my mind (as I hope they do in the readers’ minds) and I always have a very difficult time when people ask me to cast my books, because I can never find the actors and actresses who exactly fit the image in my head!
MQ5. When you do a series do you have each book plotted out before you start the first one or do the subsequent books flow from the first book?
JH: Generally speaking, the subsequent books flow from the first. As I wrote A HINT OF WICKED, I realized I’d have to write Becky’s story someday. I’m working on my second 3-book series now. I just finished the first one, and as I wrote it, the third story’s plot and characters came to life in my mind.
MQ6. Is there an ancillary character you have had the most fun with so far in your books?
JH: I love Lady Beatrice, the grouchy aunt and matriarch of the duke’s family. She is so vivid to me, and she has her own wild and delicious background that’s vaguely hinted at in the books.
MQ7. I realize you have personal experience in the battle against cancer. During this National Cancer Awareness Month do you have any special encouragements or comments that you would like to share?
JH: This battle I’ve had has changed my life in so many ways. I feel blessed to have been surrounded by the support and love of so many people.
I don’t think I’ve come across anyone who hasn’t been affected in one way or another by cancer. Great strides are being made in treatment as we speak, however, and I hope one day soon we’ll be able to cure all forms of this disease.
MQ8. If you could have readers finish a sentence what would it be?
JH: The one thing that makes a romance a keeper is…
M: Thank you so much and blessings to you.
JH: Thanks so much for having me!
Please check out my review of A Season of Seduction
and enter the Giveaway for a chance to win the book.
Book Review: A Season of Seduction by Jennifer Haymore
This story has a twist since the adventurer wants to tie the knot and the widow is not yet ready for marriage.
A Season of Seduction by Jennifer Haymore
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Review: Once I hit midway in this book I did not put it down until the end.
I struggled with the beginning of the book which has a brief introduction of “bluestocking” Rebecca getting ready to meet Jack at a discreet hotel for her first night with a man since the death of her husband four years earlier. Jack is introduced with his more manipulative and permanent plans. The story then slides right into a 35 page seduction scene. Things get more interesting when the plot thickens as the love making is interrupted by Rebecca’s brother, cousin and a group of witnesses. Now Rebecca’s reputation is in an uproar but Jack moves forward to do the right thing and offer for her.
It is understandable that Rebecca has major issues of trust resulting from a very bad first marriage. It is more difficult to understand how she expects to ignore the scandal. Rebecca is more discreet than the blurb implies but she is pretty determined that she will not be pushed into marriage to a man she really doesn’t know.
Jack wants more than Becky’s money but he started out with lies and now has to overcome his original motive without her finding out. Jack saved the book for me as he sets out to woo Becky and convince her to marry him. He really is a charmer, not a rogue, but he is in a dilemma because he needs to marry her quickly and get to her dowry funds in less than six weeks. He would be patient with her but he just doesn’t have the time.
The second half of the book just sped by with the unique courtship, romance, tension and betrayal. I was caught up to learn how they scramble out of the mess that Jack’s behavior caused. Rebecca shows a lot of spunk to cope with the pain and loneliness and subsequent chance for forgiveness.
I had trouble with the cynical character of Rebecca’s close friend, Cecilia. She appears to flaunt the rules of society with her loose liaisons and yet there was no indication of trouble with the gossips and she was easily welcomed into Becky’s family. That just didn’t ring right to me.
I enjoyed the plot as it developed around Rebecca’s lack of trust and Jack’s courage and determination. There was plenty of conflict to keep it interesting and to have me rooting for the couple to get together.
A Season of Seduction
by Jennifer Haymore- Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
- Publisher: Forever; 1 edition (October 1, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0446540285
- ISBN-13: 978-0446540285
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Product Description
Although the widowed Lady Rebecca has sworn off marriage, men are another matter. London's cold winter nights have her dreaming of warmer pursuits-like finding a lover to satisfy her hungry heart. Someone handsome, discreet, and most importantly as uninterested in marriage as she is. Someone like Jack Fulton.
A known adventurer and playboy, Jack seems like the perfect choice. There's just one problem: Jack isn't interested in an affair. He needs the beautiful, mysterious Lady Rebecca to be his wife. And he doesn't have much time to persuade her. A secret from Jack's past is about to surface, and by Christmas Day he'll be either married to Rebecca or dead. (2010)
Review: Once I hit midway in this book I did not put it down until the end.
I struggled with the beginning of the book which has a brief introduction of “bluestocking” Rebecca getting ready to meet Jack at a discreet hotel for her first night with a man since the death of her husband four years earlier. Jack is introduced with his more manipulative and permanent plans. The story then slides right into a 35 page seduction scene. Things get more interesting when the plot thickens as the love making is interrupted by Rebecca’s brother, cousin and a group of witnesses. Now Rebecca’s reputation is in an uproar but Jack moves forward to do the right thing and offer for her.
It is understandable that Rebecca has major issues of trust resulting from a very bad first marriage. It is more difficult to understand how she expects to ignore the scandal. Rebecca is more discreet than the blurb implies but she is pretty determined that she will not be pushed into marriage to a man she really doesn’t know.
Jack wants more than Becky’s money but he started out with lies and now has to overcome his original motive without her finding out. Jack saved the book for me as he sets out to woo Becky and convince her to marry him. He really is a charmer, not a rogue, but he is in a dilemma because he needs to marry her quickly and get to her dowry funds in less than six weeks. He would be patient with her but he just doesn’t have the time.
The second half of the book just sped by with the unique courtship, romance, tension and betrayal. I was caught up to learn how they scramble out of the mess that Jack’s behavior caused. Rebecca shows a lot of spunk to cope with the pain and loneliness and subsequent chance for forgiveness.
I had trouble with the cynical character of Rebecca’s close friend, Cecilia. She appears to flaunt the rules of society with her loose liaisons and yet there was no indication of trouble with the gossips and she was easily welcomed into Becky’s family. That just didn’t ring right to me.
I enjoyed the plot as it developed around Rebecca’s lack of trust and Jack’s courage and determination. There was plenty of conflict to keep it interesting and to have me rooting for the couple to get together.
xxx
Thank you to Hachette who provided this book for review and giveaway.
Learn more about the author in the Q&A Interview too.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Review: The Portrait by Hazel Statham
This is a wonderfully delightful sweet Regency.
The Portrait
by Hazel Statham
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0
Product Description
England 1812 Severely injured at the battle of Salamanca, Edward Thurston, the new Earl of Sinclair, returns home to his beloved Fly Hall. Determined not to present his prospective bride with the wreck he believes himself to have become, he decides to end his betrothal, unaware that Lady Jennifer, for vastly differing reasons, has reached the selfsame decision. Throughout the campaigns, Edward was often seen relying greatly on a miniature he carried, and it is to this token he clings upon his return. Will he eventually find happiness with the girl in the portrait, or will he remain firm in his resolve not to wed? Reason dictates one course, his heart another. .
Review: This is the second lovely Regency Romance I have read from Hazel Statham. The characters are wonderfully likeable and the sweet story is fitting to the setting.
Edward returns from war having suffered the trauma of battle and the devastating lose of an arm. Before he left to go into service he had been contracted to marry a young woman he admired but barely knew. He is certain that she deserves better and he doesn’t want to embarrass her or burden her with his broken and scarred body.
Lady Jennifer is a lovely and independent character. She has determined that she will end her betrothal to a man who has taken no time to get to know her. Even his letters during his absence were cold and impersonal and told her nothing of his feelings. When she goes to confront him she begins to soften towards him but is still offended by his making decisions without considering her feelings and input.
Edward tries to push Lady Jennifer away but he is reluctant to see her form a match with anyone else. He is willing to be her friend though and help her stay away from her overbearing brother who is trying to marry her off to get her out of his house. Although they committed to being only friends their relationship continues to grow warmer. Their two younger brothers manage to get into some trouble which draws them together even more often to work out the problems.
Lady Jennifer admires Edward and thinks perhaps she has a chance at engaging Edward’s affections. But she has become aware that he is enamored of a miniature portrait that he has carried all during the war. She thinks perhaps it is the picture of a mistress. Or perhaps it is the beautiful widow who has come to town as Edward seems to always be right on hand helping her.
When Lady Jennifer’s reputation is endangered by another suitor Edward has to decide whether he and Lady Jennifer might be able to find happiness married to one another. And what will she think when he reveals the portrait?
The writing is smooth and the dialogue flows well making this a charming and delightful story. If you like sweet Regency you will enjoy this book and this author. If you didn't see it before, check out my review of another of Hazel's lovely books: Dominic.
The Portrait
by Hazel Statham- Publisher: Avalon Books (August 6, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0803477872
- ISBN-13: 978-0803477872
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0
Product Description
England 1812 Severely injured at the battle of Salamanca, Edward Thurston, the new Earl of Sinclair, returns home to his beloved Fly Hall. Determined not to present his prospective bride with the wreck he believes himself to have become, he decides to end his betrothal, unaware that Lady Jennifer, for vastly differing reasons, has reached the selfsame decision. Throughout the campaigns, Edward was often seen relying greatly on a miniature he carried, and it is to this token he clings upon his return. Will he eventually find happiness with the girl in the portrait, or will he remain firm in his resolve not to wed? Reason dictates one course, his heart another. .
Review: This is the second lovely Regency Romance I have read from Hazel Statham. The characters are wonderfully likeable and the sweet story is fitting to the setting.
Edward returns from war having suffered the trauma of battle and the devastating lose of an arm. Before he left to go into service he had been contracted to marry a young woman he admired but barely knew. He is certain that she deserves better and he doesn’t want to embarrass her or burden her with his broken and scarred body.
Lady Jennifer is a lovely and independent character. She has determined that she will end her betrothal to a man who has taken no time to get to know her. Even his letters during his absence were cold and impersonal and told her nothing of his feelings. When she goes to confront him she begins to soften towards him but is still offended by his making decisions without considering her feelings and input.
Edward tries to push Lady Jennifer away but he is reluctant to see her form a match with anyone else. He is willing to be her friend though and help her stay away from her overbearing brother who is trying to marry her off to get her out of his house. Although they committed to being only friends their relationship continues to grow warmer. Their two younger brothers manage to get into some trouble which draws them together even more often to work out the problems.
Lady Jennifer admires Edward and thinks perhaps she has a chance at engaging Edward’s affections. But she has become aware that he is enamored of a miniature portrait that he has carried all during the war. She thinks perhaps it is the picture of a mistress. Or perhaps it is the beautiful widow who has come to town as Edward seems to always be right on hand helping her.
When Lady Jennifer’s reputation is endangered by another suitor Edward has to decide whether he and Lady Jennifer might be able to find happiness married to one another. And what will she think when he reveals the portrait?
The writing is smooth and the dialogue flows well making this a charming and delightful story. If you like sweet Regency you will enjoy this book and this author. If you didn't see it before, check out my review of another of Hazel's lovely books: Dominic.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
